Tags Posts tagged with "Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr."

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr.

On Wednesday, February 5, Kevin Heavey was sworn in as a Deputy Undersheriff for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. appointed Deputy Undersheriff Heavy, who spent 21 years in the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and he will oversee the Academy, Ceremonial and Wellness Unit.

“Deputy Undersheriff Heavey’s leadership and deep understanding of law enforcement operations will enhance our ability to serve and protect Suffolk County,” said Sheriff Toulon. “His commitment to integrity, accountability, and public safety will be invaluable as we continue strengthening our initiatives and supporting the men and women of this agency. I look forward to the work he will contribute to our Office and Suffolk County.”

Deputy Undersheriff Heavey brings over two decades of law enforcement experience, having served in the NYPD in various leadership roles, including the Internal Affairs Bureau and the Ceremonial Unit. His expertise spans criminal investigations, crisis intervention, and interagency collaboration, according to a press release.

 

Front row, from left, ECLI Co-Founder and Program Development & Education Director Feride Castillo; ECLI Co-Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Hernandez (with scissors); Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr; and Legislator Rebecca Sanin. Photo courtesy of ECLI-VIBES

Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island and Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (ECLI-VIBES), a Long Island nonprofit organization that helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, has taken over the building that once belonged to Flushing Bank at 1707 Veterans Memorial Highway in Islandia. 

This marks a significant milestone in expanding their impact and support of victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The momentous occasion was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the new facilities and light bites on Oct. 24.

“We are in a bigger space now, and it feels unreal how far we have come in the physical and organizational growth ,” said Co-Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Hernandez, “My co-founders and I, who built this organization from the ground up, never could have imagined how big it would become and the impact it would have on Suffolk County and beyond.”

The evening’s guests were able to learn more about the services ECLI VIBES provides, such as its fully stocked food and essentials pantry and counseling services. The move to the new facility left no need unmet, providing dedicated spaces for everything from client services to a centrally located water feature where staff can find reprieve from the heaviness of the work. Flushing Bank sold the property with all of the furnishings, allowing ECLI VIBES to be up and running in the new space quickly with minimal construction and labor.

“We know the challenges our community is facing and are showing individuals who can help us with our cause what we are doing to not only help our survivors but how we can stop domestic violence in our community,” said Co-Founder and Program Development & Education Director Feride Castillo. “We believe that with the continued support and involvement of our community, we can make a significant impact.”

Many Suffolk County community leaders and legislators were in attendance, including Legislator Chad Lennon and Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. and Detective Sergeant James Murphy and his team from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Anti Trafficking Unit. Organizations that were represented include Long Island Cares and Long Island Harvest.

To learn more about ECLI VIBES and how you can get involved, please visit www.eclivibes.org.

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, New York State Senator Dean Murray, and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. have released public safety announcements to remind the public of the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, the importance of staying at the scene of a crash, and 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 twenty 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. These are not crimes that are confined to Long Island. 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 New York State,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Senator Murray, Sheriff Toulon, and I continue to fight for the safety of all New Yorkers. We urge everyone to remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is too much when it comes to driving. The legislators up in Albany must pass the ‘Deadly Driving Bill’ to save countless lives and make our roadways safer across New York State.”

“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,” said Senator Murray. “Some of the biggest questions surround the use of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle. There is definitely a need to educate the public and I’m thrilled to team with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol Toulon, Jr., to put these PSA’s out to the public to help with that education process. I also want to thank JVC Broadcasting, Inc.’s President & CEO, John Caracciolo, for his willingness to immediately get these PSA’s up and running on his multiple Long Island radio stations. Everyone working together can truly make a difference.”

“Drunk and drugged driving continues to claim innocent lives on our roads,” said Sheriff Toulon. “Partnering with District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney and New York State Senator Dean Murray, we are committed to raising awareness and pushing for legislative changes to make our roadways safer. Remember, one decision to use a ride-share can prevent a tragedy and save lives.”

“All of us at JVC Broadcasting are committed to work with our elected officials to get this important message out,” said JVC Broadcasting, Inc. President and CEO, John Caracciolo. “We were happy to donate the airtime to make it possible.”

In January 2024, District Attorney Tierney rallied with a bipartisan group of local and state officials, district attorneys, traffic safety advocates, and families and friends of those affected by drunk and drugged driving, and called on lawmakers to pass a bill that would close the loopholes in the drugged driving law. Senate Bill S.3135 and Assembly Bill A.174, also known as the “Deadly Driving Bill”, closes the loopholes. Current New York State law does not allow an individual to be arrested and prosecuted for operating a vehicle while drugged, unless the officer can pinpoint the drug that driver is impaired by, and that drug must be listed Section 3306 of the Public Health Law.

All public safety announcements were recorded and can be found on the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s website. The PSAs will run on all JVC Broadcasting Stations: WPTY Party 105 FM, WRCN LI News Radio 103.9 FM, WJVC My Country 96.1 FM, WBON La Fiesta 98.5 FM, 96.9 FM, 1490 AM, 1580 AM, Big Hits 98.1 FM and Long Island Envivo 1440 AM and 93.3FM.