Trooper Gary Kubasiak, 32, was killed on August 30, 1982, while responding to a barricade situation on Route 62 in Dayton. A nine-year veteran of the New York State Police and a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, Kubasiak went to the home with his canine partner and, because he knew the man inside, attempted to use conversation to de-escalate the encounter. While speaking with the man in the kitchen, the subject suddenly opened fire with a rifle; Kubasiak was struck before he could react and the wounds were fatal.

Other officers returned fire, subdued and arrested the suspect. The man was later convicted of murder and given a 35 years to life sentence. Kubasiak was survived by his wife and two sons, who both later became New York State Troopers. Any readers who knew Trooper Kubasiak or have information about that day are asked to share what they remember.