SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF HONORS LOCAL VETERAN WITH FIRST COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 17, 2024

SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF HONORS LOCAL VETERAN WITH FIRST COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

(Nesconset, NY) Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. recently awarded the first ever Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Community Leadership Award to Mike Kilano, a United States Marine veteran, veteran advocate, and crisis coordinator for Paws of War.

Mike, a North Babylon resident, received the "Sheriff Toulon Com

munity Leadership Award" in recognition of his ongoing efforts to support veterans through his work at Paws of War and his volunteer initiatives. Most recently, Mike participated in the 22 PAC PTSD Awareness Challenge, a 22-mile kayak journey from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Port Jefferson. This event raises awareness for PTSD and veteran suicides, symbolizing the 22 veterans who tragically take their own lives each day.  

Mike is the first recipient of the award, which Sheriff Toulon will present monthly to recognize the efforts of Suffolk County residents who have gone above and beyond to improve their communities and support their neighbors.

Paws Of War is a non-profit that works to assist veterans, first responders and their families through many programs including providing service animals to those in need.  Simultaneously, they rescue and rehabilitate dogs and cats in dire straits, often plucking them from the brink of despair and giving them a new chance at life – helping both ends of the leash. 

To nominate someone for Sheriff Toulon’s Community Leadership Award please email: Suffolk_Sheriff@SuffolkCountyny.gov

Photo Caption: A5A0914:  Mike Kilano and Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. at Paws of War

A57A0900:  (Left to Right): Ray Meyer, Sheriff Toulon, Mike Kilano, and Robert Misseri

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