Memorial Day Ceremony

A ceremony to honor our fallen Veterans.

The Speaker for this event will be Dale Petruska:

    Dale Petruska graduated from Sachem High School in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY class of 1980.  He worked for the family business of plumbing/heating/refrigeration and delivery of home heating oil, also splitting his time working as a bayman digging clams and scallops on the Great South Bay.

     In 1982, Dale enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, upon graduating bootcamp in Cape May, NJ Dale was stationed at USCG Station Shinnecock, Hampton Bays, NY.  While awaiting Aviation Survivalman “A” School, he served as a crewman on various USCG rescue vessels.  in October of 1982 he attended Emergency Medical Technician school in Petaluma, CA. receiving his EMT certification.  As an SNBM in November of 1982 he attended Coxswain “C” school in Yorktown, VA, upon returning to Station Shinnecock he achieved his Coxswain’s Pin.

   In 1983, Dale was awaiting USN/USCG Dive School, and was on liberty when he was struck as a pedestrian by a drunk driver.  When he returned to active duty 6 months later, his physical revealed due to the impact of his many injuries, he was no longer a candidate for USCG Dive School. He continued to serve as Boatswain Mate/Coxswain until being honorably discharged on April 11, 1986.

    Dale’s USCG training and experience readied him to work in the marine construction, diving and salvage field.  Then to serve as as a marine patrol officer in the Southampton Town Police Marine Unit from April 1989 – September 2006, and East Hampton Town Police as Sergeant/Sr. Harbormaster October 2006 – August 2022.

     Dale has retired and now resides in the town of Appomattox, Va.