914th Security Forces Personnel Graduate

• by New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y (11/09/2009)(readMedia)-- At 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, there will be a Peace Officer Training Academy graduation ceremony for 21 members of the 914th Security Forces Squadron. These squadron personnel were recently sworn in as peace officers of New York State.

Security forces personnel protect and patrol the resources of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and the surrounding grounds outside its gates, as well as the Niagara Falls International Airport. The training and peace officer status will now allow security forces to make arrests both on and off station. Previous to this, security forces were authorized to detain, but not arrest, when off station, and needed civilian police officers to make the arrest.

"We're extremely proud of our security forces members who have graduated from this specialized training. This will enable them to carry out their duties to the fullest extent of the law," said Col. Allan Swartzmiller, 914th Airlift Wing Commander. "We also appreciate the continued support from our local civilian law enforcement counterparts, the community, and our employers in western New York."

Media interested in covering the ceremony should report to the main gate on Lockport Road at 5:30 p.m. for escort to the function. Further questions or inquiries may be referred to Maj. Andrea Pitruzzella, Chief of Public Affairs, by calling (716) 236-2136 or to Chief Dennis Brennan, Peace Officer Training Academy, by calling (716) 998-1428.