Governor Kathy Hochul today announced flags on State buildings will be flown at half-staff on December 14, from sunrise to sunset, in honor of fallen New York State Police Trooper Robert M. Burney.

“Trooper Robert M. Burney answered the call to protect and defend and spent almost three decades serving his fellow New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “May Trooper Burney’s memory be a comfort to his family, and may his legacy live on in the lives he touched in the line of duty. His loved ones are in our hearts as we mourn their loss.”

On December 9, 2023, Trooper Burney passed away from an illness stemming from his assignment in and around the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He had retired from the New York State Police after 27 years of dedicated service on January 2, 2017. Trooper Burney was from New Hartford and is survived by his long-term companion, his mother and extended family.