Smithtown Department of Public Safety Welcomes New Members and Honors Outstanding Officers in Annual Ceremony
On Thursday, May 18th, the Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety, together with Elected Officials, presented awards to ten of its members for exceptional acts and commitment to the job. Additionally, Supervisor Ed Wehrheim swore in new recruits to the Department, as well as Brendan Dennihy, who was promoted from Park Ranger to Park Ranger Investigator. The newest members of Public Safety; Park Ranger Alana Buckley, Park Ranger Patrick Lagravinese, Park Ranger Cory Lahann, Park Ranger Kevin Murphy, Park Ranger Carlos Robles, Park Ranger Madelyn Torres, Park Ranger Heber Rivera, and Fire Marshal Jim Easton were sworn in and will begin their academy training on June 5th.
“I would like to commend this year's recipients, new members and the Department as a whole. The Department of Public Safety has stood front and center to protect and serve the people of Smithtown with honor, and integrity. The levels of professionalism, and empathy exhibited in each officer within the Department is exceptional. You make us proud every day and I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for this great town… both as a resident and as Supervisor. As we close out National Police Week, it gives me great pride to thank each of you for your service, on behalf of the citizens of Smithtown.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Town of Smithtown
Harbormaster William Rohr and Harbormaster Michael Grayson were presented with the Meritorious Service Awards for saving a drowning victim in the waters of the Nissequogue River. Park Rangers Charles Kang, Christopher Wolf and Timothy McVeety, and Dispatchers Alyssa Horan and Jaclyn Davis were presented with Department Recognition Awards for their fast acting and heroic actions in the aforementioned incident. Park Ranger Michael Robinson was presented with the Department Recognition Award for the arrest of a suspect for Criminal Contempt in the 2nd degree. The Department Recognition Award was also bestowed on Park Ranger Christopher Gonzalez for the arrest of a suspect for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated. The award for Peace Officer of the Year was presented to Fire Marshal Kyle McCarthy for exemplary qualities and characteristics associated with being a dedicated law enforcement professional. The annual awards ceremony, which began in 2021, takes place each year during National Police Week.
“This ceremony is always near and dear to my heart. To see so many of our best and brightest choosing to not only give themselves wholeheartedly to public service, in protection of our fellow man… but to see an entire department strive to go above and beyond the call of duty every day, gives me a sense of pride and overwhelming joy. You are there for us on our worst day, you keep us safe, you exhibit benevolence, respect and trust in your daily interactions. You represent the earnest desire to make a real difference in the world that made me answer the call when I was younger. You make us proud everyday and I am so thankful to have the very best of best serving us here in Smithtown. Thank you for what you do each and every day.” - Councilman Tom Lohmann, Liaison to the Department of Public Safety
Peace Officer of the Year - Fire Marshal Kyle McCarthy
The award for Peace Officer of the Year Award was bestowed upon Fire Marshal Kyle McCarthy who exemplifies a positive attitude and work ethic which all dedicated law enforcement professionals should strive to emulate. Fire Marshal McCarthy continually seeks to improve his comprehension of his position by seeking out training opportunities, and knowledge from senior members of the Department. Over the course of the last year, Fire Marshal McCarthy, in addition to several other Fire Marshals, has been instrumental in combined efforts with the Suffolk County Police to target and close illegal massage parlors throughout the township. Fire Marshal McCarthy carries himself in a professional manner and deals with residents and business owners alike in his assigned work area with the utmost respect. Chief Tom Lohmann noted the large amount of positive remarks and calls he receives from the community regarding Fire Marshal McCarthy’s helpful and responsive nature. McCarthy has also taken on the role of managing social media content on the Department’s various pages, which has promoted the agency and its members in a positive light. The nomination for Fire Marshal McCarthy for Peace Officer of the Year was unanimous by members of the command staff.