Christopher Garrow

On June 12, 2023, Captain Christopher Garrow succumbed to cancer he developed due to his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He had been serving the State Police for less than a year when he arrived at Ground Zero and was exposed to toxic debris following the collapse of the Twin Towers. The assignment left him with long-term health effects. He served with the State Police for 23 years, most of his career in the North Country. He was also a United States Marine Corps veteran. He was 47 years old at the time of his passing. 

Garrow was a native of Peru, New York, in Clinton County. He graduated from Peru High School in 1994 and joined the USMC as an Infantry Assault Man. He was selected to serve overseas as a Marine Security Guard within the United States Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. He was promoted to Sergeant and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his leadership and dedication while serving as a Marine. He started his 23-year career with the State Police in 2000 as a Trooper in Plattsburgh. He took great pride in protecting the people of Troop B in Ray Brook, where he spent most of his career. He held the ranks of Sergeant, Station Commander, Zone Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain, which was a career goal for him. He also served as a diver on the state’s underwater recovery team. In addition, he was a .308 rifleman on the SORT team (Special Operations Response Team). He received a Superintendent’s Commendation in 2007 for his rescue work during flooding in the southern tier. He was an outstanding leader, dedicated to his service to his community and his country. He had a unique way of handling delicate situations and was considered a role model by his peers on the force.  

Garrow met his future wife, Jillian, in 1999, and they were married in 2002, making their home in Peru. They had two daughters, Ella and Maggie. He was a great father, embracing his role with all his heart. His greatest joy was to cheer for the girls during their sporting events and never missed a game or meet whenever possible. He loved spending time on the lake with his family and friends in the summer and skiing with his girls in the winter. He taught his daughters to stay humble and kind, two traits he exemplified. He loved with his whole heart. He had a fantastic work ethic, an amazing sense of humor and was devoted to all who were a part of his life. 

Captain Christopher Garrow is survived by his loving wife, Jillian, his daughters, Ella and Maggie, his father and stepmother, James and Susan Garrow, his mother, Jacqueline Clukey, his brother, Shawn, and many other cherished family members and friends.  

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Garrow family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.