Senate Resolution No. 568

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the tragic and untimely death of New York
State Trooper Joseph Gallagher on March 26, 2021

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous police officer who dedicated his purposeful life and career
in faithful service to his family and to the residents of the State of
New York; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
records the passing of New York State Trooper Joseph Gallagher, 38, who
made the ultimate sacrifice on Friday, March 26, 2021, three years after
he was struck by a vehicle while faithfully executing his
responsibilities, serving with dedication, loyalty and compassion, and
who devoted his purposeful life and career to serve and protect; and

WHEREAS, New York State Trooper Joseph Gallagher exemplified what it
truly means to give of himself in providing vital police services in
keeping with the noble mission of the New York State Police; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Joseph Gallagher, who was 35 years old at the time
of the crash, was hit on an overpass leading to the Long Island
Expressway near Brentwood on December 18, 2017, after stopping to assist
a disabled motorist; he was setting up emergency flares in the road when
he was struck by a distracted driver; and

WHEREAS, Originally from South Buffalo, Trooper Joseph Gallagher
later lived in West Seneca; he began his illustrious career with the New
York State Police in 2014, and was most recently assigned to Troop L,
which covers Nassau and Suffolk counties; he was previously assigned to
Troop F in downtown New York, and Troop T, which covers the Thruway; and

WHEREAS, Prior to joining the New York State Police, this courageous
man served as a rescue helicopter pilot for the Coast Guard in Detroit;
and

WHEREAS, Trooper Joseph Gallagher performed his duties with great
honor, integrity and just pride; he was truly an exceptional role model
and inspiration to his fellow officers; and

WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was being a father to his two children, and a husband
to his loving wife; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife and two children, Trooper Joseph
Gallagher is survived by his parents, one sister, and his brothers; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Joseph Gallagher's infinite selflessness and
benevolence will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories;
his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light
and hope to the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Trooper Joseph Gallagher leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man;
he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the tragic and untimely death of New York State Trooper Joseph
Gallagher, noting the significance of his contributions on behalf of the
citizens of this noble Empire State, and expressing its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of New York State Trooper Joseph Gallagher.