LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the tragic and untimely death of New
York State Trooper Ross M. Riley on Wednesday, November 20, 2013

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grateful
appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of a coura-
geous police officer who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family, community and the New York State Police;
and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
records the passing of 44-year-old New York State Trooper Ross M. Riley
who passed away on November 20, 2013, as a result of injuries he
received during a high angle rescue training at Letchworth State Park,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Ross M. Riley was born in Auburn, New York, on March 27,
1969, and graduated from Auburn High School; and
WHEREAS, He served his country as a United States Marine from 1987
until he was honorably discharged in 1992; during his military service
he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and
the National Defense Medal; he is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, and
served as a Marine Security Guard at the U.S. embassies in Nicaragua and
Uruguay; and
WHEREAS, After his military service, he joined the New York State
Police, and was assigned to Troops A, E, and F, out of Batavia, Canan-
daigua, and Middletown; in 2000, he became a member of the Special Oper-
ations Response Team (SORT), a tactical response group of highly trained
and skilled experts who respond to critical events, disasters, and emer-
gencies; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Ross M. Riley was with SORT at the time of the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and received a commendation for
his service at Ground Zero in lower Manhattan; and
WHEREAS, As a dedicated Trooper Ross M. Riley saved numerous lives as
a member of SORT, and met the true definition of hero; it was during a
SORT high angle rescue training in Letchworth State Park that he fell
from a ledge after rappelling approximately 70 feet down into a gorge;
he was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital where be later
succumbed to his injuries related to the fall; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Ross M. Riley lived his life with great dignity and
genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing concern for
the welfare of others in the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Ross M. Riley enjoyed mountain climbing, camping
trips, working out, riding mountain bikes, and reading; however, most of
all, he loved spending time with his family; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man who always put his family first, Trooper
Ross M. Riley is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Heidi, and
his three wonderful daughters, Abaigeal, Katherine, and Jillian, as well
as many friends and associates at the New York State Police; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Trooper Ross M. Riley
leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; he
will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of New York State Trooper Ross M. Riley, noting
the significance of his contributions on behalf of the citizens of this
noble Empire State, and expressing its deepest condolences to his fami-
ly; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Trooper Ross M. Riley.