ICYMI: Town Of Smithtown Hosts Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony

SMITHTOWN, NY — Arbor Day was celebrated in Smithtown with a tree-planting ceremony in memory of Smithtown Bay Constable Thomas C. Akerberg, Jr., according to the Town of Smithtown.

Town of Smithtown elected leaders joined the Department of Environment and Waterways, the Department of Public Safety and the Akerberg family for the ceremony.

Each year, the Department of Environment and Waterways hosts a ceremonial tree planting to mark the annual Arbor Day holiday. The memorial tree, a Magnolia Galaxy, was planted at the entrance of the Smithtown Department of Public Safety, where it will grow upwards of 30 to 40 feet high, and its magenta blooms will bud with the start of each spring.

"Tommy had the gift of healing, which he passed on to anyone who crossed his path," Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo stated via news release. "On a hard day, he knew just how to make me laugh, until it hurt. He was a great friend, a proud father, a teacher, and a hero to the Smithtown and FDNY family. I can't think of a better way to remember such a bright light in our community than this tree, which will grow, blossom and thrive for generations to come."

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