Marlborough PD holds Blue Light Ceremony

By Mark Reynolds
Posted 12/18/19

Last week the Town of Marlborough held their annual Blue Light Ceremony in honor of the men and women of Law Enforcement who were killed in the line of duty in 2019.

The record shows that this …

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Marlborough PD holds Blue Light Ceremony

Posted

Last week the Town of Marlborough held their annual Blue Light Ceremony in honor of the men and women of Law Enforcement who were killed in the line of duty in 2019.

The record shows that this past year across the country 117 officers died in service to their communities, at the average age of 44 and average tours of duty just shy of 14 years. Most of the officers (44) died from gunfire, 18 died in vehicle crashes and 13 died from being struck by another vehicle. As of this week New York tied Texas with 13 officers and California was second with 10 deaths in 2019. In addition, there were 21 K9 line of duty deaths.

Inside the lobby of the Marlborough Police Station a Christmas tree was erected with ornaments honoring officers in New York.
Marlborough Officer Curt Fulton led the ceremony in front of the station.

“Welcome everyone and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend tonight’s Blue Light ceremony, honoring the memory of our brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement who have died in the line of duty,” he said. “As has been done in the past, special attention will be given to our fallen New York State officers.”

Fulton welcomed Pastor David Stein, of the Lattingtown Baptist Church, who led in an opening prayer.

“Heavenly Father I thank you for this evening and I thank you for all who have come out this evening to honor those who have given their lives in sacrifice and service to their communities. So Lord as we approach this Christmas season, lift up the mourning families to you, those grieving, those hurting from the loss of a loved one. I ask that you be that God of comfort, be that God of peace, that God of hope to them Lord in these trying times,” he said.

Officer Fulton pointed out that the thin blue line that you see on license plates, bumper stickers and jewelry, “represents the boundary line between criminals and the law abiding public, between order and chaos, between anarchy and civilization and between decency and lawlessness...The officers we memorialize tonight, however, have given their lives, they have given everything they have, fully aware of the possible consequences that they may not make it through their patrol shift to return home to their loved ones. That is why we are here tonight, to honor their sacrifice, their bravery and their memory. We encourage you to display a blue light where you live as a visual reminder to all of your support for Police Officers everywhere.”

Officer Fulton read the lyrics of a song her heard recently, starting with the voice of a 5 year old and finishes at the age of 15, showing, “just how deep and how long the hurt remains with these families.” The lyrics open with the toddler talking to her Dad, saying, in part, “It’s been a year Daddy, I really miss you. Mommy says you’re safe now in a beautiful place called heaven,” At the age of 10 the young daughter says, “I don’t need to sleep with the lights on anymore, I’m trying not to cry Daddy, but it’s hard, I really miss you Daddy, Can you see me?” As a 15 year old teen, she tells her Daddy that she is now in High School and made the honor roll, plays on the soccer team and has started thinking about college and the future. “I hope you’ll be with me when I walk down the aisle, I try not to be sad but it hurts, I hope you know you’re my hero, I love you so much, Can you see me? I really miss you Daddy.”

Chief Gerald Cocozza then lit the blue light tree that was followed by a moment of silence.

Officer Fulton concluded the ceremony, saying, “the men and women of this department, Marlborough’s thin blue line, stand at the ready to serve, protect and defend our citizens at a moment’s notice...we thank you for coming out to tonight’s ceremony to honor the sacrifices and memory of our fallen officers. May they rest in eternal peace.”

Sgt. Justin Pascale attends the ceremony every year.

“This year hits home a lot harder than in previous years because we just lost a few officers, one in Jersey City, in Oklahoma and in Texas.” he said.

Every May Pascale attends a similar ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. to honor those who were killed in the line of duty. He said the number of officers who attend from across the country, “is probably 100,000 plus. It’s sad but it’s really spectacular.”

Supervisor Al Lanzetta started the blue light ceremony in 2006 after he and his wife read about a way to honor law enforcement.

“We came across the blue lights and at that time I asked the Town Board and they were fine with it,” he said. “It’s a great thing and I’m very happy to see the whole board and some dignitaries here supporting it.”

Lanzetta voiced his own support for the town’s local Police Department.

“They do a great job and we’re very pleased with everything they do,” Lanzetta said. “We have a great Chief in Chief Cocozza and we have a lot of pride in our officers. This [ceremony] is the least we can do, to honor those who have passed. We are so blessed to have a safe community and these officers watch over us and protect us.”