We Remember NYSP Trooper Ricky J. Parisian

We pause remember Oneonta's own Ricky J. Parisian at this time of the year, the anniversary of his death.  I was on the air on May 20, 1994 when the news of his death swept the community.  It was Memorial Day weekend and the city was jammed for college graduation ceremonies and people coming for festivities.  And Trooper Parisian's killer was still on the loose.  His story has been told often, but all who knew him, his family or his good deeds will always be in debt for his service to his fellow man.  God Bless You Rick Parisian.

This citation from the New York State Police Wall of Honor tells the details of his act of bravery: "On Friday, May 20, 1994, Investigator Ricky J. Parisian, 34, a member of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), was shot and killed when he attempted to stop an armed robbery at a supermarket in the city of Oneonta.  Parisian, who was off-duty at the time of the attack, was shopping with his wife when he spotted the robbery in progress. Assisted by his wife, Parisian first ushered store customers to a safe area. He then ran to the front of the store and tackled the robber. Both men fell through a plate glass window. The attacker, who was armed with a sawed-off shotgun, rose to his feet and fired once at Parisian. Mortally wounded, Parisian continued to struggle with the suspect and managed to tear off the robber's ski mask and disarm him. He collapsed and his attacker fled. The mask and shotgun were secured as evidence and were instrumental in the apprehension of the robber.  Investigator Parisian was an eight-year veteran of the Division at the time of his death."