Sayville Hero Honored In Street Renaming Ceremony

SAYVILLE, NY — On what would have been his 51st birthday, the late Sayville hero Sgt. James Bast was honored in a street renaming ceremony on Tuesday.

The Town of Islip hosted the event to pay tribute to the NYPD first responder, who died last year from a 9/11-related illness.

The local resident retired from the NYPD Intelligence Bureau's Municipal Security Section after 23 years of service and afterward, became a member of former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's security detail.

To honor this local hero, the town renamed Behrendt Court to Sgt. James P. Bast Way.

During the ceremony, Bloomberg spoke on his experience working with Bast.

"The things that made Jimmy a great cop: He was honest. He was trustworthy, kind and dedicated to others," he said according to GreaterSayville.

Local officials including Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Town Councilman James O'Connor also attended the ceremony alongside Bast's widow, Kristin Bast; his daughter Megan; and his sons Thomas and James.

"Sgt. Bast exhibited true heart, courage and devotion to his community and fellow countrymen. He stands among those noble few, who did not hesitate to join the recovery efforts following one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history," Carpenter said. "Our deepest gratitude goes out to him and his family. May the dedication of this street in his honor, serve to remind us of the many sacrifices made by the men and women of our Town—the repercussions of which are still felt 20 years later."