dvv, You don't seem to understand ATC and how it works. The controller is a professional and did not compromise safety letting his children give a routine, not crucial, clearance, cleared for takeoff and contact departure. If the aircraft is on the runway the only clearance he is waiting for is cleared for takeoff, next, contact departure which is the boring routine they do all day long over and over again. PTH is right. He should be reinstated immediately to put JFK in his competent hands again. He will not invite his children to the tower again, I guarantee it. I hope the controller has a wonderful career and his children remember what he did to give them a memorable experience. I did it for my daughter on my retirement flight and understand how it was important to you to show your children what you did and let them experience a bit of it.