Poughkeepsie, NY – April 17, 2026 – The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse (CPCA) of the Mid-Hudson Valley commemorated April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month with the help of local lawmakers and first responders today.
At an 11:00 a.m. gathering on Friday, April 17 at the Arlington Fire Department, New York State Senator Rob Rolison, members of the Arlington Fire District and Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department joined Executive Director Jessica Ferrantino and her staff to show support for child victims in the community. Participants wore blue and placed blue pinwheels on the department’s lawn, a tradition that originated when Senator Rolison asked to display the iconic symbols of child abuse prevention advocacy, a gesture that has grown into a powerful annual tradition for the organization.
The display served as a vivid reminder of the nearly 1,000 phone calls made each year in Dutchess County alone to report suspected child abuse.
“The pinwheel is a symbol of a happy, healthy childhood,” said Jessica Ferrantino, Executive Director of CPCA. “It represents innocence and the joy of play—our goal for every child and what we strive for each and every day: to protect children who are vulnerable and neglected and to foster prevention and ongoing support for their families. We are also deeply grateful to Senator Rolison for his unwavering support of our mission over the years. His commitment to the children of this community has meant so much to our organization. The fact that this pinwheel tradition continues with his request to display them makes today even more meaningful.”
Senator Rolison, a former police officer and Ranking Member of the Children and Families and Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committees, spoke to the lasting impact of prevention efforts and the importance of community partnership in protecting children.
“I’m grateful to the advocates, educators, law enforcement, and community partners across our district who work every day to protect children and strengthen families,” said Senator Rolison. “During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are reminded that every child deserves a safe, stable, and supportive childhood. I have seen both the devastating effects of abuse and the power of prevention, and their efforts make a lasting difference. We remain committed to ensuring every child has the chance to grow up safe and supported.”
Town of Poughkeepsie Police Chief Joseph Cavaliere emphasized the critical role the community plays in protecting children.
“In law enforcement, our mission is to protect the vulnerable. Protecting children is a top priority, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the community to report neglect and abuse. Events like the pinwheel ceremony are vital reminders to stay vigilant and speak up for our children.”
Christopher Rinck, Battalion Chief of the Arlington Fire District, reinforced the importance of working together to support and protect local families.
“Our children are the lifeblood of our community,” said Rinck. “They brighten our neighborhoods and represent our future, and we are committed to always showing up for them. The Arlington Fire District is proud to support the Pinwheels program and values the opportunity to collaborate with our state and local leaders, as well as our partners in the police department. Working together is what makes our community strong.”
To increase awareness, the Mid-Hudson Bridge was lit in blue on April 15, the symbolic color of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, paving the way for the organization’s appeal to the public in supporting CPCA’s mission and upcoming Gala on May 28 at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie. The event will raise money for the organization, which counsels more than 500 abused and neglected children each year.
To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, click here.
