New Hyde Park Eagle Scout From Sewanhaka Completes Project

NEW HYDE PARK, NY — A memorial garden dedicated to first responders has been installed at Averill Boulevard Park in Franklin Square, as part of a Sewanhaka High School student’s Eagle Scout project, Sewanhaka Central School District officials announced.

The garden, which is surrounded by stone borders, features a mixture of trees and flowers. At its center lays a large rock with a plaque affixed to it that is inscribed with the words, “Those who respond first, respond best. In honor of all first responders in the Town of Hempstead, we thank you for your service.”

Daniel Denehy, a member of Troop 298 in New Hyde Park, recently completed the garden with the assistance of his fellow scouts, Diego Diaz, Matthew Cruz and Leonardo Burgos, who attend New Hyde Park Memorial High School with him, as well as Chaminade High School student, Daniel Corcoran, school district officials said.

The memorial garden was dedicated recently in a small ceremony attended by members of Troop 298, as well as Denehy and his parents, Kevin and Annette, Scoutmaster CJ Manoni, Max Manoni, Michael Dore, and Daniel Dore.

First responders from the community, such as Elmont Fire Department Chief John Lukas, EMT Lisa Johnston, Elmont Fire Commissioner Frank Hrbek, and 5th Precinct Officer McMahon, were also in attendance, as well as Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, and councilmen Bruce Blakeman and Thomas Muscarella.