Latest news with #ChristopherJ.Garrow
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ceremony set to rename Carpenter Flats Bridge after late trooper
PERU — A ceremony to rename the Carpenter Flats Bridge after late New York state Trooper Christopher J. Garrow is taking place May 30. The New York State Police said the dedication ceremony will be at 11 a.m. at Heyworth Mason Park at Mason Hill Road, located on US Route 9 in the town of Peru. The bridge will be renamed the 'Captain Christopher J. Garrow Memorial Bridge.' Garrow was born and raised in Peru and graduated from Peru High School in 1994. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps in July of that same year. Following his service in the Marine Corps, he attended Clinton Community College and earned an associate degree in Humanities. Garrow joined the New York State Police on Oct. 30, 2000, as a member of the 184th Academy Basic School. After successfully graduating from the Academy on May 15, 2001, he began his career as a trooper in Plattsburgh. His passion for the job and commitment to excellence led him to take on various roles, including Marine Operator, Firearms Instructor, member of the State Police Underwater Rescue Team, and Field Training Officer. Throughout his career, he advanced through the ranks, serving as Sergeant, Station Commander, Zone Sergeant, Lieutenant, and most recently, Captain. He was recognized as a distinguished pistol expert and received a Superintendent's Commendation award, as well as a 911 First Responder award. Captain Garrow served as a dedicated member of the New York State Police for 23 years. He passed away on June 12, 2023, at the age of 47, after a courageous battle with an illness related to his work at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Without hesitation, Garrow bravely answered the call to participate in the search and recovery efforts. 'Captain Garrow was a brave and selfless public servant who devoted himself to protecting others,' state police said in a news release. 'His dedication to duty and ultimate sacrifice serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by our law enforcement officers every day. He was not only a Captain in the State Police but also a loving husband, a father to two daughters, and a cherished member of the community. To Captain Garrow's family, we extend our deepest gratitude and respect.' Troop B Commander Major Brent M. Davison, along with the members of Troop B, are honored to recognize the ultimate sacrifice made by Captain Garrow, who dedicated his life and service to the people of New York State. The State Police will be joined by Captain Garrow's family, as well as several local and state officials who contributed to making this dedication possible, including State Sen. Dan Stec and Assemblyman Billy Jones. 'Captain Christopher J. Garrow was a hero who answered the call when our nation needed him. Renaming this bridge in his home community is a small way to honor his service and sacrifice, and ensure his name lives on forever,' Stec said. 'Renaming this bridge is just one way the community can show their appreciation for Captain Christopher J. Garrow and his incredible dedication to the North Country community and his country,' Jones said. 'A Marine Corps veteran and dedicated New York State Police member for over two decades, Captain Garrow was an inspirational community leader who embodied the strength and character we should all strive to replicate. I am proud to be part of the efforts to spearhead the legislation to dedicate this bridge in his memory – I cannot think of someone who is more worthy of this recognition.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Tour de Force honors 9/11 responders
PLATTSBURGH — Hundreds of cyclists, runners and walkers from across the North Country biked in honor of two late 9/11 first responders Sunday. The 10th annual Tour de Force charity run and bike race honored New York State Police Capt. Christopher J. Garrow and Trooper Robert M. Burney, who both died from cancers related to their responding to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The event, part of a national charity, blends fitness with purpose, raising funds to support the families of those lost in the line of duty or to 9/11-related illness. The Tour De Force Charity Run is an annual event with options for a half-marathon, 10k, 5k, and 1 mile run, or walk, and a group bike ride. STRONG TURNOUT Despite the rainy weather, all options drew a strong turnout Sunday. The ceremony opened with a solemn motorcade consisting of state and local agencies and dozens of motorcycles. 'We hold the ceremony in a very specific order. It is what you would see at a funeral or memorial. We wanted to do it right and make sure it was respectful and proper.' Sara Courcelle, Tour de Force race director, said. The crowd shared a moment of silence for the honorees, followed by a 13-fold ceremony, or the 'tricorne hat' fold, of an American flag presented to both of the families. According to Courcelle, for the remembrance, they try to pick an honoree or two from the local area who has died from illness or on duty. 'It is, of course, very unfortunate that we are able to do that, to pick from in the community, but we invite the families and try to make it a really special day for them,' she said. GIVING BACK The atmosphere balanced respect with community spirit, as agencies, departments and families engaged side by side before and after they crossed the finish line. Many came not just to exercise, but to pay their respects, motivated by personal connections to first responders or by a broader sense of gratitude. 'The moment really struck me as I entered the property. It gave a very solemn feeling.' Charlie Jones, cyclist from Placid Planet, said. Even first-time attendees described the experience as deeply meaningful. 'I think it is so special for the community to honor those who serve the community,' Joanna Dahlen, a cyclist said. 'It is so meaningful and I am delighted to participate.' Jackie Grant, a first responder, heard about the Tour de Force and thought it was a 'good cause,' and 'showed respect.' Behind the scenes, organizers emphasized the lasting impact of 9/11 and the continuing sacrifices made by first responders. For them, the event is a chance to ensure those losses are not forgotten and to unite the community around remembrance and support. 'That is why it is so important for us. The Sept. 11 attacks were almost 24 years ago now, but it is still taking people's lives,' Courcelle said. 'We are still losing our protectors, those who leave their families every day to take care of everyone else.' 2015 marked the first Annual Tour De Force run and Bike race in Plattsburgh. The event supports the national Tour De Force charity and honors local law enforcement heroes who have passed away. 'We started 10 years ago. Tour de Force is a national effort. We are an entity, so we raise funds for the national charity,' Courcelle said. 'And they take care of families of first responders who have either died due to 9/11-related illness, or those who have died on the line of duty.' The Tour De Force charity supports the families of these fallen heroes. The 'Tour de Force' was started in 2002 after NYPD Det. Robert De Paolis decided to ride his bike to honor the fallen police officers that gave their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks. He was then joined by seven other members of the NYPD and one member of the Bronx District Attorney's Office and along with four volunteer support personnel. They cycled their way from the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, to Ground Zero in New York City. Since then, the Tour De Force has become a nationwide event.
