The interests of New York State University Police, Park Police, Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Officers were represented by District Council 82 AFSCME and members worked without a contract for seven straight years.

Leaders among the agencies move to decertify from Council 82 AFSCME over dissatisfaction and allegations of corruption.

The Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA of New York State) files a petition with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) seeking to represent New York State University Police, Park Police, Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Officers.

The PBA of New York State is recognized by the PERB as the exclusive bargaining agent for its members.
Dan DeFedericis is named Founding Executive Director.
Manuel Vilar is named President of the Founding Executive Board.

After just four months in existence, the PBA of New York State secures a historic 10-year collective bargaining agreement, ratified by 96% of the new membership.

The PBA of New York State scores a victory for Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Officers, achieving Section 58 status, requirements, provisions and transfer privileges under the civil service law recognizing and governing police officers in New York state.

The PBA of New York State secures Section 58 status for New York State University Police officers, affording them the requirements, provisions and transfer privileges under the state's civil service law recognizing and governing police officers. 
The legislation also earns New York State University Police officers a special pension plan with a 25-year half-pay retirement benefit.

Peter Barry is elected as President of the Executive Board.

The PBA of New York State presents its first annual Veterans Service Awards to members who served in the United States Armed Forces, and its first Forest Ranger awards for exceptional service in the line of duty.

Scott Marciszewski is elected as President of the Executive Board.

Ryan Law is elected as President of the Executive Board, following Scott Marciszewski's resignation due to employment conflicts.

Manuel Vilar is elected for a second term as President of the Executive Board.

James McCartney is elected as President of the Executive Board.

James McCartney is elected for his first full term as President of the Executive Board.

The PBA of New York State secures an expansion of New York's "heart bill" protections to include New York State University Police, guaranteeing that any University Police officer's disease of the heart resulting in disability or death is presumed to be caused by the performance and stress of their public service, guaranteeing them and their family proper benefits.

The PBA of New York State successfully fought for a fair family death benefit for the widow of ECO Paul Adam. ECO Adam responded for search-and-recovery efforts at New York's World Trade Center site following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. ECO Adam took his service retirement in March 2013 and died on September 8, 2015 from complications of his 9/11-related illness. Widow Cynthia Adam filed to convert his service retirement benefit to an accidental death benefits in 2018, and the PBA supported her six-year fight for conversion despite falling outside the legal two-year window to file.

The PBA of New York State secures the first meaningful pension improvement in years for its members, as part of the FY 2025 budget. The deal secured a required service reduction for pension eligibility to 20 or 25 years for members, depending on their pension tier. The PBA of New York State continues to fight today for a fair 20-year pension for all members and officers represented by the union.

The PBA of New York State presents its first-ever civilian awards to Assistant New York State Comptroller and Director of Labor Affairs Adam Acquario, and retiring Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Queens) for their dedication to working with and supporting union labor in New York.

The PBA of New York State continues to advocate on behalf of our members for greater transparency, treatment and trust, ensuring that all reforms and engagement reflect the modern needs of public service.