Albany, NY – The New York State Police remembered Trooper Gary E. Kubasiak, who was killed in the line of duty on August 30, 1982. Kubasiak was responding to a reported domestic dispute when he was fatally shot.
The incident occurred when a man with a history of mental health issues threatened his mother, prompting her to seek help from a neighbor’s house. Trooper Kubasiak, along with his assigned K9, Donovan, were recalled to duty to assist with the arrest of the barricaded individual.
Kubasiak, who personally knew the subject, attempted to negotiate his surrender when he was shot without warning. He died from his wounds before he could defend himself or command his dog to attack.
Trooper Kubasiak was a nine-year veteran of the force and had served for seven years out of the Gowanda Satellite Office.