Town, Boy Scout Renovate Memorial In Honor Of Fallen Officer

MASSAPEQUA, NY – Oyster Bay Town officials recently unveiled a newly renovated memorial in honor of Nassau County Police Officer Gary Farley at a Massapequa park.

Officer Farley died in the line of duty following an altercation trying to subdue a violent mental aided in Massapequa back in 1993. He left behind his wife and two children.

Peter Rowan, the son of a Nassau County Police Detective and a local boy scout with Troop 656 in Wantagh, noticed that the memorial honoring Farley was in need of a renovation and decided to make the endeavor his Eagle Scout project.

With help from Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department, the project came to fruition with an emotional unveiling ceremony at Anchor Park on Sunday. Farley’s wife, Doris and his daughter, Stacey, both attended the event.

“Police Officer Farley is a ‘True American Hero’,” Saladino said. “He paid the ultimate price serving his fellow citizens. Thanks to the efforts of Boy Scout Peter Rowan, this newly renovated memorial in Anchor Park, in the community where he served for many years, will serve as a reminder to all residents of his sacrifice and his extraordinary life.”

During his life, Farley earned the respect of his colleagues with his dedication, caring and attention to detail.

“He was loved and respected by the residents of Massapequa and was a true credit to the Nassau County Police Department,” Saladino said. “To those who had the pleasure to know Gary, it was no surprise that he was able to leave such an indelible mark, both socially and professionally.”

Saladino also mentioned that Farley had a unique ability to connect with people and felt a tremendous sense of duty as a police officer to stand up for those in need.

“He reliably handled even the most challenging assignments and always carried himself with dignity and respect,” he said. “He also was widely respected for dedication, integrity and his compassion.”

Pictured from left to right: Town Clerk James Altadonna Jr., Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Officer Farley’s wife, Doris and daughter, Stacey, Boy Scout Peter Rowan, Rowan’s father, Nassau County Police Department Detective Christopher Rowan, Rowan’s mother, Barbara, Acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder and the President of the Nassau County Police Department James McDermott.

Photo courtesy of the Town of Oyster Bay