Forest Rangers Honored by the Governor Following Downed-Aircraft Rescue

Thursday, February 28, 2013

On February 21, 2013, nine members of the Police Benevolent Association of New York working for the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers saved the lives of three New Jersey men whose small, single-engine plane crashed in the Adirondack Mountains. This heroic effort was honored by Governor Andrew Cuomo and DEC Commissioner Joe Martens at an event held at the Capitol on February 27, 2013.

These particularly dedicated Forest Rangers who were recognized include:

§  Forest Ranger Lt. Charles Platt, nearly 20 years as a Forest Ranger;

§  Forest Ranger Kevin Burns14 years of service as a Forest Ranger;

§  Forest Ranger Peter Evans, 14 years of service as a Forest Ranger;

§  Forest Ranger James Giglinto, 17 years of service as a Forest Ranger;

§  Forest Ranger Thomas Gliddi, 16 years of service as a Forest Ranger;

§  Forest Ranger Chris Kostoss, 14 years of service as a Forest Ranger;

§  Forest Ranger Joseph LaPierre, 14 years of service as a Forest Ranger;

§  Forest Ranger David Russell, 8 years of service as a Forest Ranger;

§  Forest Ranger Scott VanLaer, 16 years of service as a Forest Ranger; and

§  Dispatcher Alicia Bodmer, 16 years as a Dispatcher.

In response to this rescue, Drew Cavanagh, PBA of NYS Secretary and DEC Captain said:

“Forest Rangers patrol millions of acres of land that make up the Adirondack and Catskill Parks; it is our sworn duty to protect lives and resources.  Last year, Forest Rangers were involved in 274 search and rescue missions.  Today, we join Governor Cuomo in saluting our eight members – they did an outstanding job last week - as will those standing by at this moment to respond to a call tonight, tomorrow, or in the years to come.”  

Click to view the Governor's News Conference

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