WANTAGH — CSEA members play an instrumental role in preparing for the Jones Beach Air Show.
While the annual event historically takes place during Memorial Day weekend, this year, it was postponed to Fourth of July weekend to observe the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The show attracts thousands of onlookers, which makes the services CSEA members provide critical to making the event a rewarding experience for attendees.
To prepare for the show, workers set up zone boxes, so those appearing in the aerial show can easily locate where the command station will be and where parachuters should land, among other areas of interest. Erecting the boxes can be a multiple day project.
To prevent dehydration and exhaustion, workers can only spend a few hours a day on the beach. To keep their energy level up, they stay hydrated, fuel their bodies by eating nutritional meals, and use sunscreen. The group also rotates with other staff if they are feeling overwhelmed by the heat.
In addition, workers use sand sifting machines to filter out debris on the beach, giving beach goers a more pleasant experience.
Over the years, patrons have approached members to express their gratitude for keeping the beach and the boardwalk in great condition.
“It feels good to know the public appreciates our contribution,” said CSEA Jones Beach Zone Staff Eoghan McCarthy. “We do our part by setting up the beach and keeping it clean. We want the public to do their part by enjoying it.”
The day of the show, it is all hands-on deck. Although members are working, they are still able to enjoy the festivities.
“We usually walk along the beach and the boardwalk, disposing of debris, but we still get to look up occasionally to see parachuters perform tricks or see one of the historic planes fly by,” said McCarthy.
Returning the beach to its pristine condition is a “hefty job,” but it is something our union members are proud to do for America’s 250th anniversary.
“Obviously, it’s a very important milestone in America’s history,” said CSEA Jones Beach Zone Staff worker Liam McCarthy. “It’s nice to be part of that, even if it’s in a very small area of the country.”
— Wendi Bowie
worker Antroy Thompson helps
get the beach ready for the Jones
Beach Airshow.
worker Brian Rivera is one of many
CSEA members readying the beach
for the Jones Beach Airshow.
worker Liam McCarthy brings the
fencing used to create zone boxes to the beach.
“I’m proud to have served my county in uniform and continue serving my community every day through my work. When you fight for this country, you want the best for the people in it. When you take a public service job, you want this best for the people in your community.”
— Adam Chudy, Cattaraugus County Unit Executive Board Member and Cattaraugus County DPW Employee. Served in the Army as a Corporal for three years.