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Ruzas denied parole in 1974 murder of Trooper Emerson Dillon

11/21/2011 4:04:28 PM

The PBA is proud to share with you that John Ruzas, who was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years of life in the slaying of Trooper Emerson J. Dillon in 1974, has been denied parole. We would like to thank our active and retired members for sending letters of opposition to the New York State Board of Parole, which we believe had a significant role in the Parole Board's denial of parole for Ruzas. In addition, the National Troopers Coalition and the National Association of Police Organizations, both of which the PBA is a member, assisted by sending letters as well. Thank you for your help in ensuring Ruzas was denied parole and kept in prison, where he belongs.

Trooper Dillon, a 16-year veteran of the State Police, initiated a traffic stop along the Thruway, unaware the occupants of the vehicle were fleeing a jewelry store robbery. One of the passengers, Ruzas, shot Trooper Dillon in the left side of his heart, killing him. When Ruzas murdered Trooper Dillon, he was already on parole from Attica for his role in two robberies in New York City.

A husband and father of six, Trooper Dillon loved being a New York State Trooper. He acted bravely and heroically until the end, as he was able to fire two return shots as he backpedaled across four lanes of highway to try to reach safety. One of the shots struck the vehicle he had stopped.
                         

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