NORTH COLLINS, NY (WKBW) — The Village of North Collins remembers Stephen "Steve" Ebling who was a husband, father, New York State Thruway Authority maintenance supervisor and part-time police officer.
Ebling was killed while working along I-90 near Hanover on Monday.
An investigation determined that Ebling was standing on the left shoulder when another vehicle crossed over the hazard markings and headed toward him. According to police, Ebling quickly moved into the passing lane but was hit as the car returned to the left lane.
"We can't even understand this whole tragedy; I try to remember the good times," said James Duffy, a fellow North Collins Officer.
Many in the village feel the loss of Officer Ebling.
"You wonder how it can happen with the thruway, straightaways, and everything," said Vincent George, Mayor of North Collins. "A person who has probably picked up debris hundreds of times."
George told me that Officer Ebling left a lasting mark on every resident in the Village.
"I will just remember him and not forget him. I don't think we will, and I don't think we will forget him. He will always be a part of our police department," said Mayor George.
First responders want to remind all drivers to slow down and move over when driving in a construction zone.
"Follow the Move-Over Law, and these things don't happen," said Duffy.
A wake for Ebling will take place Friday followed by a funeral service on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Johns Community Church on E. Church Street in Eden.
