Funeral services held for two New York State Troopers
, 06/06/2000

Hundreds of police officers from throughout the Northeast and beyond attended funeral services over the weekend for New York State Troopers Truscott M. (Mike) Kelly and Kenneth A. Poormon, who were killed May 31 while on duty.

Kelly, 49, and Poormon, 23, were both stationed at SP Kingston in Troop F. Patrolling a highway in Ulster County, the troopers were killed as they attempted to make a U-turn to pursue an uninvolved vehicle and their cruiser was struck broadside by a tractor-trailer. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not found to be at fault.

A 22-year veteran of the New York State Police, Kelly was remembered during a wake Friday night and a funeral Saturday morning as a highly-dedicated trooper, runner, cyclist and family man. The funeral Mass was held at St. Catherine Laboure Church in Lake Katrine, N.Y.

Poormon, 23, graduated from the State Police Academy in November. He was described as an enthusiastic, young trooper with great potential and part of a close-knit family from Fayette, N.Y. Calling hours were held Sunday evening and a funeral service was held Monday morning at the Seneca Community Church in Romulus. Poormon was a 1995 graduate of Romulus Central School.

Troopers from across New York state paid their respects to Kelly and Poormon during the funeral services this weekend. They were joined by troopers from other states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Michigan and Tennessee. Officers from municipal police agencies attended the services, some riding motorcycles in the funeral processions and others driving patrol cars.

Police helicopter fly-overs and the playing of “Amazing Grace” by the New York State Police Pipe and Drum Band were part of the funeral services for the troopers. Gov. George Pataki and Lt. Gov. Mary Donohue also attended the weekend services.