Holly MatkinNorthampton, NY – New York State Police (NYSP) Trooper James Monda died in the line of duty after slipping beneath the surface of Great Sacandaga Lake while working a marine patrol detail on Sunday.
The 45-year-old trooper went underwater at a boat launch at approximately 4 p.m. on Aug. 22 and did not resurface, the NYSP said in a press release on Monday afternoon.
Trooper Monda was pulled from the water and rushed to Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, where he was pronounced dead.
Additional details about the fatal incident have not been released.
“It is with deep regret and sadness that Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen announces the line of duty death of Trooper James J. Monda,” the NYSP said. “Trooper Monda entered the State Police in September 2002 and served with the State Police for 18 years.”
He served most of his career in Troop G and spent nearly one year with Troop B, his agency said.
Trooper Monda’s most recent assignment was in Princetown.
“Trooper Monda selflessly dedicated his life to protecting and serving the public, and we will never forget his ultimate sacrifice,” New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association President Thomas Mungeer said in a statement to the Times Union.
He leaves behind his fiancé and his parents, the NYSP said.
It is with deep regret that Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen announces the line of duty death of Trooper James J. Monda.
Trooper Monda, an 18 year veteran of the New York State Police, is survived by his fiancee, mother and father.https://t.co/afRLL6PiX7 pic.twitter.com/jaiUbK0laA— NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) August 23, 2021
Please join the PBA in praying for fallen @ThePBA Trooper James J. Monda, his family, and colleagues. Trooper Monda tragically lost his life in the line-of-duty yesterday. Rest easy brother. #FidelisAdMortem pic.twitter.com/GDDLGSj9lv
— NYC PBA (@NYCPBA) August 23, 2021
Rest In Peace: Trooper Trooper James J. Monda. New York State Police, Ney York. End of Watch Sunday, August 22, 2021. @nyspolice @ThePBA @PoliceOne @ODMP #BlueLivesMatter #officerdown pic.twitter.com/DKFmymNrAl
— R Cook (@retiredNCSHP) August 23, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of New York State Police Trooper James Monda, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
