Courtesy of Brockport Sports Information Department

CORTLAND, NY – On Saturday April 21, prior to their baseball doubleheader against Fredonia, Brockport hosted their third annual "Hometown Heroes" event. At the event, they celebrated and honored the service men and women of the United States.

Hometown Heroes is a chance for Brockport Baseball to honor service men and women from various service industries such as police forces, fire departments, and active/veteran members of the military. In the event which is free to the public, honors local members of those fields and provides free lunch and t-shirts to those who serve.

The day was highlighted by a 100-foot flag display by local fire departments, the presentation of the colors by the Brockport ROTC, and the ceremonial first pitch which was delivered by the service man of honor, Todd Baxter.

Baxter was elected to Monroe County Sheriff in November 2017 by nearly 57% of vote and is also a member of the higher education community as a teacher at Robert Wesleyan College.

Baxter is also a 30 year veteran of law enforcement, with 22 years of service to the Rochester Police department and four years' experience as Chief of Police in the Greece Police Department. Sheriff Baxter joined the local force following three years of active duty with the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. He continued his military service with the U.S. Army Reserve, 98th Division, for another 19 years before retiring as a Master Sergeant, Brigade Anti-Terrorism and Training Non-commissioned Officer in 2005.

As a police officer, Baxter earned four Unit Commendation Medals, three Officers' of the Month Medals and eight Excellent Police Service Medals. During his time in the army, he was awarded one Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, eight Army Achievement Medals, one Overseas Service Ribbon, and one Global War and Terrorism Medal.

Brockport baseball continues their season play as they travel to Ithaca to take on the Bombers at 12 p.m. Saturday.