Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

New York State Troopers and colleagues. I drive under the Trooper Robert G. Dunning Bridge whenever I am on the Taconic State Parkway. Yes, I remember this tragedy. I’m not law enforcement and work in the Railroad / Rail Transit industry. However, I think that it is so appropriate that this young hero be remembered with this structure. God bless him, his family, and all who serve to keep us New Yorker’s safe. Every time I see a Trooper who has pulled someone off along the road, I say a silent prayer, for God only knows who they’re dealing with.

PAUL J MESSINA
MTA

May 25, 2023

Had the honor of working with Bob when assigned to SP Poughkeepsie, in 1979. An outstanding trooper and friend, with a great sense of humor. RIP my friend.

Inv Bud Griffiths retired
NYSP

June 14, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with both Robert and Bruce stunning oh well I was a uniform trooper in K troop they were two great people and a credit to the New York State police

Investigator Alan E Luchette Sr
Retired as an investigator from the VFW squad served with the division

June 15, 2020

RIP Robert Dunning, you will never be forgotten. I knew his brother Bruce Dunning, who was a well respected BCI Captain and well respected human being. Tribute to the 3 New York State Police Dunning brothers.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

January 4, 2020

I am Bucky and Connie Gros’s granddaughter. Bob was such generous man who was always there for my grandparents. They viewed him as a son; he checked on them regularly and helped them when needed. But most of all, he loved them and he was so loved. I met him a number of times and adored him for being there for my Gigi and PopBuck when family lived so far away. My grandfather mourned his death until the day he died. He was a special man. And thank you to all “K” Troopers for continuing to keep an eye on my grandparents.

Patricia Bettle McKeithen
Friend

August 26, 2019

Bob and I attempted the NYSP Academy together at Oneonta State College for a bit then finishing up at some forsaken resort in the Catskill Mts. He was a guy full of wit, common sense and humor. Our paths would cross through the years at in service training sessions and SP special assignments. I always enjoyed meeting up with Bob having dinner and reflecting on times gone past. He was a great guy and I think of him often

Trooper Rich Beresniewicz
Retired NYSP

July 14, 2018

Trooper Robert G. Dunning will never ever be forgotten. May his soul rest in Heaven, and may God bless his family, especially his three children.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

March 25, 2018

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

June 14, 2017

Just to let Bob's family know that the sign honoring my
friend Trooper Robert Dunning that I mentioned on this page back in March of 2013 still stands in remembrance of a wonderful human being.

Peter Vlassopoulos
Friend

November 16, 2016

I knew Trooper Dunning and he was the best! He was a friend who gave respect and deserved respect. I remember when his tour ended and, believe me, he will always be missed. R.I.P. Bob Dunning

Michael J Russell
Acquaintance & Friend

November 8, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

It was 28 years today that Bob was taken from his family, friends and fellow troopers. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Bill McGovern
friend

June 14, 2015

I am the niece of Diana Dunning who has recently passed as well and I am at peace knowing she is with my Uncle again. I want his children to know my son is named after him (Hunter Robert) and is proud to be named after such a great man. I love reading all of the wonderful things people have to share about Uncle Bob.

Melissa Van
Neice

September 2, 2014

I am so overwhelmed and grateful for these reflections that have been shared. Just last week I came across the newspapers of my fathers passing and the few pieces of memorabilia I have from childhood. Being that I was raised more in AZ than NY I am so appreciative for your memories of who he was in your lives. Just this past September 2013, I visited Troop K. I have forgotten that so much time had passed and the officer that took us to the memorial they have for my Dad was the one with the longest time in the department.. Over twenty years.. Had never met him but heard about him constantly when he first became a trooper. Please, Please continue to share or send me stories to share with my brother Todd. [email protected]
Blessings to all.. Thea “Amy” Dunning ~ Bobbys proud daughter!

Thea Amy Dunning
Daughter

January 25, 2014

just started thinking of you and what a great man and state trooper you were, a friend of my parents,and when I was a hell raising teenager gave me more breaks then I deserved ,then when I came home from Vietnam and for that first year I was a total mess ,drinking getting drunk everyday self medicating my issues ,then one night you pulled me over at 2 am and had a talk with me followed me home to make sure I was got there safe ,will always remember that talk and how it got me going in the right direction,thank you my friend you were the best

BOB
FRIEND

January 25, 2014

Rest in Peace Bobby.....I was thinking of you today.

Sgt.
N. Y. S. Dept. of Corrections

May 10, 2013

Peter,
Your father "Herk" will also will always be remembered also.

Bill McGovern
friend

March 27, 2013

Too this day there is a sign my father made many many years ago reading - Least we Forget Trooper Robert Dunning facing the road on our property in LaGrangeville NY. Just wanted to let you know Bob will always be remembered.

Peter Vlassopoulos
Friend

March 15, 2013

I've never seen anyone more adored than my Uncle Bob. My father loved him and missed him everyday of his life. I know that he was his motivation and his hero.
When my father passed some of the only comfort I found was that he was with Bob.
Being a trooper was in their blood and they loved what they did. It was truly their identity.

Casey Dunning
niece, daughter of Capt. Bruce Dunning

December 22, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 20, 2012

Always think about you Bob

SI Craig Baldwin
NYSP Troop K Friend

June 27, 2012

Rest in Peace

widow of Tpr T.L. Pryme NYSP
widow of Tpr T. L. Pryme NYSP

June 20, 2012

I remember Bob as well. Yes, "Bobby Good Guy!" That was his handle. He and my father were good friends for many many years. Hunting, fishing, cook-outs and such. Great sense of humor!

Sgt. C. Centanni, retired
N. Y. S. Dept. of Corrections Green Haven C. F.

June 14, 2012

I worked with Bob for a number of years.I loved working with the man,his sense of humor made the time go by so quickly :)
He was a good trooper,and if you asked any of the other troopers who they would like to have backing them up,"Bobby good Guy" would be at the top of their list.I will miss always.

Norman Johnson-Retired Com Spec
New York State Police

June 19, 2011

As a civilian at Troop K hqtrs, I always enjoyed chatting with Bob when he was working the desk at Troop.
He made us all smile with his great sense of humor.
As I headed off to the Academy in March 87, Bob would often call me his favorite 'Trooperette'. I was in the Academy when I heard what happened and was struck with grief. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to know Bob and for the sacrifice that he made (as well as his family). I still smile when thinking of him. Surely, he his bringing joy in heaven! God Bless!

Linda Cotter-Forbes
NYSP, retired Investigator

September 24, 2009