Former Top State Trooper Commits Suicide

A state official confirmed that a retired state trooper who had headed former Governor Pataki's state police protection unit committed suicide.

It was Berwick's 12-year-old daughter who found him in their Albany garage, "after disregarding a note left on the door telling her not to enter." Governor Pataki told the AP, "My family is just devastated. He was an ultimate professional who put his life on the line to protect us."

The NY State Police has been under a lot of scrutiny lately, after last summer's Troopergate scandal and the Attorney General's investigation. While it did not appear Berwick was targeted in the probe, the Post reports, according to a source, that Berwick was recently concerned about it. Another source says Berwick would have definitely been interviewed about the state police's antics which allegedly included spying on both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on May 16, 2008 8:06 AM

Comments [rss]

JimmyP7423

The Berwick's

Its me, Jimmy Patterson. I know its been many mounths sice your father passed away. But, today i just found what happened. it is 12/5/08. but, my mom thought it would be best for me not to know about what happened for a few reasons. one the relationship with my father was diminishing into barely anything. i was have a long struggle trying to help him out with his problem with alchohol. and with the lost of his best friend, and a person i cared very deeply about she thought it would be best for me not to know. I am deeply sorry for what happened. if you ever get this message, you know. im hear if you guys need anything. i bet you will get my number. I am very sorry for what happened. he was a very good many, and a great father. R.I.P. GARY BERWICK-loving husband, father, and just a great man.

love,

Jimmy Patterson

LBERWICK515

it was me and thankyouuuu everyone who stood up for my dad...he was THE BEST.

JUNECARTER- i'm sure you're feeling like an ass because you SHOULD BE.

vivi1010

the person who wrote that about Gary Berwick being a selfish prick is a fucking asshole. You have no fucking idea how hard it is for their family and stupid fucking jerks like you make it a million times harder. why dont you get off your high horse and actually know what the the fuck you're talking about. i hope you feel like the fucking dumbass you are after reading the comment from Lyndsey. Fucking asshole!

luvbug

This is for Lyndsey- I haven't met you but our dads worked together for a long time and were good friends, so hopefully you'll get to read this (if that was really you posting). I am *SO* incredibly sorry for what has happened. I was devistated to hear the news because I know what a wonderful guy your father was. He was at my wedding last summer with your mom and they are 2 really great people, although I knew your dad a lot better. I hope you and your sisters, as well as your mom, find strength and hope with each other so that you can help each other heal. I wanted to come to the wake tonight but also didn't think I could handle it, so am thinking a LOT about you all. Try to stay positive and don't let ignorant people get to you hun. I think it's noble of you to stand up for your dad, but don't even worry about it because anyone that ever met your father (even if only once) knew what a caring and sweet person he was.

Love,

S.R.

Anyone writing negative comments to this family needs to back off and find something better to do- don't judge a situation until you are more directly involved.

nclarino

First thing, My family's heart goes out to the Berwick Family. My name is Neil and I have coached softball with Gary, and coached his daughter Rachel in soccer and softball. Gary was the kindest person I ever known. No one should judge him by what has happened. The comment about "selfish" and "prick" are the two words I would never associate with Gary. Lyndsey don't let these posters get you upset, they are half the person you father was. Those that knew him, know that. Tell you mom if you guys need anything, ANYTHING call us! My phone number is on the new windsor softball site (newwindsorgirlssoftball.com).

LBERWICK515

and i DON'T care about what i've said...I'M PROUD OF MY FATHER AND HE WOULD BE PROUD OF ME FOR STICKING UP FOR HIM.

LBERWICK515

"Selfish prick. By hanging himself in his garage, he pretty much guaranteed that a family member would find him. He could have gotten a hotel room or gone into the woods - - anywhere that would make it certain your TWELVE YEAR OLD daughter doesn’t find you. Asshole.

"

...are you serious? THAT SELFISH PRICK IS MY FUCKING FATHER. my name is LYNDSEY BERWICK and GARY BERWICK is my goddamn father and you know what...he was the BEST goddamn father ANYONE could EVER have so FUCK YOU for EVER saying that about ANYONE you goddamn piece of shit. he IS in heaven now and you're going to burn in fucking hell where you belong. ASSHOLE.

BY THE WAY- HE WAS THE MOST UNSELFISH PERSON I HAVE EVER MET.

dontbeanass

are you kidding me? you are seriously calling him a selfish prick? did you know him? did you know what he did for his family? did you know they meant everything to him? do you know what was going on in his life? i think you're the asshole here.

junecarter

Selfish prick. By hanging himself in his garage, he pretty much guaranteed that a family member would find him. He could have gotten a hotel room or gone into the woods - - anywhere that would make it certain your TWELVE YEAR OLD daughter doesn’t find you. Asshole.

sonyactivision

Another case of suicide by cop. This is why the police should only be armed with stun guns.

JacqueMehoff

his demon got to him. his conscience was too loud. it was eating him a live. that oath was too powerful to deny.

Rocknrope

Sad, and ultimate unnecessary, as in this day and age, it's clear that anyone can recover from any type of professional or personal scandal.