Two State Troopers PBA members were shot this morning as they executed a search warrant during a drug raid in New York City. Trooper Peter Verdesi was wounded in the leg and Trooper Mark Ennis was hit in his bulletproof vest and helmet. Both Troopers are members of the State Police Mobile Response Team, which is a specialized SWAT team. The jobs of New York State Troopers are dangerous and unpredictable, as evidenced by today’s events. New York State Troopers serve proudly and bravely and put their lives on the line every day in order to serve and protect the residents of New York state.

Below is an article released by the Associated Press news service about the raid this morning.

State troopers hit by gunfire, suspect killed during Bronx raid

December 6, 2005, 10:10 AM EST

NEW YORK — Two state troopers were hit by gunfire and a suspect was killed early Tuesday during a raid in the Bronx, authorities said.

One trooper was wounded in the leg; the other was hit on his bulletproof vest and helmet but escaped injury, said a state police spokesman, Lt. Glenn Minor.

The shootings came on the same day that law enforcers from around the country attended a funeral in Brooklyn for Officer Dillon Stewart, who was slain Nov. 28.

The troopers, who were executing a warrant in search of drugs and guns, had arrived at 753 Revere Ave., in Throgs Neck, shortly before 6 a.m. to arrest members of an organized drug gang "when gunfire was exchanged," said Minor.

The suspects were allegedly part of "an organized crime network for heroin and cocaine distribution in the city and northern suburbs," said Minor. Two people at the residence were taken into custody. Guns and a grenade also were found, he said.

The troopers were identified as Peter Verdesi, 38, an 11-year veteran from Troop K in Poughkeepsie, wounded in the leg; and Mark Ennis, 34, a seven-year veteran from Troop F in Middletown, hit in the vest and helmet.

Minor said NYPD officers, Yonkers police and the FBI also were involved in the raid.