Town Of Babylon Dedicates New Harbor Patrol Safeboat In Honor Of Fallen Bay Constable Richard L. Brooks
The Town of Babylon recently held a dedication ceremony at Tanner Park Marina to officially name its new 31-foot Harbor Patrol Safeboat
The Richard L. Brooks, honoring the memory of a Bay Constable and retired NYPD Lieutenant who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2004 while serving the Town.
The ceremony was attended by Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Public Safety Commissioner Jerry Gigante, Harbor Master Artie Smith, Sylvia Brooks — widow of Richard L. Brooks — the Brooks family, Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg, Amityville Village Mayor Michael O’Neill, representatives from the office of Assemblyman Kwani B. O’Pharrow, and the Town’s Bay Constables.
“His memory will stay alive,” Supervisor Schaffer said. “He truly
loved being on the water, and this dedication is a fitting tribute to a man who gave a lifetime of service — first as a volunteer firefighter in Amityville at just 17 years old, and throughout his entire career in law enforcement.”
Richard Brooks’ son, Richard Jr., expressed gratitude on behalf of the family. “My dad loved the Town of Babylon, loved being on the water — he said being a Bay Constable was his retirement job, and he did it for fun. With this boat, his memory stays alive, and that’s really all we can ask for.”
The vessel was made possible through a U.S. Department of Homeland Security port security grant. The boat’s total cost was approximately $777,000, with the Town securing $588,000 — roughly 80% — in federal funding. Commissioner Gigante noted that the grant was awarded on the Town’s second application after the team refined and resubmitted following an initial rejection.
“You could get a rejection and walk
away from it, but Jerry and his team stood fast,” said Supervisor Schaffer. “Getting it on the second try is considered a significant achievement — it takes many municipalities years to secure this type of funding.”
The Richard L. Brooks represents a major upgrade to the Bay Constables’ aging fleet, which previously consisted of vessels dating back to 1995. The new Safeboat features:
Emergency medical transport capability for stretcher patients via a hydraulic drop-down bow
All-weather and offshore operation
Thermal imaging and radiation detection technology
First aid and emergency response equipment
12-person capacity
Highly maneuverable design suited for tightquarters operations
Commissioner Gigante emphasized the critical role the vessel will play in multi-agency water rescues. “On the water, resources are thin.
When there’s a missing
person, an overturned boat, or an emergency, every municipality out there works together — and now we can fully participate in those rescues.”
Harbor Master Artie Smith noted the boat’s versatility, including the ability to operate in ocean conditions and transport patients directly to Good Samaritan University Hospital via the marina waterway if needed.
The Town also announced the recent receipt of a rescue gator, which will operate on Town beaches and provide stretcher transport capability for beachside emergencies.
The dedication comes days before one of the busiest boating weekends of the year. The Town of Babylon has worked actively with state partners on boating safety education and licensing requirements, with Bay Constables conducting outreach to residents and young boaters throughout the season.
JULY HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8th
7:00PM
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: STRAWBERRY FIELDS –BEATLES TRIBUTE
FRIDAY, JULY 10th
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: SOMETHIN' FRESH
The Town of Babylon hosts its 2026 Summer Concert Series at the Tanner Park Bandshell, 400 Baylawn Avenue in Copiague. Join us for an evening of live music as part of the Town of Babylon’s Summer Concert Series. Featuring free weekly outdoor performances and tribute bands. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a great night of entertainment. Weather permitting. For more information, please visit https://townofbabylonny.gov/ calendar.aspx
FRIDAY, JULY 10th & SATURDAY, JULY 11th
9:30AM-3:00PM
INDOOR/OUTDOOR YARD SALE FUNDRAISER
Rain or Shine. Community Presbyterian Church, 1843 Deer Park Avenue (@ Lake Ave) in Deer Park. For more information, please call 631-242-0221. No Vendors/Free Admission
SATURDAY, JULY 11th
9:00AM-1:00PM
AMITYVILLE FARMER'S MARKET
The Amityville Farmer's Market runs Saturday mornings on the Great Lawn at 25 Broadway in Amityville, next to the historic First United Methodist Church. Amityville Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Bay Village Civic Association. There will be a local farmer, and many vendors. For more information, contact
4th - Independence Day
MAKE A SUBMISSION!
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
amityfarmers market @gmail.com or bayvillagecivic@aol.com.
SUNDAY, JULY 12th
3:00PM-7:00PM
MEMORIAL PICNIC
Please join us at Firemen's Park in Lindenhurst, in celebrating the life of Paul, who proudly worked at Exotic Wines & Liquors in Lindenhurst for over 15 years. All who knew and loved Paul are welcome. For more information, please call Elaine 631-226-3965
MONDAY, JULY 13th
1:00PM-7:00PM
BLOOD DRIVE
Knights of Columbus, 2183 Jackson Ave., in Seaford, will be hosting a Blood Drive for the New York Blood Center. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, contact Charlie Barr, 516-510-4703
SATURDAY, JULY 18th
10:00AM-4:00PM
WANTAGH PRESERVATION SOCIETY'S 5TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE CAR SHOW
Rain date Saturday July 19th. On museum grounds 1700 Wantagh Ave, in Wantagh. Cars from the 1960's & older. Entrance fee - $1. Refreshments for sale, museum complex sites will be open, 50/50 , music. For more information, email: wantaghmuseum@gmail.com
THRUJULY 19th
FAIR HOURS: 5:00PM11:00PM weekdays and NOON11:00PM Saturday - Sunday EMPIRE STATE FAIR at Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an
adult age 21+ Enjoy Fireworks by Grucci, midway rides, family entertainment, favorite fair food & more! For more information, please call 866-666-3247 or Empire State Fair
FRIDAY, JULY 24th
7:00PM-11:00PM DISCO NIGHT
LIVE music by Deverne Williams & The Vintage Soul Band, Buffet dinner, beer/wine/soda, dessert & coffee included. $45 per person. Call Barbara Napoli 631-786-9306 for advance reservations. Brumidi Lodge Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park
NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th TIMES VARY
2026 JONES BEACH BANDSHELL SUMMER CONCERT
The New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation is thrilled to announce the 2026 Bandshell Summer Concert Series at Jones Beach State Park! The Bandshell hosts free events at the Field 4 Boardwalk. This event is our way to get people to sing, dance, and laugh with friends and family at the beach. Every night through September 6th (excluding July 1st –July 6th) we have programming for everyone to enjoy. This program is sponsored by the Natural Heritage Trust, WBAB 102.3 and WBLI 106.1 Radio Stations. For the most up to date information on performance status and schedule, please contact Jones Beach State Park at 516-7851600.
Wednesday, July 8, 10 am-1:30 pm
West Babylon Public Library
The Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council will have facilitated enrollers trained by the NY State Department of Health at our Library to assist the aged, blind, and disabled populations with
enrollment. Sign up will be first-come, first-served and is free of charge. For more information, call the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council at 631-435-3000.
STAR-STUDDED MASON JAR KIT
July 9-14
Join Shirley Ruby virtually to make a one-of-a-kind project. Non-refundable/ transferable program fee: $5.
FRIDAY FLICKS
Movies begin at 1 pm Friday, July 10: Lincoln (PG-13, 149 mins)
BUSY PERSON’S BOOK GROUP Thursday, July 9, 7-8:30 pm The Wedding People by Alison Espach.
PAINT NIGHT: RED, WHITE & BLUE FLIP FLOPS Monday, July 13, 6:45-8:30 pm
Join us and paint your very own masterpiece. Nonrefundable/transferable program fee: $5.
