_______ Lynbrook/east rockaway ______
HERALD Also serving Bay Park
Village historian details local poet
MTA set records in 2025
Teacher scores chance of cash
Page 2
Page 4
Page 7
Vol. 33 No. 1
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2026
$1.00
Griffin hails new law on mental health ing times of crisis deserve counseling services that are tailored to their unique experiencJoined by police leaders and es and conducted with discreb i l l s p o n s o r s, G ov. K at hy tion. By strengthening these Hochul signed the Lieutenant programs, we are ensuring safe Joseph Banish Mental Health settings for honest conversaAct into law on Dec. 18. tions to improve the mental Responding to an increase in health and well-being of our suicides and post-traumatic first responders.” stress disorder among police Sponsored by Assemblyofficers, the bill will woman Judy Grifestablish new confifin and State Sen. dentiality requireJames Skoufis, the m e n t s fo r l aw bill passed both enforcement during houses of the Legpeer-to-peer counislature last June. seling sessions. “I was honored to Named in memory carry this legislaof State Police Lt. tion to establish a Joseph Banish, who formal peer-to-peer died by suicide in mental health pro2008, the legislation gram for our is intended to police,” Griffin said JUdY GRIFFIN reduce the stigma in a news release. a s s o c i a t e d w i t h Assemblywoman “This bill is about mental health supporting the men among first responders while and women who protect us ensuring that counseling com- every day by ensuring that they munications are protected. have the mental health resourc“Protecting New York’s first es they need to effectively serve responders and ensuring they communities across the state.” are well-equipped with support Suicide rates for police offito successfully fulfill their cers are more than 50 percent duties is an essential part of higher than the public at large, my public safety mission,” and the new law will provide Hochul said in a statement. them with confidential peer “Law enforcement officers who Continued on page 16 protect our communities dur-
By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN
agriffin@liherald.com
T
Tim Baker/Herald
A special set of lights East Rockaway and Lynbrook honored Jewish tradition by inviting residents to gather at their respective village halls on Dec. 16. At right, Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach spoke about bringing people together, and the lessons he has learned from the Jewish community.
his bill is about supporting the men and women who protect us every day.