SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — A scholarship will once again be awarded to honor the memory of a New York State trooper killed in a 2007 crash in East Quogue.
A $1,000 scholarship in 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 memory of Trooper Rosado 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.
Trustees of the Troopers Memorial Fund extended their best wishes to Suffolk County Community College students for their further education and careers.
“Our motto 'Never forget those we have lost' should apply to all as we all strive to make a difference,” officials said.
“On behalf of the Suffolk Community College Foundation Board of Trustees, I am pleased to express the gratitude of our college community 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 each year on their way to a promising career 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 him to lose control of his vehicle. The trooper's vehicle skidded into the path of a speeding vehicle and he died.
According to Troopers Memorial Fun, Trooper Jose A. Rosado, Shield 4411, was born on February 25, 1961 in Puerto Rico. He came to the US mainland after graduating high school and always aspired to be a law enforcement officer.
Trooper Rosado worked as a New York State Correctional Officer for four years before becoming 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.
“Private Rosado had a great sense of humor and was a pleasure to find in the barracks. He was married with two children when he died,” the page said.
In addition to the scholarship, the Troopers Memorial Fund invites scholars to participate annually in the New York State Police Memorial Service at Troop L in Farmingdale, where they are introduced to the family, friends and colleagues of Trooper Rosado.
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, a holiday honoring local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty, is observed each year on May 15.
