John Walsh made a guest appearance in Saratoga this Wednesday to
support community activists in their efforts to keep local children
safe.
Sam and Linda Palazzole hosted their second annual benefit and silent auction on August 12 to raise money for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The event took place at Canfield Casino in Congress Park and raised over $50,000, which will provide educational resources for police, children and families.
Special guest John Walsh, founder of the NCMEC and America's Most Wanted host, gave a comprehensive presentation about his and wife Revé's experiences, and the murder of son Adam.
Sam Palazzole, owner of Saratoga Builders, LLC, was Walsh's roommate in college at SUNY Buffalo. He and his wife Linda have participated in NCMEC fundraisers for over six years.
"We brought it to Saratoga because we live here. We want to help bring money for community protection," Palazzole said.
"Seeing what John and Revé have done really inspired Linda and myself to raise funds and awareness. My goal is to ensure that no kids go missing here in this community, and I want to help members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department," Palazolle said.
The NCMEC plays a crucial role in finding missing children and identifying high risk offenders to prevent crimes against children.
In the case of missing Saratoga resident Tammie Anne McCormick, which began May 1, 1986, the NCMEC has actively assisted Saratoga officials.
"[The NCMEC] has all of the information, including dental records and they now have access to family DNA," Sergeant John Catone of the Saratoga Springs Police Department said.
The NCMEC submitted the DNA samples to the University of Texas national database for missing and unidentified people, bringing the search to a national level. Ed Suk, regional director of the NCMEC is currently working to pass a bill that would allow police to take DNA swabs of all criminals that are arrested and printed.
"There is federal money available for this DNA testing bill, but it must be approved by the New York State Legislature. It is incumbent upon all of us to talk to legislators and get them to approve this bill" Palazzole said.
Walsh also urged guests to take action and speak to legislators about approving the DNA bill.
"It was a very well attended event. I hope that the more publicity it gets, the attendance and awareness will grow," Catone said.
Members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, Saratoga County Police, New York State Police, US Marshalls, FBI, and Secret Service also attended the benefit.
"They are all so intimately involved with preventing child exploitation and recovering missing children," Palazzole said.
FBI Special Agents David Fallon and Richard Licht, attended the benefit and educated guests about crimes against children and how the internet acts as a helpful resource for predators.
Fallon is the Case Agent for FBI Albany's Capital Region Cyber Task Force and is the Assistant Team Leader for the FBI's Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team.
"The internet makes it easier for predators. Parents really have to know the technology. They can't be afraid of it. [The NCMEC] has been an invaluable source." Fallon said.
Gary N. Mattison, Supervisory Criminal Investigator for the United States Marshals also urged parents to be vigilant of their child's internet activity.
"People are more open with the internet, they do whatever they want," Mattison said.
Since the inception of the NCMEC in 1984, the recovery rate for missing and abducted children increased from 62 percent to 96 percent. The NCMEC is a vital resource for both the FBI and United States Marshals, and the cooperation between agencies has been extremely successful.
The Palazzoles are planning a third benefit next year in Saratoga. They hope to raise more money and increase local awareness. Palazzole and Saratoga Builders recently donated 27 acres for Schuyler Park, which will offer many recreational activities for local families.
If you have information regarding Tammie Anne McCormick please contact the Saratoga Springs Police Department, (518) 584-1800, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 1-800-THE-LOST.
Special guest John Walsh, founder of the NCMEC and America's Most Wanted host, gave a comprehensive presentation about his and wife Revé's experiences, and the murder of son Adam.
Sam Palazzole, owner of Saratoga Builders, LLC, was Walsh's roommate in college at SUNY Buffalo. He and his wife Linda have participated in NCMEC fundraisers for over six years.
"We brought it to Saratoga because we live here. We want to help bring money for community protection," Palazzole said.
"Seeing what John and Revé have done really inspired Linda and myself to raise funds and awareness. My goal is to ensure that no kids go missing here in this community, and I want to help members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department," Palazolle said.
The NCMEC plays a crucial role in finding missing children and identifying high risk offenders to prevent crimes against children.
In the case of missing Saratoga resident Tammie Anne McCormick, which began May 1, 1986, the NCMEC has actively assisted Saratoga officials.
"[The NCMEC] has all of the information, including dental records and they now have access to family DNA," Sergeant John Catone of the Saratoga Springs Police Department said.
The NCMEC submitted the DNA samples to the University of Texas national database for missing and unidentified people, bringing the search to a national level. Ed Suk, regional director of the NCMEC is currently working to pass a bill that would allow police to take DNA swabs of all criminals that are arrested and printed.
"There is federal money available for this DNA testing bill, but it must be approved by the New York State Legislature. It is incumbent upon all of us to talk to legislators and get them to approve this bill" Palazzole said.
Walsh also urged guests to take action and speak to legislators about approving the DNA bill.
"It was a very well attended event. I hope that the more publicity it gets, the attendance and awareness will grow," Catone said.
Members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, Saratoga County Police, New York State Police, US Marshalls, FBI, and Secret Service also attended the benefit.
"They are all so intimately involved with preventing child exploitation and recovering missing children," Palazzole said.
FBI Special Agents David Fallon and Richard Licht, attended the benefit and educated guests about crimes against children and how the internet acts as a helpful resource for predators.
Fallon is the Case Agent for FBI Albany's Capital Region Cyber Task Force and is the Assistant Team Leader for the FBI's Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team.
"The internet makes it easier for predators. Parents really have to know the technology. They can't be afraid of it. [The NCMEC] has been an invaluable source." Fallon said.
Gary N. Mattison, Supervisory Criminal Investigator for the United States Marshals also urged parents to be vigilant of their child's internet activity.
"People are more open with the internet, they do whatever they want," Mattison said.
Since the inception of the NCMEC in 1984, the recovery rate for missing and abducted children increased from 62 percent to 96 percent. The NCMEC is a vital resource for both the FBI and United States Marshals, and the cooperation between agencies has been extremely successful.
The Palazzoles are planning a third benefit next year in Saratoga. They hope to raise more money and increase local awareness. Palazzole and Saratoga Builders recently donated 27 acres for Schuyler Park, which will offer many recreational activities for local families.
If you have information regarding Tammie Anne McCormick please contact the Saratoga Springs Police Department, (518) 584-1800, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 1-800-THE-LOST.
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