Cigar Night Fundraiser Held for Leg. Muratore

Attendees relaxed by torchlight, amid a plume of fragrant smoke, while overlooking the lake, during Wednesday's Cigar Night for , R-Ronkonkoma, which was hosted by the Suffolk County Correction Officers Association; and held in .

Cigars, donated by Global Smoke Shop in Syosset, were served at the low-key event along with dinner and drinks.

Vito Dagnello, president of the Suffolk County Correction Officers Association, organized the unique occasion since many members of the association like to unwind from their stressful jobs with a good cigar. 

"It's a relaxed setting compared to a straight fundraiser," he said. "Most people sit in the backyard and smoke cigars; here's a chance to do it with friends."

Muratore served as a law enforcement professional for 35 years.  He worked as a patrol officer, and a senior instructor at the Suffolk County Police Academy.

A raffle was held at the event featuring prizes such as wine baskets, Cigar Humidors, Mets tickets and Long Island Ducks tickets. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward Muratore's campaign for re-election.

"It was a chance to support Tom, and sit down, and have a relaxing time, and talk with Tom about his background in law enforcement.  He had a long career as a union officer," said Dagnello. "You hear a lot of politicians say corrections is the toughest job in law enforcement — Tom actually knows it.  He talks from the heart."

Others in attendance included Republican candidate for Brookhaven Town Supervisor Cecile Forte, Brookhaven GOP leader Jesse Garcia, Brookhaven Conservative Party Chairperson Ed Walsh and Ed Munoz, Republican candidate for Brookhaven Town Council District 1.

Muratore supporter, Paul Schreiber from Brentwood said, "He's a good union guy, so naturally he's a good legislator.  He's good at whatever he does."

During an impassioned speech given by Legis. Muratore, he underscored the importance of continued support, in the form of volunteerism, in order for him to secure another victory in the upcoming election.

Garcia called Muratore a, "champion for the taxpayer", and said he is someone who works tirelessly on behalf of the families of the fourth district, as well as all of Suffolk County.