LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the tragic and untimely death of New
York State Trooper Christopher G. Skinner on Thursday, May 29, 2014

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 New York State Trooper Christopher Gail Skinner,
who made the ultimate sacrifice on Thursday, May 29, 2014, while faith-
fully executing his responsibilities, serving the people of New York
State with dedication, loyalty and compassion, and who devoted his
purposeful life and career to serve and protect; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Binghamton, New York, Christopher G. Skin-
ner graduated from Chenango Valley High School, Class of 1989; he
continued his education and earned an Associate in Science degree in
1991, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree two years later, both
from SUNY Cobleskill; and
WHEREAS, After graduation, Christopher G. Skinner lived in Clifton
Springs, New York, and worked as a Product Support Manager for CASE
International; during this time, he developed a love of community work
by volunteering at the Shortsville Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Christopher G. Skinner followed his dream and gradu-
ated from the State Police Academy; initially, he was assigned to Troop
G in Latham, New York, then Troop E, Canandaigua, New York, and lastly
Troop C in Kirkwood, New York; and
WHEREAS, Since 2008, Trooper Christopher G. Skinner was assigned to
the Traffic Incident Management Unit; he enjoyed his career with the
state troopers but also truly loved farming; he spent many hours working
on the family farm while simultaneously building his own farm; and
WHEREAS, Christopher G. Skinner enjoyed spending time working on and
using vintage equipment and he was an active member of the Broome County
Farm Bureau; each year, he would mark his calendar well in advance for
the Farm Bureau auction, some years taking equipment up and most years
bringing more treasures back, but never missing one; and
WHEREAS, He also spent many hours pursuing his love of antique vehi-
cles; wherever he lived, Christopher G. Skinner was very community mind-
ed, continuing to volunteer for the local fire department; when he moved
back to the Binghamton area, he immediately became a member of the Five
Mile Point Fire Department, spending many hours helping people in time
of crisis; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong member of Community Baptist Church, Port Dickin-
son, New York, Trooper Christopher G. Skinner devoted 22 years of
service to the fire department; in his spare time, he loved to be
outdoors snowmobiling, haying and generally living the country life; and
WHEREAS, An active member of the Whitney Point Ridge Riders, Christo-
pher G. Skinner loved to snowmobile, a love he developed as a child,
riding on the farm with his parents and siblings; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Gail R. Skinner, grandfathers,
Charles A. Fleming, and Donald A. Skinner, Trooper Christopher G. Skin-
ner is survived by his fiance, Surrena Gould; children, Kyle and Erin
Skinner, and Ethan Gould; mother, Sharyn F. Skinner; grandmothers,
Barbara Skinner and "Flossie" Fleming; and siblings Major Julie A.
Skinner (Lt. Col. Douglas) Dillon, Jason W. (Jessica) Skinner and their
children, Brycen and Aspyn, and Shawn D. (Sonya) Skinner and their

daughters, Covany, Samantha, Mishayla and Vivianne; as well as numerous
aunts, uncles, and cousins; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Christopher G. Skinner 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, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Trooper Christopher G. Skinner 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, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of New York State Trooper Christopher G. Skin-
ner, noting the significance of his contributions on behalf of the citi-
zens of this noble Empire State, and expressing its deepest condolences
to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Trooper Christopher G. Skinner.