For Release: Friday, May 13, 2005
Col. Robert T. Lucas Named Director of DEC Law Enforcement
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that Colonel Robert T. Lucas of East Greenbush, Rensselaer County, has been named the Director of DEC's Division of Law Enforcement.
"Col. Bob Lucas is a valued member of DEC Law Enforcement, with a distinguished career that spans 25 years of service to New York State and our environment," Acting Commissioner Sheehan said. "Each day, Bob demonstrates his ongoing dedication to the protection of our natural resources and the public and he is highly qualified to lead this important division of DEC."
Col. Lucas will be responsible for enforcing the State's environmental conservation laws and regulations by overseeing the law enforcement services provided to DEC's programs, and the law enforcement services, outreach and education to the public. The authorized strength of DEC's Division of Law Enforcement is 339 members.
Col. Lucas began serving with DEC's Law Enforcement Division in 1980 and most recently served as Assistant Division Director in DEC's Central Office in Albany. He started his career as an Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) in DEC's Region 2 in New York City. In 1982, he transferred to Region 3 and worked as an ECO in Sullivan County until 1988 when he was promoted to a Lieutenant position in New York City where he served as the Return-A-Gift-To-Wildlife Supervisor, among other duties. In 1990, Col. Lucas served as a Lieutenant in DEC's Region 9 and supervised ECOs in Chautauqua County. In 2001, he was promoted to Captain and oversaw law enforcement operations in DEC's Region 4. In 2003, he was promoted to the rank of Major and placed in charge of the Division's Office of Professional Standards. In 2004, he was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel.
In addition to his service with DEC, Col. Lucas received his associate's degree in natural resources conservation from SUNY Morrisville, and his bachelor's degree in environmental science from SUNY Plattsburgh. He is a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, and a graduate of several police service schools. Col. Lucas has served as an instructor of various courses at DEC's Training Academy in Oswego, New York, and is a past President of the New York State Conservation Officers Association.
For more information about the responsibilities and activities of DEC's Division of Law Enforcement, go to DEC's website.
05-52
