Former teacher, private pilot to lead Farmingdale Civil Air Patrol

A former Sewanhaka High schoolteacher will take on the role leading the Civil Air Patrol’s Long Island Senior Squadron in Farmingdale.

Capt. Randy Lewis, 62, of North Bellmore, will serve as the leader for the squadron, among others on Long Island that perform emergency services such as search and rescue for state and local agencies and the federal government. Also known as CAP, it is an auxiliary unit of the U.S. Air Force.

Lewis, who retired as a music teacher in 2018 after 34 years at the school, first joined CAP in 2009 after getting his private pilot license the year before. He replaces Lt. Col. Darren Cioffi, who will develop the squadron relationship with military organizations statewide.

In a phone interview Monday afternoon, Lewis saw joining CAP “as an opportunity to give something back to my community with my pilot’s license.”

He will serve a four-year volunteer term.

CAP also provides aerospace education and cadet programs, which according to their website, offers a curriculum focusing on leadership, aerospace, fitness and character. It's comprised of "civilian volunteers," according the CAP website.

While the U.S. Air Force provides funding for CAP to fly, Lewis said his favorite part of serving in the squadron is providing cadet orientation flights out of Long Island MacArthur Airport.

“We take the cadets up flying,” he said. “They take the controls. … It’s just an incredible thing to hear these kids say what a wonderful time they had.”

Created in 1941, CAP has volunteers nationwide, who "are there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster, and work to keep the homeland safe," according to its website.

"Its 56,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy, and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program," the website says.