Hochul directs flags to half-staff to honor fallen New York National Guard members & State Trooper

Flags to be flown at half-staff beginning March 11

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday directed flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff beginning at sunrise on March 11 until interment in honor of fallen members of the New York National Guard, Casey Frankoski and John Grassia. Grassia also served as a New York State Trooper.

“I am deeply saddened at the passing of two members of the New York National Guard and a member of the New York State Police during a federal deployment along our southern border,” Hochul said. “There is no greater calling than service to and defense of your country. I join the members of our National Guard and State Police, and the entire state of New York, in mourning this tragic loss. Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those killed, and I remain incredibly grateful for the many service men and women who put themselves at risk every day to ensure the security of our state and our nation.”

Hochul’s team said, “Casey Frankoski and John Grassia were devoted members of the National Guard, having served since 2016 and 2013, respectively. Both were natives of upstate New York and are survived by their families and loved ones.”