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

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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