Troop T & Citizen Volunteers Launch Halloween Safety Effort

• by New York State Thruway Authority

ALBANY, NY (10/28/2009)(readMedia)-- The New York State Thruway Authority today announced that State Police Troop T and citizen volunteers will once again start "Pumpkin Patrols" statewide this Halloween week. The patrols, which began in 1976, are meant to prevent dangerous Halloween pranks and protect travelers along the 641-mile New York State Thruway.

"Seemingly harmless pranks can quickly turn into tragedy, and the Pumpkin Patrols across the State help deter this type of activity," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer. "On behalf of the Authority and Thruway motorists Systemwide, I extend many thanks to Troop T and the volunteers for their dedication to keeping motorists safe on the Thruway during this time of year."

These patrols are made possible by members of State Police Troop T, local citizen band radio clubs ("CB" operators) and amateur radio operators (HAMs). Troop T, whose members patrol the Thruway exclusively, and the volunteers will be on watch beginning Friday, October 30, through Saturday, October 31.

"Troop T will be out in full force monitoring any unusual activity, as well as patrolling roads, bridges and interchanges to help minimize any potential hazards to travelers," said Troop T Major Robert C. Meyers. "Also as part of this effort, Troop T will be watching for intoxicated drivers and conducting seat belt checks."

The volunteers assisting Troop T will monitor Thruway overpasses statewide and report any unusual activity to State Police or local law enforcement. Sixteen organizations from twenty counties have asked to participate in this year's effort. In addition to Halloween pranks, Troop T will be keeping watch for other violations, including speeding, driving while intoxicated and aggressive driving.

For further information on the Pumpkin Patrol, please contact Sergeant Charles F. Stumpf, State Police Troop T at 518-436-3134.

The following is a list of local coordinators for this effort:

Group/Organization - Coordinator, Area/County

Orange County ARES/RACES

Mr. Seamus Leary, 845-615-0479 Orange County

Putnam Emergency Amateur Radio Assoc.

Mr. Paul Glatz, 845-279-4558 Putnam County

Mt. Beacon Amateur Radio Club

Mr. Andrew D. Schmidt, 845-462-7539 Dutchess County

Overlook Mountain Radio Club

Mr. Matt Bechtold, 845-246-1220 Ulster County

Greene County Fire Police

Mr. Dan Howard, 518-485-2805 Greene County

Albany/Troy Amateur Radio Assoc.

Ms. Karen Smith, 518-273-6594 Albany/Rensselaer/Columbia County

Montgomery Radio

Mr. Tom Tracz 518-842-1934 Montgomery County

Fort Herkimer Amateur Radio Club

Mr. Don Rankins, 315-527-5831 Herkimer County

Madison-Oneida Amateur Radio Club

Ms. Carol Mayers, 315-633-8844 Madison/Oneida County

Liverpool Amateur Repeater Club

Jan Just, 315-345-9550 Onondaga County

Auburn Amateur Radio Assoc.

Mr. Chuck Talbot Cayuga/Seneca County

Drumlins Amateur Radio Club

Mr. David Taylor 315-597-4293 Ontario County

Genesee Radio Amateurs

Mr. Harold Hay, 585-343-1330 Genesee County

Monroe County ARES/RACES

Rochester Radio Repeater Assoc.

Mr. Brad Allen Monroe County

Erie County ARES/RACES

Mr. Allan Paul 716-652-4647 Erie County

Chautauqua County RACES

Mr. Duane Buchweitz 716-753-3026 Chautauqua County

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