WATCH: 2 Local Ambulance Companies Pay Tribute To NYS Trooper

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Two local ambulance companies paid a special tribute to New York State Police Trooper Joseph Gallagher during his funeral Wednesday afternoon.

Gallagher died last week, three years after being struck by a distracted driver on a Long Island overpass. Earlier this week, his body traveled from Long Island to Buffalo where the father of two was laid to rest Wednesday.

Even from far away, the members of the Community Ambulance Company based in Islip Town-Sayville and the South Country Ambulance based in Brookhaven Town wanted to pay tribute to the local officer.

The groups decided to turn on their red and blue flashing lights for one minute at noon, at the same time Gallagher was scheduled to be laid to rest.

"We hope that this act will not only show our appreciation of Trooper Gallagher’s service and our solidarity with the Law Enforcement, but also bringing community awareness to the dangers of driving while distracted," a joint letter from both companies stated.

Gallagher was helping a disabled motorist on the overpass from the westbound Long Island Expressway to southbound Sagtikos Parkway on Dec. 18, 2017, when Jesse Cohen, of West Islip, was texting while driving and hit Gallagher with his car.

Gallagher suffered a traumatic brain injury and was severely disabled after the crash. He had been a member of the state police since 2014, and he was previously assigned to troops F and T. He was last assigned to SP Brentwood.