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HERALD BEaCon
Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Cost to taxpayers for winter’s snow
DPFD’s Hydrant Helpers recognized
This month’s Viewfinder
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VOL. 60 NO. 14
APRIL 23 - 29, 2026
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BV swears in new fire chiefs Approves 2026-7 Village budget By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
Newly sworn in members of the Babylon Fire Department are shown with Babylon Village officials.
cbabirad@liherald.com
The Village of Babylon Board of Trustees on April 14 swore in a new chief and assistant chiefs for the Babylon Fire Department before approving the 2026-27 budget in a divided vote. William T. Sadousky was sworn in as fire chief, along with Assistant Chiefs Eric P. Price, first assistant chief; Tony C. Schultz, second assistant chief; and Alexander J. Weber, third assistant chief. Mayor Mary Adams thanked outgoing Chief James P. Miga and former department leaders for their service. “I would just like to take a minute to thank our existing ex-chiefs for their work, their guidance over the years, for everyCONTINUED ON PAGE 2
West Islip cheer team wins national title at UCA National HS Championship By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
The Lions Senior Rec Cheerleading Team of West Islip was named the 2026 national champion at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship, held Feb. 7-8 at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex in Florida. The team, made up of girls ages 8 to 14 and formed in 2024, rebounded from a disappointing finish the previous season to capture the title. Led by coaches Elizabeth Schlitt, Jamie D’Andrea and Cheryl Sesto, the team’s commitment extended beyond the gym. Schlitt said many of the athletes
gave up birthday parties, family gatherings and time with friends, and some even stepped away from positions on select varsity teams to remain with the Lions. “From day one everyone locked in,” said Schlitt. “They were the most amazing human beings and has such passion and dedication.” Schlitt added that it was rewarding to see the team’s effort pay off. “This was our ‘redemption ride,’ I dubbed for them,” said D’Andrea. D’Andrea recalled the challenges of the previous season, when illness disrupted the team’s performance. “The flu hit, and it hit hard—
We were to the point where we were at practices wearing masks,” she said. She described cheerleading as a demanding sport and said the team fell short of reaching the finals that season, but used the experience as motivation. “But man did it give a fire in them for the following season,” she said. “They hit the pavement running and never looked back.” Sesto said the team’s perseverance stood out. “I’m just so proud of them,” said Sesto. “They always worked together and never gave up.” Team member Gabby Sesto said the championship showed the value of their effort. “It’s so special because we
worked so hard together, and to know that the work was worth it,” she said. Teammates Avianna D’Andrea and Aubrey Schlitt also reflected on the turnaround after the previous season. “A lot of people counted us out after last season, but we came into this year with redemption on our minds,” said Avianna D’Andrea. “Every weekend we pushed our-
selves harder in the gym, fixing the little things and building a routine we knew could win a national championship.” She said the team’s mindset played a key role. “We didn’t let fear take over— we trusted each other, trusted our coaches and believed in the work we were putting in,” she said. “When we finally hit that routine CONTINUED ON PAGE 2