New York State Police honor local fallen troopers in ceremony
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Thursday, New York State Police Troop E held their annual Memorial Day Ceremony, to honor troopers who had given their lives while serving their communities.
Locally, three New York State Troopers gave their lives while on the job in the Southern Tier. Here's a look back at their life and legacy.
Trooper Nicholas Clark
Trooper Clark joined the New York State Police in 2015. On July 2, 2018 Clark, who was 29, was shot and killed after responding to a scene where a man was reportedly suicidal in Erwin. The man who killed him, Steven Kiley, also died. Kiley was a principal at the Bradford Central School District in Bradford, New York. Today, Clark is memorialized through a bridge in Steuben County dedicated to him on Interstate 86, which crosses over State Route 415.
Trooper Andrew Sperr
Trooper Sperr joined the New York State Police in 1996. On March 1, 2006 Sperr, who was 33, was shot and killed after pulling over two bank robbers in Big Flats. Before dying, Sperr was able to shoot back, wounding both suspects. New York State Police credit Trooper Sperr's actions with the eventual apprehension of those suspects; they fled the scene but eventually were taken into custody after seeking medical treatment for their gunshot wounds. Today, Trooper Sperr is memorialized through the Sperr Memorial Park, located off of Kahler Road in Big Flats.
Investigator Robert VanHall Jr.
Investigator VanHall joined the New York State Police in 1973. On December 5, 1980 VanHall, who was 35, was shot and killed by two brothers that he and his partner were arresting for drug trafficking in Corning. His partner, William Gorenflo, was wounded in the shooting. VanHall was a Vietnam veteran, serving as a Green Beret in the war.
All three men were posthumously awarded the New York State Police Brummer Award, which honors law enforcement who valued their duty above their own personal safety.
"Each performed duties without hesitation or reservation for the good of their communities and the betterment of society. We will continue to remember and honor their sacrifice," said Troop E Commander, Major Miklos Szoczei.
Troop E also remembered Trooper Raymond Dodge, Trooper Robert Gaylo, and Trooper Nathaniel Burroughs. All of the fallen troopers' names are listed at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.
New York State Police Troop E covers Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Yates, Seneca, Livingston, Cayuga, Ontario, Monroe and Wayne Counties.
