The national shortage of baby formula is creating health-related problems for newborns, while increasing anxiety for parents.
Stony Brook Medicine’s Dr. Jill Cioffi provides tips for parents searching for baby formula during the shortage. Photo from Stony Brook Medicine/ Jeanne Neville
Stony Brook University Hospital has seen patients in its primary care offices after formula changes, as parents indicate that infants have had reflux, vomiting, spitting up and loose stools and blood or mucus in their stools, according to Dr. Jill Cioffi, medical director of Ambulatory Primary Care Pediatrics at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
“This situation is difficult for all parents,” Cioffi explained in an email. “They are already experiencing the stress of caring for a newborn, adding food insecurity to this will only increase their stress and worry.”
Nationally, some hospitals are reporting that infants are coming to Emergency Departments due to lack of nutrition and dehydration. Thus far, Stony Brook has not seen such cases in its Emergency Department.
Stony Brook, however, said residents have been anxious over a crisis that has affected parents and their children in Suffolk County.
Indeed, some desperate parents have taken measures that have created discomfort and illness for their children.
Parents are watering down formula, searching for ways to make their own formula or switching to cow’s milk too early, Cioffi explained.
None of these efforts is medically safe and could lead to electrolyte and caloric problems for children, she continued.
Stony Brook recommends attempting to breastfeed newborns, continuing to breastfeed infants who have already started breastfeeding, finding substitute formulas, without sticking toa particular brand, and transitioning to whole milk at 11 months or older.
For babies over nine months old, toddler’s formula is an option, but not a permanent solution until newborns are over 11 months old.
Parents with infants on specialized formula should reach out to their pediatricians to navigate their choices, Cioffi added.
Cioffi said she has heard that stores are still getting regular shipments of formula. Some of those stores have limited how much each family can buy at one time to decrease the chance that families purchase more than they need, leaving other parents with fewer options, leaving other parents with fewer options.
With news that shipments are coming in from Europe, Cioffi explained that she is hoping that health professions will receive instructions on how to help their patients obtain these supplies.
Cioffi urged parents to follow guidelines from the American Academy of pediatrics:
— Don’t dilute formula.
— Only purchase formula from reputable sources. Buying formula in parking lots of any place that doesn’t seem legitimate could be problematic because this food could either be expired or part of a recall, she explained.
— Don’t try to find a recipe to make formula. Stony Brook recommends whole cow’s milk only for children who are 11 months of age and older.
— Don’t give your child alternative milk products. Cioffi suggested avoiding almond or other plant milks because they are low in protein and minerals.
— Don’t give your baby toddler formula. Such food is not recommended for infants. Children close to a year old may tolerate it, if parents have no other choices.
— Check the shelf life of baby formula in stores.
Cioffi added that some children are not on regular milk-based formula for medical reasons.
“It’s those parents who are going to need medical help finding adequate solutions,” she added.
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn formally announced her bid for Congress at a June 2 event at the Three Village Inn. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) suspended her campaign to run for Congress. She made the announcement in an email to supporters May 22.
Hahn told TBR News Media it wasn’t an easy decision. “But, I am confident it is the right one,” she said. “Too much is at stake now, this is bigger than me.”
Hahn announced her bid to run for New York’s 1st Congressional District in June last year. The former deputy presiding officer of the county Legislature was set to run against fellow Suffolk Legislator Bridget Fleming (D-Noyac) in a primary for the Democratic nomination. U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R) has held the seat since 2015. The congressman is currently campaigning for this year’s Republican nomination for New York State governor.
In the May 22 email, Hahn said she will be uniting behind Fleming.
“I may no longer be on the ballot, but I will not be on the sidelines,” Hahn said. “Our democracy and most fundamental rights are all at stake. In order to combat the dark forces that threaten these values, unity is extremely important right now. In that spirit, I look forward to getting back on the trail and I hope you will join me in support of Democrats up and down the ballot.”
Fleming filed her Certificate of Designation on May 23, according to her office. She is currently the only Democratic candidate in the congressional district.
In thanking Hahn “for running a great race,” in a statement Fleming said, “Kara has been a model public servant with an extraordinary work ethic and commitment to bettering the lives of Long Islanders. I look forward to continuing to work with her in the county Legislature.”
Due to changes in certain districts, some primaries, including the ones for Congress, will be held Aug. 23, which Hahn felt would leave Democrats divided too close to the November elections. Suffolk County Democratic Committee chairman Rich Schaffer, in a statement, said the committee appreciated Hahn’s “hard fought campaign” and decision.
“Kara has a great future, and we look forward to her continuing to serve the residents of Suffolk County,” he said. “Toward that end, with the primary moving back, we appreciate that Kara has put her own interests aside and chose for unity, backing Bridget Fleming in her race for Congress. There is no time for interparty fighting and we’re all ready to get behind Bridget to ensure she is the next representative for the 1st Congressional District.”
Hahn won her sixth term as county legislator last November. This will be her last two-year term in the Suffolk County Legislature due to term limits.
Post updated May 25 to include comments from Rich Schaffer.
The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (PJCC) held an official ribbon cutting for the only shoe store in Port Jefferson Village, Tabú Shoes, on May 12.
Attendees, including PJCC President Joy Pipe (in pink sweater), family, friends and staff, were treated to “shoe” cookies and strawberries dipped in colored white chocolate with sparkles.
Located at 20 Chandler Square, the store offers a fine selection of footwear for men and women including sandals, heels, slippers, prom shoes, flip flops, and boots. Brands include Steve Madden, Free People, Soludos, Chinese Laundry, Vintage Havana and more.
Owner Kristine Hoffman (pictured with scissor with her husband Arnold and children John and Ava) also owns Tabu Boutique at 158 East Main Street which has a unique and eclectic collection of fine jewelry, women’s clothing and more.
“Our Chamber is very pleased once again in having a boutique shoe store here in the Village. We wish owner Kristine Hoffman much success!” said Barbara Ransome, Director of Operations at the chamber.
The store is open daily from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-642-7186.
The following incidents have been reported by Suffolk County Police:
Centereach
■ A resident on Oxhead Road in Centereach reported that someone cut battery cables and removed a battery from his car on May 7.
■ Walgreens on Middle Country Road in Centereach reported a shoplifter on May 9. A man allegedly stole three cases of beer valued at $53.
Commack
■ Marshall’s on Henry Street in Commack reported that two women allegedly stole 20 assorted children’s clothing worth approximately $250 on May 13.
Hauppauge
■ A resident on Cardinal Lane in Hauppauge reported that someone entered his unlocked vehicle on May 9 and removed a wallet containing cash, credit cards and a drivers license. A Ring camera captured three unknown men around the car.
■ Copper piping worth approximately $2,000 was stolen from a construction site on Motor Parkway in Hauppauge on May 12.
Huntington Station.
■ Target on East Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station reported a shoplifter on May 9. A man allegedly stole a Westinghouse TV worth $270 and an air fryer worth $120.
■ Target on East Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station called the police on May 11 to report a shoplifter. A woman went to pay at the self checkout register and allegedly paid for some clothing items but not for others. The stolen merchandise was valued at approximately $100.
■ Ulta Beauty on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station called the police on May 10 to report that an unknown person allegedly stole 17 fragrances valued at $1628.
Lake Grove
■ Barnes & Noble at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove reported a shoplifter on May 13. A man allegedly place 7 CDs in a tote bag and walked out of the store without paying for them. The merchandise was valued at $90.
■ Macy’s at the Smith Haven Mall called the police on May 14 to report a petit larceny. A man and a woman allegedly stole a Michael Kors backpack worth $498, a Michael Kors handbag worth $328 and a Rhea zip backpack valued at $155. They concealed the merchandise in a baby stroller and walked out without paying.
Melville
■ Dick’s Sporting Goods on Walt Whitman Road in Melville reported a grand larceny on May 11. Four women entered the store and allegedly stole assorted Nike clothing worth $1260.
■ Mystique Boutique on Walt Whitman Road in Melville reported a petit larceny on May 13. Two women entered the store, grabbed five items of clothing and fled in a getaway car driven by a man. The merchandise was valued at approximately $300.
■ A woman called the police from Costco on Broadhollow Road in Melville on May 12 to report that someone stole her purse containing cash and credit cards from the passenger seat of her car while she was unloading groceries in the trunk.
Mount Sinai
■ A resident on Gotham Court in Mount Sinai reported that his car was stolen from the driveway on May 9. The unlocked vehicle, a 2021 BMW X7 M series, was worth $120,000. The owner stated that the key fob may have been inside a jacket pocket left in the vehicle.
■ A woman reported that her purse containing cash and credit cards was stolen from her unlocked vehicle while she was at Cedar Beach on Harbor Beach Road in Mount Sinai on May 10.
Port Jefferson
■ An employee at East End Shirt Company on Mill Creek Road in Port Jefferson Village called the police on May 9 to report that two people snatched two sweatshirts from a rack outside the store and headed toward Main Street. When confronted, they threw the sweatshirts at the employee and walked away.
Port Jefferson Station
■ A resident on Junard Blvd. in Port Jefferson Station reported that someone entered his unlocked vehicle on May 8 and stole numerous tools including power drills valued at approximately $1,000.
■ A box truck parked on Echo Lane in Port Jefferson Station was broken into on May 13. 25 boxes of assorted Pepperidge Farm cookies valued at $900 were stolen.
Rocky Point
■ Kohl’s on Route 25A in Rocky Point reported a shoplifter on May 8. A man allegedly stole 7 pairs of Timberland boots valued at $1,125.
South Setauket
■ Target on Pond Path in South Setauket reported a petit larceny on May 9. A man allegedly stole a Graco baby car seat worth $220.
Stony Brook
■ A shoplifter was reported at Lowe’s on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook on May 11. A man allegedly loaded a cart with Romex copper wire valued at $1497 and walked out the garden center entrance without paying.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS
UPDATE: Richard and Leanora Sales have been located, unharmed.
Below is the original Silver Alert.
Suffolk County Police have issued a Silver Alert for a missing Port Jefferson Station couple who suffer from dementia.
Richard and Leanora Sales were last seen leaving their residence, located at 2709 Aston Wood Way, at approximately 12:30 p.m. on May 20.
Richard and Leanora, who are 86 and 84 respectively, were traveling to an appointment in Northport. They were traveling in a 2016 blue Nissan Rogue with New York State license plate HFX 9556 and never arrived.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on the Sales’ location to call 911 or Sixth Squad detectives at 631-854-8652.
Silver Alert is a program implemented in Suffolk County that allows local law enforcement to share information with media outlets about individuals with special needs who have been reported missing.
On May 5, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine, Councilman Dan Panico and Councilman Kevin LaValle were on-hand at the Brookhaven Landfill’s Residential Drop Off to launch the Habitat for Humanity Donation Program. Habitat for Humanity of Long Island has partnered with the Town to collect new or slightly used furniture, appliances, kitchen cabinets and building materials from Brookhaven residents.
The items collected will be sold at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore to help build affordable housing for low-mid income families on Long Island. The ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center whose proceeds contribute to the work of Habitat Long Island. Habitat partners with families to build strength and stability through safe and affordable housing. Items donated to ReStore are sold to the public to support Habitat’s vision – a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Pictured left to right at the Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Drop Off are HFH Director of Marketing, Maggie Luna; HFH Donations Coordinator, Veronica Golio-Astarita; HFH Donor Relations Manager, Courtney Collins; Town of Brookhaven Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management (RSMM) Commissioner Christine Fetten; CEO & Executive Director of HFH of Long Island, Lee Silberman; Supervisor Ed Romaine; Councilman Dan Panico; Councilman Kevin LaValle and RSMM Chief Deputy Commissioner, Daniel Johnson.
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island, Inc. is an independently operated affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Since 1988, Habitat Suffolk has empowered hundreds of families to achieve their homeownership dreams through its affordable home ownership program, building 5-8 houses annually. Recognized as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, Habitat Long Island works in partnership with thousands of Long Island volunteers and responsible, lower-income families of all races, religions, and creeds, to build and renovate homes for those in need.
Starting on May 5, residents can drop-off items at the Town of Brookhaven landfill to donate to Habitat Long Island at no charge. Donations must be dropped-off at the Habitat container on-site. Residents can request an e-receipt for tax-deductible donation by texting DONATE to 631-525-5447. The Brookhaven Town Landfill is located at 350 Horseblock Road, Brookhaven, NY 11719. Drop off hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Monday – Friday) and 7 a.m. to noon (Saturday).
Drop off items accepted Appliances (within 10 years old and in working condition); building materials (uncut and unused); doors and windows (within 5 years old); flooring/tile; furniture; kitchen cabinets; tools/hardware. For more information, please email [email protected].
Port Jeff village trustee on his role in tackling the big projects
Trustee Bruce Miller (right) being sworn into office. Photo courtesy of Miller
By Raymond Janis
Village of Port Jefferson trustee Bruce Miller has taken on several big projects throughout his time in office.
TBR News Media had an opportunity this week to catch up with him for an exclusive interview. In this interview, Miller addresses his background in education, the East Beach bluff, his preference for architecture and more.
What is your background and why did you get involved in local government?
I was always a believer in public service. I got that from my parents, who also felt the value of contributing. I was drafted into the Army in ’66 and left as a sergeant with honorable discharge. I am a 2nd vice commander of the American Legion post in Port Jefferson Station.
I got an excellent education from Stony Brook University. From there, I became a public school teacher in special education. While I was doing this, I also volunteered at my daughter’s school. I was on the [Port Jefferson] school board for 12 years, a president, vice president, and a budget and technology chairperson.
I was a teacher that understood board politics and the requirements of training teachers. I was the driving force in moving the district from what I would consider mediocre in this region to a nationally ranked school district. We achieved a level of 34th in the nation, according to a Washington Post survey, and this drove up our real estate values. We were number one for several years in New York state with real estate appreciation and one year we were near 10th in the nation. And this is not me saying this, but The New York Times saying this. I had a very successful run during my 12 years on the school board.
I have been working for about 30 years on the conservation and advisory committee. I was for a while the trustee liaison to that committee. It used to be a board and I would like to see that happen again.
There’s a lot more, but maybe I can speak to them through some specific questions.
Miller receives a regional Scope award for educational excellence during his tenure as a school board member. Photo courtesy of Miller
How has your background as an educator shaped your approach as village trustee?
There are two aspects to my educational background: my teaching background and my school board background. As a teacher, I was a public servant and of course the village board is a public office. In teaching, you know there are budgets to deal with and priorities to be set. As a school board member, again you’re dealing with budgets. I dealt a lot with technology, doing what I thought was forward looking and I found that I could better express myself in bringing excellent technology to the school district in Port Jefferson.
Because of my educational background, and by working hard in this effort, we brought really excellent education and technology to the district. Budgets are another aspect. You have to be able to fund these things, and in a public forum you need to be able to get support from the public. You need to be able to persuade people that you have a vision, whether it’s in the school district or the village.
What are the most critical issues facing the village?
Critical has a number of meanings, one of which is that something is happening now and you have to do something about it. In that context, something is happening now: Our [East Beach] bluff is eroding and we have to do something about it.
We can either let the country club slide into the Long Island Sound or we can take measures to remediate. You have the country club above and the beach below. I voted for a rock wall that would preserve the beach and access to the beach. There is another, larger plan that we are still looking at that involves driving steel sheeting in front of the country club. We’re within literally a couple of feet of losing the tennis courts and they are going. New plans have to be made for them.
The question is do you go for the steel sheeting or do you let nature take its course? I’m not decided on that at this point. One of the things I respect about the village is that we have a lot of intelligent people who bring a lot of knowledge and background. In the few discussions we’ve had over Zoom, there were suggestions that were very positive that were an alternative to the steel sheeting suggestion.
I have been emailing the board for a very long time regarding the fact that a) we should have a public hearing on this, which is not going to happen; and b) that we should be permitting the residents to vote on a bond. We’re talking about $10 million total on this project and they should decide what they want and we should be listening to all the viewpoints. We should be more open and transparent in terms of solutions and alternatives.
We’re also losing revenue on the power plant. Over a number of years, we’re going to lose 47% of the revenue and we’re more than halfway through that process. Obviously, the businesspeople are going to see more in taxes because we’re receiving less from an alternate source. In my opinion, we need to rebuild with quality, so that you have a magnet for Port Jefferson, for the business community.
A lot of people come to Port Jefferson because it’s different. It’s a real village with a history and people like that. We should be emphasizing that history. We also need to focus on green energy. We need to do as much as we can. By doing this, bring more revenue into the village, the school district, the fire department, the library, etc.
How would you like to preserve what you call the New England heritage within the village?
Miller at Village Hall in Port Jefferson. File photo
We’re already doing some of that. We have what we call the Roe House, which is on Barnum Avenue. This is from the Roe family. It’s an authentic, prerevolutionary, colonial structure. We have a number of exhibits within the Roe House that point to our history.
We often call it the Setauket Spy Ring, but Port Jefferson was also part of this history, the Roes are a part of this history. We have this heritage, it’s important, and we are emphasizing it. We’re going to see an upgrade in the status of the building. It now has a historic designation and we’re going to see more of that.
How has the village changed from the time you took office and what measures have you taken to guide those changes?
There’s been an awful lot of change in regards to uptown development. When I first came into office, this was in the project stage. Now we’re seeing stuff rising above the ground and a number of properties that are either approved or well along in the approval process. There’s a former fish restaurant [PJ Lobster House] on North Country Road and 25A. The restaurant has moved downtown and they’re beginning the demolition phase.
We’ve seen a project on Texaco Avenue that has been completed, two other projects at the foot of Main and Broadway completed. Another project where a former carpet store, Cappy’s Carpets, used to be has been completed and occupied.
There are a lot of problems with flooding in Port Jefferson, a lot of hills. Everything runs down into the lower Port area. I’ve been talking about mixed surfaces, not just hard pavement, which contribute to the velocity of the water. We’re making some progress with that by having water gardens.
We have developed our parks, which I think are very attractive. We have a Dickens Festival that draws people into the village, which of course the merchants love. It’s really an excellent festival, voted best festival on Long Island several times. Every year it gets a little better.
When I was in the school district, the motto was: “Excellent at getting better.” I want to achieve that and live up to that. When I’m in the village, I want to see excellence. I have had battles over architecture. I want it to be excellent, to improve the village, and to attract more people to the village.
When I was in the school district, the motto was: “Excellent at getting better.” I want to achieve that and live up to that. — Bruce Miller
You have an upcoming meeting with representatives of the Long Island Rail Road. Could you preview that meeting?
It’s about a vision, about looking at a need, seeing an alternative to the present situation, and advocating for that.
A lot of this is about developing networks and relationships. I’ve met with Phil Eng, the former LIRR chairperson, under the context of a better ride. It’s a long ride to Manhattan for a lot of people who commute. Out of necessity, it requires a transfer either at Huntington or Hicksville because you cannot take a diesel engine into Manhattan. The future is a better ride into Penn Station, but also a better ride into Grand Central Station, which will be a possibility in the future.
This requires electric energy and how do you get that? Obviously a third rail is a possible solution, a very expensive solution. My comments to Mr. Eng and his associates have been, “By the way, we pay taxes too.” There was a time when the Ronkonkoma line, which has a decent ride, was diesel, but they electrified it. So is it our turn? This is what I’ve been advocating for.
We want to get our foot on the ladder. We’re kind of standing at the bottom of the ladder watching everybody else go by. We want to get on the ladder and then move upward. On [May 31], we will be meeting with the Long Island Rail Road planning people to discuss the future and the possibilities. We will be discussing the schedule, we will be discussing a second track, we will be discussing a third rail, battery electric, and moving the LIRR station in Port Jefferson. Basically they would move the station and the rail yards west and eliminate the crossing in Upper Port, which would do a lot for traffic.
I work on big projects and these are not accomplished in six months or a year. It takes several terms, but if you achieve these goals, they are very positive for the residents of the village.
Trustee Bruce Miller delivers a speech regarding National Grid. File photo
In your opinion, how can residents play a more active role in decision-making?
I had mentioned the country club and participation on the part of the residents in terms of a public hearing and being able to vote on major issues that affect them. I believe we should have more participation in this area.
During COVID, we had board meetings on Zoom. Now we have public meetings where the public attends, but we’re not having meetings on Zoom. Some of the people I know in the village who are infirm or who have particular medical issues that prevent them from attending public meetings are kind of shut out of the process. I am pressing, and will continue to press, for public meetings upstairs in the Village Hall, but also a component on Zoom where people can not only look in but participate as we had done during the COVID era.
I think that would be a very important step forward. I have just learned that Riverhead is going to be doing this and there are a number of other communities on Long Island that do this. In the past, people who are not comfortable going into public places were shut out, unable to participate. Now they are shut out again and I believe we should be supporting them.
Is there anything else that you would like to say to our readers?
As I said, I’m a person that works on big projects. I like to be a team member, but there are also certain times when you have to go against the grain. My belief is that I am an independent trustee. I’ve worked hard for the village and the school district. Also, in between my village and school district experience, I co-founded a grassroots committee to repower Port Jefferson.
I’ve worked with legislative leaders at all levels — town, village, county, state and congressional people as well. I believe that I have a vision. I have demonstrated in the past that I have executed on that vision and I want to continue to serve. I believe in service, I believe in giving back. I’m not wealthy, but I’m comfortable. I have time and I would like to contribute.
Green energy is very important to me. Making the village affordable is a very high priority for me. Transportation has become a high priority. I believe I have the vision and the energy and the diligence to work on this. I think the village needs a voice that will stand up and say, “No, this is not right.”
I am a very positive person, a very optimistic person, and I believe I take this optimism and enthusiasm to the work that I do.
Members of the Six Acre Park Committee met at Village Hall May 17 to present their vision to the Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees.
Rebecca Kassay, trustee liaison to the committee, presented plans for the park located on Highlands Boulevard.
“The proposal summary is to create a tranquil, arboretum-like setting with a walking path and replace most or all of the existing vegetation with a variety of native tree shrubs and native plantings,” she said. “The park would aim to provide aesthetic and ecological value throughout the year.”
The committee has met once or twice a month since October last year to arrive at its recommendations. The stated goals of the park are to exercise the body and mind, celebrate the beauty of nature and promote multigenerational opportunities for education.
There is also potential for active use of space along the far west perimeter of the property, which the committee intends to explore in the second phase, according to Kassay.
The committee has used several well-known parks for inspiration: The High Line in New York City, Bridge Gardens in Bridgehampton, Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook, Frank Melville Park in Setauket and Central Park in Manhattan.
“My personal opinion is that I want to see this move forward. I think it’s a place that we need.”
— Mayor Margot Garant
After the presentation, members of the committee had an opportunity to address the board in turn.
“As we see caterpillars transform into butterflies, so will this 6-acre parkland become a tranquil path of arboretum,” Gerard Gang said. “It will be an asset to the development of Upper Port. Its walking paths will be enjoyed by the residents as well as the employees around the park, exercising both the body and the mind.”
Kathleen Riley shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying the park will be an asset to the village, offering residents a place for quiet contemplation and reflection.
“This arboretum will be a great addition to the village,” she said. “With all of the different amenities that the village has and all of the other activities that this arboretum might have, it will be a great addition.” She added that the park will provide “a beautiful place to walk and be invigorated by the magnificence of trees, surrounded by nature” and that it will serve as “a respite so needed in today’s world.”
“It was really a pleasure to be a part of the committee,” Kelly DeVine said. “I think what’s going to emerge out of this process is going to be an attribute for the whole village.”
DeVine added that the committee’s emphasis on native plants will help to showcase the richness and diversity of native species: “We all love Long Island, we all love how unique it is. We now can have a place where we can really showcase how beautiful Long Island is.”
At the end of the presentation, Mayor Margot Garant complimented the committee for the thoroughness of its investigation
“I think you guys did a very thorough job,” she said. “My personal opinion is that I want to see this move forward. I think it’s a place that we need. I know Harborfront Park is an asset, but it’s very active. This I think is a completely different park.” The mayor added, “I’m looking forward to seeing this come to fruition.”
It seemed like an ordinary morning in Port Jeff village.
A thick layer of fog hung above the harbor, leaving the smokestacks of the power plant only partially visible from Main Street. Traffic was normal, businesses were open to the public and pedestrians strolled through the blocks and public spaces as usual.
Despite the relative calm of the village, the decks of a Port Jefferson ferry boat were anything but normal. From inside the boat, one could hear the shriek of a madman, the sporadic fire of blank rounds, and the scrambling of passengers as they hid for cover.
None of these scenes were real, however. These were drills carried out by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and part of a tactical defense education program for ferry staff and crew.
Crew members went through multiple rounds of these drills aboard the Port Jefferson-Bridgeport Ferry, Friday, May 13. The training services are designed to educate staff on proper threat mitigation techniques, instructing them how to disarm potentially dangerous individuals in the event of an emergency.
In one training scenario, two crew members successfully ambushed and disarmed the threat on board, above. Photo by Raymond Janis
James McGuire, company security officer and port captain at the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, said the ferry company holds annual defensive training courses to keep staff properly informed and trained.
“We’re doing some security training here just to get our men ready for the upcoming summer season,” he said. “We like to do annual training and the Sheriff’s department is helping us out with that.” He added, “Basically, they’re helping our crew learn defense tactics for potentially unruly passengers.”
“Ultimately, if you can’t avoid or deny, then defend yourself. Do whatever you can to stop the threat.”
— Capt. Scott Walsh
Capt. Scott Walsh of the Sheriff’s Office summarized the department’s intent for these demonstrations. In the event of an active threat, crew members are advised to avoid, deny and defend.
“First, avoid if possible and get away from the threat,” he said, “Second, deny the threat access to you — if you’re in a room, then lock the door and do anything you can to deny the threat access.” He added, “Ultimately, if you can’t avoid or deny, then defend yourself. Do whatever you can to stop the threat.”
The guided training between the Sheriff’s Office and ferry personnel lasted over the span of two days. The first day included what the department calls a threat assessment, which included an evaluation of the boat’s layout to identify the proper training strategies.
“We came here and did some walk-throughs of the ferry with staff to create a plan for any type of emergency scenario,” Walsh said.
The second day included the tactical training demonstrations. During this program, the staff were guided by department representatives in a variety of formats.
Passengers were instructed to find cover and get to safety, above. Photo by Raymond Janis
“Beyond doing the scenarios and drills, they also did a classroom session with PowerPoints educating them on different types of response techniques,” said a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office. “We’re training everybody on the ferry from top to bottom, from the captain to the first officer, chief engineer and deck hands.”
In one simulated threat scenario, a man in a hoodie fired blank rounds in the ferry cabin. Crew were instructed first to get any passengers to safety, then to disarm the threat. Hiding behind a locked door, the staff successfully ambushed and disarmed the target, neutralizing the threat on board.
Andrew Elsalam, deckhand on the ferry, was part of the demonstration. He described his role in the training regimen.
“In this situation, we were instructed to be proactive, to fight and grab anything close to you, like extinguishers and anything that could subdue the target,” he said. “Another crew member and I were behind the door, and as the threat approached my co-worker grabbed the weapon as I grabbed and secured the target, making sure that he was no longer a threat.”
Elsalam added that training services such as those offered by the Sheriff’s Office give him a sense of confidence when approaching his job.
“I feel like it’s all about repetition and staying on top of it,” he said. “We do Tuesday drills, such as man overboard, fire emergency and abandoned ship drills. Maybe we can incorporate this into our drills and that way we can become proficient and prepared without having to think twice.”
These training services are available free of charge through the Sheriff’s Office. They are offered for institutions throughout the county that represent a significant public need.
“Sheriff [Errol] Toulon [D] has made it a priority for the Sheriff’s Office to interact and engage with the community,” Walsh said. “The ferry had reached out to us saying that they would like some active threat training, so we were happy to assist with that.”
To learn more about the various programs offered through the Sheriff’s Office, visit www.suffolkcountysheriffsoffice.com.
Republican legislators at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge, above. Photo by Raymond Janis
County legislators met on the floor of the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge May 12 to announce legislation that would solidify term limits for elected officials in Suffolk County.
If passed, the proposed legislation would limit the offices of county executive, comptroller and legislators to a total of 12 years. Proponents argue the measure will remove a loophole in the law that allows individuals to exceed the 12-year threshold.
Term limits were first instituted in Suffolk County in 1993 by voter referendum. However, the statute was ambiguous, according to Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport).
“In 1993 Suffolk County voters went to the polls and approved term limits that dictate an elected official in the Legislature, the comptroller or the county executive could not serve in the same office [beyond] 12 consecutive years,” Bontempi said. “However, that still leaves the possibility for a candidate to run for that office again after a break in the 12 years.”
Bontempi’s proposed legislation would close this loophole. If enacted, the law would mandate that no person could serve more than 12 cumulative years in office.
Last year, former county Legislator Kate Browning (D-Shirley) campaigned in a special election for the 3rd Legislative District. Despite previously serving in the Legislature for 12 years, Browning received the Democratic nomination following an appellate court panel ruling. She was defeated in that race by current Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches) by a 55-45% margin and again in November’s election by 63-37%.
Mazzarella said this legislation will prevent a similar scenario from unfolding in the future, cementing 12-year term limits in Suffolk for good.
“A year ago when I first ran for office, a former legislator who had already served 12 years tried to game the system and run again,” Mazzarella said. “I could tell by being out there with the voters that the electorate at the time felt duped. Ultimately, the voters did make their feelings known at the ballot box and I was elected as legislator.” He added, “This law needs to be put in place to guarantee that voters are properly represented.”
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) is sponsoring legislation to solidify term limits for county officeholders. Photo by Raymond Janis
Bontempi said the purpose of the legislation is to bring fresh blood into the political process and to add more opportunities for newcomers in county government. “The goal here is for the majority to provide Suffolk County voters new candidates who can bring new ideas and new perspectives to their offices,” she said, adding, “Our communities are ever changing, and leadership should reflect those changes.”
Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) said voters approved term limits in 1993 with an understanding that it would prevent elected officers from serving more than 12 years. He considers this new legislation a way to reinstate the law’s original intent.
“In 1993 the voters overwhelmingly approved and passed term-limit laws,” McCaffrey said. “Their intent, as was our intent, was to make it a 12-year term.” The presiding officer added, “We want to make sure that we codify it. We’re going to put it up as a referendum for the voters after this resolution is passed, and we expect them to overwhelmingly support this referendum.”
While this legislation will impose definitive term limits on several offices, there are some notable exemptions. The offices of county sheriff, county clerk and district attorney are each mandated by the state constitution and thereby cannot be regulated by county law, according to McCaffrey.
“Those are state-mandated offices and we do not have the ability to control them,” the presiding officer said.
A vote on Bontempi’s legislation is expected in early June. If the resolution is passed by the Legislature, voters will have final say on the matter in a referendum this November.
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