CARMEL – Though Gary Pietropaolo was just 29, the admiration he received reflected his character.

In June 2018, Pietropaolo, who served on the Carmel Police Department, was killed off duty when a U.S. mail truck collided with his motorcycle on Route 301 in Kent Cliffs.

Since his tragic death, the fallen police officer has become a lasting part of the Carmel Police Department – initially when the Carmel Town Board named the road leading into the police station off Croton Falls Road in Mahopac as Gary Pietropaolo Way and secondly, in December 2022, by welcoming K-9 Pietro, a Czech shepherd named after the fallen officer, as a member of the Carmel PD, wearing the same badge as Officer Pietropaolo assigned to Officer Vincent DeSantola.

The Carmel PBA continues to remember their fallen comrade and on Saturday will be hosting Putnam’s 2nd Annual Gary Pietropaolo Memorial Scholarship 5K Run beginning at the Mahopac FD headquarters.

The PBA noted: “The special event commemorates the life and legacy of Officer Pietropaolo. Gary was a dedicated police officer, a role model and an active fun-loving member of our community. The 5K serves as a celebration of his spirit and a way to support the next generation of leaders.”

Proceeds from the run will fund a scholarship to be awarded to a college-bound student graduating from either Carmel or Mahopac High School.

Registration for the event kicks off at 8:30 a.m.