NYSP Troop L honors 18 fallen members in annual memorial ceremony
Capt. Timothy Gleason Sr. said the ceremony serves as a moment to reflect on the loss endured by both loved ones and fellow troopers.
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The New York State Police Troop L honored its 18 members who were killed in the line of duty during a solemn memorial ceremony marked by music, a wreath laying, reading of the names and tolling of a bell.
Capt. Timothy Gleason Sr. said the ceremony serves as a moment to reflect on the loss endured by both loved ones and fellow troopers.
“We honor our fallen,” Capt. Gleason said. “We have 18 members who died in the line of duty. It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on their sacrifice, to reflect on the sacrifice of their families … and to bring comfort to their family members who are here.”
As troopers placed a wreath by the memorial to the fallen outside their Farmingdale headquarters, a bagpipe band played Amazing Grace. After which a rifle volley echoed across the ceremony grounds before the playing of Taps.
Then one by one, the names of the fallen were read aloud. A bell tolled after each, including for Senior Investigator Thomas M. O’Neill, whose End of Watch was July 6, 2005. Muriel Worst, O’Neill’s sister, said her brother was “the rock of the family” and served for 33 years in the New York State Police.
“When he passed away, it was very hard on everybody,” she said. “Families need to know they’re not forgotten… ’cause then we meet other survivors and we know we’re not alone.”
Former New York State Trooper Jack Finnerty said he attends this ceremony each year to honor those who gave everything.
“They gave everything they had,” Finnerty said. “To give your life so early in the line of duty to protect others is just … unbelievable.”
New York State Police troops across the state hold similar ceremonies each May.
