Local officials gathered along with family members of the four young women killed in a Cutchogue Limo crash and the four survivors to unveil a Street Dedication in their honor. Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim led the ceremony with fellow local and state dignitaries after the first annual 5k Run for Our Angels. The Street Dedication is a lasting tribute for Lauren Baruch, Stephanie Belli, Brittney Schulman and Amy Grabina.
“The real reason I am here today… is because I’m a dad. Being a parent is the greatest thing that life can bless you with. I’m going to do everything possible to make sure that something so simple and profound as installing a U-Turn and a Left Turn Signal, this should be an absolute No-Brainer. So on behalf of all of you who have assembled, I want you to know that I will help in any human way possible.” – Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan
Sen. John Flanagan was one of ten elected officials who pledged to help the families make the roads safer, advocating for training for Limo drivers and improved safety standards for stretch limousines.
“That July day rocked our community to the very core… and it changed the lives these brave survivors, who are here with us today. Today we are all here to honor the memory of Lauren, Stephanie, Brittney, and Amy and to recognize the bravery and strength of Olga, Alicia, Joelle, and Melissa, and all of their family members who have overcome harrowing loss… It is a privilege and my distinguished honor to present this Street Dedication to you.” – Smithtown Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim
The Smithtown & Nesconset Fire Departments installed an honorary Aerial Ladder Flag for the ceremony. Smithtown Public Safety worked in collaboration with the 4th Precinct to secure the ceremony location.
The Street dedication took place at the corner of Central & Plymouth (entrance to Smithtown HS West) in Smithtown, NY.
WHO: Local Officials in Attendance: Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Smithtown Town Council members Lisa Inzerillo, Tom Lohmann, Town Clerk and Nesconset Fire Commissioner Vincent Puleo, Superintendent of Highways Robert Murphy, Legislator Rob Trotta, Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Comptroller John Kennedy, Congressman Lee Zeldin and Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan. Director of Traffic Safety Mitch Crowley, who helped to execute the dedication, was also in attendance for the ceremony.
Family Members: Steve & Felicia Baruch, Arthur & Carol Belli, Suzanne & Paul Schulman and Mindy & Howard Grabina held replicas of the street sign in arms prior to the unveiling.
Survivors: Olga Lipets, Alicia Arundel, Joelle DiMonte and Melissa Crai stood alongside their parents to honor their friends.