Ambulance Barn To Be Dedicated To EMTs Killed In Crash

Eight years after Riverhead emergency responder Heidi Behr died in a horrific ambulance crash on Route 25 in Aquebogue, the ambulance barn where she found colleagues and friends as close as family will be dedicated in her honor.

The Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps barn will also be named for William Anthony Stone, a paramedic from Rocky Point who died with Behr in the tragic accident.

The Riverhead town board discussed dedicating the barn to both at their Thursday work session.

The Behr family, RVAC President Bruce Talmage said, was "insistent" the barn be named after not only their daughter, but Stone, as well.

"I agree," Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter said.

Talmage said two options were being considered for the design, the first being a sign on the building itself.

The second option, he said, could include a sign out front -- perhaps one with a rolling digital marquee and lettering.

"Everyone wants that," Walter said.

Recently, some have protested proposed plans for an electronic sign outside the All Star bowling alley.

"That's not in our sign ordinance," Councilman John Dunleavy told RVAC members.

Councilwoman Jodi Giglio asked RVAC members if the tribute could be achieved in another way, without the rolling sign.

Talmage said many ambulance barns and schools have similar signs; they are a good way to post public information, he added. Even gas stations have electronic signs, he said.

"Not legally," Walter responded.

The supervisor told the RVAC representatives to come up with a design for the memorial to bring before the town board for review.

"We're completely at your disposal. But I don't know if we'll give you an electronic sign, though," Walter said.

The crash that killed Behr and Stone took place 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. 

Also hoping to honor Behr is Reeves Park resident Bob Kelly, who is creating a 9/11 memorial park on Sound Avenue. The idea for the park 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.