ALBANY — Gov. David A. Paterson called slain Trooper David C. Brinkerhoff one of the greatest the state has ever had during an awards ceremony today at the State Police Academy.

Brinkerhoff's wife, Barbara, accepted the Brummer Award on behalf of her late husband.

"It's a great honor," she said. "All these guys deserve this award."

The award is given for heroism, valor and outstanding performance of duty by a member of the New York State Police.

"What we call heroism, you call work," Paterson told troopers during the ceremony.

Brinkerhoff, 29, was killed on April 25, 2007 in a farmhouse near Margeretville, Delaware County, during a search for Travis Trim, a man wanted in the shooting of another state trooper. Brinkerhoff came under fire when he entered a room where Trim had hidden.

Brinkerhoff was struck in his body armor but held his position as he and other troopers exchanged gunfire with Trim. Brinkerhoff eventually struck Trim with a fatal shot, but the nine-year veteran of the State Police, was also mortally wounded during that final exchange.

Thirty-seven other troopers and civilian state police employees - including the rest of the Mobile Response Team that responded with Brinkerhoff - were honored during today's ceremony by Paterson and new state police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt, who was sworn in Tuesday.