YAPHANK, NY – On Saturday, July 7th, Legislator Sarah Anker was honored to join the Bocchimuzzo family, elected officials, friends and colleagues at the renaming of the 9-1-1 Call Center in Yaphank, in honor of Anthony “Tony” Bocchimuzzo. Bocchimuzzo, who passed away in July of 2017 at the age of 49, one week before his 50th birthday, was an invaluable member of both the Longwood community, the Coram Fire Department and the Suffolk County Police Department. He had been a Suffolk Police Civilian Supervisor of the 911 dispatchers for 26 years, where he conducted trainings for new employees and acted as a communications liaison between the state and federal governments. While working for the Police Department, Bocchimuzzo was instrumental in compiling data for the ShotSpotter program, which uses acoustic equipment in high-crime areas to pinpoint gunfire and alert patrol officers. He also served as a volunteer firefighter in Coram for over 30 years, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant.
“Tony was a remarkable person. Not only was he a dedicated father and husband, but he was a committed volunteer to his community as a member of the Coram Fire Department and the Longwood Civic Associations. As a communications specialist, he was that quiet voice behind the sound system that amplified so many wonderful community events. In addition, Tony was an outstanding county employee, who provided exceptional focus on county law enforcement and safety projects,” said Legislator Anker.
“It was clear that Tony Bocchimuzzo was passionate about his work and cared deeply about making the world a better place for those around him,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “Now, each time someone enters our 911 call center, they will be reminded of Anthony and the indelible mark he made on our Police Department."
Last year, Legislator Anker hosted a summer concert in partnership with the Coram Civic Association and the Coram Fire Department in his honor. This year, the Coram Concert will be held on August 13 at 7 pm at the Coram Fire Department Substation located at Pine Road and Route 112, and will feature Southbound, Long Island’s classic rock and country band. In addition, a 5k race will be held by the Police Department in dedication to Tony and the Bocchimuzzo family. All money raised will go towards the Longwood Tony Bocchimuzzo Scholarship Fund.
For more information please call Legislator Anker’s office at (631) 854-1600.
(Pictured L-R: Suffolk County Police Chief Stuart Cameron, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, County Executive Steve Bellone, Tony Bocchimuzzo’s wife and sons, Kimberly, Nicholas, and James Bocchimuzzo, his mother Mary Bocchimuzzo, his sister Lisa, and his father Anthony Bocchimuzzo.)