Troop E hosts their annual Memorial Day Ceremony

On May 23, 2024, Troop E held it's annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Troop E Commander, Major Miklos S. Szoczei II, hosted the event joined by members of the New York State Police, local law enforcement agencies, family, and friends to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Major said, "Today, we remember the men from Troop E who served with unwavering dedication and commitment to the safety of the citizens of New York State. 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." 

Trooper Raymond C. Dodge began Division service on September 6, 1973. On June 30, 1974, he was shot and wounded while investigating a neighbor dispute on Seneca Lake near Dresden, Yates County. Trooper Dodge was able to return fire, shooting the suspect. On July 2, 1974, Trooper Dodge, age 28, succumbed to his injuries. He was last assigned to SP Dresden.  
Because he valued duty above personal safety, Trooper Dodge was posthumously awarded the New York State Police Brummer Award, the Division's highest award for heroism. His name is etched into the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Trooper Robert J. Gaylo began Division service on June 10, 1965.  
On May 13, 1980, Trooper Gaylo, age 42, died as a result of an automobile accident while on patrol in the town of Owasco, Cayuga County. He was last assigned at SP Auburn. He previously served in Troops C, D, and T.
His name is etched into the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.
 

Investigator Robert L. VanHall Jr. began Division service on September 6, 1973. On December 5, 1980, while assigned to the Troop E Narcotics Unit, Investigator VanHall and his partner, Investigator William G. Gorenflo, were in the process of arresting two brothers in the city of Corning, Steuben County, for drug trafficking. Both Investigators were shot by the suspects, resulting in Investigator VanHall, age 35, being fatally wounded. Investigator VanHall was a Vietnam veteran, serving as a Green Beret. Because he valued duty above personal safety, Investigator VanHall was posthumously awarded the New York State Police Brummer Award. His name is etched into the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.
 

Trooper Andrew J. Sperr began Division service on January 8, 1996. On March 1, 2006, Trooper Sperr, age 33, was shot multiple times by two subjects who had just robbed a bank in the town of Big Flats, Chemung County. Before succumbing to his injuries, Trooper Sperr was able to return fire, hitting both subjects. He was last assigned to SP Horseheads.
Because he valued duty above personal safety, Trooper Sperr was posthumously awarded the New York State Police Brummer Award. His name is etched into the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Trooper Burroughs began Division service on April 4, 1983, and entered retirement on July 31, 2011, after 28 years of service on July 31, 2011. He was last stationed at SP Rochester. 
On May 25, 2016, Trooper Burroughs, age 59, passed away from an illness stemming from his assignment at the World Trade Center site, following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  
His name is etched into the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Trooper Nicholas F. Clark began Division service on March 2, 2015. On July 2, 2018, Trooper Clark, age 29, was shot and killed after responding to a report of a suicidal male in the town of Erwin, Steuben County. He was last assigned to SP Bath.
Because he valued duty above personal safety, Trooper Clark was posthumously awarded the New York State Police Brummer Award. His name is etched into the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.