PERU — Late New York State Police Captain Christopher J. Garrow used to drive over the Carpenter’s Flats Bridge in Peru every day to work.
Now, the bridge is named after him as the “Captain Christopher J. Garrow Memorial Bridge.”
Garrow, who was born and raised in Peru, served as a dedicated member of the New York State Police for 23 years. He died on June 12, 2023, at the age of 47, after a courageous battle with an illness related to his work at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks n Sept. 11, 2001.
Without hesitation, Garrow bravely answered the call to participate in the search and recovery efforts.
At Peru’s Heyworth Mason Park Friday, Garrow’s family, friends and coworkers gathered for an official renaming ceremony of the Carpenter’s Flats Bridge, which will now bear his name and serve as a commemoration of his lasting legacy.
“Life is a vessel for a beautiful soul to touch this earth and show us what it is to be humble and kind. What you do with this precious gift will always leave an impression. Well, Chris left more than an impression. He left a legacy,” family friend Heather Bezio said Friday on behalf of Garrow’s wife Jillian and two daughters, Ella and Maggie.
“He defined what it meant to be humble and kind. He lived, loved, laughed, led and left an impression. His family, friends, co-workers, and all of those he touched in some way can reflect, learn and carry onward. The bridge is more than a dedication. It is a reminder that life is precious. It has been granted to us, and even in the toughest of times, family and community is simply why we are here.”
A MAN OF SERVICE
Garrow graduated from Peru High School in 1994. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps in July of that same year.
Following his service in the Marine Corps, he attended Clinton Community College and earned an associate degree in Humanities.
Garrow joined the New York State Police on Oct. 30, 2000, as a member of the 184th Academy Basic School. After successfully graduating from the Academy on May 15, 2001, he began his career as a trooper in Plattsburgh.
“Not only was Captain Garrow a man of service, but he was a loved and dedicated family man who enjoyed spending time on the lake with his family, attending his girls games and sporting events, spending time with friends in the summer and skiing with his girls and wife in the winter,” Troop B Commander Major Brent M. Davison said during the ceremony.
“Chris was a true gentleman, and he will be remembered for his kind and humble demeanor, his outstanding work ethic, his willingness to always help others, his sense of humor, contagious smile and a devotion to all who were lucky enough to be a part of his life. Chris loved his family and friends with his whole heart.”
Peru Town Supervisor Craig Randall said the resolution to rename the Carpenter’s Flats Bridge was passed by the council in April of 2024.
“This in recognition of his 22-year service with the New York State Police, dedicated to serving his community and dedicated to serving the people of New York state, showing an unwavering commitment to public safety and a willingness to sacrifice his safety and ultimately his life for the sake of his fellow citizens,” Randall said.
‘HONORED’
State Sen. Dan Stec (R -Queensbury) and Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) were both in attendance for Friday’s ceremony as well.
Both representatives contributed to making the dedication possible. As a further appreciation of Garrow’s service, Jones and Stec presented a proclamation in his honor to his family.
“Captain Garrow never hesitated to step up and protect his country, state and community,” Jones said.
“It is important to recognize our hometown hero and also the person he truly was, a dedicated family man, a devoted son and brother, a cherished friend to many and a beloved colleague to his brothers and sisters in uniform.”
“I was very honored to carry this legislation, along with Assemblyman Jones,” Stec said.
“It was the very least we could do, but it’s encouraging to hear that this was a bridge that he crossed every day. So I think it’s a wonderful reminder of his service and sacrifice.”
Following the ceremony, attendees went to see the unveiling of the new signage at the renamed Christopher J. Garrow Memorial Bridge on Route 9, where friends and family were able to safely take pictures.