Nassau Democratic legislators are facing backlash after failing to attend the Nassau County Police Department memorial.

The memorial honored all members of the county's police department who have died, including those lost in the line of duty. The ceremony closed with the reading of the names of the 40 police officers who died in the line of duty.

Nassau PBA president John Wighaus says the lawmakers should have been there.

"I was truly disappointed in the Nassau Democratic Legislature who failed to show up for this police ceremony," says Wighaus. "If you cannot honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives and their families for the public safety of Nassau County then you devour honor."

William Biamonte, the chief of staff of the Nassau County Legislature Minority Caucus, issued a statement saying, "The Minority Caucus' broad support for law enforcement through legislative initiatives and their ongoing attendance at events celebrating law enforcement - including one approximately a week ago to honor the legacy of former Commissioner William J. Willett - is a matter of public record. For years, members of the Minority Caucus have proudly attended this memorial ceremony to pay tribute to the tremendously courageous Nassau County police officers, detectives and supervisors who made the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty. We have been in touch with DAI leadership to extend our condolences and express our deep regret for the lapse in communication that is solely responsible for this unfortunate situation."