CLOSE
Tags Posts tagged with "Suffolk County Police Department"

Suffolk County Police Department

by -
0 1004
1 of 4
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers

About 100 Suffolk County kids spent an afternoon bowling with officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s 6th and 7th Precincts at Coram Country Lanes in Coram. The second annual event, entitled “Bowling with a Cop,” was free for the kids and took place on Saturday, March 8.

Hosted by the 6th and 7th precincts, the event was sponsored by the 7th Precinct Community Unity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy and connection to children and families in need. “Bowling with a Cop” is designed to give kids the opportunity to have fun while getting to know their local police officers in a casual setting.

“We are trying to build relationships between the police department and the children who grow up around us,” said Officer Stacie Pollio, a School Resource Officer with the 7th Precinct who founded the 7th Precinct Community Unity with three other police officers. “We raise money and then put 100% of the funds back into the community to pay for events like Bowling with a Cop, charter boat fishing trips, pumpkin picking, and others, which are all free for children and their families.”

During Bowling with a Cop, several officers, including Pollio, went around from lane to lane to spend time with the kids. In addition to two games of bowling, the kids were treated to pizza and soft drinks.

“We were thrilled to once again work with the men and women in blue on this wonderful community event,” said Joe LaSpina, Vice President of Maple Family Lanes, which owns Coram Country Lanes. “Bowling is a fun activity that brings people of many different ages and backgrounds together, and we enjoyed seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids and officers as they bonded over bowling and pizza.”

 

by -
0 421

Events aimed at building bridges and breaking down biases through activities and outreach

Members of the Suffolk County Police Department and faith-based groups will come together to offer activities during the fifth annual collaborative initiative National Faith & Blue Weekend (NFBW) from October 6 through October 14.

The idea behind the National Faith & Blue Weekend is to create safer, more inclusive communities by connecting law enforcement officers and the residents they protect and serve. Each of the department’s seven precincts will partner with a religious institution to offer a variety of activities designed to enable law enforcement officers and members of the public to get to know each other, and to build mutual understanding.The events will be held at:

• The Harbor Church, 25 Frowein Road, Center Moriches, on October 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• SCPD Second Precinct, 1071 Park Ave., Huntington, on October 11 from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 1 Molloy St., Copiague, on October 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Activities include a food and clothing drive and a parking lot cleanup of properties near the church.
• St. Anne’s Church, 88 2nd Ave., Brentwood, on October 13 from 8 a.m. to noon. Join officers for a discussion.
• Cornerstone Christian Cultural Center, 1563 Montauk Highway, Bellport, on October 13 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join officers for Sunday mass followed by refreshments.

• Church of St. Joseph, 59 Church St., Kings Park, on October 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Axis Church Café, 2884 Route 112, Medford, on October 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join a community block party.

by -
0 898
Pixabay photo

TBR’s coverage this week of a heroic cop who plugged a colleague’s bullet wound, with his own hands, to prevent him from bleeding to death, (see story in paper,) is a truly inspirational example of the human spirit.

In a world of such chaos and confusion, what does it say about this man that his primal instinct was to save an injured person? Not to analyze or question him, poke or prod him.

But to save him.

What it says is that we are fundamentally good. We may get that fact a little mixed up at times, but if we can step back from our stubbornness and fixations on the characteristics that separate us, it will become apparent that we all should be focusing on the one characteristic that is already within us, that is baked into our DNA: kindness

And, no. Not kindness in the corny or insincere sense that many people use to deceitfully act as if they are holier-than-thou. “Kindness” in a genuinely caring way about the welfare of those in your life and community.

We can all learn a lot from an action as noble as the one performed by this man.

Over the past few years, there has been contentious debate, analyzing the roles police officers serve in our everyday lives. Some people believe that they overstep, while others feel that they are under appreciated.

Adding to the omnipresence of this law enforcement dilemma, just this week, County Executive Ed Romaine (R) announced in his proposed budget that the Suffolk County Police Department intends to put an extra 330 officials, including cops, detectives and corrections officers, on the force.

However, no matter how one feels regarding the political intricacies of our society, we can all agree that every cop — every human being — should aspire to this level of goodness.

Many people preach the importance of benevolence — an act of kindness, but, far too often, people are not willing to give that word meaning. Police officers take an oath to protect and defend.

So, maybe, if we follow in the example of those who are willing to sacrifice their lives — or in a less severe instance, their comfort — for the care of people, we can live in a society that is a little more temperate, a little more understanding and a lot more loving.

by -
0 470
File photo

The Suffolk County Water Authority will host a Pharmaceutical Take Back Day on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the SCWA Education Center, 260 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge. This event offers a simple and environmentally responsible way for residents to dispose of unused or expired medications. No sign-up is required—just drive up, drop off your medications, and leave. Note that medical sharps cannot be accepted.

“We are excited to partner with the Suffolk County Police Department to help our customers properly dispose of their pharmaceuticals,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “By participating in this event, customers help protect our sole-source aquifer by disposing of medications properly, rather than flushing them, which can harm our water supply. We encourage all Suffolk County residents to join us.”

When medications are flushed down the toilet, they run the risk of contaminating Long Island’s aquifer, which can be a detriment to public health.This event serves as a kickoff to Source Water Protection Week, when water providers bring attention to the importance of safeguarding our natural water sources.

After residents drop off their medications during the Pharmaceutical Take Back Day event, they will be taken by a Suffolk County Police Officer to be safely incinerated, ensuring that these contaminants do not end up in the aquifer. Attendees will also be invited to come into the education center to learn more about what the SCWA does and the importance of protecting precious water sources.

About SCWA:

The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.

by -
0 916
Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. File photo

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), New York State Sen. Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) and county Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. (D) released public safety announcements to remind the public of the dangers of drunk and drugged driving. They further discussed the importance of staying at the scene of a crash, as well as the legal and financial ramifications of a criminal arrest. 

“We are more than half-way through this year’s ‘100 deadliest days of driving.’ In Suffolk County alone, there have been at least 20 fatalities since Memorial Day weekend, many of which were caused by drunk or drugged drivers. That is almost three lives lost per week, many of which were completely preventable, and despite the prevalence and convenience of ride-shares,” Tierney said.

“Drunk and drugged drivers threaten the lives of random and innocent roadway users of every age, gender, ethnicity and economic status, every single day throughout [our state],” he added.

In 2022 Long Island saw 245 people die in crashes, with 164 in Suffolk County alone — a third of which involved DWIs. According to a member of the SCPD, ​​“Suffolk County holds the trophy for [these accidents], and it’s not a good trophy to hold.”

Murray, Toulon and Tierney doubled-down on their pledge to fight for the safety of all New Yorkers.

“Drunk and drugged drivers threaten the lives of random and innocent roadway users of every age, gender, ethnicity and economic status, every single day throughout [our state],” Tierney said.

They further urged all Long Islanders not to drive under the influence of any alcohol/drugs, regardless of the amount, since the officials want everyone to remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs in a person’s system is too much when it comes to driving.

Furthermore, these officials stressed the desire to have the Deadly Driving Bill passed in Albany, “to save countless lives, and make our roadways safer across New York State.”

This bill would call on lawmakers to close a great many of the loopholes in drugged driving laws. More specifically, the Deadly Driving Bill would end the allowance of an individual to avoid arrest and prosecution for operating a vehicle while drugged, unless the officer can pinpoint the drug by which the driver is impaired — while said drug must be listed in Section 3306 of the Public Health Law, as well.

Murray voiced concern over the specifics of legalized marijuana, as he feels that many have been left wondering whether it is appropriate to ingest any amount of it before taking the wheel.

“When New York State rushed through legislation to legalize marijuana, it was done so in a way that left many questions unanswered. Who can legally sell it? Who can legally buy it, use it or consume it?” Murray said. “There is definitely a need to educate the public [on this], and I’m thrilled to team with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. to put these PSAs out to the public, to help facilitate that process.”

All public safety announcements can be found on the Suffolk County District Attorney’s  website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/da.

by -
0 1222
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon takes part in a previous National Night Out event in Ridge. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff's office
Update: These events have been canceled due to the weather.

The Town of Brookhaven, Town of Smithtown and Town of Huntington are among the many communities across the United States that will soon be celebrating National Night Out — a national initiative seeks to improve bonds between police and the public during an evening of family fun. And best of all, it’s free. No registration necessary.

Centereach – This event has been rescheduled to Aug. 20. 

The Centereach Pool Complex at 286 Hawkins Road, Centereach will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, SCPD’s 6th Precinct and the Middle Country Public Library, the event will feature music, swimming, touch-a-truck, food trucks, vendors and more. 631-451-6647

Holtsville

Holtsville Ecology Center, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the SCPD’s Fifth Precinct, Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Foley, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro, the event will include food, music, and face painting. The pool complex, zoo and Safety Town will also be open. 631-451-6645

Huntington

Manor Field Park, 110 East 5th Street in Huntington Station, will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Huntington Town Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, SCPD Second Precinct and the Huntington Town Board, the event will feature basketball and soccer tournaments, food, music, bounce house, obstacle course, spray park, food, giveaways, raffles, vendors and more. 631-351-3000

Lake Grove

The Smith Haven Mall’s Lifestyle Village in Lake Grove will host National Night Out with the SCPD 4th Precinct on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a night of fun and safety education. Rain date is Aug. 8. 631-724-1433, 631-852-6000

Ridge – This event has been cancelled due to the weather.

Fireman’s Memorial Park, 725 Middle Country Road, Ridge will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Councilman Michael Loguercio, the event will feature games, a petting zoo, Sheriff’s Office vehicle displays, ice cream truck, softball and hockey games and giveaways along with a table for medical ID cards and Safe Child cards. 631-852-2200, 631-451-6964

by -
0 851
1 of 4
Photo courtesy of SCPD
Photo courtesy of SCPD
Photo courtesy of SCPD
Photo courtesy of SCPD

The Suffolk County Police Department Impound Section will hold an auction on June 15 at the department’s impound facility, located at 100 Old Country Road in Westhampton.

The auction will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. There will be a preview of vehicles on June 13 and June 14 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the impound yard. Vehicles will also be available for preview for one hour prior to the start of the auction on June 15.

More than 80 lots will be auctioned off including sedans and SUVs. All vehicles will start with a minimum bid of $500 and are sold as-is.

For a full list of vehicles, registration information and terms and conditions for the auction, click here.

by -
0 926
From left, Thelma and Louise. Photo courtesy of Suffolk D.A.'s office

In response to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office request for the public’s help to identify the owner of two small dogs that had been intentionally abandoned in Sunken Meadow State Park in March, the Suffolk County Police Department received a tip that led to the arrest of Roger Guzman-Gomez, 43, of Selden on April 18. Guzman-Gomez is due to be arraigned in Suffolk County First District Court on May 8. Both Thelma and Louise have since been adopted.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jack Nicholas of the Biological, Environmental and Animal Safety Team (BEAST).

Below is the original press release:

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County Police Department, and Crime Stoppers are seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating the individual(s) wanted in connection to the abandonment of two small dogs in Kings Park.

Abandoned dogs running in the park. Photo courtesy of Suffolk D.A.’s office

On March 5, at approximately 12:10 p.m., an unknown subject driving a tan or gold SUV was seen pushing two small white dogs out of the subject’s car, releasing them into Sunken Meadow State Park, and then fleeing. The two dogs were subsequently located and brought to the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter covered in ticks. The dogs were not microchipped and had no other identifying information.

The Town of Smithtown renamed the dogs “Thelma” and “Louise.” They are both mixed breed dogs. Thelma, who has since been adopted, is estimated to be four years old. Louise is estimated to be two years old.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-8477. Crime Stoppers has pledged a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that results in an arrest. The public can also provide information directly to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office at: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/da/Contact-Us/Report-Animal-Abuse-Neglect-or-Illegal-Possession- of-an-Exotic-or-Dangerous-Animal

If you are interested in adopting Louise, please submit an online adoption application to the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter at https://www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com/.

by -
0 2463
Pixabay photo

By Sabrina Artusa

In January, the Nassau and Suffolk counties police departments, the New York City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation formed a task force designed to tackle burglaries and thefts across Long Island. The collaboration, “a multijurisdictional burglary and stolen car task force,” as described by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R) at the conference announcement in January, is the result of criminals crossing county and state lines. 

In Suffolk, 1,471 vehicles were reported stolen in 2022, up 20.8% from the 1,218 taken in 2021 — the most since nearly 1,600 cars and trucks were swiped in 2010, Newsday reports.

At a recent civic meeting in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County Police Department provided a COPE report from Jan. 23 to Feb. 27 for the respective area. Officier Efstathiou provide the report stating, “Out of the four grand larcenies [for this area] two were related to stolen vehicles. A Honda and a Hyundai right out of one’s driveway and one in front of one’s house both with no keys. Both still not recovered.” 

In September 2022, Hochul announced a five-step plan to combat the increasing numbers of car thefts across New York. 

“Too many New Yorkers have experienced the shock of waking up to an empty driveway … that is why we are supporting local law enforcement to prosecute and prevent these thefts,” she said.

Last month Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) reported that the DMV recovered 286 vehicles worth $8.6 million in 2023 under the Comprehensive Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy. A total of 142 were recovered in New York City and 42 on Long Island.

Kias and Hyundais are mainly being targeted, Hochul announced in September. After videos exposing how to steal these cars started circulating on social media, Hyundais and Kias remain most vulnerable. However, both companies have developed upgrades to offset the thefts.

“There was a big spike … a lot of it is associated with the COVID pandemic … crime surged, not only in New York, but all across the nation,” Hochul said. 

While it is true the national rate of motor vehicle theft in 2022 was the highest it has been since 2008, it is undetermined what role the pandemic played in this change. 

Part of Hochul’s five-part plan was to implement harsher punishments, fund more advanced technology for law enforcement, increase intervention or preventative programs for at-risk youth and to strengthen the prosecution of cases dealing with vehicle theft. She also sent a letter with Mark Schroeder, state Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner, to Kia and Hyundai owners, informing them of their vehicles’ susceptibility.

“Fortunately, there are some common-sense steps you can take to help prevent your car from being stolen, such as always locking your car doors and parking in well-lit areas,” the letter reads. “In addition, Kia and Hyundai have agreed to provide tools to strengthen your car’s anti-theft protections, including a software update and a window sticker.”

In November, state Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) proposed the Car Theft Prevention Act to counter the rising rates of car thefts. In Rochester, more than 3,800 motor vehicle thefts were reported in 2023. That number is nearly three times the total in 2022, which itself was a record year. 

This new bill adds the felony offenses of criminal possession of stolen property in the first through fourth degrees as bail-qualified offenses. 

by -
0 1280
Local firefighters extinguish the blaze at Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe on Tuesday, Nov. 21. Photo courtesy Tesla Science Center

By Samantha Rutt

A devastating fire broke out at the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe on Tuesday evening, Nov. 21, causing significant damage to the historic building. Firefighters from 11 departments responded shortly before 5 p.m. to find the laboratory engulfed in flames.

The fire, still under investigation, was reported to have ignited again early Wednesday morning, causing extensive damage to the main building’s roof and interior. While no injuries were reported, losing this important historical site devastated the scientific community.

The Tesla Science Center said in a statement released on Thanksgiving, “We are thankful to the deputy fire coordinators at the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services — and to the fearless teams from the Brookhaven National Laboratory Fire Department [and all other responding departments]. Their relentless efforts to protect our community are a beacon of hope and strength.”

“The cause of the fire is still unknown,” science center representative Mark Grossman said. “It’s still under investigation, though they’ve ruled out arson. There’s no concern about it being a criminal offense — it was likely accidental. But they’re still in the investigation stage.”

The Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe was the last remaining laboratory of famed inventor Nikola Tesla. One of the most influential figures in the history of electricity, he conducted groundbreaking experiments at the site in the early 1900s.

The bones of the building, constructed in 1901, have been reported to appear intact. However, the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined.

“It brings a sense of relief to share that the structural integrity of the building dating back to 1901 seems to have withstood the ordeal,” Marc Alessi, executive director of the nonprofit, said in a statement. “This resilience is a testament to its original robust construction and durability.”

The site will be evaluated and assessed by the site engineer, historical architect and structural engineer, along with the Suffolk County Police Department, the Brookhaven Town fire marshal and the county’s Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, for damages in the coming days.

The center was undergoing renovation at the time of the fire. The renovations were intended to restore the building to its original condition and make it more accessible.

“There was a capital project that would be started shortly,” Grossman said. “We’re embarking on a $20 million renovation that would turn it into a true museum open to the public.”

In an interview, Grossman addressed fundraising efforts to raise money to repair what was damaged.

“There’s going to need to be an infusion of some donations to get things back to where they were,” he told TBR News Media. “It’s going to delay the capital project somewhat. I can’t tell you the exact amount of delay.”

The Tesla Science Center is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations from the public. In the wake of the fire, the organization has launched a fundraising campaign to help rebuild the laboratory.

The fire has sparked an outpouring of support from the community. Many people have expressed sadness at the science center’s loss and pledged their support for restoration efforts.

Amid the distressing news, Vladimir Božović, consul general for the Republic of Serbia and the consulate general team, pledged to provide “any necessary assistance” to the science center in the coming period.

The consulate’s statement further notes, “Our thoughts are with all those who hold deep respect and admiration for the invaluable work and dedication demonstrated by the Tesla Science Center in preserving the legacy of Nikola Tesla, a great Serbian-American inventor.”

123...31Next Page 1 of 31
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©