If you’d like to learn more about the history of the state police, the State Police Museum at the Law Enforcement exhibit is a great stop for Law Enforcement Day at the Great New York State Fair today.

We recently met one investigator who has put forth a great effort to develop the museum. John Fallon has a passion for history and the state police. The senior investigator will retire this December after more than 37 years with the force.

For many of those years — he’s been able to work at the State Fair.

“In 1988, I came to my first State Fair as a uniform trooper and was assigned to an interior gate.  I’ve worked at the main gate and then on patrol on the grounds," said Fallon.

Fallon eventually took on a role collecting artifacts and putting together photos and documents on the state police.

Five years ago when preparations began for a 100th anniversary — Fallon became heavily involved in setting up the new museum on the fairgrounds.

“This is a collection of items that are in the Museum of the New York Police Academy. Some of the items are from troop headquarters, spread throughout the state and other ones are privately owned,” Fallon said.

Since the state police museum at the fair opened in 2017, Fallon has not only helped set up the displays but he’s also worked each fair to talk to guests. His history knowledge has made him perfect for the job.

“One of the cool things about this, they’ve been moved emotionally when they see it. One, because they may have been proud of their service or their family members service.  But there are a lot of people that are just supporters of the police," said Fallon. 

This is Fallon's last summer as an officer before he retires. Like always, you can find him in the museum ready to share his knowledge. He’s proud of what the entire state police exhibit offers today.

“I feel good about what we’ve done here. I’m proud of being a state trooper and I’ll always be one in my heart,” he said.

Fallon is originally from the Utica area and joined the state police in 1985. He spent the majority of his career as a state trooper and investigator with Troop D.

He said he believes every family should visit the law enforcement exhibit to pick up some very helpful information.