On Monday afternoon, hundreds of people gathered in Nyack at the entrance to the New York State Thruway for the 44th Annual Brinks Robbery Memorial Service, honoring the three men murdered during the infamous 1981 Brinks armored truck robbery — Nyack Police Sgt. Edward O’Grady, Officer Waverly “Chipper” Brown, and Brinks security guard Peter Paige.
The solemn ceremony, held at 4:00 p.m. — the exact time the deadly ambush took place 44 years ago — drew law enforcement officers from across the region, local officials, and family members of the victims. The event featured an honor guard, a rifle salute, the playing of “Taps,” and the singing of the national anthem and “God Bless America.”
Speakers reflected on the heroism of the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty and the lasting impact the tragedy had on Rockland County and beyond. The ceremony took place at the stone memorial park on Mountainview Avenue, near the site of the shootings, which is marked with flags and a granite bench in memory of the fallen heroes.
The memorial is held each year on October 20th, commemorating the 1981 Brinks robbery that began at the Nanuet Mall and ended in a deadly shootout at the Thruway entrance. During the incident, members of the Black Liberation Army and other radical groups ambushed police officers after robbing an armored truck of $1.6 million, killing Sgt. O’Grady, Officer Brown, and security guard Paige.
Monday’s gathering once again served as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who protect and serve, and the enduring gratitude of a community that never forgets.
