Terence McSweeney for Babylon

06/07/2026

I was proud to join my colleagues on the Town of Babylon Board as we unanimously voted to memorialize the intersection of 10th Street in West Babylon by renaming it New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Deputy Chief David Burke Memorial Way. This lasting tribute ensures that future generations will remember a man who dedicated his life to protecting others.

Chief Burke joined the West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department in October 2001 after six years of service with the Jericho Fire Department. Over more than two decades in West Babylon, he served in numerous leadership positions, including Lieutenant and Captain of the Rescue Squad, Trustee, Training Officer, and CPR Instructor. His passion for EMS and commitment to mentoring others left an indelible mark on our department and community.

Dave also served nearly 37 years with the FDNY, retiring as Deputy Chief of Division 9. A proud 9/11 responder, he answered the call during our nation’s darkest hours and ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice as a result of illnesses connected to his service at the World Trade Center.

While his accomplishments in the fire service were extraordinary, those who knew Dave best will remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor. His legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Rosemarie, his children Daniel and Megan, and the countless lives he touched throughout his career.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Burke family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

May we never forget the sacrifices made by our first responders and their families. Rest easy, Chief Burke. Your watch is over, and your legacy will live on forever.
God Bless our 1st Responders and their families. ❤️🇺🇸❤️.

06/05/2026

On Saturday May 30th, we held another successful Car Seat Safety Inspection event, helping parents and caregivers ensure their children are traveling as safely as possible.
This important program would not be possible without the continued partnership and support of the Suffolk County Police Department and the Amityville Police Department. We also extend a special thank you to the Amityville Fire Department for their assistance throughout the event.
Properly installed car seats are one of the most effective ways to protect children in the event of a crash. Studies show that a correctly used car seat can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death. Unfortunately, many car seats are installed incorrectly, which is why these inspection events are so important. By providing professional inspections and guidance, we help give parents peace of mind knowing their children are protected every time they get behind the wheel.
Councilman and Public Safety Chairman Terence McSweeney said, “The safety of our children is one of our highest priorities. Events like this provide families with valuable resources and education that can make a lifesaving difference. I am grateful to our law enforcement partners, firefighters, and certified technicians who continue to dedicate their time to keeping our community safe.”
Town Clerk Gerry Compitello added, “These car seat inspections are a tremendous community service. Taking a few minutes to ensure a car seat is installed properly can help prevent tragedy and protect our most precious passengers. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event another success.”
Thank you to all of our partners and the families who participated. Together, we are making our roads safer for everyone.

06/04/2026

What an incredible day of service in the Town of Babylon!

This past weekend, volunteers and community partners installed 326 smoke alarms in 77 homes, helping protect 226 residents throughout our neighborhoods.
I was proud to join Suffolk County Legislators Tom Donnelly and RJ Renna, along with the American Red Cross, FRES, OEM, CERT, the Deer Park Fire Department, the Wyandanch Fire Department, and many dedicated volunteers for this life-saving initiative.
As Chairman of Public Safety for the Town of Babylon, and with 22 years as a New York City Firefighter and 25 years as a volunteer firefighter, I know how critical working smoke alarms are to protecting families.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to make our community safer. Together, we helped save lives and made a real difference.

06/02/2026

Cheers to 20 years of success for Allison Borg Bridges and Curl Evolution!
Located at 233 E. Main Street in Babylon Village, Curl Evolution has become a trusted destination for expert curly hair styling and a wide range of salon services that keep clients looking and feeling their best.
On Saturday evening, I visited the salon to present Allison with a proclamation recognizing her two decades of hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving the community.
“It's been wonderful to watch Allison build such a successful business right here in our neighborhood. As neighbors, I've seen firsthand the passion, professionalism, and care she brings to her clients and to Babylon Village. Reaching 20 years in business is an incredible accomplishment, and I congratulate Allison and the entire Curl Evolution team on this milestone.”
Congratulations to Allison and the Curl Evolution staff on 20 amazing years! Here's to continued success and the next 20 years ahead!

06/01/2026

Join Councilman Terence McSweeney and the Town of Babylon Public Safety Department for a FREE Boater Safety Class on June 6th, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., at Tanner Park Senior Center, Copiague.

With Brianna’s Law now fully in effect, all operators of motorized boats in NYS must complete a boating safety course and carry a certificate. This one-day class helps Town of Babylon residents meet the requirement while learning safe, responsible boating.

Space is limited—sign up early! 🚤

https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/242108

05/30/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Girl Scout Troop 683 for their generous donation of an oak tree to our community!
On Saturday, the Scouts joined Town of Babylon Horticulturalist Jennifer Ulsheimer at Geiger Park to plant an oak tree, helping to beautify our parks while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy. Their commitment to our environment and community service is truly inspiring.
Councilman and Beautification Committee Chairman Terence McSweeney said, "It was wonderful to see these young leaders take an active role in improving our community. This oak tree will stand as a symbol of their dedication and hard work for many years to come. We are grateful to Girl Scout Troop 683 and Jennifer Ulsheimer for making this project a success."
Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly added, "Projects like this demonstrate the positive impact our youth can have on the environment and their community. I commend Girl Scout Troop 683 for their generosity and civic spirit, and I look forward to watching this tree grow alongside the community it serves."
Thank you again to Girl Scout Troop 683 and your leaders Jessica Kohler
Mary Ferrante & Kelly DeCarlo for helping keep Babylon beautiful!

05/28/2026

Supervisor Rich Schaffer and the Town Board proudly presented the Town’s highest honor, the “Heroism Award,” to the brave Suffolk County Police Officers, whose extraordinary actions helped save the life of a four-year-old child on Easter Sunday.
Responding within moments to a pediatric cardiac arrest call in West Babylon, these heroes demonstrated unmatched professionalism, teamwork, and compassion under the most intense and emotional circumstances imaginable. Through coordinated CPR efforts, rapid deployment of life-saving equipment, seamless communication, and an expertly executed emergency transport to Good Samaritan Hospital, the child regained a pulse before arrival at the hospital.
Councilman McSweeney perfectly captured the significance of their service, asking: “What would our world look like without our 1st responders?”
Their courage, composure, and dedication reflect the very best of public service and exemplify what it means to protect and serve our community every single day.
We commend Police Officers Abril, Pristera, Tocco, Casco, Bari, Read, Greaney, Bentz, Montero, Lieutenant Gigante, Sergeant Picarello, the responding 3rd Precinct and Highway Units, Suffolk County Dispatchers, and West Babylon Rescue personnel for their heroic actions and unwavering commitment to saving lives.

05/22/2026

I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Legislators Jason Richberg, Tom Donnelly, and RJ Renna, as well as our partners from Catholic Health and Good Samaritan University Hospital, for this important public service announcement on pediatric drowning prevention and water safety at Tanner Park ahead of Memorial Day Weekend and the start of summer.
As Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, keeping our children and families safe is always a top priority. Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds, but with education, awareness, and constant supervision, these tragedies are largely preventable.
A special thank you to Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, the Copiague Fire Department, and all of our community partners who came together to share lifesaving information and resources with local families.
As summer approaches, please take the time to review water safety practices and ensure children are always supervised around pools, beaches, and open water.
Residents can also register for Town of Babylon swimming classes here: https://www.townofbabylonny.gov/146/Parks-Recreation
Together, we can help keep our families safe all summer long.

05/20/2026

Join us for our Child Car Seat Safety Event on Saturday, May 30th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Amityville Fire Department! Certified technicians will be on site to inspect your child’s car seat and help ensure it’s installed correctly — because one quick check can make a lifetime of difference.
Did you know:
• Car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers
• 4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly
• The right car seat and proper installation can save a child’s life
Inspections are by appointment only, so be sure to call 631-957-3081 or scan the QR code on the flyer to register. We encourage all parents, grandparents, and caregivers to come down and take advantage of this important free safety event. Together, we can help keep our children safe — every ride, every time.

05/19/2026