LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Herbert McGrail upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Boy Scouts of America,
Suffolk County Council on May 6, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Herbert McGrail upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition by the Boy Scouts of America, Suffolk County Council, to be cele-
brated at its Eagles Connect Event on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at Appli-
ance World, Huntington, New York; and
WHEREAS, An esteemed resident of Northport since 1962, Herbert
McGrail, affectionately known as Herb, has volunteered countless hours
and served as a moral compass, guide and safe haven for hundreds of
young people throughout the local community; and
WHEREAS, Herb McGrail co-founded The Place in 1967, a substance abuse
treatment and counseling center; this vital organization was incorpo-
rated as Concepts for Narcotic Prevention Inc., and became a "place"
where youth in distress could come for help; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, during this time, Herb McGrail gave tirelessly
of his time and energy to those in need, taking children into his home
through times of crisis, immersing them in a family setting, and nursing
them back on their feet with emotional guidance; and
WHEREAS, Herb McGrail began his illustrious career in Boy Scouts while
taking his son to a Cub Scout meeting in 1969; since that day he has
become a staple of the local Boy Scouts of America, holding myriad
titles over the last 37 years; and
WHEREAS, As current Advancement Chairman, a position he has held for
more than two decades, Herb McGrail oversees candidates who are seeking
to earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout, a performance based achieve-
ment; during this time, he has worked with more than 500 young men,
helping them conceive and complete 200 to 300-hour projects in an effort
to reach their goal; and
WHEREAS, A retired Engineer, Herb McGrail gave 32 years of dedicated
service to the Northrop Grumman Corporation; he currently serves on the
Environmental Open Space and Park Fund Review Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Herb McGrail received the National Saint George
Award of the Episcopal Church, bestowed by the Bishop of the Episcopal
Church of the United States of America; this auspicious award acknowl-
edged Herb for his distinguished service in the spiritual, physical,
mental and moral development of young people through work with the
church and national youth agency programs; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Herb McGrail has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 45 years, Betsy and
their three children, as well as seven grandchildren, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Herb McGrail has displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Herbert McGrail upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Boy Scouts of America, Suffolk County Council on May
6, 2015, and to wish him continued success in all of his future endeav-
ors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Herbert McGrail.