News Flash Home
The original item was published from 5/4/2021 2:55:07 PM to 9/21/2021 9:05:03 PM.

News Flash

Home Page News and Announcements

Posted on: May 4, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Arbor Day in Memoriam

Arbor Day

Town of Smithtown Hosts Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony in Memory of Bay Constable Thomas C. Akerberg, Jr., FDNY EMS BOT

Town of Smithtown elected leaders joined the Department of Environment and Waterways, the Department of Public Safety and the Akerberg family to celebrate Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony in memory of Smithtown Bay Constable Thomas C. Akerberg, Jr. Each year, the Department of Environment and Waterways hosts a ceremonial tree planting to mark the annual Arbor Day holiday. The memorial tree, a Magnolia Galaxy, was planted at the entrance of the Smithtown Department of Public Safety, where it will grow upwards of 30-40 feet high, and its magenta blooms will bud with the start of each Spring. 

 

“Tommy had the gift of healing, which he passed on to anyone who crossed his path. On a hard day, he knew just how to make me laugh, until it hurt. He was a great friend, a proud father, a teacher, and a hero to the Smithtown and FDNY family. I can’t think of a better way to remember such a bright light in our community than this tree, which will grow, blossom and thrive for generations to come.” - Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo  

 

A Proclamation to the Akerberg family, in recognition of “Tommy” C. Akerberg, Jr’s. 20+ years of service to the community was presented by Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo and Councilman Tom Lohmann. Additionally, David Barnes, Director of Environment and Waterways, presented an Arbor Day Proclamation to the family, formally dedicating the Magnolia Galaxy tree in loving memory to Bay Constable Akerberg. Public Safety Director Tom Lohmann presented the family with a plaque which will rest on a pearl-like memorial stone. The engraved memorial plaque was funded through a private collection, courtesy of Tommy’s co-workers at the Department of Public Safety. 

 

“Tommy was a huge part of this department, and his passing left a tremendous hole in the Public Safety Family.  We were extremely honored that David Barnes and the Department of Environment and Waterways chose our office as the location to plant this year’s tree and dedicated it in Tommy’s memory.” - Tom Lohmann, Director, Smithtown Department of Public Safety

 

Smithtown native Tommy Akerberg was an 18 year veteran of the FDNY and served the people of Smithtown as a Bay Constable. For over two decades, Akerberg served the Department of Public Safety and the community, beginning his career as a Park Attendant II. Akerberg worked his way up to Dispatcher, ultimately attending the Basic Course for Peace Officers at the Suffolk County Sheriffs' Academy, and was later assigned to the Waterways and Navigation Division as a Bay Constable. He was known as an extremely capable boat handler with a tremendous knowledge of the Smithtown waterways. Bay Constable Akerberg, a teacher by nature, always shared his expertise with newer Bay Constables. Fondly remembered as a gentle giant, Bay Constable Akerberg cared deeply for his family, community, and his two young daughters. Thomas C. Akerberg, Jr. FDNY EMS BOT, Smithtown Department of Public Safety Bay Constable, died on February 2, 2021.

 

In 2020, the Town of Smithtown planted a tree in loving memory of Urban Forrester James Cordray. This marks the second year in recent history that the town has dedicated the Arbor Day tree planting in memory of a town employee, who was taken from the world too soon. 

 

Arbor Day is often celebrated as a day to promote education and awareness on the importance of trees in the community. The Town of Smithtown has maintained its reputation as Tree City, USA for over 34 years, in addition to recent efforts to begin a street tree census, and to identify invasive species.  

 

The Smithtown Department of Public Safety Headquarters is located at 65 Maple Avenue, in Smithtown, NY.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Home Page News and Announcements

Maizee

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: December 6, 2023
Buddy

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: November 29, 2023
TOS

Men's Softball

Posted on: November 28, 2023
TOS

Scorekeepers Wanted

Posted on: November 28, 2023
Jack

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: November 21, 2023
Huey, Dewey, Louie

Smithtown Pets of the Week

Posted on: November 15, 2023
Buster

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: November 8, 2023
Callahan's Beach

Callahan's Beach Now Open

Posted on: November 7, 2023
Hoyt Farm Halloweekend

A Hoyt Farm Halloweekend

Posted on: November 6, 2023
Akneada Baker

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: October 31, 2023
Candyland

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: October 25, 2023
Shred Event

Smithtown Shreds 8.37 Tons of Paper

Posted on: October 23, 2023
Hoyt Ribbon Cutting

Hoyt Farm Renovations Completed

Posted on: October 18, 2023
Lilly

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: October 18, 2023
Sweet Tea

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: October 4, 2023
Jitterbug

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: September 27, 2023
Barbie

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: September 20, 2023
Childhood Cancer Tree Lighting

Smithtown Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer

Posted on: September 14, 2023
Smokey

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: September 13, 2023
September 11th Ceremony

Remembering September 11, 2001

Posted on: September 14, 2023
Hannibal

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: September 6, 2023
Lanieri Park

Lanieri Park Dedication

Posted on: September 6, 2023
Hoyt Farm Memorials

Hoyt Family Homecoming

Posted on: August 9, 2023
Cherry Blossom

Celebrating Arbor Day 2023

Posted on: April 20, 2023
Stream Cleaning

Nissequogue River Stream Cleaning

Posted on: April 18, 2023
Senior Tax Break

Senior Tax Break

Posted on: March 13, 2023
Residential Repair

Home Repair Services for Senior Citizens

Posted on: February 22, 2023