Kennedy, Schimminger Announce I-290 Bridge Named for Trooper Kevin Dobson

Following approval in the Senate and Assembly, Governor has signed legislation, which Kennedy and Schimminger sponsored, to designate I-290 bridge at the Colvin exit as “New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson Sr. Memorial Bridge”

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, and Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, D-C-I-Kenmore, today announced the Interstate-290 bridge that crosses N.Y. State Route 425 at the Colvin exit will now be designated as the “New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, Sr. Memorial Bridge”.

Senator Kennedy introduced legislation (S.5441B/ A.7886B), which was sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Schimminger, to name the bridge for Trooper Dobson, who was killed in the line of duty while working to keep our roads safe. Governor Andrew Cuomo has now signed the bill – which recognizes the life, service and sacrifices of Trooper Kevin Dobson – into law.

Trooper Dobson was struck and killed by a vehicle on I-290, near the Colvin Boulevard ramp, during a traffic stop in March 2011. The new law makes the official designation and ensures adequate signage is installed to mark the bridge as the New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, Sr. Memorial Bridge.

“Trooper Kevin Dobson was faithfully committed to his duty to protect and serve our community. He went above and beyond, always working hard to keep our roads and neighborhoods safe,” said Senator Kennedy. “In the days and months since his life was tragically taken in the line of duty, our community has sought ways to commemorate his service and sacrifices. The designation of the ‘New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, Sr. Memorial Bridge’ will serve as a reminder for all Western New Yorkers that our highways were made safe by Trooper Dobson and his brothers and sisters in uniform. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Trooper Dobson’s family and friends, and we thank all those who have dedicated their lives to law enforcement.”

“I am honored and humbled to have joined in sponsoring this new law recognizing Trooper Kevin Dobson's service and ultimate sacrifice,” said Assemblyman Schimminger. “Dedicating the Youngmann Highway overpass at Colvin Boulevard in Trooper Dobson's name will honor his memory and serve as a daily reminder to motorists of the dangers that police officers and other emergency responders face on our highways. Trooper Dobson lost his life just three months after the state’s ‘Move Over Law’ took effect, which requires motorists to safely shift lanes away from a police or other emergency vehicle stopped on the shoulder of a controlled access highway like the Youngmann or the Thruway and to proceed cautiously in such situations on other roadways. On behalf of Kevin Dobson’s loved ones and his brother and sister troopers, I want to thank Governor Cuomo for signing our legislation into law.”

Trooper Dobson’s father Dick Dobson said, “On behalf of the entire Dobson family, we’re honored that this step is being taken to honor my son Kevin’s name. My boy was dedicated to making the highways of New York State safer for motorists, bicyclists and all who travel our roads. We know that Kevin’s death was not in vain, and we miss him dearly. We want to thank Senator Kennedy, Assemblyman Schimminger and the entire Western New York Delegation for their work to officially designate this heavily-traveled highway as the ‘New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, Sr. Memorial Bridge.’ It will help everyone who travels the highway recall the selfless actions of all law enforcement officers who work so hard every day to keep our community safe.”

“Renaming the bridge in honor of Trooper Kevin Dobson is a true tribute to his memory,” said New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico. “Trooper Dobson was killed while out doing his job to make the roads safer for all of us. Naming the bridge after Trooper Dobson will serve as a constant reminder of his tremendous sacrifice.”

“It is an honor to have the bridge renamed in remembrance of Trooper Kevin Dobson,” said Troop A Commander, Major Michael Cerretto, “We are very appreciative of Senator Kennedy for proposing this tribute and to the Governor for signing it into law. This dedication will serve as a reminder to friends, family and the community of the service and ultimate sacrifice made by Trooper Dobson.”

Trooper Kevin Dobson, a 14-year veteran of the State Police force, is remembered as a loving father and dedicated officer whose commitment to public safety always remained unwavering. The memorial bridge will compliment the State Police’s efforts to commemorate Trooper Dobson with the new monument at the Clarence barracks.

In the Senate, Senator Kennedy's legislation was also cosponsored by WNY Senators Gallivan, Grisanti and Ranzenhofer. Assemblyman Schimminger's bill was cosponsored by area Assemblymembers Gabryszak, Hawley, Corwin, Walter and Giglio.

“This was a collective Western New York effort to move this bill through the Senate and Assembly, and I’m grateful Governor Cuomo has signed this bill honoring Trooper Dobson into law,” Kennedy added.

The I-290 bridge to be named for Trooper Dobson crosses the Twin Cities Highway, near the Colvin Boulevard ramp – a site very near the location where Trooper Dobson’s life was taken in the line of duty.

Earlier this year, Senator Kennedy took to the Senate floor to discuss the legislation and commemorate the life and contributions of Trooper Dobson. You can view video of his floor remarks here: http://youtu.be/m5tAeS2xpUA.

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Senator Timothy M. Kennedy represents the New York State Senate’s 63rd District, which is comprised of the town of Cheektowaga, the city of Lackawanna and nearly all of the city of Buffalo. More information is available at http://kennedy.nysenate.gov.