Sheriff's Memorial Service Goes Virtual Friday

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — An annual memorial service hosted by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office — in conjunction with the Suffolk County Correction Officers Association and the Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs PBA — will be held virtually this year during the coronavirus pandemic.

The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 22 at 11 a.m. and honor Suffolk County corrections officers and deputy sheriffs who have died in service since 1887.

The public will be able to view the service via the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Errol Toulon's Facebook page here.

"The service is always a moving tribute to the historic significance of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office, which has been in existence for more than three centuries," a release said. "The memorial service will include the reading of the names of all officers who have died in service, and viewers will be able to see the traditional presentation of colors, the national anthem, and the 21-gun salute."

In addition, Toulon will give the annual memorial service address from the Riverhead correctional facility, and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and District Attorney Tim Sini will speak to the online audience remotely, with an eye toward adhering to current social distancing protocols.