Blue Friday is April 26, 2024

Blue Friday of New York

Honoring Those Who Protect and Serve

Mechanicville Police Department

End of Watch: October 30, 1976 

Patrolman Paul N. LutherMechanicville Police Department

Patrolman Paul Luther was shot and killed while on patrol near a restaurant. A sniper opened fire on the establishment, fatally wounding Patrolman Luther, who had given him a speeding ticket two hours earlier. He also killed a civilian and wounded 11 other people. During the siege, he fired over 300 rounds and only quit after a fire started in his apartment.

He pleaded guilty in June 1977 to two counts of second-degree murder and 11 other charges and was sentenced to serve a sentence of 25 years to life. The killer was denied parole for a fifth time in August, 2009. His next parole hearing is in June, 2013.

Patrolman Luther was also the president of the local fire company. He was survived by his parents.

Leave a Reflection on ODMP

Thinking of Donating?

Blue Friday of New York
P.O. Box 38235
Albany, NY 12203

End of Watch On This Date

© 2005-2024 Blue Friday of New York - P.O. Box 38235 - Albany, NY 12203