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Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa
Obituary: Sister Shamus Dwyer
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VOL. 130 NO. 9
Sheriff honors West Islip sisters Page 7
FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 4, 2025
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Amityville’s Dan Kiernan advances to ‘Battles’ on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Carolyn James / Herald
Officials attending the event, left to right: NYS Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow, Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Chamber First Vice President Peter Buccino, Chamber President Donna Farina, District Attorney Ray Tierney; S.C. Leg. Kevin McCaffrey, and Joe Cardinale, representing Congressman Andrew Garbarino.
Safety comes first, Suffolk County DA tells Copiague Chamber of Commerce By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney touted several successful initiatives his office has launched in a recent address to the Copiague Chamber of Commerce. Since taking office in January 2022, Tierney said, he has established the Gang Bureau, adopted a “task force approach” to the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation and successfully located and charged Massapequa Park resident Rex Heuermann for seven of those murders. Prosecutors allege that the killings occurred in Heuermann’s basement. Additionally, Tierney’s office recently formed a task force to investigate human trafficking and is focusing on quality-of-life crimes. “We are working to create many new initiatives,” Tierney told the group, adding that
he has developed a close working relationship with Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “We need to work together to make our communities safe, and we need to make our streets safe.” Schaffer praised Tierney’s efforts, calling him “the best District Attorney Suffolk has ever seen.” Schaffer added, “He and his office have gone above and beyond what is required of them, enforcing the laws, engaging in community events, and ensuring that people who go through the system don’t return. He has exceeded the expectations of a DA.” John Henry, a Chamber member and former bank manager, called the Gilgo Beach investigation “the most impressive investigation I have ever seen.” He also asked Tierney about efforts to address banking scams targeting residents, particularly seniors. “We have a really great program with Suffolk County police detectives, and we work CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Dan Kiernan of Amityville is advancing to the Battles Rounds of NBC’s “The Voice,” joining country singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini’s team. Kiernan earned the only “replay” available to contestants on Ballerini’s team for his performance of Panic! At The Disco’s “High Hopes.” The “replay” is a special opportunity given to contestants after a coach regrets not turning their chair in time to select them. “You are amazing, and you have such an aura about you,” Ballerini said during the show’s Season 27 premiere on Monday, Feb. 2. “I made a mistake; I think you’re fantastic.” Kiernan, 33, has been auditioning for “The Voice” on and off since 2013. He almost didn’t audition this time, as he was focused on producing his own music and gaining traction as a songwriter. However, he called the chance to appear on the TV hit “undeniable.” “I’ve always loved the show,” Kiernan said. “I grew up on reality singing shows and learned how to sing and interpret music from watching.” The Amityville native has been singing for as long as he can remember and has worked in theater and on cruise ships. Most recently, he has been a full-time singer and songwriter, performing as a wedding singer across
Dan Kiernan the tri-state area. The judges for this season of “The Voice” include Michael Bublé, John Legend, Adam Levine, and Kelsea Ballerini. Bublé was the first to turn his chair, and Kiernan described that moment as “insane.” “I thought, how wonderful that I get to stay in this Wizard of Oz dreamland,” Kiernan said. “I couldn’t go wrong with any of the coaches, but I chose Kelsea because of the energy and connection we made.” Kiernan has been enjoying his time on the show and is grateful for the support from family and friends. “It has been overwhelming in such a great way,” he said. His mom, Helen, and cousin, SaCONTINUED ON PAGE 4