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 for each child and any remaining funds after the gifts are purchased are provided as a cash gift. Donated funds are divided equally per family. We need your help to make this mission a success! Your donation will provide a little 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 4.
Family of Investigator Shronda Griffith, NYSP Troop NYC SP Manhattan
Investigator Shronda Griffith is experiencing a serious illness that has resulted in a lengthy hospitalization. Shronda and her husband Damian are the proud parents of twins Makayla and Makha age 13 and 11-year-old Mya.
Family of Correction Officer Nicholas “Nick” Verrigni, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 
On Feb. 21, 2021, Nick’s wife Jamie was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Jamie is only 38, a devoted NYS engineer, and loving mother of two amazing boys, 10-year-old Owen and 8-year-old Evan. Jamie is undergoing an intensive treatment at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in Boston, which requires her to be away from her family for long periods of time.
Family of Trooper Romel Arias, Troop K SomersNYSP Trooper Romel Arias, 34, husband to Angela, and father of 3-year-old Chase, passed away by suicide on June 30, 2019. A former Eagle Scout, Romel lived a life dedicated to service of others. He served in the Army, as a New York City Firefighter, Virginia State Trooper and finally as a New York State Trooper. Romel was well known for his desire to help others through volunteering and was passionate about education, spirituality, and animal welfare.
Family of Sgt. (Retired) Francis “Frank” StabileFrank was a member of the NYSP for 23 years. Those who served alongside him have said that he was the person you wanted next to you, the person you wanted fighting for you and the person you wanted investigating your case because he would win for you, every time. On May 20, 2020 Frank died by suicide and leaves behind his wife Marcella and two beautiful children, daughter Adrianna, age 15 and son Frankie, age 11.
Family of Dispatcher I – Police Michelle Thomas, Monroe County 911 CenterOn August 18, 2021, while Michelle’s was on duty, her husband Mike collapsed and passed away at home in front of Vanessa their 13-year-old daughter. Michelle is highly respected by her colleagues and is known for her kind smile and generous heart. After the sudden passing of Mike, Michelle and Vanessa face a long road ahead, now as a single income family dealing with the heartbreaking absence of a devoted and loving husband and father.