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Officers salute Gov. Pataki at Astoria Manor

By Peter Sorkin

Gov. George Pataki was honored as the New York City Correction Officers' Benevolent Association Man of the Year and named their honorary president Tuesday night at the fifth annual Scholarship and Awards dinner at the Astoria Manor.

Abut 1,000 people packed the ballroom at 25-22 Astoria Blvd. including U.S. Senate hopeful Rick Lazio, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch and COBA President Norman Seabrook.

Although the governor said he was deeply honored by the award, he deflected praise by saying the officers themselves should be congratulated for their hard work making New York streets safer.

“I am deeply honored to be here this evening,” Pataki said. “You should give yourselves a round of applause. It's our obligation to thank you for all you've done. You put your lives on the line so we can live in safety.”

Pataki, who publicly supports Lazio for his senate bid against Democratic contender Hillary Clinton, even took a jab at the first lady whom he said took a look at the streets of New York and decided to move here because crime has been reduced so dramatically.

While accepting the award, Pataki pledged to secure better job benefits for police and correction officers because he views their work as a cooperative effort between the community and the government.

“This is a better city and state because you have been our partners in law enforcement,” he said.

Reach reporter Peter Sorkin by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 155