THE PBA’S POSITION ON THE DEATH PENALTY FOR COP KILLERS

The PBA would support a reinstatement of the death penalty for those who are convicted of murdering a law enforcement officer.

The safety of law enforcement officers is of the utmost importance as they risk their lives every day to serve and protect the public. These heinous crimes against New York State Troopers show that current penalties, while a step in the right direction, are not enough of a deterrent to criminals.

“Trooper Brinkerhoff made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of public safety and he died a hero,” state PBA President Daniel M. De Federicis. “Tragically, it has taken a horrendous incident such as this to bring renewed attention to the need for the restoration of the death penalty for the murder of a police officer. We urge the Legislature to pass this measure now. The lives of New York State Troopers and law enforcement officers across the state are at stake.”

WHAT THE PBA IS DOING

The State Troopers PBA continues to assist the families of Troopers David Brinkerhoff and Trooper Richard Mattson during this incredibly difficult time. The PBA funds funeral receptions for Troopers killed in the line of duty, and we will do so with Trooper Brinkerhoff’s funeral once those arrangements are finalized. We are helping Trooper Mattson’s family with any necessities during his hospital stay, and we continue to hope and pray for him during his recovery.

Members of the public who wish to make donations to the families of these Troopers can visit the PBA’s web site at www.nystpba.org, click on the 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. All donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of the funds donated are given to the families. This Fund was developed and organized by the PBA to assist Troopers and their families in times of emergency. The PBA does not solicit the public through home telephone calls, so we caution the public against donating money to a telemarketer. We have received complaints of unscrupulous solicitors who are attempting to use this tragedy to their advantage, so again, we caution the public against donating money over the phone and we reiterate that we do not call people at home.

OUR THANKS

We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has come forward to assist during the past few days, including, but not limited to: Margaretville Memorial Hospital and Albany Medical Center Hospital; the Margaretville and Arkville Fire Departments, as well as other local fire departments, law enforcement agencies and all rescue personnel who responded to the scene; and local businesses and citizens who brought food, beverages and other supplies to assist the Troopers working at the scene.

“When you deal with the worst of humanity, it’s nice to see such generosity and support from the public, from Margaretville and Arkville to Albany,” said PBA 1^st Vice President Thomas H. Mungeer.

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.