On April 3, 2017, the family of former Trooper Herschel Allen Gay traveled to SP New Lebanon in Columbia County from Derryann, NH and Oceanside, Long Island to meet with members of Troop K.
Toting boxes of photographs, historical documents and news articles not seen in over 70 years, Brad Gay Sr., age 79, Brad Gay Jr., 50 years old, and 48-year old Scott Gay, spent more than 6 hours at the station allowing members of the Troop “K” Forensic Investigation Unit to photograph, scan and catalog the information. Brad Gay Sr’s father, Trooper Herschel Allen Gay, joined the New York State Police on May 1, 1923. He served Troop “K” exclusively, until his appointment to the rank of Captain and assignment as the Troop Commander of Troop “C” on January 10, 1944. Captain Gay served as the Troop “C” Commander until his unexpected death on January 10, 1954, one month before his son Brad’s 15th birthday.
The detailed files maintained by Captain Gay chronicled the legendary accomplishments of the fledgling police organization he had joined. The tremendous pride this young Trooper had in the New York State Police is second only to the pride his young son, who barely had a chance to know his father, has in him. That pride has clearly been passed onto Captain Gay’s grandsons, as well.
Anyone who has historical New York State Police information, photographs or other artifacts and is willing to share them, is encouraged to contact their local State Police Station.