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Suffolk County Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey

Photo from Leg. McCaffrey's office

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces from across Suffolk County were honored for their service and sacrifice in helping to protect our freedom and liberty. Each of the 18 members of the Suffolk County Legislature introduced a veteran as “Veteran of the Year” from their district at Tuesday’s General Meeting of the Legislature in the Rose Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislative Building.

Suffolk County is home to the largest population of veterans in New York State and has one of the largest veterans’ populations of any county in the United States.

“Today’s recognition of our veterans is the least we can do for their vital role in protecting our freedom and liberty,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey. “My colleagues and I are proud to celebrate the inspiring commitment of these men and women who have significantly contributed to their communities and our Nation. By publicly commemorating their achievements, Suffolk County reaffirms its gratitude and respect for those who have served in the Armed Forces, ensuring that their stories and sacrifices remain a lasting part of our County’s and our Nation’s legacy.

“From my district, I am pleased to be able to honor Christopher M. Geackel of Lindenhurst, who retired from the US Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 2006 after 23 years of service. Among his awards, Chris received three Commendation Medals, five Air Force Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals; and was named the Community College of the Air Force Noncommissioned Officer and Athletic Warrior of the Year.”

“As a member of Wade-Burns VFW Post 7279 for 17 years, Chris has served as both Post Commander and Suffolk County Commander. He serves as coordinator of the Village of Lindenhurst Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, and regularly visits the Long Island State Veterans Home and VA Hospital, to provide clothing, birthday cake, gifts, and vouchers to fellow veterans. He is a truly a shining example of selfless service,” said McCaffrey.

November is a somber and celebratory month for veterans, including as it does Veterans Day on November 11th – where ceremonies mark “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in honor of the men and women who have served our nation – as well as the US Marine Corps birthday on November 10th.

LD Legislator Veteran and Rank Branch Residence:

  1 Catherine Stark — Michael Mundy US Marine Corps Shelter Island, Lance Corporal

  2 Ann Welker — Bob Grisnik US Air Force Southampton, Colonel

  3 Jim Mazzarella — Enrico ‘Rick’ Rossi US Navy Shirley, Seaman

  4 Nick Caracappa —  Frank Sanzone US Air Force Selden, Master Sergeant

  5 Steve Englebright — David Tracy US Marine Corps Stony Brook Corporal

  6 Chad Lennon — Joe Cognitore US Army Rocky Point, Platoon Sergeant & Platoon Leader

  7 Dominick Thorne — Walter Maresco US Air Force Medford, Airman First Class

  8 Anthony Piccirillo — William Borthwick US Army Oakdale, Specialist 4

  9 Sam Gonzalez — Dr. Jaime Marcos US Marine Corps Bay Shore, Sergeant

10 Trish Bergin — Christopher J. Hirsch US Army Hauppauge, Specialist Fifth Class

11 Steve Flotteron — William F. Murray US Army Bay Shore, Specialist Fourth Class

12 Leslie Kennedy — Grace Mehl US Navy Smithtown, Commander

13 Rob Trotta — Marty Thompson US Navy Saint James, Senior Chief Petty Officer

14 Kevin McCaffrey — Christopher M. Geackel US Air Force Lindenhurst, Master Sergeant

15 Jason Richberg — Charles ‘Chuck’ Vinciulla US Navy Amityville, Corpsman

16 Rebecca Sanin — Santiago Mejia US National Guard Huntington Station, Staff Sergeant

17 Tom Donnelly — Charlie Armstrong US Air Force South Huntington, Sergeant

18 Stephanie Bontempi — Eugene Leavy US Army East Northport, Sergeant

More information on each honoree can be found on the Suffolk County Legislature’s website at the following link:

https://www.scnylegislature.us/1764/2024-Veteran-of-the-Year

Kevin J. McCaffrey

Suffolk County Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey has released an open letter to residents about the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act and the chance for voters to approve a plan to upgrade the county’s wastewater infrastructure. This year, Proposition 2 allows Suffolk residents to endorse the plan. The full letter is below:

Dear Suffolk County Resident,

On June 25, 2024, I led the Suffolk County Legislature in a historic vote to extend and revise the Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program and establish a Water Quality Restoration Fund. Collectively named the “Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act,” these actions create a long-term plan to expand and upgrade Suffolk County’s aging wastewater infrastructure and give the county the authority to establish a new stable and long-term funding source for wastewater improvement projects. Proposition 2 also extends the current 1/4 sales tax which funds water quality initiatives and open space acquisitions.

Currently, Suffolk County is home to more than 1.5 million people and relies on just 380,000 cesspools and wastewater systems. With over 209,000 designated environmentally sensitive areas, much of our land is ill-equipped for wastewater treatment. This lack of proper infrastructure has significantly contributed to nitrogen pollution in our bays, harbors and groundwater, fueling harmful algae blooms and creating barriers to sustainable economic growth.

On Election Day, Nov. 5., Suffolk County residents have the opportunity to address these environmental challenges by approving Ballot Proposition 2. A vote for Proposition 2 means new sewers and innovative septic systems across the county ensuring clean water for generations to come.

Throughout this process, I have often quoted an adage declaring “these waterways, bays and streams are not ours—they are borrowed from our children and grandchildren.” We must protect both our water bodies and our drinking water by making this investment.

Drafting and adopting the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act was a significant effort, years in the making, that persisted through multiple administrations and levels of government. When New York State approved funding allocations for wastewater infrastructure in 2023, the Suffolk County Legislature’s Republican Majority sought modifications to enhance the environmental impact and ensure fair distribution across the county. I am proud of my colleagues who remained committed to reaching a balanced funding formula to protect Suffolk’s water quality for decades to come.

Several colleagues and stakeholders deserve recognition for making this possible. My colleagues in the Legislature, County Executive Romaine, New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Senator Monica Martinez who sponsored the legislation, were instrumental, as were Governor Kathy Hochul who signed the bill, and our partners in the private sector including The Nature Conservancy, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, the Building & Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties, the Long Island Contractors Association, the Long Island Federation of Labor and others.

A “yes” vote on Proposition 2 means less pollution, improved water quality, continued open space acquisitions and increased local job opportunities. A “yes” vote is good science, good economics and good sense.

Kevin J. McCaffrey

Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature