WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today celebrated the signing into law their legislation to honor fallen Rochester Police Officer Daryl Pierson. Their bill, which was signed by President Obama last night, honors his life and sacrifice of Officer Pierson by rededicating the East Rochester Post Office as the Officer Daryl R. Pierson Memorial Post Office Building.
“Today we move closer to honoring the dedication and sacrifice of one of Rochester’s own, Officer Daryl Pierson,” said Rep. Slaughter. “Officer Pierson spent his life making his country and his community safer places to live. That’s why I’m so proud to be part of honoring his service by dedicating the East Rochester Post Office in his name.”
“Daryl Pierson was the very model of selfless service: he dedicated his life to safeguarding his community, as a Rochester Police Officer and in the United States Army and the National Guard, where he served overseas. Police Officer Daryl Pierson paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect his community and its residents, and naming the East Rochester Post Office after him is a fitting tribute to his service that will solidify Pierson’s legacy now and in the future,” said Senator Schumer. “Today, we can celebrate the President if the United States signing into law this appropriate honor for Officer Pierson. It is my hope that all those who enter this post office, right in his hometown, will be reminded of the incredible sacrifice and the courage displayed by a man who was so much a part of this community and who embodied the true spirit of selflessness, service, and bravery.”
“Officer Daryl Pierson answered the highest call, putting his life on the line for others,” said Senator Gillibrand. “An eight year veteran of the force, Officer Pierson made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This designation, made official by the President is a fitting tribute for the hometown hero in honor of his valor for the community he served to protect and keep safe.”
Officer Pierson was killed in the line of duty on September 3, 2014, while pursuing a suspect on foot following a traffic stop. He was the first Rochester Police Department (RPD) officer killed by gunfire in the line of duty since 1959.
Officer Pierson was a member of Rochester Police Department’s Tactical Unit and was recognized for his efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets of Rochester. He received multiple awards and letters of recognition during his time on the force. In addition to being an eight year veteran of the RPD, he was also a member of the Army National Guard. Before becoming a police officer in August 2006, Officer Pierson served in Afghanistan as a member of the US Army.
Located on West Commercial Street in East Rochester, the historic post office was built in 1936 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.