While the 4th of July weekend is often a time for celebration, it's also an unfortunate reminder of a tragedy for those at the Broome County sheriff's office.
Deputy Kevin Tarsia was shot and killed 18 years ago while patrolling at Grange Hall Park in Kirkwood. Back on July 4, 2002, Tarsia came across men transferring stolen guns from one vehicle to another. The suspects then fired 15 rounds at him, killing him and stealing his service weapon.
"When you have a tragedy and an instant like that, it really kind of burns into your soul. You remember everything; life kind of slows down for that day and you remember a lot of the details that you often reflect back upon," said Kathleen Newcomb, Broome County sheriff's office captain.
Captain Kathleen Newcomb is one of the last remaining members of the Sheriff's Office who worked alongside Tarsia. She keeps his patrol hat in her office as a reminder of the sacrifice he made.
"I don't think [Tarsia] or his family is very far from our thoughts every day. We have a large plaque at the end of the hall we just re-did about a year and a half ago, so I don't think he's ever far from our minds," said Newcomb.
While the tragedy still weighs heavy on the hearts of those in law enforcement, Tarsia is being remembered as someone who everyone loved being around.
"[Tarsia] had the most amazing giggle when he found something particularly that tickled him or was humorous to him, and it was one of those giggles where if he giggled, it made you giggle. You would giggle at his giggle, and that's what I remember most about Kevin," said Newcomb.
Newcomb says Tarsia's death is a reminder of job members of law enforcement do each and every day.
"He loved being a police officer and he died doing what he loved doing and that was protecting and taking care of his community, protecting and serving. He lived on that same road," said Newcomb.
Deputy Tarsia had served with the Broome County Sheriff's Office for 13 years. His killer, David Sweat escaped prison back in 2015, but was later captured.