Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

Frederick Walton - 5/6/2024

For immediate Release

The VFW Calabash Post 7288 Honors Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

Lieutenant Les Goldstein (retired) has been named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Calabash Post 7288. VFW Commander Mike Dichiara, a Navy veteran and retired police officer who served in Irvington, N. Y., presented Les with a certificate and Thanks. Each year the Department of North Carolina Veterans of Foreign Wars selects emergency medical technicians, law enforcement and firefighter personnel to receive VFW Public Servant Awards.  Candidates must have received recognition by their colleagues or those they serve, demonstrated consistent excellence in the performance of their duties, demonstrated consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and shown continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.To be considered for the Law Enforcement National Award, the individual must be serving or have served in a municipal, county, state or federal unit tasked with enforcement of the laws pertaining to their area of responsibility. 

Les retired from the Clifton, N. J. Police Department where he served from 1977 to 2004.  He bought property in Calabash in 2005, visiting the area for many years before permanently relocating here in 2013. Remaining active in law enforcement during retirement, he is currently the liaison with the Ocean Isle Beach Police Department where he staffs the Ocean Isle Beach Patrol with retired Police officers, freeing the department officers to focus on other community law enforcement duties. When he arrived in 2016, he joined a small group of 6 retired law enforcement officers. Through his leadership, the organization, known as the Carolina Border Shields, has grown to a membership 300 strong. Les currently serves as president and invites all Law Enforcement Officers who have retired to the Carolina North Strand to check out this fraternal group on their website (https://www. carolinabordershields.com) or by attending a meeting, held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the VFW Post 7288, 900 Carter Avenue SW, Calabash, N.C. 29566 at 1800 hrs (6PM).  

 Les said "Our meetings provide the opportunity to foster new friendships and renew old friendships with fellow officers. We are a social group with members who have common interests including golfing, fishing, motorcycling and enjoying the good life and all that the Carolina coast has to offer.” 

Members represent all ranks from all size law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and represent thousands of years of Law Enforcement experience. They support local Law Enforcement and  are willing to stand with them to keep the Thin Blue Line strong. 

An avid motorcyclist, Les founded a law enforcement motorcycle club named the Renegade Pigs where he serves as president. Les is also active with the Coastal Carolina First Responders Association, a nonprofit, volunteer organization providing much-needed support for those who unselfishly serve us all. Among other missions, the CCFRA provides financial and fundamental assistance to the families of First Responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service. 

Les is  actively involved with the CCFRA committee planning a 9/11 Memorial Monument & Heroes Walk to be located in the Ocean Isle Beach town center park phase II. It will feature a piece of steel from the Twin Towers and a Heroes Walk containing engraved brick pavers honoring Military and First Responder service personnel. Community members who wish to pay tribute to their heroes may purchase a brick. See details at the CCFRA website: https://ccfra.org/ 911heroeswalkbrickpavers
 
The Veterans of Foreign Wars appreciates the sacrifices made by the first responders serving our local community. Their dedication to keeping us safe and secure is often unseen and under appreciated. Congratulations to Les and thank you for your service.

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