Sheriff Brian Schenck reports that the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 704 of Cayuga County, Nick Valenti, and Dr. Linda Townsend, has launched a program to recognize our local military heroes that gave their lives defending our freedom. Beginning today the Sheriff’s Office will be displaying photos and information related to local Veterans on the back of select Sheriff’s Patrol Vehicles. This information will include the Veteran’s name, where they served, and the date they made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Cayuga Onondaga BOCES Graphic Design Students designed the graphics that will be displayed to honor our Veterans. A special thanks to Instructor Terry Cuddy and his students, especially Cyrus Russell (student designing the graphic) for a job well done.
Today the program was kicked off at the Cayuga Onondaga BOCES Campus with the following in attendance:
The family of Jerome Bell Jr., who gave his life on 19 September 2008 and the family of Patrick A. Devoe the 2nd who gave his life on 8 March 2009. Both died defending our freedom in Afghanistan.
Also attending were Nick Valenti with the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 704, BOCES Instructor Terry Cuddy and his students, Cayuga County Legislative Chair David Gould, Local Cayuga County Veterans Services Director Kevin Swab, Sheriff’s Sergeant Brian Myers, Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Ellinwood, and Sheriff Brian Schenck.
“The members of our Sheriff’s Office and I are honored to have the ability to recognize these Cayuga County Veterans through our Heroes Ride With Us Program who died defending our way of life. Thank you to everyone that has helped make this recognition initiative possible. To the families of those that we have lost, we thank you for your sacrifice.” Sheriff Brian Schenck
Thank you to the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 704, Auburn Elks Club, and Cayuga County Deputy Sheriff’s Benevolent Association for helping fund this project. Additional funding is needed to expand the program and honor additional heroes. Any and all donations will be accepted and are appreciated.
To donate: Please send a check or money order addressed and payable to the Cayuga County Deputy Sheriff’s Benevolent Association (CCDSBA) 7445 County House Rd. Auburn NY 13021 and note that the donation is for the Heroes Program.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].