Prayer Walk to honor police draws hundreds

CARMEL, N.Y.—Hundreds of people showed up at Camarda Park on Sunday, Sept. 14, to pay tribute to area law enforcement at the sixth annual Back the Blue Prayer Walk.

Event organizer and founder Marianne Chaluisan, a longtime Mahopac resident, said the crowd size would have likely been even bigger if not for the oppressive heat.

Three years ago, the event was moved to Camarda Park in Carmel Hamlet from an area on South Lake Boulevard in Mahopac. While she had initially hoped to keep the Prayer Walk in Mahopac, Chaluisan said the change in venue turned out to be a blessing.

“The park is the best place for it,” she said. “They have a pavilion you can sit under to stay out of the sun. They have bathrooms. There is plenty of parking and the cops don’t bother us. Before, we had to be done by a certain time, and we couldn’t have food trucks.”

Chaluisan said people came from all over the region, including Westchester County. Robert Noble, chief of the Yorktown Police Department, was the keynote speaker. Richard Kreps, a retired NYPD detective, also spoke. Town Councilman Frank Lombardi served as emcee. NYPD’s Ceremony Unit acted as color guard and led the procession. Westchester Blue Foundation also took part.

Carmel Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann, acting Sheriff Brian Hess and Undersheriff James Menton participated as well.

“We recognize law enforcement from all over,” Chaluisan said.

A special tribute was made to the late Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville, who died earlier this summer. His wife Janice was on hand to receive a plaque from the Back the Blue Committee paying tribute to his service.

Kieran O’Hagan, a Bronx court officer who died of cancer this year, was also honored. Chaluisan said O’Hagan loved the Prayer Walk and attended each year.

“He was one of our flag holders and he always felt proud to do that,” she said. “He loved being a cop. We had a moment of silence for him.”

Music was provided by Caitlin Law, who sang “America the Beautiful,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “God Bless the USA.”

“This year, with everything that’s going on, was an opportunity to unite everyone with kindness, and we need that,” Chaluisan said. “That’s what I said in my speech: ‘If I have to leave you with anything today, it’s kindness. Be kind.’”