The Jacob’s Light Beacon of Hope Award was presented to Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon and Stephen G. Siller (posthumously), the namesake of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, by Legislator Leslie Kennedy on June 20 at the American Airpower Museum.
Hubert Johnson, who carries on the mantle of the late Specialist Jacob Fletcher (Army), after whom the award is named, bases his selection on those who go above and beyond their scope of duty and do not shy away from challenges.
“Frank [Siller] wanted to do good and take up the mantle of his brother,” said Johnson, who vets potential recipients on the work that Frank Siller has done in his brother’s name, “without worrying about time and effort.”
Stephen Siller was an off-duty FDNY Firefighter who died on 9/11. Jack Oehm, Ret. Battalion Commander of the FDNY and Tunnel to Towers board member, accepted the award on behalf of Siller and the organization. He also announced the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s recent efforts to end homelessness among Veterans. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs puts the number at over 38,000 nationwide. This is in addition to their work already assisting Veterans, first responders, and their families with housing.
“What Stephen did on the morning of 9/11…when America saw the worst of humanity, America responded with the best of humanity,” Oehm recalled. Siller was on his way golfing that Tuesday when he heard the news and promptly turned around to assist in the rescue efforts.
In reference to Toulon, Johnson reflected that “I watched him throughout the years with the great works he’s done within the Sheriff’s department.” Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon has made considerable strides in law enforcement in Suffolk County, working to decrease recidivism and leverage existing resources to better share intelligence from Suffolk’s jails domestically and internationally.
“It means a lot to me to receive this award,” said Toulon, “and I hope that Jacob is looking down and feels that I am worthy of this award.”
“As Sheriff, I do not take this award lightly, nor do I take it for granted,” Toulon added, before delving into his efforts to reach out to young adults before they enter the criminal justice system.
Last year’s “Pandemic Heroes Breakfast” saw the Jacob’s Light Award posthumously given to FDNY Paramedic Alison Russo, who was tragically killed mere weeks from retirement. The award was accepted by her daughter, with members of the Huntington First Aid Squad and the FDNY in attendance.
Both events saw massive community involvement, with members of various Veterans’ groups, police and fire departments, as well as elected officials in attendance.
“They (first responders and Veterans) go without seeing their families on the holidays and without uninterrupted time with their families,” said Legislator Leslie Kennedy, emphasizing the importance of Suffolk County’s heroes. “The consequence for many of us making a mistake is a matter of minutes to correct said mistake, but for the great multitude of first responders and military personnel, the consequence of a mistake is often life or death.”
The Jacob’s Light Beacon of Hope Award honors Policemen, Firemen, EMS, Veterans and Active Military whose contributions to society help make Long Island such a wonderful place to live. The ceremony and breakfast were also sponsored by The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Catholic Health Services of Long Island, and Bristal Assisted Living of Long Island.
The award is named after SPC. Jacob Fletcher, who unfortunately lost his life in Northern Iraq while serving his country. He was a beacon of light for his fellow soldiers, always offering to go above and beyond.
(Veterans’ Services), Senator Mario Mattera, Mayor Francis X. Murray (Rockville Centre) and Legislator Tom Donnelly with two of Suffolk’s finest.
