For Release: Thursday, August 17, 2006
Saratoga County ECO Named Officer of the Year
ECO Walter Maloney Receives 2005 State Rifle and Pistol Association Law Enforcement Award
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Walter Maloney of Saratoga County has been named the 2005 New York State ECO of the Year by the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.
"ECO Maloney is very deserving of this recognition," Commissioner Sheehan said, citing his lifelong interest and participation in the shooting sports, and his dedication to youth hunter education throughout his career.
The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) recognizes one ECO each year, acknowledging the important role ECOs play in hunter education and safe firearms usage among sportsmen, women and youth. The NYSRPA is the State's leading organization in promoting rifle marksmanship and competition which strives to recognize those who promote and personally participate in marksmanship competitions, and who encourage such participation by New York's youth. ECO Maloney was selected by a statewide committee of New York State ECOs to receive this recognition.
ECO Maloney began his career as an ECO in 1996 in Oneida County. He then worked in Delaware County, before taking his current assignment covering all 9 counties in Region 4.
ECO Maloney is a member of the National Rifle Association of America, the Forbes Rifle and Pistol Club, and the Sportsmen's Club of Clifton Park. For the past five years he has competed in the New York State Police and Fire Olympics, several NRA High Power Rifle events, and in Police Rifle events. He also participates in pistol competition as a member of the Adirondack Foothills Pistol League.
Having been introduced to shooting by his father at a young age, ECO Maloney has been involved in the shooting sports for over 20 years. That tradition has carried over through the years, as Maloney has donated much of his personal time to assist at various shooting clinics for rifle, pistol, and shotgun education.
ECO Maloney lives in Saratoga County with his wife Shannon, and their two young sons, Timothy and Colin, and their duck dog, Buddy.
The NYSRPA is the State's largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, NYSRPA has promoted gun owner rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the State. NYSRPA is a not-for-profit organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.
