Sharon Space-Bamberger | Democrat NYS Trooper Thomas Mungeer of Liberty, third from right, the president of NYS Troopers PBA, presented a plaque honoring Sgt. Jeffry T. Edelson to his family. From left: NYS Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico; Jeffry’s father, Steve Edelson; Captain Jamie J. Kaminski; Mungeer; Jeffry’s mother, Ellen Edelson; and his sister Lynda Edelson.

Trooper Edelson memorialized where he died

Story by Sharon Space-Bamberger
LIBERTY — November 29, 2013 — On November 23, the New York State Police, Troop “F” Liberty hosted a ceremony for the dedication of the “Sergeant Jeffry T. Edelson Memorial Highway.” This date was chosen because it is also the 10th anniversary of Sergeant Edelson’s death in the line of duty.
Edelson was killed in a motor vehicle accident on State Route 55 in the Town of Liberty while pursuing a speeder. By a Sullivan County Legislature resolution, a portion of Route 55 east of the village of Liberty was designated as and will be marked with signs as the “Sergeant Jeffry T. Edelson Memorial Highway.”
The signs will serve as a reminder of the selflessness, courage and honor that Sergeant Edelson demonstrated throughout his State Police career.
At the dedication, Zone Commander Captain J. Kaminski of the Liberty Police Station welcomed family members and guests. Speakers included Troop “F” Commander Major Patrick J. Regan, Sullivan County Commissioner of Public Safety Richard A. Martinkovic, NYS Troopers PBA President Thomas Mungeer and NYS Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico.
Troop “F” Commander Major Patrick J. Reagan began, “November 23, 2003 was a Sunday. Everyone’s life was changed that day, including mine. Sgt. Jeffry T. Edelson was a member of Troop F.”
He promised the Edelson family, “We never forget the families of our deceased troopers.”
Dick Martinkovic told of Trooper Edelson regularly coming to his home, grabbing a diet Coke and telling him what needed changing in the interest of public safety.
“Jeffry was a man with ‘chutzpah,’ he had the ‘juice.’ We named a road for him, like the Major said; we will have that road,” Martinkovic said.
Cameras flashed as Martinkovic and Captain Jamie J. Kaminski of the Liberty State Police unveiled one of the signs which will mark State Route 55.
Following the unveiling, Superintendent D’Amico noted, “Policing is a dangerous business. What made Jeffry want to do this? He took ownership for what he did everyday. Jeffry helped make the community safe.”
Later, Troop “F” held a reception at Mr. G’s Restaurant in Liberty for those who attended the dedication. Everyone shared remembrances of Sgt. Edelson. His aunt, Carol Tannenbaum revealed that Thanksgiving has never been the same without her nephew.
“He once led a Conga line around the room. He had such confidence; we all miss him very much,” she said.
PBA President Mungeer presented a framed copy of the day’s program which included Sgt. Edelson’s photo to the Edelson family.
Jeffry’s mother Ellen Edelson said of the dedication, “I’m very touched that they did this. Their support is overwhelming and this whole thing was incredible! It’s a great honor for Jeffry, but it is bittersweet.”