Police Officer Dies of COVID + Massive Fire

Hey, Merrick! Let's get you started this Monday with everything you need to know going on in town today.

A man was hit by a car on the LIE in Nassau. A long-time police officer contracted COVID-19 and work and is now being mourned by the 3rd precinct. A major fire burned apartments and businesses. And a Merrick man pleaded guilty to a type of "high tech theft" at his company.

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First, today's weather:

Clear throughout the day. High: 76 Low: 64.

Here are the top stories today in Merrick:

1. The Daily Voice reports that a 48-year-old man was hospitalized after he was struck by a vehicle on the Long Island Expressway in Roslyn Heights around 10 p.m. on Friday. (Daily Voice)
2. News 12 Long Island covers the death of Nassau Police Officer Charles "Chuck" Vroom from complications caused by COVID-19. He worked at the 3rd Precinct for 17 years. He contracted the virus while on duty. (News 12)
3. News 12 also has the story on a large fire in West Hempstead that burned multiple businesses and 14 apartments. It started 4 a.m. Sunday morning at Woodfield Road and Eagle Avenue. (News 12)
4. A Merrick man was among three employees Melville-based Constructure Technologies LLC company who pleaded guilty to criminal copyright infringement for installing unlicensed software. Joseph Keegan is one of the company's principals. (Subscription: Newsday)

Today in Merrick:

• Camp Marine Science Trip, North Merrick UFSD

Merrick Patch Notebook

• Save the date for the Merrick Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival, Merrick LIRR Station, Hewlett and Merrick avenues, newtonshows.com. Rides, games and food, Oct. 23-24.

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update! If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Jackie

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Merrick Daily? Reach out anytime to Merrick@Patch.com.