Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C-Schoharie) honored Trooper Rick Albert in the Assembly chamber yesterday for his dedicated service to the community. This recognition comes a year after Trooper Albert was shot in the line of duty.

New York state Trooper Rick Albert conducted a traffic stop in the afternoon of June 16, 2023, pulling over a vehicle that was going upwards of 100 mph. When approaching the vehicle, Trooper Albert was greeted by the barrel of a gun before being shot in the arm. The proactive thinking of a local log-hauling truck driver blocked the suspect’s vehicle, requiring the driver to continue on foot. The passenger of the vehicle, Alicia Eriole, was promptly arrested and is currently facing criminal charges. The driver and shooter, Nelson Troche, was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Troche had recently been released from prison after facing a lengthy 11-year sentence for manslaughter.

“These people put their lives on the line every day for us,” said Tague. “This proclamation doesn’t even begin to express the immense gratitude we have for your sacrifices. A U.S. Marine, honored fire chief and New York state Trooper- the resume of a true American hero.”