MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:     
APRIL 9, 2008

CONTACT: JOSHUA SLAUGHTER
    Office:  (631) 852-1300
Cell:  (631) 456-1718
 Email: Joshua.Slaughter@suffolkcountyny.gov

9/11 HERO NYC FIREMAN KEVIN J. SMITH HONORED WITH ROAD NAMING IN MASTIC

Browning and Foley Dedicate corner of Somerset Avenue and Mastic Road

Mastic, NY – Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley), Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian Foley, Councilman Keith Romaine, Jerri Smith, wife of Kevin J. Smith, family, friends, and fellow fireman of New York City Firefighter Kevin Smith gathered today to dedicate the corner of Somerset Avenue and Mastic Road in Mastic in honor of Kevin J. Smith’s sacrifice on September 11, 2001. Among the firemen and ambulance officials present were Chief Steve Quesada of the Mastic Fire Department, Director Maria Landman of the Mastic Ambulance Company, Assistant Chief Mike Ryan of the Mastic Ambulance Company, and Lt. Al Warta of the New York City Fire Department.

Kevin Smith was a firefighter in New York City’s Haz-Mat Company No. 1 in Maspeth, Queens, when he was called to respond to attacks on the World Trade Center. Kevin sacrificed his life in order to save others.

His courage and commitment towards helping others was a daily part of his life. Kevin was first a member of the East Farmingdale Fire Company and then the Mastic Fire Department from May 1987 to August 1995. He was a member of Haz-Mat Company No. 1 at the time of his death.

In addition to his service as a fireman, Kevin was an active member of his community, which included his role as an instructor for the Suffolk County Fire Academy. He left behind his wife Jerri and eight children: Brian, Nichole, Thomas, Vincent, Christopher, Josephine, Jennifer, and Anthony. The family lives on the corner of Mastic Road and Somerset Ave. in Mastic.

“Seven years has passed, but the memory of that tragic day will never diminish,” Browning said. “Kevin acted as any true hero would: He responded without fear in a time of crisis because it was his passion to help and save others. We will never forget the sacrifice he made for his fellow countrymen. He did this throughout his life here in Mastic, as well as a firefighter in the city.”

"Kevin sacrificed his life in order to save others,” said Foley. “His courage and commitment towards helping others was a daily part of his life.  His service and sacrifice are an inspiration to all of us."

“I now know that everyone who passes Somerset Ave. and Mastic Road will remember Kevin Smith as the brave and courageous man he was. I hope this brings a sense of pride and gratitude for the loving family he left behind,” concluded Browning.