Town to Hold Seminar on Heroin, Gang Awareness

The Town of Islip will be presenting an educational seminar on heroin and gang awareness tonight, June 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Connetquot High School.

A number of guest speakers will be in attendance including Victor and Doreen Ciappa, whose daughter Natalie died from heroin use; a Suffolk County Police officer who will offer tips on how to recognize the signs that a child is in a gang; a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who will discuss what every parent and teacher should know about heroin; and an addiction specialist who will provide information on rehabilitation, addiction and treatment.

"Our communities have been hit with the troubling reality that heroin and gangs are taking over our neighborhoods, and we are all working hard to do something about it," stated Town of Islip Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt. "I am hopeful that parents and teachers will join us in learning how to identify a child who is traveling down a dangerous path."

"Heroin use and gang violence on Long Island have been increasing at an alarming rate," stated Supervisor Phil Nolan. "I strongly encourage residents to attend this important seminar with the hopes that we can better equip ourselves to tackle these issues and save the lives of our children."

The educational seminar was spearheaded by Larry O'Leary, Islip Town's Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety Enforcement. It will start at 7 p.m. at Connetquot High School, which is located at 109 7th Street in Bohemia. For more information, call 224-5485.