Mike Sapraicone is a retired New York Police Department Detective, community volunteer, small business founder, and nationally-recognized security expert. Mike began his law enforcement career in 1980 and served in the New York Police Department for 20 years, beginning as a transit officer protecting millions of subway riders. His dedication to service was recognized with the promotion to first-grade detective — a rank in which he worked to bring high-profile criminals to justice.Being at the foundation of New York City’s turnaround, Mike saw first-hand the impact of crime on the New York’s economy and the need for businesses to have a private security option. It was with this in mind that he started Squad Security to provide security services to New York-based companies, including the American Stock Exchange. Since retiring from the NYPD in 2000, Mike grew this small business into a global security firm in the heart of Long Island, and employed over 600 active and retired members of law enforcement. Mike was raised in Richmond Hill, Queens where he attended Holy Cross High School in Flushing. He has continued to be involved at Holy Cross High School as a member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees and he established scholarships for high-achieving students and those in financial need. Mike has served as president of the Seaford Union Free School District Board of Education and is senior trustee of the Museum of American Armor, based in Old Bethpage, NY. Mike is also on the boards of Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation, Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, Catholic Youth Organization and the Columbus Citizens Foundation, for which he Co-Chaired New York City’s Columbus Day Parade