Sheriffs across New York State are participating in the “Cold Case Playing Card Program, a project of the Center for Hope, which is operated by Doug and Mary Lyall, of Ballston Spa, NY. Their daughter, Suzanne, has been missing for over ten years. She was a student at Albany SUNY and the Lyalls have dedicated themselves to helping other families face the crisis of a missing person. This program seeks new leads concerning missing persons and unsolved homicides. Decks of playing cards will be distributed to inmates at the county jail, and each card contains a photograph and Information about a missing person case or an unsolved homicide. Inmates will be able to anonymously call a tipline, and will be rewarded if the tip leads to a successful arrest or prosecution. The New York State Sheriffs’ Association is providing monies for the rewards and has distributed the cards to all New York jails.

"Inmates have a lot of time on their hands, and they are in a unique position to know, see and hear things that may not reach the eyes and ears of law enforcement," Mr. Lyall said. "Mary and I are hopeful that this initiative will solve crimes, and bring a measure of peace and hope to families praying for the safe return of a loved one, or provide answers to an unsolved homicide.”

Sheriffs recognize that the playing card program might just help law enforcement agencies to solve a case of a missing person or an unsolved homicide”. Sheriffs will put the cards on tables and let the inmates use the cards. “We hope they will read them and remember the messages. Inmates can call a tip line toll free, and whether some information helps to solve the Suzanne Lyall case or some other case, the playing card program is a great attempt to get information to law enforcement agencies working on these missing person and unsolved homicide cases,” said the Association President, Montgomery County Sheriff Mike Amato.

The program is modeled on a similar program introduced in Florida that resulted in solving several homicides and new leads on numerous "cold case" investigations, and has been funded through a grant from Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. The Sheriffs’ Association was the proud recipient this year of the “Hope Award” an award from the Lyall’s Center for Hope, which was presented at the New York State Missing Persons’ Day Ceremonies, held in Albany in early April. Warren County Sheriff Nathan “Bud” York accepted the award on behalf of the Sheriffs’ Association. Sheriff York, while a Trooper with the New York State Police, played an active part in the Suzanne Lyall case and has known Doug and Mary Lyall for many