Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. recently awarded the first ever Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Community Leadership Award to Mike Kilano, a United States Marine veteran, veterans advocate, and crisis coordinator for Paws of War.
Kilano, a North Babylon resident, received the “Sheriff Toulon Community Leadership Award” in recognition of his ongoing efforts to support veterans through his work at Paws of War and his volunteer initiatives. Most recently, Kilano participated in the 22 PAC PTSD Awareness Challenge, a 22-mile kayak journey from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Port Jefferson. This event raises awareness for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veteran suicides, symbolizing the 22 veterans who tragically take their own lives each day.
Toulon will present the award each month to recognize the efforts of Suffolk County residents who have gone above and beyond to improve their communities and support their neighbors.
Paws Of War is a non-profit that works to assist veterans, first responders and their families through many programs including providing service animals to those in need. Simultaneously, they rescue and rehabilitate dogs and cats in dire straits, often plucking them from the brink of despair and giving them a new chance at life – helping both ends of the leash.
To nominate someone for Sheriff Toulon’s Community Leadership Award, please email Suffolk_Sheriff@SuffolkCountyny.gov