Scholarship Honors State Trooper Who Died In Crash

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A scholarship will once again be awarded to honor the memory of a New York State trooper who died in a 2007 crash in East Quogue.

A $1,000 scholarship in the memory of the late New York State Trooper Jose Rosado is supported by the New York State Troopers Memorial Fund, the Suffolk Community College Foundation said this week.

The scholarship established in Trooper Rosado’s memory provides two $500 awards; to an incoming student and a continuing student studying at Suffolk County Community College toward a career in law enforcement, the foundation said.

The Troopers Memorial Fund trustees extended their best wishes to the students at Suffolk County Community College in furthering their education and eventual careers.

"Our motto of 'Never Forget' those we lost should apply to everyone as we all strive to make a difference," officials said.

"On behalf of the board of directors of the Suffolk Community College Foundation, I am delighted to express our college community’s gratitude to the New York State Troopers Memorial Fund for their generous support of student success at Suffolk County Community College through the New York State Trooper Jose Rosado Memorial Scholarship", said Sylvia A. Diaz, executive director of the Suffolk Community College Foundation. "Trooper Jose Rosado’s memory and legacy of service is celebrated at Suffolk County Community College as students are awarded the scholarship annually on their pathways towards promising careers in law enforcement," Diaz said.

Trooper Rosado, 45, was killed in a two-car accident on January 24, 2007, in East Quogue. While on patrol, Trooper Rosado encountered black-ice, causing a loss of control of his vehicle. The trooper’s vehicle slid sideways into the path of an oncoming vehicle, and he died.

According the Troopers Memorial Fun, Trooper Jose A. Rosado, Shield 4411, was born on Feb. 25, 1961 in Puerto Rico. He came to the U.S. mainland after graduating from high school and always aspired to be a law enforcement officer.

Trooper Rosado worked as a New York State Corrections Officer for four years before he became a New York State trooper. After graduating from the New York State Police Academy in 1988, he was assigned to Troop L where he served his entire career.

"Trooper Rosado had an excellent sense of humor and was a pleasure to have around the barracks. He was married and had two children when he lost his life," the page said.

In addition to the scholarship, the Troopers Memorial Fund invites scholars to join them annually at the New York State Police Memorial Service at Troop L in Farmingdale, where they are introduced to Trooper Rosado’s family, friends and colleagues.

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, an observance that pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty is celebrated annually on May 15.