Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, and Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, D-C-I-Kenmore, announced today that the Interstate-290 bridge that crosses N.Y. State Route 425 will now be designated as the “New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, Sr. Memorial Bridge.” Senator Kennedy and Assemblyman Schimminger introduced legislation (S.5441B/A.7886B) 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 the Youngmann Highway (I-290), near the Colvin Boulevard interchange, 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'm pleased that our legislation has now become 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 bridge 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.”
Trooper Kevin Dobson, a 13-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, the legislation, sponsored by Senator Kennedy, 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 we're grateful Governor Cuomo has signed the bill into law,” Schimminger and Kennedy added.
The I-290 bridge to be named for Trooper Dobson is very near the location on the Youngmann Highway where Trooper Dobson’s life was taken in the line of duty.
