New York Honors Officers Lost in Line of Duty

Governor Kathy Hochul joined law enforcement families, officers, and state leaders in Albany this week to honor 56 fallen police officers whose names were added to the New York State Police Officers Memorial at the Empire State Plaza.

New York Honors 56 Fallen Police Officers

On Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, the annual Police Officers Memorial Remembrance Ceremony recognized 56 fallen officers from eight departments who gave their lives serving communities across New York State. Their names are now permanently etched into the memorial wall, which includes 1,964 officers from 157 agencies and six federal law enforcement agencies.

Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation declaring May 5th as Police Memorial Day in New York and ordered state landmarks to be illuminated blue on Wednesday night (May 6th) in honor of the fallen officers and the sacrifices made by law enforcement statewide.

“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to thank the loved ones of these fallen officers for the sacrifices that they have made in service to our state,” Hochul said. “This ceremony and our Memorial Wall recognize those sacrifices and serve as a reminder of the bravery, heroism and selflessness of the officers and their families.”

New York State Police Remembered

Among those honored this year were six members of the New York State Police who died from illnesses connected to their response efforts at Ground Zero following the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Those honored include:

• Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
• Investigator Thomas K. Herrick
• Trooper Bret W. Martin
• Trooper Mark A. Ondus
• Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
• First Sergeant Michael E. Snell

Their names now stand alongside nearly two thousand other officers remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their deaths are a painful reminder that for many first responders, the impact of 9/11 didn’t end in 2001. The toll of that day has continued for decades.

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The ceremony in Albany honored not only those lost but also the families, fellow officers, and loved ones who continue carrying their memory forward every single day.

The memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who gave everything in service to others.

Never forgotten.