Lindenhurst Street Renamed In Honor Of Local Hero James Schiavone

LINDENHURST, NY - A street in Lindenhurst was renamed on behalf of a local first responder who died of Sept. 11 related cancer this past weekend.

The street renaming ceremony to honor local native James A. Schiavone Jr. was held on Saturday at 49th Street and Copiague Road.

Schiavone, who worked as an NYPD detective before retiring in 2008, passed away in December at 49-years-old.

The entire neighborhood was out to support his family, including the Lindenhurst High School ROTC and North Lindenhurst Fire Department.

County Executive Steve Bellone, Presiding Officer Duwayne Gregory and Senator Phil Boyle, Congressman Peter King and several NYPD detectives were also in attendance.

Helicopters were flying over the event and bagpipes were playing during the ceremony.

Schiavone's siblings were present at the ceremony.

His brother, 45-year-old John Schiavone, who is also an NYPD officer, gave an emotional speech to the crowd at the event.

"When you ask people what they called him, they called him a son. Husband. Dad. Brother. Uncle. Friend. Jimbo. Partner. Detective. Coach. ‘Jimmy Strong,’" John said, according to Newsday. "He’s many of those names, but for me, he was my best friend."

Local resident Dawn Frazzitta said it was a "very moving day."

Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer organized this event after John, requested a plaque be placed in Zahn's Park.

The Schiavone family then hosted a reception at the North Lindenhurst Firehouse on Straight Path.

Check out photos from the event above.

Photos and video courtesy of Dawn Frazzitta