Posted on 09/07/2006 6:41:59 PM PDT by lightman
By LEWIS SNYDER
9/8/2006 - A trooper died this week.
A young, useful, productive member of society — one sworn to help and protect the citizens of New York — died as the result of a gunshot wound. The shooting was very likely the cowardly deed of one Ralph Phillips — an individual who has never done anything useful in his entire life for society. An individual who, in fact, has been nothing but a drain on society since his first arrest all those years ago.
I have some questions I would like to ask. To all those who thought Phillips’ escape and the subsequent manhunt a joke (Bucky burgers? Run Bucky Run T-shirts?), supported him rather than the police searching for him, or for some insane reason consider him a folk hero — are you satisfied now that he is really nothing more than a dangerous, worthless criminal? For the woman from Sinclairville who was upset about the ‘‘overreaction, inconvenience and police attitude’’ — is this enough reason? For all those bleeding hearts so upset over the fact that Phillips’ granddaughter was removed from his daughter’s custody (for two whole days!), and their concern for the child’s ‘‘failure to thrive’’ because she is supposedly breast feeding — how do you supposed this murdered trooper’s child of 13 months will thrive with his father being taken away forever? How will the trooper’s wife thrive? For all those concerned that Phillips, a useless piece of human trash, might get shot — it’s all right for him to shoot three state troopers? Finally, are the people of this county who keep questioning the extent of this manhunt ready to acknowledge that Phillips is extremely dangerous and needs to be caught, before he murders someone else?
One final question, to our earnest and hard working district attorney, Dave Foley. I may be off base on this, but since it appears that Phillips may now have committed a murder during the course of a felony (his escape from a penal institution), can those individuals who assisted him in the commission of this felony by aiding and abetting his escape now be charged with felony murder? Just a thought.
Having recently completed a 33 year career in law enforcement, I know and appreciate the danger these men are facing on a daily basis. In fact, I spent my last two days on the job in the woods looking for Phillips. It has been increasingly frustrating to me to see peoples’ comments against the police in the paper. I don’t believe the public knows how much their support means to law enforcement — always, but particularly at a time like this, or how much lack of support can damage morale and discourage those working to protect them. I ask you to support our law enforcement — certainly during this time, but also in all the work they do in the effort to make this a safer county in which to live. It is, however, most unfortunate — and a sad comment on society today — that it took the shooting of three state troopers and the death of one, for some to offer that support.
A trooper died (Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006). May God bless — and may your prayers with him, his family and the entire law enforcement community.
Lewis Snyder is a resident of Jamestown.
Allegedly, yes. But he was wanted for that crime and being sought by the same troopers he shot, it was why they were there. An innocent man needn't shoot two men in the back. I have NO sympathy for his friends and family sheltering him. His family has taken sides.
HUH? I work with law enforcement officers, I respect them. I am the one who gets in an ambulance and rushes off to save people. My family and I would not be in that position to begin with. I do not operate outside the law, never have and never will.
We are dealing with someone who does operate outside the law, he could have walked out of jail in a matter of days...but NO, he had to escape and shoot at a couple of troopers and nearly kill one. Then he shoots two more and does kill one. Another man's life is still hanging in there. He and his family are out of options. I do not expect LEOs to put up with this. He and his family can turn themselves in and handle the consequences.
This thread is entitled "Troopers need public support". They have this New Yorker's support. Do they have yours?
Ralph Philips cornered ping?
Are they any closer to the POS?
WHERE?!?
News is reporting alot of activity near Carroll, NY near PA border
Earlier this morning, as posted on www.wben.com:
"Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - New York State police are about to hold a news conference that is believed to be about the search for fugitive Ralph "Bucky" Phillips. Following earlier reports of a traffic stop that resulted in the driver fleeing his vehicle near the Chautauqua County town of Carroll, NY this morning, police activity in the area has steadily increased."
WBEN reporting there is also increased police activity in Russell (sp?), PA.
Caller reporting that police are tearing down roadblocks, and leving to go in the vicinity of Frewsburg, NY (near Carroll).
WBEN reports unconfirmed reports of shorts fired earlier this morning in Carroll, NY... and Russell, PA...
He can't be in two places at once.
Eyewitness in PA reported gunfire, and helicopter overflights in vicinity of the gunfire.
Caller from Frewsburg reports shorts were heard this morning. Lives about 1/2 - 1 miles from area of pilice activity. Heard shots ~10:45 Am.
WBEN reporter in Carroll, NY giving update. Driver fled vehicle ~2:30 Am this morning near Alleghany State Park.
America's Most Wanted reports Phillips involved in "gunfight" with police. How does AMW know this?
Per WBEN, AP reports Phillips "holed up" near a golf-course in Warren COunty, PA, that Phillips has fired 11 shots..
Superintendent of NYSP on scene.
No reports of any wounded I hope.
WBEN reporter notes that several New York State Police moving through Carroll, NY at a high rate of speed.
Much activity reported at "Cable Hollow?" Golf Course in Warren County, PA.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.