Election Day 2017 Results

A huge THANK YOU to all members who voted “no” – and who encouraged their families and friends to do the same – on Election Day to Proposal One that posed the question of establishing a Constitutional Convention. The proposition was soundly defeated with more than 83 percent of voters across the state voting against this measure that likely would have had detrimental effects on pensions and educational funding, just to name a few examples.

PBA President Continues to Speak Out about Manpower Issues

In the wake of the recent terror attack in New York City, the PBA issued another press release advocating for funding for the addition of 500 Troopers as well as the reinstatement of the School Resource Program statewide. On Tuesday, PBA President Tom Mungeer appeared on the “Capital Tonight” political news television program and discussed these issues.

Spectrum News has changed the format of its online video links and now requires a password to watch previous videos – if you are a Spectrum customer, you can log in to your account and view the video of Mungeer’s appearance via this link: http://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/capital-region/capital-tonight-interviews/2017/11/07/state-police-seek-more-funding–troopers-with-increased-patrols-in-nyc.

Here is the press release issued by the PBA:

In the wake of the horrifying terrorist act in New York City this week, the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (PBA) is asking for funding for an additional 500 Troopers next year to supplement patrol coverage across the state as well as reinstate the School Resource Program statewide.

“We live in uncertain times, and those who wish to harm Americans are finding ways to hurt us. We have watched terrorist attacks unfold across the country, and once again, tragedy has struck close to home,” said PBA President Thomas H. Mungeer. “Simply put, terrorists are finding ways to gain access to the general population and complete their deadly missions but experience shows us that a quick response by law enforcement minimizes the harm that they can inflict.”

Troopers are first responders on the front lines of keeping our homeland safe from acts of terrorism and anyone who means harm to the public. In addition, renewing the School Resource Program statewide will help Troopers make more community contacts as well as safeguard against threats targeting schools.   

“Whether in our schools, transportation hubs or other places of mass gatherings, an increased presence of uniformed Troopers will increase law enforcement visibility and offer a deterrent for those who want to do us harm.”

We are thankful that Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Legislature have been responsive to our requests in the past, and we ask for their support for increased funding to continue to make manpower a priority.

Pennsylvania Trooper Shot During Traffic Stop

PBA President Tom Mungeer spoke with Pennsylvania State Troopers Association President Joe Kovel this week to offer support following the line-of-duty shooting of one of their members, Cpl. Seth Kelly, during a traffic stop. Corporal Kelly remains in critical condition and we send our thoughts and prayers to him during this time.

Veterans Day

On November 11th, let us remember all of our veterans, past and present. We especially remember those State Police members who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country:

Tpr. Earl R. Wilkinson – Troop A – May 24, 1942 – Second Lieutenant Wilkinson was on active duty with the United States Army Air Corps when his bomber crashed in a swamp near Houlton, Maine.

Tpr. Peter J. Formosa – Troop B – January 13, 1943 – Staff Sergeant Formosa died as a result of a military auto accident at Hempstead, New York. He was assigned to the U.S. Army, 826^th Guard Squadron, Mitchell Field, Long Island, New York.

Tpr. William C. “Milt” Ratner – Troop C – July 11, 1943 – First Lieutenant Ratner was killed in action over Sicily, Italy, during a bombing mission.

Tpr. Bryant P. Stickles – Troop C (BCI) – September 11, 1944. – Marine Sergeant Stickles was assigned to coordinate the advances of two combat units on the Island of Saipan and was attempting to reach one unit from the other when he was killed by an enemy sniper.

Tpr. William O. Johnson – Troop B – April 12, 1945 – Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Johnson was killed in action as a result of a Kamikaze attack while serving aboard the USS Rall in the South Pacific.

Tpr. Charles E. Hover – Troop G – June 5, 1945 – First Lieutenant Hover died in a plane crash over northern Italy.

Tpr. John J. McKenna IV – Troop F – August 16, 2006 – Captain McKenna left a covered and concealed location and attempted to render aide to a fallen solider when he was killed by enemy sniper fire outside the Iraqi city of Fallujah. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps and served as Platoon Commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines. For his actions that day, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.

Also, to those former members of the State Police who gave their lives in defense of their country:

Arthur J. Nealon – Troop B – October 26, 1951-Captain Nealon was a member of the 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was killed in action while fighting the enemy in North Korea.  He had resigned from the State Police and joined the NYPD – 52 Pct.

Alfred F. Simpson – Troop K – August 9, 1967 – Marine Lance Corporal Simpson was killed in action in Vietnam. He had been a member of Troop K from 1955 – 56.  He was a Korean War veteran and was the recipient of three purple hearts.

Anthony A. Kaiser – Troop C – March 17, 2007- Specialist Kaiser was assigned to the 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade.  He died of wounds from small-arms fire after his unit encountered enemy forces in Baghdad, Iraq.  He had resigned from the State Police in 2005 and joined the Army.