Everyday Heroes

The "Everyday Heroes" honored by the Bethpage-Central Park Kiwanis - 2013 - are: American Legion Archie McCord Post 86; Central Park Historical Society; Civil Air Patrol Senior Squadron NY 207; Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 8 NY 288; Bethpage School District Superintendent Terrence Clark; Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker; Town of Oyster Bay Highway Department; Town of Oyster Bay Commissioner Kevin Hanifan; Town of Oyster Bay Highway Department Russ Maggio; Bethpage Fire Department Engine 7 Captain A. J. Trotter; Bethpage Fire Department Engine and Ladder Co. 4 Captain John Castles.

The Bethpage-Central Park Kiwanis Club honored six local residents for their extraordinary service on December 11, 2017 - Information from the BETHPAGE TRIBUNE - December 15, 2017

James Benjamin Bethpage High School Counselor and Coach when on his way to work encountered an accident on Stewart Avenue. He comforted the mother and daughter, called 911, then directed the traffic.

Frank Ceglio for his time spent organizing and working with the children (ages 13-18) of the Bethpage Junior Firefighters Program. This involves attending regular meetings, training - at the crack of dawn on Sundays, they perform hundreds of hours of community service and are responsible for the beautiful decorations on the Christmas tree.

John Coumatos a graduate of Bethpage High School, owner of BK Sweeney's Parkside Tavern plays an active role in anything that say's Bethpage. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1984; Bethpage Chamber of Commerce and was their "Man of the Year" in 2010; the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and Grand Marshall in 2007; John hosted the annual Thanksgiving feast for Veterans from the Veterans center in Northport; donates to St. Martin of Tours and the St. Vincent DePaul Society; supports the many organizations in the Bethpage Community.

George Hudak a Vietnam Veteran and currently deeply involved with our war veterans as Commander of our local VFW Chapter, Butehorn Brothers Post 4987. Instrumental in organizing our Memorial Day Parade as commander of the Bethpage Memorial Day Parade Committee. He is Chaplin of the NC Council of War Veterans, and spends time with the sick and disabled veterans offering support, and transportation for appointments. George oversees the respect and retirement of old and worn American flags.

Francis Meehan a WWII Veteran who volunteers his time and talents to the Bethpage VFW Butehorn Bros. Post 4987 as he coordinates the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen Awards Program for the Bethpage and Plainedge School Districts which is no easy task as there are hundreds of entries to read and review each year. Francis continues to be involved in the Memorial Day Parade Committee and always guarding our veterans reputation to make sure they get the recognition they deserve and that future generations will never forget to honor their service and sacrifice.

Laura Smith a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and neighbor who is always there to help and support someone in need without hesitation. She is first to, not just observe a fire, or a call for help, just a smell of smoke puts Laura into action and not stopped till she gets the answers she wants. When Laura went back to work she became a 911 Operator and now she can help all of Nassau County.