The New York State Fair held their annual Law Enforcement Day to celebrate the men and women in law enforcement who keep New York safe.

The fair, which is held every summer for 18 days (with the exception of last year due to COVID-19) brings thousands of people together to participate in exhibits from various industries, including law enforcement. At the fair, visitors were able to pay their respects to law enforcement and see a range of police exhibits.

Local SYR reported that the day began with a reading of all the names of officers who died last year across New York, and then held various activities.

New York State Police Trooper Jack Keller said the event was a great way for law enforcement families to get together.

“It gives us a chance to honor those and what it does is, it also gives the family an opportunity who come here to spend the day with the other family of law enforcement,” he said.

Although the event was smaller this year due to COVID, Keller said they were still able to have fun with their State Police Exhibit.

“Here at the State Police Exhibit we have our showcase of our typical K-9, which is a great turnout. We have puppies this year people can see. They see the K-9s, kind of how they work and how they work with the handlers,” Keller said.

The fair also held repelling and scuba demonstrations, as well as educational police forensic exhibits to teach people the basics of crime investigations.

Recruiters also took advantage of the day to be on site and talk with those interested in becoming a state trooper, especially in light of the current New York State Police shortage. 

“Take a moment, come by speak to a recruiter and we can discuss how you take the exam, and how you become a New York State Trooper,” Keller said.

The Fair ran through Labor Day.