Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Emerson J. Dillon Jr. will never be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas M. Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

October 29, 2024

Rest in peace.

J.R.

October 24, 2024

Trooper Dillon,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New York. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 24, 2024

Once again we are honored to remember Trooper Emerson Dillion. His service to our community and to the State of New York is forever held in high esteem.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

October 24, 2023

Today we honor Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr by remembering his dedication and devotion to duty. Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr will always be remembered.

First Sergeant Thomas M. Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

October 24, 2022

I am the son of the 1st black NY County DA investigator. I was in my senior year of high school. The danger never changes. It outpaces these men.

KEITH CHARLES EDWARDS
son of NY County DA #39.

October 27, 2021

46 years ago Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr. was taken away from his family, taken away from those who loved him, taken away from his friends, however in those 46 years we have never ever forgotten this great man. Emerson would be proud of his children, especially Michael.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

October 24, 2020

Trooper Dillon is still in our thoughts; RIP sir.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb, New York State Police.

August 5, 2020

Rest in peace Trooper Dillon,
I wasnt born when you passed away but as a Dillon myself from across the pond in Ireland and in the same game, I say a prayer and light a candle in your memory and for your families ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace Brother.

Garda Paul Dillon
An Garda Siochana, (Rep of Ireland Police force)

May 16, 2020

I continue to be thankful for your service sir. Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr will never be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police - Troop D

January 31, 2020

Trooper Emerson J. Dillon Jr. I continue to be forever thankful for your service as a New York State Trooper, and as a father to your children who have all done well in life. Trooper Emerson J. Dillon Jr. will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

June 11, 2019

I was a freshman at Oneida Senior High School in Oneida, New York in 1974. It was a Thursday afternoon when I recall a flurry of activity happening nearby. The headquarters for the New York State Police was within view of the second story classroom I was in for Mr. Burch’s science class. That particular day, October 24, 1974, Trooper Emerson Dillon was killed in the line of duty, but I didn’t learn that until later in the day. I didn’t know it at the time, but 9 years later I would be a police officer working in the City of Fulton, New York not far from where Trooper Dillon and his family lived.

During my police training I learned that we were required to transmit a “teletype message” promptly for any deadly force or armed felony where the perpetrator had not been apprehended within thirty minutes. This law (Section 221 New York State Executive Law) was a result of the murder of Trooper Dillon who as unaware at the time of the traffic stop that the occupants were fleeing an armed robbery.

During National Police Week, we remember Trooper Dillon and his sacrifice. We also remember one part of his legacy – sending of All Points Bulletins and alarms so that other police officers will be aware of potential danger involving armed and violent suspects. While it is difficult to measure, that requirement has likely helped to save many other police officers from violent confrontations.

We salute you.

Chief (Ret,) Mark A. Spawn
Fulton (NY) Police Department

May 14, 2019

Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr. will never ever be forgotten. I'm thankful for your dedicated service to the New York State Police, and for your devotion to the people of the State of New York. You sir are a real hero. May your soul forever rest in Heaven, and may God bless your family always.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

March 25, 2018

May God bless Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr. , and his entire family. Trooper Dillon’s heroism in the face of unspeakable danger will never be be forgotten by the men and women of the New York State Police.

I commend the New York State Trooper’s PBA, their legal team, and all police officers and citizens who stood up and made their voices heard on behalf of Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr. and his family.

These were my feelings in 2009. They have not changed:

http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2009/11/no_parole.html

Robert Meyers
NYSP (ret.)

January 8, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

December 14, 2017

he is paroling December 18 2017

co R.L. Ostrow
nysdocs

November 29, 2017

While it is unfortunate that your killer is getting out, this sort of thing would not happen today. He would be facing LWOP, which did not exist in most states in 1974. A 75 years of age, I hope he is harmless

Citizen

November 14, 2017

I just read the post from CO Ostrow. Parole granted in December???? Say it isn’t so. I just sent my email via the NYC DOCCS website. Sending up prayers that we still have a chance to keep this COP KILLER behind bars. The only parole should be “ toe tag parole”. My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Trooper Dillon. I am so very sorry that you have to relive your nightmare with each parole hearing. Thank You for your service and sacrifice Trooper Dillon! God Bless you all!

Allie
Supporter of Law Enforcement
Wife of Corrections Deputy

November 11, 2017

he was granted parole in december 2017

r.l.Ostrow correction officer
nysdocs

November 11, 2017

I have not forgotten this awful senseless act of the murdering of Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr on Thursday, October 24, 1974. Trooper Dillon was callously murdered on the New York State Thruway by three awful individuals, one of whom is attempting to seek freedom from prison in November 2017 via parole board. This individual was sentenced to life in prison by the Court System who serves the citizens of the State of New York for the murder of Trooper Dillon. Based solely on my moral ethics that people must account for their deeds or misdeeds, and for my respect for our justice system, I truly and sincerely oppose the release of New York State Inmate John Ruzas. I truly believe that a parole release from prison for murdering a United States Law Enforcement Officer in the line of duty is sending the absolute WRONG message to both CRIMINALS and to our Great Nation as a whole. Inmate John Ruzas may be a good person and model inmate, he must like could be a changed person who's remorseful for his actions in the murder of Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr, BUT Inmate John Ruzas must not be granted parole based on the two afore-mentioned elements ( 1. He was sentenced to life in prison for murdering Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr, and #2. paroling an individual for murdering any United State Law Enforcement Officer is sending an absolute WRONG message. In closing, today I'm deeply sadden and deeply concern for our Great Nation, the United States of America. We as a nation is FAILING because WE who are Law Abiding Citizens are not Standing Up and Speaking Out against Injustice Acts, and not holding our elected officials accountable for their actions or lack of actions. We as a Great Nation need to Stand Up and Speak Out, so I will contact the DOCCS with my written opposition to the release of Inmate John Ruzas on his up coming parole hearing in November. Let us not forget New York State Trooper Emerson J. Dillon, Jr and Trooper Joel R. Davis who was Shot and Killed last night ( 07/09/17 @ 8:30 PM) in Theresa, NY, and Police Mosita Familia who was shot and killed in Bronx, N.Y. on 07/05/17. May God bless Dillon family as well as the Davis and Familia families.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

July 10, 2017

A NYS court has recently ruled to let an Inmate, John Ruzas who murdered a NYS Trooper, Emerson Dillon again go before the parole board on an appeal of his last board hearing where he was denied parole.

In 2011 there was legislation that now requires parole boards to put more emphasis on future risk, than on the crime committed. I am friends with Trooper Dillon's daughter. She and her family are asking that their Law Enforcement family please write to the NYS Parole Board and express our concern about Ruzas being a future risk to others if released.

This can be done on-line at: http://www.doccs.ny.gov/DOCCSWebLettersToBoardofParoleForm.aspx

Investigator Robert Kerr (ret.)
Rochester, NY Police Department

March 19, 2017

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

March 18, 2017

My Letter went out today, my brother of the badge. God Bless you, your Family, Friends and Department.

Bob Reed - Retired Police Officer
South Lake Tahoe PD

December 3, 2015

Proud to send my No Parole letter for this fallen brother. May God bless the family, friends, and former co-workers of Trooper Dillon as the possibility of his murderer being paroled. We must work to ensure cop killers spend every day of the rest of their lives behind bars, period!

Sr. Ptlmn Donnie Meaders(RET)
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

October 25, 2015

AS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE NYPD FOR 21 YEARS AND NOW RETIRED, I HAVE JUST MAILED MY NO PAROLE LETTER SO THIS COWARD NEVER SEES THE LIGHT OF FREEDOM. RIP TROOPER.

SERGEANT MICHAEL J. MAYER
NYCPD

October 23, 2015