Crime Scene

The Rockland Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association has scheduled a news conference for tomorrow afternoon to voice its concerns that state plans to improve New York State Thruway interchanges could led to the destruction of the Brinks Memorial at the entrance to highway.

However, state project director Mike Anderson said today that several state plans under consideration would not touch the memorial on Mountainview Avenue, at the Thruway entrance off Route 59 in Nyack. Anderson said the state is fully aware of the memorial’s importance and doesn’t plan on disrupting or hurting the monument, with its flags, lights, bench and walkways. Anderson said he expects any changes in the area will improve access to the memorial.

The memorial is considered hallowed grounds for Rocklanders and its law enforcement community. On Oct. 20, 1981, Nyack police Sgt. Edward O’Grady and Officer Waverly “Chipper” Brown were murdered by self-proclaimed revolutionaries and thugs at the Thruway entrance. Detective Arthur Kennan was shot and Officer Brian Lennon suffered lasting injuries. The murders came less than 30 minutes after the gunmen murdered Brinks guard Peter Paige and shot guar Joseph Trombino at the Nanuet Mall while stealing $1.6 million from the armored car.

Despite the state assurances, PBA President Cyrill Kerr said the union wants the public to know the state’s reconstruction plans are coming close to the memorial site. Since the state has not made any final decisions, the PBA has decided the best defense is a good offense.