The Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety welcomed four new officers and presented Exceptional Service Awards to six department members for outstanding measures within the community in a ceremony at Town Hall on Tuesday morning, June 1, 2021.
Supervisor Ed Wehrheim administered the oath of office for the four new members during the swearing-in ceremony, led by Chief Tom Lohmann, on the Town Hall steps.
Taking the oath were Park Ranger Christopher Gonzalez, Fire Marshal Anthony Verni, Fire Marshal Kyle McCarthy, and Investigator Brett Bailey.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for your service, as you answer the call and undertake the noble path of watching over this great community,” said Supervisor Wehrheim.
“I have the utmost faith and confidence in your level of professionalism, your integrity and commitment to serve the people of Smithtown. I believe that you will make this community a better and safer place, and I believe that you will make us all proud,” he Supervisor Ed Wehrheim added. “Congratulations, be safe out there and God Bless!”
In addition, Chief Lohmann presented six current members of the department with awards for their above-and-beyond efforts. Deputy Director Catherine Caillat and Chief Fire Marshal Nick Kefalos were presented with Exceptional Service awards. Sergeant Scott Roberts, Bay Constable Daniel Shannon, and Bay Constable David Rosenberg were awarded for Meritorious Service, for the rescue of six fishermen.
Bay Constable Michael Grayson was presented with the first-ever Peace Officer of the Year Award.
“To our newest hires: congratulations on completing the academy. You did so in different circumstances than most of your peers. I’m not sure how you did DT and PT while social distancing and wearing masks, but you made it work,” said Chief Lohmann.
“You’re coming into law enforcement during a difficult time, but you’re lucky to be a part of an agency and a township that supports and loves its law enforcement. I wish you all long, successful, and most importantly safe careers,” the Chief added.
Akerberg Memorial
Bay Constable Grayson joined Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, and Councilman Tom Lohmann in presenting the Akerberg Family with a check for $5,744, which was raised during a T-shirt fundraiser to honor Bay Constable Thomas Akerberg.
Grayson presented the Akerberg family with a replica of the plaque which is fixed to Bay Constable Thomas Akerberg’s memorial stone, next to a tree, which is planted just outside of the entrance to the Department of Public Safety.
About the Awards
Deputy Director Caillat received the Exceptional Service Award for her work spearheading the Zombie Grant Program, which is administered through the New York State Attorney General’s office. Municipalities are tasked with cataloging and inspecting vacant and foreclosed properties throughout the township. Caillat oversees this program in addition to her daily responsibilities.
Chief Fire Marshal Kefalos was awarded for his work managing multiple FEMA Disaster Recovery projects. Kefalos has had to manage two major FEMA disasters since his promotion; the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Storm Isaias, which caused significant damages throughout the Township.
The Meritorious Service Award for a waterway incident rescue was presented to Sergeant Roberts, Bay Constable Shannon, and Bay Constable Rosenberg for their fast and brave actions which saved six fishermen off the coast of Cranes Neck in Smithtown Bay. On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, Roberts, Shannon, and Rosenberg all were recalled to the marina from their homes, boarded their patrol vessel, and recovered the six individuals in 30 knot winds and heavy sea conditions.
First-Ever Award
Bay Constable Grayson was presented with Smithtown’s first ever Peace Officer of the Year award for his leading example, embodying the qualities of a great peace officer and personifying a positive representative of the department.
Over the last year, Grayson, a former New York City Detective, organized and managed a T-shirt fundraiser for Bay Constable Thomas Akerberg’s family, in which he raised $5,744. He has also taken on a lead role in forming a Department of Public Safety Ceremonial Unit. Grayson was also the recipient of a Departmental Recognition Award for his role in the rescue of two kayakers in distress last July. In addition, he has devoted numerous extra hours throughout the civil unrest and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Town officials said that the Peace Officer of the Year will be awarded annually on or around National Peace Officer Memorial Day. The honor will go to a member of the Department of Public Safety who has consistently performed his or her duties with overall excellence throughout the calendar year.
