Smithtown Honors Sergeant For Heroic Actions, Leadership

SMITHTOWN, NY — A decorated member of Smithtown’s Department of Public Safety has been named the town’s August Exemplary Public Servant.

The Town Board recognized Sergeant Brendan Dennihy for his leadership, proactive police work and commitment to residents, town officials said.

The Town Board formally presented Dennihy with the August Exemplary Public Servant Award in recognition of his service, leadership and dedication to the Smithtown community.

Dennihy has served Smithtown since February 2019 under Department of Public Safety Chief Tom Lohmann and Deputy Director Catherine Caillat.

Over the past year, Dennihy has received Meritorious Service Awards for what town officials described as heroic and proactive law enforcement actions. He was also named Smithtown’s 2026 Peace Officer of the Year.

“Brendan represents exactly what we hope for in a public servant,” Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said. “He is highly trained, dependable and calm under pressure, but just as importantly, he understands that public safety is built on trust.”

Dennihy brings the same approach to serious law enforcement matters, as well as to mentoring younger officers and everyday interactions with residents, Wehrheim said.

“Whether he is handling a serious law enforcement matter, mentoring a new officer or helping a frightened child find his parents, Brendan treats people with professionalism, kindness and respect,” Wehrheim said. “He has earned the confidence of his fellow officers and the community he serves.”

Town officials said Dennihy has consistently pursued additional training throughout his Smithtown career, building skills that have contributed to several significant arrests and the clearance of multiple investigative cases this year.

He has also taken a prominent role in the department’s Field Training Program, where he helps prepare new officers for their duties.

According to the town, Dennihy regularly makes himself available to younger department members, offering guidance as they develop the skills and judgment needed for public safety work.

“Sergeant Dennihy comes to work every day with the attitude and work ethic that we want every member of this department to emulate,” Lohmann said. “He takes pride in improving himself as an officer, he looks out for the people working alongside him, and he never loses sight of who we are here to serve.”

During one Little League Opening Day event, officials said, a young boy who had become separated from his parents spotted Dennihy and approached him for help.

The town said the encounter reflected the level of trust Dennihy has built with members of the community.

“He is an exemplary peace officer and an outstanding representative of the Town of Smithtown,” Lohmann said.