The outpouring of support from the law enforcement, labor, and business communities – as well as the public – continues to flow as the reward money for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Ralph Phillips has grown to $350,000.

Of the total reward fund, $50,000 has been designated for an individual or individuals who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone who knowingly aids, abets or harbors Ralph Phillips in an effort to evade law enforcement apprehension. The PBA has established guidelines for the disbursement of the reward money, and those can be found on our web site at www.nystpba.org.

Realizing the dire need for Ralph Phillips to be brought to justice for the safety of law enforcement officers and citizens alike, the public has rallied around the PBA’s efforts and pledged generously to the reward fund.

“The search for Ralph Phillips presents an immeasurable danger to our law enforcement officers and to the public. No one will be truly safe until Ralph Phillips is apprehended,” said PBA President Daniel M. De Federicis. “We implore the public to seriously think about this reward money, and to call the New York State Police with any tips or information about this escaped fugitive who has caused so much pain and suffering to so many families.”

Phillips is the prime suspect in the June shooting of Trooper Sean M. Brown during a traffic stop in Chemung County. Thankfully, Trooper Brown has recovered from his injuries and has returned to work. Phillips is also the prime suspect in the Aug. 31 shooting in Chautauqua County of Trooper Joseph Longobardo, who died from his injuries on Sept. 3, and Trooper Donald Baker Jr., who remains hospitalized.

“As we prepare for the funeral services of Trooper Longobardo this weekend, we would ask that the public keep his family in their thoughts and prayers. Trooper Baker and his family are also in need of your thoughts and prayers at this time. These Troopers are the true definition of heroes,” De Federicis said.

We wish to make it clear that we prefer that any information you have be given directly to the State Police in Fredonia at 716-679-1520. However, tipsters have the option to go through one of two law enforcement support groups which will take the information and guarantee the person’s anonymity by giving them a lengthy code number that they can then use to obtain the reward, no questions asked. Again, if you don’t want to reveal your name or identity, you can call one of the toll free numbers and they will give you a code number to keep should you be eligible for the reward. You don’t have to give your name to anybody to collect the reward. The two numbers are from NY State Crime Stoppers at 1-866-313 TIPS (8477) and 1-800-COP-SHOT ( 207-7468).

The State Troopers PBA represents more than 6,000 active and retired, uniformed members of the New York State Police from the rank of Trooper through the rank of Major.