Bay Shore Man Graduates From NY Parks Police Academy With 2 Awards

BAY SHORE, NY — At graduation from the 18th Basic School of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Police Academy, a Bay Shore man received two special recognitions.

After six months of intense training, 20 new officers will be assigned regionally to serve New York's 250 parks and state historic sites. Last year, those sites attracted a record 84 million visits.

"The members of the New York State Park Police work every day to protect our State Park visitors, using their specialized training to respond to all types of situations," said Gov. Kathy Hochul. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, congratulations and thank you to all graduates and their families."

Graduation was held Friday at the Hall of Springs at Saratoga Spa State Park. For the past six months, the recruits were in residential training at the State Park Police Academy in Rensselaerville, Albany County.

Three graduates received special recognition awards.

Officer Benedict Reitzel received both the Academic Achievement Award and the Physical Fitness Award.

The other awardees were

• Officer Bailey Faldetta of Lagrangeville, NY, Firearms Proficiency Award
• Officer Ryan Lee of Massapequa, NY, Leadership Award

Training for recruits consists of classroom education in Criminal Procedure Law, Penal Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Park and Recreation Law, criminal investigations and a host of other police-related topics. In addition, the recruits received hands-on training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency vehicle operation and a wide variety of other law enforcement related topics.

"Their training prepares them for a challenging and rewarding career – from law enforcement, investigations and extreme weather – on New York State’s forests, waterways and trails," said State Parks Assistant Director of Park Police Col. Michael Daddona.

The new officers will begin a 10-week field training program April 8, where they will receive supervised training from senior officers, followed by assignment to patrol responsibilities.

"We are proud to welcome these new graduates to our Park Police ranks. Their dedication will help keep a safe and welcoming environment for the millions of visitors who join us each year," New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said. "As we celebrate our system’s Centennial, we want to let our patrons know of the support from Gov. Hochul, the legislature, and our law enforcement leadership that help keep parks and sites safe."

Officer Reitzel will be assigned to the Hudson Valley region. Here are all the graduates and their first assignments: