CANISTEO, N.Y. -- It was a tragic day for members of New York's law enforcement community, as a New York State trooper was shot to death early Monday morning.

Trooper Nicholas Clark, 29, was one of several law enforcement officers who responded to a report of a suicidal person at a home in the town of Erwin. He was shot and killed.

The streets of Canisteo -- where the trooper lived -- were lined with people night, as they bid him farewell.

A procession of dozens of New York State Police cars with flashing lights led a hearse through town.

For many, it was a show of respect, but for the Canisteo police chief, Trooper Clark was a lifelong friend.

He described Clark as very athletic -- a wrester and football player throughout grade school. He even played college football at Alfred University and went on to try out for the Buffalo Bills.

"It's one of those days that I'm going to remember forever especially sitting here in uniform, doing a press conference, knowing that not just my brother in law enforcement had a tragedy happen to him, but one of my lifelong friends had a tragedy happen to him,” said Canisteo Police Department Chief Kyle Amidon.

Clark is survived by his parents and a brother.  Flags are being flown at half-staff in his honor.