In Memoriam

Bay Constable Richard Brooks was shot and killed by a suspect he stopped for driving while intoxicated.

Constable Brooks observed the suspect operating a vehicle in an erratic manner on the Robert Moses Twin Causeway that connects Oak Beach to mainland Long Island. Constable Brooks attempted to stop the suspect, but the suspect fled in his vehicle. After a short pursuit, the suspect pulled into the driveway of his home. He exited his vehicle and fled into his house.

The constable called for back-up and exited his patrol car. As he did, the suspect opened fire with a 12-gauge shotgun from the second floor of his home, striking the constable in the chest.

The suspect then came back outside and got into his vehicle. He ran over Constable Brooks several times before his escape. Back-up officers from the New York State Park Police blocked the road with a patrol car, causing the suspect to stop and exit his vehicle. When the suspect left his car, he pointed his shotgun at the officers. The officers fired at the suspect, killing him.

Constable Brooks had served as a part-time uniformed Bay Constable one day a week for three years, helping to police the waterways and three beaches in the Town of Babylon. He had previously served for 20 years with the New York City Transit Police Department and New York City Police Department, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant.

Constable Brooks is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Robert James Brooks was born on June 21, 1947 to the late Jesse and Lillie Brooks in Meadowbrook hospital in East Meadow Long Island. Bobby worked with his parents, eight sisters and brothers on several farms on Long Island. He was always a hard worker. In 1957 the family bought their first home in North Babylon with his ten siblings and two more were added to the family. Bobby graduated from North Babylon Senior High School in 1965. He then enlisted in the Army after 1967 where he served in Vietnam. After returning home he worked in Jamaica Army Armory. From there he was transferred to Bayshore Armory where he retired in 2004. Bobby married Theresa Anzelone in 1981. He was the first Afro-American 1st Assistant Chief of the Wyndanch Volunteer Fire Department. Bobby was involved with many other organizations such as the Wheatley Heights Ambulance Corp and the Bay Constable.

Clinton S. "Clint" Smith, a lifelong resident of East Norwich who served in many official capacities throughout his life, including that of the Town of Oyster Bay Harbor Master and chief of the East Norwich Fire Department, died on April 26.

Smith active in the fire company for 72 years, serving not just as chief, but as past president, as well as past president of the East Norwich Firemen’s Benevolent Association.

Affectionately referred to as “Clint” by those who knew him, Clinton served on various committees, including the fire company’s Board of Trustees. He worked for the Town of Oyster Bay for 35 years.

He started work as an arborist in 1957, and during that time, he ran a mooring and towing company part-time. In 1969, he took up a post at Oyster Bay’s Department of Beaches and was the first Harbor Master to have Peace Officer status and served as the chairman of the Mooring Committee for Oyster Bay Harbor.

As Harbor Master, he established a grid pattern for anchorage areas and applied through the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for special anchorage, which allowed for a mooring area that included channel systems.

After 20 years as Harbor Master, Clinton was promoted to Supervisor of Waterways and Conservation where he worked until his retirement. He was also one of the founders and presidents of the Christeen Oyster Sloop Preservation Corporation from 1991 until 2002, and the corporation was reactivated in 2009 with the replica of the Oyster Dreg “Ida May” at the Western Waterfront Center.

On August 3rd, 2022 Bay Constable Nicholas "Nicky" Balducci peacefully passed away with his loving wife and son by his side. Nicky proudly served as a Smithtown Bay Constable from May 6, 1992 to December 19, 2018. Nicky was a beloved and revered figure in the Smithtown boating community. Nicky was honored to serve under the leadership of his brother Roger Balducci, who was the longtime Harbormaster for The Town of Smithtown. Due to Nicky’s expert seamanship and his local waterway knowledge, he quickly became the Training Officer of the Smithtown Bay Constables. He performed in such capacity until the date of his retirement. Bay Constable Balducci was best known for his quick wit and ability to converse with anyone he met. A tremendous source of pride to Nicky was one day being approached by a gentleman who Nicky had some twenty years earlier rescued as a small child. Nicky clearly recalled the day when he pulled the small child from the depths of Stony Brook Harbor. That gentleman always wanted to meet and express his gratitude to Bay Constable Balducci. Nicky served as an inspiration to many generations of future Bay Constables. Bay Constable Balducci will continuously hold a special place in our hearts and minds.

Jeffrey Walsh passed at the age of 69 on Friday, December 23, 2022 he served his community for over 30 years as both a bay constable and a volunteer Fire Fighter.