The members of the hockey team are honored and proud to be a part of such a cause. From the Suffolk County Police Memorial Fund website:
In 1971, Police Officer George A. Frees tragic death while on duty was cause for a small group of private citizens to get together and create the Frees Memorial Fund. Officer Frees was 28 years old, married and had three young children at the time of his death. Years later, at the request of his widow Jane, the name was changed to the Suffolk County Police Memorial Fund. It is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation that addresses the needs of children and the surviving spouse of Suffolk County Police Officers who die in the line of duty. The primary mission of the Fund is to provide educational grants to these young persons whose law enforcement mother/father has suddenly been taken away as well as grants to the surviving spouse. Additionally, the Fund hopes to motivate young people in law enforcement families to continue their education through its Active Duty Scholarship program. Several of the Funds stated goals include family support, enhanced education, tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and the identification of programs and/or tools that may someday prevent another family from having to experience the heart-breaking notification that their family member will not be returning home from his or her shift. These goals are met financially by contributions, sponsorships of special events and sound investment programs. In thirty-eight years the Fund has not only continued its mission, it has prospered. Educational assistance grants have increased more than 600 percent and new programs have been created. Projects have been completed that will allow us to always remember the sacrifice of these brave officers and their families. As always, the Board of Directors will always seek ways to enhance the Funds existing programs and create new ones where necessary.
