WATCH: Fallen New York State Trooper Escorted Home

Commack NY

05 April, 2021

7:40 PM

Description

Joseph Gallagher, the New York State Police trooper who died last week three years after being struck by a distracted driver on a Long Island overpass, was escorted home Monday. State police surrounded a hearse carrying Gallagher's body from Long Island to Buffalo where the father of two will be laid to rest Wednesday. Gallagher was helping a disabled motorist on the overpass from the westbound Long Island Expressway to southbound Sagtikos Parkway on Dec. 18, 2017, when Jesse Cohen, of West Islip, was texting while driving and hit Gallagher with his car. Gallagher suffered a traumatic brain injury and was severely disabled after the crash. He had been a member of the state police since 2014, and he was previously assigned to troops F and T. He was last assigned to SP Brentwood. Gallagher, who served in the United States Coast Guard, is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. First responders gathered at various locations along the escort route to pay their respects to Gallagher. State Trooper Joseph Gallagher. (New York State Police)