SGT. MICHAEL PALESE
Star # 1514 17th District
End of Watch 22 March 1977

Sgt. Michael Palese, while participating in an emergency plan to find a missing six-year- old girl, searched the railroad tracks near the child’s’ home. Heavy snow and swirling winds made visibility difficult. While searching near a railroad bridge, Sgt. Palese was too late in noticing an approaching commuter train. Tragically, the dedicated sergeant was struck and killed by the oncoming train.