Mid Hudson Residents Graduate From NY Park Police Academy

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced 27 recruits graduated from the from the 15th Basic School of the New York State Park Police Academy. Many are being assigned to the Hudson Valley.

“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.”

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.

“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 following graduates received special recognition awards:

• Officer Steven P. Latulipe of Carthage, NY, the recipient of the Leadership Award and the Physical Fitness Award.
• Officer Anthony M. Petrosky of Albany, NY, the recipient of the Academic Achievement 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.

Here are the names, hometowns and assignments by district and zone of the graduating class:

• Officer Joseph Aboudi, of Smithtown, NY, assigned in the Long Island/Metro region to 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

PHOTO/ DEC Police Academy