Cobleskill State Trooper Richard Albert has been named 2024 Trooper of the Year by the American Association of State Troopers for the bravery and courage he exhibited on June 16, 2023 during a high-speed traffic stop on I-88 in Duanesburg.
“His courageous actions prevented any further threat to the public without concern for his own safety,” the AAST said in making the announcement.
Nearly 40 other Troopers nation-wide were nominated for the honor.
Trooper Albert will be honored in a ceremony later this year.
Trooper Albert was shot during an exchange of gunfire after he stopped a SUV traveling more than 100mph on I-88 between Schoharie and Duanesburg last June.
He suffered a gunshot wound to his upper arm and was taken to Ellis Hospital for treatment before being released later in the day, walking out under his own power to the applause of fellow officers.
The gunman, identified as Nelson Troche, 32, of Schenectady, fled on foot, shutting down traffic on I-88 for hours. He was later found in the nearby woods, suffering from what State Police said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The driver of the vehicle, 30-year-old Alicia Eriole of Schenectady, was arrested in the incident; Troopers said the two were fleeing a robbery.
The AAST’s account of that day follows:
“The heroic incident occurred on June 16, 2023, as Trooper Albert was making a driver-side approach on a traffic stop of a recklessly speeding vehicle at 112 miles per hour.
“As Trooper Albert was approaching, he immediately came under fire and was struck by a 9mm round in the left shoulder.
“Without hesitation, he reacted tactically and instinctively, just as he had been trained, retreating to cover while returning fire.
“From a position of cover at the rear of his patrol car, he notified the State Police Communications Section for assistance and calmly and clearly made numerous radio transmissions keeping responding troopers updated.
“Although wounded and still receiving fire, he remained engaged with the suspect and continued to return fire.
“The suspect, who was the passenger, and the operator attempted to flee the scene, but a passing tractor-trailer driver who witnessed the shooting, heroically turned his tractor-trailer into the path of the fleeing suspect vehicle, successfully disabling it.
“The suspect and driver again attempted to flee by carjacking a disabled pick-up truck at gunpoint.
“Utilizing the terrain of the grassy median as cover, Trooper Albert continued his pursuit of the suspects, all the while exchanging gunfire and conducting magazine exchanges.
“He remained engaged until the shooter had no choice but to flee into the wood line.
“After an agonizing long 12 minutes, the first back-up began to arrive. Once numerous law enforcement officers were on scene and Trooper Albert was secured, the driver was taken into custody, and Trooper Albert was transported to the hospital.
“A search for the shooter was initiated by responding troopers, who located him deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot.
“This incident showcased Trooper Albert’s bravery under extreme circumstances. Despite being under almost continuous gunfire, he remained engaged and committed to ensuring the public’s safety.
“Trooper Albert’s heroic actions reflect the highest ideals of courage and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the New York State Police.”