Troopers Honored for Bravery, Community Service

By Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-Pulaski)

Prestigious and well-deserved awards were recently presented to two State Police officers in my Assembly District. State Police Trooper Steven H. Euler received the Superintendent’s Commendation Award for extraordinary performance in the line of duty and Sergeant June E. Worden received the Trooper William V. McDonagh Community Service Award for her role and performance as liaison for the Division of State Police to the New York Special Olympics.

The awards were presented at the 32nd Annual State Police Awards Day Ceremony in Albany on May 28. To further commemorate the occasion and express our gratitude for the officer’s commitments and valor, I presented legislative resolutions to both State Police officers. The resolutions passed the State Legislature and were presented at the awards ceremony.

Their service, bravery and quick thinking is to be commended. Here are their stories:

*Trooper Steven Euler*, a resident of Fulton who is stationed in the Pulaski barracks, was on patrol in Tupper Lake with another officer. The two encountered an occupied vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road. They approached the car and asked the occupant for a registration and noticed signs of intoxication. Instead of a registration, the suspect pulled a .357 revolver and immediately fired at the officers. Euler saw the gun before the suspect shot and was able to warn his partner. As they sought cover, Trooper Euler and his partner returned fire and after an intense firefight, disabled the suspect. During the exchange, Euler’s partner was wounded on the leg. It was later determined that both the vehicle and handgun used by the suspect had been stolen in a burglary. Their superiors said both took immediate, decisive action to defend themselves and performed their duties in an outstanding manner under harrowing conditions.

*Sergeant June Worden*, stationed in the Camillus barracks, received the Trooper William V. McDonagh Community Service Award for her role in the New York Special Olympics. As liaison for the State Police, her superiors say she works tirelessly to ensure the success of the Division’s efforts to support this worthy program. In particular, she is instrumental in the organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run which involves more than 43,000 athletes. In addition, Sergeant Worden volunteers at fundraising events, and recently raised more than $2,000 for the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge. She unselfishly devotes her life to the preservation of order and protection of others and works to improve the quality of life for participants.

Whether it’s improving the quality of life in small or large ways, or fighting criminals, often our law enforcement officers are first in the line of duty. I’m pleased to be among my colleagues in honoring those who serve to preserve and protect such values, lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the daily performance of their duties.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 200 North Second Street, Fulton, New York 13069, by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling (315) 598-5185.

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