ALBANY, NY (01/22/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, January 26, in honor of New York State Trooper Jill Mattice.

Trooper Mattice, a native of Cheektowaga, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, in a vehicular accident. She was assigned to the State Police Duty Station in Oneonta and served as a School Resource Officer at Unadilla Valley Central School and Franklin School Districts.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I would like to express my sympathy to the friends, family, and colleagues of Trooper Mattice," Governor Paterson said. "Known simply as 'Trooper Jill' to the students she worked with every day, Trooper Mattice earned the respect of her colleagues as well as those she served. Her steady guidance and leadership will not be forgotten."