Funeral For Officer Who Died From COVID + School Bus Driver DWI

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Here's everything worth knowing around town today.

A Nassau police officer was laid to rest, after he died in the line of duty from COVID-19. Long Island domestic abuse advocates say there is help out there if you need it, as the country watches the Gabby Petito case. A school bus driver was found intoxicated at the wheel, with kids in the bus. And check out this year's Hewlett High School Homecoming Court.

Are you a local business owner or marketer in Five Towns? Our premium local sponsorships will keep you at the top of inboxes around town every morning. Contact us here for the lowdown.

First, today's weather:

Rain overnight. High: 78, low: 68.

Here are the top stories today in Five Towns:

1. Patch looks at a funeral for a Nassau County Police Department Officer who died from COVID-19, acquired in the line of duty. Charles "Chuck" Vroom worked at the 3rd Precinct for 17 years. (Patch)
2. News 12 Long Island talks to domestic abuse advocates about how Gabby Petito's case was handled by the authorities. On Long Island, if you need help, you can reach out VIBS or the Safe Center of Long Island or call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1800-799-SAFE. (News 12)
3. A school bus driver in Hempstead is accused of being drunk behind the wheel while kids were on the bus. On Monday, 29-year-old Mercedes Parada, of Hempstead, was found slumped over the steering wheel of the bus. No children were hurt. (News 12)

Today's Five Towns Daily is brought to you by our friends at FTD, the most trusted name in flowers. FTD's network includes over 8,800 local florists in communities around the country. Send flowers to someone you care about today and get a 15 percent discount on your order. Click here to make someone feel awesome.

Today in Five Towns:

• Hewlett Elementary School Back to School Night, 6 p.m.

Five Towns Patch Notebook

• Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools announces this year's Homecoming Court: Grade 9 - Gabriel Rubinoff and Lexie Stolls, Grade 10 - Dylan Avdoo and Melanie Shvartsberg, Grade 11 - Matteo Preziosi and Skylar Kampton, Grade 12 - Cory Easterling and Molly Williams. (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Add your business here

Events:

• Drama Kids Classes (September 29)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you soon! If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Jackie

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Five Towns Daily? Contact me at FiveTowns@Patch.com.