The Town of Smithtown welcomed five new officers to the Department of Public Safety on Tuesday, October 20th in a swearing in ceremony. Supervisor Ed Wehrheim administered the oath of office for five new members and four promoted officers, in the Victor T. Liss Boardroom at Smithtown Town Hall on Tuesday morning. The swearing in ceremony was also made available virtually, via Facebook live for friends and family to safely participate from afar.
“I want to thank all of you who have worked admirably through these trying times. As Director Lohmann has stated, we have been through civil unrest, we have been through a terrible tropical storm, we have been through COVID-19, and this department is vital in helping us get through these disasters. You’ve done an admirable job, and on behalf of the Board and the 118,000 residents, we want to thank you for your service. ” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
Promotional certificates were presented by Director Tom Lohmann Jr. Karen Sylvester was promoted from Town Investigator to Chief Investigator. Russ Sokol and Steven Frank were promoted from Park Ranger to Park Ranger Sergeant #112. Dispatcher Jaclyn Busch was promoted to Radio Dispatcher II.
“In the history of me being here, we have never had a ceremony like this. People would maybe have something small in the office, and oftentimes family wouldn’t be there. It’s my personal belief that ceremonies such as this are important, recognizing accomplishments on the job builds morale. You should all feel a sense of pride in the job that you do, and the community which you serve.” - Public Safety Director Tom Lohmann Jr.
Daniel Shannon, Bay Constable #305, Blake Gifford, Bay Constable #307, Zakary Griffin, Fire Marshal #4046, Patrick Lentini, Park Ranger #375, and Investigator Scott Basantes #792 took the oath to serve and protect the people of Smithtown, in front of family and town officials. Councilman Tom Lohmann gave closing remarks as a retired NYPD detective and liaison to the Department of Public Safety.
“I want to congratulate each and every one of you for your achievements in joining the Department of Public Safety. I personally, coming from law enforcement, know it is a truly honorable and noble position. You guys stood front and center through the pandemic, when a lot of people in the town and throughout the state and county were home in their house, sheltering in place, which was the right thing to do. But you folks were out there, and that’s not lost on me. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done.” - Councilman Tom Lohmann
In an effort to maintain safety during the coronavirus pandemic, social distancing and a restricted number of guests were permitted in the boardroom. All participants and guests were required to wear masks.
The ceremony was streamed live via Facebook, and is available for the public to view at https://www.facebook.com/TownofSmithtown and https://www.facebook.com/Smithtown-Department-of-Public-Safety-489447484451800
*** NOTE: Masks were worn during and after the ceremony and while pictures were being taken, with the brief exception to take a group photo outdoors. All COVID-19 protocols were strictly enforced and in line with recommendations from medical professionals. ***