Police Officer Killed In Taconic Parkway Crash

EAST FISHKILL, NY — Flags on all state buildings will be lowered to half-staff Wednesday to honor an East Fishkill police officer who was killed in a car crash Monday evening.

Governor Kathy Hochul said she was devastated by the news of the death of Town of East Fishkill Police Officer Daniel P. DiDato, a 22-year law enforcement veteran who died in the line of duty on Monday.

“Officers across New York serve and protect their neighbors and communities, and we feel this loss deeply,” she said. “I extend prayers and condolences from all New Yorkers to the loved ones of Officer DiDato.”

Hochul said people will never forget his dedicated service to East Fishkill and his fellow New Yorkers.

The New York State Police said, shortly after 6 p.m., an East Fishkill police vehicle was on the Taconic State Parkway en route to Westchester Medical Center to continue a car versus pedestrian crash investigation with serious injuries that happened near the East Fishkill police station.

Authorities said the patrol vehicle went off the roadway in the area of mile marker 36.2 and struck a tree.

DiDato was driving the vehicle and was the sole occupant.

He was taken to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.