PRESS RELEASE: PBA of New York State Members Recognized for Exemplary Service in Protecting Campus Community

Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera Secured Legislative Proclamations Honoring Buffalo State University Police Officers Urbanski and Olszewski for Preventing Violent Tragedy at University Basketball Game

Buffalo, NY (June 19, 2024) – The PBA of New York State today extended its gratitude to Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera (D – 149###sup/sup### Assembly District) for his efforts in honoring the outstanding police work performed by two of our members – Buffalo State University Police Officers James Urbanski and Anthony Olszewski, and for his continued support of the nearly 1,200 specialized community police officers represented by our union.

On February 9, 2024, a melee broke out at a Buffalo State basketball game involving spectators and players from the opposing team. Officers Urbanski and Olszewski quickly responded and prevented the altercation from growing further and threatening innocent bystanders. In addition, two illegal handguns were recovered during the incident including one illegally modified fully automatic Glock pistol. The University Police Officers suffered minor injuries during the altercation but were able to prevent injuries to innocent spectators and the possibility of a mass shooting.

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Officers Urbanski and Olszewski represent the very best of our local law enforcement. Their swift, selfless actions prevented an on-campus incident from potentially escalating, and in doing so, kept both students and personnel safe from harm. They do their duty each day to protect our Buffalo State University campus and do not ask for recognition in return. I’m happy to have been able to extend thanks and gratitude on behalf of our entire community.”

PBA of New York State president, James McCartney, said, “We are honored that Assemblymember Rivera secured legislative proclamations honoring Officers Urbanski and Olszewski. Our members work tirelessly to protect New York’s most precious educational, cultural, and natural resources – often at great personal risk. Our State University campuses are not immune to the dangers of the outside world, and the seizure of two illegal firearms by Officers Olszewski and Urbanski is a testament to our officers’ dedication to keeping these threats at bay.”

This is not the first time that New York State University Police Officers have been recognized with legislative proclamations for their exemplary and even heroic service. In July of 2021, two New York State University Police Officers from Upstate Medical Center came under fire while protecting a gunshot victim arriving at the hospital’s Emergency Room, along with local pastors who were on hand to support the victim’s family as part of a Clergy Emergency Response Team. One of the pastors was also shot in the drive by at the emergency room entrance. If not for the courageous action of University Police Officers Lt. John Stefanko and Officer Brian Patterson, these gunshot victims might not have survived the incident.

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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.