Senator Hassan Recognizes State Police Captain Gregory Ferry of Hooksett as November’s Granite Stater of the Month

WASHINGTON – Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Captain Gregory Ferry of Hooksett as November’s Granite Stater of the Month for his 25 years of dedicated service to the people of New Hampshire as a State Trooper, and his outstanding leadership in strengthening the partnership between New Hampshire’s law enforcement and the Special Olympics.

During his time in the New Hampshire State Police, he not only went the extra mile in the line of duty, but he led outside of work as well, volunteering with the Special Olympics. During his 25 years in law enforcement, Captain Ferry participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run with his fellow officers, leading efforts that raised millions of dollars for New Hampshire’s Special Olympics program.

After 17 years of participating in the program, Captain Ferry became even more involved by accepting a position as State Police Liaison to the Special Olympics. In that role, Captain Ferry oversaw the expansion of law enforcement’s partnership with the program, which included recruiting more liaisons, expanding law enforcement’s participation in the Summer and Winter Games, and increasing fundraising efforts. As a symbol of Captain Ferry’s strong relationship with the program, he was selected to represent New Hampshire at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here.

See below to read Senator Hassan’s statement in the Congressional Record recognizing Gregory Ferry as November’s Granite Stater of the Month.  

Ms. HASSAN. M. President, I am proud to recognize Captain Gregory Ferry of Hooksett as November’s Granite Stater of the Month for his leadership in strengthening the partnership between New Hampshire’s law enforcement and the Special Olympics.

Captain Ferry recently retired from the New Hampshire State Police after 25 years of dedicated service to the people of New Hampshire. Known for going the extra mile to support his fellow officers in the line of duty, Captain Ferry led outside of work as well. Throughout his career – even while carrying out the full duties of a New Hampshire State Trooper – Captain Ferry volunteered with the Special Olympics. He has been involved in everything from handing out medals to the athletes, to the Law Enforcement Torch Run. 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run helps bring awareness to the Special Olympics. Captain Ferry would help his fellow officers run what is called the “Flame for Hope” all across New Hampshire, for a total distance of 550 miles. Since the Run’s inception 35 years ago, New Hampshire law enforcement has raised more than $5.5 million dollars for Special Olympics – and for 25 of those 35 years, Captain Ferry was at its helm.

After 17 years of participating in the program, Captain Ferry decided to get even more involved and was chosen as State Police Liaison to the Special Olympics.

In this role, Captain Ferry oversaw the expansion of law enforcement’s partnership with the program, which included recruiting more liaisons, expanding law enforcement’s participation in the Summer and Winter Games, and increasing fundraising efforts.

As a symbol of Captain Ferry’s strong relationship with the program, he was selected to represent New Hampshire at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, where he participated in the Torch Run across the United Arab Emirates. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Captain Ferry to represent both New Hampshire law enforcement and the Special Olympics program on the world stage. 

Captain Ferry has said that the most rewarding part of his involvement in the Special Olympics has been the special bonds that he has formed with the athletes, which extend beyond the playing field. He continues to keep in touch with some of the athletes on social media and makes sure to give them a hug whenever he sees them outside of the program.

Captain Ferry’s daughter, Jillian, also happens to be a Special Olympian. Her favorite event is bowling, and she has beaten Dad on a few occasions. 

From serving as a public safety officer who went out of his way to support his fellow officers and protect his community, to providing a sense of security for the athletes in the Special Olympics program who have learned to trust him, Captain Ferry has demonstrated what it means to be a dedicated public servant. Thank you, Captain Ferry, for your service to our great state, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

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