The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla in the Oyster Bay area is recruiting new members. They are needed to assist the Coast Guard in performing Homeland Security missions and to implement the Coast Guard’s many recreational boating safety programs. No experience or boat is required. Training will be provided for the recruits. For more information on joining the auxiliary, please call Vice Commander Flotilla Joe Orlich, at 624-USCG.
“We just did a huge membership campaign this past summer starting in June. We had a banner over Route 106 and one over East Main Street asking for recruits and got about 12 new members. Because of the economy, we lost about 15 members. So we are almost back to our full strength but we need a little more help,” said Mr. Orlich.
Mr. Orlich is very active with the U.S. Coast Guard and represents them in the annual Oyster Festival where he works with the waterfront committee. The Festival Committee met for the first time and have already contacted Mr. Orlich for his help.
The Town of Oyster Bay recently sent out a press release asking people to adopt-a-cemetery, which in a way, his son Travis did by working to help clear the Old Baptist Cemetery on Orchard Street. It was his community project to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. In November he was given his Eagle Rank review and in April 22 they will be holding a Court of Honor at Oyster Bay High School for him.
The voyage to Eagle Rank must be completed before a Boy Scout reaches age 18. Travis graduated from Oyster Bay High School in June. He is now attending Nassau Community College and is majoring in Criminal Justice.
“He is interested in being a police officer. I always tell my kids to do what they love. I have four kids and I never try to push them into anything. That is his choice,” said Mr. Orlich.
It is a profession with danger, and Mr. Orlich said, “There is more risk in being a police officer than people realize. It means dealing with firearms, traffic and accidents. But that is what he wants to do and he is already a member of the Police Explorer Program which is a part of Scouting.”
You can expect community service from the Orlich family. Mr. Orlich is a retired detective sergeant from the Nassau County Police Department.
