Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation to name the Youngmann Highway bridge over Colvin Boulevard after state Trooper Kevin Dobson, who died on duty in 2011.
The overpass will be designated as the "New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, Sr. Memorial Bridge." Dobson was killed on a March morning at the Colvin Boulevard interchange, near the bridge that will bear his name.
He was outside of his vehicle handing out a ticket when a car struck him. Dobson, a 13-year veteran, was rushed to Kenmore Mercy Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Dobson was survived by his father, girlfriend and three children.
State Sen. Tim Kennedy and Assemblyman Robin Schimminger introduced the legislation to name the bridge for Dobson. The law ensures that adequate signage will be installed to honor him, a statement from the lawmakers reads.
"Dedicating the Youngmann Highway overpass at Colvin Boulevard in Trooper Dobson's name will honor his memory and serve as a daily reminder to motorists of the dangers that police officers and other emergency responders face on our highways," Schimminger said.
The late trooper's father, Dick Dobson, said his family is honored by the new designation.
"My boy was dedicated to making the highways of New York state safer for motorists, bicyclists and all who travel our roads," he said. "We know that Kevin's death was not in vain, and we miss him dearly."
The accident, which occurred March 26 at 7:30 a.m., came just three months after the state passed the "Move Over" law, which requires motorists to switch into the left lane when they see a law enforcement vehicle on the shoulder of a highway with its emergency lights activated. The law was passed after two law enforcers were killed in separate incidents during traffic stops in 2010.
State police have focused on enforcing the law since Dobson's death, officials said.
"As unfortunate as Kevin's death was it has opened up the eyes of the public with the law," Sgt. Joseph DiMaria said.
In March, state troopers unveiled a new monument in Dobson's honor at the Clarence barracks.
The police's K-9 officer is also named Dobber in honor of the fallen trooper.
Copyright 2013 - Tonawanda News, North Tonawanda, N.Y.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service