Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My 12yo son Hudson plays hockey for the West Point Junior Black Knights. Yesterday, his coaches took members of the 14U team up the Trail of the Fallen where each player was told to pick a name they saw at the top and to remember it. Hudson chose State Trooper Robert Dunning. (He chose Robert because his father’s name is Robert and he would only have to remember one name). When they returned to the bottom of the mountain, each player was asked to state the name they chose. Hudson was instructed to learn about Robert’s life and the ultimate sacrifice that he made. Hudson vowed to give his best every single game in honor of Robert Dunning. His first game is 8/22 and Hudson will be thinking of Mr. Dunning. Thank you for your sacrifice. We truly appreciate it and will now honor you each and every game!

Hudson Baker-Stuck
WP JBK Hockey #36

August 17, 2025

God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 14, 2025

Rest in peace.

J.R.

June 14, 2024

New York State Troopers and colleagues. I drive under the Trooper Robert G. Dunning Bridge whenever I am on the Taconic State Parkway. Yes, I remember this tragedy. I’m not law enforcement and work in the Railroad / Rail Transit industry. However, I think that it is so appropriate that this young hero be remembered with this structure. God bless him, his family, and all who serve to keep us New Yorker’s safe. Every time I see a Trooper who has pulled someone off along the road, I say a silent prayer, for God only knows who they’re dealing with.

PAUL J MESSINA
MTA

May 25, 2023

Had the honor of working with Bob when assigned to SP Poughkeepsie, in 1979. An outstanding trooper and friend, with a great sense of humor. RIP my friend.

Inv Bud Griffiths retired
NYSP

June 14, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with both Robert and Bruce stunning oh well I was a uniform trooper in K troop they were two great people and a credit to the New York State police

Investigator Alan E Luchette Sr
Retired as an investigator from the VFW squad served with the division

June 15, 2020

RIP Robert Dunning, you will never be forgotten. I knew his brother Bruce Dunning, who was a well respected BCI Captain and well respected human being. Tribute to the 3 New York State Police Dunning brothers.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

January 4, 2020

I am Bucky and Connie Gros’s granddaughter. Bob was such generous man who was always there for my grandparents. They viewed him as a son; he checked on them regularly and helped them when needed. But most of all, he loved them and he was so loved. I met him a number of times and adored him for being there for my Gigi and PopBuck when family lived so far away. My grandfather mourned his death until the day he died. He was a special man. And thank you to all “K” Troopers for continuing to keep an eye on my grandparents.

Patricia Bettle McKeithen
Friend

August 26, 2019

Bob and I attempted the NYSP Academy together at Oneonta State College for a bit then finishing up at some forsaken resort in the Catskill Mts. He was a guy full of wit, common sense and humor. Our paths would cross through the years at in service training sessions and SP special assignments. I always enjoyed meeting up with Bob having dinner and reflecting on times gone past. He was a great guy and I think of him often

Trooper Rich Beresniewicz
Retired NYSP

July 14, 2018

Trooper Robert G. Dunning will never ever be forgotten. May his soul rest in Heaven, and may God bless his family, especially his three children.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

March 25, 2018

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

June 14, 2017

Just to let Bob's family know that the sign honoring my
friend Trooper Robert Dunning that I mentioned on this page back in March of 2013 still stands in remembrance of a wonderful human being.

Peter Vlassopoulos
Friend

November 16, 2016

I knew Trooper Dunning and he was the best! He was a friend who gave respect and deserved respect. I remember when his tour ended and, believe me, he will always be missed. R.I.P. Bob Dunning

Michael J Russell
Acquaintance & Friend

November 8, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

It was 28 years today that Bob was taken from his family, friends and fellow troopers. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Bill McGovern
friend

June 14, 2015

I am the niece of Diana Dunning who has recently passed as well and I am at peace knowing she is with my Uncle again. I want his children to know my son is named after him (Hunter Robert) and is proud to be named after such a great man. I love reading all of the wonderful things people have to share about Uncle Bob.

Melissa Van
Neice

September 2, 2014

I am so overwhelmed and grateful for these reflections that have been shared. Just last week I came across the newspapers of my fathers passing and the few pieces of memorabilia I have from childhood. Being that I was raised more in AZ than NY I am so appreciative for your memories of who he was in your lives. Just this past September 2013, I visited Troop K. I have forgotten that so much time had passed and the officer that took us to the memorial they have for my Dad was the one with the longest time in the department.. Over twenty years.. Had never met him but heard about him constantly when he first became a trooper. Please, Please continue to share or send me stories to share with my brother Todd. Theainaz@gmail.com
Blessings to all.. Thea “Amy” Dunning ~ Bobbys proud daughter!

Thea Amy Dunning
Daughter

January 25, 2014

just started thinking of you and what a great man and state trooper you were, a friend of my parents,and when I was a hell raising teenager gave me more breaks then I deserved ,then when I came home from Vietnam and for that first year I was a total mess ,drinking getting drunk everyday self medicating my issues ,then one night you pulled me over at 2 am and had a talk with me followed me home to make sure I was got there safe ,will always remember that talk and how it got me going in the right direction,thank you my friend you were the best

BOB
FRIEND

January 25, 2014

Rest in Peace Bobby.....I was thinking of you today.

Sgt.
N. Y. S. Dept. of Corrections

May 10, 2013

Peter,
Your father "Herk" will also will always be remembered also.

Bill McGovern
friend

March 27, 2013

Too this day there is a sign my father made many many years ago reading - Least we Forget Trooper Robert Dunning facing the road on our property in LaGrangeville NY. Just wanted to let you know Bob will always be remembered.

Peter Vlassopoulos
Friend

March 15, 2013

I've never seen anyone more adored than my Uncle Bob. My father loved him and missed him everyday of his life. I know that he was his motivation and his hero.
When my father passed some of the only comfort I found was that he was with Bob.
Being a trooper was in their blood and they loved what they did. It was truly their identity.

Casey Dunning
niece, daughter of Capt. Bruce Dunning

December 22, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 20, 2012

Always think about you Bob

SI Craig Baldwin
NYSP Troop K Friend

June 27, 2012

Rest in Peace

widow of Tpr T.L. Pryme NYSP
widow of Tpr T. L. Pryme NYSP

June 20, 2012