TOWN OF TONAWANDA, NY-- Family and fellow New York State Troopers gathered to pay tribute to a Western New York Trooper killed in the line of duty more than three years ago.
The State Police joined Trooper Kevin Dobson's family Thursday as a bridge in the Town of Tonawanda was dedicated in his honor.
For Dobson's family and fellow Troopers, the dedication was not only a way to remember him, but to remind drivers how important it is to slow down and move over for first responders.
Trooper Kevin Dobson's youngest daughter Brooke helped unveil the sign. She was just three years old when her dad was hit by a car and killed while on a traffic stop, not far from the bridge that will now bear his name.
The I-290 bridge over Colvin Boulevard will now be called the "New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson Senior Memorial bridge."
He was a 14-year veteran of the State Police.
Dobson's father said this day was yet another example of how his state police family has come together to honor his son.
Seeing my fellow law enforcement officers here today warms my heart," says Dick Dobson. "I was with the sheriff's department for over 30 years. We are a family in law enforcement. We support each other especially in times like this. Times of grief when we lose one of our members, and times of joy when we honor our members."
Since 2010, five New York State troopers have been killed during traffic stops. The most recent was just last week -- when a driver intentionally hit and killed Trooper Christopher Skinner on I-81 near Binghamton.
