Legislature honors off‑duty rescues, lifesaving school response and graduates pages at July 30 meeting

At its July 30 General Meeting, the Suffolk County Legislature recognized several civic and lifesaving actions with proclamations and honors.

Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey and legislators presented a proclamation to Emergency Services Dispatcher Virginia McCaffrey for directing childbirth assistance over a 911 call. The Legislature also honored Second Precinct Police Officer William Parmenter for an off‑duty July 3 rescue at sea. Legislators described the incident: Parmenter and companions pulled alongside a disabled vessel, applied two tourniquets to stop severe leg bleeding, coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard for an airlift, and aided the victim’s transport to Stony Brook Hospital for emergency surgery. Legislators, union representatives and precinct command staff praised the quick action and field medical training.

Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron presented a proclamation to First Assistant Chief Robert Celeste of the West Islip Fire Department for rescuing occupants of a burning vehicle on July 14. Legislator Steven Englebright recognized a fourth‑grader, Aidan Sterne, and school staff for recognizing and responding to a choking emergency, crediting in‑class first‑aid training that helped avert a tragedy.

The Legislature also held its annual summer Page Program graduation, recognizing scores of college‑age interns who served in legislative district offices. Legislators read short bios for each Page, highlighted site visits and constituent services work, and posed for group photos.

No formal votes were required for the proclamations. The honors and the Page graduation occupied the early portion of the meeting and set a ceremonial tone before the public comment period and business agenda.