New York State Police, New York
End of Watch Thursday, October 24, 1974
Add to My HeroesEmerson James Dillon, Jr.
Trooper Jim Dillon was shot and killed at 11:10 a.m. after stopping a suspicious vehicle on the New York State Thruway near Canastota.
Unknown to Trooper Dillon, the two occupants had just committed an armed robbery and were fleeing the scene. Trooper Dillon approached the car and removed one of the suspects. During the ensuing scuffle, the second occupant exited the vehicle and shot Trooper Dillon. Before he died, Trooper Dillon was able to return fire, striking the suspect vehicle as it fled.
Two suspects were apprehended later that day. A third suspect was arrested the following day in New York City. The suspect who shot Trooper Dillon was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled in December 2017 at nearly 75 years old. One of the other suspects died in prison while serving a 25-year sentence.
Trooper Dillon had served with the New York State Police for 16 years and was assigned to Troop T. He was survived by his wife and six children.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour 16 years
- Badge 597
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Convicted of murder
Most Recent Reflection
View all 52 ReflectionsOnce again we are honored to remember Trooper Emerson Dillion. His service to our community and to the State of New York is forever held in high esteem.
First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police
October 24, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Paul Martin
Mercer County Sheriff's Office, ND
EOW: December 6, 2023

Police Officer Paul Tracey
Waltham Police Department, MA
EOW: December 6, 2023

Trooper Alberto Felix
Nevada Department of Public Safety - Nevada Highway Patrol, NV
EOW: November 30, 2023

Sergeant Michael Abbate
Nevada Department of Public Safety - Nevada Highway Patrol, NV
EOW: November 30, 2023

Sergeant Michael Moran
Cortez Police Department, CO
EOW: November 29, 2023

Detective James Michael Lett
Benton Police Department, AR
EOW: November 8, 2023

Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: November 14, 2023

Correctional Officer III Jovian Motley
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: November 13, 2023

Sergeant Jon Arden Jenson
Fort Worth Police Department, TX
EOW: October 28, 2023