Last night, Governor Kathy Hochul paid tribute to 68 police officers whose service and sacrifice marked their final acts as guardians of the New York community. These officers, hailing from 11 different departments, were commemorated at the New York State Police Officers Memorial located in the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The governor stood among the assembly as the names of these fallen heroes joined those of 1,908 others on the revered memorial wall, representing 155 state agencies and six federal ones.
The Governor also marked the occasion by proclaiming yesterday as Police Memorial Day and commanded that landmarks throughout the state shine blue that evening. "Today we honor the lives of the heroic men and women who took an oath to protect New Yorkers and lost their lives in the line of duty," Governor Hochul stated, according to an official statement. The proclamation emphasized a collective gratitude for those committed to public safety and the families that support them.
Some of the landmarks lit in blue, as a gesture of remembrance and respect, included 1 World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, and the iconic Niagara Falls. These lights serve as a visual tribute, casting a glow that reflects the deep sense of loss and respect for the officers who patrolled and safeguarded the streets of New York.
An advisory committee, comprising representatives from various law enforcement associations and federations across the state, helps maintain the memorial's significance. This includes New York State Troopers PBA President Charles Murphy and New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Patrick Phelan. The DCJS provides ongoing support to various aspects of the criminal justice system, including training programs and the management of criminal justice grant funding.
