On Sunday, July 24, The Beyond the Call of Duty – End of Watch Ride to Remember caravan visited the Riverhead Correctional Facility to honor the life and salute the family of fallen Sheriff’s Office Sgt. John Lowry. Beyond the Call of Duty – End of Watch Ride to Remember is a group of motorcycle riders from the state of Washington escorting a 41' trailer across the country to honor fallen officers from the prior year. The group is riding for 79 days between June 1 and August 18 and they are traveling 22,000+ miles across the country to honor more than 600 men and women of law enforcement who paid the ultimate price in their service to our communities in 2021.
The caravan stopped at the Riverhead Correctional Facility where they were greeted by the family and colleagues of Sgt. John R. Lowry who died in service on October 6, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19. Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., along with Suffolk County Correction Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, family members, and NYS Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio gathered under a tent outside the Correctional Facility to pay tribute and show appreciation to the End of Watch riders.
Sheriff Toulon spoke to the gathering about the dedication of correction officers and the bond that exists between those who wear the badge. “The men and women of the Sheriff’s Office put themselves in harm’s way every single day and make countless sacrifices to keep our communities safe and to better the lives of many,” said Sheriff Toulon. “We salute you, and mourn the loss of Sgt. Lowry and all of our fallen brothers and sisters.”