Seventeen members of the New York State Park Police were honored on January 28 for going above and beyond to ensure public safety across the state’s parks and historic sites. The awards, presented at the Park Police Academy in Rensselaerville, recognized officers for acts of heroism, lifesaving interventions, and professionalism in the face of danger over the past year.
“I am proud of our Division of Law Enforcement and its staff of highly trained specialists, dedicated to preserving a peaceful and safe park environment for everyone,” said New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. Simons expressed gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for bolstering the Park Police through initiatives like reopening the police academy and addressing pay disparities.
Chief of Park Police Michael Daddona praised the honorees for their swift and decisive responses in life-threatening situations. “The men and women we honor today are an example of constant training and response that keep our parks and historic sites safe,” Daddona said.
Among the honorees, Officer Jeffrey Wissert received the Medal of Merit for disarming a man with a metal pipe at Hempstead Lake State Park in July 2024, preventing him from harming himself or others.
Several officers earned Lifesaving Awards for their quick actions. On June 12, Sergeants Andrew Donato and James Kellegher, along with Officers Benjamin Smedman, Ryan Gibbs, and Anthony Cooper, responded to a motorcycle accident near Bear Mountain State Park. They extinguished a fire and applied a tourniquet to the victim’s wounds, likely saving his life. Officer Casey Nyhart and Officer Kevin Cramer also received recognition for performing CPR in separate emergencies at Artpark and the Maid of the Mist, respectively.
Director of Law Enforcement’s Commendation Awards went to officers who exemplified bravery and resourcefulness. Officer Nathan Sibenik jumped into rapids at Niagara Falls State Park on July 19 to rescue a woman attempting suicide. Officer Thomas LoTempio revived a man with an automated external defibrillator (AED) at Artpark days later. In Buffalo Harbor State Park, Officers Robert Costanzo and Jason Walsh arrested three young adults on charges related to drugs, alcohol, and firearms.
Officers were also commended for assisting other law enforcement agencies. Officer Daniel McCarthy helped subdue a suspect in a volatile encounter in Kings Park on Long Island. A team led by Sergeant Christopher Greene successfully located and detained a suicidal sex offender with a weapon at Saratoga Spa State Park.
The award ceremony underscored the vital role the Park Police play in maintaining safety for millions of park visitors each year. “It is this type of police work, pushing to go the extra mile, that helps keep our patrons safe,” Daddona emphasized.
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