Commemorating Blue Friday in NYS

Each and every day, the brave and courageous men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line to keep us safe and protect our community. These men and women are local heroes in every sense of the term. Sadly, each year, about 140 to 160 police officers are killed in the line of duty and their families and co-workers and all of us are left to cope with the tragic loss.

The mission of Blue Friday New York is to help rebuild the lives of survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty by serving as a clearinghouse for federal and state benefits, information, and resources that may be available to families of our fallen police officers.

Blue Friday is a reminder to pay tribute to all those in the law enforcement community who protect and serve, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

In the Capital Region, radio station Country 107.7 WGNA FM has joined forces with Blue Friday New York, Hannaford Supermarkets, the Ninety-Nine Restaurants and RC Lacy Ford Lincoln Subaru to recognize April 28, 2017 as the 13th Annual Blue Friday.

I’m proud to sponsor a resolution that passed today in the New York State Senate declaring this Friday as #bluefriday2017.

I presented copies of the resolution for Blue Friday to Vice President and Co-Founder of Blue Friday, Saratoga County Deputy Sheriff Louis A. Somma, as well as Director of Blue Friday Robert Markel, who is a retired Bethlehem detective sergeant. Also joining us today from WGNA were the on-air hosts who are helping promote and sponsor Blue Friday and will be live on the air to remind people about the day and support the families affected: Brian Cody, Chrissy Cavotta, Marissa Lanchak and Matty Jeff.

It was fitting that as we passed the Blue Friday resolution, we also honored one of Senator Kathy Marchione’s constituents, NYS Trooper Timothy Pratt, who was struck and killed six months ago while assisting a motorist.

Thank you to all members of law enforcement, may the Lord keep them safe and may He bless all of our fallen police heroes and bring comfort to their families.