Officials Honor Local Hero With Playground Dedication

DEER PARK, NY - Many gathered to celebrate a local hero as a Deer Park playground was dedicated in his honor last weekend.

Joseph Piagentini, a Deer Park resident, was a member of the New York City Police Department with the 32nd Precinct for five years before being killed while on patrol in May 1971.

Piagentini, who was 28-years-old at the time of his death, and his partner, Waverly Jones, were both tragically shot by the Black Liberation Army group, according to GreaterBabylon.

To honor his legacy, officials hosted the official dedication of Patrolman Joseph Piagentini Memorial Playground at Fabio Buttitta Memorial Park on Acorn Street, just a short distance from Piagentini's former home.

Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Councilwoman Jacqueline Gordon and Councilman Terence McSweeney joined with local officials for the event.

The local officials were joined at the ceremony by Piagentini's wife, Diane and other members of his family was well as representatives of the New York City Police Department.

PICTURED: Patrolman Piagentini’s wife Diane is seated in front. Behind her are (from left to right) Inspector Kevin Kane, Suffolk County Police Department First Precinct; Councilman McSweeney; New York State Assemblyman Andrew Raia; Supervisor Schaffer; Deputy Supervisor Martinez; Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart; Councilwoman Gordon; Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly; New York State Senator Phil Boyle; and former Babylon Town Clerk Carol Quirk.