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Awardees went ‘extra mile’ for everyone’s safety
Submitted by the New State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation honored 17 members of the Park Police for extraordinary service provided to the people of New York state over the past year. Award recipients were recognized for demonstrating professionalism, integrity, dedication and excellence.
“I am proud of our division of law enforcement and its staff of highly trained specialists, dedicated to preserving a peaceful and safe park environment for everyone,” said State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. “I am thankful for Gov. Hochul’s strong commitment to public safety and our Park Police by addressing geographical pay discrepancies, bringing back the park police academy, and increasing the resources needed to keep people safe. Our Park Police unique training allows them to identify and address sensitive situations, and (these) awards are a perfect example of that dedication and their highly trained abilities.”
Park Police Chief Michael Daddona said, “The men and women we honor … are an example of constant training and response that keep our parks and historic sites safe. Whether it’s a patron complaint, a person in distress or in need of medical assistance, or reuniting a family, we act quickly to help people across the state. It is this type of police work, pushing to go the extra mile, that help keep our patrons safe.”
Seventeen members of the Park Police department were honored at the Park Police Academy in Rensselaerville on Jan. 28. Awards included Medal of Merit, Lifesaving Medal, and commendations from the director of law enforcement. See the Flickr album here.
Locally:
Lifesaving Awards
√ On July 24, at Artpark, officer Casey Nyhart performed CPR on a man unresponsive and not breathing, until paramedics arrived.
√ On July 27, officer Kevin Cramer performed CPR on an unconscious woman at the Maid of the Mist who was found not breathing and with no pulse. Cramer attached AED pads onto the patient and began CPR.
Director of Law Enforcement’s Commendation Awards
√ On Jan. 30, officer Robert Costanzo helped a Niagara County Sheriff’s Office officer in Youngstown search and evacuate an apartment during a fire.
√ On June 9, at Buffalo Harbor State Park, officers Robert Costanzo and Jason Walsh arrested three people under age 21 – found parked in the playground parking lot after hours – on drug, alcohol and gun charges.
√ On July 19, at Niagara Falls State Park, officer Nathan Sibenik jumped into the rapids to save a woman who intended to end her life.
√ On July 24, at Artpark, officer Thomas LoTempio used an AED on a man found unresponsive and not breathing, until paramedics arrived.