New York State Police Sergeant Nigel Barnett, who died in a Sept. 16 motorcycle crash, was remembered by colleagues, family and friends at his funeral service Sept. 25.
As rain fell outside The Gathering at Faith Assembly in Poughkeepsie, a procession of New York State Police cruisers and motorcycles arrived, with emergency lights flashing. The hearse, adorned with an assortment of white and purple flowers, followed closely behind.
Downhill from the church, a 20-foot American flag flew in honor of Barnett’s 19 years of service at the New York State Police. Another flag, just outside the church, flew at half-staff. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who attended the funeral service, had directed flags on all state government buildings to be lowered in Barnett’s honor that day.
More than 100 New York State Troopers stood in rows, shoulder to shoulder and at attention, as the Barnett family arrived at the church.
Barnett, 49, was on his way to work Sept. 16 as station commander at State Police Cortlandt, Troop K, when he was killed in a motorcycle crash on the Taconic State Parkway in the Town of East Fishkill.
A Poughkeepsie resident, Barnett was remembered by colleagues in the days before the funeral as a leader and mentor who had an infectious smile and unwavering positive mindset.
Barnett ‘left a lasting mark on our lives’
The New York State Trooper Pipes and Drums band played beneath the covered entrance to the church, near where Hochul stood with New York State Police Superintendent Steven James to join the Barnett family as they walked up the steps into the church.
Troopers followed in single file as the band continued to play and the funeral service began.
New York State Police Public Information Officer Sergeant Jack Keller said Barnett’s son, Nigel Barnett III, shared reflections about his father during the service. Representatives from other law enforcement agencies also shared remarks.
New York State Troopers Pipes & Drums play during the funeral of Sergeant Nigel Barnett in the Town of Poughkeepsie on September 25, 2025.
New York State Police Trooper Edward Fleming said in a statement Sept. 19 Barnett “breathed life” into his role as station commander, and “embodied what a leader should be.”
Barnett was “the coworker who turned into family,” Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center Correction Officer Jesmarie Orengo said.
“To me, he will always be remembered as a great partner and a trusted friend,” New York State Police Trooper Cory Pingiczer said in a statement. “To everyone who knew him, he will be remembered as an incredible person who left a lasting mark on our lives.”
More tributes to Barnett: NYSP Sergeant Nigel Barnett, killed in crash, made ‘the hardest of days feel lighter’
Donations raised for NYSP Sgt Barnett’s son
As the funeral concluded, nearly 300 law enforcement personnel gathered in formation outside the church, awaiting over 100 family members, friends and loved ones as they emerged from the church, pew by pew.
New York State Police Troopers stood alongside representatives from agencies such as the U.S. Army, New York State Corps, New York State Park Police, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, the City and Town of Poughkeepsie Police Departments, the City of Beacon Police Department, Danbury Police Department and Dutchess County Corrections Officers.
Troopers line up in formation for the funeral of New York State Police Sergeant Nigel Barnett in the Town of Poughkeepsie on September 25, 2025.
The New York State Trooper Pipes and Drums band played as the procession, with New York State Police leading, left the church.
According to McHoul Funeral Home, memorial donations may be made to assist Barnett’s son with his college education. They request checks payable to Nigel Barnett, III, and mail c/o McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533.
Contact reporter Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518 and @nickieehayess on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: NYSP honor Sgt. Nigel Barnett in Poughkeepsie, state flags flown at half staff