[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 10481]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HEROIC NEW YORK STATE TROOPERS

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I rise to speak on a very sad occasion 
that occurred in my State in the last 2 days and to recognize the three 
heroic New York State troopers shot in an act of cold-blooded violence. 
Sadly, one trooper, David C. Brinkerhoff, a member of the specially 
trained mobile response team, has been killed. Tonight my thoughts and 
prayers are with his family, friends, and coworkers.
  Trooper Brinkerhoff and Trooper Richard Mattson were shot at about 
8:45 a.m. Tuesday while searching for a gunman who was suspected of 
shooting a third trooper, Trooper Matthew Gambosi, during a traffic 
stop in nearby Margaretville, NY, a beautiful town in Delaware County. 
Trooper Mattson is in serious condition at a local hospital and, praise 
God, Trooper Gambosi only suffered minor wounds as the bullet was 
caught by his bulletproof vest. We pray for their speedy recoveries.
  Law enforcement raided the farm where the gunman was holed up 
yesterday, and his body was recovered late last night. Now that this 
man is no longer a threat, we must turn our attention to the troopers' 
families and friends who have been devastated by these tragic events.
  New York State troopers represent the best of all of us. They are 
brave, selfless heroes who put their lives on the line every day with 
unequaled character and dignity. They are tough, and they are just. The 
events of the past 48 hours have devastated our entire State. Now we 
will mourn together. The entire trooper community and the people of the 
great State of New York have suffered an enormous loss. The greatest 
way we can honor them is to remember their sacrifice always and to 
pledge to rise above this tragedy by continuing to do exactly what they 
did when they got into harm's way on our behalf. Of course, I speak of 
impartial, courageous, and professional law enforcement.
  Trooper Brinkerhoff was born and raised in the Southtowns area of 
western New York and was only 29. He was an 8\1/2\-year State police 
veteran and joined the mobile response team in early 2006. He is 
survived by his wife Barbara and a 7-month-old daughter. Brinkerhoff is 
the second member of the New York State mobile response unit to be 
killed in less than a year. Trooper Joseph Longobardo was killed by 
serial killer Ralph ``Bucky'' Phillips in the woods of Chautauqua 
County in the western end of our State. Far too often our troopers and 
law enforcement officers are struck down by senseless violence. 
However, every time their mettle is tested, they return stronger and 
more determined to keep New York safe.
  I am also pleased that the Senate will approve later today a 
resolution commemorating the sacrifice of the men and women of law 
enforcement who have lost their lives on the job. They are all true 
heroes. We honor each and every one of them.
  My thoughts and those of my family are with Barbara and her daughter 
tonight, and I send them the full condolences of the Senate and the 
people of the State of New York. We will not forget you or the 
sacrifice of Trooper Brinkerhoff.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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