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Thursday, August 24, 2023 ~ Volume 68 ~ Issue Number 38 ~ $1.00
Exposed...Again... Former P.D. Chief Arrested in Prostitution Sting By Matt Meduri
Courtesy of Matt Meduri
(Left to right) Sgt. Brian Quattrini, Chief Stephen Laton, Commissioner Rodney Harrison.
While the summer season is anticipated by almost all, medical organizations see the summer as particularly challenging. Part of this reason is the scarcity of blood donations. Apart from nearconstant blood shortages, the summer season is difficult for accruing donations. In addition to the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality that many can easily assume during the season, regular donors are typically more occupied during this time. Vacations, travel, preoccupation with events, and even moving are typical culprits for the damper on blood donations. The New York Blood Center (NYBC) takes it upon themselves to maximize donations efforts throughout the year, but especially the summer. Advertising campaigns, incentives, contests and sweepstakes, as well as partnerships with local and elected officials can all help spread the word and draw the crowds. In July, the NYBC held a drive in the center of the highly trafficked Smith Haven Mall. Anyone who merely attempted to donate received a voucher for a free slice of pizza from The Pizzeria in the mall. The event collected 77 pints of blood, enough to save 221 lives. Earlier this month, the NYBC hosted a drive at Brookhaven Town Hall in Farmingville in search of their three thousandth donor. The special donor received a “summer fun” basket, while all attempted donors would receive a McDonald’s voucher, celebration cupcakes, and a chance to win six New York Mets tickets. Now, at the end of summer, the NYBC is continuing their momentum to keep the donations frequent. The Centereach Fire Department partnered with the NYBC on Monday, August 21, in their guest parking lot on S. Washington Avenue just off Middle Country Road. The large donation bus was set up for donors to come in and potentially save a life in the easiest way possible.
Centereach Fire Dept. Holds Blood Drive
Continued on page 10 (Left to right) Assemblyman Smith, Assemblyman Flood, Patrice Westenberger (EMT with the Centereach F.D.) and her daughter Delaney, Senator Murray.
FULL STORIES ON:
PSEG Helps Return Osprey to Nest Page 11
St. Mary’s Pre-School Program Page 12
Continued on page 3
Middle Country Summer Music Festival Page 24
Courtesy of Matt Meduri
By Matt Meduri
One of perhaps Suffolk County’s most scandalous figures has solicited his way back into the public eye. Although former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke left much to be desired during his tenure at Yaphank, his notoriety continues to precede him, primarily as information regarding the long-unsolved until now - Gilgo Beach murders. However, Tuesday’s ordeal reeked less of conspiracy and intrigue and more of humiliation, desperation, and bad manners. Burke was caught at a county park allegedly petitioning a male for sexual relations while exposing himself. Instead, the encounter quickly changed course as he was arrested on charges of solicitation and indecent exposure. Burke, 59, was processed at the Sixth Precinct in Selden on Middle Country Road Tuesday afternoon. A brief press conference by Commissioner Rodney Harrison was held during Burke’s processing. According to Harrison, the department was conducting a regular prostitution sting operation using plain clothes officers at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park on Bald Hill in Farmingville due to complaints about activity in the area. “At 10:15 a.m. today, during this operation, we engaged one individual who was soliciting for sexual engagements,” said Harrison. “Due to the actions which I am not going to share, this individual was placed under arrest. Rangers ascertained that the perpetrator involved was James Burke, former Chief of Suffolk County Police Department.” Harrison shared the charges: “He is being charged with offering a sex act, indecent exposure, public lewdness, and criminal solicitation in the fifth degree. Additional charges may be pending.