DESPITE SPENDING over 30 years vacationing on Hoel Pond in the Adirondack Mountains, and countless summers at the Massawepie Scout Camp, my journey as an Adirondack 46er started when I was 52 years old, as a tribute to a fallen officer of the Rochester Police Department. On Sept. 3, 2014, while working as a Major Crimes Investigator for the Rochester police, I received a call that no one in law enforcement ever wants to receive — officer shot. Numerous investigators responded to the call, and we were told shortly after that Officer Daryl Pierson had succumbed to his wounds. Officer Darryl Pierson, Badge #46, ended his watch on Sept. 3, 2014, at 10:45 p.m. Thankfully, the suspect was arrested and convicted for the murder of Officer Pierson. Shortly after the conviction, Investigator Kirk Pero, an aspiring Adirondack 46er, began a hiking tribute to Daryl Pierson, “Peaks for Pierson.” Kirk had a special flag designed with the number 46 center in the middle. The goal of Peaks for Pierson was to carry this flag to the top of all 46 High Peaks. I was invited to participate in the first hike and gladly attended, albeit with no intention of climbing all 46 peaks. On May 20, 2015, Investigators Kirk Pero, Mike Houlihan, Tom Cassidy, James Gashlin, Jason Leckinger, and I started our three-day trip from the Upper Works trailhead, toward Mount Marcy. Kirk and Mike acted as our guides due to their experience with the Adirondack peaks. It was a sunny but cool day and I started out with my heavy 55-pound pack and the hiking poles I was advised to purchase. I soon learned all the previous hiking I had done was nothing compared to an Adirondack By John Brennan #12661 Peaks for Pierson The author, second from right, with the team of Rochester police on their first climb to honor their fallen colleague. 54 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
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