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Cuomo Signs Law Honoring White Plains Detective

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed a law Thursday that designated a portion of White Plains' Route 119 as the Detective Michael Perry Memorial Highway.

Officer Perry was a resident of Yorktown and served with the White Plains Police Department for seven years and also worked with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police. He died in June 2010 after suffering a heart attack.

The route, from the intersection of Route 119 and Route 100 by the Westchester County Center, continuing to the intersection of Route 119 and Main Street, will be dedicated during a ceremony some time later this year.

Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli (R-Goldens Bridge) helped author the measure and is a 22-year veteran of the New York State Police. The law will take effect immediately.

“I thank both Governor (Andrew) Cuomo and Senator (Greg) Ball, my Senate cosponsor of this legislation, for honoring Detective Michael Perry in this meaningful way,” Castelli said in a press release.

Perry suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after chasing and arresting a man at a local mall near State Route 119. He had called for assistance and chased the larceny suspect a short distance before placing him into custody. The suspect, who was reportedly a career criminal with over 300 arrests, was charged with resisting arrest and larceny.

“Each day, brave men and women like Michael Perry go to work not knowing if they’ll return home,” said Ball (R, C – Patterson) in a statement. “Dedicating this highway to Michael is the least we can do to honor his memory and thank his family for their sacrifice.”

Perry is survived by his wife, twin sons, parents, sister, and brother. On June 14, 2010, Officer Perry was posthumously promoted to the rank of Police Detective.

“I am gratified that our governor has seen fit to honor Detective Perry along with myself and all of those who respect both his service and sacrifice,” Castelli said. “It is a small testament to a brave man’s actions, and is indicative of the kind of courage displayed by police officers every day in our society. Sadly, his courageous efforts on that day had a tragic ending, but do not diminish the legacy he left us, of a lifetime of dedication to public service.”

 

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E-mail White Plains reporter Sarina Trangle at STrangle@TheDailyWhitePlains.com.

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