Community remembers man killed while working on New York State Thruway

NORTH COLLINS, N.Y. (WKBW) — The village of North Collins is remembering Steven “Steve” Ebling, who was a husband, father, maintenance supervisor for the New York State Highway Patrol and part-time police officer.

Ebling died Monday in a car crash while working on I-90 near Hanover.

The investigation determined that Ebling was standing on his left shoulder when another vehicle crossed the hazard markings and headed toward him. According to police, Ebling quickly entered the passing lane but was struck as the car returned to the left lane.

“We can’t even understand this whole tragedy; I’m trying to remember the good times,” said James Duffy, a fellow North Collins officer.

Many in the village are grieving the loss of Officer Ebling.

“You wonder how this can happen with the freeway and the straight roads and everything. A man who has probably picked up trash hundreds of times,” said Vincent George, mayor of North Collins.

George told me that Officer Ebling left an indelible mark on the lives of every villager.

“I will just remember him and not forget him. I don’t think we will forget, 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 to the side when driving in a construction zone.

“Follow the Move Over Law and things like this won’t happen,” Duffy said.

A memorial service for Officer Ebling will be held Friday with his law enforcement brothers and sisters in attendance.