Boston Red Sox and the Boston Area Church League (BACL) brought together leaders, changemakers, and community advocates at the 23rd Annual Community Fellowship Luncheon Awards event. Held at the Hilton Boston Back Bay Hotel, the event honored standout community contributors, including members of our Department. Lieutenant Holly Nelson and Officer Kerson Lara from the Suffolk County Jail were recognized for the time and heart they pour into Boston’s youth when they volunteer Saturdays at the Fenway and Hunt-Almont Playground in Mattapan coaching and playing baseball with local kids, using this time as a bridge to mentorship.

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department is excited to introduce a new member to our K-9 Unit–– Riley––an energetic one-and-ahalf-year-old narcotics detection dog assigned to the Suffolk County Jail. Riley was officially welcomed into the Department on October 6th, where she brought specialized skills and contributions to the team. As the youngest member of the K-9 Unit, Riley’s smaller size and high energy make her an asset in searches, allowing her to access areas other dogs may not be able to reach. Her keen sense of smell and training in narcotics detection play a big role in keeping the facility safe, thus helping to identify and prevent any illicit substances from entering the facility.

This October, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department joined local police departments and faith-based institutions across Suffolk County to participate in National Faith & Blue Week, a series of events designed to connect law enforcement with the communities they serve. From peace walks to citywide cookouts, the week of October 5th to 11th was packed with celebrations and volunteer events honoring the community members who share SCSD’s vision for safer, more collaborative neighborhoods. ---Kicking off our engagement for the week was Boston Police Department (BPD) District B3’s Peace Walk at New Faith Christian Church in Dorchester on the evening of October 6th. The following afternoon, our officers headed to the Pilot Senior Center at the Boston Lodge of Elks in West Roxbury to join Saint Theresa’s Church and BPD District E5 for their Coffee Hour with Seniors. On the morning of the 8th, SCSD attended another senior event at Castle Island, joining Gate of Heaven and Saint Brigid Parishes, as well as District C6, for their Senior Faith Walk.

Over the course of the last few months, our Suffolk County Jail and House of Correction facilities have welcomed a growing number of educational and community tours. These visits reflect a renewed and steady interest from schools, universities, and community organizations in learning more about the realities of corrections work and the people remanded to our care. From the legal scholars of Suffolk University Law School on October 3rd to the members of chaplains of CONFECAP (the Federal Council of Chaplaincy/Conselho Federal de Capelania) on October 14th, each tour offered a unique opportunity for open dialogue, education, and mutual understanding.