McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site and the CARE Program at University Hospital present Onondaga County Sheriff Detective Jack Schmidt with the “2005 Distinguished Service to Abused Children Award”

SYRACUSE, N.Y. –McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site and the CARE Program at University Hospital presented the “2005 Distinguished Service to Abused Children Award” to Jack Schmidt at the a reception prior to this year's “Sounds of the Season” concert.   This annual award honors the commitment of individuals who demonstrate exemplary service to the community in the care, treatment and investigation of child abuse.  

T his year's “Distinguished Service to Abused Children Award” recognized Jack Schmidt and his efforts to assure dynamic investigation of child abuse and his unwavering commitment to the children of Onondaga County .   

Detective Jack Schmidt has worked in the Abused Persons Unit for over 10 years.   During his tenure, Det. Schmidt has consistently strived to make an abused child's life better after their ordeal has been reported. Det. Schmidt strives to bring a sense of compassion to the victims he works with. He does this in such a manner, that the victims never realize that Det. Schmidt truly is a very seasoned Detective; one that will leave no stone unturned in his investigations.   He has worked many major cases in the Abused Persons Unit, arresting countless individuals for heinous crimes against children.

In addition, Det. Schmidt has taken on the challenge of heading the Abused Persons Unit Christmas Fundraiser for Abused & Neglected Children. This annual event enables the unit to ensure that these children are remembered on Christmas. Over the past 14 years, 9,000 presents have been delivered to over 8,400 children in need. This event has become an important opportunity for the many people who respond to child abuse to come together and support the children they work so hard to protect everyday. In addition, the event brings attention to the issue of child abuse through heightened awareness and media attention, both at the fundraiser and the subsequent delivery of the presents.

Det. Schmidt has consistently shown a commitment to the children he serves. His approach to these cases and the children involved is refreshing, reassuring and most of all, positive for the victim.

McMahon/Ryan was created almost seven years ago through the vision of two local Syracuse families for the purpose of creating a central child-friendly location for the provision of services by all the local public and private organizations charged with the intervention, treatment and investigation of child abuse.  McMahon/Ryan seeks to accomplish its purpose through the related goals of (1) providing support, facilitation and resources to assist local child abuse response agencies in performing their duties more efficiently and in a more integrated manner; and (2) to mitigate future child abuse by educating and raising the awareness of the community concerning child abuse issues.  Please contact the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Site at 701-2985 for more information about the event and the Advocacy Site.