Governor Cuomo Orders Flags to be Flown Half-Staff in Memory of Trooper Christopher Skinner

Governor Cuomo has ordered that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff today in memory of late State Police Trooper Christopher Skinner.

New York State Trooper and Binghamton native Christopher Skinner was killed on Thursday May 29th when 60-year-old Almond Upton on Melrose, Florida hit Skinner while he was conducting a traffic stop on I-81 between exit 6 and 7.

“As we mourn the tragic death of Trooper Skinner, we will fly flags on all state government buildings at half-staff this Tuesday to honor his memory and commitment to the people of New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “Trooper Skinner served his communities with the dedication and selflessness that embodies the New York State Police, and he will be greatly missed. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I offer my thoughts and prayers to his friends and family and wish to express my deepest gratitude for his service.”

Skinner is survived by his mother, brother, fiancee and three children. His funeral services will be held today at 11am at the First Baptist Church in Johnson City. The route for Trooper Skinner’s funeral procession is as follows:

• The procession will start around 10am and leave Chenango Street in Port Dickinson to Bevier Street, left on Front Street, right on Prospect Street to Airport Road. Right on Airport Road to East Maine Road then to Reynolds Road near the First Baptist Church.

Our news department tells us that Governor Cuomo will be in town for Trooper Skinner's funeral, so you should expect already heavy traffic to be even heavier. Please have patience and understanding.

A memorial fund for Skinner's children has been set up with Visions Federal Credit Union. If you'd like to make a donation, you can visit any local branch or mail contributions to Visions Federal Credit Union, 3301 Country Club Rd Endwell, NY 13760. Checks should be made payable to "Skinner Children Ed Fund."