Ross Riley - Law Enforcement - New York State

Trooper Ross Riley, age 44, died in the line of duty on November 21, 2013, in Letchworth State Park, New York.

Ross was a member of the New York State Police. He had 17 years of service.

He was attending a training exercise. A life sized dummy had been placed on a ledge of a cliff over Wolf Creek. Ross and two other troopers rappelled to the ledge and secured the dummy to a stretcher. As other staff lifted the stretcher, Ross fell 30 feet into the Creek, severely injuring his head.

His comrades descended to his location and administered aid. He was transported to a hospital in Wyoming County, New York, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Ross was assigned to Field Command, Emergency Management in Albany, and was a

Michael, Archangel, Patron
Saint of the Police, pray
for Ross

member of the Special Operations Response Team based in Collins Center. Ross began working in Special Operations in 2000 when it was still called the Mobile Response Team. He received a commendation for his work with the team at ground zero in the days following September 11.

Ross was a Marine Corps veteran and had served in the Persian Gulf War.

His comrades are in mourning over his tragic death.

Police officials describe Ross as a dedicated professional trooper.

Ross is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his wife, Heidi Riley, and three daughters.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. Amen.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next. Amen.

Pray that Ross is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.