Statement on Security of SUNY Campuses Protected by University Police

Thursday, September 18, 2025

During this time of uncertainty, fear and heightened attention on campus safety, the PBA of New York State urges SUNY and the elected leaders of the state of New York to pass a common-sense SUNY centralization policy.

Statement on Security of SUNY Campuses Protected by University Police

Statement on Manhunt Underway in Franklin County

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

BRIGHTON (FRANKLIN COUNTY), N.Y.—Today the Police Benevolent Association of New York State released the following statement, attributable to President James McCartney:

"The PBA of New York State is proud to report that New York State Forest Rangers are working in cooperation with the New York State Police, City of Cohoes Police and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in the search for homicide suspect Anthony G. Bechand of Cohoes, New York.

Statement on Manhunt Underway in Franklin County

PBA of New York State Mourns Environmental Conservation Officer Sean Dewey

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Media Contact: Geoff Redick | Baker Public Relations O: 518.426.4099 | M: 585.297.2453 geoff@bakerpublicrelations.com www.bakerpublicrelations.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2025 PBA of New York State Mourns Environmental Conservation Officer Sean Dewey 23-year officer and military veteran died unexpectedly July 25; to receive New York State law enforcement and United States military honors at funeral CLIFTON PARK, N.Y.—The PBA of New York State and its members are mourning the loss of NYSDEC Environmental Conservation Officer Sean Dewey, 63, of Ticonderoga, New York, formerly of Clifton Park. ECO Dewey died unexpectedly on July 25 while visiting family in Florida. ECO Dewey was a PBA member and a 23-year officer of the New York State Environmental Conservation Police. He served first in the five boroughs of New York City, then Greene County and finally in Essex County, where he has been stationed since 2019. A true team player and leader, ECO Dewey served for years as an academy instructor and led trainings on firearms, emergency vehicle operation (EVOC), drill instruction and other roles. He held these duties in addition to his full-time role as an environmental conservation officer. “ECO Dewey lived for fish and wildlife protection. He is one of the last ‘old school game wardens,’” said Matthew Krug, Director of Environmental Conservation Officers for the PBA of New York State. PBA Director Krug worked alongside ECO Dewey in NYSDEC Region 5. “Sean kept postponing his retirement because he loved his job so much, and he always went above and beyond if his fellow officers needed anything,” said Krug. “Working long past his retirement eligibility, he was still always first to volunteer for extra boat and snowmobile patrols, overnight shift coverages and for work with the swift water flood rescue team. He was also part of New York’s COVID-19 incident management team, administering COVID testing sites downstate and spending significant amounts of time away from home during the pandemic.” ECO Dewey was also involved ceremonially with the Honor Guard and as NYSDEC Division of Law Enforcement Pipe and Drum Band leader. He was honored with the NYSDEC Commissioner’s Meritorious Service Award in March 2019. “ECO Dewey devoted his life to law enforcement, and to protecting the environment and the people of New York,” said PBA of New York State President James McCartney. “I can personally recall his even cadence and steady leadership when he served as my police academy drill instructor. The PBA of New York State sends our condolences, thoughts and support to ECO Sean Dewey’s family and close friends at this difficult time.” ECO Dewey will receive full New York State law enforcement honors and escort during a motorcade from Albany International Airport to Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home in Clifton Park on Thursday, July 31. An obituary with full public visitation and funeral details for this Saturday, August 2, is available by clicking here. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the Army National Guard, ECO Dewey will be laid to rest with military honors. By the family’s wishes, the PBA of New York State requests that the public and members of the media respect the privacy of ECO Sean Dewey’s family.

Statement on Manhattan Shooting

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Media Contact: Geoff Redick | Baker Public Relations O: 518.426.4099 | M: 585.297.2453 geoff@bakerpublicrelations.com www.bakerpublicrelations.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 30, 2025 NEW YORK, N.Y.—Today the Police Benevolent Association of New York State released the following statement, attributable to President James McCartney: "The PBA of New York State is saddened by the death of fellow police officer Didarul Islam of the New York Police Department, in a lone gunman attack at Manhattan's 345 Park Avenue on Monday. Officer Islam, like our members, is reported to have upheld the highest standards of law enforcement, prioritizing the safety of New Yorkers at all times. Our thoughts today are with Officer Islam's surviving family, other victims of the shooting and their families, and the brother and sister officers of the NYPD."

Pedestrian Fatality

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Media Contact: Geoff Redick | Baker Public Relations O: 518.426.4099 | M: 585.297.2453 geoff@bakerpublicrelations.com www.bakerpublicrelations.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 16, 2025 YORK, N.Y.— Today the PBA of New York State issued the following statement, attributable to President James McCartney: “At approximately 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, an off-duty officer of the New York State Park Police was operating his personal vehicle immediately following his shift on Main Street in the town of York, when the off-duty officer’s vehicle struck a female pedestrian. New York State Police confirm that the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The off-duty officer is a 20-year veteran of the New York State Park Police and a member of the PBA of New York State. Based on his status as an officer, the New York State Police and the New York State Attorney General’s Office are investigating the incident. The PBA of New York State wishes to express our deep regret and heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family. We await more information from the investigation and have no further comment at this time.”