Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Sperr, i'm sorry for what happened to you on that day 19 years ago, as it should've never happened, as your death was cruel in every aspect. The cowards who took your lives should've never done what they did that day, but as it turns out, they were already at a bad start from the beginning. First off, they were already up to no good as they had robbed a bank and put other people's lives in danger, and then later on had the audacity to harm you and take your life, which makes no sense. How desperate can one person be to not only steal money instead of working for it like anyone else, and then end up going on to hurt a trooper as a result of their actions? Though you were unaware they had robbed a bank prior at the time, i think that some things could've been different that day, had there been another officer there to assist you. But in the end, you never backed down as you put up a good fight and fought till the end, as you returned fire and shot them both. On a good note, they didn't get away like they thought they did, as they were both caught and sealed away from society as they both got life in prison for what they did not only at the bank, but to you as they were clearly selfish and unruly to do such a thing to another human being. Although the state of New York doesn't have the death penalty, i think it should've been different and that the men who took your life should've been put down ages ago, as the only purpose they had was causing fear and trouble to those around them. It doesn't make sense to me, and i'm sure it doesn't make sense to anyone else, but it doesn't make sense to why people think that if they harm a police officer or Trooper, they think that they can get away with it and they won't have repercussions for their actions.Although i can't personally give a good enough answer, the only one i can think of is that they choose to do it because they're selfish, and they don't think about the actions of their consequences or what they're doing that'll effect not just them, but the families of those they harm. They not only murdered a trooper, but they took away a son, a brother, and a man who was sent by God to protect and serve the citizens of the state of New York. But what i do know now is that you're now up with God and in heaven, as you're now apart of his army of warrior angels that protect and defend those who can't fight back. For one thing, it takes alot to not only become a state trooper, but to also serve for 10 years. That means you spent 10 years of your lifetime protecting and serving the people of New York, meaning that you knew each day when you got up in the morning, you'd come across any challenge or danger that came your way, and i'd like to believe you faced it head on and didn't back down, and even in your last moments it shows that you fought until the very end, and if that doesn't describe a fraction of your strength and bravery, i'm not sure what will, because you were a fighter and possibly one of the bravest Troopers to ever do it. You not only got into a gunfight with 2 men who wanted nothing more than to cause trouble, but you were able to wound both gunmen and fight, although i think it should've been different and you should've won, but we can't change the past or the decisions God chooses to make when it comes down to situations like this. I'm not sure if things will ever change when it comes down to those who choose to harm police, but as i mentioned earlier, they do it because they're selfish and their minds are far too gone. There's more than just one answer, and i think a few is that most individuals who harm police are fueled with so much anger and wrath that it causes them to spiral out of control, and it gets to the point that they lose themselves in the process. However, despite that, i'd like to shift into the positive light of things. For one, i think you were someone that people could meet and would know later on that they could trust you with your profession as a Trooper, though i believe that even when you weren't in uniform and you weren't out there protecting and serving the public, i think that you were still the same person that would give up their life for a stranger, and in this case you gave your life, the ultimate sacrifice to the people of NY, and i'm sure that even years later they appreciate your service and recognize the kind of hero and man you really were, and that your impact is still felt even today. It's good to think and believe that people who lived in NY could safely travel and sleep at night knowing that they had Troopers like you who would bravely and courageously travel the streets, knowing that danger could come out at any given moment, and to be honest, you knew that you would face danger each day you went to work, and like i said before, you knew this and faced it anyway. Becoming a police officer/Trooper isn't somethig that not all people can achieve, and it takes a certain type of person to really put their dedication and the work it takes to truly join the blue family, and with Troopers like you leading the way and showing what it meant to go out and protect and serve, it meant that you inspired others even after your sacrifice, which goes to show that there are people out there you've inspired in death to wanna protect and serve like you did at one point in time. And although you died before i was born that same year, i'm pretty sure even i could've had the honor to meet you and get to know you, although i personally don't live in New York, but still, that means that even people like me feel inspired by your sacrifice and what you did on that day of March 1st, which was to face danger and never back down, even if you lose in the end, because at the end of the day the moral lesson is to always put up a fight in the face of danger when challenged, and you Mr. Sperr faced it directly and fought till the very end of your life, and you should've received more than what you already had because the ultimate sacrifice is one that not many have the courage to do, as it takes a certain breed of people who are willing to face danger and don't cower in the eyes of evil, as you must never make peace with evil, other than to destroy it, like it says in "Romans 12:21" on overcoming evil with good. It's been a long road for 19 years, and alot of things changed since you passed. For one, a memorial park was named after you and a tribute stone was put there to show all who visit on why it's there. That means that your memory is still alive, and that your name is forever going to be etched in the park and keep your name alive, along with the fact it is your final resting place, which i honestly think is beautiful and unique since you're the only one who is buried in the park, which is good. I think that within those 10 years of being a NY state trooper, you were able to make more than just a name of yourself as your legacy and impact is felt even today, and even now as i'm writing this i'm in thought about the fact on what you did that day was heroic, and you deserve to be honored in every way one can think of. Before your sacrifice, i believe that when you spent that long as a trooper and you made sure that everyone can go home safely, i think that you made far more than just any other impact. The kind of impacts where it involves the fact that an officer gave his life for his community is one that deserves to be talked about and discussed within generations almost if you will. One thing i do believe is that one day your killers will receive their true sentence, which is death. I don't wish death on them, but i do know that for what they did that day and how they took your life, it's safe to say that they should've been put down much sooner for what they did that day as a result of their actions. Sure they rot in their cell for the rest of their life and never come out, but at the end of the day they will have a special spot in hell for them, because they didn't just murder a Trooper, but they killed one of God's men, one of God's soldiers sent on earth to protect and serve the public. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is deeply cherished, and that your name will never be forgotten nor less spoken of, as you're a sign of what it means to fight against evil and don't back down in fear. I believe that as long as your name is said and you're remembered, you aren't truly dead as you will live on in the hearts and minds of others, and that even people who've never met you have a spot in their hearts for you with who you were, and what you did as a public servant. Rest Well Mr. Sperr.

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

August 30, 2025

Andy,

Hey brother. Sorry, it’s been a while since I’ve reached out. Kinda went off the rails for a bit. Been letting myself think of you more often again lately. Still don’t miss you any less. Kyle is starting, more and more, to remind me of you. It makes me both proud and sad at the same time. Anyway, I see they finally cut down the old tree at the site. Doesn’t seem to matter how much time passes; that spot still brings me right back to that day. Please keep a close watch over the Troops. They’re dealing with a level of adversity we never dreamed of. I’m sorry that you never got to enjoy retirement. You, more than any of us, truly deserved it. I don’t need to tell you, but you are certainly not forgotten. Nor are the impressions you made on so many lives. I hope that you are well. Thanks again for the time we were able to spend with you, as brief as it may have been.

1816

June 7, 2025

Rest in peace

J.R.

March 2, 2025

19 years

M/T Chris McGarity
Louisiana State Police Retired

March 1, 2025

My partner and I just stopped by the memorial to pay our respects. It's a humbling experience every time I go. I never knew you personally, but I remember that day very well. You are a hero and your dedication to service will always be remembered!

"Blessed be the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Deputy C. Holloway
CCSO

March 1, 2025

Never forgotten

M/T Chris McGarity
Louisiana State Police-Retired

February 29, 2024

Rest in peace.

J.R.

March 2, 2023

You were a leader and an inspiration to those of us who worked with you.

Tpr Jared Rowling (retired)
NYSP

March 1, 2023

Miss you Andy. I remember from time to time you stopped and bought pies from the old lady who sold them along the roadside.... then sat in the patrol room and ate the whole pie!

Allie 2630
NYSP

March 1, 2023

Yeah. Guess I'm still a little raw. Snotting and crying all over myself thinking of you. Still love and miss you. Life's changed a lot. Kyle has become quite a hunter and Kate has two little girls. Mikey and Matty are seniors now. Hope you are doing well.

1816
NYSP

January 11, 2023

I had the pleasure of knowing you. You were a wonderful person with a great smile. I can tell you that you are missed. I can say that the community rallied around your memory and family. You will never be forgotten.

Melody Ross Lindsay
friend

December 8, 2022

Never forgotten, RIP brother, see you in heaven.

Trooper
NYSP Retired

March 1, 2022

Rest in Peace brother. Always remembered in Louisiana.

M/T Chris McGarity
Louisiana State Police-Retired

March 1, 2022

We are thinking about the Sperr family especially today on the 16th Anniversary. Know that we think of you throughout the year. All our love to your family.

Cindy & Jim Todeschini
Parents of Trooper Craig J. Todeschini

March 1, 2022

You are in my heart forever, Brother. Never forgotten.

TR
Brother

March 1, 2022

Rest in peace.

J.R.

November 6, 2021

Rest In Peace- your service won’t be forgotten!

Ofc. Ras #1756
Fort Lauderdale PD

September 25, 2021

Happy Birthday Andy.

Becky Kluchonic
New York State Police

December 20, 2020

14 year anniversary death of NY State Trooper Andrew Sperr

Posted on Sunday, March 1st 2020

BIG FLATS, N.Y. (WENY) - Today marks 14 years since New York State Trooper Andrew Sperr was killed in the line of duty.

Trooper Sperr died on March 1st of 2006 after pulling over two men who robbed a nearby bank in the town of Big Flats. After exchanging gunfire with the suspects, Trooper Sperr was wounded and died at the scene. Sperr was only 33-years-old at the time of his death, and had been a New York State Trooper for 10 years. In memory of Trooper Sperrs death, his friends, family and co-workers, made the scene of the crime a park in his memory, known as "Sperr Memorial Park."

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

March 2, 2020

Rest In Peace

Mark Mottola

March 1, 2020

Thinking of you today Trooper Speer

Patrolman Stephen Hall
Clarks Summit Borough Police

March 1, 2020

Trooper Andrew Speer will never be forgotten. Thank you "AJ" for your service sir.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police - Troop D

January 31, 2020

Been thinking about you, as usual this time of year. This was a tough year for me and thing I miss the most is being able to talk to you and feel your support. You were the best friend...and I miss you, brother.

–T
brother

December 19, 2019

Rest in Peace brother. You will never be forgotten.

M/T Chris McGarity
LSP-Retired

March 1, 2019

Another New York State Trooper was shot and killed in the line of duty yesterday his name was Nicholas Clark, take care of him Trooper Sperr welcome him to heaven's precinct with open arms.

John
Civilian LEO Supporter Rochester NY

July 3, 2018