Senate Resolution No. 3755

BY: Senator SEWARD

MOURNING the death of Investigator Michael P.
Petrie, New York State Trooper, family man, and
dedicated member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous officer who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family, Herkimer County, and the New York State
Police Department; and

WHEREAS, Michael P. Petrie of Little Falls, New York, passed away on
Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at the age of 45; and

WHEREAS, Michael "Mike" P. Petrie was born on September 25, 1972, to
Joyce A. (Vickery) Petrie and the late David W. Petrie, Sr. in Little
Falls where he attended high school; after graduating in 1990, he earned
his associate's degree from Herkimer County Community College; and

WHEREAS, Mike P. Petrie worked with his friend, Mark Mornelli, at
Floor & Furniture Restoration, and was employed as a mechanic for the
former Skinner Ford; and

WHEREAS, Mike P. Petrie began his distinguished law enforcement
career as a patrolman for both the City of Little Falls and Village of
Dolgeville Police Departments; he entered the New York State Police on
September 9, 2002, as a member of the 187th Session; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from the New York State Police Academy in
March of 2003, Mike P. Petrie was assigned to Troop D, Zone 1, SP Marcy
for his field training; upon completion, he was transferred to Zone 3 at
SP Alexandria Bay; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, Mike P. Petrie was again transferred to Z-1, and
stationed at SP Herkimer until his appointment to the Bureau of Criminal
Investigation (BCI) as an investigator on June 16, 2016, and transferred
once again to SP Marcy; and

WHEREAS, On August 25, 2016, Mike P. Petrie attained the permanent
rank of sergeant and remained in his current assignment in the BCI;
during his time as a trooper, he also served as a crime scene technician
and was a valued member of the Collision Reconstruction Unit; and

WHEREAS, A kind and generous man, Mike P. Petrie was always willing
to lend a helping hand to anyone in need; his friends and family members
would take their cars to Mike, and he would happily use his mechanic
skills to take care of any problems; and

WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, Mike P. Petrie enjoyed spending time
working on his land, and repairing old tractors, especially John Deeres;
he could often be found riding his four-wheeler "up over the hill" with
a dog or two chasing behind him; and

WHEREAS, Mike P. Petrie also loved to restore antique snowmobiles,
and was a member of the Shumaker Mt. Hill Climbers Snowmobile Club; and

WHEREAS, On December 16, 2017, Mike P. Petrie and the love of his
life, the former Elizabeth McKeon were married in a touching ceremony
put together by their devoted families; and

WHEREAS, Above all, Mike P. Petrie loved his wife, his many friends,
and family; each year he looked forward to attending his family's cider
parties; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, David W. Petrie, Sr., Michael P.
Petrie is survived by his mother, Joyce Petrie; his wife, Elizabeth
Petrie; three brothers, David W. Petrie, Jr., Richard (Melissa) Petrie,
and Ronald (Lisa) Petrie; four sisters, Elaine (Donald) Lippert, Karen
(James) Filipski, Julie (Nathan) King, and Laura (Jon) Hargrave; his
mother-in-law, Anne McKeon; two sisters-in-law, Tiffany (Brandon
Rickard) Lawrence and Holly (Nick Salamone) Lawrence; several nieces and
nephews; and his two dogs, Hattie and Oscar; as well as a legion of
fellow officers and friends who will always remember his good deeds and
generous nature; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Mike P. Petrie leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Investigator Michael P. Petrie, New York State
Trooper, family man, and devoted member of his community, noting the
significance of his contributions on behalf of the citizens of this
noble Empire State, and expressing its deepest condolences to his
family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Investigator Michael P. Petrie.