Memorial bench proposed at Sycamore Park for fallen officer

A Mahopac family is seeking to honor the memory of a beloved local police officer who was killed by a drunk driver five years ago by donating a memorial bench at Sycamore Park, a place that held special meaning for him and his children. 

The proposal to install the bench in memory of Michael Moore, a lifelong Mahopac resident and retired police officer was brought before the Town Board Wednesday night, March 11, by Recreation and Parks Director Nina Kallmeyer. 

Moore’s family hopes the bench will serve as a lasting tribute near the basketball courts where he spent countless hours with his sons. 

“Sycamore Park holds deep meaning for our family — Michael and his sons spent countless hours there playing basketball,” Danielle Wright wrote in a request on behalf of Moore’s family and friends. “Even now, the park and courts continue to be a place of connection for them.” 

Moore, who retired from the Hastings Police Department and later continued his public service with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, was killed by a drunk driver on Oct. 25, 2021, shortly after his 50th birthday. He left behind his wife of nearly 25 years and three children. 

Wright said the family was unable to properly commemorate Moore’s life at the time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Because of the pandemic, we were unable to properly honor Michael’s life at the time of his passing,” she wrote. “We hope that a memorial bench by the basketball courts could serve as a lasting tribute to his memory and legacy.” 

The proposed bench would include a small memorial plaque mounted in its center and would be placed under a tree along the pathway facing the Buddy Decker Memorial Basketball Courts at Sycamore Park. 

Kallmeyer said Wright presented the proposal to the Recreation Advisory Committee during its February meeting, where members unanimously supported the idea. 

“All the members agreed that this would be a beautiful addition to the park and a very special place for the Moore family to come to remember Michael,” Kallmeyer said. “I think it’s a really great tribute.”