Fund the First | 2022 Support Law Enforcement Families in Need at Christmas Program

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First Responders

2022 Support Law Enforcement Families in Need at Christmas Program

First Responders

Classroom

New York

Created October 1st, 2022

The New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP) is pleased to sponsor the Support Law Enforcement Families in Need at Christmas fundraiser. Families submit a gift wish list and any remaining funds after the gifts are purchased are provided as a cash gift. Donations are divided equally.

We need your help to make this mission a success! Your donation will provide a bit of Christmas spirit and hope to our fellow law enforcement families who are experiencing a heartbreaking tragedy. Thank you for showing them that we support them, care about them and that they are not alone.

Please take a few minutes to read about these families in need and then make your donation.

Thank you for your generosity and prayers for these families.

The fundraiser ends December 5, 2022.

Family of CO Mathew Rounds, Marcy State Correctional Facility

Matthew passed away unexpectedly on May 14, 2022, as the result of injuries sustained from an ATV accident. Matt is survived by his beautiful 9-year-old daughter Sabrina Mae. He was a loving and devoted father to his daughter Sabrina, and she was his pride and joy. He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to hunt. In his leisure time he enjoyed watching the Las Vegas Raiders. Matt was currently employed as a Correction Officer at Marcy State Correctional Facility. He was also an active member of the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department and was formerly a volunteer firefighter for the Frankfort Fire Department.

Family of CO Remy Babineux, Five Points Correctional Facility

After a brave battle with a rare kidney disease and surviving a kidney transplant, Remy contracted Covid-19 and passed away on November 8, 2021. He leaves behind his wife Sarah and three children, Kielee (16) Peyton (14), and Bryce (11). Remy’s legacy is one of being kind, helpful, a dedicated ice hockey coach, and an amazing cook who would gladly feed an army of prison guards, most notably were his specialties of bacon infused waffles or spicy meat sauce for garbage plates. The family is devastated by their loss and Sarah is left to provide for their family on a single income.

Family of CO Dante Braxton, Five Points Correctional Facility

Braxton was a New York State Correctional Officer at Five Points correctional facility traveling from his home in Buffalo to the prison. On September 18, 2022, Braxton was out enjoying a ride on his motorcycle when he was hit by a car, killing him instantly. He leaves behind a beautiful wife Chana Suy, and two daughters, Aubrey age 7, and Alayah age two months, who he adored. Braxton used to refer to himself as daughter-daddy! Braxton was known to be one of those officers who would help people get through the shift, by letting them know what they had to do and by entertaining them with his bubbly personality! He was charismatic, kind and known to always be smiling. His kind demeanor and goofy infectious laughter would make the shift go by faster.

Family of Police Officer Justin Reese, Buffalo City Police Department

4-year-old Blake Reese struggles with development delays and is unable to sit up, stand, or walk on her own and requires an expensive regiment of intensive physical therapy and visits to a feeding clinic in Canada. This has placed a high financial burden on the family. Blake has a big sister, Bailee 8, who is very supportive of her little sister.

Police Officer Dakota A. McCartney NYS University Police at Binghamton

Dakota is in a battle with breast cancer. She is undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, radiation treatment and then immunotherapy. Dakota tried to work during her treatment and had to go on sick leave by mid-August. The fatigue, nausea, and irritation by her body armor against the central line catheter caused her to stop working. By mid-August Dakota began to lose her hair from the chemotherapy. Today October 24, 2022, is week 12 of her treatment and care for this cancer. Her prognosis is good; the plan has the chemotherapy to continue to the end of December, then minor surgery in January and radiation treatment in February. Immunotherapy will continue for a year. Dakota comes from a family dedicated to service; Dakota’s two brothers are also police officers (Town of Vestal Police and NYS DEC Forest Ranger), her mother is a registered nurse, and her father is a regional director with NYS DHSES. Dakota hopes to be back on the job by March 2023; however, she is in need leave donations. Any NYS civil service employee can donate. Please contact your agency HRM to learn how to donate.

Family of Deputy Christopher Conley, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Conley’s wife Lesli has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is receiving treatment causing a significant emotional and financial burden on the family. They have two beautiful children, three-year-old Knox and one-year-old Freya.