Holly MatkinSwatara, PA – State University of New York (SUNY) Plattsburgh Police Lieutenant Robert “Bob” Mesec died in a motorcycle crash on Sept. 16 while traveling to a rally in Virginia.
The 44-year-old lieutenant was riding down Interstate 81 on his Harley-Davidson at approximately 3:13 p.m. on Sept. 16 when he drifted over the yellow fog line on the left shoulder and onto the rumble strip, the Lebanon Daily News reported.
Lt. Mesec then collided with the guardrail, ejecting him from his motorcycle, according to Pennsylvanian State Police (PSP).
He was riding as part of a group of fellow law enforcement officers at the time of the crash, the Lebanon Daily News reported.
Lt. Mesec succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
“We are in mourning with our brothers and sisters at the SUNY Plattsburgh University Police Department as they struggle with the tragic and sudden passing of Lieutenant Robert “Bob” Mesec,” the Plattsburgh Police Local 812 said in a Facebook post the following day.
“Lieutenant Mesec was incredibly intelligent, witty, always helpful, and above all, compassionate,” the union said. “Law Enforcement as a whole has an immeasurable loss to face. But this pales in comparison to the loss that his family and friends now have to cope with.”
Lt. Mesec joined the SUNY Plattsburgh police force 21 years ago, SUNY Plattsburgh President Alexander Enyedi told the Lebanon Daily Times.
He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in November of 2008.
“Our condolences to all who knew and loved Bob,” Enyedi told the paper. “He will be missed.”
Lt. Mesec leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, and his 12-year-old daughter, Nora, the Lebanon Daily News reported.
He is also survived by his parents, siblings, nephew, nieces, great-nephew, in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends, according to his obituary.
Lt. Mesec will be laid to rest on Thursday.
All of us together took time to remember and honor Lt. Bob Mesec. He contributed so much to SUNY Plattsburgh for 21 years. pic.twitter.com/zrC6RyVTET
— SUNY Plattsburgh (@SUNYPlattsburgh) September 17, 2021
From President Enyedi: It is with a heavy heart that I write to share with you the passing of University Police Lt. Robert Mesec, who was killed in a motorcycle accident late Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, on his way to a motorcycle rally in Virginia. He was 44. (thread) pic.twitter.com/CwQGX8XNeX
— SUNY Plattsburgh (@SUNYPlattsburgh) September 17, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of State University of New York Plattsburgh Police Lieutenant Robert “Bob” Mesec, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
