LI Coronavirus: Millworker Makes 1k Face Shields For Front Lines

RONKONKOMA, NY — Bobby Cozzie repurposed his company shop to become a one-man face shield factory for those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. He is now reaching the 1,000 mark for shields he has created and donated to Long Island hospitals.

The Oakdale resident told Patch he is making 75-100 shields per day in his business shop for Executive Architectural Millwork, located in Ronkonkoma. He says he's getting feedback from healthcare workers that they are comfortable and helpful and the orders keep coming.

"The demand is unreal. I try to give 10 to 15 per request so I can get some to everyone and then they can contact me in a couple days to get more. I do this so my supply doesn't get wiped out and I can keep up."

He's already promised the next 400 shields he will make to those who have requested them.

"I will not take money from those who need them. I've been lucky to get some donations of both money and materials to keep this going. Whether or not I get donations I'll still be here making and donating shields as long as I can. "

Cozzie, who grew up in Ronkonkoma, says he was partly motivated by his wife, who works as a nurse at Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson. He always keeps notes on the whiteboard where he tallies the shield totals to remind him oflate Sachem teacher Matt "Dezy" DiStefano that say "#wegetto" and "#dezystrong."

"Matt was a very close friend and this is definitely something he would have been a part of."