Officer Natalie Corona of California, 22 years-old and just two-weeks out of the Police Academy, was shot and killed while responding to a car accident. NYPD Officer Kevin M. Lee died of a heart attack following a foot pursuit of three suspects. Trooper Covel Chase Pierce died of brain cancer, a result of his service at Ground Zero following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Police Officer Samuel Jimenez, 28, was shot and killed when a gunman opened fire in Chicago’s Mercy Hospital. Pomona, California Police Officer Greggory Casillas, 30, was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man following a vehicle pursuit.
The families of these officers were brought to Lake George this weekend by LEO Weekend organizers. LEO Weekend founder, NYPD Officer Austin Glickman, awarded the spouses, parents, siblings and children of the fallen officers with plaques recognizing their sacrifice at June 14 Opening Ceremonies in Shepard Park.
Glickman conceived of LEO Weekend in 2014 while a Police Academy recruit. Glickman’s vision was to create an event that would give officers and their families a break from the stress of the job by bringing them to Lake George for relaxation and camaraderie. An important part of the weekend is honoring those who died while serving and looking out for the families left behind.
The Color Guard, pipers and vintage police cars parade up Canada Street for opening of LEO Weekend. 
Signe Naranjo sings the National Anthem at Opening Ceremonies for LEO Weekend 2019.
Glickman illustrated the impact hosting these families can have by telling the story of Genesis, daughter of slain NYPD officer Miosotis Familia. Officer Familia was shot and killed while sitting in her patrol car on July 4, 2017, leaving behind Genesis, who at the time was 20-years-old, and Genesis’ brother and sister, 12-year-old twins. LEO Weekend hosted the three children at last year’s event.
“When her mom was taken from her, on the night of July 4th, herself and her two young siblings lost their ability to be children. It was stripped from them. It was the middle of the summer. They were no longer able to have fun, they were no longer able to smile. Instead, they could only think about the hardship of losing their mother. She (Genesis) said this weekend was the first weekend in the year since their mother’s death they were able to be children again. This weekend was the first weekend they were able to smile. This weekend was the first weekend they were able to laugh and enjoy themselves and not have to think about that horrible night back on July 4th.”
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik also spoke at the Opening Ceremonies.“Though the community can never truly payback for the sacrifices you make daily,” Stefanik said, “I made a commitment in Congress to always support law enforcement and our first responders at every opportunity.” The Congresswoman listed three pieces of legislation she backs to support law enforcement: The Protect and Serve Act, the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund, and The Law Enforcement Officers Safety and Reform Act. Stefanik awarded Austin Glickman a Congressional Record Certificate thanking him for his work to make LEO Weekend a success and all he does for the law enforcement community.
