If a picture speaks a thousand words, then late police photographer and Liberty resident Paul Gerry has told many stories through his camera lens.

Beginning with photographs of the famous Catskills resorts and the iconic celebrities and performers who visited them, Gerry soon became the official photographer for the New York State Police, often photographing accident and fire scenes.

Gerry’s photography spans more than 30 years, capturing images of some of the most historic and consequential local events. His aerial photographs of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival in Bethel achieved worldwide distribution.

Gerry passed away in 1996, but his work lives on, adorning the walls of the State Police Liberty Barracks.

Captain Reva Navarro, Zone Commander in Liberty, welcomed colleagues, guests and retired members of the State Police on Saturday, June 19, to dedicate the Zone 1 Headquarters Conference Room in memory of Paul Gerry.

Navarro worked with the New York State Troopers PBA  to create an inspiring space that honored Gerry and paid homage to the rich history of Sullivan County.

“Sprucing up the place was easy, but I wanted to make it a special place for our members,” Navarro said. “We could not think of a better way to honor such a great man than by displaying his photography in our newly created space.”

A commemorative plaque that hangs in the conference room reads, “Dedicated to Paul Gerry, for over 30 years he captured the life of a trooper with his photographic artistry. He will forever be part of the ‘Long Grey Line.’”

“Growing up in the Catskills, the two artists that were, and still are, widely recognized for their stunning newsworthy photographs were Otto Hillig and Paul Gerry,” said Troop F PBA Delegate Trooper Stephen Johnstone. “Otto Hillig left us a legacy of photographs and postcards providing the most complete visual picture of Sullivan County’s early 20th century. Paul Gerry left us a legacy of our county’s news, exciting events and often tragic happenings in the second half of this past century.”

Through his work, Gerry often captured the bravery and heroism of his subjects, whether it was of a Trooper carrying an injured child or working to free a person from a car accident. 

“These are just a few of the photographs that undoubtedly led people to admire and pursue a career in law enforcement,” Johnstone said.

Johnstone said that a team of local troopers made it their mission to compile as many of those photographs as they could by pouring over old newspapers, magazines and family collections. The photographic history they amassed is dedicated in Gerry’s memory.

Paul’s brother, Alan Gerry, was on hand Saturday to meet with troopers and formally dedicate the room in memory of his brother. Paul’s youngest brother, Maurice, is a Ferndale resident and Town of Liberty councilman.