Holly MatkinSchaghticoke, NY – Hoosick Falls Police Department (HFPD) Officer Matthew “Matt” Waldron died in a two-vehicle crash on Feb. 15.
The 25-year-old officer was traveling eastbound on Route 67 between Buttermilk Falls Road and Muriel Lane in his 2012 Nissan Altima when he crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer at approximately 7:46 a.m., the Times Union reported.
The 48-year-old truck driver was not injured in the collision.
Officer Waldron was rushed to Samaritan Hospital in Troy, where he succumbed to his injuries, the Times Union reported.
The New York State Police are handling the ongoing investigation into the fatal collision.
The HFPD announced the young officer’s death in a Facebook post later that day.
“We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and to the communities of Mechanicville and Hoosick Falls, who were lucky enough to know him,” the post read. “We ask for prayers and condolences for the family and our officers, and we stand ready to assist and support the family in any way.”
Officer Waldron began his law enforcement career in 2017, when he joined Mechanicville Police Department (MPD), WTEN reported.
His father, longtime MPD Chief Joe Waldron, retired from the department the following year.
Officer Waldron later transferred to the HFPD.
“He was like a son to me,” Hoosick Falls Police Chief Robert Ashe told the Bennington Banner. “He was probably one of the kindest, most caring officers that I’ve ever worked with, that I had the pleasure to work with.”
Chief Ashe said in a Facebook post Tuesday night that he is thankful for the time he spent with Officer Waldron.
“Matt, the tears that we have today are not tears of sadness, but tears of strength. The strength to carry on as you would through your commitment and loyalty that you gave to the police department and residents of Hoosick Falls,” the chief wrote. “Your love for the job created a love for who you are and who you protected.”
“The ‘blue line’ bent today but did not break,” he continued. “Matt, I am proud to have been your Chief, but even prouder to have been your friend.”
Officer Waldron leaves behind his parents and sister, as well as his great aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends, according to his obituary.
He will be laid to rest Feb. 18.
@RenscoExecutive Steve McLaughlin has ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff in memory of Hoosick Falls Police Officer Matthew Waldron, who was killed yesterday in an off-duty car accident. pic.twitter.com/f85FBT4Hzs
— RensselaerCo.Exec (@RenscoExecutive) February 16, 2022
Sending my condolences to all those grieving Hoosick Falls Police Officer Matthew Waldron, who died in a car crash yesterday morning. #NY21 will forever be better and safer because of his service to our community.
— Matt Castelli (@CastelliMatt) February 16, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Hoosick Falls Police Department Officer Matthew “Matt” Waldron, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
