FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Annual Awards Meeting
Thirteen of Central New York's Finest Honored
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - APRIL 3, 2007 - Thirteen police officers from seven different police agencies throughout Central New York were recognized for their exemplary and heroic actions occurring in 2006. The April meeting of Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police (CNYACOP) was held at The Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles on Monday, April 2nd. The CNYACOP is an association of active and retired police executives and public safety leaders from a 12 county region in Central New York, representing about 120 members.
Award recipients were recognized with either of two categories of law enforcement awards. The first is the Law Enforcement Commendation, an award given for outstanding police work in the area of investigation or patrol services. The second category is the Heroic Action Award to recognize officers who placed themselves at risk in order to protect a fellow officer or a member of the public. Nominations are brought to our awards committee consisting of Chief Don Morris (Liverpool PD) and President Mark A. Spawn (Fulton PD).
The following executive board members of the CNYACOP were in attendance:
Mark A. Spawn, CNYACOP President
and Chief of Fulton PD, Joe Snell, CNYACOP Vice President and Chief of Cicero
PD, Mike Catalano, CNYACOP Secretary and Deputy Chief Cortland PD.
New York State Association of Chiefs of Police representatives were also present at the meeting. Executive Director John Grebert, Deputy Director Richard Carey, and Liaison Dominick Macherone (Governor's Traffic Safety Committee) joined those in attendance.
Governor Eliot Spitzer's Regional Representative, Kristen Mucitelli-Heath, offered comments on behalf of the Governor and also provided two proclamations to recognize Officer Joseph Corr (New Hartford PD) and Trooper Craig J. Todeschini (New York State Police). CNYACOP President Mark Spawn led the awards presentations, as follows:
OFFICER THOMAS REGAN, DEWITT POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officer
Regan (pictured in uniform with Chief Eugene Conway) received the Law
Enforcement Commendation for his recoveries of illegally possessed guns, drugs
and drug proceeds in a number of cases during 2006. Last July he made a traffic
stop which led to the recovery of marihuana, an illegally possessed handgun and
more than $5000 in drug proceeds. In another case last year, Officer Regan made
a traffic stop and was alerted to the presence of drugs. He searched the vehicle
which led to the recovery of two loaded handguns. During that same incident,
Officer Regan managed to stop a second vehicle and, as a result of that stop,
recovered a third loaded handgun. And a few months before that, he stopped a car
and recovered a large quantity of marihuana and more than $9000 in drug
proceeds. The vehicle was also seized. In yet another traffic stop, he recovered
crack cocaine and $1300 in drug proceeds. In August, Officer Regan recovered
drug paraphernalia and was responsible for the eventual seizure of more than
$16,000 in drug proceeds. That same month, Officer Regan responded to a call of
an unconscious person at a health club. Together with another officer, he
revived the subject using an AED and the subject has since fully recovered.
DeWitt Police Chief Eugene Conway said that "Officer Regan has taken more guns and drugs off the street than the rest of the department combined."
Officer Thomas B. Regan, a seven year veteran of the DeWitt Police Department was presented with the Law Enforcement Commendation. Chief Conway joined President Mark Spawn and Vice President Joe Snell in presenting the award.
DEPUTY LAUREN SEBURN, ONONDAGA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
On the morning of September 17,
2006, a fatal hit and run accident occurred on Route 11A on the Onondaga Nation.
A man in his early twenties was struck and killed by a passing vehicle. The
driver did not stop. An extensive search of the area for the vehicle, described
as a light colored mini van, was unsuccessful. The following day at about 1:00
AM,
Deputy Lauren Seburn was called to investigate a property damage crash on I-481
in the Town of Dewitt. When he arrived he found a Dodge Caravan on the side of
the road. The female driver reported that two deer ran into the roadway causing
her to swerve and hit the guardrail. The driver's son was with her at the time,
and vouched for his mother's story. The son also said that his mother had just
picked him up from work. Deputy Seburn inspected the vehicle and noted that the
driver's description of the crash was not consistent with the damage he was
seeing - a broken headlight and missing side view mirror. As he completed some
paperwork for the accident report, he noted that the driver of this vehicle
lived on the Onondaga Nation and not too far from where the fatal hit and run
occurred. After completing the paperwork and releasing the driver, Deputy Seburn
went back to the guardrail where the crash reportedly occurred. He could not
find any debris from the Caravan - no mirror, and no glass from the headlight.
His suspicions were elevated so he contacted the employer to check out the son's
story about just getting picked up from work that morning. The Deputy learned
that the son had not worked the night before, and had not worked since September
14th - 3 days before the fatal hit and run. Deputy Seburn reported his findings
and detectives were preparing for a search warrant when the Sheriff's
Office received a call saying that the son had confessed about being the driver
in the fatal collision and was going to turn himself in. Deputy Lauren Seburn
was presented with the Law Enforcement Commendation with Onondaga County Sheriff
Kevin Walsh, Undersheriff Warren Darby, Chief of Police Operations Thomas
Tubbert joined President Mark Spawn and Vice President Joe Snell in presenting
the award.
TROOPER ANDREW HALINSKI, NEW
YORK STATE POLICE
TROOPER MARK A. BENDER, NEW YORK STATE POLICE
On July 21, 2006 at about 2:00
in the morning, two Troopers were on routine patrol in the city of Syracuse.
While on Spencer Street, they saw a man step over the guard rail on the overpass
at Route 81. Realizing the subject was
attempting to commit suicide, the Troopers quickly began a dialogue with the
man. As the subject climbed down onto the bridge supports and began hanging over
the center lane of I-81, Trooper Mark Bender attempted to slow and divert
traffic along the interstate. When it appeared the subject could no longer hold
on, Trooper Andrew Halinski grabbed hold of the man, and with the assistance of
Syracuse Police officer, pulled the man to safety. These Troopers put their own
lives at risk while preventing the death of a despondent man, and most likely
prevented further tragedy to passing motorists below. For their prompt and alert
actions, putting themselves in danger, and preventing the death of one man and
other possible casualties, the Heroic Action Award was presented to Troopers
Andrew Halinski (unable to attend due to family emergency) and Mark A. Bender.
New York State Police Captain Jeffrey Raub and Major Frank DeGennarro joined
President Mark Spawn and Vice President Joe Snell in presenting the award.
OFFICER JOHN M. PRASKEY, LIVERPOOL POLICE DEPARTMENT
On
February 28, 2006 just after 4:00 in the morning, Liverpool Police Officer John
M. Praskey was dispatched to a structure fire. He arrived on the scene in about
three minutes observing fire breaking through the roof of the house. The officer
was told there was a handicapped man inside the burning home. Without
hesitation, the officer entered the
residence and found the man lying on the
floor, injured and suffering from burns. The officer dragged the man from the
bedroom and down a hallway. When they reached the front of the house, the
officer was assisted by the man's wife. The officer helped the man to his feet
and removed him from the residence. Chief Don Morris praised this officer's
actions, saying, "...his quick response and decisive actions prevented
further injury to the resident." For his courageous actions in the face of
danger, which resulted in saving the life of a handicapped man from a burning
home, the Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police presented to Officer
John M. Praskey, the Heroic Action Award.
Liverpool Police Chief Donald Morris joined President Mark Spawn and Vice President Joe Snell in presenting the award.
TROOPER PATRICK KINANE, NEW YORK STATE POLICE
On April 16, 2006 just before
6:00 in the morning, an armed robbery was reported at the Best Western Hotel in
Tully. A robber armed with a box cutter demanded access to the cash drawer. The
man stole cash and fled out the front door. While Troopers responded to the
hotel, Trooper Patrick J. Kinane took up a position on Interstate 81 to
observe for any subjects matching the description
of the robber. Just ten minutes after the radio call, he observed a man matching
the suspect's description. Trooper Kinane stopped the car noticed the driver was
making suspicious movements as he approached. The Trooper questioned the man
about his travels. The suspect offered that his girlfriend in Binghamton could
vouch for him. But the man provided a telephone number which Trooper Kinane
recognized the prefix was not from Binghamton but from Tully. Trooper Kinane
called for backup and when the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department arrived, the
Trooper re-approached the car only to find the man trying to hide a wad of cash
under his shirt. The man had also tossed the box cutter from the car, and the
Trooper quickly recovered that piece of evidence as well. For his outstanding
police work and keen observations, Central New York Association of Chiefs of
Police presented to Trooper Patrick J. Kinane, the Law Enforcement Commendation.
New York State Police Captain Jeffrey Raub and Major Frank DeGennarro joined
President Mark Spawn and Vice President Joe Snell in presenting the award.
OFFICER DON SCHULTZ, SYRACUSE POLICE DEPARTMENT
On August 14, 2006, a Syracuse
PD officer was dispatched to call where a man and his child were reportedly cornered
by several trained attack dogs. When Officer Don Schultz arrived on the scene at
Salisbury Park Drive, he
saw a man hop onto the roof of a car to escape one of
the attacking dogs. Officer Schultz parked his cruiser, and as he got out, one
of the dogs came at him, giving him no choice but to shoot the dog. Officer
Schultz' attention was then directed to a man on a nearby sidewalk with a three
year old child in a stroller. Officer Schultz positioned himself between the two
remaining dogs and the stroller. Both of those dogs charged at the officer, and
again he was forced to put them down. Chief Gary Miguel said that in the
investigation that followed, it was learned that the owner had more pit bulls in
his back yard and had a record of training and fighting dogs. On behalf of the
Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police, for his courage, dedication
and professionalism in preserving the safety of citizens who were in obvious
imminent threat of danger, and for taking quick and responsive actions to stop
those multiple threats, the Heroic Action Award was presented to Officer Don
Schultz. Syracuse Police Chief Gary Miguel, First Deputy Chief Michael Heenan,
and Deputy Chiefs David Barrette and Frank Fowler joined President Mark Spawn
and Vice President Joe Snell in presenting the award.
OFFICER RALPH W. McCANN, JR.,
FULTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICER CHARLES BURLINGHAM, JR., FULTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
On July 26, 2006 at about 8:30
at night, Fulton Police were dispatched to a residence where a man was reported
to have 'ransacked the house and was bleeding to death'. When Officers Ralph
McCann and Charles Burlingham arrived, they observed a man on the porch who was
visibly agitated. They would later learn that this was the residence of the
man's girlfriend who had just ended their relationship that day. The man
approached the officers with a large hunting knife in hand. The officers backed
up as the man came outside, approaching the officers in a threatening manner,
and insisting that the officers shoot him. Officers McCann and Burlingham drew
their guns on the man who was then
shouting, "shoot me! suicide by cop!" The man continued pacing and
demanding that officers shoot him. By this time, the neighborhood had filled
with spectators and the officers were now concerned with the safety of even more
people. At one point the man retreated into the house and was out of the
officer's sight. While Officer McCann was covering one side of the house, the
man emerged from a door still armed with the knife, and bleeding from a number
of self-inflicted wounds on his arm and stomach. Officer McCann shouted several
commands to the man who eventually complied and laid on the ground. Officer
McCann covered the man at gun point while Officer Burlingham handcuffed him. The
man's frenzy became even more evident to the officers when they checked the
inside of the house. He had several knives laid out on table in the living room.
Every single wall painting, picture, curtain, and a sofa had been slashed
throughout the home. For their actions, in the face of an armed adversary, and
for safely taking the suicidal man into custody without any further injury to
himself, themselves or others, the Heroic Action Award was presented to Officers
Ralph McCann and Charles Burlingham. Fulton Police Department Deputy Chief Orlo
Green joined President Mark Spawn (Chief, Fulton PD) and Vice President Joe
Snell in presenting the awards.
TROOPER CRAIG J. TODESCHINI, NEW YORK STATE POLICE
On Sunday, April 23, 2006,
shortly before 6:00 PM, Trooper Craig Todeschini observed a motorcyclist
traveling in 
excess
of 100 MPH on State Route 91 in the Town of Pompey. Trooper Todeschini went
after the motorcyclist. Unfortunately, a tragedy occurred. A young public
servant who had dedicated his life to protecting the public was killed when his
police vehicle crashed. President Mark Spawn said, "In the aftermath of
Craig's death, I can tell you that he continues to serve the public. Last year,
the state legislature passed a law that was long overdue - motorists who flee
from police will finally be held to account for their actions. Those who cause
injury or death will now answer to a felony. This is part of Craig's legacy to
all of us." Captain Jeff Raub said, "Craig will always be remembered
as a hero within the law enforcement community." Trooper Todeschini's wife,
Kristi, received the Posthumous Heroic Action award on behalf of her husband.
New York State Police Captain Jeffrey Raub and Major Frank DeGennarro joined
President Mark Spawn and Vice President Joe Snell in presenting the award.
OFFICER JOSEPH CORR, NEW
HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICER RONALD FONTAINE, JR., NEW HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICER SHANE YOXALL, NEW HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
On the evening of February 27,
2006, New Hartford Police were dispatched to a 911 hang-up call at a jewelry
store in the Town of New Hartford. Just before police units arrived, they
received a radio update confirming that the jewelry 
store had just been robbed
by 3-4 masked gunmen. Officer Joseph Corr was pulling into the parking lot just
as a
description of the suspect vehicle was broadcast. Officer Shane Yoxall tried to
cut off the robber's vehicle, but they squeezed past him. At that time, Officer
Yoxall was just a few feet away from the driver who had the gun. Officers Corr
and Ronald Fontaine, Jr., in separate cars, chased the suspects for about five
miles when the suspects crashed into the gas pumps at a convenience store. Two
suspects ran from the car, and Officers Corr and Fontaine continued the chase on
foot. One suspect was captured by Officer Fontaine. The other suspect ran into
the woods with Officer Corr in close pursuit. While Officer Fontaine was
handcuffing one robber, he heard a shot and saw Officer Corr go down. The
suspect that Joe Corr was chasing had turned and shot him. Disregarding the
circumstances and his own safety, Officer Fontaine went to Officer Corr's aid
and gave him CPR until EMS arrived.
The suspect who shot and killed Officer Corr fled the scene, carjacked a vehicle and holed up at a location in Pennsylvania. A contingent of local police, Pennsylvania State Police and U.S. Marshals surrounded the suspect's house - the suspect opened fire and was killed in the firefight. New Hartford Police Chief Raymond Philo said that "Joe Corr gave his life in the performance of his duties to protect the community that he proudly served. Without hesitation he charged into the night to capture a violent felon. His courage and dedication to duty set a standard of excellence for all of us." President Mark A. Spawn said, "These fine officers distinguished themselves with great courage that night." Officers Ronald Fontaine, Jr., and Shane Yoxall were presented with Heroic Action Awards. Tracie Corr was presented with the Posthumous Heroic Action Award on behalf and in memory of her husband. Chief Raymond Philo joined President Mark Spawn and Vice President Joe Snell in presenting the award. Members of the New Hartford Police Department, including Officers Yoxall and Fontaine, are pictured here with the family of Officer Corr.
For More Information Contact:
Mark A. Spawn - President
Central New York Assn. of Chiefs of Police
P.O. Box 2123, Auburn, NY 13021
e-mail: mspawn@fultonpd.com