Long Island Bridges Dedicated to Fallen NYS Troopers Fabio Butita and Thomas O'Neal

Honoring Fallen Troopers

• 💔 Tears flowed from the family of fallen state trooper Fabio Butita, whose 31 years of life were honored.
• 🌟 Two Long Island bridges over the Sagicos Parkway were dedicated to the legacy of Trooper Butita and senior investigator Thomas O'Neal.

Trooper Fabio Butita's Sacrifice

• 🌃 Trooper Butita worked the night shift in 1997, dedicated to DWI patrol.
• 🚗 Tragically, he was killed head-on by a drunk driver on his way home from work.
• 🤝 A close friend shared memories of growing up together, attending the same bus stop and high school, and having holiday dinners.

Senior Investigator Thomas O'Neal's Legacy

• 💔 O'Neal's family and colleagues recalled the heartbreak of his passing 20 years ago.
• 🏥 During an arrest at a gas station, O'Neal experienced a massive heart attack and passed away shortly thereafter.
• 💡 The lack of defibrillators in buildings and emergency vehicles at the time helped to broaden state's AED laws.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 His family remembers him as a very sweet, kind man for whom family was first.

Remembering Their Service

• 🌉 The hope is that passersby will learn more about these troopers and the real difference their life missions made on Long Island.
• 🎗️ The dedication serves as a lasting tribute to their service and sacrifice.