Guy Capitano II

It was a thrilling day for the Capitano family of Sheridan when their son, Guy Capitano II, graduated from the 209th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy on March 18. While the family could not attend the ceremony in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the magnitude of Guy’s accomplishment was not lost on them, for nearly 18 years ago, Guy was fighting for his life at the Shriners Burn Care Hospital.

In July 2002, Guy and his father, Guy Sr., were severely burned when their pick-up truck caught fire outside of Jamestown. At the age of just six years old, Guy suffered a devastating injury of third-degree burns to 35% of his body. He was treated at the Shriners Burn Care Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio and, over the years, underwent several surgeries and therapy procedures.

Guy and his father made incredible recoveries from their injuries, and Guy went on to become an honor roll student and athlete at Silver Creek High School. While on the high school football team, Guy developed a passion for weight lifting and working out, which grew into a life-long passion for fitness. His long-time dream was to join the military; however, he was eventually disqualified due to his extensive medical history. His father joked that “they needed a dolly to transport his files.”

Although heartbroken by the Army’s rejection, Guy rallied to put his “plan B” into effect. He enrolled in the culinary program at Alfred State University to pursue another passion of his: cooking. Guy’s father remarked, “That boy can eat his weight in groceries — good thing he works out!”

In 2016, he received his Associate of Applied Science degree from Alfred State. He qualified as an applicant for the state troopers program and scored high on the entrance test. During this time, Guy developed an interest in cross-fit training and has since participated in several competitions. He also acquired his personal training certificate and was working in that field helping others achieve their goals when he was called to the Academy.

Guy recalled that it was a long wait from the time he received the call until he was actually able to report to the Academy. One class filled up and the next was postponed, and even when he finally entered, there was no guarantee he would graduate successfully. Many have failed to make it through the physically-grueling and mentally-taxing six-month training program.

Just two months ago, Guy was proud to be one of 226 new state troopers who graduated from the New York State Police Academy after 26 weeks of hard work and dedication.

His parents, Guy and Linda, and sisters Lisa Capitano, Jenny (Mickey) Barr and nephew Gillian Capitano were disappointed that they were unable to attend the ceremony, but they couldn’t be prouder of Guy.

As difficult as it was to attend graduation without his family there, Guy reminds all to observe the rules of social distancing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He also suggests staying in shape and adopting healthy habits in order to boost immunity — and morale.

“When my family was burned in 2002, so many people and organizations in the community stepped up and came out to help us recover,” Guy said. “I feel honored and privileged to serve the awesome people of New York state.”