The Eastport-South Manor Central School District gathered at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1st, to pay tribute to its first responders—commended for their bravery with “First Responder Plaza,” located at the newly erected promenade between the Jr.-Sr. high school’s athletic fields.
“This plaza will serve as a daily reminder to our students, athletes and visitors of the sacrifice you make to keep us safe,” said Joseph A. Steimel, Superintendent of Schools in the district. “It is a testament to the values we hold dear as a community: courage, compassion and service above self.”
Various esteemed members of the Suffolk County Police Department, the Southampton Police Department, the Eastport Fire Department, the Manorville Fire Department and the Manorville Community Ambulance were in attendance.
Many first responders who reside within the district with their children were also on hand. Some principally selected K through 12 scholars from Dayton Avenue and Eastport Elementary schools and the Jr.-Sr. high school were even tabbed to give memorable remarks from the podium about their parents’ selfless heroics.
“They might have many emotions such as fear just like us, but this does not stop them. They run into fires to stop them and chase criminals … they help everyone and give them first-aid and help people get to the hospital safely,” said Carter Berberich, fifth grade. “They care for people and enjoy helping the community. I look up to police officers, firefighters, and people who work in the ambulance. They are braver than most people. Nothing can stop them from helping others. They are very important to our community.”
Sixth grader Maggie Sanmartino adds: “Some people run away from dangerous situations, but first responders run toward them to help. My dad is a first responder, and I know if someone needs help, my dad will be there. My dad and his fellow officers leave their family every day to go to work and bring people to safety … not all heroes wear capes.”
Kindergarten through second-grade students from South Street and Tuttle Elementary schools also presented hand-crafted “thank you” cards to the first responders.
Student Ava Burke led the community in the pledge of allegiance and the singing of the national anthem ahead of the festivities, in conjunction with the marching band’s national anthem rendition, which was led by Brendan Hogan.
Daniel Graf directed the concert choir for their patriotic selections, including “God Bless America” — performed during the event’s penultimate moments.
The Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education’s ranking members concluded the occasion with a special ribbon-cutting, officially designating the First Responder Plaza an area for remembrance moving forward.
Ahead of this Veterans Day, the Eastport-South Manor community calls upon their neighbors countywide to follow suit with comparable action.
Honor those who keep you safe — be it those who signed up to protect you from and away, or those who do so right from your own backyard — while you have the chance.