Deer Park Resident Thomas Miele Honored With Prestigious FDNY Medal For Life-Saving Rescue
Deer Park resident and FDNY Firefighter Thomas J. Miele has been awarded the prestigious Chief Wesley Williams Medal, one of the New York City Fire Department’s highest honors, for his heroic actions during a life-saving rescue at a Queens house fire last year.
Miele, assigned to Ladder Company 133, received the award during the FDNY’s 2026 Medal Day ceremony in recognition of his bravery and perseverance at a twostory private dwelling fire in Queens on October 9, 2025.
According to the FDNY officials, Miele was part of a search team operating on the second floor of the home under heavy smoke and rapidly deteriorating fire conditions. As flames extended into the room he was searching and visibility became nearly nonexistent, Miele continued his search for a reported trapped occupant. His determination paid off when he located an unconscious elderly resident hidden beside a bed. Miele immediately began the rescue process, communicating with fellow firefighters and moving
the victim to safety. The resident was successfully removed from the home and transported to a hospital for treatment.
The FDNY credited Miele’s actions with saving the victim’s life.
The Town of Babylon recently recognized Miele’s accomplishment, with Town officials praising the Deer Park native for his courage and commitment to public service.
“Tom’s actions that day represent the very best of the FDNY and the fire service as a whole,” said Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney, a fellow FDNY firefighter and longtime colleague. “As firefighters, we train for these moments, but when conditions are at their worst, it takes extraordinary courage and determination to push forward and save a life. Tom’s heroism brought tremendous pride to his family, his community, and everyone who has had the privilege of serving alongside him.”
Miele, who has dedicated his career to protecting others, said he was humbled by the recognition and credited his fellow firefighters for the successful rescue.
“This medal is truly a reflection of the teamwork and professionalism of everyone who was operating that day,” Miele said. “We all have a job to do when the alarm sounds, and I was fortunate to be part of a great company that worked together under difficult conditions to save a life. I’m honored by the recognition, but I share it with every member who was there that night.”
Miele’s award-winning rescue stands as a testament to the bravery and selflessness displayed daily by firefighters throughout the FDNY. For the residents of Deer Park and the Town of Babylon, his actions serve as a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by first responders in the line of duty.
Town officials extended their congratulations to Miele and thanked him for his continued service, dedication, and heroism.
LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP
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PROOFREADING
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Noelle Lambert
Pino’s Pizza Of Deer Park
Greenlawn Water District Wins Suffolk Water Tasting Contest
More than 380 participants at Farmingdale State College voted on the best tasting water on Long Island, declaring the Village of Bayville Water Department the winner in Nassau County and the Greenlawn Water District the winner for Suffolk County.
To celebrate National Drinking Water Week, the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) hosted its 38th annual Drinking Water Tasting Contest at Farmingdale State College from Tuesday, May 5 to Wednesday, May 6. 17 water providers from across Long Island competed for the title of best drinking water in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, respectively. This
year’s winners were the Greenlawn Water District for Suffolk County and the Incorporated Village of Bayville Water Department for Nassau County.
“We at the Long Island Water Conference look forward to our Drinking Water Tasting Contest every year,” said LIWC Chairman Brendan Warner. “It serves as a fun, light-hearted way
Water Tasting Contest
Continued From 5
for Long Island’s water providers to connect with students and residents from throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, educating them about everything providers do to deliver highquality water service every single day. We hope our participants gained a greater sense of appreciation for their drinking water, and congratulations to the Village of Bayville and the Greenlawn Water District for coming out on top of the competition.”
More than 380 participants voted on their favorite water, each of whom received giveaways like water bottles and tote bags. LIWC representatives, as well as representatives from the participating water providers themselves, educated interested students and passersby on the role that water providers play in treating and distributing the billions of gallons of water brought to residents’ homes every single day. Long Island’s water treatment infrastructure is as advanced as it gets, something which the LIWC believes is important for the public to understand.
“It is an honor to once
again be chosen as Suffolk County’s best-tasting water,” said Greenlawn Water District Chairman John H. Clark. “We are tremendously proud of the effort and dedication that our Greenlawn Water District staff delivers each day in providing our customers with the excellent water service they deserve. Providing water that is recognized for its superior quality, and doing so with reliability and consistency, is no easy task. It takes coordination, leadership, and a shared desire for excellence. I want to thank our entire staff, and especially our field personnel, for the work they do every day. Winning two consecutive contests is quite an accomplishment given the quality of our peers, and winning this award for the fifth time in the past nine years is something we are immensely proud of.”
For emerging as the victors with the besttasting drinking water, the Incorporated Village of Bayville Water Department and the Greenlawn Water District will take home the ever-updating trophy and hold bragging rights over their peers for the next year.
JUNE HAPPENINGS
ALL JUNE DURING GALLERY HOURS
11:00AM-4:00PM
RAINBOW SCAVENGER HUNT
At the Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. Find all the colors in the rainbow in the gallery for a prize! Included with Admission. For more information, please call Cristina Ainslie at 631-367-3418
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17th
5:00PM
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: GOLDEN GROOVES CONCERT
JESSE GARRON'S TRIBUTE TO ELVIS
The Town of Babylon hosts its 2026 Summer Concert Series at the Tanner Park Bandshell, 400 Baylawn Avenue in Copiague. Join us for an evening of live music as part of the Town of Babylon’s Summer Concert Series. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a great night of entertainment. Weather permitting. For more information, please visit https://townofbabylonny.gov/ calendar.aspx
SATURDAY, JUNE 20th
9:00AM-1:00PM
AMITYVILLE FARMER'S MARKET
The Amityville Farmer's Market runs Saturday mornings on the Great Lawn at 25 Broadway in Amityville, next to the historic First United Methodist Church. The Amityville Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Bay Village Civic Association. There will be a local farmer, and many vendors. For more information,
MAKE A SUBMISSION! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
contact amityfarmers market @ gmail.com or bayvillagecivic@aol. com.
10:00AM-4:00PM
KING'S PARK DAY CRAFT AND STREET FAIR
Kings Park main Street, 1 Main Street in Kings Park. King Park Day is located on Main Street and the municipal parking lot. Traditional street fair with over 100 craft and gift vendors, food trucks, games, rides. Vendors have the option to have their vehicle at the booth in the municipal lot or a space in the street. For more information, please call 631-885-1267
thru SUNDAY, JUNE 21st
5:00PM-11:00PM
Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; 4:00PM-11:00PM Thurs. 3:00PM-11:00PM Sat. - Sun. LONG ISLAND FUNFEST
At Suffolk County Community College, 485 Wicks Road in Brentwood. Long Island's largest fair is back with family entertainment including dazzling Saturday night Fireworks by Grucci, exciting midway rides and games for all ages, and favorite fair food. For More Information, please call 866666-3247 or Long Island FunFest
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24th
3:30PM-8:00PM NY BLOOD DRIVE
Christ Lutheran Church, 117 Carleton Ave. in Islip Terrace. For more information, please call 631-581-1710
6:00PM
SUMMER SOLSTICE WALKING TOUR
Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association's Frank Giebfried will be your guide for an evening stroll that marks the beginning of the summer season. This is a BBP Library program and you need to register with the library to join the walking tour. There are 2 dates available and space is limited. You can register by phone by calling the library at 631-363-6133 and dial 3 for the main desk. The tour will last about 2 hours.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27th
12:00PM-9:30PM
UFOlogy: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS AT THE CRADLE
Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard in Garden City. UFOlogy is a one-day family event blending STEM education, aviation history, science fiction, and drone technology, culminating in the Museum’s inaugural 300-drone nighttime show. For more information, please call 516-572-4066
SUNDAY, JUNE 28th
12:00PM-5:00PM EMPOWERED SUMMER FESTIVAL Free Admission. Over 100 Vendors, Psychics, Healers, 8 Food trucks,Adopt a Pet, Music. 759 Long Island Avenue, Deer Park. For more information, please call 516-639-6903
Pecan-Stuffed Pork Chops
Serves 7-8
1 large rack of pork chops, bones in
4 tablespoons butter
1⁄2 yellow onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 1⁄2 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups panko bread crumbs
2 cups
2 cups roasted pecans, chopped
More kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Make A Father’s Day Meal Dad Can Savor
Families celebrate Dad in unique ways on Father’s Day. Gifts are customary, but so is a delicious meal Dad will love. Many dads will appreciate a meal that goes above and beyond the ordinary, preferably something that is hearty and delicious. These “Pecan-Stuffed Pork Chops” from “Jon Bonnell’s Texas Favorites” (Gibbs Smith) are a great dish to serve family style when everyone gathers around the table for Father’s Day.
Directions:
Clean the rack of pork well and cut in between the bones to get thick individual pork chops. Cut a large slit down the back side of each chop and insert the tip of a knife 2 to 3 inches inside the chop to create a pocket for the stuffing. Do not poke completely through the pork or the stuffing will not stay in. In a large saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the onion, celery and garlic until the onion has slightly softened. Add the chicken stock, salt and cayenne and bring to a light simmer. Pour the contents into a mixing bowl and add the panko bread crumbs and pecans. Mix together and let cool to room temperature. Stuff as much of the mixture into each pork chop as will fit (overstuffing is okay, too). Sprinkle both sides of each chop with salt and pepper to taste, then roast in a preheated 400 F oven for 12 minutes. Turn the chops over once and roast an additional 15 minutes. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Cook to medium, or 135 to 140 F.
The Ultimate Guide To Dads’ Day Dining
Father’s Day is a time to honor fathers and father figures. Dads often do so much to support and love their families without much fanfare, making Father’s Day the perfect chance to treat them to something special — often a delicious meal.
According to the National Retail Federation, Father’s Day spending was expected to reach a record $24 billion in 2025, up from $22.4 billion in 2024 and surpassing the previous record of $22.9 billion set in 2023. Special outings remain one of the most popular gift choices, showing that many families prefer creating memories together over traditional presents. As families plan to celebrate Dad this year, dining out remains a thoughtful and popular way to mark the occasion.
• Classic steakhouse: A reservation at a steakhouse is always a solid choice. These restaurants are sophisticated and intimate, with broad menu appeal. Since steakhouses tend to be pricier, planning ahead is important.
• Casual barbecue: For a laid-back dad, a relaxed BBQ spot with a patio can be ideal. Pulled pork, slow-smoked ribs, or a brisket sandwich with a cold beer make for a memorable Father’s Day meal.
• Seafood lover: Dads who love seafood may appreciate a restaurant with a strong seafood menu, especially one located on the water. Options range from upscale dining to casual fish fry spots.
• Gastropub: Many pubs combine great food with rotating craft brews. An artisanal burger paired with a pretzel and an IPA or stout can make for the perfect celebration.
Our Lady Of Rosary Council 4428 Brothers And The Knights On Bikes Honor Veterans
On Saturday, May 23, the Brothers of Our Lady of the Rosary Council 4428 and the Knights on Bikes from Deer Park placed flags at gravesites throughout Pinelawn National Cemetery in honor of our veterans for Memorial Day.
Deer Park Junior Earns Rensselaer Medal
Deer Park High School junior Joseph Reina was recently selected to receive the Rensselaer Medal, a prestigious award that recognizes exceptional academic achievement and encourages students to pursue studies and careers in science, engineering and technology.
Established by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, the award has been presented to outstanding high school juniors for more than a century.
Founded in 1824, RPI is
the oldest technological institution in North America. The Rensselaer Medal carries a merit scholarship valued at $200,000 for recipients who apply to, are accepted by and enroll at the university.
“Joseph is an outstanding student who excels in math and science,” school counselor Noel Skelton said. “We are excited to recommend him for the Rensselaer Medal and scholarship.”
Listening To Jazz Music
The New Orleans Musicians Clinic reports that listening to jazz music can expand blood vessels by up to 30 percent. Widening of blood vessels increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Maintaining a
healthy blood pressure is important, as the Mayo Clinic notes that unchecked high blood pressure can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and/or dementia.
Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
Black Tea Drinkers
A small study from researchers at University College London found that black tea drinkers had significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than non-tea drinkers within 50 minutes of experiencing a stressinducing event. The study also found that black tea drinkers expressed themselves in a more relaxed way than non-tea drinkers within 50 minutes of a stressful experience.
Meet The Horses
At Pal-O-Mine’s Family Event
The entire community is invited to celebrate the Year of the Horse at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian’s “The Mane Event,” a family-friendly festival where kids and adults of all ages will get to experience the magic of the organization’s 13-acre horse farm. The event will take place on Friday, June 19, from 2 to 6 p.m., during the school holiday that honors Juneteenth, at Pal-O-Mine, 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia.
The Mane Event will feature a parade of Pal-O-Mine’s many breeds of horses, special riding demonstrations, interactive games, and educational activities. Guests will also meet other residents of the farm, including sheep, donkeys, and chickens, and have the chance to interact with all of the animals.
“Our herd of 25 horses. “Eight miniature horses and other small animals love when we open the farm to the families in our backyards and beyond,” said Lisa A. Gatti, Founder and CEO of the nonprofit, which provides equineassisted therapeutic programs to children and adults with disabilities, veterans, first responders, people experiencing mental health issues, and many others. “Most people only see horses at a distance from their car windows, so it’s very exciting when they can meet them up close. They are truly magnificent animals.”
Tickets for the Mane Event are $20 per person, available at the gate the day of the event, and free for children 3 and under. Food and drink will be available for purchase. To learn how your company can sponsor The Mane Event, contact Tessa at 631-887-3751.
About Pal-O-Mine Equestrian:
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma, veterans, first responders, individuals on the autism spectrum and many others. Each week, more than 400 students attend one of the many programs offered at the 13-acre Islandia, NY, campus, which is home to 25 specially trained horses, small farm animals and a therapeutic horticulture program that serves as a vocational internship site for people with disabilities. To learn more, visit www.Pal-O-Mine.org.
