Taking a break from crime stories for just a moment, it is a privilege to be able to highlight five sets of heroes doing their thing - both on and off-duty.

Obviously there are more stories out there and if you have one that you would like to share e-mail: wibx.news@townsquaremedia.com.  Just put "Heroes" in the subject line.  Featured submissions will periodically be picked at random for an upcoming post.

Syracuse Police Department

The Syracuse Police Department salutes its members and a local community partner for giving bikes away to Central New Yorkers for the last twenty-five years.  The holiday gift also serves as the primary source of mobility for many families in need.

Rome Police Department

The Rome Police Department is recognizing Officer Anthony Calandra for his never-ending work in the community.

Lt. Sharon Rood with the RPD says that "Office Calandra volunteers his time on and off duty with anything that is asked of him.  He and the members of the Community Impact Unit have arranged events like Trunk or Treat, Night with Santa, and a food drive to benefit the Rome Rescue Mission."

Officer Anthony Calandra Photo Credit: Rome Police Department Rome, New York 2021
Officer Anthony Calandra Photo Credit: Rome Police Department Rome, New York 2021
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NYPD Transit (New York Police Department - City of New York) 

Led by NYPD Chief of Transit Kathleen M. O'Reilly the NYPD's Transit Bureau patrols 25 subway lines and 472 subway stations.  Their coverage area spans almost 250 miles of railway within the subway system.


Oneida County Sheriff's Office and Oneida County Law Enforcement Foundation 
Photo Credit: Oneida County Sheriff's Office December 2021
Photo Credit: Oneida County Sheriff's Office December 2021
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 Utica Police

Yesterday member of the Utica Police Department's Community Outreach Team helped the Center for Family Life and Recovery distribute more than 200 gift bags for men and women in need throughout Utica.  

Photo Credit: Utica Police December 2021
Photo Credit: Utica Police December 2021
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New York State Police A hawk found along a piece of the Northern State Parkway in Long Island has a New York State trooper to thank for saving its life.

Trooper Gallo and Hawk Photo Credit: New York State Police December 2021
Trooper Gallo and Hawk Photo Credit: New York State Police December 2021
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Trooper Ronald Gallo picked up the bird from a portion of the almost 29-mile long parkway and removed it from the path of traffic.  New York State Police say that a bird specialist was called in and the hawk was taken "to an avian hospital for surgery." It is expected to make a full recovery. 8888

The Utica Fire Department 'Firehouse Lights' Competition

Here you can view each of the light displays outside each of the firehouses in the Utica Fire Department. You can vote on their Facebook page and are welcome to take a walking tour of each of the houses.

Wreaths Across America Ceremony December 18, 2021

More than 2.4 million wreaths were placed on veterans’ headstones at 3,136 locations across the United States on December 18, 2021. The initiative is spearheaded every year by the non-profit group Wreaths Across America. The group was started in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, a businessman from Maine was began laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. Now, with the mission of “Remember, Honor, Teach,” the groups lays wreaths at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations. 

Top 5 Local Sports Stories Of 2021

There were many local sports stories that highlighted 2021, including a couple of firsts. Here are a look at the Top Five, along with a bonus story.

NY Sash Shower For A Soldier Makeover Goes To Air Force Veteran From Rome

An Air Force Veteran from Rome is the recipient of this year's New York Sash Shower for A Soldier Bath Makeover Giveaway.

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