We are saddened to announce one of our own, New York State Trooper Joseph Longobardo, died Sunday afternoon. He, along with Trooper Donald Baker Jr., was shot on Thursday evening in an ambush-style attack in Chautauqa County while searching for fugitive Ralph Phillips. Phillips is the prime suspect in the shootings and is an escaped convict who is also wanted in the June shooting of Trooper Sean M. Brown. Thankfully, Trooper Brown recovered from his injuries and has returned to work.

The entire State Troopers PBA family is mourning the death of Trooper Longobardo. An eight-year veteran of the State Police, he was a member of the elite Mobile Response Team. He was married and the father of a 13-month-old son.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Trooper Longobardo for their loss, and also to Trooper Baker and his family in the hope of a full recovery from his injuries.

The PBA has announced a $225,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Ralph Phillips. He is a dangerous man who needs to be caught before he harms anyone else. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Phillips, we urge you to contact the State Police at Fredonia.