Suffolk County, NY – The Suffolk County Police Department celebrated a significant moment in its history today with the renaming and dedication of its police museum. The ceremony, which took place this week, marked the renaming of the museum in honor of its founder, the late retired Lt. Tom Smith.
Lt. Smith, who dedicated 42 years of service to the SCPD and the then-Village of Babylon Police Department, was commemorated for his pivotal role in establishing the museum 39 years ago. His efforts, beginning on January 25, 1985, were pivotal in preserving the rich history of the department and educating the public.
The event was attended by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk County Acting Police Commissioner Robert Waring, along with Lt. Smith’s family, including his wife Rose Marie and their five children. The museum’s official renaming to the Lt. Thomas B. Smith Suffolk Police Museum stands as a testament to his dedication and contribution to the department.
A historian at heart, Smith was instrumental not only in the museum’s inception but also in its curation. His work ensured that the legacy of the department and the contributions of its officers were well represented and accessible to the public.
The Lt. Thomas B. Smith Suffolk Police Museum, showcasing the SCPD’s history and the evolution of law enforcement, is open to the public from Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.