SIDNEY – Overcast skies provided an appropriate backdrop for a crowd of more than 200 guests and even more area State Troopers and dignitaries that gathered for a Memorial Service that recognized both past an present Troopers fallen in the line of duty at the New York State Police Troop C barracks in Sidney, Thursday.
At the top of the solemn day of remembrance, a procession led by the Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band, Honor Guard and two Troop C Motorcycle patrols set the stage for Troop C Major Donald M. Faughnant to officiate the ceremony.
Of recent passing, Trooper Glenn Woods and Trooper Christopher Skinner were both added to the wall of those fallen in the line of duty. David and Joyce Woods were in attendance.
Skinner's fiancee Surrena Gould and mother, Sharyn were accompanied by Sargent Chad Buckley as they placed a wreath on the memorial marker located at the entrance of the historic facility.
13-year State Police veteran Skinner's end of watch came about on May 29 of 2014 when he was intentionally struck by a passing motorist whole conducting a traffic stop along interstate 81 in Broome County near the Prospect Mountain highway project.
“He understood the importance of keeping construction zones safe and made it his life's work to see it through,” said Sharyn Skinner, mother of the deceased. “[A] crash that he was the first on the scene for, when the construction workers were killed, had a huge impact on Chris, that was kind of a formulation of what he wanted to do. It’s nice to know that people remember Chris for his service. He was a very caring person who strove to do the best he could. We miss him a lot,” said Skinner.
“Memorial Day is a time reserved to remember those who have paid the ultimate price,” said Faughnan before presenting a list of retired Troopers who passed away in the last year. “Their service and commitment will never be forgotten,” he added.
Faughnan indicated that since the State Police went on the clock in 1921, Troop C has lost a total of 17 members in the line of duty.