On Monday, October 27, 2025, the New York State Police, State Senator Peter Oberacker, and Assemblyman Joseph Angelino honored the memory of Trooper Jill E. Mattice, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

During a press conference held at State Police Oneonta, officials announced the dedication of a portion of State Route 23 as the “Trooper Jill E. Mattice Memorial Highway.”

Following the ceremony, attendees traveled to State Route 23 near Potato Farm Road in the Town of Morris for the unveiling of the new highway sign.

Trooper Mattice tragically lost her life on January 20, 2010, when her patrol vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer on Route 23 in the Town of Morris. A six-year veteran of the New York State Police, she was stationed at SP Oneonta and served as a School Resource Officer.

Senator Oberacker and Assemblyman Angelino were instrumental in advancing the legislation to designate this portion of the highway in Trooper Mattice’s honor.

During the event, each speaker emphasized that Trooper Mattice’s name and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Senator Oberacker stated, “This serves as a reminder that we will never forget you, Jill. Your service to our community, its children, and all of us will remain a bright light for years to come.”

Assemblyman Angelino reflected on Trooper Mattice’s impact as a School Resource Officer at the Unadilla Valley and Franklin school districts, saying she “showed the human aspect of being a Trooper.” He added, “You couldn’t have asked for a better ambassador at the Unadilla Valley School.” Angelino shared that after the legislation passed, many former students who knew Trooper Mattice—now adults with their own children—reached out to express how deeply she had influenced their lives.

Troop C Commander, Major Lucas Shuta, said the newly dedicated section of Route 23 will serve as a daily reminder of a hero who gave everything. “The street sign may be made of metal, but what it represents is unbreakable—service, sacrifice, and legacy. Today’s dedication is not just about a signpost; it’s a symbol of bravery to all who pass by. Let this be a place where future generations ask, ‘Who was Trooper Mattice?’ May the answer always be: a true hero who lived and died in service to others.”

Captain Marc Barbera, who worked with Trooper Mattice both as a Trooper and later as a Sergeant in Oneonta, shared a story illustrating her professionalism and compassion. “She was smart—always two or three steps ahead of everyone. She could be empathetic when needed, tough when it mattered, and was both brave and courageous—beautiful inside and out.”

Many of Trooper Mattice’s friends and family attended the ceremony. Her father, Jeff Farrar, expressed gratitude to Jill’s “second family,” the New York State Police, saying, “Fifteen years ago, they told us Jill would never be forgotten—they have stayed true to their word.”

Senator Oberacker and Assemblyman Angelino presented Trooper Mattice’s parents, Jeff and Karen Farrar, with a framed copy of the legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul and a smaller replica of the highway sign now installed on State Route 23.
 

A link to view the press conference in its entirety can be found by clicking here.