At the Oct. 20 Floral Park village board meeting, Mayor Kevin Greene and the board of trustees congratulated the following employees for 25 years or more of service to the village:
John Daunt (25 years) began working for the village as summer help in the Department of Public Works. In July 1984, he was hired full time as a laborer and in 1986 he moved into his current position as parking meter supervisor. In this position, he collects the monies from all the parking meters in the village and ensures that they are continually in working order. A graduate of Floral Park Memorial High School, John has lived on Stewart Street for over 40 years with his parents, Mary and John Sr., a former village employee. John enjoys playing darts, collecting comic books and watching all types of sporting events. He also is an avid poker player and likes to visit Atlantic City. John’s many years of service to the village have made him a valued employee of the Public Works Department.
Donald Phillips (25 years) began his career with the village as a police communications operator in 1984. He was promoted to his current position of clerk to the village justice in 2003. In this capacity, Donnie ensures all tickets are processed in a timely fashion through the Unified Court System. Born and raised in Floral Park, Donnie lives in the village on Walnut Avenue. His interests include general aviation, sports and computers and he enjoys spending time with his friends. Donnie has been a loyal Mets fan for many years and is hoping once again for a Miracle Mets season. Donnie’s dedication and attention to detail have proven to be great assets to the court office as well as to the residents of Floral Park.
Wendy Bilka (25 years) is by far one of the most physically fit employees of the village. She has been leading the aerobics and exercise programs at the Recreation Center and pool since 1984. Wendy also teachers adult yoga, children’s gymnastics, yoga and tennis and is the current adult tennis director. Wendy’s roots in Floral Park run deep. Her father, Warren Wood, grew up in the village and attended John Lewis Childs School. She and her husband, Tommy, also grew up in Floral Park and attended John Lewis Childs School and Floral Park Memorial High School. Wendy and Tommy’s daughters, Lynsie and Devon, followed in their parents’ and grandparents’ footsteps and attended the same schools. Wendy is constantly on the move; she plays tennis quite often and also plays on a competitive volleyball team at the Recreation Center in the summer. She is an ardent snow skier and snow boarder, water skier, rollerblader and biker. She enjoys camping, doing crafts and scrapbooking. When time permits, which is not often, Wendy tries to relax in the sun and read a good book. Wendy’s many years of service have made her an asset to the Recreation Department and village residents.
Sgt. Ronald Gagliano (25 years) was hired as a police officer in August 1984 and was promoted to his current position of sergeant in April 1993. Ron grew up in Floral Park and graduated from Floral Park Memorial High School. He and his wife, Laurene, have been married 22 years and currently live in Levittown. Their daughter, Jill, and son, Steven, both attend C.W. Post College. While his children were young, Ron coached their baseball and basketball teams. He continues to enjoy these sports as well as a good game of golf. Ron’s dedication to the police department has made him an invaluable asset to the village.
Lt. Michael Suppe (25 years) became a police officer in Floral Park in August 1884. He was promoted to sergeant in 1990 and to his current position of lieutenant in 2007. In his capacity as lieutenant, Mike wears several different hats. He is the incident command/terrorism coordinator as well as the infectious disease and hazardous materials coordinator. He is the department training and scheduling officer and department grant coordinator. Mike also handles coverage for special events and is the bicycle patrol supervisor. He grew up on Chestnut Avenue in the house where his parents, Edward and Mary, still reside. He has remained involved in the village by occasionally speaking at civic association meetings as the police department liaison. He and his wife, Diane, live in Seaford with their three children, Michael, a senior at Fordham University, Kristy, a sophomore at Quinnipiac University, and Melissa, a junior at St. John the Baptist High School. Mike is an enthusiast of many sports and has coached baseball, basketball and soccer. He loves to tinker with cars, go on family vacations and relax at the beach. He continually works in a professional manner, not only during day-to-day situations but in emergencies as well. He is a valuable member of the police department.
Kenneth Tymecki (35 years) began his career with the village in 1974 as a laborer in the Highway Department. In 1981, he was promoted to labor supervisor in the Highway Department and then general supervisor in 1995. In 2000, Ken was promoted to superintendent of Public Works. Jen and his wife, Karen-Marie, have been married for 33 years and live in Garden City Park. They raised two sons, Robert and Kenneth, Jr. Ken’s favorite past time is spending quality time with his wife and sons. Recently, he and Karen have been traveling the country to see as much of the U.S. as possible. He is also interested in digital photography and computers. An enthusiastic baseball fan, Ken is quick to strike up a conversation with you about the Mets and has been an avid follower of the team for almost 50 years. Ken’s professionalism and willingness to help have made him a valued employee.
Both Officer Dennis Nicholson and Gerard McDonald (30 years) also received recognition certificates but were unable to attend the board meeting.
