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BaBylon _______________
HERALD BEaCon
Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Is there a fire in you?
Babylon’s Congressional Gold Medal honoree
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VOL. 75 NO. 17
Promoting reading in West Babylon Page 15
APRIL 24-30, 2025
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Four BHS seniors earn top honors teered with Birthday Wishes of Long Island since elemenThe Babylon Board of Edu- tary school. She plans to study cation recently recognized business in college. Cirone described Jamisyn four Babylon High School seniors for outstanding aca- as a student who “brings both demic achievements and pres- passion and purpose into evtigious college scholarships erything she does,” adding, “She’s determined, self-aware, during a board loyal and fiercely meeting. dedicated to her Riley Altman goals.” was named valeJamisyn was dictorian of the active in theClass of 2025 with ater, dance and a grade point avcompetitive voerage of 105.53. cal performance Jamisyn Cerny throughout high earned the title of school. She plans salutatorian with to study neuroa GPA of 105.12. science in colRyan Polletta and lege. Kian Donnelly “Riley and were recognized Jamisyn, you as top national truly are a source scholarship winof pride for us,” ners. said Superinten“Riley is the dent of Schools kind of student Carisa Manza. who makes an “We know you’re impact in every not here as Val space she enters,” CARISA MANZA, and Sal because said Babylon Juyou woke up nior-Senior High Superintendent of yesterday and School Princi- schools decided to do so. pal Al Cirone. This is the culmi“Whether it’s the nation of all your classroom, the soccer field, the basketball hard work and dedication court, the morning announce- over the years.” The two other seniors were ments or as a cheerleader, she brings education, energy and recognized for earning top naheart to everything she does.” tional scholarships. Ryan received the Naval Riley served as class president throughout high school, Reserve Officers Training led the debate club to regional Corps (NROTC) Scholarship, success, captained the varsity valued at $180,000 and coversoccer team and has volun- ing tuition, books, living ex-
By ALENA BERENBLATT
Correspondent
W
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald photos
Supervisor Rich Schaffer talks about renovation of Babylon Central Fire and Rescue Alarm facility.
Town of Babylon unveils hot new fire and rescue dispatch facility By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Town of Babylon last week unveiled its newly renovated Babylon Central Fire and Rescue Alarm Corporation dispatch facility, located in the basement of Town Hall. The project had been in the works for 25 years, according to Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “It has been a long time coming since my first tour of duty when we talked about the need for stability to fund this,” Schaffer said. “This is all in the name of timely responses to protect our residents, and now calls can be dispatched out of here instead of through 911, which cuts off time in an emergency.” Mark Ziegler, former president of Babylon Central Fire Alarm, said the upgrades mark a major step forward.
“I’m looking forward to everyone seeing the whole new radio room,” Ziegler said. “It’s a very large project, and it has brought us up to modern times, making it easier to dispatch calls.” During a tour of the facility, H. James Kenning III, chief of administration at Babylon Central Fire and Rescue Alarm Corporation, described the improvements. The updated space now includes six working consoles and a kitchen area, creating a more comfortable and efficient work environment for dispatchers. Previously, the facility was cramped, with only four consoles and no separate lunch area. Kenning recalled conditions during Superstorm Sandy, when as many as 15 staffers were crowded into the small room. The reconfigured layout now allows for a more open and functional floor plan. “We’re now able to sit six people down answering incoming 911 calls and not worCONTINUED ON PAGE 12
e know you’re not here as Val and Sal because you woke up yesterday and decided to do so. This is the culmination of all your hard work and dedication over the years.
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