Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports that the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute is seeking individuals and companies to become honorary members as begins its annual Honorary Membership drive in Erie County. Dues from the memberships help provide support for many of the Sheriffs’ Institute programs designed for disadvantaged youth.

The flagship program of the institute is the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp for economically challenged children. The Sheriffs’ Camp, in its 40th year of operation, is located on Keuka Lake and 840 children from across New York State attend each summer. The Sheriffs’ Institute pays the entire cost of the camp stay and transportation; most children attending would not otherwise have an opportunity for a summer camp experience.

The Sheriffs’ Camp program combines summer recreation with activities designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The high camper to counselor ratio allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem.

“Annually, my office, Deputies and staff donate resources and time to the National Federation of Just Communities Summer Camp here in Western New York.  This camp introduces at risk teens to the world of law enforcement and helps build trust and a bond among the participants.  The Sheriff’s Summer Camp provides the same opportunity to youth from across the state who may not have the opportunity for a summer camp experience,” Sheriff Timothy Howard said. “By becoming an honorary member you are supporting the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp for economically disadvantaged children.”

In addition to the camp, the Sheriffs’ Institute operates a scholarship program that provides one scholarship to each New York State community college Criminal Justice program. This initiative is designed to aid in attracting the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation.

Invitations for Honorary Membership are extended on a non-partisan basis, and the invitees are selected randomly.   Any persons interested in supporting the efforts of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute by becoming an Honorary Member should contact the Sheriff if they do not receive an invitation in the mail, or visit the New York State Sheriff’s Association’s website at www.sheriffsinstitute.org to download an application.

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute was established in 1979. It is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization, and contributions to the sheriff’s association institute are tax deductible.