A 17-year state trooper assigned to Field Command Emergency Management in Albany died Wednesday after a fall during a training drill at Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County, State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico said.

Trooper Ross M. Riley, 44, a member of the Special Operations Response Team – West, based in Erie County's Collins Center, succumbed to injuries after an accident during high angle rescue training. Riley fell from a ledge about 30 feet into Wolf Creek.

He was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital, where he died, D'Amico said.

Riley worked in Troops A (Batavia), E (Canandaigua) and F (Poughkeepsie) and became of a member of SORT, then named the Mobile Response Team, in March 2000, according to D'Amico's statement. Riley received a commendation for his service as a member of the Mobile Response Team at Ground Zero following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Riley was a veteran of the Persian Gulf Conflict, serving as a Marine from 1987 until he was honorably discharged in 1992. During his military service he was awarded a number of commendations including Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and National Defense Medal.

He is survived by his wife, New York State Police Station Commander Heidi Riley, of the State Police barracks in Olean, and their three daughters.

Funeral arrangements will follow, State Police said.

 

REST IN PIECE BROTHER

There's no need for the all-caps title, please don't do it in the future.

There's no need for the all-caps title, please don't do it in the future.

you didnt even say RIP            

 

 

 

OP RIP this is a bad day for the State Troopers and his family

RIP, praying for the family.

RIP, unfortunate for it to happen during training. 

you didnt even say RIP            

 

 

 

OP RIP this is a bad day for the State Troopers and his family

 

I didn't and won't say it because I didn't know the man.

I'll leave it to the family of the deceased to mourn their loss, they don't need meaningless messages from a stranger in a place far, far away whom they'll never meet or know.

I didn't and won't say it because I didn't know the man.

I'll leave it to the family of the deceased to mourn their loss, they don't need meaningless messages from a stranger in a place far, far away whom they'll never meet or know.

that really doesnt matter just say RIP and move on

that really doesnt matter just say RIP and move on

Why should he say RIP if he doesn't mean it? Do you believe people should just go along with popular opinion, even if it's not what they truly believe?

I agree with NicolaiB. It's a sad event. I'll leave it at that. 

Are you guys being serious, someone has just died and you start arguing about who says what. Grow up

 

RIP my thoughts go out to the family :(

             

I swear every post you make has at least two of these emoticons... 

 

Try a new one? 

I swear every post you make has at least two of these emoticons... 

 

Try a new one? 

lolol ill try since you asked