BROCKPROT, N.Y. -- The College at Brockport baseball team will celebrate and honor the service men and women of the United States with the third annual "Hometown Heroes" event on Saturday April 21 prior to the double-header against State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) opponent, SUNY Fredonia.
 
Hometown Heroes is a chance for Brockport Baseball to honor service men and women from various service industries, such as police forces, fire departments, active and veteran members of the military. The event, which is free to the public, honors local members of these fields and provides free lunch and t-shirts to those who serve. The day will be highlighted by a 100-foot flag display by local fire departments, the presentation of the colors by the Brockport ROTC, and a ceremonial first pitch, delivered by the service man of honor, Todd Baxter.
 
Baxter was elected to Monroe County Sheriff in November 2017 by nearly 57% of vote and is also a member of the higher education community as a teacher at Roberts Wesleyan College.
 
Baxter is a 30-year veteran of law enforcement, with 22 years of service to the Rochester Police Department and four years' experience as Chief of Police in the Greece Police Department.  Sheriff Baxter joined the local force following three years of active duty with the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer.  He continued his military service with the U.S. Army Reserve, 98th Division, for another 19 years before retiring as a Master Sergeant, Brigade Anti-Terrorism and Training Non-commissioned Officer in 2005.
 
In April 2014, Baxter assumed the duties of Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center and he recognizes the role family wellness plays in supporting the overall success of an individual and is proud to have helped produce financial stability and programs that serve over 68,000 veterans and their families.


As a police officer, Baxter earned four Unit Commendation Medals, three Officers' of the Month Medals and eight Excellent Police Service Medals. During his time in the Army, he was awarded one Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, eight Army Achievement Medals, one Overseas Service Ribbon, and one Global War on Terrorism Medal.
 
The first pitch and pre-game ceremony will take place at 11:45 a.m. on April 21, before the Golden Eagles face off against State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC), SUNY Fredonia, for a double-header starting at 12 p.m.