New police barracks dedicated in Town of Collins

by Mary Pankow

     Twenty-two years ago, an incident took place that devastated a family and stunned a community and law enforcement agency. It was on Aug. 30, 1982 when a domestic dispute turned deadly and a New York State Trooper lost his life in the line of duty. That day’s events are etched in the minds of many, the day when Gowanda native Gary Kubasiak was shot and killed.

     Tim Howard, who was Kubasiak’s partner at the time, and is now Erie County undersheriff, recalled that fateful day, speaking at the Oct. 13 State Police Collins Dedication Ceremony and Open House.

     Howard, needing no script, relived the past, especially the final moment of Aug. 30. He told the standing-room-only crowd what a good partner Kubasiak was. For the 14 months they patrolled together, they got to understand each other to the point where they “got to know what each other was thinking.” Losing a partner can be just as devastating to a police officer as losing a family member. Howard’s vivid recollection of that day in August was testimony to that fact.

     “Gary was not just my patrol partner, a fellow State policeman, but my friend as well,” Howard intoned. “I was worried Gary would be forgotten, but not so.”

     Kubasiak will be remembered by everyone who comes to work at or visits the new State Police barracks on Route 62 in Collins. A monument outside the front door is etched with his picture and that of his K-9, Donovan. The new state-of-the-art facility has been dedicated to his memory.

     New York State Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue expressed her admiration, not only for the fallen trooper, but for all law enforcement agencies. “Nothing is more important than providing the right public protection for our citizens,” she said. “Gary Kubasiak sacrificed his life not just for an individual, but for each of us. He will never be forgotten. I’m proud to be here to officially open these barracks.”

     Speakers Dan Gernatt Jr.- owner and builder of the barracks - and Colonel David Christler, of the New York State Police Division Headquarters in Albany, echoed the lieutenant governor’s sentiments, with Col. Christler adding, “This is the best substation in New York State by far!”

     After the monument unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the building got under way.

     State troopers from Collins, and from other Western New York barracks, gave the guided tours, explaining the function of the equipment and the steps taken when processing a suspect or taking statements.

     A multi-level facility, the main floor houses the offices and processing unit. The lower level, while used for conferences, spare office space and locker rooms, was utilized for display purposes for the open house.

     Tables of scuba gear, contaminated crime scene (haz-mat) paraphernalia, mobile response team (SWAT) needs, firearms and stacks of informative pamphlets greeted visitors. Those manning the displays eagerly answered questions and explained the role each piece of equipment played in the law enforcement field.

     After hearing about the rigors of training and qualifications necessary for each phase of what is entailed in being a state trooper, visitors could easily come away with a feeling of assurance and security that citizens are being well protected.

     While the displays inside the new Collins barracks were impressive, those outside were as well.

     A rollover demonstration vehicle, drug- and bomb-detecting K-9s, speed boat and a bomb sensor/transport device lined the back parking lot. Again, knowledgeable troopers informed visitors of the roles they - and their partners, canine or machine - play in protecting the citizens of New York State.

After witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of these police officers, the Kubasiak family can rest assured that SP Collins - manned by a station sergeant, 13 troopers and two investigators - will proudly carry on the tradition of serving, protecting and defending people “while preserving the rights and dignity of all” that their son, father, family member and friend, Gary, dedicated his life to.