COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY ROADWAY NAMED IN HONOR' OF FALLEN OFFICER

"Gary Stymiloski Drive"

In a moving sunset ceremony; Westchester County today named the main roadway within the Department of Public Safety's headquarters as "Gary Stymiloski Drive," in honor of the slain county police officer killed in the line of duty on this date in 1985. The department's Police Benevolent Association sponsored the observance.

The service marking the 15 'h anniversary of Stymiloski’s death was attended by his parents, Edward and Dorothea Stymiloski, and his sister, Lori. Also attending were County Executive Andy Spano, District Attorney Jeanine Pirro, County Legislators Bill Ryan and Louis Mosiello and Public Safety Commissioner Louis D'Aliso PBA President Gary T. McGrath presided over the ceremony.

In his remarks Spano said, "Today we honor the memory of Gary Stymiloski and mark the service that he rendered to Westchester County during his tenure with the Department of Public Safety by naming this road for him. Officer Stymiloski's death 15 years ago, during a routine traffic stop on the Saw Mill River Parkway, is a reminder to us all of just how precious and fleeting life really is. It also gives us pause to once again thank the men and women of the department who put their lives on the line for all of us every day. Gary Stymiloski is the most recent officer from the ranks of the county police forces to make the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We pray that he will be the last."

The ceremony was highlighted by the unveiling of two road signs which will stand at the foot of the main driveway and at the north parking lot in the police complex located off Route 9A in Hawthorne.

District Attorney Jeanine Pirro said, "Police Officer Gary Stymiloski's legacy remains enduring in Westchester County's law enforcement community. The Stymiloski family has transcended the loss of their son and brother to a lasting tribute to the police officers who put their lives on the line each day to protect us."

Stymiloski, 27, was shot and killed in the early evening hours of February 24, 1985 after making a traffic stop near Palmer Road on the southbound side of the Saw Mill River Parkway in Yonkers. He was a three-year veteran of the County police force.

"The PBA wanted to use this anniversary of Gary's death to do something to forever keep his name alive. By naming this road in honor of his memory, people who drive by will always be reminded of who Gary Stymiloski was, and the sacrifice that the made on their behalf," said PBA President McGrath.

"Gary wore the uniform of the County Police and carried out his duties with the pride and dignity symbolic of the highest traditions of law enforcement- We stand here today to dedicate this drive in his name so that we can perpetuate his memory and recall the courage and bravery with which he so gallantly served. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stymiloski family today as they continue to mourn the loss of their son and brother, and we hope that they continue to find the strength and encouragement needed to command his legacy," said Police Commissioner Louis D'Aliso.