Service information for Fallen Brother Lt. David J. McShane

Friday, January 26, 2024

In honor of Dave’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, January 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, 5600 W. Genesee St., Camillus. 

Please click this link to the Buranich Funeral Home to view the web page honoring David and for other details.


PBANYS Members Mourn Passing of Environmental Conservation Officer Lt. David McShane Law Enforcement Veteran of 22 Years Lost to 9/11 Related Illness

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Albany, NY (January 24, 2024) – It is with heavy hearts that the members of the PBA of New York State (PBANYS) announce the passing of Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Lt. David J. McShane of Marcellus, NY who died on January 22nd at the age of 50 from illness related to his service at the World Trade Center site following the horrendous attacks of 9/11.

Lt. McShane, like so many other heroic and selfless first responders, was exposed to toxic chemicals resulting in a years-long battle with cancer. Lt. McShane is the fifth documented 9/11 related death within the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement.

Matthew Krug, Environmental Conservation Police Officers Director for PBANYS, said, “David McShane exemplified what it was to be an Environmental Conservation Officer and set the bar for so many of us that followed in his path. His battle with cancer was long and debilitating, and despite having experienced a period of remission which allowed him to return to service, he was eventually forced to medically retire during the summer of 2022. Sadly, he was never able to enjoy his retirement with his family because retirement wasn’t an option as ECOs – unlike most police officers in New York State – have to work for 25 years before they are eligible to retire.”

ECOs are on the frontline protecting the public from criminal and environmental threats – enforcing environmental health standards including air and water quality, preventing illegal dumping, responding to hazardous spills, protecting against invasive species that threaten local ecosystems, combatting poaching and the trade of illicit plants and animals, conducting protection details in high-threat environments including the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, and performing searches for fugitives in some of the most inhospitable areas of the state. Couple this with the fact that nearly every individual ECOs encounter in the woods is likely armed, and they typically work without backup, it is easy to see how the stresses of their unique law enforcement work take a heavy toll on the physical and mental health of these officers.

Krug concluded, “I pray that the challenges and sacrifices of Lt. McShane, and the loss felt by his family, awaken our leaders in Albany to the fact that PBANYS members deserve the same consideration, compensation, and 20-year retirement that nearly every state and municipal police officer in New York already receives. David’s family lived with the same fear that one day he would not return home at the end of his shift. Make no mistake, David gave his life to the people of New York State, and he deserved the ability to retire after 20 years instead of 25. David’s family deserved to have that extra time with him before he said goodbye.”

Lt. McShane is survived by his wife and three children.

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ABOUT the PBA of New York State: Established in 2011, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA of New York State), is a law enforcement labor union representing the interests of more than 1,100 members of the New York State Agency Police Services Unit (APSU).  The PBA of New York State is the exclusive bargaining agent for the New York State University (SUNY) Police, the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, the New York State Park Police, and the New York State Forest Rangers.  Our members police and protect New York State’s public universities and colleges; state parks and historic sites; and they enforce state laws and protect our lands and forests and ensure environmental safety and quality throughout the state.


Governor Hochul’s Veto Message

Friday, December 15, 2023

Click here to read the Governor's veto message


PRESS RELEASE - Governor Hochul Misses Historic Opportunity by Vetoing Pension Equity and Diversity Legislation

Friday, December 08, 2023

Failure to Enact 20-Year Retirement for State Law Enforcement Officers Jeopardizes Public Safety and Makes it Harder to Recruit and Retain Diverse Officers

Albany, NY (December 8, 2023) – The PBA of New York State (PBANYS), the union representing more than 1,100 highly specialized state law enforcement officers, today expressed its profound disappointment that Governor Hochul has once again vetoed a pension equity bill  (A.4018/S.1991) which would help them recruit and retain female officers and bring more diversity to their ranks.

The legislation provides Environmental Conservation Officers, Park Police Police, Forest Rangers, and State University Police Officers with the universal standard for police retirements. The failure to sign this historic legislation or include it in previous budgets, continues to jeopardize the safety of New Yorkers, our environment, and the state’s priceless cultural and historic resources.

PBA of New York State president Jim McCartney, said, “Time and again we have shared our concerns with Governor Hochul and time and again we are told we have been heard. The third consecutive veto by Governor Hochul leaves us wondering if we are being heard, if the sacrifices of our members are appreciated, and whether the Governor is truly concerned about diversity and protecting our state’s environment and public health or are those just campaign soundbites?”

McCartney continued, “New York State needs a 20-year retirement option to make us more competitive with other law enforcement agencies across the state to stem the loss of highly trained and specialized officers. Under the current 25-year retirement option, the state is encouraging them to walk out the door and pursue opportunities with police agencies that have better retirement options.”

Governor Hochul has no problem enacting an electric school bus mandate which will cost taxpayers more than two billion dollars in new spending each year, but somehow it is hard for her to find less than $8 million a year to pay for a 20-year retirement option to make our state police agencies more competitive with other agencies so we can recruit and retain more diverse officers.

Matthew Krug, PBANYS Vice President, asked, “How does Governor Hochul plan on achieving her diversity goals if she is unwilling to provide more than 1,100 highly specialized state law enforcement officers with the same retirement benefit which nearly every other state and municipal police officer in the state already receives? They are being actively recruited to leave, and who can blame them? How are we going to carry out her mission of ensuring environmental justice and protecting public health among our state’s must vulnerable populations without environmental conservation officers to hold polluters accountable? The time for promises and platitudes is over.”

At a time when PBANYS members have committed themselves to realizing Governor Hochul’s vision to strengthen the effectiveness of our law enforcement agencies, we are admittedly bewildered as to why she would undermine her own initiative by not meeting with us to avail herself of our intimate knowledge of the challenges of recruiting and retaining these highly sought-after officers. Time and again the union has requested to meet with Governor Hochul to lend our expertise in community policing and work toward shared goals through effective strategies. Time and again Governor Hochul has failed to even acknowledge our requests to meet and collaborate.

It is important to note that public policy groups that often oppose pension bills due to budgetary implications are not objecting to PBANYS’ 20-year retirement parity bill because they understand the ultimate cost of losing these highly specialized law enforcement officers. They do not view it as a “pension sweetener” but rather a critical means to enhance these vital agencies and their ability to protect the public. If traditional critics do not oppose the bill, we are left to wonder what the Governor’s objections are that would lead her to veto the best opportunity to achieve diversity, support retention, and promote recruitment?

The numbers bear out that losing so many officers to other agencies is actually a greater drain on the state’s finances than providing a 20-year retirement which will promote recruitment and retention of the best and most qualified officers who possess the specialized skills that the state calls on in its hour of need – particularly during severe weather events caused by climate change and complicated search and rescues that result in lives saved.

PBANYS supports Governor Hochul’s efforts to reimagine policing to make it more responsive to, and reflective of, the communities we serve. We are committed to joining Governor Hochul in this historic opportunity to fundamentally reshape our most important law enforcement assets. We have an important perspective that should be part of the ongoing dialogue, and our members who are committed to the Governor’s vision must be retained in order to bring it to fruition.

The state’s Environmental Conservation Officers, Park Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and State University Police Officers have the same – if not higher – qualifications and credentials as nearly every state and municipal police officer currently receiving a 20-year retirement benefit. They face the same dangers, enforce the same laws, and make the same sacrifices – all without the same security for their families.

Failing to enact our 20-year retirement is a missed opportunity and excluding it from the Governor’s budget proposals twice already, has and continues to imperil these efforts and demoralizes the officers who have answered Governor Hochul’s call time and time again to serve and protect the people, environment, and priceless resources of New York State in its darkest hours.

McCartney concluded, “Governor Hochul you are the only person with the power to include pension equity in the budget. The legislature has strongly signaled their support for a 20-year for four consecutive years, and twice previously you’ve stated it needs to be included in the budget. Our members are asking the obvious question, ‘what are you waiting for?’ Your budget is due in six short weeks and failing to include it yet again will be received by our members as you saying they don’t deserve the same retirement benefit as every other state law enforcement officer. These are your police officers Governor, and we need you to do right by them and their families.”

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ABOUT the PBA of New York State: Established in 2011, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA of New York State), is a law enforcement labor union representing the interests of more than 1,100 members of the New York State Agency Police Services Unit (APSU).  The PBA of New York State is the exclusive bargaining agent for the New York State University (SUNY) Police, the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, the New York State Park Police, and the New York State Forest Rangers.  Our members police and protect New York State’s public universities and colleges; state parks and historic sites; and they enforce state laws and protect our lands and forests and ensure environmental safety and quality throughout the state.


PRESS RELEASE: The PBA of New York State Calls on Governor Hochul to Sign 20-Year Retirement Parity Bill for Members

Friday, December 01, 2023

Law Would Help Recruit and Retain Diverse Officers and Support Governor’s Female 30x30 Recruitment Initiative.

Albany, NY (December 1, 2023) – The PBA of New York State (PBANYS) today respectfully and strongly called on Governor Hochul to enact their 20-year retirement legislation as a critical step to achieving her laudable goals of increasing diversity in law enforcement including achieving 30% female representation by 2030. These goals, as well as the safety of New York’s natural resources, public university campuses, and historic sites are imperiled by the mass exodus of highly specialized officers and recruitment shortfalls resulting from an antiquated 25-year pension.

“The Governor has an historic opportunity to help us recruit and retain more women within our ranks, said Nancy Ganswindt, PBA of New York State Vice President. “For too long our agencies have lost diverse officers, including highly qualified women, to departments offering better compensation and benefits. The 20-Year Retirement and 30x30 Initiative will reverse that by showing women and diverse individuals that law enforcement is a career in which you can both serve your community and provide a financially secure future for your family.”

James McCartney, President of the PBA of New York State, said, “For the fourth year in a row the state legislature has passed our 20-year retirement parity legislation with near unanimous bi-partisan support. Environmental groups across the state support this critical legislation, as do state agency commissioners and fellow law enforcement agencies. In fact, the groups which normally oppose bills with budgetary impact have not raised concerns because they recognize the savings to the state by stemming the mass exodus of officers. Rarely do so many diverging interests come together to support an issue.”

In addition to its commitment to meeting Governor Hochul’s goals of diversifying law enforcement ranks through the 30x30 Initiative and by focusing on underrepresented communities, PBANYS is equally committed to continuing our core mission of protecting and strengthening the communities our members serve.

From safeguarding public university campuses to facilitate the free exchange of ideas, to protecting our natural resources and enforcing environmental safety laws to promote environmental justice within urban communities that disproportionately suffer from pollution, our members protect the public in ways not commonly associated with law enforcement. Our focus on community policing is what sets us apart and reinforces why we cannot lose these highly experienced and specialized officers to agencies where their unique skillsets and experience will be lost to the people of New York state.

Time and again, when New Yorkers are in their hour of need, the members of PBANYS have been called upon – and every time they’ve risen to the occasion. From the deadly winter storms of 2022 to the torrential rains and floods of this past spring, officers from the State Park Police, University Police, Environmental Conservation Police, and Forest Rangers left their families behind to safeguard others.

When more than 80 million people visit New York State Parks each year they do so under the watchful eyes of the Park Police who are there not only to protect the public, but to enhance their experience. Hikers and hunters alike safely commune with nature knowing that Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Officers will come to their aid when needed. Millions of State University of New York students, faculty, and staff live, learn, and earn in safety thanks to our State University Police Officers who strive to keep the dangers of the world off our state campuses.

PBANYS stands ready to work with Governor Hochul to ensure that the community focused policing that our member agencies are renowned for endures. We are asking the Governor to support our shared goals by providing our members with pension parity so that the officers who have committed themselves to these specialized missions and protecting these unique communities can afford to continue to do so while ensuring the financial security of their own families.

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ABOUT the PBA of New York State: Established in 2011, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA of New York State), is a law enforcement labor union representing the interests of approximately 1,100 members of the New York State Agency Police Services Unit (APSU).  The PBA of New York State is the exclusive bargaining agent for the New York State University (SUNY) Police, the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, the New York State Park Police, and the New York State Forest Rangers.  Our members police and protect New York State’s public universities and colleges; state parks and historic sites; and they enforce state laws and protect our lands and forests and ensure environmental safety and quality throughout the state.


PBA of NYS Members Took the Fright Out of Halloween for Morrisville Parents Specialists in Community Policing Provided Safe Trunk or Treat Halloween Experience at E.R. Andrews Elementary School

Friday, November 03, 2023

Morrisville, NY (November 3, 2023) – Not even overcast skies and light rain could dampen the spirits of hundreds of Morrisville-area children and their parents as they participated in the Morrisville Eaton Future Farmers of America’s Trunk or Treat this past Tuesday at E.R. Andrews Elementary School in Morrisville. Officers from all four PBA of New York State (PBANYS) member units were on hand to provide parents with a sense of safety as their children participated in a time-honored tradition of donning costumes and procuring bags full of treats from officers and other event participants.

Jim McCartney, PBA of New York State president, said, “It is unfortunate that parents have to worry about the safety of their children as they enjoy traditions we took for granted during our childhood. Officers represented by PBANYS are renowned for their expertise in community policing and are focused on enforcing the laws that keep us safe by building relationships that result in stronger and more inclusive communities. I can think of no better time to begin building these lifelong relationships than during childhood and at community events like Trunk or Treat.”

While events like Trunk or Treat are among the more visible efforts PBANYS members participate in to keep children safe, these elite state law enforcement officers are busy throughout the year protecting New York’s families. New York State University Police Officers regularly train to respond to active shooter incidents and work with local elementary and secondary schools on security protocols and hardening facilities. Environmental Conservation Officers work to protect water and air quality, particularly in environmental justice areas where air pollution disproportionately impacts low-income and children of color resulting in increased incidents of asthma and other respiratory ailments. State Forest Rangers and Park Police Officers respond to hundreds of incidents of lost individuals throughout the year and frequently undertake complex and dangerous searches and rescues to safely reunite families. For PBANYS members law enforcement goes far beyond what is typically considered “routine policing.”

McCartney concluded, “The Forest Ranger, Park Police, Environmental Conservation, or University Police Officer that kids meet today may one day help them while hiking or fishing, while attending college at a State University campus, or while visiting one of the many state park or historic sites located in every corner of the state. No matter where you may find yourself in the state of New York there is sure to be a PBANYS member on patrol nearby safeguarding your community and building the relationships that make New York state the Empire State.”

New York State Forest Ranger and Encon Officer welcome kids to their trunk for Halloween treats

New York State Park Police Officers welcome children to check out their “Bat Mobile” all-terrain vehicle

Some superheroes wear costumes and some wear uniforms – a Forest Ranger smiles upon meeting Spider Man

Nothing makes PBANYS members happier than seeing a child wanting to group up to be a first responder and serve their community

University Police Officers meet a potential future recruit

PBANYS Trunk or Treat participants pose for a group photo representing all four member units

The Park Police “Batmobile” used in impassable areas of the state that most police agencies cannot access

Patrol vehicles from all four PBANYS member units assemble prior to transforming into stops along the FFA Morrisville Eaton Trunk or Treat path

ABOUT the PBA of New York State: Established in 2011, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA of New York State), is a law enforcement labor union representing the interests of approximately 1,100 members of the New York State Agency Police Services Unit (APSU).  The PBA of New York State is the exclusive bargaining agent for the New York State University (SUNY) Police, the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, the New York State Park Police, and the New York State Forest Rangers.  Our members police and protect New York State’s public universities and colleges; state parks and historic sites; and they enforce state laws and protect our lands and forests and ensure environmental safety and quality throughout the state.

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PRESS RELEASE—PBA of New York State Members Escort Capital Region Ride for Missing Children - Annual Event Raises Money and Awareness to Combat the Exploitation of Children

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Albany, NY (September 28, 2023) – Every year more than 450,000 children go missing in the United States, and for law enforcement officers represented by the PBA of New York State (PBANYS), even one child is too many. On September 22, members of PBANYS joined the Ride for Missing Children to provide a safety escort for bicyclists and raise awareness and money to combat child exploitation and reunite missing children with their heartbroken families.

“No matter what our specialty, every officer represented by the PBA of New York State considers protecting the innocent and vulnerable their primary mission,” said PBANYS president James McCartney. “We are honored to join with our communities and fellow law enforcement officers from across the Capital Region in raising awareness and funds to reunite lost children with their loved ones.”

The Ride for Missing Children began in 1995 when a group of seven riders rode from Utica, NY to Washington DC - arriving at the steps of the Capitol on May 25th, Missing Children’s Day. In 1997, 43 riders continued this tradition by riding 100 miles from Albany, NY to Utica, NY. Today the Ride for Missing Children has grown to the largest annual fundraiser for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children with more than 900 riders participating in five rides throughout the year in New York State and Texas. In addition to the Albany ride on September 22, the organization will host a ride in Syracuse on September 29. PBANYS members have participated in the Ride for Missing Children for the past decade.

This year the route took riders past a number of local schools as a reminder that missing children come from communities large and small and impact families of all backgrounds. Schools along the ride route included Mechanicville Elementary School, Chango Elementary School, Charlton Heights Elementary School, Geyser Road Elementary School, and Lake Ave Elementary.

To date, the Ride for Missing Children has raised funds to purchase nearly 12 million missing child posters to help locate more than 12,000 missing children. What keeps supporters pressing forward year in and year out is knowing that through the collective efforts of this organization and its members they have helped recover more than 8,700 missing and exploited children.

PBANYS members are no strangers when it comes to searching for missing and exploited children. One of New York state’s most famous missing child incidents came in July of 1971 when “Dougie” Legg went missing at the Santanoni Estate in Essex County. New York State Forrest Rangers organized a search that included more than 1,000 people and utilized helicopters, infrared detection equipment, and bloodhounds. Sadly, Dougie is among those children that remain missing. State Forrest Rangers answer the call to search for missing children and adults and conduct rescues more than 300 times a year including remote mountain helicopter rescues.

Likewise, state Environmental Conservation Officers and New York State Park Police bring high tech assets to the search for missing people including watercraft, drones, and specially trained canines. New York State Park Police often conduct searches in the most hostile marine environments in New York state including Niagara Falls and Long Island Sound and conduct high angle rope rescues in deep ravines and other inaccessible areas. New York State University Police have also led some of the most high-profile searches for missing children in the nation including Karen Wilson and Suzanne Lyall who both disappeared from the State University of New York at Albany campus.

PBANYS members who participated in the Ride for Missing Children include State University Police at Albany Lt. Steven Grassmann (Ride Command/Law Enforcement Coordinator), University Police Officer Chad Silvernail, New York State Park Police Officer Lee Laurie, and New York State Environmental Conservation Officer Mark Klein.

The union was honored to be joined by fellow law enforcement officers from across the Capital Region including the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Saratoga Springs Police Department, Mechanicville Police Department, and Waterford Police Department.

McCartney concluded, “We won’t rest until these children are reunited with their loved ones and safely home resting in their own beds.”

Escort Officers muster before deploying to protect riders during the 2023 Capital Region Ride for Missing Children

Riders are encouraged along the route under the watchful and protective eye of local law enforcement escorts

ABOUT the PBA of New York State: Established in 2011, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA of New York State), is a law enforcement labor union representing the interests of approximately 1,100 members of the New York State Agency Police Services Unit (APSU).  The PBA of New York State is the exclusive bargaining agent for the New York State University (SUNY) Police, the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, the New York State Park Police, and the New York State Forest Rangers.  Our members police and protect New York State’s public universities and colleges; state parks and historic sites; and they enforce state laws and protect our lands and forests and ensure environmental safety and quality throughout the state.

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PBA of New York State and Special Olympics Remember 9/11 Victims During Torch Run Recently Deceased State Environmental Conservation Officer Larry Cabana Honored at Plattsburgh Relay

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Albany, NY (September 19, 2023) – Police Officers from the PBA of New York State (PBANYS) converged on the City of Plattsburgh, NY on Friday, September 15th for the Special Olympics Torch Run and to remember those who lost their lives to the terror attacks on 9/11 - including union member Larry Cabana, an Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) who served at the World Trade Center recovery site and passed away in August.

PBANYS president, Jim McCartney, said, “Our members are truly grateful that the Special Olympics Torch Run in Plattsburgh was dedicated to Environmental Conservation Officer Larry Cabana who served at Ground Zero of the World Trade Center in the days following the horrendous attacks. Like so many first responders and heroes who answered the call, ECO Cabana succumbed to illness related to toxic exposure. Larry’s spirit was undaunted in the face of adversity - just like the athletes who participate in the Special Olympics. I know Larry would consider this to be among the highest of honors from a grateful community.”

In addition to Environmental Conservation Officer Cabana, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement also lost ECOs Paul Adams, Stephen Raymond, and Thomas Graham who served alongside ECO Cabana at the World Trade Center site. Several other officers represented by PBANYS have had their careers cut short and were forced to retire early with reduced benefits due to 9/11 related illnesses.

Matt Krug, Environmental Conservation Officers Director for PBANYS, concluded, “Our members honor all who rose to the challenges of 9/11 regardless of whether they wore a uniform or not. We ask that you join us in remembering and honoring those who lost their lives, health, and livelihood on that day and in the years that followed. May we never forget the lessons learned through tragedy and the community we can become if we look past our differences and embrace the shared roots of our humanity.”

Encon Officers lead the law enforcement torch run for the Special Olympics in Plattsburgh

North Country law enforcement officers carry the banner for the cause of Special Olympians

Special Olympians welcome area law enforcement officers for the North Country Torch Run

Special Olympians show their appreciation to law enforcement runners and encourage them on

Photo Credits: Joey Lafranca, Champlain Valley Educational Services

ABOUT the PBA of New York State: Established in 2011, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA of New York State), is a law enforcement labor union representing the interests of approximately 1,100 members of the New York State Agency Police Services Unit (APSU).  The PBA of New York State is the exclusive bargaining agent for the New York State University (SUNY) Police, the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, the New York State Park Police, and the New York State Forest Rangers.  Our members police and protect New York State’s public universities and colleges; state parks and historic sites; and they enforce state laws and protect our lands and forests and ensure environmental safety and quality throughout the state.

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New York State University Police Honor Guard 9/11 Tribute

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Here are some photos from Binghamton University's 9/11 tribute.

NYSUP Honor Guard honoring all of those that died on 9/11. 


In Memory of Our Fallen Members and All Those Lost on 9/11

Monday, September 11, 2023

Every shift our members wonder if it will be their last. Their loved ones pray they will safely return home at the end of the shift.

On this day 22 years ago 60 police officers, 343 firefighters, and 8 emergency medical personnel, and 125 Pentagon personnel did not return to their loved ones after their shift.

Equally tragic were the nearly 3,000 civilians who did not return home to their families, having lost their lives in cowardly terrorist attacks that struck at our freedom and way of life. We mourn this unprecedented loss of life, and vow to work every day to ensure that we never know such loss again.

As a union we remember our fallen brothers and those who work to this day to honor the memories of the fallen, and do so while enduring the lasting physical and emotional toll from their service that fateful day. We will never stop fighting to ensure those selfless and brave officers are supported as they fight this enduring battle and live with the scars seen and unseen.

Thank you for your service to the people of New York State.