Leaders from the Towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay, and North Hempstead gathered Wednesday at the Brian Moore Athletic Center in Plainedge Park to announce new legislation granting property tax relief to surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty.

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena detailed their towns’ decision to opt in to a recently passed New York State law that allows municipalities to offer up to a 50 percent property tax exemption to qualified homeowners.

The announcement was made alongside the families of NYPD Officer Brian Moore of North Massapequa and NYPD Deputy Chief Vincent DeMarino of North Valley Stream, as well as local law enforcement organizations.

The legislation is expected to benefit families of Nassau County police officers as well as members of the NYPD who died on September 11, 2001 or from 9/11‑related illnesses. The Towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay adopted the exemption on March 10, while North Hempstead is currently crafting its own program.

The supervisors noted that Nassau County was recently named the safest region in the United States, crediting the dedication of local police and the families who continue their legacies.

Surviving spouses with questions about the new property tax exemption can contact their town’s receiver of taxes.