New York Honors Fallen Trooper Clark Lewis
A new plaque at Montauk Point East Overlook commemorates a state trooper who died in the line of duty in 1936.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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State officials and law enforcement have unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Montauk Point East Overlook to honor Trooper Clark Lewis. Lewis, who served for 11 years, remains the only state trooper to die in the line of duty in Montauk.
Why it matters
The installation serves as a permanent public recognition of Lewis, who lost his life during a blizzard. Officials worked with a local resident to verify his history, ensuring his service is remembered despite the Troopers Memorial Fund being unable to locate living relatives.
Trooper Clark Lewis was 43 years old and had 11 years of service at the time of his death in 1936. His death is counted among 18 total state trooper line-of-duty fatalities recorded over the last century.
The players
Clark Lewis
He was a state trooper who served 11 years before dying in the line of duty at age 43.
Troopers Memorial Fund
This organization tracks the history of fallen officers but could not locate living relatives for this case.
The details
The plaque features a blue background and a photograph of the fallen officer. State police collaborated with the state parks department and local researchers to install the memorial at the site of the original incident.
Timeline
January 19, 1936: Trooper Clark Lewis died in a vehicle crash.
2019: Two troopers were added to the memorial list.
October 2026: Plaque unveiled at Montauk Point East Overlook.
Legal Context
This installation follows the pattern of memorializing the 18 state troopers who have died in the line of duty over the last century. It highlights the agency's commitment to preserving historical service records despite the passage of time.
The installation at the Montauk Point East Overlook provides a new historical landmark for visitors to the area. It ensures that the sacrifices of state officers are permanently recognized in the local community.
The takeaway
The addition of this plaque demonstrates the ongoing efforts by state agencies to honor those who served in past decades. It serves as a reminder of the historical risks faced by law enforcement during extreme weather events.
Further reading
Learn more about official department commemorations on the New York Law Enforcement page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newsday.
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