A bridge on the I-290 was dedicated to New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson Thursday. The dedication ceremony was attended by many members of the state and local police, as well Dobson’s family and area lawmakers.
Dobson was struck and killed in the line of duty on the I-290 near the Colvin Boulevard ramp during a routine traffic stop over three years ago.
The newly dedicated overpass crosses state Route 425 at the Colvin Boulevard exit. It will be named the “New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, Sr. Memorial Bridge.” Signage signifying its significance will be placed on both sides of the bridge.
State Police Captain Steven Grapp says the signage will remind the community of Dobson’s sacrifice and dedication.
“Many of the 120,000 motorists that travel this stretch of the highway each day do not know this story, yet they live in this very community. They remain unfamiliar with the person who lost his life while serving
them. They need to know this story and they need to remember Kevin Dobson. Therefore by naming this overpass they will now have the opportunity to learn about and know this hero’s story,” said Graap.
Trooper Dobson’s father Dick Dobson said the dedication would not have been possible without legislation, supported by Senator Tim Kennedy, Senator Mark Grisanti and Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, that passed last year to remember Dobson and his efforts to keep area roadways safe.
“This is actually bittersweet, because it keeps bringing up the fact that my son was killed here, but the sweet part is that so many people are here to honor him and that his death was not in vain, because people move over and people are much more aware of the law. Not just for the police, but for first responders, for construction crews, for everyone that happens to be out on the highway. I’m very proud of my son. He was an organ donor, so even in his death 70 people in western New York have benefited as recipients of my boy and I’m very proud of him, I always will be,” said Dobson.
New York State’s ‘Move Over Law’ was passed just months before Dobson’s death to ensure that motorists reduce their speed and safely move over when law enforcement personnel, emergency workers, and tow or service operators are working along roadways.
Dick Dobson says if the ‘Move Over Law’ saves only one life it will be worth it, but he believes it will save many lives.