Roycroft201
09-09-2006, 23:48
Many of you may be aware that on Friday evening about 8PM EDT a fugitive named Ralph "Bucky" Phillips was finally captured, ending one of the largest manhunts in New York State history. He had been placed on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List on Thursday. He is the suspect who allegedly shot 3 New York State Troopers, one of whom died last Sunday.
The manhunt was centered in western New York state, mainly in Chautauqua County, where he has family and friends. It was here that on August 31, two New York state troopers from the Albany, NY MRT were ambushed while doing surveillance of the home of Phillips' ex-girlfriend, the mother of his daughter.
Trooper Donald Baker, Jr. remains in critical condition after being shot in the back.
Trooper Joseph Longobardo, age 32, died last Sunday leaving a young wife and 13 month old son. He will be laid to rest in Saratoga Springs, NY on Monday.
Why am I saying thank you ? You may have heard the saying that we should give our children roots but we should also give them wings. Barely a month ago my daughter left the nest and moved away from home........to THAT county to attend college and share an apartment with a girlfriend - right in the middle of where this manhunt was taking place.
How can I ever come close to expressing enough gratitude for keeping my child safe when a trooper gave his life doing so ? His 13 month old son will grow up not knowing his courageous, dedicated father. But there are many, many people here who want him to know that his father will never be forgotten.
The Brotherhood. Those of you in SF, in law enforcement, in firefighting careers all experience it. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies all over the state and the country offered their resouces and manpower during the search. Watching this brotherhood in action was a special thing to witness.
A couple days after Trooper Longobardo died, I was in a Wal-Mart checkout lane and overheard two cashiers who found some humor in the fact that Phillips could evade capture for so long. I stood there in line listening to this, knowing my blood pressure was rapidly rising. Those of you on this board who know me realize that as an educator I must be mindful of what I say and do in public places. But, hard as I might, I couldn't keep my mouth shut as I grabbed my packages to leave. I didn't care who might overhear me as I looked at both cashiers and said loudly thru clenched teeth, " I hope he fries!". I turned and walked out.
Trooper Longobardo gave his life, doing his job, and especially during this manhunt, keeping people safe. One of them was my only child.
All of you who are LEOs go to work every day not knowing what you might face.
The public doesn't say it enough - thank you. Thank you to all of you, and please know that your Brother's sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Roycroft201
The manhunt was centered in western New York state, mainly in Chautauqua County, where he has family and friends. It was here that on August 31, two New York state troopers from the Albany, NY MRT were ambushed while doing surveillance of the home of Phillips' ex-girlfriend, the mother of his daughter.
Trooper Donald Baker, Jr. remains in critical condition after being shot in the back.
Trooper Joseph Longobardo, age 32, died last Sunday leaving a young wife and 13 month old son. He will be laid to rest in Saratoga Springs, NY on Monday.
Why am I saying thank you ? You may have heard the saying that we should give our children roots but we should also give them wings. Barely a month ago my daughter left the nest and moved away from home........to THAT county to attend college and share an apartment with a girlfriend - right in the middle of where this manhunt was taking place.
How can I ever come close to expressing enough gratitude for keeping my child safe when a trooper gave his life doing so ? His 13 month old son will grow up not knowing his courageous, dedicated father. But there are many, many people here who want him to know that his father will never be forgotten.
The Brotherhood. Those of you in SF, in law enforcement, in firefighting careers all experience it. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies all over the state and the country offered their resouces and manpower during the search. Watching this brotherhood in action was a special thing to witness.
A couple days after Trooper Longobardo died, I was in a Wal-Mart checkout lane and overheard two cashiers who found some humor in the fact that Phillips could evade capture for so long. I stood there in line listening to this, knowing my blood pressure was rapidly rising. Those of you on this board who know me realize that as an educator I must be mindful of what I say and do in public places. But, hard as I might, I couldn't keep my mouth shut as I grabbed my packages to leave. I didn't care who might overhear me as I looked at both cashiers and said loudly thru clenched teeth, " I hope he fries!". I turned and walked out.
Trooper Longobardo gave his life, doing his job, and especially during this manhunt, keeping people safe. One of them was my only child.
All of you who are LEOs go to work every day not knowing what you might face.
The public doesn't say it enough - thank you. Thank you to all of you, and please know that your Brother's sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Roycroft201