Senator Farley’s Bill Respecting Fallen Officers Signed Into Law

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) is pleased to report his bill (S.5616) was signed into law earlier today, Oct. 27th, that allows for flags flown on behalf of fallen police and peace officers to be given to family members.

“I am very glad the bill was approved which would grant the same respect and courtesy to families of police and peace officers that we already offer to the families of military personnel. It is simply the right thing to do – to offer the families of these fallen officers, the flag that was flown in their honor,” Senator Farley said.

Currently, under the Lt. Col. Todd Clark Memorial Flag Presentment Program that was enacted in 2013 (also sponsored by Senator Farley), both the flag of the United States of America and the New York State flag are lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol in honor of a police or peace officer killed in the line of duty. They are then retired after their initial use. This new law now directs the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and Office of General Services to present the half-staff flown flags to that individual’s next of kin.

“This act shows additional recognition, honor, respect and appreciation for the police or peace officer killed in the line of duty,” Senator Farley said.

The law was put into effect immediately.