Riverhead Town To Honor Heidi Behr

Seven years after she died in a tragic ambulance crash, Riverhead Town is seeking ways to honor Heidi Behr.

The horrific ambulance crash on Main Road in Aquebogue, which took place in May, 2005, took the lives of emergency responder Behr, 23, and William Anthony Stone in May, 2005.

When Heidi died, she left behind her little baby, who was only 15 months old, and severely disabled, with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and who is also legally blind. 

Today, June and John Behr, Behr's heartbroken parents, are raising her son, Jared, who is now 8 years old; they have since moved from Riverhead to a family home in Cutchogue.

On Thursday, the Riverhead Town board discussed ways to honor Behr's memory forever. 

One way, said Councilman John Dunleavy, would be to name the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance barn, where Behr was a beloved member of the ambulance corp, in her memory.

Naming the ambulance barn after Behr could be done immediately, Dunleavy said, and would require only a sign.

Councilman Jim Wooten said since taking office, he has hoped to create a handicapped accessible play area at Stotzky Park.

"I've wanted to do a playground for Jared. We don't have any handicapped playgrounds," he said.

The board agreed to discuss naming the ambulance barn with the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corp., who did not attend the meeting about new third party billing as expected.

Also hoping to honor Behr is Reeves Park resident  on Sound Avenue was born after he lost his brother, Thomas Kelly, 38, a New York City firefighter and one of seven members of Engine 219, Ladder 105 who died tragically on September 11 after the terrorist attacks.

Kelly said he would like to dedicate a section of the park to first responders who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

To start, Kelly would like to create a memorial at the park to Behr and others who died tragically in the line of service.