New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James commended and recognized 31 individuals and one Division unit for bravery, investigative persistence, police education, traffic safety, community service, and overall exceptional contributions at the New York State Police Awards Day Ceremony.
The 48th year for the awards, held at the New York State Police Academy in Albany, again paid tribute to the courage and perseverance of sworn and non-sworn members of the agency.
Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Today, we recognize State Police employees; troopers, investigators and civilians who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to this agency and the people of New York. Our honorees have shown tremendous bravery, dedication or leadership out on the road, or at one of our installations across the state. Every day our employees continue the fine tradition of the State Police and work to keep New Yorkers safe.”
Today’s awards ceremony immediately followed the State Police’s Annual Memorial
Day Service honoring the memory and service of deceased members of the State Police.
This year, State police recognized eleven members:
- Investigator Patrick J. Hogan, who died on April 13, 2023, as a result of 9/11 related illness.
- Senior Investigator Nicholas A. Georgeadis, who died on April 28, 2023, as a result of 9/11 related illness.
- Captain Christopher J. Garrow, who died on June 12, 2023, as a result of 9/11 related illness.
- Technical Sergeant Scott C. Norcutt, who died on June 20, 2023, as a result of 9/11 related illness.
- Trooper Lawrence C. Lakeman, who died on August 24, 2007, as a result of 9/11 related illness.
- Investigator Anthony B. Ashe, who died on November 4, 2020, as a result of 9/11 related illness.
- Technical Sergeant Christopher P. Rock, who died on December 3, 2023, as a result of 9/11 related illness.
- Trooper Robert M. Burney, who died on December 9, 2023, as a result of 9/11 related illness.
- Trooper Edward T. Kiluk, who died on April 4, 2021, as a result of 9/11 related illness.
- Trooper Steven A. Tyrrell, who died on February 7, 2024, as a result of 9/11 related illness.
- Technical Sergeant John M. Grassia III, who was killed in a helicopter crash on March 8, 2024, while deployed with the Army National Guard at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The following awards were presented:
Brummer Award – Highest Award for Heroism
The Brummer Award, established in 1968 by Wall Street financier and philanthropist Bertram F. Brummer, represents valor, heroism, and outstanding performance of duty by members of the New York State Police.
Trooper Richard W. Albert – Troop G
On June 16, 2023, while assigned to the SP Cobleskill Interstate Patrol,Trooper Albertconducted a vehicle and traffic stop of a gray Honda Pilot travelling at 112 miles per hour. AsTrooper Albertapproached the vehicle, he came under fire and was struck by in his left shoulder.Trooper Albertretreated to cover at the rear of his patrol car, notified the State Police Communications Section for assistance, and calmly made numerous radio transmissions updating responding troopers. Although wounded and still receiving fire,Trooper Albertremained engaged with the suspect and continued to return fire. The suspect and the operator attempted to flee the scene in the Honda but were blocked by a heroic tractor-trailer driver who witnessed the shooting. The suspect and driver again attempted to flee by carjacking a disabled pick-up truck at gunpoint. Utilizing the terrain of the grassy median as cover,Trooper Albertcontinued his pursuit of the suspects, all the while exchanging gunfire and conducting magazine exchanges.Trooper Albertremained engaged until the shooter fled into the wood line. After an agonizingly long twelve minutes, the first back up began to arrive. Once law enforcement officers were on scene andTrooper Albert wassecured, the driver was taken into custody. A search for the shooter was initiated by responding troopers, who located him deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot. This incident showcases bravery under extreme circ*mstances. Despite being under almost continuous gunfire, Trooper Albert remained engaged and committed to ensuring the public’s safety.
Superintendent’s Commendation Awards
The recipients of the Superintendent’s Commendation Awards were selected from the many members who have received Letters of Commendation from the Superintendent during the past year. The awards presented today recognize the recipients’ outstanding performance of duty and exceptional contribution to the New York State Police.
A 2021 case that due to an ongoing investigation, could not be presented until this year:
Trooper Andrew J. Gorinscheck – Troop D
Trooper Jennifer A. Greenwood – Troop D
On December 24, 2021, Trooper Andrew J. Gorinscheck and Trooper Jennifer A. Greenwood, were dispatched to a domestic dispute in the Town of Manheim. Investigation revealed that during an argument, the 24-year-old male suspect had stabbed his mother several times with a pair of scissors while in her home. Prior to the Troopers arrival, the subject returned to a pop-up camper, in which he had been living, a short distance from his mother’s residence. Trooper Gorinscheck and Trooper Greenwood, along with a patrolman from the village of Dolgeville Police Department responded to the camper to take the suspect in custody.
While outside the camper they negotiated with the subject for several minutes. It was evident by the subject’s statements that he was suffering from mental illness. Eventually, the subject opened the door of the camper and displayed a knife. Trooper Gorinscheck deployed his Taser with little effect. The subject then withdrew into the camper and quickly emerged, charging directly at Trooper Gorinscheck while swinging a large sword in one hand and carrying a knife in the other. Trooper Gorinscheck drew his sidearm and fired two shots striking the charging subject. The subject missed striking Trooper Gorinscheck with the sword by inches. The subject expired at the scene.
Due to his alert actions and bravery, Trooper Gorinscheck not only saved his own life that day but may have prevent further violence against others.
This is Trooper Gorinscheck’s second Superintendent’s Commendation award.
Trooper Jeremy E. Krupski – Troop A
In February 2023, a school counselor from Wellsville Elementary School called Allegany County 911 to request a welfare check of an 8-year-old male child who lived in the Town of Wellsville. She was concerned for the child’s living conditions, as he had made concerning statements to her. Trooper Jeremy Krupski was dispatched and responded to the address to check on the welfare of the child.Upon arrival, Trooper Krupski interviewed the live-in girlfriend of the child’s father and advised he was there to perform a welfare check on the child. The woman requested that Trooper Krupski wait outside for a few minutes as the child was still sleeping. Once permitted inside the residence, Trooper Krupski was allowed to view the child’s room where he observed a padlock hasp on the outside of the child’s door. Upon entering the room, Trooper Krupski observed the child was sitting on a bare mattress with no blankets or pillows.The room was completely empty, except for the mattress. The boy advised that when Trooper Krupski arrived, he was not sleeping, and he wanted to be in school.
Trooper Krupski contacted Allegany County Child Protective Services to informed them of his findings and requested a case worker respond to the residence. Trooper Krupski secured a supporting deposition from the school counselor documenting what the child had told her. He then responded back to the residence with the CPS worker and interviewed the child. The child advised that the female had him locked in his room before and after the Trooper’s arrival. The child stated he was only able to leave his room to use the bathroom and for dinner. The child was removed from the residence and placed with his aunt for the weekend while the investigation continued.
On February 4, 2023, both the girlfriend and father were interviewed at SP Amity regarding the living conditions and treatment of the child. As a result of the investigation conducted by Trooper Krupski, both were arrested for endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful imprisonment. The child was ultimately placed with a foster family and the child is now thriving at school and at home. Trooper Krupski is commended for conducting an outstanding investigating in this case, which resulted in a child being removed from dangerous living conditions and mistreatment.
Trooper Jonathan J. Cruz - Troop D
On September 27, 2023, Trooper Jonathan Cruz responded to State Route 13 in Albion, New York, for a report of a 62-year-old unresponsive male. The male was reported to have been sweating profusely and not feeling well while traveling with friends in a vehicle. Occupants of the vehicle later observed the male slumped over and unresponsive. Upon arrival, Trooper Cruz observed the unconscious male laying on the roadside with passengers from his vehicle attempting to revive him. Trooper Cruz retrieved the AED from his vehicle and attached the pads to the male, administering one shock, while continuing CPR until Northern Oswego Ambulance members arrived.
The male regained a pulse and began breathing on his own. He was then transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital for further treatment. It was determined that the male had a 100 percent blockage and was taken to surgery. Several days later it was determined that he was expected to make a full recovery.
Trooper Kevin P. Daily – Troop D
On March 18, 2023, Trooper Kevin Daily was dispatched to a reported cardiac arrest in the village of Tully. Upon arriving at the scene, he observed that the victim was unconscious and not breathing. Trooper Daily attached the Division AED he brought from his troop car, and a shock was advised and administered. Trooper Daily then started CPR while awaiting the arrival of the medical personnel. After a few minutes, a faint pulse was detected, and the woman was transported to Crouse Hospital by TLC Ambulance. Follow up with family members and hospital administration revealed that the woman was discharged about two weeks post cardiac arrest and made a complete recovery. This would not be the case if it weren’t for the immediate response and actions by Trooper Daily.
Trooper Laura A. Monaghan – Troop D
Trooper Matthew R. Parkinson – Troop D
On July 22, 2023, Troopers Laura A. Monaghan and Matthew Parkinson responded to County Route 47 in the town of Champion for a reported unconscious/unresponsive two-year-old child. Upon arrival at the scene, they observed an adult performing CPR on a toddler on the pool deck. The child began to breath on her own, but immediately began to choke and struggle to breathe. Both Troopers began lifesaving measures by doing a finger sweep to clear her mouth, and by administering back blows. The toddler began to breath on her own again and was monitored until EMS arrived and transported her to Carthage Area Hospital. She has since made a full recovery.
Lieutenant Brad N. Natalizio – Troop F
Investigator Michael Corletta – Troop F
On March 15, 2003, at approximately 1:15 pm, the body of a deceased female was discovered on a dirt path off Bowser Road, in the town of Wallkill. The victim had been brutally beaten in the head and face, causing her to be unrecognizable to first responders. The victim was subsequently identified as 20-year-old Megan McDonald, a town of Wallkill resident and daughter of NYPD Detective Dennis McDonald, who died one year before Megan was killed. The official cause of death was ruled blunt force trauma to the head, and Megan’s death was ruled a homicide. Over the course of the next twenty years, the case remained unsolved.During this time, Troop F BCI Investigators never gave up and selflessly dedicated their efforts to working the case.
In November of 2017, the case was assigned to Lieutenant Natalizio, then an Investigator. In April of 2019, then Investigator Natalizio transferred to the Troop F Major Crimes Unit and the case was assigned to Investigator Michael Corletta. From that date forward, both Members worked the McDonald homicide investigation together, re-examining all the previous leads from earlier in the investigation, and conducting numerous evidence reviews. They created a team-oriented environment including numerous State Police units and outside agencies, who all worked together with the same vision of solving the case. During their time working the case, hundreds of interviews were conducted. Many of these interviews were with individuals who were interviewed for the first time in reference to the case. The Investigators also coordinated several large-scale initiatives, consisting of simultaneous interviews in several different states.
During their time working the case, both Members fostered teamwork, displayed creativity, innovation, demonstrated leadership, and displayed a remarkable ability to manage a large-scale case.The hard work and dedication of both members led to an arrest on April 20, 2023, for the murder of Megan McDonald. Special Prosecutors have been appointed in this case and on January 29, 2024, an Orange County Grand Jury handed up an indictment charging a local resident with a single count of second-degree murder.
Trooper Andrew M. Giga – Troop F
Trooper Jason R. Cole – Troop F
On Sunday, July 9, 2023, areas of Orange and Rockland counties experienced heavy amounts of rainfall with several towns receiving over nine inches of rain in a short period of time, resulting in flash flooding.
Troopers Andrew M. Giga and Jason R. Cole were on Seven Lakes Drive in the town of Woodbury, Orange County, where they observed swift moving water traversing perpendicularly across the roadway at a depth of approximately 3 feet. There were roughly ten cars pinned in a position between two areas of flooding, and another batch of approximately 20 cars pinned by flooding further ahead, and large slabs of roadway were crumbling or missing. Multiple cars were swept into the woods by the moving water, and several were half-buried in holes of collapsed road. The cars and their occupants were perilously close to the rising water, with one vehicle being pinned with rushing water battering against it unendingly.
Being Division canine handlers, both Troopers carried dog leashes in their division vehicles. Knowing these stranded motorists desperately needed help, the Troopers constructed a long line approximately 100 feet in length by fastening multiple long dog leashes and rope together.Without regard for their own personal safety, using the line they had fashioned, the Troopers entered the thigh high, rapidly moving water where they executed several trips, each time returning to safety with another batch of victims. At times, they held the victims’ hands, as some of them were in a state of panic. All the victims, ranging in age from toddler to elderly, were safely retrieved.
Trooper Steven Iannolo – Troop F
On September 15, 2023, at approximately 12:20 a.m. Trooper Steven Iannolo attempted to stop a vehicle on State Route 9W in the town of Newburgh for several traffic violations. The vehicle operator failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit traveled in and out of the towns of Newburgh and Marlborough and continued for approximately 30 miles before the vehicle exited the roadway and entered a pond. The vehicle was partially submerged, and the operator failed to exit the vehicle as it was taking on water. Without hesitation or regard for his own personal safety, Trooper Iannolo immediately entered the water and swam to the female operator. Once secured from the vehicle, Trooper Iannolo transported the woman safely back to shore. The woman was determined to be highly intoxicated and was subsequently charged with felony Driving While Intoxicated and multiple Vehicle and Traffic violations.
Trooper Angela M. Yodis – Troop G
On April 1, 2023, Trooper Yodis was dispatched to 180 Gray Road in the town of Summit, to the report of a female who had fallen through the ice of a pond.
Upon arrival, Trooper Yodis observed a dog stranded in the middle of the pond and was advised by a volunteer fireman that the female was still under the ice. Despite the frigid water temperature, Trooper Yodis immediately entered the pond in an attempt to locate and rescue the victim. Trooper Yodis swam to the location of the dog, breaking the ice as she progressed forward. Trooper Yodis was able to safely remove the dog from the water and immediately reentered the pond to locate the submerged victim. Trooper Yodis discovered the victim trapped in the water under the ice. With the assistance of Trooper John G. Schroeder, who was on the shore, Trooper Yodis rescued the individual and immediately began lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. The victim was removed via ambulance to a local hospital where she was unable to be revived.
Investigator Andrew J. Hettinger – Troop K
On November 2, 2023, Investigator Hettinger responded to a Dutchess County 911 call regarding a major gas explosion at 4 Brick Row in the village of Wappingers Falls, NY. Upon arrival, there was heavy black smoke, a residence engulfed with uncontrolled flames, and power lines actively sparking. Investigator Hettinger immediately grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher and ran to the scene.
Investigator Hettinger began to extinguish the heavy flames that were burning around a male victim who was entrapped in waist-high rubble and debris from a building that collapsed while awaiting fire department arrival. After the fire extinguisher was emptied, he observed a young child, approximately 10-years-old, who appeared severely burned lying on the ground near the collapsed building. Investigator Hettinger quickly removed his jacket and wrapped it around the child to mitigate the possibility that he would sustain further burns. Investigator Hettinger put the child over his shoulder and ran him to the staging area at the end of the roadway for medical aid.
Investigator Tifini L. Atai – Troop L
In December of 2010, the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) opened a homicide investigation after locating multiple sets of human remains along the Ocean Parkway while investigating a missing persons case in Oak Beach, Suffolk County. Four of these human remains were identified and became known as the “Gilgo Four” and were last seen between July 2007 and September 2010. Over the next 11 years, this investigation garnered significant media attention resulting in countless news articles, continual news coverage, as well as multiple documentaries into what became known as the Gilgo Beach Serial Killer investigation.
On February 16, 2022, a newly formed Gilgo Beach Homicide Task Force was established involving multiple agencies, and the New York State Police was requested to participate. Investigator Atai was selected as our representative. Upon her assignment to the investigation, she began reviewing the case and honed-in on one of the victims, which included interviews of her roommates around the time she went missing. The roommates provided a description of a male and the type of vehicle he was driving, a Chevy Avalanche pick-up truck. Determining that this information required further review, Investigator Atai began investigating and identified a dark green Chevy Avalanche that was registered to a male, who fit the description provided by the roommates. Investigator Atai also established that the registered owner lived and worked in the previously identified areas of interest to the case. Investigator Atai continued to investigate, and on March 14, 2022, she presented the Task Force with the name of the registered owner of the dark green Chevy Avalanche, Rex Heuermann, providing this case a clear direction for the first time in over 11 years. Investigator Atai was able to take pieces of information that were established earlier on in the investigation, tie them together, and connect them all to Rex Heuermann. This ultimately led to the arrest of Rex Heuermann on July 13, 2023, for the murders of three of the victims.
Due to her perseverance and outstanding investigative abilities, Investigator Atai was able to identify the Gilgo Beach Serial Killer, which had gone unanswered for over 11 years. This ultimately led to the arrest of one of the most prolific serial killers in New York State history, receiving world-wide media attention. Without her investigative efforts, Rex Heuermann may have never been identified or held accountable for his actions.
Trooper Christopher D. White (retired) – Troop G
Trooper Matthew S. Gelbman – Troop K
Trooper Edward T. Hernandez – Troop T
On June 16, 2023, Trooper Richard W. Albert, SP Cobleskill Interstate Patrol, conducted a vehicle and traffic stop of a gray Honda Pilot for speeding. As Trooper Albert approached the vehicle, gunshots came from the driver’s side window, striking Trooper Albert in the left shoulder. Trooper Albert was able to retreat to a position of cover and return fire while contacting our Communications Section for assistance.
Once numerous law enforcement officers were on scene and Trooper Albert was secured and being transported to the hospital, retired Trooper White and Troopers Gelbman and Hernandez quickly formed a team to track the shooter, who managed to escape into the wood line along Interstate 88.
With unwavering determination, the team managed to flush out the suspect and pursue him with sound tactical movements. Upon locating the suspect, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, their immediate focus was on providing medical assistance to preserving human life. The team’s quick thinking and ingenuity in fashioning bandages from the suspect's shirt showcased their ability to adapt and make the most of challenging circ*mstances.
With the suspect having access to additional rounds, escalating the threat faced, the gravity of the situation cannot be understated. Their courage and resolve exemplify the highest standards of dedication and bravery among New York State Troopers.
Trooper Kevin P. Dobson Traffic Safety Award
The Traffic Safety Award recognizes a member’s commitment to saving lives and reducing accidents through public education and enforcement. This award is made possible with the help of the New York State Trooper Foundation. The award is named in honor of the late Trooper Kevin P. Dobson who was killed on March 26, 2011, on Interstate 290 in the Town of Tonawanda, Erie County. While outside his patrol vehicle conducting a vehicle and traffic stop, Trooper Dobson was struck and killed by a passing motorist.
Trooper Joshua S. Tusang – Troop G
Trooper Joshua S. Tusang is a self-motivated member dedicated to keeping the roadways safe for the motoring public. During the 2023 calendar year, Trooper Tusang affected 74 arrests for impaired driving, the most in Troop G. Trooper Tusang also issued 827 Uniform Traffic Tickets and arrested numerous vehicle operators and passengers for additional crimes during the course of roadside investigations. Trooper Tusang is professional, well liked by his peers and supervisors, and his drive to be better and do better is contagious to those around him. Trooper Tusang’s dedication to improving highway safety has certainly saved lives.
George M. Searle Memorial Award
The George M. Searle Memorial Award, established to honor the late Deputy Superintendent George M. Searle, is presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves in training and education.
Major Stephen Graap (retired) – Cazenovia Academy
Captain Bernard V. Davis – Cazenovia Academy
Lieutenant Steven P. Fountain – Cazenovia Academy
First Sergeant Christopher E. Williams – Cazenovia Academy
Technical Sergeant John P. McIlwaine – Cazenovia Academy
Technical Sergeant Douglas J. Braman (retired) – Cazenovia Academy
Sergeant Lacey E. Malbeuf – Cazenovia Academy
Trooper Lyle C. Preston III – Cazenovia Academy
On October 15, 2023, SP Cazenovia Academy welcomed 286 recruits into its 214th Class, marking only the second time in our agency's history that we trained at an auxiliary academy. Transitioning Cazenovia College into a State Police Basic Training Program was no insignificant task. The work and enthusiasm displayed by the members of the team was indispensable.
Despite a challenging time frame, they efficiently managed numerous tasks, including personnel selection, building maintenance, coordination with property management, facility cleaning, internet and phone system installation, school/community outreach, as well as policy development -- all within 55 working days.
Their collective creative input was invaluable, as they transformed the campus into a State Police facility, adorned with memorabilia reflecting our rich history. Attention was given to memorialize our fallen members and they all helped create an atmosphere that our agency can be proud of.
The team’s energy, positive attitude, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving abilities played a crucial role in meeting the objectives and exceeded all expectations. The Cazenovia Academy staff is commended for their dedication and commitment.
Trooper William V. McDonagh Award
This award was established in honor of the late Trooper William McDonagh, who was killed in the line of duty on December 14, 1975. Trooper McDonagh actively participated in community events, and this award recognizes State Police members for their exceptional community service efforts.
Trooper Kareem B. Washington – Troop F
Trooper Washington is a 19-year Member of the Division stationed out of Troop F Headquarters and a member of the Troop F, Traffic Incident Management (T.I.M.) Unit since 2008. Tpr. Washington issued 1102 Vehicle and Traffic Law violations during 2023 and conducted 169 Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections. Tpr. Washington has become a Police Motorcycle School Instructor and instructed a school for Police Motorcycle riders for the New York State Police as well as other outside Police agencies. Tpr. Washington escorted 300 + cyclists during the annual Police Unity Tour to Washington D.C.and the Fallen Police Officers Memorial for the past 7 years. Tpr. Washington has played an integral part in the recruitment efforts of the New York State Police during football games at the West Point Military Academy.
Outside of his employment, Tpr. Washington coaches Youth Boys and Girls basketball two days a week from January through March. Tpr. Washington has participated in and raised money for the “Fireman’s Home” in Hudson, NY. Tpr. Washington has helped distribute Thanksgiving meals to families in need in his community, through his volunteer work at the “Peoples Place” in Kingston, NY. Tpr. Washington’s true passion and most rewarding work has come through his other career as a volunteer Firefighter at the Ulster Hose Company #5. Tpr. Washington has dedicated 22 years as a member and the last 2 years as Assistant Chief, answering 700 plus calls for service. Tpr. Washington has also organized and conducted a “Touch-a-Truck” event for all the children and members of his community, so they can meet and greet the volunteers of his department that keep their community safe.
Superintendent’s Unit Citation Award
This award was established to recognize the outstanding efforts made by members of a particular unit or detail.
Troop F Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement (VGNET)
The Troop F Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement (VGNET) has had an extremely effective and successful 2023. The unit consists of three Senior Investigators and nine Investigators and spent time throughout the year conducting hundreds of undercover narcotics purchases and an Eavesdropping surveillance warrant investigation. Throughout this year, the unit made over 448 criminal arrests, including 353 felony arrests. Additionally, the unit has seized over $1.5 million dollars in United States Currency, 67 firearms and large quantities of narcotics including crack, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
The success of the Troop F VGNET Unit has been based upon their own investigative intelligence, cooperation/communication with the other State Police stations along with Federal and local law enforcement partners. VGNET continually assists throughout the Troop in many ways such as undercover surveillance and expert knowledge about specific narcotics. VGNET is consistently working with the various backrooms on overdose investigations to reduce the number of these cases within our area of responsibility.
Supervisor Recognition Award
This award recognizes the outstanding work ethic demonstrated by both sworn and non-sworn supervisors who coordinate and oversee various units within the State Police.
Senior Investigator Paul Langowsky (retired)
Senior Investigator Langowsky was a member of the Troop F Forensic Identification Unit for 12 years before his promotion to Senior Investigator in that unit which gave him a combined 20 years of Forensics and Collision Reconstruction experience. As the Senior Investigator he was also responsible for the Forensic Identification Unit, Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Troop F Evidence Vault.
Some examples of S/Inv. Langowsky’s contributions to major case investigations during 2023 include:
In May 2023, the Village of Monticello PD and SP Liberty responded to a shots fired call in the Village of Monticello. On scene patrols located two adults and a 15-month-old child suffering from gunshot wounds inside the residence. The child had a gunshot wound to the chest and was in critical condition. The two adults suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Sr. Inv. Langowsky and Troop F, FIU, responded to process the scene. Sr. Inv. Langowsky and his team recovered 14 shell casings outside and numerous projectiles that were fired into the residence. The child had been sleeping in a crib in the bedroom when 11 rounds were fired through the wall and window. The crime scene investigation conducted by FIU during the initial response was crucial in painting a picture of the incident and gathering evidence for prosecution.
The analysis of evidence recovered at this scene and evidence recovered at previous non-fatal shooting scenes determined that the same firearm was being used. The firearm was recovered during the execution of a residential search warrant several weeks later. Two suspects were identified and arrested in Texas after fleeing New York State.
On September 21, 2023, six Farmingdale High School charter buses were traveling from Long Island, NY, to Pennsylvania to attend a band camp.While traveling on Interstate 84 in the town of Wawayanda, one of the buses that was carrying (40) students and (4) adults experienced a tire failure. The bus lost control, careened down a fifty-foot embankment, and overturned in the center median. Numerous occupants of the bus were ejected and suffered severe injuries, with two fatalities.Sr. Inv. Langowsky and his FIU and CRU team immediately responded to the scene. His quick response led him to assisting the students that were seriously injured up the steep embankment to receive medical treatment. He then began the task of searching the interior of the bus, under the bus, and the surrounding brush for any injured students or staff that were ejected. Once all the injured parties had been removed from the scene, S/Inv. Langowsky and his team began the arduous task of piecing together what had occurred. Two staff members were pronounced deceased, five students were listed in critical condition, and numerous other occupants were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The accident drew national attention and weighed heavy on the minds of all involved. S/Inv. Langowsky worked with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and determined that the accident did not involve any other vehicles and preliminary investigation determined that the accident appeared to be caused by a tire failure. His selfless acts during the initial response and investigation into this incident brought clarity to what had occurred. S/Inv.Langowsky received the Governor's Medal of Public Service for his actions during this incident.
Civilian Employee Recognition Award
The Civilian Employee Recognition Award is presented to civilian employees who have made significant contributions to the Division of State Police.
Merritt L. Prusik – Forensic Scientist
In 2018, the DNA Databank began to hire a large number of new Forensic Scientists to accommodate an increase in daily production work due to the implementation of Familial Searching. As a designated Technical Coordinator, Forensic Scientist Prusik was tasked with leading this large training initiative. This was a monumental task because the DNA Databank had not had to hire new Forensic Scientists in nearly a decade. Accordingly, the entire training program was in need of significant updating to properly train new Forensic Scientists. To further complicate the matter, past trainers had moved onto different roles leaving few qualified trainers.
Over the course of the last several years the Databank committed to training the new Forensic Scientists on all methods and instrumentation needed to conduct DNA analysis on offender samples. The goal was to ensure all Forensic Scientists were competent and authorized through all stages of offender DNA analysis to enhance capacity and ensure redundancy. Forensic Scientist Prusik was responsible for training the Forensic Scientists through each stage of this training.
In June of 2022, seven Forensic Scientists successfully completed the final stage of the training program and were authorized as qualified DNA analysts to independently analyze and interpret offender DNA profiles for upload to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). During 2023, the DNA Databank truly recognized the considerable benefits of the additional DNA analysts. The newly trained qualified DNA analysts have demonstrated outstanding competence and are invested in producing the best quality of work. This is truly a credit to the time invested by Forensic Scientist Prusik to ensure the training program properly prepared the trainees and ultimately allowed them to thrive as qualified DNA Analysts.
Forensic Scientist Prusik has developed into an incredible leader and resource not only for the newly trained qualified DNA analysts but for all the qualified DNA analysts in the DNA Databank. Notably, throughout the entire training initiative, Forensic Scientist Prusik delivered a tremendous amount of training while balancing her other duties and responsibilities as a production analyst. She always demonstrates a positive attitude and is truly an asset to the Databank program and the New York State Police. Forensic Scientist Prusik’s efforts throughout this training initiative are most commendable and deserving of this recognition.
For further details regarding any of the incidents depicted in the narratives above, please contact the respective Troop Headquarters and Troop PIO.
