Trooper Emerson J. Dillon Jr.
New York State Police
New York
End of Watch: Thursday, October 24, 1974

Biographical Info
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: 597

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, October 24, 1974
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Convicted of murder

Trooper Dillon was shot and killed after stopping a suspicious vehicle on the New York State Thruway near Canastota.

Unknown to Trooper Dillon, the two occupants had just committed an armed robbery and were fleeing the scene. Trooper Dillon approached the car and removed one of the suspects. During the ensuing scuffle the second occupant exited the car and shot Trooper Dillon. Before he died Trooper Dillon was able to return fire, striking the suspect vehicle as it fled.

Two suspects were apprehended later that day. A third suspect was apprehended the following day in New York City. The suspect who shot Trooper Dillon was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. One of the other two suspects died in prison while serving a 25-year sentence.

Trooper Dillon was assigned to Troop T and had served with the agency for 16 years. He was survived by his wife and six children.