Press Release
May 05, 2006
Wendy Gibson
Catherine Jimenez
518.486.1868
State Parks Presents Annual Service Awards To Officers
(Albany, New York, May 5, 2006...) New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Bernadette Castro and State Parks Acting Director of Law Enforcement Colonel James Warwick yesterday announced the recipients of the 2005 New York State Parks Police Service Awards. The award ceremony was held yesterday at the New York State Police Academy in Albany. The State Park Police Service Awards are presented annually to distinguished officers who patrol the 175 state parks and 35 historic sites across New York.
"Thanks to Governor George Pataki's steadfast commitment to the law enforcement program within New York State Parks, the tens of millions of visitors to our parks and historic sites are provided with the first-rate security by our Park Police," said Commissioner Castro. "These officers have a remarkable dedication to public service and their courage is truly inspiring."
Colonel Warwick said, "Each of these award winners represent the best that our organization has to offer in terms of professionalism, valor and excellence. I know that each officer recognized here would be the first to say they are not deserving of an award, but each of them was selected by their peers for recognition. I am extremely proud to lead officers such as these who act day and night to keep us safe while at times, risking their lives."
Following is a list of award winning officers, by region.
Central
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Major Richard Smith
Major Richard Smith willingly accepted the arduous task of becoming the primary point of contact for all force communications. In a relatively short period of time Major Smith accomplished many projects in this capacity.
Genesee
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Major David Page
Major David Page, in addition to serving as the Commanding Officer for the Genesee Region, volunteered to serve as the Officer in Charge of the 5th Session Academy Class of the New York State Park Police Basic School. His tireless dedication and invaluable assistance in training the new officers led him to be selected again for both the 6th and 7th Sessions.
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Officer Michael Ottley, Officer Jason Stekl
On March 20, 2005, Officer Ottley and Officer Stekl were on special assignment in the Long Island Region at Belmont Lake State Park. They observed a suspicious individual in the park and initiated a contact. Due to their observations and investigative techniques, the subject was arrested for drug possession and possession of a pistol. The subject, who had previously been convicted of similar offenses, is now being processed for federal prosecution.
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Officer Michael Ottley
On May 30, 2005, Officer Ottley and Officer Mikula were on special assignment in the Long Island Region and responded to Belmont Lake State Park to investigate a robbery. After interviewing the victim and witnesses they initiated a search of the area. Due to their quick reaction and subsequent search, the suspect was located, arrested without incident and charged.
Finger Lakes
Life Saving Award: Officer Joe Bice
On June 16th, 2005, Officer Bice was on patrol at Fair Haven Beach State Park. Officer Bice witnessed a patron having difficulty breathing. He recognized that the patron was choking, whereupon he performed the Heimlich maneuver. This dislodged an obstruction and enabled the patron to breathe on her own. He stayed with the patron until medical assistance arrived.
Long Island
Medal of Merit: Officer Edward Powers, Officer Jason Grippen
On June 26th, 2005, Recruit Officer Jason Grippen and Officer Edward Powers were at Wildwood State Park. While on patrol, the Town of Riverhead police put out a call for assistance regarding a large disturbance. While on route their police vehicle was struck and Officer Jason Grippen and Officer Edward Powers both received life-threatening injuries
Life Saving Award: Officer Stephen Czawursky
On May 21st, 2005, Officer Czawursky was on patrol at Robert Moses State Park. During a check of parked vehicles, Officer Czawursky observed an unconscious adult in a vehicle. He attempted to elicit a response without success. The officer observed an open and empty bottle of pills on the seat next to her. He determined that she was attempting suicide and broke into her vehicle whereupon he ascertained she was alive but unconscious. An ambulance was dispatched and the woman was transported to a local hospital.
Life Saving Award: Officer Michael Anderson
On December 14th, 2005, Officer Anderson was on patrol at Robert Moses State Park. He observed a man walking over the Robert Moses Bridge. Officer Anderson engaged the man in conversation and determined that he was contemplating suicide. The officer acted professionally and after a long conversation, he was able to talk the man off of the bridge to safety.
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Officer John Mikula
On May 30, 2005, Officer Mikula and Officer Ottley responded to Belmont Lake State Park to investigate a robbery. After interviewing the victim and witnesses they initiated a search of the area for the suspect. Because of their quick reaction to the crime and subsequent search, the suspect was located. The suspect was arrested without incident and charged with Robbery.
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Major Richard O'Donnell
During the last three years Major O'Donnell has accepted the additional responsibility of administering the Public Safety Ranger program on behalf of the agency. Public Safety Rangers have been an important part of the fabric of security for New York State Parks, supplementing the full time uniformed force.
New York City
Medal of Merit: Officer Anitra Ivey
On June 7th, 2005, Officer Ivey was on patrol at Roberto Clemente State Park when two females approached her and stated they were being chased by someone who threatened them with a knife. Officer Ivey observed the subject, approached her and requested that she remove her hands from her pockets. The officer was ultimately forced to physically struggle with the subject and successfully placed her into custody. The subject was in possession of a knife with a four-inch blade.
Life Saving Award: Officer Luis Aviles, Officer Jason Jones
On May 15th, 2005, Officer Aviles was on patrol with Officer Jason Jones, and received a call about a possible suicide attempt. They arrived at the scene and observed a man standing on a four inch ledge 100 feet above 12th Avenue. They contacted the New York Police Department and requested assistance. Together the officers approached him, while engaging him in conversation and were able to prevent him from jumping. The subject was taken by ambulance for evaluation and treatment.
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Sergeant Danny Cordero
On January 2, 2005, A man, who was last seen hiking in the Breakneck Mountain section of Hudson Highlands State Park in the Taconic Region failed to return home. His daughter contacted the police, and what followed was an extensive 11 day investigation into the man's disappearance, possibly under suspicious circumstances. Members of the Park Police from Taconic, Palisades, and New York City Regions worked in conjunction with multiple agencies. Two Command Posts were established (Hubbard Lodge in Fahnestock State Park, and the Putnam County Sheriff's Headquarters) for coordination, updates and deployment. Throughout the investigation State Parks' members followed multiple leads, spanning from New York to New Jersey, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. They traveled to several sections of New York City, conducting interviews and surveillance of individuals possibly connected with the missing person. In all, over 200 interviews of witnesses and other associated persons were conducted during this time period. A composite sketch was developed from witness accounts of a suspicious male seen on the trail behind the missing man on the day of his disappearance.
Sergeant Cordero's determined effort to solve this case and bring closure to this man's family, along with his interaction and cooperation with the numerous individuals and agencies involved is to be highly commended.
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Captain Joseph Reyes
During a three year period, Captain Reyes was responsible for the implementation and administration of the Field Officer Training program for the New York State Park Police. This training program, consisting of ten weeks of field training, is one of the most valuable parts of the recruit training program.
Niagara
Life Saving Award: Officer James Leavy, Officer Christopher Gerlach, Officer Brian Russell
On June 1st, 2005, Sergeant Leavy, Officer Gerlach and Officer Russell responded to a report of a man over the railing at Prospect Point, Niagara Falls State Park. When they arrived at the scene, they observed the male in the water approximately ten feet from the brink of the falls. Sergeant Leavy, Officer Gerlach and Officer Russell formed a human chain and reached out to the subject. Under difficult circumstances, they were able to grab the subject and remove him from the water.
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Officer Martin Tornabene, Officer Scott Durham
On Saturday, July 2, 2005, Officer Tornabene and Officer Durham were on special assignment in the Saratoga Capital Region for the Dave Matthews Band Concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. They were notified of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Officer Tornabene and Officer Durham broadcast the information and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they immediately requested EMS and additional assistance to help secure the area. They were able to obtain a license plate number and vehicle description to broadcast to other agencies so that the fleeing vehicle could be identified and the operator apprehended. The officers then identified and segregated witnesses, secured the crime scene and the victim, which was complicated by the exit of thousands of patrons at the conclusion of the concert. Their actions resulted in the apprehension of the driver and suspect vehicle within a short time of the fatal accident.
Palisades
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Lieutenant David Herrick, Sergeant Steven Huff, Detective David Szekeres, Detective Donald Stretz
On January 2, 2005, A man, who was last seen hiking in the Breakneck Mountain section of Hudson Highlands State Park in the Taconic Region failed to return home. His daughter contacted the police, and what followed was an extensive 11 day investigation into the man's disappearance, possibly under suspicious circumstances. Members of the Park Police from Taconic, Palisades, and New York City Regions worked in conjunction with multiple agencies. Two Command Posts were established (Hubbard Lodge in Fahnestock State Park, and the Putnam County Sheriff's Headquarters) for coordination, updates and deployment. Throughout the investigation State Parks' members followed multiple leads, spanning from New York to New Jersey, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. They traveled to several sections of New York City, conducting interviews and surveillance of individuals possibly connected with the missing person. In all, over 200 interviews of witnesses and other associated persons were conducted during this time period. A composite sketch was developed from witness accounts of a suspicious male seen on the trail behind the missing man on the day of his disappearance.
The determined effort of Lieutenant Herrick, Sergeant Huff, Detective Szekeres, and Detective Stretz to solve this case and bring closure to this man's family, along with his interaction and cooperation with the numerous individuals and agencies involved is to be highly commended.
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Major Gregory Stewart
Major Stewart has accepted the additional responsibility of administering the Public Safety Ranger program on behalf of the agency. Public Safety Rangers have been an important part of the fabric of security for New York State Parks, supplementing our full time uniformed force.
Taconic
Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award: Sergeant Veronika Mitchell- IAB, Officer Bill Arp, Sergeant Timothy Gordon, Officer Paul Cutler
On January 2, 2005, A man, who was last seen hiking in the Breakneck Mountain section of Hudson Highlands State Park in the Taconic Region failed to return home. His daughter contacted the police, and what followed was an extensive 11 day investigation into the man's disappearance, possibly under suspicious circumstances. Members of the Park Police from Taconic, Palisades, and New York City Regions worked in conjunction with multiple agencies. Two Command Posts were established (Hubbard Lodge in Fahnestock State Park, and the Putnam County Sheriff's Headquarters) for coordination, updates and deployment. Throughout the investigation State Parks' members followed multiple leads, spanning from New York to New Jersey, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. They traveled to several sections of New York City, conducting interviews and surveillance of individuals possibly connected with the missing person. In all, over 200 interviews of witnesses and other associated persons were conducted during this time period. A composite sketch was developed from witness accounts of a suspicious male seen on the trail behind the missing man on the day of his disappearance.
The determined effort of Sergeant Mitchel, Officer Arp, Sergeant Gordon, Officer Cutler to solve this case and bring closure to this man's family, along with his interaction and cooperation with the numerous individuals and agencies involved is to be highly commended.
Thousand Islands
Marine Services Unit Award: Thousand Island Region Park Police
The Thousand Island Region Park Police are being presented with the Marine Services Unit Award for their commitment to boating safety on the St. Lawrence River. With its many islands and gorgeous surroundings, the St. Lawrence River and in particular the American Narrows portion, has become a tourist destination for many local and visiting boaters. Working closely with the Marine Services Unit and park personnel, the Thousand Island Region Park Police have served as a focal point for the establishment of increased law enforcement patrols and boater safety awareness on the St. Lawrence River. In addition to their public outreach efforts, they have been diligent in enforcing speed and noise statutes throughout the American Narrows, coordinated the safe conduct of the highly controversial and potentially dangerous 1000 Islands Poker Run, and have consistently been a state-wide leader in making boating while under the influence arrests.
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Editor's Note: Photos of award recipients are available upon request.