Blauvelt Resident Graduates from State Parks Police Academy

Today 35 men and women graduated from the 12th Basic School of the State Parks Police Academy, including Donald H. Gabel III of Blauvelt.

The new officers will be assigned to regional commands throughout New York to serve in some of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s 180 parks and 35 state historic sites, which attract more than 62 million visitors each year, officials said. Gabel has been assigned to the New York City region.

“Today we honor the commitment of 35 men and women who have stepped forward to serve New York,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a prepared statement. “State Park Police Officers are committed to protecting millions of visitors to our parks, waterways and snowmobile trails and have a rich history of helping those in need. I congratulate these new law enforcement officers and welcome them to this noble organization.”

The 35 recruits completed a 6-month residential training program at the State Park Police Academy in Rensselaerville. Now they start a 10-week field training program at their regional command where they will receive supervised training from senior officers, followed by patrol responsibilities.

“State Park Police are essential to keeping the state park system safe and welcoming,” State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said. “I wish them all a successful and rewarding career as they embark on the challenges of protecting and serving the 62 million visitors to our vast and extremely diverse park system.”

“Congratulations to our new park police officers,” State Parks Director of Park Police David Herrick said. “Their training has prepared them for a challenging and satisfying career – protecting New York State’s system of parks and historic sites and the millions of people who visit them. I look forward to working with the new officers to provide an essential public service to the people of New York State.”