Orange County DA David Hoovler among many listening as
Schields told her story
DEERPARK – Families of loved ones who were victims of crimes recounted their heart-wrenching stories at the annual Orange County Coalition for Crime Victims’ Rights ceremony held this year at the Town of Deerpark Senior Center Tuesday evening.
The event, part of National Crime Victim’s Week, gave a special thanks to the survivors of those who suffered losses as a result of crime. Among them was Maggie Schields, who was nine when her dad, then a Deerpark police officer, went to work and was struck by a hit-and-run drunk driver.
After being in a coma for 40 days, her father never fully recovered, having suffered brain damage.
“My dad was never going to look at me before leaving for his shift and say everything was going to be alright and he was going to catch the bad guys,” Schields told the more than 100 people in attendance. “I was never going to be able to look back at him and say I just want you to come home quick tonight.”
Over time, Schields said she has been able to forgive those who committed the crime and be thankful for the father she has now.
“Strength, resilience and justice,” was the theme of the annual event. Similar ceremonies are being held across the Hudson Valley and the nation this week.
