Nassau Co. Legislator Peter Schmitt Dies Of Heart Attack
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Peter Schmitt, the Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature, died at about noon Wednesday after suffering a massive heart attack.
Schmitt was in a meeting with County Executive Ed Mangano in Mangano's office when the 62-year-old collapsed.
911 was immediately called and he was rushed to Winthrop University Hospital, where he died.
1010 WINS' Gene Michaels reports
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WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported that family members, friends, and colleagues have been going to the hospital.
Schmitt had been a Legislator since 1996.
He was a husband and father of one. Just this year, he also became a grandfather.
Mangano has ordered all county flags lowered to half-staff in Schmitt's honor. They will return to full staff on October 9.
Mangano released the following statement:
"Nassau County has lost a dedicated public servant. My wife Linda and I lost a friend of over 20 years. Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt served the residents of Nassau County with great integrity and pride. I had the privilege of serving closely with Peter in the Legislature since its creation in 1996, where he distinguished himself as an outspoken advocate for the residents of the 12th Legislative District. Peter was a loving husband, father and most recently a doting grandfather. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife Lois, his daughter Samantha and his entire family. Nassau County is a better place because of Peter's leadership, commitment and compassion and he will be greatly missed."
Rep. Peter King released this statement via his Twitter account:
Peter Schmitt was often politically incorrect & refreshingly honest. Ive never known any1 in gov't more dedicatd 2 doing what was right. RIP
