On May 23 New York State Police hosted its annual Memorial Day Ceremony, led by Troop E Commander, Major Miklos S. Szoczei II. The event, attended by members of the New York State Police, local law enforcement, family, and friends, honored officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. “Today, we remember the men from Troop E who served with unwavering dedication and commitment to the safety of the citizens of New York State,” said Major Szoczei.
Honored Officers:
Trooper Raymond C. Dodge began his service on September 6, 1973. He was shot on June 30, 1974, while investigating a dispute and succumbed to his injuries on July 2, 1974. Posthumously awarded the New York State Police Brummer Award, his name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Trooper Robert J. Gaylo served from June 10, 1965. He died in an automobile accident on May 13, 1980. His name is also inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
Investigator Robert L. VanHall Jr. started his service on September 6, 1973. He was fatally shot on December 5, 1980, while arresting drug traffickers. A Vietnam veteran, VanHall received the Brummer Award posthumously. His name is etched on the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
Trooper Andrew J. Sperr began service on January 8, 1996. He was shot on March 1, 2006, after a bank robbery and died from his injuries. He was posthumously awarded the Brummer Award and his name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
Trooper Darryl J. Burroughs Sr. served from April 4, 1983, to July 31, 2011. He passed away on May 25, 2016, from an illness related to his 9/11 World Trade Center assignment. His name is on the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
Trooper Nicholas F. Clark began his service on March 2, 2015. He was shot and killed on July 2, 2018, while responding to a call. He was posthumously awarded the Brummer Award and his name is on the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
Major Szoczei emphasized the unwavering dedication and heroism of these officers, ensuring their sacrifices will always be remembered.
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