County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Sheriff Donald B. Smith Welcome Road to Hope Cyclists

County Executive
MaryEllen Odell
845-808-1001

Odell and Smith Welcome Road to Hope Cyclists

CARMEL, N.Y. (May 5, 2014) – Putnam Executive MaryEllen Odell and Sheriff Don Smith welcomed cyclists from Law Enforcement United’s Road to Hope Memorial Bike Ride who took a rest at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, May 5. The team is traveling from Boston, Mass to Washington, D.C. to honor the service and sacrifice made by law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

“Putnam is a county of first responders—both career and volunteer. We are honored to have these men and women take a moment with us on their way down to Washington D.C.,” said Odell. “These riders are either active or retired law enforcement officers, corrections officers or an immediate family member of a Law Enforcement Officer (L.E.O.) that died in the line of duty. They ride to memorialize their colleagues or family members and the raise funds to help support the families that were left behind. I commend their efforts, their determination and their loyalty.”

Joining Odell and Smith was John J. Falcone of Carmel, whose son John M. Falcone, an officer for the Poughkeepsie Police Department, was shot and killed after responding to a shots fired call in Poughkeepsie on February 18, 2011. He was posthumously promoted to Detective by the Poughkeepsie Chief of Police.

“I am so overwhelming by the love and support my wife and I have received since John’s death,” said Falcone. “My heart goes out to all the loved ones whose fathers, mothers, sons and daughters made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.”

Sheriff Smith agreed. “The team’s travel from Boston to Washington DC is truly a labor of love and reminds us how important it is for us to never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our lives as well as our way of life in keeping us safe. This wonderful event also reminds us in addition to keeping their memory sacred, that we must never forget their families.”

Law Enforcement United was founded upon and committed to honoring officers who have died in the line of duty, and ensuring that their surviving family is supported and not forgotten. Its fundraising efforts support Concerns of Police Survivors and the Officer Down Memorial Page. It works with other organizations to ensure that the fallen heroes are honored and their survivors have the support programs they need to begin to rebuild.

Photo Caption: Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell, Sheriff Don Smith and John J. Falcone of Carmel, welcome Law Enforcement United’s Road to Hope Memorial Bike Ride cyclists to the Sheriff’s Office on Monday, May 5. The team is currently riding from Boston, Mass. to Washington, D.C. to commemorate law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and raise funds to help support the families of the fallen heroes.