Today marks two years to the date that New York State Trooper Joseph Longobardo, 32, died from gunshot wounds sustained during the search for a suspect who is now serving life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Trooper Longobardo, along with Sgt. Donald Baker Jr., were shot on Aug. 31 in an ambush-style attack in Chautauqa County while searching for fugitive Ralph Phillips. Phillips was an escaped convict who was also subsequently charged in the June 2006 shooting of Trooper Sean M. Brown. Both Sgt. Baker and Trooper Brown have returned to work.

The entire State Troopers PBA family continues to mourn the death of Trooper Longobardo. An eight-year veteran of the State Police, he was a member of the elite Mobile Response Team.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Trooper Longobardo for their loss. Please take a moment of silence today to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Trooper Longobardo.