New York City veteran firefighter thanked the people of Bermuda yesterday after he received his precious silver badge that was stolen on Sunday by two thieves on a motor bike.

Mr. Ginley received a call yesterday morning at 8 a.m. from Det. Sgt. Robert Cardwell with the news he had been hoping for ? his badge had been recovered.

A press conference was held at the media relations office where Mr. Ginley thanked the Police, Fire Service and the media for their help in recovering his badge.

?I?m happy, ecstatic actually. I want to thank the Police Service, CDI, the news and the media. There has been unbelievable support. I thank the people of Bermuda for their genuine support and concern. Everyone really helped out.?

Mr. Ginley said that he really appreciates the efforts by the Police, Fire Service and media in helping him to get his badge back.

The badge, one credit card and his firefighter identification was located in the waters of Dock Hill, North Shore.

?I thought it was lost forever, thought I wouldn?t get it back. I had a slim hope and I can?t be happier,? he said.

Det. Sgt. Cardwell said: ?We were able to put a plan of action together which resulted in the arrest of a 46-year-old Devonshire man and the recovery of the badge and wallet in the waters off of North Shore. The man is still in Police custody and I suspect that he will make an appearance in court on Friday.?

Mr. Ginley was presented with a plaque from the Bermuda Fire Service by Acting Chief Fire Officer John Pacheco.

?I would like to thank everyone for their support and kindness,? Mr. Ginley said. ?Just because of what happened on Sunday doesn?t reflect the rest of the island. This island is beautiful, the people are beautiful.?

Acting Detective Chief Inspector James Howard presented Mr. Ginley with a Bermuda Police Service patch, hat and golf shirt.

Mr. Howard encouraged the public to come forward with any information that they may have about the situation.

?We were given a set of circumstance which Mr. Ginley gave to the Police. Mr. Cardwell acted upon the circumstances,? he said. ?We are in the early stages on investigation. Sometimes we can?t just leave crime for the Police to solve, the public has to get involved.?

Mr. Ginley has been a Brooklyn firefighter for 24 years and is still active. accompanied Det. Sgt. Cardwell and Mr. Ginley to Dock Hill were a Marine Police unit attempted to find the rest of his belongings.

A wallet-sized photo of his daughter and a paper that was in his wallet were the only things recovered.

Mr. Ginley and his family return to their home in Long Island, New York on Saturday.