On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Town of Smithtown hosted a heartfelt ceremony at Town Hall to honor six outstanding United States Veterans for their service to the nation and continued contributions to the community. The event, led by Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, marked the beginning of a meaningful new tradition dedicated to recognizing the courage, sacrifice, and ongoing leadership of local veterans.
Supervisor Wehrheim was joined by Councilman Thomas J. McCarthy, Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Councilman Tom Lohmann, and Town Clerk Thomas D. McCarthy, who also chairs the Veterans Assistance Committee. Together, they paid tribute to these remarkable individuals—each of whom has not only served with honor in the military but continues to make a lasting impact in civilian life.
“As a veteran, it brings me great honor to recognize and celebrate fellow service members who have worn the uniform with distinction and who continue to serve this community with that same selfless dedication. Each of these Veterans represent what makes this country—and this town—so exceptional. They answered the call to defend our freedoms, and when that chapter ended, they continued to lead, give back, and strengthen the very community they had fought to protect… As we begin to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of our great nation next year, it’s especially meaningful to celebrate those whose lives embody the ideals of liberty, duty, and honor. Today, we begin a tradition we will proudly continue—honoring the veterans who walk among us, quietly leading with humility and purpose. On behalf of the Town of Smithtown, we thank them for their service, sacrifice, and continued commitment to our community.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
Supervisor Wehrheim extended a special thank you to Nick Passarella, Active Duty Firefighter for the U.S. Air Force and Nassau County Police Officer, as well as Town Clerk Thomas D. McCarthy and Councilman Tom Lohmann for organizing and inspiring the initiative. During the ceremony, each veteran was called to the podium to receive an official Certificate of Appreciation from the Town of Smithtown, recognizing their honorable service to the United States and their meaningful contributions to the community post-discharge. The ceremony celebrated not only their military achievements but also the leadership and example they continue to provide in civilian life.
Spotlight on Tribute To Service:
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Salvatore Riccobono U.S. Army, 1965–1967 St. James Resident | Vietnam Veteran | NYPD Retired -Salvatore Riccobono proudly served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967, achieving the rank of Specialist E-4. From May 1966 to May 1967, he was deployed in Vietnam, where he served in a combat support group for helicopter medical evacuation and at the 93rd Evacuation Hospital, providing critical aid under some of the most intense conditions of the war. Following his military service, Sal continued a life of public service as a New York City Police Officer, assigned to the East Village on Manhattan’s Lower East Side—then one of the city’s most volatile neighborhoods. For over a decade, he served in a plainclothes unit, working tirelessly to remove violent criminals from the streets and protect the community. In his hometown of St. James, Sal has remained a steadfast advocate for veterans. He played a key role in the restoration of the Sherwood Brothers Memorial, honoring fallen service members, and has long been the driving force behind organizing Veterans and Memorial Day ceremonies and parades—often working behind the scenes.
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Stewart Myrers U.S. Army, 1956–1958, St. James Resident | Korean War Era Veteran | NYPD Retired – Stewart Myrers served in the United States Army during the Korean War era, departing the U.S. on Christmas Day, 1955 aboard a troop ship. He served honorably in Korea, achieving the rank of Private First Class. After his military service, Stu joined the New York City Police Department, where he served from 1968 to 1985. He spent a decade in the elite Tactical Patrol Unit, a division that required a 6-foot height minimum and often operated in high-stakes environments. Stu also served on a specialized security detail for Queens District Attorney Santucci, exemplifying his dedication to protecting the public both in uniform and at home.
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Master Sergeant Olivia McMahon U.S. Air Force, 1997–2017 St. James Resident | USAF Veteran | Suffolk County Police Sergeant Master Sergeant- Olivia McMahon served over 20 years in the United States Air Force, with multiple deployments across various combat zones. As a highly decorated member of the Security Forces, Olivia was stationed full-time at Gabreski Air National Guard Base, where she played a critical role in national defense operations. Following her distinguished military career, she transitioned to law enforcement and now serves as a Sergeant in the Suffolk County Police Department. Olivia continues to embody the core values of courage, discipline, and service in every facet of her life.
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Martin Thompson, U.S. Navy, 1966–1995, St. James Resident | Navy Submariner | Community Leader – Martin Thompson served in the U.S. Navy for nearly three decades as a submariner, a role that demands precision, endurance, and unwavering calm. After retiring from military service, Marty continued his life of public service as a Lieutenant in the Suffolk County Police Department, Chief of Police in Head of the Harbor, and a longtime leader in the St. James Fire Department, where he has served for over 41 years, including as Chief, Commissioner, and currently President. An active member of the VFW, American Legion, Submarine Veterans, and several other civic organizations, Marty is a true fixture in the St. James community.
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Robert P. Doyle U.S. Army, 1970–1975, Nesconset Resident | Army Intelligence | Detective Sergeant, Retired-Robert Doyle served in Army Intelligence during the early 1970s, participating in classified operations during a critical era in U.S. military history. After his military service, he built a remarkable 37-year career in law enforcement with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department and later the Suffolk County Police Department. He spent 15 years in the Homicide Squad and concluded his distinguished career as a Detective Sergeant. Known for his sharp investigative mind and steadfast dedication to justice, Bob Doyle’s legacy continues to inspire both veterans and officers alike.
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John Barnett U.S. Navy, 1986–2014 Veteran of Iraq & Afghanistan | Retired NYPD & MTA Officer- John Barnett served proudly in the United States Navy, including deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his military service, he worked as a Transit Officer and Detective with the NYPD and MTA. In 2012, while on duty in a NYC subway station, John was brutally attacked and stabbed in the eye by a known anti-police assailant. Despite losing vision in one eye, John continues to serve and inspire others. He is a passionate supporter of Paws of War, raising funds and awareness by running marathons with the goal of completing one in all 50 states. John Barnett’s life is a testament to resilience, bravery, and unwavering service—both in the line of duty and beyond.
This newly established tradition reflects the Town’s enduring gratitude for its veteran community and reaffirms Smithtown’s commitment to honoring those who have served, both in uniform and here at home.
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