New York State Police host a bridge dedication to Trooper Lawrence P. Gleason

On June 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the New York State Police will be holding a dedication ceremony at the Schroon Lake Pavilion; 69 Leland Ave, Schroon Lake NY, 12870, dedicating the overpass on Charley Hill Road over Interstate 87 in the town of Schroon as the “Trooper Lawrence P. Gleason Memorial Bridge.” Troop B, Commander, Major Brent M. Davison and all of Troop B are once again honored to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice made by Trooper Lawrence P. Gleason in dedicating his life and service to the people of the State of New York. The State Police are honored to be joined by Trooper Gleason’s family and several local and state-level representatives who helped make this dedication possible to include NY State Senator Dan Stec and NY Assemblyman Matthew Simpson.

Trooper Lawrence Gleason was born and raised in Hornell, NY. Lawrence graduated from Hornell High School in 1991. He attended SUNY Alfred and later graduated from Alfred University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

He joined the State Police on October 30, 2000, as a member of the 184th Academy Basic School. He successfully graduated from the Academy Basic School session on May 15, 2001. On February 11, 2002, Trooper Lawrence Gleason was responding to a complaint by a 36-year-old Crown Point (Essex County) woman. The woman called SP Westport to report her former boyfriend had menaced her with a knife at her home and then left the scene. 

An investigation determined Trooper Gleason was taking a deposition from the woman in the living room of her home when the ex-boyfriend drove into the driveway, took a .30-30 rifle from his trunk and fired three shots into the building. One struck Trooper Gleason in the back, penetrating his body armor and mortally wounding him. Trooper Gleason died from injuries sustained from a gunshot wound. He was survived by Larry and Rosemary (Stone) Gleason and his family.

“Today we dedicate the Trooper Lawrence P. Gleason Memorial Bridge to honor the life and sacrifice of Trooper Lawrence P. Gleason, a brave and selfless public servant. Tragically, while responding to a call for help, Trooper Gleason was mortally wounded in the line of duty. He was a hero who gave his life protecting others,” said Simpson.

“Trooper Gleason’s commitment to his duty and his ultimate sacrifice remind us all of the dangers faced by our law enforcement officers every day. He was not just a trooper but a son, a soon-to-be husband and a cherished member of our community. To Larry and Rosemary Gleason, and to all of Lawrence’s family, we extend our deepest gratitude and respect,” Simpson concluded.