By Chris Jamele, Eileen Buckley & Michael Mroziak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-959768.mp3
News conference by State Police on the death of Trooper Kevin Dobson in the line of duty. Speaking are Colonel Thomas DeFazio, Major Christopher Cummings and Captain Steven Nigrelli.
Buffalo, NY – A New York State Trooper was killed Saturday morning after State Police officials say he was struck by a passing vehicle while issuing a ticket to another stopped vehicle along Route I-290 at the on-ramp from Colvin Boulevard.
The trooper is identified as 43-year-old Kevin Dobson, a 13-year veteran of the force who would have marked his 14th year of service in late April. Tonawanda police responding to the scene administered CPR before Dobson was rushed to Kenmore Mercy Hospital, where he died shortly after 8:00am. The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m.
State Police say the driver of the vehicle that struck Dobson stopped and returned to the scene and is cooperating with investigators. The investigation continues, with nothing ruled out at this time. As of Saturday afternoon, investigators had not yet decided whether to press charges.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact investigators at 759-6831.
Trooper Dobson is survived by three children, ages ranging from 4 to 16, his partner and her child. Funeral arrangements have not been completed.
Shortly before 1'o'clock Saturday afternoon, a procession of several law enforcement vehicles were spotted along Elmwood Avenue in Kenmore. The vehicle procession was lead by a New York State Trooper SUV. Each vehicle had its head lights and sirens on as they headed up Elmwood toward Kenmore Avenue.
Other law enforcement from the Village of Kenmore and Town of Tonawanda were included. It appeared the vehicles left from Kenmore Mercy Hospital on Elmwood Avenue where Trooper Dobson had died.
Governor Andrew Cuomo issued the following statement in response to the death of the trooper:
Governor Cuomo said, "I mourn the death of Trooper Kevin Dobson who lost his life today during a traffic stop while in the line of duty. Trooper Dobson was a father of three who served in the State Police for more than fourteen years. He put his life at risk every day to protect the people of our state, and on behalf of all New Yorkers, I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at the State Police."
Governor Cuomo ordered flags on all state office buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of Trooper Dobson.