Not all heroes wear capes. One wears red and black and deserves all the recognition going his way.

Meet Jeff Lynch

It's truly amazing how one brave act of courage can inspire so many people, far and wide. This week we are honoring Jeff Lynch for First Responder Friday, a man whose actions have changed a community for the better in Central New York.

Jeff is a Utica City School District Security Officer, but more importantly is known as a hero. He was shot in the back of the head last weekend at a Proctor football game during an altercation between students. Miraculously, he made a full recovery and was released from the hospital two days later.

"Thank you, everyone, for all the love and prayers, the support was overwhelming."

Read More: Shooting in Parking Lot of Proctor Football Game

Credit - Jeff Lynch/Facebook
Credit - Jeff Lynch/Facebook
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Saving Kids

Since then, the story of Jeff's heroics has spread far and wide. But he isn't stopping there.

He recently met with SNUG Utica, an evidence-based violence reduction initiative, and other members of the Utica City School District Administrative Offices. Lynch wants to be a voice and encourage support for the youth.

We have a tremendous obligation to the kids... I don’t want us to save one… I want to save a hundred, or even thousands.

Credit - SNUG Utica/Facebook
Credit - SNUG Utica/Facebook
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Party to Pay Medical Expenses

Alumni of Proctor are even doing what they can to support Lynch. During their upcoming "Class of 1998ish Reunion Party", a portion of the proceeds raised will go to support Jeff and his medical costs.

Read More: New Utica City School Protocols After Shooting

Leading with Love

Thank you, Jeff. You are an inspiration to the community and your actions have gone farther than you'd ever imagine. Keep being a shining light in the community and "leading with love".

Read More: Students & Staff Wear Red & Black for Security Guard Shot

USCD
USCD
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Nominate a First Responder

Do you know a first responder that deserves to be recognized? Tell us about someone who should be honored in Central New York - a firefighter, police officer, EMT, forest ranger, paramedic, DEC officer, military, rescuer, front-line worker, or any other person first on the scene.

Include their name, a picture, and why they should be recognized during 'First Responder Friday." We'll honor one first responder every Friday and as a way to say thank you, we'll give them a Bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

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Below are individuals wanted by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations who have been designated as its Most Wanted Fugitives. They should be considered armed and dangerous. This list is current as of 9/01/2023:

NEVER attempt to apprehend a fugitive yourself. If you have information on the location of any of these fugitives, you can contact OSI 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to report it. All leads and tips are treated as confidential information.

If an immediate response is necessary, such as you see the wanted person at a location, please call “911” and report it to the police.

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