Smithtown Department of Public Safety Honors Outstanding Officers in Annual Awards Ceremony
On Thursday, May 12th, 2022, the Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety, together with Elected Officials, presented awards to five of its members for exceptional dedication and commitment to the job. Park Ranger Susan Saviano was presented with the award for Peace Officer of the Year. Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Andrew Brofman & Communications Technician John Gonzales received the Exceptional Service Award. Fire Marshal Kyle McCarthy received two Department Recognition Awards for his actions in responding to two separate incidents. Park Ranger Richard Ramaci was the recipient of the Highest Academic Achievement Award. The annual awards ceremony, which began last year, takes place each year just prior to National Police Week.
“I would like to commend this year's recipients and the Department as a whole. Over the last few years, no matter what fate has dealt us, this department has stood front and center through it all. The level of professionalism and empathy exhibited in each officer within the department is extraordinary. You make us proud every day. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for this great town and on behalf of the citizens of Smithtown, I thank each of you for your service.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Town of Smithtown
Peace Officer of the Year- Park Ranger Susan Saviano
The award for Peace Officer of the Year Award was bestowed upon Park Ranger Susan Saviano based on her continued high performance. The former NYPD 9/11 First Responder was recognized for her positive attitude and exceptional work ethic, which embodies that which all department members should strive for. Additionally, Park Ranger Saviano was commended for her continuous efforts to pursue increased training, and available tours of duty to accomplish the department mission. Park Ranger Susan Saviano is also the recipient of a previous Public Safety Department recognition award for a Criminal Possession of a Weapon (loaded firearm) arrest.
Exceptional Service Award - Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Andrew Brofman & Communications Technician John Gonzales
The team members who are responsible for the incredible success of the Town of Smithtown Mobile App were presented with the Exceptional Service Award. Deputy Chief Andy Brofman and Communications Technician John Gonzales have been instrumental in the creation, launch and continued success of the Town of Smithtown App. Designed by Gonzales specifically for the Town of Smithtown, the Mobile App boasts over 14,000 active subscribers. Its popularity has grown over the recent years, thanks to Deputy Chief Brofman and his humorous posts. The Mobile App disseminates information covering everything from real-time traffic, crime and weather alerts to information on events, road work and community engagements.
Department Recognition Award (x2) - Fire Marshal Kyle McCarthy
Fire Marshal Kyle McCarthy was awarded two Department Recognition Awards for his actions on two separate occasions.
On January 20, 2022, at approximately 1 PM, Fire Marshal McCarthy entered Senior Tacos in Nesconset. Upon entering the business, his personal carbon monoxide detector began to signal an alarm, reading more than 30 parts per million of carbon monoxide. Fire Marshal McCarthy proceeded to the kitchen area where the levels of the gas rose to more than 60 parts per million. Fire Marshal McCarthy ordered the evacuation of the building and notified the Nesconset Fire Department to respond to ventilate the building. A subsequent inspection uncovered that the building's carbon monoxide detector was aged and only contained one of the two required batteries. Had it not been for the quick actions of Fire Marshal McCarthy on that day, the outcome could have easily been critical.
The second award was for an incident that occurred on April 1, 2022. While on assignment at the Smith Grove Shopping Center in Nesconset, Fire Marshal McCarthy monitored a call, over the Suffolk County Police 4th Precinct band, for assistance at the Ulta Beauty Shop in Lake Grove. At the time, detectives were conducting surveillance at Ulta, in response to ongoing organized retail thefts which were occurring across Suffolk County. When members of the surveillance team moved in to make an arrest, the suspects rammed an unmarked police car and attempted to evade arrest. Fire Marshal McCarthy was in close proximity and was one of the first officers on the scene. He rendered assistance to the detectives making the apprehension. Tom Lohmann, the Director of Public Safety, was contacted by the Commanding Officer from the Suffolk County Police District Attorney Squad to commend Fire Marshal McCarthy for his assistance to the team on that night.
Highest Academic Achievement Award - Park Ranger Richard Ramaci
The award for Highest Academic Achievement Award was presented to Park Ranger Richard Ramaci, who was hired in September 2021. Ramaci began his field training in January of 2022, where he entered into the Town of Islip Peace Officer Academy. During his time at the academy, Park Ranger Ramaci distinguished himself, boasting the top academic performance amongst all other recruits. Park Ranger Ramaci left a successful career in the private sector, shifting to a calling in law enforcement. Park Ranger Ramaci was recognized for the arduous task of managing a balance of family obligations, while maintaining the strict time needed to study and prepare physically for the academy. Park Ranger Ramaci achieved the highest academic marks in his Peace Officer Class.