Bill passes Assembly; written in response to the tragic death of Trooper John Gorke
Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-North Syracuse) announced passage of legislation he authored that will allow fallen State Troopers to receive an improved death benefit if they pass away without the required 20 years of service, but have enough vacation and sick time to reach 20 years (A.10753-A). The bill, which passed unanimously in the Assembly, has also passed the Senate and will be sent to Governor Paterson for his signature.
Stirpe authored the bill in April, nine months after the tragic death of Trooper John Gorke, a 19 year veteran of the force. Trooper Gorke was struck by a car and killed while cycling in the town of Pompey on July 3, 2009. Gorke, 47, was cycling with a friend on Route 20, just seven miles from his home, when a vehicle hit him from behind. Gorke was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
