Michael D. Sodders

The NYS University Police lost one of their most dynamic and dedicated officers suddenly on June 15, 2019. Officer Michael D. Sodders, a dual citizen of Italy and the United States. 

Officer Sodders was extremely talented and versatile, a lover of music, golf, traveling, carpentry, cats and motorcycling. Mike began his career as a carpenter in various states around the country. He attended SUNY Stony Brook where he obtained a B.A. in music. He ultimately decided to put aside his career in carpentry to become a SUNY Police Officer, where he dedicated himself to academy work and graduated in October of 1999. He began his New York State University Police Officer career at Stony Brook University then transferred to SUNY New Paltz, finishing his career at Maritime College.

   

Michael was instrumental in getting University Police their 25 year retirement option which was passed into law in 2015. HIs personality was infectious and his presence will be sorely missed among his former colleagues, friends and family.

   

Anyone wishing to make a contribution on behalf of Officer Sodder’s may do so in his name to any cat rescue organization of your choice.


Forest Ranger Raymond L. Murray

Forest Ranger Murray is the only Ranger to lose his life in the line of duty.

Died on October 9, 1970

Aerial detection got off to a rough start with a fatal accident on the first detection flight of the 1970 fall fire season in western New York. Just after take-off, the plane piloted by Jack Marvin crashed in the village of Hammondsport seriously injuring himself and District Ranger Bob Roche. The only fatality at the time of the crash was Forest Ranger Raymond Murray of Addison, New York. Marvin later died of his injuries.

The Rangers were conducting an aerial patrol to detect forest fires and violators of state fire laws.

Ranger Murray had served with the agency for 20 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.


Police Officer Francis J. Donato Jr.

Palisades Interstate Park Police Department - New York Section, New York.

End of Watch: Thursday, August 28, 1980

Police Officer Frank Donato suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after being involved in a skirmish with a large group of people in the parking lot of the Bear Mountain Inn, in Bear Mountain State Park.

He and other officers had gone to the scene to investigate reports of a disturbance in the parking lot of the inn's disco. Some of the juveniles at the scene became combative and a scuffle ensued.

Officer Donato returned to the station where he collapsed several minutes later. An officer immediately began administering oxygen as an ambulance responded to the scene. Officer Donato was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later.

Officer Donato had served in law enforcement for 24 years.

His name appears on the New York State Police Memorial wall in Albany, NY.


Police Officer Jean B Dozier

Long Island State Parkway Police Department, New York

End of Watch: Thursday, October 10, 1968

Patrolman Dozier was killed in an automobile accident while responding to a report of an accident on the Wantagh Parkway on Long Island. His patrol car struck the rear of a slow-moving construction vehicle.

His name appears on the New York State Police Memorial wall in Albany, NY as well as on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.


Police Officer Anthony Milazzo, Jr.

Long Island State Parkway Police Department, New York

End of Watch: Saturday, April 11, 1970

  Patrolman Anthony Milazzo was killed when his patrol car was forced off the road by another car.

Patrolman Milazzo was attempting to stop a speeding car on the westbound side of the Southern State Parkway, in Farmingdale, when his vehicle was side swiped by another car. Patrolman Milazzo's patrol car was forced over the median and into oncoming traffic, where he struck an eastbound car head-on.

The driver of the vehicle that had forced the patrol car over the median stopped and walked over to the accident scene. After seeing what had happened, he returned to his car and fled the scene.

Patrolman Milazzo had served Long Island State Parkway Police Department for 10 months.

His name appears on the New York State Police Memorial wall in Albany, NY as well as on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. 


Chief Edward G. Gleason

Palisades Interstate Park Police Department - New York Section, New York

End of Watch: Sunday, July 23, 1972

Chief Edward Gleason suffered a fatal heart attack while commanding a police investigation and a crowd control operation at Bear Mountain State Park in New York.


Officer Lawrence E. Cabana

State Environmental Conservation Officer 

EOW: Saturday, August 6, 2022

Cause: 9/11 related illness


Officer Stephen Lawrence Raymond

State Environmental Conservation Officer

EOW: Monday, April 17, 2017

Cause: 9/11 related illness


Lieutenant Paul C. Adam

State Environmental Conservation Lieutenant

EOW: Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Cause: 9/11 related illness


Investigator Thomas J. Graham, Jr.

State Environmental Conservation Investigator

EOW: Saturday, September 21, 2013

Cause: 9/11 related illness


Captain Christopher Kostoss

Died in the Line of Duty on May 31, 2022

Captain Kostoss was a New York State Forest Ranger for 23 years


Colonel David M. Cornell

NYS Forest Ranger Colonel

Died on August 11, 2023

Colonel Cornell was a New York State Forest Ranger for 21 years


Officer William Becker

State Environmental Conservation Officer - Assigned to Suffolk County, Appointed November 10, 1968

Died in the line of duty March 11, 1981

E.C.O. William Becker served his entire career residing in eastern Suffolk County. While there are many unanswered questions surrounding his death, E.C.O. Becker was found in his uniform, drowned at a marina in Southold on March 11, 1981. He had served fifteen years and had two children. He was 43 years old at the time of his death.


Game Protector Earle Brown

State Game Protector - Assigned to Oswego County, Appointed November 1, 1917

Died in the line of duty October 30, 1941

The 1941 Annual Report to the Legislature states; "Game Protector Earle Brown of Oswego, who had served in the Department with loyalty for many years, died October 30, 1941. He was well known by sportsmen in central and northern New York. He was stricken while on duty and died within a few minutes.


Game Protector William T. Cramer

State Game Protector - Assigned to Queens County

Died in the line of duty September 22, 1929

As reported in the 13th Conservation Commission Report to the Legislature; "Two assailants of Game Protector Cramer, Antonio Marino and Filippo Garraputto, left the state to escape arrest, returned and were arrested. One of them, Garraputto, has since died and Marino was convicted of assault in the second degree and sentenced to the penitentiary for five years on December 26, 1922"

On Sunday morning, October 1, 1922, Protector Cramer came upon Marino and Garraputto in Horstmanns' Woods, Jamaica Bay, Long Island and attempted to arrest them for hunting without a license, and shooting and taking protected birds. The Protector was knocked down by a blow on the head with a shotgun and while lying on the ground, received three revolver bullets in the back of the head and in the neck. He succeeded in drawing a pistol and shooting one of the assailants in the hand and one in the groin as they were preparing to fire a charge of shot into him. Protector Cramer's injuries were so severe that he was not expected to live. He made a remarkable recovery and returned to duty.

Perhaps if an assault on a Game Protector had been punished more harshly the final incident involving Game Protector Cramer may have been avoided.

Having received complaints of illegal hunting in the Idlewild Woods, near present day JFK International Airport, Game Protectors Cramer and Allen joined forces. At approximately 10:00 a.m. they discovered Joseph Lentine of Brooklyn in possession of illegal song birds. While arresting Lentine another shot was heard. With Lentine in custody, the Game Protectors proceeded to the area of the shot to investigate. A warning in Italian was shouted by Lentine resulting in a series of shots. In the resulting struggle, Game Protector Cramer was killed instantly with a shotgun blast to the face. The second hunter later identified as Frank Aldino was shot in the wrist. Game Protector Allen was severely beaten and Lentine escaped unharmed. Although severly injured, Protector Allen made his way out to the road and was assisted by a passing motorists. NYPD Officers searched the woods that day. On October 8, 1929, Frank Aldino was arrested in Newark, New Jersey for the murder of Game Protector William T. Cramer. Frank Aldino was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to twenty years to life and sent to Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York.

     Game Protector Gramer was 38 years old at the time of his death. He was not married, and resided in Ridgewood, Queens.  He was held in high esteem and respect by the Department. Surely, Cramer's devotion to duty, having been severly injured prior to the incident in which he was murdered, must be recognized as the highest level of valor in the history of natural resource protection.


Game Protector Harvey B. Cruikshank

State Game Protector - Assigned to Washington County

Died in the line of duty June 8, 1926

Unfortunately, not much is known of Protector Cruikshank's personal life. He is described in the 1926 Annual Report to the Legislature as a "loyal employee". On June 8, 1926, while patrolling in his sector, he was struck and killed by a bolt of lightning during a severe electrical storm.


Officer Benning W. DeLaMater

State Conservation Officer - Assigned to Albany County, Appointed July 1, 1949

Died in the line of duty June 24, 1961

Conservation Officer DeLaMater served in Albany County for twelve years. On June 24, 1961, while patrolling the Hudson River near the Federal Dam at Troy, his boat capsized and he drowned. The 1961 Annual Report to the Legislature states; ". . . he was a loyal and faithful public servant. 'Benny', as he was known to most people, was a rugged individualist in his every endeavor; however, he was also a warm hearted sentimentalist and a good friend to have. His enthusiasm was contagious."


Game Protector Paul J. DuCuennois

State Game protector - Assigned to Washington County , Appointed May, 1932

Died in the line of duty October 16, 1932

Born December 8, 1910, Game Protector Paul J. DuCuennois was 21 years old at the time of his appointment. He was a very enthusiastic Game Protector who worked in a remote area. After only a few months of duty Protector DuCuennois had been receiving threats from violators. On October 16, 1932 Protector DuCuennois was patrolling Jabes Pond by canoe, a remote body of water four miles from Hague, that could only be reached at the time by traversing a rough wilderness trail. For some unknown reason, Protector DuCuennois fell from the canoe. Although he was known to be a strong swimmer, he drowned. During this short career, Protector DuCuennois gained wide respect and admiration for his devotion to duty.

The 1932 Conservation Department Annual Report to the Legislature states; "Mr. DuCuennois had proved himself an alert and valuable Protector." One May 19, 1963 in the lobby of the newly created District Headquarters of the Conservation Department in Warrensburg, a bronze plaque was dedicated to this fine young Game Protector.


Lieutenant John C. Fitzpatrick

State Environmental Conservation Officer - Assigned to New York City

Died on May 7, 2014

The NYS DEC Division of Law Enforcement lost one of their brightest and most dedicated this May.  

Lieutenant John C. Fitzpatrick graduated the DLE’s Basic Academy in 1996 and served for the past seventeen years in New York’s Region 2, which encompasses New York City.  He served as a uniformed officer, an Investigator, a Uniformed Lieutenant, and finally as an Investigative Lieutenant for the past four years.  He was considered to be the Department’s foremost expert on the illegal endangered species trade and has made a myriad of important cases in significant environmental crimes and wildlife trafficking.

His particular passion was the black market elephant ivory trade and he recently concluded a successful investigation and prosecution of several prominent retail stores in Manhattan’s swanky Fifth Avenue district.  One case involved the seizure of over 2,000 pounds of ivory worth 2.4 million dollars.  These investigations highlighted New York City’s significant role in the world’s illegal elephant ivory trade.  As a result, John was asked to testify before the NY State Assembly in January where he outlined loopholes in state law governing ivory sales and suggested improvements to cut down on the illegal trade.  (information on that piece can be found by clicking this link).  Due in part to John’s work and subsequent testimony New York is contemplating upgrading penalties for violating wildlife crimes and rewriting their ivory regulations to further restrict the sale of elephant ivory.  

John was known among his many friends and colleagues as a brilliant, utterly dedicated and skillful investigator, as well as an inveterate prankster and wonderful friend.  The loss of his expertise, enthusiasm, and experience will be felt by the Department for years to come.  John is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth and their 3-month old daughter, Danielle, who was the light of his life and the first person who could distract him from the passion that was his career. 

 

The Police Benevolent Associaiton of New York State (PBANYS) has initiated a trust fund for Elizabeth and baby Danielle.  

Anyone wishing to contribute to this fund may do either of the following:

      Mail a check to:  The Family Assistance Fund of the PBA of NYS, Inc. 11 North Pearl Street, Suite 1200, Albany, NY 12207   Attn: Danielle's Trust.  The check should be made payable to "The PBA of NYS, Inc."  Please ensure your contact information is enclosed that we may contact you in the event of a question regarding your donation.

      Make an electronic donation via Credit Card:  Please click the Donate link below to be directed to our secure payment system and complete all the information requested.  Please provide all the correct information that we may contact you in the event of a question regarding your donation.  NOTE: you do not need to have a PayPal account to complete your donation.  Once you open the donation screen, simply click on the 'Continue' link above the credit card icons.

Online Donation


Thank you in advance to all those who care so deeply for John's family and for your generosity.

Lt. Fitzpatrick’s funeral was attended by nearly half of New York’s Conservation Officers, as well as many other law enforcement agencies, friends, and family. 

The New York State Environmental Conservation Police Pipe and Drum Corps, along with pipers from the New York City Police Department, commemorated the passing of Lt. John C. Fitzpatrick. 

 

 

In addition to donations above you may also contribute by attending or sponsoring an annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser organized by a very dear friend of John's.   Click here for details.  Proceeds from this event are also contributed to baby Danielle's Fund.


Officer William Flanders

State University Police Officer - Stationed at University of Buffalo

Died in the line of duty January 24, 1983

Officer William Flanders died on duty on the UB North Campus on January 24, 1983.He suffered a heart attack while on routine patrol. He had been employed by the University for 25 years (including time with other departments before the first 1972 civil service test).


Game Protector Charles W. Gaffney

State Game Protector - Assigned to Lewis County, Appointed September 4, 1920

Died in the line of duty November 16, 1934

A Game Protector for over fourteen years, Charles Gaffney of Lyons Falls, Lewis County, died while on duty. He was patrolling the Moose River section with Protector Corbine and Trooper Durand and was siezed with a heart attack.


Lieutenant Gary Kalisz

State Univeristy Police Officer - Stationed at University of Buffalo

Died on duty on December 16, 1989

Lieutenant Gary Kalisz died on duty on the UB North Campus on December 16, 1989. He suffered a heart attack while working in the police station. A lifelone resident of Buffalo, Kalisz was a graduate of Bishop Turner High School. He received an associate's degree from Erie Community College in 1970 and a bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College in 1972. After college, Kalisz attended the State Police training academy in Albany. He had been employed as a Univeristy public safety officer for 16 years. He was a member of the Buffalo Racing Pigeon Association and was associated with the Buffalo Police K-9 unit.


Game Protector Lawrence Kessler

State Game Protector - Assigned to Green County, Appointed June 1, 1935

Died in the line of duty November 26, 1935

Returning home late on the night of November 26, 1935, while travelling east on Broadway in the Town of Lancaster, Protector Kessler's car left the road and struck a culvert. Kessler was found dead in the wrecked automobile by a passing motorist. The exact cause of the accident was not determined. The Annual report to the Legislature in 1935 states; "Mr. Kessler . . . showed promise of becoming an Officer of the most efficient type and enjoyed the respect of the sportsment of his territory."


Officer Leon M. Klimeczko

State University Police Officer - Stationed at University of Buffalo

Died in the line of duty June 21, 2006

Officer Klimeczko died unexpectedly on June 21, 2006, while on duty as a university police officer at the University at Buffalo. He was 52. The Niagara Falls native was a graduate of LaSalle Senior High School and had a bachelor's degree from UB, from which he graduated with honors as a history major. In 1989 after graduating from the University Police Academy in Albany, he joined the force at UB. John Grela, chief of the university police force, said Mr. Klimeczko worked with "faculty, staff and students in a practical and compassionate manner." He had received several commendations for his work, most noteworthy for administering lifesaving first aid to a university facilities employee in March 2005.


Officer Marshall D. MacNaught

State Conservation Officer - Assigned to Delaware County, Appointed January 16, 1946

Died in the line of duty February 8, 1968

As reported in a Delaware County newspaper, "Marshall Donald MacNaught, 51, of Hamden, Conservation Officer for New York State Conservation Department, died unexpectedly Thursday, February 8, 1968, at Hamden, while investigating a complaint of dogs chasing deer near the Hamden Cemetery. Mr. MacNaught apparently died of a heart attack, according to Delaware County Sheriff's Department Officers who were called to investigate the unattended death." A lifetime resident of Hamden, his wife Louise, still resides in Delaware County.


Game Protector John M. Robbins

State Game Protector - Assigned to Warren County, Appointed 1928

Died in the line of duty December 29, 1940

The Annual Report to the Legislature in 1940 states; "John M. Robbins of Warrensburg, a State Game Protector for the past twelve years, died suddenly December 29, 1940. He suffered a heart attack while conferring with the Sheriff of Warren County.


Game Protector Martin Salway

State Game Protector - Assigned to Genesee County, Appointed October 1, 1919

Died in the line of duty November 15, 1953

The 43rd Annual Report to the Legislature in 1953 reports "Martin Salway, Game Protector, Batavia, Genesee County passed away November 15, 1953 as a result of a heart attack while checking hunters in the field." He had 34 years of active service.


Game Protector Samuel S. Taylor

State Game Protector - Assigned to Madison County

Died in the line of duty on April 5, 1914

Fatally shot by game violators while attempting to arrest them for shooting song birds.

In the Fourth Annual Report of the Year 1914 for the Conservation Commission, the following resolution passed by the Division Chief Protectors in Albany on April 21, 1914 was published:

"Whereas, the wise hand of Providence has seen fit to remove from our mist, our highly esteemed and resepcted Game Protector, Samuel S. Taylor, of Madison County, while in the performance of his duty; and

Whereas, this faithful servant of the State, while apprehending two foreigners in the act of slaughtering our song birds and while attempting to arrest the offenders, met his death at the hands of two assassins; now therfore be it resolved, that we, the Division Chiefs of the State of New York, sadly deplore the loss of our dearly beloved brother Protector, and extend our regret and sympathy to the parents of Protector Taylor in their sad hours of affliction; also be it resolved that a copy of these resolutions be extedned to his parents, and also that a copy be placed upon the minutes of this meeting."


Game Protector Clarence J. Webster

State Game Protector - Assigned to Washington County, Appointed Augsut 1, 1918

Died in the line of duty November 16, 1944

On November 16, 1944, as stated in the 1944 Annual Report to the Legislature, Game Protector Webster ". . . was killed in an automobile accident while on duty as a Game Protector in Washington County." He was 64 years old.


Game Protector John H. Woodruff

State Game Protector - Assigned to Schenectady County

Missing in the line of duty November 27, 1919 - Body found April 3, 1921

On Thanksgiving Day, 1919, Protector Woodruff bid his wife goodbye from their Scotia home, proceeded to patrol in and around Schenectady County. She was the last know person to see him alive. When he did not return home an intense search went on to determine his whereabouts. Since he could not be found, it can be assumed he must have been far from his patrol vehicle. After a time the search was discontinued with Protector Woodruff's fate remaining a mystery.  On April 4, 1921, nearly a year and one-half after he disappeared, Protector Woodruff's remains were found in a shallow hole of a creek bed by a local resident and his revolver was missing. his skull had been crushed by a heavy weapon in the hands of a powerful man according to the coroner. Due to the lenghty time lapse, Game Protector Woodruff's murder has never been solved.