Wall of Remembrance
Joseph A. Longobardo
Trooper Joseph A. Longobardo
New York State Police
Eight year veteran State Trooper Joseph Longobardo, age 32, of the New York State Police died on August 31st 2006 from a gunshot wound inflicted two days earlier when he and another trooper were ambushed while searching for an escaped convict in Chautauqua County.
Earlier, the escaped convict had shot and wounded a New York State trooper on June 10, 2006, during a traffic stop.
The escaped convict was the focus of a manhunt since the initial shooting and had been receiving assistance from friends and family in an effort to evade arrest. Trooper Longobardo and his fellow trooper were conducting surveillance on the home of a relative of the escapee when the convict shot them both with a high powered rifle.
The wounded trooper, Donald Baker Jr, 38, was shot in the back, with the bullet penetrating his vest and exiting from his abdomen. Trooper Longobardo suffered a severed artery when he was shot in the leg.
Both troopers were transported to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. Trooper Longobardo underwent a leg amputation surgery in an attempt to save his life. However, he succumbed to the wound the day following the surgery.
The killer remains at large and is the subject of a massive manhunt.
Trooper Longobardo was a member of Air National Guard and had served with the New York State Police for 8 years. He is survived by his wife and 1-year-old son.
Our sincere condolances to this brave Trooper's Family. We will NEVER forget your sacrifice!