A group of Nassau County police officers led the way Monday evening followed by fire engines, motorcyclists, vintage cars and citizens in a parade through the county to say “thank you” to the police force.

Organized by the Lakeville Estates Civic Association, the crowd gathered in the parking lot of Macy’s in Manhasset and made its way to the Nassau County Police Department headquarters. Bill Cutrone, president of the association, wanted to make sure no one brought politics into the event. He said he wanted no symbols or flags supporting any political party, just American flags.

“This is in recognition for the good work they do,” Cutrone said, referring to the police. “They go to the schools, they teach the kids safety. They’re training all the time for active shooters. They come to our clinics, they come to our senior citizen groups and teach them about the scams that are going on.”

Cutrone said morale is down among the police these days, which inspired him to organize the event.

He was approached by the Police Benevolent Association to support a “Back the Blue” rally that was held on July 25, which Ted Nugent, a well-known Fox News pundit and musician, was slated to attend (he canceled). Cutrone said that event was too political for his liking and he wanted to have a different event, insulated from any partisan leaning.

Despite his efforts, some shades of politics spilled over. At least one man wore a “Make America Great Again” hat and another spoke with Blank Slate Media about what he perceives to be a liberal bias in the newspaper’s editorial columns and mocked The New York Times by saying “all the news that’s unfit to print.”

Betty Leong, another member of the civic association, worked to bring together other community groups to support the parade. This included churches, synagogues and Chinese associations such as the Organization of Chinese Americans.

Leong said the close connection with area police has value. She believes police in the area do listen and engage in dialogue with citizens and that the community has worked together to provide cops, hospital workers and other front-line workers with personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves.

Most people at the event wore masks or some sort of face covering.

Once about 70 cars and motorcycles had gathered, Cutrone said a few words about what the event was about, honoring police. Then the pledge of allegiance was said and everyone returned to their respective cars. A group of police motorcycles led the way and the rest of the cars followed as the parade made its way to the street.