PRESS RELEASE: State University Police Save Stabbing Victim at Adventureland on Long Island Officers from SUNY Farmingdale Demonstrate Their Commitment to Both Campus and Community Safety

Albany, NY (July 10, 2024) – When shocked families across Long Island learned about this weekend’s stabbing at Adventureland Amusement Park, they probably heard that local police officers responded immediately, arrested the assailant, and provided lifesaving aid to the stabbing victim. What they probably didn’t know is that New York State University Police Officers Connor Coghlin and Ryan O’Donnell from the nearby Farmingdale State College campus were the first on the scene and provided lifesaving care to the victim - including the use of hemostatic QuikClot to prevent the victim from bleeding out, allowing the victim’s family to avoid unspeakable tragedy.

While many would think that New York State University Police Officers would be limited to patrolling our state university campuses, the reality is they respond daily to emergencies in their local communities as they back-up their brothers and sisters in blue. New York State University Police Officers, along with fellow PBA of New York State (PBANYS) members from the New York State Park Police, Environmental Conservation Police, and Forest Rangers frequently provide mutual aid to state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, and other first responders. From responding to natural disasters and performing highly technical rescues, to manhunts for fugitives and safeguarding national and international dignitaries, PBANYS members are often the first to be called when lives are on the line.

James McCartney, president of the PBA of New York State, said, “The officers represented by our union are the very best at community policing. We are extremely proud of University Police Officers Connor Coghlin and Ryan O’Donnell for arriving on the scene so quickly, rendering lifesaving aid, and assisting in the arrest of the assailant. We want the people of New York state to know that the women and men of the PBA of New York State are among the most specialized law enforcement officers in the state and that our focus is first and foremost on protecting the public as they safely enjoy the multitude of cultural, educational, and natural resources and offerings of our great state.”

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.

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