CSEA Member at County Clerk’s Office Saves The Day

MINEOLA- Friday, August 10th started off just like any other day in Theresa Roussel’s 11 year career at the Nassau County Clerk’s Office. But, by the end of it, she would gain some notoriety that she surely could not have expected.

A situation arose that day when a man who frequently comes in to the County Clerk office on the first floor of 240 Old Country Road in Mineola, came in again, but this time with a colleague. The man has a foreclosure action going on and most of the time gives a hard time and is uncooperative.

Roussel automatically realized this time things seemed extra suspicious since it was the first time he came in with a partner. So, while the man’s accomplice tried to create a diversion by calling over an employee claiming the copy machine was not working, the other man threw his Supreme Court file in his bag, and proceeded for the exit.

Without hesitation, Theresa picked up the phone to call security, and ran around the counter to confront the man until security was able to corral him right before the front door. The man was not charged, however securing a key file from being stolen was the most important thing here.

Ironically, at the time of the incident, Nassau County Legislator Jeffrey Toback from the 7th L.D. was present and witnessed the great work of Roussel. “Theresa Roussel went above and beyond the call of duty to protect and preserve a Supreme Court file,” Toback said in a letter to County Clerk Maureen O’Connell, copied to CSEA Local 830 President Jerry Laricchiuta and County Executive Tom Suozzi.

Roussel, a Mineola resident, said it’s not uncommon to have someone mistakenly take a court file thinking they’re allowed to do so, but having someone create a plan to steal one is another story.

Being an Attorney Assistant 2 and Supervisor of the Document Room, on a daily basis Theresa deals with subpoenas, mail, and addressing legal questions, with tracking down thieves obviously not in her job description. That was no problem for Theresa though. She’s always there to go the extra mile, and do the right thing.

Earl left behind his wife of 30 years, Sumera, daughters Cassandra Hill and Cassie Gary, and sons Earl Stroughton and Rodney Hill. He also had 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grand children.

He will be missed by his family, friends, and everyone in the CSEA and NUMC family.