SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF HONORS LOCAL PASTORS WITH COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 8, 2025

SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF HONORS LOCAL PASTORS WITH COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

(Suffolk County, NY) – On Wednesday, May 7, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. honored Pastor Mike Jankowski from The Harbor Church and Pastor Jeff Eichenlaub from True North Community Church with the Community Leadership Award for their donations of food, clothing and hygiene products to the START Resource Center. 

The Sheriff’s Transition and Reentry Team (START) was formed by Sheriff Toulon in 2020 and has since become a nationwide model for reentry services.  With 85% of individuals leaving the Suffolk Correctional Facilities remaining in Suffolk County, Sheriff Toulon is committed to making sure they have the tools and resources they need to live productive lives upon reentering our communities.  Individuals participating in the program work directly with the START Resource Center to assess their needs for post incarceration-- such as substance abuse treatment, education, job assistance, DSS assistance, identification issues, transportation, food, housing, and clothing. Since launching the program has seen tremendous results, with the recidivism rate of those participating landing at more than half of the NYS average.

Each month, Sheriff Toulon presents the Community Leadership Award to Suffolk County residents who go above and beyond to support their communities and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. To nominate someone for the Sheriff Toulon Community Leadership Award, please email: Suffolk_Sheriff@SuffolkCountyny.gov