Senator Flanagan Honors Memory Of Slain New York State Trooper

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) today joined with his Senate colleagues in sponsoring a legislative resolution honoring the life and achievements of fallen New York State Trooper Joseph Anthony Longobardo. Trooper Longobardo of Middle Grove, Saratoga County was killed in the line of duty during the recent manhunt for an escaped prisoner in southwestern New York.

"The men and women who work in law enforcement are the very reason that our communities remain safe. Their efforts and their sacrifices ensure that we are able to live the lives we enjoy and we must always remember their dedication," stated Senator Flanagan. "Trooper Longobardo is a hero for the way he lived, for the way he died and for the example he has set for those who will follow in hisfootsteps."

While working as a NewYork State Trooper, Trooper Longobardo was also currently serving with the 109th Airlift Wing as a Master Sergeant in the Security Forces Squadron at Stratton Air Force Base in Scotia, New York. While serving, he participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle. He was also a member of the United States Air Force Security Forces Phoenix Raven, a unit that responds to critical incidents worldwide.

In addition to his parents, Anthony and Gayle Longobardo, Trooper Longobardo is survived by his loving wife of four years, Teri E. Longobardo; his 13 month-old son, Louis M. Longobardo; and his sister, Dawn Longobardo.

---

Senate Resolution No. 6439

BY: Senator BRUNO

MOURNING the untimely death of Joseph Anthony Longobardo of Middle Grove, New York, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a New York State Trooper

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of courageous individuals who dedicated their purposeful lives and careers to serve and protect; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Anthony Longobardo of Middle Grove, New York, died on Sunday, September 3, 2006, at the age of 32; and

WHEREAS, New York State Trooper Joseph Anthony Longobardo made the ultimate sacrifice while faithfully executing his responsibilities, serving with dedication, loyalty and compassion; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 24, 1974, in Amsterdam, New York, Joseph Anthony Longobardo was the son of Anthony and Gayle Longobardo; he attended Marie Curie Eastside Elementary School and was a 1992 graduate of Amsterdam High School; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps; after completing boot camp and advanced training, he was assigned to Embassy Duty providing high level personal protection to dignitaries at various posts including Pakistan and Uruguay; and

WHEREAS, His decorations and awards included the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Expert Badge, and numerous letters of appreciation and meritorious mast; Joseph Anthony Longobardo was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps as a Sergeant in January of 1997; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Anthony Longobardo was currently serving with the 109th Airlift Wing as a Master Sergeant in the Security Forces Squadron at Stratton Air Force Base in Scotia, New York; while serving, he participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle; he was also a member of the United States Air Force Security Forces Phoenix Raven, a unit that responds to critical incidents worldwide; and

WHEREAS, He was a graduate of Schenectady County Community College and the American Military Institute, receiving degrees in criminal justice; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Joseph Anthony Longobardo entered the New York State Police Academy on November 2, 1998; although his first year was spent in Troop K at Dover Plains, most of his time with the State Police was spent in Troop G, assigned to the Fonda barracks in Fultonville; and

WHEREAS, During his eight-year career, Joseph Anthony Longobardo received numerous commendations for his investigations and arrests; in 2002, he received a commendation from the Montgomery County District Attorney for his contributions in successfully closing a murder investigation in 2001; he was awarded the Troop G, Zone 3 "Trooper of the Year Award" for 2004; he also was a Field Training Officer for probationary troopers who had just graduated from the State Police Academy as well as a Defensive Tactics Instructor for recruits in the academy; and

WHEREAS, Although he served in numerous capacities, Trooper Joseph Anthony Longobardo generally led his fellow troopers in arrests -- DWI, drugs, misdemeanors and felonies; after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, he was recalled to active duty in the New York Air National Guard for approximately a year and a half, once again filling in wherever needed; and

WHEREAS, In 2006, Joseph Anthony Longobardo was one of four troopers assigned to Troop G who were selected to join the elite Mobile Response Team, known as the MRT; in June of 2006, he graduated from the six-month MRT training session; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his parents, Anthony and Gayle Longobardo, New York State Trooper Joseph Anthony Longobardo is survived by his loving wife of four years, Teri E. Longobardo; his 13-month-old son, Louis M. Longobardo; his sister, Dawn Longobardo; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Terry and Suzanne LeMere; brothers-in-law, Timothy LeMere and Thomas LeMere; and sister-in-law, Trisha LeMere; and

WHEREAS, New York State Trooper Joseph Anthony Longobardo 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; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED,

That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the untimely death of Joseph Anthony Longobardo of Middle Grove, New York, noting the significance of his contributions on behalf of the citizens of this noble Empire State; and be it further RESOLVED,

That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of New York State Trooper Joseph Anthony Longobardo.