Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. recognized Helaina Danetta Rivers, Henri Daniel Lispare Rivers IV, and Henniyah Danella Rivers with the Community Leadership Award in honor of their recent achievement of becoming the first set of triplets in New York and the first Black triplets in the country to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
The triplets join the ranks of one president, Gerald Ford, who was also an Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout Award is a prestigious rank that requires participation in a multi-year merit badge program and creating a service project that benefits the community. Since it was first awarded in 1912, more than 2 million young men have achieved Scouting America's highest rank. Young women are now welcome in Boy Scouts of America and can now also achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
“Eagle Scout” is the highest rank a young person can reach in Scouting. In fact, only around 5% of all Scouts who join ever reach the Eagle rank. Hamilton Bradley of New York is the earliest known Black Eagle Scout in BSA history. His Eagle Scout court of honor was held on Dec. 19, 1919.
For their projects, the Rivers siblings worked to enhance Brightwaters Town Hall. Helaina replaced a dilapidated wooden flagpole, Henri positioned permanent benches, and Henniyah designed paving stones around the flagpole and placed planter boxes to beautify the area. Brightwaters Village Mayor John Valdini, Trustee Bill Pitta, DPW Foreman Mike Gralton, and volunteer Charlie Hayward—who assisted with the concrete—were also on hand for the award presentation.
Each month, Sheriff Toulon presents the Community Leadership Award to Suffolk County residents who go above and beyond to support their communities and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. To nominate someone for the Sheriff Toulon Community Leadership Award, please email: Suffolk_Sheriff@SuffolkCountyny.gov