Last Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed my bill to designate a bridge on Interstate-81 in Trooper Christopher Skinner’s honor. Over the past months, I’ve worked closely with our local State Troopers and the Department of Transportation on this legislation to pay proper tribute to Skinner’s memory.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t be there for the bill’s passage – but my colleague and former State Trooper, Senator Pat Gallivan read a statement on my behalf and added some of his own kind words. With Trooper Skinner’s family and members of Troop C in the audience, the Senate took part in a moment of silence in Trooper Skinner’s honor.
Trooper Skinner was senselessly and tragically hit and killed on a routine traffic stop on Interstate-81. As the first anniversary of his death just passed, it’s important we remember Christopher Skinner, as he was – a dedicated State Trooper, a loving father, a farmer and all around good person. His loss left a hole in lives of so many – his family, his friends and all of his colleagues in Troop C.
This honor will not replace the loss suffered by his loved ones, but it will help all of us remember Trooper Skinner’s service and sacrifice for New York State.
Tragedies like this make us keenly aware of the dangers our first responders face every day. It reminds us to be grateful to our police and firefighters for putting their lives as risk to keep us safe.
The bill has been delivered to the Assembly.
