Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace hero.

J.R.

September 3, 2024

I met Gary in the Army. We met I think in AIT at FT Leonard wood, Mo. Then we both attended NCOCC at Leonardwood, and graduated as Sgt. E5. If I remember correctly, Gary got married just before we went to Viet Nam. We landed in Cam Rhan bay first. I have a picture of us trying to take a shower in the rain cuz there was no water. We both ended up in the 20th Combat Engineer Battalion, Gary in D Co and me and several of our other buddies in B Co. We all ended up going 40 or so clicks south of Plieku to an LZ or fire base called Weigt-Davis. D Co had the duty then of going out on the road with the construction Engineers and provide security, mine sweeps, etc. My job at the time kept me inside the LZ. In the evening Gary and I and a couple other buddies would meet up and have a beer and watch a movie if there is one. Gary would always talk about his wife and how terribly he missed her. Nearly in tears a couple times.
One evening Gary didn't show up after work so I went looking for him. We were so new still that people didn't know us yet. Finally found his Sgt and found out he was medivaced but no one seemed to know why.
Got a letter from him bout a month later, his pinky finger got crushed in the tail gate of a 5 ton dump truck. It had to be amputated, but the Army doesn't do non emergency surgery in country, so he was living the life in a hospital in Japan and shortly thereafter was sent to a hospital close to his home in NY. He got to be with his wife. We were so happy for him.

I lost contact with Gary for some years but got in touch with his mom and then Gary. Here's the amazing part. He and I both were in Law Enforcement. He a NY State Trooper and me a Deputy Sheriff in Silver Bow county, Montana.
He was working upstate somewhere around Lake Placid and was going to work security on the down hill run and invited me to come as his guest. He and I both were avid skiers and talked about it a lot while boiling in some classroom or baking under RVN sun. As it turned out, I was in Alaska on a crab processor during the Olympics. Lost contact again.
Just a few years later I decided I would go see my bro, called the Trooper HQ to leave my info, found out what happened.
RIP Bro

Deputy Sheriff (Ret), Daniel Miller
Served together in 20 Combat Eng. Battalion

December 17, 2023

Trooper Kubasiak,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 30, 2022

Gary was my route manager when I was a paperboy for the Buffalo Courier Express. He was kind, efficient and always went out of his way to help me get the paper's out. I think of him often and his help in shaping me into the man I am. Always loved. Never forgotten.

Rory Pollaro
WNYNews Now

September 25, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 30, 2020

Trooper Kubasiak, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2020

Trooper Kubasiak - I was 9 years old when you died. I remember hearing the news on the radio the day after like it was yesterday. I remember you taking your vacation to drive the school bus of Cub Scouts to the Nike Base in Hamburg, NY for the day camp. I remember you bringing in Donovan in the basement of St. Joe's Church to do a presentation for the Scouts as well. I remember being in the crying room at your funeral in the same Church. I remember seeing more police officers at your funeral than I could possibly count. I remember the show of respect they all gave you. I remember wanting to be a good guy and do what is right, like you. I am very happy that your sons followed in your footsteps to become NYS Troopers too. I am more proud of the good men they became, like you. You are the reason that I am a police officer today and have been for over 20 years. You are also the reason why I work with emotional disturbed people. I don't want anyone else to suffer your fate. I think of you pretty regularly and pray for your soul often. Rest in peace my brother.

Lt. Rob Wilson
Rochester Police Department, formerly of the Gowanda Police Department

March 29, 2017

Went to school with Tpr. Kubasiaks sons. I didn't know Gary, but his sons were second to none. Always helpful and there when you needed a helping hand, as I hear Gary was the same. Now that his sons have followed in his footsteps, as I have also entered the law enforcement career, we can only hope to be the man that Gary was. RIP brother, you will not be forgotten.

Mike Gabel
(Friend to Garys sons) and Law Enforcement Brorher..
8/29/2015

Task force officer
Bath PD and US Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force

August 29, 2015

Thinking of you today. Rest in Peace

Carolanne Pryme
Widow of Trooper Tom Pryme NYSP

January 11, 2015

Thank you for your service Trooper Kubasiak...you and my father must have ridden in together...Rest In Peace

Karen (Pryme) Oswald
daughter of Trooper Thomas L. Pryme EOW 7-24-82

Karen (Pryme) Oswald

August 30, 2013

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. You will never be forgotten as true heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, especially your two sons who also protect us all. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 30, 2013

Gary was my cousin and I think of him often. That was a horrible day in our family and one I will never forget. Rest in peace Gary and God Bless.

Darlene Rajczak
cousin

November 29, 2012

I met Gary when I was around 8 or 9 years old, when he drove a school bus for a field trip day. He showed me and the other kids of St. Jose catholic school his K-9 dogs. Ryan was in my class at the time and later at the time of his dad's death. I remember feeling really bad for Ryan, and could see the pain he and his family were going through. I sure hope that "Swann" guy got justice. I remember that day in 82' like it was yesterday. My best friend Steve Raiport's father, was Gowanda police at the time, so it hit home to me in more than just one way. Happy to see the Hwy dedicated to Gary. Best wish to the Kubasiak family.

BOP Correctional Officer Timothy Skeates
Federal Bureau of Prisons

March 21, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I am sure that you were proud that your sons continued your legacy of protecting and serving.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 30, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Trooper Kubasiak and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

August 19, 2009

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 20, 2007

Gary was my cousin, and friend. We graduated together and both knew the killer. I lived in California when this terrible thing happened and think about it almost every day. Thanks for being a friend Gary you are not forgotten with the family. I Love You! jimi

James Kubasiak
cousin

September 10, 2007

The memory of our life together helps me live my life with the same humor, courage and love you always shared with the people around you.

Melody
Wife

March 31, 2007

Gary and Melody lived a few houses from me - He was one of my favorite Troopers. Gary's sense of humor was enjoyed by all of us.

Louise LaFountain
NYSP secretary at SP Ray Brrok

August 30, 2006

Gary was a friend and fellow Trooper stationed at SP Saranac Lake. We worked many hours together and I will never forget him. He will always be with me in my heart.

Tpr. E.W.Aagesen NYSP Retired
NYSP

August 30, 2006

I remember being an 11 year old in that trailor park where you responded. I prayed so hard that night for your safety after the ambulance had come. I think of you often and pray for you and your family. Your death has not gone unnoticed. Rest in peace my brother, you are not forgotten.

Patrol Officer

March 18, 2006

While I never met you Gary, I've worked with your son Randy. You're guiding him well. Rest in peace - he does your memory justice. Godspeed brother.

Major Gerard Kropf
New York State Police

March 9, 2006

REST IN PEACE
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

April 27, 2005

On behalf of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association, I would like to express our deepest regards and sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Trooper Gary Kubasiak. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. Gary, you may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in peace blue angel and thank you for your service.

James A. Cortina

Director
Connecticut Police Work Dog Association

February 12, 2004

Rest easy, sir. Your sacrafice and you are not forgotten. Never.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)