News from New York State Thruway Authority

For more information contact: Public Affairs, 518-436-2983

Troop T, Citizen Volunteers Launch Halloween Safety Effort

“Pumpkin Patrol” Aimed At Preventing Dangerous Halloween Pranks

ALBANY, NY (10/29/2007; 1154)(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 NYS Thruway.

“Many thanks to Troop T and the numerous volunteers who continue to keep motorists safe while traveling on the Thruway at this time of year,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer. “Seemingly harmless pranks can quickly turn into tragedy, and the Pumpkin Patrols across the State help deter this type of activity.”

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 Tuesday, October 30, through Wednesday, 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 George Beach II. “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. Korkean Dulgerian 845-291-3199 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 Mrs. Sylvia Stone 845-883-5195 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. Martin Benedict 315-866-5924 Herkimer County

Madison-Oneida Amateur Radio Club Mr. Christopher Roy Madison/Oneida County

Liverpool Amateur Repeater Club Mr. Robert Hamby 315-622-1068 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. Dennis Baumgarte 585-343-9195 Genesee County

Monroe County ARES/RACES Rochester Radio Repeater Assoc. Mr. Lloyd Caves 585-747-1225 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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The Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority’s website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.