ALBANY, NY – A local state trooper was among a group of 39 honorees who were recognized Wednesday during the New York State Police Annual Awards Day Ceremony in Albany.
Governor David A. Paterson joined New York State Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt to commend and recognize the honorees for acts of bravery, investigative persistence, police education, traffic safety and community service.
Sergeant Joseph R. Domagola of the New York State Police barracks in Fulton, was honored for his work in apprehending Ronald McCarthy this past summer. Domogola was the only trooper from Troop D honored during this year’s ceremony.
The annual ceremony, which is held at the New York State Police Academy, pays tribute to the courage and perseverance of sworn and non-sworn members of the New York State Police. The award ceremony immediately followed the State Police’s Annual Memorial Day Service to honor the memory and service of deceased members of the State Police.
“Today we honor the bravery and commitment of sworn and non-sworn employees of the New York State Police,” Governor Paterson said during the ceremony. “It is these dedications to public service by the individuals that comprise this agency that makes the New York State Police stand out and places it among the most well respected law enforcement agencies in the world.”
“As one of the finest police agencies in the world, the New York State Police and its employees are committed to the mission of providing the very best service to the people to the State of New York,” Superintendent Corbitt said. “They do this with the highest regard toward respect, integrity, and honor; and without bias, or prejudice. Today we honor those Troopers and employees who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to service, at times giving their own lives to do so.”
The full text of Domagola’s recognition read:
“On June 23, 2007, Sergeant Joseph R. Domagola, as part of a domestic violence investigation, attempted to stop a subject suspected of committing arson to his own residence. Upon approach of the pursued vehicle, the subject intentionally rammed Sergeant Domagola’s patrol vehicle with his own.
“As Sergeant Domagola exited his vehicle, the subject confronted him, swinging a large piece of lumber. In an attempt to defend himself, Sergeant Domagala discharged his weapon, which missed the subject, but did cause him to drop the piece of lumber. A violent struggle ensued in which the subject attempted to take control of Sergeant Domagola’s weapon.
“After assistance from another trooper and a bystander, the subject was arrested. He was later convicted of attempted aggravated murder in the first degree and arson. As a result of his quick thinking, heroic actions and personal bravery, Sergeant Domagola was able to prevent a crazed individual from harming his family or other innocent bystanders.”
Rather than face the 18-count indictment that was brought against him at trial, McCarthy pleaded guilty in January to both aggravated attempted murder of Domagola and third-degree arson for setting fire to his residence.
McCarthy was sentenced to serve 22 years to life for the aggravated attempted murder charge and to five to 15 years in prison for the arson charge as part of a negotiated plea agreement with the Oswego County District Attorney’s Office. The two sentences will run concurrently. As conditions of his plea, McCarthy will also have to pay restitution and waived his right to appeal.
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