Assembly Resolution No. 2255

BY: M. of A. Tague

HONORING Trooper Richard Albert upon the occasion
of his designation as Trooper of the Year by the
American Association of State Troopers

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those exemplary public servants who devoted their lives to
preserving and protecting such values; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Trooper
Richard Albert upon the occasion of his designation as Trooper of the
Year by the American Association of State Troopers for the bravery and
courage he exhibited on June 16, 2023, during a high-speed traffic stop
on I-88 in Duanesburg, New York; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Trooper Richard
Albert is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, The heroic incident occurred on June 16, 2023, as New York
State Trooper Richard Albert was making a driver-side approach on a
traffic stop of a recklessly speeding vehicle traveling at 112 miles per
hour; and

WHEREAS, As Trooper Richard Albert was approaching the vehicle, he
immediately came under fire and was struck by a 9mm round in his left
shoulder; without hesitation or concern for his own safety, he reacted
tactically and instinctively, just as he had been trained, retreating to
cover while returning fire; and

WHEREAS, From a position of cover at the rear of his patrol car,
Trooper Richard Albert notified the State Police Communications Section
for assistance and calmly and clearly made numerous radio transmissions,
keeping responding troopers updated; and

WHEREAS, Although wounded and still under fire, Trooper Richard
Albert remained engaged with the suspect and continued to return fire;
the suspect and the operator of the vehicle attempted to flee the scene,
but a passing tractor-trailer driver who witnessed the shooting
heroically turned his tractor-trailer into the path of the fleeing
vehicle, successfully disabling it; and

WHEREAS, Utilizing the terrain of the grassy median as cover,
Trooper Richard Albert continued his pursuit of the suspects, all while
exchanging gunfire and conducting magazine exchanges; he remained
engaged until the shooter had no choice but to flee into the wood line;
and

WHEREAS, After an agonizing 12 minutes, the first backup began to
arrive; once numerous law enforcement officers were on the scene and

Trooper Albert was secured, the driver was taken into custody and
Trooper Albert was transported to the hospital; and

WHEREAS, On that fateful day, Trooper Richard Albert showcased his
true bravery under extreme circumstances; despite being under almost
continuous gunfire, he remained engaged and committed to ensuring the
public's safety; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Richard Albert's heroic actions reflect the highest
ideals of courage and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the
New York State Police; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Richard Albert has distinguished himself by his
exemplary and outstanding performance on behalf of the community he so
faithfully and courageously serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the
preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due
full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Trooper Richard Albert upon the occasion of his designation as
Trooper of the Year by the American Association of State Troopers; and
be if further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to New York State Trooper Richard Albert.