Hochul: All flags lowered to half staff at state buildings in honor of fallen state trooper

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC)— New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Tuesday ordered all state buildings to lower its flags to half-staff in memory of a New York State Trooper who drowned over the weekend.

Police say 45-year-old trooper James Monda went into the water Sunday while at a boat launch on the Great Sacandaga Lake and did not resurface. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died.

Monda, a Schenectady County native, served with NYSP for 18 years.

Hochul said she was "devastated" by Monda’s death. The move would be effective on Wednesday and be in place through at least next Monday.

State Police say a funeral service will be held next Monday in Schenectady.