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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

Catalina to Serve as the 16th Police Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department

On Feb. 5, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine joined with the Suffolk County Legislature, Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo, and members of the Suffolk County Police Department as Kevin Catalina was sworn in as the 16th commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department.

Catalina’s nomination was approved by the Suffolk County Legislature at its Feb. 4, general meeting. Catalina, who previously served as deputy police commissioner with the Suffolk County Police Department, has more than 33 years of law enforcement experience with two of the largest police departments in the country.

Kevin Catalina

“Today serves as a monumental day in Suffolk County as we are proud to introduce Kevin Catalina as our Police Commissioner formally,” Romaine said. “Commissioner Catalina is a man of honor and integrity and will serve as a tremendous leader of the men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department while serving as a steward to our communities.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to become commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department, the best police department in the country,” Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said. “This is a dream come true. I am excited to utilize my more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and work alongside a knowledgeable and professional executive team to implement strategies to continue to drive down crime while building relationships with our residents through community policing efforts.”

“Kevin Catalina has shown over the course of a distinguished career why he’s said to be “a cop’s cop,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey.  “I fully expect that the leadership, innovation, and achievements that make up his remarkable experience over three decades will prove invaluable in making Suffolk County a safer place. I’m proud to support him as commissioner.”

Commissioner Catalina is nationally recognized as a subject matter expert and innovator of anti-gang violence strategies. He brings 20 years of experience on the executive level, which has led to a unique crime prevention and management skill set.

Before his time at the SCPD, Catalina served as the undersheriff for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office for more than five years. Catalina oversaw approximately 250 deputy sheriffs as well as the Corrections Division Intelligence Bureau of 30 investigators and a unit of analysts. Catalina was successful in creating and implementing a corrections-based intelligence model utilizing jail-based intelligence that assisted in solving and preventing crimes within the community.

Catalina’s law enforcement career began in 1992 as a police officer in the New York Police Department’s 103rd Precinct. He quickly moved up the ranks, spending 20 years in supervisory roles including three stints as a commanding officer.

Catalina was then promoted to deputy Chief and served as the Commanding Officer of the Gang Division. Catalina developed and implemented all gang investigative and suppression strategies that continue to be utilized citywide.

METRO photo

Program Assists First Time Homebuyers Achieve the ‘American Dream’

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced on Jan. 27 that the County is accepting applications for the Down Payment Assistance Program, which provides eligible first-time homebuyers up to $30,000 on a purchase of a single-family residence under the condition that they live in the home for at least 10 years. Applications are being accepted through April 1, 2025.

“We are committed to making Suffolk County more affordable by offering young professionals and first-time buyers the assistance to achieve their dreams of home ownership,” said Romaine. “By offering our residents further assistance and financial relief, we will be able to build a brighter future for our communities.”

The program, which was launched in 1993, provides eligible, first-time homebuyers with a conditional grant of up to $30,000 to use towards their down payment.  The buyer is responsible for the balance of the down payment and all the closing costs. Last year, the program assisted in six closings, totaling $162,000 in assistance.

All applicants are required to attend housing counseling prior to submitting an application. The property must be a single-family residence with no rental units and may be a pre-existing or newly constructed single-family residence, condominium, co-operative apartment (Co-op) or manufactured home. The maximum appraised value cannot exceed $551,000.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a first-time homebuyer, defined by HUD as a person who has not owned a home during the three year period immediately prior to the purchase of a residence with HOME funding.
  • Have an adjusted gross household income must be within the HUD guidelines (listed in the application).
  • Occupy the property as their principal residence for 10 years.
  • Attend homebuyer counseling at a HUD certified not-for-profit housing agency in person.
  • Not have entered a Contract of Sale to purchase a home prior to being awarded a Purchaser Certificate from the Suffolk County Community Development Office.
  • Have minimum of $3,000 of their own funds at the time of application in their savings, checking or investment accounts.

Residents are advised to visit SCDownpayment.com to download the application and guidelines as well as the program’s Quick Reference Guide in English and Spanish.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Suffolk County Office of Community Development at 631-853-5705 or [email protected].

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced that the Suffolk County Veterans Emergency Assistance Commission is now accepting applications from veterans in need of home heating assistance. Consideration is given to all home heating options and to minor home heating system repairs.

“With all the pressures facing our heroic veterans, staying warm at night should not be one of their concerns,” said Romaine.

The Commission has $100,000 at its disposal for 2025. Members of prominent veterans’ organizations determine eligibility and sit on the commission.

“Suffolk County serves the largest population of veterans in New York State. Our office has identified there is a need for veterans, especially those on a fixed income, with assistance paying the high cost of heating their homes. These heroes that served our country in times of peace and during war deserve the help that the Suffolk County Legislature has provided through the Veterans Emergency Home Heating Assistance Program,” said Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency Director Marcelle Leis.

If you are interested in learning more and/or applying for the Veterans Emergency Home Heating Assistance Program, please contact the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency at (631) 853-8387 or email at veteransinfo@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Recipient Criteria:

•           Completed Application

•           DD Form 214 with Character of Discharge Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions

•           Household Income (W-2, Disability Rating, Social Security, etc.)

•           Proof of Heating Expenses (oil, electricity, gas) or Boiler/Pluming Estimate

•           Narrative letter describing need for assistance

All above information must be submitted with application to:

Keith O’Reilly, VSO

Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency

100 Veterans Memorial Hwy.

P.O. Box 6100

Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099

Photo courtesy of County Executive Romaine's office

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk County officials recently congratulated 20 local students who completed the Suffolk County Fire Academy’s Junior Firefighter Program.

The graduates, who serve as junior members for their local volunteer fire departments, completed the New York State Basic Exterior Fire Operations program that will give them a head start to fulfill the requirements to become an active firefighter once they reach the required age.

“Suffolk County is proud to revitalize the Junior Firefighter Program as we focus on creating new recruitment and retention initiatives within the local fire service,” said County Executive Romaine. “By engaging our young people and junior firefighters, we will ensure that our first responder agencies will have the necessary resources to serve our communities for years to come.”

The Junior Firefighter Program started at the end of August 2024. Students met with instructors from the Suffolk County Fire Academy and Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services for 15 weeks to learn about various firefighting topics, including building construction, fire dynamics and fire suppression.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and County Clerk Vincent Puleo joined the Mastic Fire Department and Mastic Volunteer Ambulance to recognize 28-year-old Kayla Masotto of Mastic Beach, who saved a man that fell through the ice on the Poospatuck Creek in Mastic.

On Thursday, December 26 at 12:30 p.m., Kayla heard the commotion behind her home. She retrieved a paddle board and immediately headed out onto the icy creek.  Kayla risked her own life and effectively paddled across where she was able to approach the victim and pull him up onto her paddle board.  They were then thrown a rope from three good samaritans, Joseph Wahl, Tony Orsi and Alyssa Treadwell, and pulled safely to the shore.

To see a video of the rescue:  https://we.tl/t-jif5XtFP20

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Pictured from left, Robert Waring, Ed Hugh, Thomas Joy, and Chief of Patrol Gerard Hardy. Photo courtesy of SCPD

Suffolk County Police Detective Edwin Hugh and Police Officer Thomas Joy were among the recipients announced during the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing ceremony in Washington D.C. on December 4.

This prestigious award recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to strengthening trust, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public safety.

The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and Tribal sworn officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded individuals have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing. Twenty-one people were honored in those categories.

Detective Hugh and Police Officer Joy were honored in the Innovations in Community Policing category for strengthening the department’s relationship with the Asian American community.

Ten years ago, the pair created a police fraternal nonprofit charity organization, the Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society. The goal was to create an organization for Asian American police officers to collaborate, serve as liaisons, encourage Asian Americans to serve their community, and celebrate Asian American culture.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, community police officers including Officer Joy and Detective Hugh transported people with no transportation and mobility problems to and from testing sites. They also provided meals and other personal comfort items to testing site staff, law enforcement and other essential workers to keep morale high.

Even though Suffolk County had very few incidents of hate crimes in the Asian American community, when they occurred, Detective Hugh and Officer Joy made themselves available to the Asian American community. Detective Hugh and Officer Joy became a liaison between the victims and the department and served as a support system to victims.

Officer Joy, being a Recruitment Officer for the department and having made close ties with the community through the Asian Jade Society, was successful in making recruitment information more available to Asian American communities. Those efforts doubled the number of Asian American and Muslim American officers.

“Suffolk County could not be more proud of our men and women who keep our communities safe, and the actions and dedication of Suffolk County Police Detective Edwin Hugh and Police Officer Thomas Joy perfectly exemplify the excellence of the Suffolk County law enforcement community,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said.

“The partnership between Detective Hugh and Officer Joy has benefitted the department and the Asian American community we serve,” said Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Robert Waring, who attended the ceremony. “Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus now have a strong relationship with the department leading to a high level of access and confidence and I look forward to continuing to build on that foundation.”

For more information about the awards, visit www.justice.gov

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

By Lisa Scott

Federal priorities and legislation will be markedly different in 2025. Donald Trump received 55% of Suffolk County votes for President, and both CD1 and CD2 Republican members of Congress were re-elected. (CD3 includes a very small part of northwestern Huntington, and re-elected their Democratic member of Congress). As we move through the coming year, it will be very important to stay in touch with your Congressional representative and express your opinions. If you are not sure of your CD or other elected officials, go to https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ and all your representative districts will be listed.

However, much of what affects our day-to-day lives is determined by New York State, Suffolk County and the 10 Towns that comprise Suffolk so our focus for 2025 should be familiarizing ourselves with local issues  and finances, and making our voices heard on these local levels. 

Suffolk County (according to the 2020 census) has a population of 1.5 million (578,940 households), with a 2024 Operating Budget Revenue of $5.172 billion and 2024 Operating Budget Expenditures of $4.133 billion. The taxable full valuation of property in the county is $405.5 billion. 

Revenue comes from property taxes, sales tax, state aid, federal aid, and other sources. The revenue stream included in the budget is only an estimate of the amounts that can be anticipated. If retail sales fall, the 8.625% sales tax yield will not be as great as anticipated. Similarly, if homeowners and business owners do not promptly pay their property tax, there is a shortfall. The county may borrow money in anticipation of receiving this revenue; therefore, debt service may be required because of this borrowing. 

Expenditures are for personnel, debt service, and a wide variety of services, such as police, education and economic assistance. About 39% of the $4.1 billion budget is mandated by various state and federal government programs, such as Medicaid, which restricts the freedom of the county to apportion expenditures. The remainder is “discretionary.”

Suffolk County’s proposed 2025 budget includes a tax increase for most homeowners, expected to average about $49 per home in Huntington, Smithtown and Brookhaven. The increase resulted from a shortfall in expected sales tax receipts, about $50 million less this year than what was projected, pension costs went up by about $43 million and health care costs went up by $66 million. Also Suffolk voters approved a clean water proposition in 2024; sales taxes will increase in March from 8.625% to 8.75%  (about 12 cents on a $100 purchase or $1.25 on a $1,000 purchase). 

Ed Romaine is our Suffolk County Executive ([email protected]) elected for a 4 year term. Other elected county-wide offices include Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr.  ([email protected]), Clerk Vincent Puleo ([email protected]), District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney ([email protected]) and Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr. (suffolk.sheriff@suffolkcounty ny.gov). 

There also is an 18 member Suffolk County Legislature, serving 2 year elected terms (term is limited to 12 years in office for all legislators). To find your SC Legislative District, go to https://www.scnylegislature.us/ and click on Find Your Representative. Then read up on your county legislator, find out what their priorities are and whether those are your priorities too. The General and committee meeting schedules are on the website, along with meeting minutes.

There are 13 committees which meet the week before each general (monthly) meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature to discuss proposed bills and issues and decide what moves forward to the full legislature. For example, the Veterans committee and Environment, Parks & Agriculture meet on Monday mornings, Economic Development, Planning and Housing on Wednesday afternoons and Public Safety on Thursday mornings. 

Since there are 10 Towns in Suffolk, and many incorporated Villages, there are other levels of representation, ordinances and codes. Concerned citizens need to navigate these levels and establish relationships with all your elected officials, so that when a question or issue arises, you are aware of which level of government has responsibility. Remember that elected officials work for YOU, and if you do not communicate clearly and responsibly your message will not receive the attention and response it deserves. 

To learn more about those who represent Suffolk County residents on every level of government and how to reach them, the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County issues an annual Directory of Public Officials in March, available online and as a pdf in English and in Spanish at https://my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county.

Lisa Scott is president of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit https//my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Charles Weiss and Marvin Sandoval Allegedly Dumped a U-Haul Truck’s Worth of Garbage in the Long Island Pine Barrens

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Dec. 2 that Charles Weiss, 32, of Coram, and Marvin Sandoval, 28, of Ronkonkoma, were arrested for allegedly violating Suffolk’s new Evergreen Law by allegedly dumping a pile of construction waste and household debris in a remote wooded area within the protected Long Island Central Pine Barrens Region.

“Last December, I stood with the County Executive, Sheriff, and other law enforcement partners charged with protecting our environment to announce the Evergreen Initiative,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The Long Island Pine Barrens are necessary to the health of our ecosystem, but at the same time, is incredibly fragile. I am fully committed to preserving our natural heritage and will take any and all actions necessary to deter and defend against pollution.”

“Any person who is caught dumping trash or any other debris in our county parks will face the full strength of the law,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “I thank District Attorney Ray Tierney and the Suffolk County Park Rangers and Police Department for their dedication to protecting our parklands and communities.”

According to the investigation, on November 6, 2024, Weiss and Sandoval allegedly loaded a U- Haul box truck with construction waste and household debris and then drove into a remote wooded area within the Long Island Central Pine Barrens Region where they dumped the contents of the truck onto the forest floor. The materials they allegedly dumped consisted of pieces of wood furniture, used paint cans, paint rollers, shower doors, chandeliers, large pieces of styrofoam, a sink, a granite countertop, tools, and multiple bags of household garbage.

The defendants’ alleged conduct was uncovered by two civilian witnesses who had the good conscience and initiative to sift through the pile for any identifying information and then contact law enforcement. A joint investigation between the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Park Rangers, and the Town of Riverhead Police Department identified Weiss and Sandoval, who had allegedly solicited a job of cleaning up a house for a $1,000 fee and then, instead of proper disposal, allegedly selected the Pine Barrens as their dump site.

About the Evergreen Initiative

In December 2023, District Attorney Raymond Tierney, County Executive Ed Romaine, and Sheriff Errol Toulon, along with leadership of the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Suffolk County Park Rangers, Long Island Pine Barrens Law Enforcement Commission, and Crime Stoppers, announced the Suffolk County Evergreen Initiative – a collaborative plan to curb illegal dumping on county property and within the Central Pine Barrens Region by ramping up and coordinating enforcement, imposing harsher fines, and enhancing civilian incentive to report dumpers.

In early 2024, the Suffolk County Legislature amended Suffolk County Code § 433-7 to raise the maximum fines for dumping in the Pine Barrens Region to $15,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations. It additionally mandated that 33% of fines collected from convictions under the statute would be remitted to members of the public who provided information leading to the arrest and conviction of offenders. This award was designed to spur the interest and assistance of the public in identifying and preventing illegal dumping in this largely unsurveilled area.

The Evergreen Initiative thus relies heavily on deterrence and citizen stewardship as a means of protecting an otherwise vulnerable and voiceless victim. The amendments were thereafter signed into law by the County Executive and enacted in March 2024.

About the Pine Barrens

The Long Island Pine Barrens Region, also referred to as the Long Island Pine Barrens Preserve, Central Pine Barrens Area, Core Preservation Area or Compatible Growth Area, is Long Island’s largest natural area and its last remaining wilderness, covering more than 100,000 acres. The Pine Barrens Region overlays and recharges a vast portion of Long Island’s sole-source aquifer. All of Long Island’s drinking water comes from underground wells fed by this aquifer. The majority of the Carmans River and Peconic River and their watersheds exist within the Pine Barrens. The Pine Barrens are a vital stopping point for various species of migratory birds and Long Island’s last undisturbed home to a vast array of local wildlife.

The health of all of Long Island is utterly dependent on the integrity of the Pine Barrens. In recognition of its extreme ecological significance – not just as a wildlife preserve but sole source of drinking water – New York State enacted the Long Island Pine Barrens Maritime Reserve Act in 1990 and, along with it, the Central Pine Barrens joint planning and policy commission.

On Nov. 27, Weiss and Sandoval were each arraigned on charges of violating section 433-7 of the Suffolk County Code (the Evergreen Law.) Riverhead Town Justice Court Judge Sean Walter ordered both Weiss and Sandoval to be released on their own recognizance. Weiss and Sandoval are both due back in court on Jan. 8. Weiss is being represented by William Newman, Esq. and Sandoval is being represented by Robert Strecker, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Williams of the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Thomas Smith of the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad, with investigative assistance provided by Suffolk County Park Rangers and members of the Riverhead Town Police Department.

 

 

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R), District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) and Department of Social Services (DSS) officials have unveiled sweeping reforms to the county’s Child Protective Services (CPS) system in response to the tragic Thomas Valva case.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. File photo

Under Romaine’s leadership, Suffolk County DSS has implemented measures aimed at improving services, enhancing interagency collaboration and focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations. The changes also promote open communication among stakeholders involved in social services.

“We took swift and significant action to reform the Suffolk County Department of Social Services to ensure that children in CPS are truly protected,” Romaine said. “We’ve allocated funds to fill vacancies, improve services, reform processes and ensure better training. These efforts will help prevent tragedies like the one experienced by Thomas Valva.”

District Attorney Tierney emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability. “We must never allow a tragedy like Thomas Valva’s to happen again,” he said. “I am proud of the work of the task force, in partnership with the new administration and Legislature, to enact the recommendations from the Grand Jury Report.”

Legislator Bergin echoed these sentiments, noting, “It was critical that the grand jury report not gather dust. We’ve worked diligently to implement necessary changes and ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.”

Key reforms to child protective services:

Quality improvements recognized by New York State

 The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) 2024 Program Quality Improvement Review reported substantial progress in Suffolk County’s CPS, Preventative/Protective Services and Foster Care systems. Many categories achieved a 100% compliance rate, reflecting the county’s renewed commitment to better serve families.

Implementation of blind removal policy

Suffolk County now uses a blind removal policy for CPS cases requiring a child’s removal from their family. This process excludes personal and demographic information about the child and family during decision-making, reducing potential biases.

Relocation of CPS abuse teams

CPS caseworkers investigating child abuse cases will relocate to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Central Islip in December. The move allows caseworkers to collaborate closely with law enforcement and attorneys during investigations.

Interagency training initiatives

Since March 2024, DSS has conducted training sessions on child protection, trauma-informed care, forensic interviewing and multidisciplinary approaches to child abuse investigations. These sessions include participation from CPS staff, Suffolk County Police and legal professionals.

Legal training enhancements

In partnership with the County Attorney’s Office, DSS has improved training for handling sensitive abuse and neglect cases. This initiative strengthens collaboration between caseworkers and legal representatives.

Integration of adult protective services

 In September 2024, Adult Protective Services (APS) was reintegrated into the Family and Children’s Services Division. This change enhances collaboration between APS and CPS, particularly for developmentally disabled youths transitioning to adult services.

Specialized training for disabilities

More than 170 DSS employees have completed training at Daemen College, focusing on understanding and addressing the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Topics included autism, ADHD and other conditions.

Multidisciplinary training

 DSS, in collaboration with state and county partners, is expanding training for frontline workers to better serve children, adults with disabilities and older adults. Training emphasizes skills for investigating, prosecuting and protecting vulnerable populations.

Supervisor training

DSS is enhancing training for supervisory staff to develop a family-centered clinical model. This approach provides middle management with advanced decision-making tools and support for caseworkers.

Improved safety and security

DSS is equipping over 600 employees with a panic button app to instantly connect with emergency services, enhancing staff safety during high-stress situations.

Support for staff wellbeing

To combat burnout and compassion fatigue, DSS is offering additional support services to employees managing trauma from child welfare cases.

Storm damage at Blydenburgh County Park. Photo courtesy Sebastian Artusa

8-month process to redesign Stump Pond spillway and dam underway

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine today announced that the Suffolk County Department of Public Works (DPW) has sent out a request for proposal (RFP) for the redesign of the Stump Pond dam and spillway that were destroyed by record rainfalls caused by a historic August storm that caused up to 11-inches of rain to fall in some areas.

“After the destruction of historic Stump Pond, our engineering team began working on a pathway forward for this area,” said Romaine. “It was decided immediately to rebuild this culturally and environmentally important pond for the residents of this county.”

The new proposal is for a reinforced earthen dam that will contain a culver and spillway in the same location as that was lost during the storm. Given the circumstances, it is anticipated that the dam’s classification will be upgraded by the State to Class B from Class A – Class B requiring more frequent inspections and higher standards of durability.

In addition to an increase in safety standards, vendors are also asked to design an alternative with a fish ladder.

Proposals from consultants must conform to a myriad of local, state and federal guidelines regarding the safety, hydrology and ecology of the project.

The deadline for proposals is Monday, November 25.

A tentative schedule of the design phase is as follows:

  • Complete project scoping within two months after contract award.
  • Complete preliminary design three months after scoping documents are approved.
  • Complete final design three months after approval of preliminary plans.