TROOPER LANE LAID TO REST

BROWNVILLE — Gov. David A. Paterson and hundreds of state troopers were at Immaculate Conception Church on Monday morning for Trooper David J. Lane's funeral.

Troopers stood in rows facing the entrance to the church as Mr. Lane's casket, draped with an American flag, was carried past and into the church. Police cars lined the streets for blocks around the church, lights flashing.

Mr. Lane, a Dexter native, died Wednesday in a car accident while on duty as a state trooper in Catskill. He was a 1997 graduate of General Brown Central School, Dexter, and was the son of Stephen R. and Cheryl D. Lane, Dexter.

Gov. Paterson spoke about Mr. Lane's four years of service as a state trooper and two tours of duty with the Army, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.

"David comes from a family of public service. I hear everyone in the county knows the Lanes. Some say service to others is the price we pay for space on earth. David leaves us today paid in full," the governor said.

Mr. Lane's family members thanked the state troopers in attendance for their support and service, and spoke about Mr. Lane's bravery and sense of humor. Mr. Lane's brother, Stephen Jr., opened his remarks with a question.

"What do you got?" he asked.

It elicited laughter from those who knew Mr. Lane well, because it's how he would always answer every telephone call.

Mr. Lane was engaged to be married to Kelly Miller, and the two were planning a Sept. 11 wedding. It was a significant date for Mr. Lane, because Sept. 11, 2001, was the day he decided to join the military.

Mr. Lane's mother, newly elected Jefferson County Clerk, read a poem she wrote for her son. She and many people in the crowd were in tears by the end of her reading.

"To my son, David, no words I write could ever say how sad and empty I feel today. Why couldn't you stay?" Mrs. Lane read.

Harry J. Corbitt, superintendent of the New York State Police, addressed the Lane family and the troopers at the service, asking them to pray for each other. Mr. Lane's service will be remembered even when everyone who is currently a trooper has retired, he said.

"We suffer a great loss in David. We love him and miss him," Mr. Corbitt said. "Once you're in the state police, you never leave."

Mr. Lane was buried in Dexter Cemetery with military honors.

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