The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors proudly began serving to protect the natural resources and people of New York State.  

 

In the first half of 2025, DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement fielded an estimated 45,000 calls, resulting in Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responding to more than 18,934 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 9,440 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.  

 

In 2024, the Division fielded more than 105,717 calls, resulting in ECOs and Investigators across the state responding to more than 30,109 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 15,755 tickets or arrests for violations. 

 

“DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators protect New York’s air, water, wildlife, and public safety, while also working to connect New Yorkers with the outdoors,” Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “As we tackle environmental threats on all fronts, I applaud the critical work DEC’s ECOs and Investigators are undertaking to enforce New York’s Environmental Conservation Law and ensure a cleaner, greener, safer, and more resilient New York State.” 

 

Move Over – Albany County

 

On the afternoon of June 2, DEC Region 4 Lieutenant Billotto observed a damaged vehicle facing the wrong direction on the New York State Thruway while on patrol. The sedan had crashed into the guardrail, blown a tire, and was in the left lane on the westbound side of the highway in Guilderland, Albany County. Lieutenant Billotto notified New York State Police (NYSP) about the incident and turned around to check on the status of the vehicle’s occupants. The ECO activated his emergency lights upon approach and positioned his vehicle on the side of the road to protect the occupants and himself. Shortly after, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed struck the Lieutenant’s vehicle. Lieutenant Billotto was not injured and attended to the mild injuries of the driver and passenger of the second vehicle. The ECO called for additional help before turning the crash investigation over to State Police and emergency responders.  

 

New York State’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road, prioritizing the safety of emergency responders, roadside workers, and other drivers.  

 

Boat Patrols’ Busy Weekend – Great Sacandaga Lake, Fulton and Saratoga Counties

 

During the July 4^th holiday weekend, ECOs Manns and Smith responded to several incidents while conducting vessel patrols on the Great Sacandaga Lake in Fulton and Saratoga counties.  

 

On the evening of July 6, Officers cleared a request for assistance in removing a fishhook from a child’s ear when they were called to respond to reports of a swimmer missing near the Broadalbin boat launch. The ECOs arrived at the location, immediately began searching the area, interviewed eyewitnesses, and marked the location for incoming responders. The Officers were assisted by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol, New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team, Fulton County Emergency Management Office, Broadalbin-Kenyetto Fire Department, and Good Samaritans, until the search was suspended for the night, scheduled to resume the following morning due to lack of light. The next morning, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office Sonar Unit identified the location of the missing 24-year-old swimmer. Members of the NYSP Underwater Recovery Team, with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Unit, recovered the swimmer’s body. The accidental drowning investigation was handled by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department and NYSP. 

 

Additionally, ECOs Manns and Smith issued several warnings and tickets throughout the holiday weekend for violations including operating a vessel more than five miles per hour near swimming areas, towing a tuber or water skier without a spotter, and operating a vessel without a boater safety certificate as required by New York State law. The Officers also ticketed the operator of a personal watercraft (PWC) for illegally operating the PWC between sunset and sunrise since those vessels do not have navigation lights. The operator also received a ticket for boating while intoxicated. The subject was processed by NYSP in Mayfield and issued an appearance ticket for the Town of Broadalbin Court.

 

ECOs conduct boat patrols during busy 4^th of July weekend on Great Sacandaga Lake in Fulton and Saratoga counties (photo attached)

 

A Blessing and a Dedication – Suffolk County

 

On June 8, DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement participated in the annual “Montauk Blessing of the Fleet” event in Suffolk County, organized by Frank Braddock, a longtime local boat captain who has organized the event for 40 years. 

 

Sponsored by the Montauk Boatmen and Captains Association, and hosted in collaboration with the Viking Fleet, St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, Montauk Community Church, and Chabad of the Hamptons, the local tradition celebrates the beginning of the boating season for participating commercial and recreational vessels. The ceremony includes a procession of boats through the harbor as clergy offer blessings for a safe and bountiful boating and fishing season, as well as a memorial for those in the fishing industry who have passed. 

 

This year, DEC Police Lieutenant Joseph Billotto, who passed away in January, was among the honorees. In addition to a memorial service, a new DEC vessel was dedicated to Billotto, commissioned with a plague placed by his wife Eileen and his son, DEC Lieutenant L. Billotto.  

 

Lieutenant Joe Billotto patrolled the South Fork on Long Island for more than 20 years as an ECO and retired as a Lieutenant for DEC’s Marine Enforcement Unit after 29 years of dedicated service. During his career, Lieutenant Billotto responded to the 1995 Long Island wildfires, participated in the TWA Flight 800 recovery efforts in 1996, and worked near Ground Zero following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. 

 

He was known for being a man of integrity and honor and fierce defender and protector of New York’s natural resources. In addition to his family, ECO colleagues past and present from DEC Region 1 (Long Island) attended the blessing of the fleet event to honor him, including DEC Major Steele, Lieutenant Reilly, Lieutenant Blaising, ECOs DeVito, Della Rocco, McGhee, Simmons, Holliday, Vandenbos, and Dickerson, and Director of DEC’s Division of Marine Resources Martin Gary. ECO Ableson represented DEC’s pipe and drum band by playing the bagpipes for the duration of the service. 

 

The new DEC vessel will patrol the East End of Long Island, protecting its natural resources and the boating public.  A brief VIDEO of the ceremony here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/raSPV7Grnqw

 

Eileen Billotto (left) and DEC Lieutenant L. Billotto (right) placing dedication plaque on DEC Vessel 24-D004 – named in honor of the late DEC Lieutenant Joseph Billotto (photo attached)

 

A dedication wreath is thrown in honor of DEC Lieutenant Joseph Billotto during the “Montauk Blessing of the Fleet” ceremony in Suffolk County (photo attached)

 

DEC Lieutenant Joseph Billotto’s family honor him during the annual Montauk Blessing of the Fleet event in Suffolk County (photo attached)

 

Cadet Outreach – Putnam County

 

On July 14, ECOs Ableson and Tompkins took part in a training course for Putnam County Sheriff’s Cadets, an educational training program for young adults to learn about law enforcement careers and challenge them to become responsible citizens. The cadets learned defense tactics and participated in the same reality-based training given to sworn police officers. ECOs Ableson and Tompkins instructed a class focused on New York’s Environmental Conservation Law and shared the wide range of ECO duties and provided the cadets with information about how to become an ECO.  

 

ECO Tompkins introduces cadets to the job duties of an ECO at training course in Putnam County (photo attached)

 

Building Bridges – Niagara County

 

On July 17, ECOs Powers, Wolgast, Investigator Holzle, DEC Bureau of Fisheries Biologist Todd, and Fisheries Intern Niespodzinski participated in a youth fishing outreach event supporting the Niagara County Building Bridges Program. Created by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and the city of Niagara Falls Police Department, the program fosters positive relationships between children from the city of Niagara Falls and law enforcement through community events, particularly in high-crime areas. Held at Bonds Lake Park in the town of Lewiston, the fishing event drew young people from Niagara Falls who received lessons about fish identification and handling, casting techniques, and knot tying before heading to the water to practice their new skills. Bait used for the event was donated by the New York State Conservation Officers Association.

 

ECOs participate in the “Building Bridges” youth fishing clinic in Niagara County (photo attached)

 

Honoring Our Warriors – Suffolk County

 

On July 18, ECOs Anderson, Dickson, and Smith participated in the 18^th annual Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride in the town of Babylon. The approximately 22-mile bike ride started at Babylon Town Hall and ended at Overlook Beach to promote confidence, camaraderie, and strength for veterans. Funds raised from the event support veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. Soldier Rides take place at various locations across the nation and this year’s Babylon Community Ride raised more than $190,000 thanks to more than 1,000 registered riders honoring and supporting those who served and continue to serve.

 

ECOs Smith (left), Dickson (center), and Anderson (right) participate in 18^th Annual Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride in Suffolk County (photo attached)

 

Bald Eagle Rescue – Schenectady County

 

On July 19, Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) Curinga and Swan responded to reports of an injured bald eagle on Goat Island at Lock 7 in Niskayuna while on patrol in the Mohawk River. The Officers arrived at the location and discovered the eagle unable to fly. The angler who reported the injured bird to DEC provided the ECOs with towels to help safely secure the eagle while Officers Curinga and Swan contacted Officer Willson for additional assistance. ECO Willson arrived a short time later with a box to transport the eagle, which was taken to the Friends of the Feathered and Furry rehabilitation center in Greene County for treatment. DEC checked in with staff from Friends of the Feathered and Furry rehab center and learned the eagle is doing well and will be banded before release.

 

Bald eagle rescued from Lock 7 of the Mohawk River in Niskayuna, Schenectady County (photo attached)

ECO Honored – Onondaga County

 

On July 21, ECO Scalisi received the “Conservationist of the Year” award from the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs for her dedication and commitment to the Federation’s Women in Nature Program (WIN). The primary mission of WIN is to inspire women to embrace the outdoors through participation at the Club’s annual Outdoor Skills Workshop, along with other seminars and recreational outings focused on shooting, hunting, and fishing. 

 

ECO Scalisi participated in her first WIN outdoor workshop in 2023 as a designated representative for New York State ECOs. In 2024, she joined the WIN planning committee and, this year, volunteered as chair, coordinating meetings, recording minutes, and ensuring the committee remained focused on the group’s mission of getting more women involved in outdoor recreation.  

 

On April 26, 2025, her hard work paid off as the annual Women in Nature event attracted 130 women from across Central New York to experience all types of outdoor sports including crossbow shooting, fishing, wildlife cooking, nature photography, and axe throwing.  

 

Congratulations to ECO Scalisi on receiving this prestigious award.

 

ECO Scalisi named “Conservationist of the Year” by Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (photo attached)

 

Rattlesnake Rescue – Delaware County

 

On July 25, ECO Osborne responded to reports of a timber rattlesnake stuck in a garage in the town of Hancock. Officer Osborne located the snake tangled in black mesh netting and hanging from the wall of the garage. The ECO successfully moved the snake and mesh outdoors, cut away the mesh with scissors while controlling the snake’s head with a snake hook, and released the reptile unharmed back into the wild and away from the residence. ECO Osborne is a member of DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement Wildlife Response Team and is equipped with appropriate snake gear for a variety of potential encounters. 

 

Timber rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers, native to New York State. These snakes are generally found in small, localized areas and are considered a threatened species protected by State law. Timber rattlesnakes seldom display aggression unless in defense. The public is reminded to leave snakes alone, observe them from a safe distance, and call ECOs if they need a snake removed.

 

ECO Osborne frees timber rattlesnake tangled in mesh netting in Delaware County (photo attached)

 

ECO Fishing Compliance Checks – Long Island

 

ECOs on Long Island issued several tickets for illegally caught undersized and out-of-season fish during this week’s fishing compliance checks. Here are some of the more notable cases:  

 

• On July 10, ECO Day responded to a complaint of anglers keeping undersized fish at Sunken Meadow State Park in Smithtown, Suffolk County. Officer Day arrived at the location, checked fishing groups in the area for compliance, and issued tickets to anglers for catching fish under the legal size, including porgy and striped bass. He also ticketed one angler for catching over the limit of bluefish and issued a warning to the same individual for using a seine net to catch the bluefish without a commercial fishing permit.  

• On July 11, ECOs Francis, Griffin, and Kaufherr partnered with law enforcement in Suffolk County and the U.S. Coast Guard to enforce navigation law for boaters in the Long Island Sound in the areas of Huntington and Smithtown, Suffolk County. During their boat patrol, ECOs observed seven individuals on a vessel near Eaton’s Neck with a cooler and bucket on board. The Officers conducted a fishing compliance check and discovered two tautog caught out of season and 20 porgies, with seven under the minimum length (11 inches when angling from a vessel). The smallest porgy measured eight inches. Two of the short porgies were still alive and released back into the water. Tautog season is open from April 1 - 30 and Oct. 11 – Dec. 9. ECOs issued two tickets to the boat captain for the undersized fish and catching tautog out of season.   

• On July 13, ECO DeRose observed a vessel with five anglers on board headed toward a boat ramp in Suffolk County with what appeared to be a large plastic barrel on the stern of the vessel. Officer DeRose approached the ramp to conduct a fishing compliance check and observed a second vessel tied to the dock with five other anglers and a similar barrel on board. He checked both barrels on both vessels and discovered 94 undersized porgies, one undersized summer flounder, and one undersized black sea bass. Officer DeRose interviewed all 10 anglers, confiscated the illegally caught fish, and issued tickets for the undersized fish returnable to Suffolk County First District Court. The fish were donated to a local wildlife rehabilitator to feed their raptor population. 

• On July 20, ECOs Francis and Pabes observed a group of anglers appearing to conceal a bag while patrolling Fisherman’s Beach in Caumsett State Park, Nassau County. The Officers inspected the bag and discovered undersized tautog caught out of season, as well as an assortment of trash. They also checked a nearby bucket which contained a dead blue claw crab with an egg mass. One angler received two tickets: one for possessing tautog during the closed season and another for the unlawful possession of a blue claw crab with eggs. Tautog season is open from April 1 – 30 and Oct. 11 – Dec. 9. It is never legal to possess a crab with eggs in New York.   

Illegally caught bluefish confiscated in Smithtown, Suffolk County (photo attached)

 

Illegally caught fish confiscated during boat patrol on Long Island Sound in Suffolk County (photo attached)

 

Illegally caught undersized fish confiscated from two vessels in Suffolk County (photo attached)

Undersized out-of-season tautog and blue claw crab with egg mass confiscated during fishing compliance check in Nassau County (photo attached)

 

Honoring a Fallen Hero – New York City

 

On July 31, ECOs Ableson, Barbera, and Grispin joined thousands of their law enforcement partners, mourners, and residents in the Bronx to honor fallen New York City Police Officer Didarul Islam, killed by a gunman Monday in a Midtown Manhattan office building. Officer Islam, a Muslim and Bangladeshi immigrant, was remembered as a quiet and humble husband and father who devoted his life to providing for his family and protecting the city he served for four years. 

 

ECOs Ableson, Barbera, and Grispin were among the initial first responders of Monday’s active shooter event on Park Avenue that left Officer Islam and three civilians dead. They assisted with operations in the building amidst the chaos and fear that gripped the city that day.  

 

DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement recognizes their brother in blue who lost his life while protecting others and sends their deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

 

VIDEO of law enforcement formation and helicopter flyover during funeral services for fallen NYPD Officer Didarul Islam here: https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/fs/programs/press/DLE/FormationInTheRain_NYC.mp4 

 

ECOs Grispin (left), Barbera (center), and Ableson (right) attend Bronx funeral for fallen NYPD Officer Didarul Islam (photo attached)

 

To contact an ECO to report an environmental crime or to report an incident, call 1-844-DEC-ECOS for 24-hour dispatch or email (for non-urgent violations).