DEC Contact: Jomo Miller (518) 402-8000 April 16, 2020
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DEC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION POLICE OFFICER HIGHLIGHTSRecent ECO Actions |
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) enforce the 71 Chapters of NY Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. 2020 marks 50 years for DEC and 140 Years for Conservation Police Officers. In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors proudly began serving to protect the natural resources and people of New York State. Region 3 DLE Members Practice Social Distancing during Trout Socking of Walton Lake – Orange County On April 9, ECOs assisted DEC fisheries staff with the annual fish stocking of Walton Lake in the town of Monroe. During the event, which more than 25 people attended, officers were on scene to support “New York State on PAUSE” social distancing directives. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus assisted in efforts to stock more than 3,000 trout. DEC fisheries staff used boats to disperse the fish throughout Walton Lake, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for anglers and a fair chase for the fish. Lieutenant Michael Bello, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, and ECOs William Chomicki and Casey Mangels practice social distancing during trout stocking of Walton Lake (photo attached) While on patrol in Putnam Valley on April 9, ECO Daniel Franz encountered a large tree blocking the roadway. ECO Franz conducted traffic control and with the help of a passerby, cleared the roadway. ECO Franz clears downed trees from roadway (photo attached) On April 10th, ECOs from Region 2 were tasked to provide 24 hours security for the NYS Javits Convention Center. The center has been converted to a treatment center for COVID-19 patients with the capacity of 1000 beds and is staffed by military doctors and nurses. Lt. Dustin Dainack leads a security briefing with ECOs at the Command Center at Javits Center (photo attached)
On April 10, ECO Heather Carl joined a long line of first responders at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Monticello, Sullivan County, for the Parade of Heroes. Emergency personnel from across the county arrived in fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars to honor healthcare workers on the frontlines battling COVID-19. ECO Carl joined emergency crews with lights and sirens as they drove up and around the facility. DEC personnel from across agency divisions and the state are supporting the State's response to COVID-19. Personnel from more than 20 New York State agencies are working on response efforts to stop the spread of this virus. ECOs have been responding to the pandemic at various test centers throughout the state. ECOs have been mobilized for a variety of roles such as Incident Command System (ICS) functions, technical services like fit testing, and site security. ECO Carl honors medical staff in Parade of Heroes (photo attached) Several DEC ECOs recently received awards for outstanding work in their field. The DEC Division of Law Enforcement Lifesaving Award is presented to the member or members whose extraordinary actions saved, or attempted to save, the life of a fellow officer or member of the public. Commissioner Seggos said, “Every day, our ECOs do remarkable work to protect our natural resources and our communities. I applaud this year’s recipients and appreciate our ECOs for continuing to ensure a better, safer, more sustainable environment for future generations.” DEC Division of Law Enforcement Director Bernard Rivers said, “New York Conservation Police Officers have served the citizens and protected the natural resources of New York State for 140 years. I am proud to recognize these officers as modern embodiments of Teddy Roosevelt’s “Men of Courage” who will lead the Division of Law Enforcement into the next 140 years of dedicated service to the environment. Congratulations to all the award recipients.” DEC Division of Law Enforcement Lifesaving Award - Presented to the member or members whose extraordinary actions saved, or attempted to save, the life of a fellow officer or member of the public. ECO Charles Eyler (photo attached) ECO Craig Tompkins (photo attached) New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA) Future of the Division Award - Presented to a member with five or fewer years in service with the Division who has done an outstanding job in their area of responsibility. ECO Lucas Palmateer (photo attached) New York State Rifle and Pistol Association Award - Presented to a member who promotes and participates in marksmanship competitions and encourages participation by New York's youth. ECO Ike Bobseine (photo attached) Shikar-Safari Award - Presented to the member who has done an outstanding job in the area of wildlife law enforcement. ECO Darryl Lucas (photo attached) Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Award - Presented to the member who has done an outstanding job in his or her areas of responsibility. ECO Tim Machnica (photo attached) |
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