This year, the Friends of Saint Patrick are very proud to announce that this year's Grand Marshall for the 56th annual Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade is committee member and president, Mr. Jerry Coogan. When asked what his thoughts were when he learned of his nomination, Mr. Coogan replied, "I was very honored to be asked to be president of this historical organization back in 2003, but being asked to be the Grand Marshall has me overwhelmed with emotion. I am very honored indeed". The parade will take place on Sunday, March 9th at 1 p.m. sharp.

Being a member of the organization since 1990, Jerry resides with his wife Judy in Mount Sinai, and have just become first time parents to newly arrived twins! They have welcomed a boy and a girl, with their son being named after his late father, Fred Coogan, who took Jerry to many parades in his youth. "My dad will be looking down at me very proud on this parade. That I can say for certain".

Mr. Coogan is a long-time employee for Miller Environmental Group and is their regional manager for the Metro-New York area. Miller handles all types of environmental spills and hazardous emergencies throughout the east coast of the United States. They are responsible for the entire decontamination efforts at Ground Zero in 2001 for over a year after this tragic event and decontaminated all personnel, equipment and materials to ensure the safety of those and the residents within the metropolitan area. Whether responding to environmental problems within specific community or organization a local annual parade, Jerry sees a direct correlation in community orientation with the end result being the satisfaction of the residents. "You forget about the time and hard work that you just went through when you see a smiling kids face with his parents. It's amazing and gratifying".

The community at large is invited to celebrate and pay tribute to Jerry Coogan on Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 from 4-8 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of East Wind Caterers in Wading River when the Friends of Saint Patrick will be holding their parade fundraising event.

For further information, please contact John Barchi.