Press Release: 11/17/2025

Sheriff Patrick McDermott thanks volunteers who participated in the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office “House to House for Heroes” veterans’ outreach in Canton

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



November 17, 2025



 



 



CANTON, MA – Sheriff Patrick McDermott and the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office want to thank the many volunteers who took part in the “House to House for Heroes” veterans’ outreach in Canton on Saturday, November 15th.



Volunteers went door-to-door delivering vital information about the resources and benefits available to local veterans. House to House for Heroes was presented in partnership with the Canton Veterans’ Services Office and is part of an ongoing initiative by the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office to connect local veterans with the benefits and support they have earned.



The event began with a kickoff ceremony at Edward J. Beatty American Legion Post 24, 950 Washington Street, Canton, where Honorary Chair Fred Gladstone, 87, was recognized for this military service in the United States Navy. 



Mr. Gladstone joined the Navy in 1957, and his years of service on the USS Wyandot, and with the Commander Service Force, Sixth Fleet took him around the world, with assignments in Cuba, the Antarctic, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Greece, and Italy, where he met the love of his life, Maria, his late wife of 46 years. Mr. Gladstone’s service did not end with the military. He also served as a police officer in the Town of Easton for 27 years.



“It is important for each generation to put a face to those who have sacrificed so much for freedoms they may take for granted,” said Sheriff McDermott. “I am grateful for the volunteers who donated their time to recognize their local heroes. I am sure volunteers walked away from this service with a deep sense of pride in our veterans.”



Canton’s Veterans’ Service Officer is Arafat Knight and the program’s administrator is Cynthia Maddestra.



Canton was the sixth Norfolk County community visited in 2025 through this outreach effort by the sheriff’s office. Previous House to House for Heroes events were held this year in Foxborough, Stoughton, Walpole, Norfolk, Weymouth and in Braintree and Quincy last year.



Each veteran receives a resource packet that includes information about applying for Veterans Affairs benefits, housing and employment opportunities, newly expanded state programs, and other local support services. The packet also includes a personal letter of thanks from the sheriff and contact details for veteran-focused organizations.