Trooper Andrew J. Sperr - Big Flats, NY
N 42° 08.820 W 076° 54.752
18T E 341970 N 4667867
Killed in the line of duty.
Waymark Code: WM8MD0
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 04/18/2010
Views: 13
New York Trooper Andrew J. Sperr was killed in the line of duty at this location after a shootout with two bank robbers. Before he died he was able to injure the robbers and they were arrested after seeking medical attentions. The huge granite stone has an inscription of his badge a picture of him. The park that this monument is in is also named for Trooper Sperr.
The stone reads:
Trooper Andrew J. Sperr
Served the New York State Police with pride and honor
from Jan. 8, 1996 to Mar. 1, 2006.
At this site, on March 1, 2006, at approximately 12:05 PM, New York Trooper Andrew J. Sperr encountered a suspicious vehicle. Unbeknownst to him, the two male occupants of the vehicle had just robbed the Chemung Canal Bank in Big Flats. The bank robbers had left a vehicle in this parking area and were on their way to change vehicles when Trooper Sperr observed them. Trooper Sperr followed them into this parking area and as he approached their vehicle the passenger opened fire at him. Trooper Sperr was immediately struck twice by gun fire, but despite his wounds, he drew his issue sidearm and returned fire. During the ensuing gun battle, Trooper Sperr managed to hit both suspects. Trooper Sperr received two additional gunshot wounds before the assailants fled. Trooper Sperr succumbed to his wounds at this site. Because of the serious wounds sustained at the gun battle with Trooper Sperr, both suspects were forced to seek medical attention and were thereby quickly apprehended.
Trooper Sperr's actions during the final moments of his life were indeed heroic. Despite being seriously wounded himself, he returned fire and seriously wounded his assailants and thereby greatly contributed to their apprehension. As a result, Trooper Sperr insured that neither suspect would be able to commit additional crimes or endanger the public or his fellow officers. Trooper Sperr gave his life in the performance of his duty. The bravery and dedication he demonstrated and the sacrifice he made should never and will never be forgotten.
Website pertaining to the memorial: [Web Link]
List if there are any visiting hours:
dawn to dusk
Entrance fees (if it applies):
0.00
Type of memorial: Monument
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Visit Instructions:
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