Suffolk correction officers and deputy sheriffs who died in service were honored today at a memorial service at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverside.
The annual service, hosted by Sheriff Vincent DeMarco, the Suffolk County Correction Officers Association and the Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs P.B.A., honored the 70 deputies and correction officers who died in service since 1887, when the sheriff’s office began keeping such records.
The names of the deceased, which are engraved on plaques affixed to two concrete monuments at the base of the flag pole outside the facility’s main entrance, were read aloud. Riverhead High School trumpeters Lauren Schmitt and Danny Jones played taps, and deputy sheriffs fired a volley in salute.
“To all the families and friends of the departed who are here, we know we can never repay our debt to you or to your loved ones for the sacrifices that they made,” DeMarco said from the podium. “We also know we can never fully ease the pain of those left behind, husbands and wives, children, mothers and fathers and families. We can, however, pay tribute to their memories. As we hear their names, we will remember with heavy hearts their service to the people of Suffolk County and their place in the 340-year history of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.”
“Our freedoms are not just secured by those overseas, but also here at home in communities all across our country,” Rep. Lee Zeldin told the crowd.
“In the county of Suffolk, we are blessed with the fine men and women who serve with corrections and deputy sheriffs, who keep us safe and secure here at home. Because of the leadership of [DeMarco] we can go to sleep feeling safe at night, knowing our families are well-protected.”
Wreaths were laid at the monument and family members of the departed officers placed long-stemmed red roses at the foot of the flagpole.
“It’s a beautiful ceremony,” said Kathleen Guydish of Manorville, whose son Deputy Sheriff Christopher Guydish died of brain cancer on July 6, 2007. He was 33 years old and a seven-year member of the department.
“He loved his job so much,” Guydish said. “He got his brother to join the department and he loves it too,” she said of her younger son Thomas.
Mary Connelly, who husband Deputy Sheriff Brian Connelly died on Feb. 22, 2011, comes to the memorial service each year despite having moved to North Carolina.
The couple raised their family of four in East Quogue. He was diagnosed with bile duct cancer at age 48 and died two years later, a 22-year member of the department.
“He was so healthy. I never saw that coming,” she said, shaking her head. She was joined at the service by her children Terence, Clare and Ian.
“It’s so nice that he’s remembered in this way,” Connelly said.
