The entire State Troopers PBA family is devastated by the line-of-duty death of Trooper David Brinkerhoff, and we are hoping and praying for the recovery of Trooper Richard Mattson. In light of the events of the past two days, we are thankful that Trooper Matthew Gombosi did not sustain more serious injuries.

“These brave Troopers, who dedicated their lives to public safety, are heroes who placed themselves in harm’s way so that others would not be hurt by a dangerous criminal,” said PBA President Daniel M. De Federicis. “Trooper Brinkerhoff made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are mourning his loss with his family, friends and fellow Troopers. We also ask the public to join us in well wishes for the complete recovery of Trooper Mattson and Trooper Gombosi.”

Trooper Brinkerhoff leaves behind a wife and 7-month-old baby.

The PBA is assisting the families of these Troopers in any way possible.

If the public wishes to make a tax-deductible donation to the families of these Troopers, they may do so by visiting the PBA’s web site at www.nystpba.org. Click on the green link entitled “Donate to the Signal 30 Fund: Troopers Helping Troopers” and follow the directions to either donate funds online via a credit card, or to send a check through the mail. Donors can specify on the web site or on the Memo portion of a check whether they want the donation earmarked for specific families, or for general use by the Signal 30 Fund. The PBA’s Signal 30 Fund, a federally-recognized 501 (c)(3) fund, was developed and organized by the PBA to assist Troopers and their families in times of emergency.

Since its inception two years ago, the Signal 30 Fund has been used to assist Troopers and their families by: providing funds for the children and families of Troopers killed in the line of duty; assisting Troopers and their families with expenses related to illnesses and unexpected hospitalizations; and paying for funeral receptions for Troopers killed in the line of duty.

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More than 6,500 active and retired, uniformed members of the New York State Police from the rank of Trooper through the rank of Major are represented by the State Troopers PBA.