SUFFOLK SHERIFF’S OFFICE HOSTS 3RD ANNUAL WELLNESS CONFERENCE 
top of page

SUFFOLK SHERIFF’S OFFICE HOSTS 3RD ANNUAL WELLNESS CONFERENCE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 4, 2026

 

SUFFOLK SHERIFF’S OFFICE HOSTS 3RD ANNUAL WELLNESS CONFERENCE 


Darryl Strawberry Among Speakers Highlighting Resiliency for 350+ Law Enforcement Officers

 

(MELVILLE, NY) On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office hosted its Third Annual Law Enforcement Wellness Conference at the Hilton Long Island, bringing together more than 350 law enforcement officers, first responders, and public safety professionals from across the region.

 

This year’s conference emphasized the increasing need for comprehensive wellness support in the profession. Experts presented on topics ranging from mental health trends among first responders to leadership resilience, cardiac health, trauma, and strategies for building a healthier work culture.  This year’s final keynote speaker was former Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry, who shared his powerful personal story of overcoming adversity and spoke about the importance of resilience and personal growth.

 

“This conference continues to reinforce the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of the men and women who serve our communities. It is our hope that the officers who attended will bring new strategies to incorporate into their organizations as well as knowledge to lessen the stigma that mental health and wellness have in the public safety profession,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr.

 

Featured speakers included Terry Hastings, Benjamin Stone, PhD, Sam Glenn, and Darryl Strawberry, each offering insights into the growing need for comprehensive wellness strategies within the profession.

The event was organized by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Wellness Unit, the first full‑time wellness program within a Long Island law enforcement agency. Since its creation in late 2022, the Wellness Unit has assisted staff more than 4,200 times, established a trained Peer Support Team with over 55 members, introduced therapy K‑9 Luna, and launched a custom wellness app that provides immediate access to mental‑health and suicide‑prevention resources.

 

 For more information or more photos contact the Public Information Office at SheriffPIO@SuffolkCountyny.gov.

 

Wellness 3: Speaker Terry Hastings, MD

Wellness 4: Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. with Darryl Strawberry

 
 
bottom of page