Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Press Release

April 27, 2018

Randy Simons | Dan Keefe
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov

New York State Park Police Academy Graduates 27 Recruits

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced 27 recruits graduated from the from the 15th Basic School of the New York State Park Police Academy.

"We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment in all of our State Parks, and our State Park Police are the key to making it possible," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "We look forward to these officers joining the ranks of our State Park Police, and providing friendly, professional, and lifesaving services at our parks year-round."

"My congratulations to our State Park Police Academy graduates," said David Page, Director of State Park Police. "The path ahead will be challenging but rewarding. I look forward to working with new officers as we continue to protect the millions of people who visit our beautiful parks and historic sites."

The 27 recruits completed a six-month residential training program at the State Park Police Academy in Rensselaerville, Albany County. Training consisted of classroom education in Criminal Procedure Law, Penal Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Park and Recreation Law, criminal investigations and a host of other police related topics. In addition, the recruits received hands-on training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency vehicle operation and a wide variety of other law enforcement related topics.

The following graduates received special recognition awards:

  • Officer Steven P. Latulipe of Carthage, NY, the recipient of the Leadership Award.
  • Officer Anthony M. Petrosky of Albany, NY, the recipient of the Academic Achievement Award.
  • Officer Stephen P. Latulipe of Carthage, NY, the recipient of the Physical Fitness Award.
  • Officer Daniel E. McCarthy of Selden, NY, the recipient of the Firearms Proficiency Award.

The new officers will be assigned to regional commands throughout the state. They will begin a 10-week field training program where they will receive supervised training from senior officers, followed by assignment to patrol responsibilities. New York State Park Police work year-round to protect State Park visitors and people throughout the State, including patrolling state parks, historic sites and campgrounds; tapping their specialized training to respond to extreme weather emergencies; assisting State and local police agencies in criminal investigations; and providing enforcement and education on New York State's waterways and snowmobile trails.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generate $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.

Names, hometowns and regional assignments of the graduating class appear below:

Graduate Hometown Initial Assignment District Zone
Officer Joseph Aboudi Smithtown, NY Long Island/Metro Long Island
Officer Thomas C. Bebak West Seneca, NY Hudson Valley Palisades
Officer Melissa C. Berke Tappan, NY Hudson Valley Palisades
Officer Matthew R. Conroy Middletown, NY Long Island/Metro New York City
Officer Anthony M. Cooper Warwick, NY Hudson Valley Palisades
Officer Dean L. Domenici Nanuet, NY Hudson Valley Palisades
Officer Michael G. Flanagan Wantagh, NY Long Island/Metro Long Island
Officer Morgan K. Foster Fabius, NY Long Island/Metro Long Island
Officer Daniel F. Gifford Burt, NY Hudson Valley Palisades
Officer Eduardo S. Gomez Patchogue, NY Long Island/Metro Long Island
Officer Steven P. Latulipe Carthage, NY Hudson Valley Palisades
Officer Luis A. Martinez-Perez Hudson, NY Hudson Valley Taconic
Officer Daniel E. McCarthy Selden, NY Long Island/Metro Long Island
Officer Aleska L. McCumber Margretville, NY Long Island/Metro Long Island
Officer Joshua M. O'Hearn Watertown, NY Hudson Valley Palisades
Officer Tatiana L. Pena Hicksville, NY Long Island/Metro New York City
Officer Anthony M. Petrosky Albany, NY Long Island/Metro New York City
Officer Eric P. Rice Lowville, NY Hudson Valley Palisades
Officer Joseph A. Sagliano Poughkeepsie, NY Hudson Valley Palisades
Officer Brian K. Smithley Perry, NY Hudson Valley Palisades
Officer Pawel Sobotko South Setauket, NY Long Island/Metro Long Island
Officer James M. St. John Bayport, NY Long Island/Metro Long Island
Officer Joshua S. Tusang Cobleskill, NY Long Island/Metro New York City
Officer Orelvis J. Lazala Robles White Plains, NY Long Island/Metro New York City
Officer Carter J. Rana Ballston Lake, NY Long Island/Metro New York City
Officer Michael J. Wing Albany, NY Long Island/Metro New York City
Officer Zachary Zyskowski Altamont, NY Long Island/Metro Long Island