The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department is proud to recognize the dedication, skills, and professionalism of our K-9 Division, which continues to excel on the national stage. In early May, Jail Sgt. Miller, paired with K-9 dog Jak and HOC Sgt. Fitzgibbon, paired with K-9 dog Kano, competed at the 2026 USPCA National Detector Dog Trials in Atlantic City, New Jersey. They competed against some of the nation’s top K-9s, and both teams successfully earned their National Narcotics Detection Certification, along with medals of excellence for their K-9 partners.

In preparation for Memorial Day, SCSD officers and CWP (Community Works Program) participants joined volunteers this week at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mattapan to plant flags at more than 16,000 veterans’ gravesites, honoring the lives and sacrifices of the men and women who served our nation. The Mount Hope Cemetery is home to veterans from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and generations of service members whose legacies continue to live on through this annual tradition. As each flag was placed, we took time to reflect on the history, courage, and sacrifice represented by every veteran headstone.

Continuing our coverage of last week’s National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, we offer congratulations to our basket raffle winners and another look at our Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at the House of Correction. Congratulations to our basket raffle winners: Classification Caseworker Jessica Padilla, and Custodian Winston Ramirez!

The connection between addiction and incarceration is undeniable. Re- search shows that alcohol and drugs are implicated in an estimated 80% of offenses leading to incarceration in the United States, and alcohol dependence consistently emerges as the most prevalent substance use disorder among incarcerated popu- lations. Spectrum Health Systems is working to change that statistic; one conversation, one group session, one life at a time.