County Legislator Wayne R. Horsley and County Executive Steve Levy announced an increase of $75,000 to the County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Program for Veterans.

Horsley, former chair of the Town of Babylon Veterans Advisory Council in 2005, initiated the first CERT class comprised solely of Babylon Town Veterans. The National American Legion has subsequently endorsed the concept of an all Vets CERT class. Babylon's class is the first of its kind in the nation. Thirty Babylon Town veterans graduated in 2005 after completing nine weeks of vigorous training in emergency preparedness from the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services. They are now referred to as Babylon Vets First Division. This program, which is promoted by FEMA and Homeland Security, is now being expanded to include all Veterans in Suffolk County.

Horsley commented, "the Veterans will be there front and center to assist our police and volunteer fire departments if there is ever a national emergency, such as a hurricane or Homeland Security Disaster.