Broome County Breaks Ground on Crime Victims Memorial at Roundtop Park

Project Proposal Brought to Broome County by Local Soon-to-be Eagle Scout

(ENDICOTT, NY) -Today, a groundbreaking took place for the Crime Victims Memorial at Roundtop Park in Endicott. This project, spearheaded by local student and soon-to-be Eagle Scout Schyler Savage, was born out of personal tragedy and a desire to help others heal. Schyler lost his mother to an act of crime, and through this Eagle Scout Service Project, he sought to create a space where families, friends, and the community can honor those whose lives have been taken by crime.

Joining Schyler at the groundbreaking ceremony was Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, Director of Parks, Recreation and Youth Services Brenda Gowe, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works Roger Brown, District Attorney Paul Battisti, Crime Victims Assistance Center Executive Director Christine Battisti, Senator Lea Webb, Chairman of the Broome County Legislature Dan Reynolds, and County Legislator Erin Micha.

The memorial will feature a retaining wall and patio, with a heart-shaped raised garden at its center. The wall will include granite tiles engraved with the names of community members who have been lost to acts of crime. The Crime Victims Assistance Center will play a crucial role in this process, helping to connect with families, obtain approval, and ensure that their loved ones are honored in a respectful and meaningful way.

Broome County is the primary beneficiary of the project, handling most of the project construction in-house, and covering most of the total cost, which is approximately $150,000. Senator Lea Webb has also provided significant support, contributing $50,000 towards the construction of the memorial. The memorial is set to be complete in April of 2025.

Schyler Savage will remain actively involved in the project, assisting the Broome County Department of Public Works in the construction and final phases. As part of his Eagle Scout project duties, he will also be fundraising and collecting donations to help complete the memorial and contribute to the cost of the engraved tiles. Those interested in supporting the project can make donations through the Crime Victims Assistance Center's website under the tab "CVAC Memorial Wall 2025," with a link to donate via PayPal at https://cvac.us/.

"This is far more than an Eagle Scout Project," said Schyler Savage. "This will become a solemn place for remembrance and reflection for the many people, including my mother, who lost their lives as a victim of crime."

"Schyler's dedication to this project is a powerful example of how one person can make a lasting impact on an entire community," said County Executive Garnar. "This memorial will be a place of healing and remembrance for generations to come. Broome County is glad to be a part of assisting in the process and bringing Schyler's vision to life."

"The groundbreaking of the Broome County Parks Crime Victims' Memorial marks an important moment for our community," said State Senator Lea Webb. "The Crime Victims Wall will provide a place of solace and reflection, honoring the lives tragically taken by violence. It's a call to action to our community to work together to improve public safety and support the families in their healing. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Schyler Savage, whose dedication and vision through his Eagle Scout project have brought this meaningful memorial to life, along with the Crime Victims Assistance Center, and Broome County Executive Jason Garnar for ensuring that the memories of these community members are forever honored."

"We are incredibly grateful to Broome County and to Schyler Savage for taking on this meaningful project," said Christine Battisti, Executive Director of the Crime Victims Assistance Center. "This memorial will serve as a place of peace and remembrance for families who have experienced unimaginable loss. Schyler's dedication to turning his personal grief into a source of healing for the entire community is nothing short of inspiring. We are honored to work alongside him and the county to help ensure that the memories of those lost to crime are preserved and honored."