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By Raymond Janis

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.

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Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a man in Saint James in the morning hours of Saturday, May 14.

Robert Greene was driving a 2012 Ford Taurus eastbound on Middle Country Road when his vehicle struck a 2022 International tractor trailer backing in to an Acura dealership, located at 780 Middle Country Road, at approximately 3:35 a.m.

Greene, 33, of South Setauket, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor trailer, Azeddine Fridjat, 57, of Enfield, Connecticut, was not injured.

The Ford was impounded for a safety check. The tractor trailer was inspected at the scene by officers from the Motor Carrier Safety Section.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.

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The following incidents have been reported by Suffolk County Police:

Centerport

■ A 2019 Honda Pilot valued at $20,000 was stolen from a driveway on Arthur Street in Centerport on April 26. The keys had been left inside the unlocked vehicle. 

■ A resident on Coolidge Drive in Centerport reported that his 2017 Toyota Prius was stolen from his driveway on April 26. The vehicle, valued at $18,000, had been left unlocked with the keys inside.

Centereach

■ Walgreens on Middle Country Road in Centereach reported a shoplifter on April 26. A woman allegedly stole assorted cleaning products valued at $100.

■ Walgreens on Middle Country Road in Centereach reported that a man allegedly stole 12 cases of beer valued at $170 on April 26. 

■ A customer shopping at Walmart on Middle Country Road in Centereach reported that her wallet was stolen from her purse which had been left unattended in a shopping cart on April 30.

Cold Spring Harbor

■ A resident on Glen Way in Cold Spring Harbor called the police to report that his 2022 Mercedes Benz GLC300 was stolen from his driveway on April 30. The vehicle was valued at $55,000. The keys may have been left inside.

Commack

■ Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack reported that a man allegedly broke a lock to a cabinet on April 29 and stole Nintendo game cards valued at approximately $300 before fleeing. The lock was valued at $200.

■ A shoplifter was reported at Marshalls on Henry Street in Commack on April 29. A woman allegedly stole assorted clothing items valued at approximately $270.

Greenlawn

■ A resident on Massey Court in Greenlawn reported that his BMW X5 was stolen on April 26. The vehicle, which was left unlocked with the keys in it, was valued at $30,000.

Huntington Station

■ Prestige Auto Wraps & Detailing on West Pulaski Road in Huntington Station reported that a customer’s 2021 Jeep was stolen from the premises on April 29. 

■ Target on East Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station reported that three men entered the store on April 24 and allegedly stole a Cricut cutting machine valued at $430 and miscellaneous cleaning supplies totaling $150. 

■ A customer at Dunkin Donuts on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station reported that he left his 1998 Dodge Stratus running and unattended with the keys inside on April 25 and when he came out of the store the car was gone. 

■ A customer shopping at Food Plaza on New York Avenue in Huntington Station on April 26 reported that her cell phone was stolen from her unattended pocketbook.

■ USA Gas on New York Avenue in Huntington Station called the police on April 28 to report that a man allegedly pumped $80 worth of gas and left without paying.

Lake Grove

■ A resident on Chester Street in Lake Grove called the police on April 26 to report that someone stole four ADT security key pads from a bin in their yard. The items were valued at $300.

■ Macy’s at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove reported a grand larceny on April 26. Three women and a man allegedly stole miscellaneous clothing valued at over $2100.

■ Victoria’s Secret at the Smith Haven Mall called the police to report that two women allegedly stole assorted apparel valued at approximately $2,000 on April 29.

■ Verizon Wireless at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove reported that man entered the store and allegedly stole an iPhone 13 Pro Max valued at $1,100 on April 18.

Mount Sinai

■ Rite Aid on Nesconset Highway in Mount Sinai reported that two men allegedly stole 16 cases of assorted beers valued at $270 on April 25.

Nesconset

■ A Samsung Galaxy tablet with a case was stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked on Smithtown Blvd. in Nesconset on April 27. 

Port Jefferson Station

■ Assorted hand tools and a pair of sunglasses valued at approximately $2150 were allegedly stolen from a building under construction at Brightview Senior Living on Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station on April 26.

St. James

■ A resident on Woodlawn Avenue in St. James reported that a 2016 Yamaha Quad YFZ450R was stolen from their backyard shed on April 27. The vehicle was valued at $8,000.

South Setauket

■ Target on Pond Path in South Setauket reported a shoplifter on April 29. A man and a woman allegedly stole eight LEGO sets and cans of Enfamil. The merchandise was valued at $1,165.

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.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

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Suffolk County Police arrested a man on Sunday, May 1 after he stabbed another man in Port Jefferson.

Two men were engaged in a verbal confrontation that became physical on Main Street, near Arden Place, when one of the men stabbed the other in the arm  at approximately 2 a.m. The victim, who is 20 years old, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

Sixth Precinct officers canvassed the area and arrested Nicholas Thornton a short time later. Sixth Squad detectives charged Thornton, 32, of St. James, with Assault 2nd Degree. Thornton is being held at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned later today at First District Court in Central Islip.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a shooting that killed a man in Ronkonkoma on Friday, April 29.

Fourth Precinct police officers responded to a 911 call of shots fired in front of 385 Wildwood Road at approximately 8:50 a.m. Upon arrival, it was determined Terry Long, 32, a resident of the home, had been shot outside the residence.

Long was transported by ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police.

Centerport

■ A resident on Lakeside Drive in Centerport called the police to report that a wallet containing credit cards was removed from a vehicle parked in front of the home on April 20. Charges were later made on the card.

Commack

■ Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack reported a shoplifter on April 22. A woman allegedly attempted to steal 44 assorted home goods valued at $828. She was arrested at the door.

■ Four women entered Dick’s Sporting Goods on Jericho Turnpike in Commack on April 22 and allegedly stole numerous Nike clothing worth approximately $2,000.

■ A man entered Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack on April 17, broke a lock on the video game case and allegedly stole 12 SONY PS4 video games worth $586.

■ Two women entered Dick’s Sporting Goods on Jericho Turnpike in Commack on April 22, allegedly removed two backpacks from the shelf, and stuffed them with clothing before walking out of the store. The merchandise was valued at approximately $500.

■ Shoprite on Garet Place in Commack called the police on April 18 to report that a woman allegedly stole 5 Zyrtec and 3 Allegra bottles worth $344.

■ Ulta Beauty, Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack called the police on April 17 to report that a man entered the store, removed 10 Chanel women fragrances from the shelf and allegedly walked out without paying. The merchandise was valued at $1064.

■ A woman shopping at BJ’s Wholesale Club on Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack on April 20 reported that a man allegedly stole her wallet from an unattended shopping cart.

East Setauket

■ Kohl’s on Nesconset Highway in East Setauket called the police on April 19 to report that a man and a woman allegedly stole assorted clothing items worth $853.

Huntington Station

■ Target on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station reported a shoplifter on April 19. A woman allegedly stole clothing and groceries and cleaning supplies worth approximately $120.

■ Two men entered Best Buy on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station on April 18 and allegedly stole Wi-Fi routers worth $1,679. 

■ Target on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station called the police on April 21 to report a shoplifter. A woman allegedly stole 16 market items, 5 pharmacy items and one bedding item worth $188.

Kings Park

■ A resident on Main Street in Kings Park called the police on April 20 to report that someone stole their dirt bike from their property on April 20. The vehicle, a yellow 2014 Suzuki DR-Z, was valued at $3,000.

■ A resident on Beaver Drive in Kings Park reported that someone entered their vehicle and stole a wallet with cash on April 20.

Lake Grove

■ Zumiez at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove reported that two women allegedly stole numerous items of clothing from the store on April 23. The merchandise was valued at $224.

Miller Place

■ Two pocketbooks containing cash, credit cards, and keys along with Ray-Ban sunglasses were stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked at Sylvan Avenue Park in Miller Place on April 18.

Port Jefferson Station

■ An unknown person entered a construction site at Brightview Port Jefferson on Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station between April 15 and April 18 and stole $4,700 worth of copper wire.

Rocky Point

■ Kohl’s on Route 25A in Rocky Point reported a shoplifter on April 22. A person allegedly stole a Remington men’s razor valued at $120.

Selden

■ Walgreens on Middle Country Road in Selden reported a shoplifter on April 21. A man allegedly stole 10 cases of Modelo beer worth $160.

■ Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden called the police on April 18 to report that a man allegedly took two DeWalt pressure washers out the store without paying. The items were valued at $999.

Smithtown

■ A resident on Ledgewood Drive in Smithtown called the police to report that his 2017 Nissan Ultima with multiple tools inside was stolen on April 19. The vehicle, which was unlocked and had the keys inside, was valued at $20,000.The tools were valued at $2,000.

South Setauket

■ Target on Pond Path in South Setauket reported a shoplifter on April 19. A man allegedly stole a Roomba vacuum worth $580.

Stony Brook

■ A vehicle was broken into on Sand Street in Stony Brook on April 23. A window was smashed and a wallet was removed. A second unlocked vehicle was entered and a a wallet was stolen.

■ Lowe’s Home Improvement on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook reported a petit larceny on April 18. A man allegedly stole 11 Romex white electrical wire at 250 feet each. The items were valued at $1364.

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.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

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The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police:

Centereach

■ Walmart on Middle Country Road in Centereach reported a shoplifter on April 5. A man allegedly stole a 55 inch TLC 4k Smart TV worth $319.

Centerport

■ A resident on Ridgefield Road in Centerport reported that someone entered their unlocked vehicle on April 8 and removed a laptop, two iPads and a backpack. The stolen items were valued at over $2,000.

■ A resident on Lone Oak Drive in Centerport reported that someone entered their unlocked vehicle on April 8 and stole a wallet containing cash and credit cards.

Commack

■ Home Depot on Crooked Hill Road in Commack reported a shoplifter on April 8. A man allegedly stole BX copper wire valued at $838.

Dix Hills

■ A 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 containing miscellaneous tools, speakers and sunglasses was stolen from a residence on Deer Park Avenue in Dix Hills on April 7. The vehicle was valued at $6,000.

East Setauket

■ Setauket Gourmet Deli on Route 25A in East Setauket was burglarized on April 7. Unknown suspects entered through the roof and stole cash, two metal safes and a DVR.

Halesite

■ Three Dell laptops were stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked on Baywood Place in Halesite on April 7.

Head of the Harbor

■ A resident on Muffins Meadow Road in Head of the Harbor called the police on April 6 to report that someone entered their unlocked vehicle and stole cash and credit cards.

Huntington

■ A 2019 Mercedes Benz G43 was stolen from a residence on Cove Road in Huntington on April 6. The vehicle was valued at $49,000.

Huntington Station

■ Target on East Jericho Turnpike called the police on April 4 to report that two women allegedly stole assorted health and beauty products valued at $1377.

Lake Grove

■ Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove reported a shoplifter on April 6. A man allegedly stole four TaylorMade golf clubs valued at $2,550.

■ Macy’s at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove called the police on April 9 to report that a person entered the store and allegedly stole miscellaneous clothing items worth $230.

Rocky Point

■ Kohl’s on Route 25A in Rocky Point reported a shoplifter on April 5. A woman allegedly stole assorted clothing items valued at $557.

■ Kohl’s on Route 25A in Rocky Point called the police on April 8 to report a man allegedly stole a vacuum worth $217 from the store.

Port Jefferson Station

■ A resident on Viceroy Place in Port Jefferson Station called the police to report that his 2016 Dodge Charger was stolen with the keys inside in front of his home on April 6. The vehicle was valued at $10,000.

Selden

■ CVS on Middle Country Road in Selden reported at shoplifter on April 7. A woman allegedly stole 6 boxes of diapers worth $210 and bath items worth $30.

■ A petit larceny was reported at Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden on April 7. A man allegedly stole a Dewalt table saw worth $640.

■ Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden reported a shoplifter on April 8. A woman allegedly placed 40 GFI outlets and one light fixture in her shopping cart and walked out without paying. The merchandise was valued at $2,000.

Stony Brook

■ A 2017 Mercedes B Model G30 was reported stolen from the driveway of a residence on Spencer Lane in Stony Brook on April 2. The vehicle was valued at $50,000.

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.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

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Sheriff Toulon said he intends to address mental health and substance abuse during his second term. Photo from Toulon’s office

This week, TBR News Media had an exclusive interview with Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. (D). During our conversation with the sheriff, he addressed his battles with cancer, the challenges of steering the sheriff’s department through a pandemic and his surprising place in the history of the New York Yankees.

Sheriff, what is your professional background and how did you land in the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office?

I started my career in 1982 as a New York City correction officer and I worked with the New York City Department of Corrections for 22 years on the uniform side. From 1982 until 2004, I worked on various assignments in numerous jails throughout the department. We had almost 25,000 inmates in our city system back then. I worked in our emergency services unit for almost 10 years. I was a captain there and also a captain in our detectives unit for almost three years before I retired. I also worked in the compliance division toward the end of my career.

I had to leave because I had some health issues. I’m a two-time cancer survivor. Uniquely, after I was able to recover from my illnesses, I went back to school to finish my bachelor’s, master’s and I received a doctorate in education. I worked with County Executive [Steve] Bellone [D] as his assistant deputy county executive for public safety for almost two years, where I tell people that I truly got an understanding of the landscape of Suffolk County. Then, I returned back to New York City as the deputy commissioner of operations, overseeing almost all of the operational aspects of the department from 2014 until 2017. I then decided to run for sheriff in September of 2017.

How has your battle with cancer impacted both your outlook on life and the work that you do for Suffolk County?

One of the things that I realized as a two-time cancer survivor is that you never know what the person next to you — whether you’re on the ball field watching kids play or you’re in the movie theater or the supermarket — you don’t know if someone has health issues, financial issues, relationship issues. I think I have become a lot more sympathetic and also empathetic to the plights that people are going through.

Earlier in your career, you worked at Rikers Island. How has that experience shaped your later approach as county sheriff?

My father was a warden on Rikers Island for 36 years, starting off as a correction officer. I remember during one of the early conversations I had with him, I asked him about his employment. He said, ‘We rehabilitate men and women who are in jail.’ That kind of resonated with me throughout my career. 

When I became sheriff, I noticed that almost 85% of the men and women that are in our custody are returning back to our communities. In order to help them and to have less victims in our communities, while we have them within our custody why not try to provide them with the resources so that they can be successful when they return back to our communities?

What are some of the struggles that your department had encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how did you attempt to overcome them?

When I was the deputy commissioner, we had to deal with the H1N1 and Ebola viruses. When we learned about COVID-19 in Washington state in 2020, we started preparing for the possibility of there being an outbreak. By the end of February, we had our plans set. We implemented them around the second week of March because the first [confirmed] case of COVID in New York state was March 1 and the first case in Suffolk County was March 8. By that second week of March, we started implementing measures of social distancing; we had masks that were mandated to be worn; we started doing temperature checks; and we told our staff that if they were not feeling well or had any of the signs of identified symptoms for COVID-19, that they should seek out their health care professionals. 

With the jails, we cleaned our facilities three to four times per day. Inmates were required to wear masks. We were able to “cell skip’’ our inmates, so instead of inmates being in cells 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, they were in cells 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. We did stop visits because, if you remember, [former] Governor [Andrew] Cuomo [D] had said that if we shut down visits for two weeks, we’d be OK. We did shut down our visits for any individuals coming in and for any service providers entering our jails. It proved to be somewhat successful, but we had to do it for longer than we anticipated. 

From March, when we first implemented those measures, until the beginning of December, we only had five inmates that had tested positive — and I should say, three tested positive in the jails, two came into the jail positive. I think we were very successful.

What we also did was that every newly admitted inmate had to go into a quarantine for 14 days while our medical staff checked up on them three or four times a day. We wanted to make sure that our new admission inmates weren’t exposing any inmates that had been in our custody with any potential virus. 

You were recently sworn in for a second term as sheriff. What is your vision for the next four years at the department?

There are three things that I’m working on.

Mental health and substance abuse seem to be the primary traits for the majority of the men and women not only in our custody but throughout the nation’s prisons and jails. We’re working very hard to understand those two components because we want to be able to help those men and women, and even those that are not in jail — maybe there’s no criminal activity in their lifestyles, but they’re still suffering. 

We want to see what we can do, working with various community partners and service providers to look more holistically and see what’s going on. We do understand, even with some of our youth, who we are learning may have adverse childhood experiences, not only are they experiencing mental health and substance abuse in the home, but there are also traumatic issues, domestic violence issues and socioeconomic challenges. Those are the things we intend to focus on.

We’re also looking to create the first network of information sharing for jails and prisons throughout the United States. We think this will be very beneficial. We know that most police departments are sharing information with each other, but jails and prisons throughout the country are not. We want to tap into that resource because if we learn of different trends that are occurring, we can also alert our law enforcement partners to these things that are occurring, specifically in the jails and prisons throughout our region and our country. 

Your office has donated bulletproof vests to the people of Ukraine. What are some of the other philanthropic initiatives that your office has been part of to benefit both Suffolk County and the greater global community?

That was a start by donating those decommissioned vests, but one of the things we are embarking on is that the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is now an advisory component to a sheriff’s foundation. This is not run by the Sheriff’s Office, but by a group of individuals. They’re a 501(c)(3) and their goal is to have fundraising events. We do so much in the community that they want to assist us in really helping these kids that are having certain issues. Whether it is donating school supplies or the various community events that we want to do, we want to strengthen the bond between the community and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.

Also, we really want to engage our youth because they are the ones that we want to make sure are on the right path, that they look at law enforcement as a positive role model, and that they maybe even want to come join our forces and work at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.

You are the first African American elected as Suffolk County sheriff. What does that distinction mean to you?

To me, and I know that’s something that has been said to me a lot, my first goal is to be the best sheriff possible, regardless of my race. I do realize that being the first African American not only as sheriff, but the first African American elected to a nonjudicial county-wide position on Long Island, Nassau or Suffolk, it’s something that I’m very cognizant of wherever and whenever I go somewhere. 

I know there are a lot of people looking at me, some favorably and some unfavorably. I think I need to be who I am and not necessarily who people perceive due to the color of my skin. 

Baseball season is now underway and I have learned that you also occupy a place in the history of the New York Yankees. Could you elaborate on this?

Yes. I was fortunate enough in 1979 and 1980 to be a bat boy with the New York Yankees. They had just come off of back-to-back World Series championships in 1977 and 1978. Tragically, in 1979 our captain, Thurman Munson, was killed in a plane crash and we fell short of making the playoffs that year. Subsequently, in 1980 we did make the playoffs, but we lost three straight to the Kansas City Royals. In the third game, I was the ball boy down the right field line watching George Brett hit a three-run homer off of Goose Gossage, which went into the upper deck. I realized then that my career as a bat boy had quickly come to an end. 

What are your thoughts on Aaron Judge’s contract fiasco? 

I hope they do sign him. I think he’s proven to be not only a great ballplayer when he’s not injured, but more importantly a great role model. Mr. [Joe] DiMaggio and Mr. [George] Steinbrenner — both of whom I was fortunate enough to meet and speak with — would say that he is the type of person they would want to be a Yankee for his entire career, very similar to Derek Jeter.

Sheriff, thank you for taking this interview. Is there anything else that you would like to say to our local readers?

Yes. I firmly believe that the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is changing the paradigm of criminal justice, not just in Suffolk County but throughout New York state. We’re continuing to look for partners, both from the governmental side but also the community side, to make sure that we are not only able to engage but also help those that need us. That’s why we’re here. We’re really here to help our community.

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The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police:

Commack

■Ulta Beauty on Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack reported a grand larceny on April 1. Two men allegedly stole 30 assorted bottles of perfume valued at $5,394.

■Home Depot on Crooked Hill Road in Commack reported a shoplifter on April 2. A man allegedly stole a chop saw, circular saw, sawmill and a HP air compressor. The merchandise was valued at $815.

■Home Depot on Jericho Turnpike in Commack called the police on March 28 to report that two men allegedly walked out of the store with two ECHO chainsaws worth $780 without paying for them.

■Target on Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack was the victim of a pattern storewide gift card scam on March 29. A person pretending to be from corporate called and requested that gift cards be loaded in the amount of $5,200.

East Northport

■Walgreens on Fort Salonga Road in East Northport reported shoplifters on March 30. Two men allegedly stole assorted Crest whitening products valued at $732.

East Setauket

■Walmart on Nesconset Highway in East Setauket called the police on March 30 to report that a man allegedly stole a Goodyear compressor worth $180 and a Hyper Tough toolkit worth $178.

Farmingville

■Burlington Store on North Ocean Avenue in Farmingville reported a shoplifter on March 29. A woman allegedly stole assorted baby clothing worth approximately $250.

Greenlawn

■A resident on Depew Street in Greenlawn reported that his  1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen on March 28. The vehicle was valued at $3,000.

Huntington Station

■Petco on New York Avenue in Huntington Station reported a shoplifter on March 27. A man allegedly stole a 30 pound bag of Merrick dog food worth $65.

■Ulta Beauty on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station reported a grand larceny on March 30. Three men allegedly stole assorted fragrances and other items worth $9,200.

Kings Park

■ A resident on Columbine Lane in Kings Park called the police on March 30 to report that his car was stolen from his driveway on March 20. The vehicle was valued at $45,000.

■A 2019 Kia Stinger worth $35,000 along with a laptop and cell phone inside was stolen from a residence on Jasmine Lane in Kings Park on March 31.

■A purse containing cash and credit cards was reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle in front of a residence on Columbine Lane in Kings Park on March 30.

Lake Grove

■Retail store Charlotte Russe at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove reported a petit larceny on April 1. A man and a woman allegedly stole merchandise valued at $90.

■Macy’s at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove called the police on March 28 to report that a man allegedly opened an unoccupied cash register and stole $830 while three other men served as lookouts.

■IHOP on Alexander Avenue in Lake Grove was burglarized on March 29. An unknown person threw a brick through the front window to gain access and removed the cash drawer from the register.

■Macy’s at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove reported a shoplifter on March 29. A man allegedly stole assorted men’s Polo clothing worth $3583.

Melville

■Roast Sandwich House on Walt Whitman Road in Melville  was burglarized on April 1. Someone pried open the side door and stole cash from the register.

Mount Sinai

■Old Coach Motors on Route 25A in Mount Sinai reported a grand larceny on March 27. Someone stole a 2022 Alpha Cargo enclosed trailer worth $6200.

Nesconset

■Giorgio’s Pizzeria on Smithtown Blvd. in Nesconset reported a burglary on April 2. An unknown man threw a brick through the front door around 1 a.m. and stole cash.

■Costco on Middle Country Road in Nesconset reported a shoplifter on March 27. A man allegedly stole a yellow and yellow SE Fat Ripper bicycle valued at $900.

Rocky Point

■A resident on Locust Drive in Rocky Point reported that someone entered his unlocked vehicle on March 31 and removed a camera lens and loose change.

■A resident on Xyris Road in Rocky Point called the police on March 31 to report that someone broke into his car and stole his phone, credit cards, gift cards, license and other important documents.

Port Jefferson

■A 2021 Ram TRX commercial vehicle was stolen from a residence on Old Homestead Road in Port Jefferson on March 30. The vehicle was worth $135,000.

Port Jefferson Station

■ShopRite on Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson Station reported a shoplifter on March 29. A man allegedly stole 9 assorted packages of seafood valued at approximately $200.

■Wing Wah Kitchen on Old Town Road in Port Jefferson Station reported a burglary on April 1. Someone broke the glass door with a rock to gain entry and stole cash.

St. James

■St. James Chinese Kitchen on Lake Avenue in St. James reported a burglary on March 31. Someone threw a large rock at the front glass door to gain entry and stole a cash register containing cash.

Smithtown

■Figaris’s Wine and Liquor on East Main Street in Smithtown reported that a man entered the store on April 2, took two bottles of Bacardi Rum off of the shelf and left without paying. The liquor was valued at $40.

■A resident on Jillit Drive in Smithtown reported the theft of a 2013 Kia Optima on April 1. The unlocked vehicle had been parked in the street with the keys inside.

Sound Beach

■A resident on Westbury Drive in Sound Beach reported that someone entered their vehicle on March 30 and stole a wallet containing cash.

■A resident on Floral Drive in Sound Beach reported that someone stole loose change from their unlocked vehicle on March 31.

■A purse, credit cards and ID were stolen from an unlocked vehicle on Brookhaven Drive in Sound Beach on March 31 by an unknown man.

South Setauket

■Home Depot on Pond Path in South Setauket reported a shoplifter on March 31. A man allegedly stole six spools of copper wire worth $2059.

Stony Brook

■A resident on Bailey Hollow Road in Stony Brook called the police on March 30 to report that someone walked up to their four vehicles and stole items from the one unlocked car. The incident was captured on the home’s ring camera.

■Lowes on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook reported a shoplifter on April 1. A woman allegedly stole three 500 foot AWG stranded commercial electric wiring The merchandise was valued at approximately $450

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.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

 

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The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police:

Centereach

■ A 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 worth approximately $30,000 was stolen from the front of a residence on Ruland Road in Centereach on March 23.

■ Walmart on Middle Country Road in Centereach reported a shoplifter on March 22. A man allegedly stole basketball gaming cards worth approximately $300.

Commack

■ Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack reported a shoplifter on March 23. A man allegedly stole an LG Soundbar worth $129.

■ Home Depot on Crooked Hill Road in Commack reported that a man allegedly stole 8 items of 250” electrical wire and other items worth $1320 on March 25.

■ Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack on March 25 called the police to report a shoplifter. A man allegedly stole an iRobot vacuum worth $219 and a Samsung stick vacuum worth $199.

■ Famous Footwear on Jericho Turnpike in Commack reported a shoplifter on March 21. A woman allegedly stole 4 pairs of Nike sneakers and assorted merchandise valued at over $400.

Farmingville

■ The Burlington Store on North Ocean Avenue in Farmingville reported a shoplifter on March 24. A woman allegedly stole 26 pieces of assorted clothing, a handbag and toys. The merchandise was valued at approximately $340.

Hauppauge

■ A resident on Devonshire Road in Hauppauge called the police after an Amazon package that was reported delivered was not found by the homeowner. A porch pirate was suspected.

Huntington Station

■ A man allegedly stole three Ember Mugs from a Target on East Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station on March 25. The total value of the merchandise was $429.

■ Target on East Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station reported a shoplifter on March 22. A man allegedly put 7 massage guns worth $1134 in a duffel bag and walked out of the store without paying.

■ Ulta Beauty on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station called the police on March 24 to report that two men entered the store, allegedly placed 92 perfume bottles in bags, and fled. The merchandise was valued at over $9000.

■ Gucci on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station reported a shoplifter on March 21. A woman allegedly took a Padlock Gucci bag off of the shelf, put it under her jacked and walked out of the store without paying. The handbag was valued at $1950.

Kings Park

■ A resident on Springmeadow Road in Kings Park reported that two men stole his unlocked vehicle, a 2013 BMW 328i worth $15,000, on March 25. The keys had been left inside the vehicle.

Lake Grove

■ Ulta Beauty on Middle Country Road in Lake Grove reported a grand larceny on March 25. Two men allegedly stole assorted fragrances worth $1500.

■ The Perfume Spot, a kiosk at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, reported the theft of 5 Creed fragrances on March 21. The perfumes were valued at $2175.

Miller Place

■ An unknown person broke into and stole items from at least five vehicles in the Miller Place and Mt. Sinai areas between March 26 and March 27. Most of the incidents took place between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m.

Mount Sinai

■ A woman visiting Heritage Park on Mount Sinai Coram Road in Mount Sinai called the police on March 25 after returning to her car and noticing that her purse was missing. Her vehicle had been unlocked.

Port Jefferson Station

■ Asphalt Supply on LI on Comsewogue Road in Port Jefferson Station was the victim of a grand larceny on March 23. Video captured a man stealing a S650 Bobcat loader worth $60,000 from the yard.

Rocky Point

■ The police were called to Kohls on Route 25A in Rocky Point after a man and a woman allegedly stole assorted clothing worth $1044 on March 21.

■ A resident on Laurel Road in Rocky Point reported that someone stole an iPhone and a wallet containing credit cards from his unlocked car in the driveway on March 18.

Selden

■ Target on Middle Country in Selden called the police on March 22 to report that a man allegedly stole a stand mixer worth $380 and a coffeemaker worth $190.

■ Target on Middle Country Road in Selden reported a shoplifter on March 24. A man allegedly stole a KitchenAid worth $380, a Keurig worth $130 and a microwave valued at $80.

■ Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden reported a shoplifter on March 21. A man allegedly stole a Milwaukee chainsaw worth $269.

South Setauket

■ Home Depot on Pond Path in South Setauket reported a petit larceny on March 25. A man allegedly stole three assorted tools valued at $950.

Stony Brook

■ Lowes on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook called the police on March 26 to report the theft of merchandise. A man allegedly stole a Bosch Laser Level worth $650, 3 Lithium Ion power tool batteries worth $510 and a Metabo power tool combo kit worth $300.

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.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

 

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