News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

For more information contact: Maureen Wren, 518-402-8000

DEC Announces The Graduation Of 23 New Environmental Conservation Officers

ALBANY, NY (09/26/2008; 1238)(readMedia)-- Twenty-three new Environmental Conservation Officers graduated today, joining the ranks of the state Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) police force, and will soon be in the field protecting New York's natural resources and the public, Commissioner Pete Grannis announced. The graduation ceremony took place at the DEC Training Academy at the Riverside Inn in the City of Fulton, Oswego County.

"These young men and women are among the best-trained environmental protection officers in the nation, and join an elite team of professionals responsible for enforcing New York's environmental laws," Commissioner Grannis said. "On a daily basis, our Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) are often the most visible agency personnel. With the training they have received, I know they will do us proud."

As police officers, ECOs receive virtually the same training as that given State Police recruits. They are responsible for enforcing all New York State laws, but their responsibilities focus on the enforcement of New York's environmental laws and regulations and on the detection and investigation of suspected violations. This includes the management of fish and wildlife, solid and hazardous waste, hazardous substances, and air and water quality.

Members of this year's class completed a six-month, in-residence training program conducted at DEC's temporary training academy in Fulton. This is the 18^th basic training school offered by DEC's Division of Law Enforcement. It began in March and included a demanding 26 weeks of training in a variety of subjects including: environmental conservation; criminal procedures; penal laws; vehicle and traffic laws; physical conditioning; defensive tactics; firearms; wildlife identification; administrative procedures; emergency vehicle operations; search and rescue; land navigation and vessel operation. The candidates were selected from existing civil service examination lists and will bring the total number of DEC law enforcement staff statewide to 325.

Following graduation from the basic school, officers are required to complete the Field Officer Training Program and receive additional on-the-job training. All of the graduating officers have been assigned to regional patrol operations primarily in DEC's downstate regional offices, which is where vacancies are anticipated. They will bolster the law enforcement initiatives in these regions, helping to ensure the safety and enjoyment of New York's State's natural resources.

In addition to the graduation, the following awards were given to ECO graduates who showed exceptional skill, academic achievement, or personal character while at the academy:

New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA) award: ECO Neil R. Stevens

1. ECO Council 82 Local 1873 Award: ECO Matthew R. Nichol
   ECO Physical Training Achievement Award: ECO Neil R. Stevens
   ECO Academic Achievement Award: ECO Kaitlin M. Grad
   ECO Firearms Proficiency Award: ECO Neil R. Stevens
   John P. Cahill Award: ECO George W. Scheer

The following is an alphabetical list of DEC graduates and their home towns. Also included (in parenthesis) is the DEC region and county to which they will be assigned.

• Matthew M. Baker of Freedom, Cattaraugus County (2 - Kings)
• Alan J. Brassard of Moriah, Essex County (2 - Richmond)
• Matthew J. Clemens of Fish House, Fulton County (2 - Bronx)
• Dustin S. Dainack of Hurleyville, Sullivan County ( 2 - New York City)
• Donald M. Damrath of South Wales, Erie County (1 - Nassau)
• Eric R. Dowling of New City, Rockland County (2 - Bronx)
• Nathan P. Favreau of Tupper Lake, Franklin County (2 - Bronx)
• Kaitlin M. Grady of Manorville, Ulster County (1 - Suffolk)
• Matthew P. Krug of Castleton, Rensselaer County (2 - Kings)
• Christopher S. Lattimer of Middletown, Orange County (2 - Queens)
• Timothy Machnica of Lancaster, Erie County (2 - New York City)
• Shea M. Mathis of North Collins, Erie County (2 - Queens)
• Gregory S. Maneeley of Watertown, Jefferson County (2 - Kings)
• Matthew R. Nichols of Delhi, Delaware County (2 - Kings)
• Dustin L. Oliver of Canaseraga, Allegany County (1 - Suffolk)
• George W. Scheer of South Buffalo, Erie County (2 - Richmond)
• Kristina L. Shephard of Osceola, Lewis County (3 - Rockland/Orange)
• Neil R. Stevens of Venice Center, Cayuga County (2 - Kings)
• Joshua J. Sulkey of Catskill, Greene County (1 - Suffolk)
• David P. Thomas of Macedon, Wayne County (2 - Richmond)
• Brent K. Wilson of Endicott, Broome County (2 - New York City)
• Joshua M. Wolgast of Amherst, Erie County (1 - Nassau)
• Jared D. Woodin of Andes, Delaware County (2 - Bronx)

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