For Release: Friday, June 11, 2004

Newest Class of ECOs to Graduate

26 Recruits Complete 15th Basic Training Academy to Fill Ranks for DEC

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced that 26 Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) will graduate from the 15th Basic Training Academy on Saturday, June 12, 2004 at Oswego State University. "New York's Environmental Conservation Officers work tirelessly each year to help protect our State's important and unique natural resources," said DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty. "With the very active summer season close at hand, the latest recruits to the ECO force are a welcomed and necessary addition to the environmental law enforcement team. On behalf of myself and Governor Pataki, I commend the graduates on their achievement and welcome their help in protecting our precious environment."

Members of this year's class completed the 28-week, in-residence training program conducted at Oswego State University. The program included a demanding 28 weeks of training in a variety of subjects including: the Environmental Conservation, Criminal Procedure, Penal, and Vehicle and Traffic laws; physical conditioning; firearms; wildlife identification; administrative procedures; emergency vehicle operations; search and rescue; land navigation; boating; and fire suppression. The new ECOs were selected from existing civil service examination lists.

ECOs are Police Officers who enforce all New York State laws. Their responsibilities center on the enforcement of New York's environmental laws and regulations, and on the detection and investigation of suspected violations. They are guided by the State Environmental Conservation Law, which covers hunter education and the management of fish and wildlife, solid and hazardous waste, hazardous substances, and air and water pollution.

The training academy was the 15th joint training session conducted by DEC for new ECOs since 1975. The academy is held at the DEC Training Center located in the historic Sheldon Hall on the campus of SUNY Oswego. DEC selected the campus as the site of the training academy because of the college's location and suitability. The college provides housing, classrooms and office space and offers a gymnasium, pool and training rooms for exercise use by the academy during the day. Nearby Lake Ontario offers recruits open water conditions for watercraft training and the Salmon River serves as a classroom for various enforcement training techniques.

During Saturday's ceremony, the 3rd annual John P. Cahill Award will be presented to a member of the graduating class. The award, named after the former DEC Commissioner, will be given to the recruit who best exemplified the character and personality traits of selfless service to others.

The following is a list of graduates and their home towns:

Environmental Conservation Officer Scott D. Angotti, Auburn, Cayuga County
Environmental Conservation Officer Scott W. Atwood, Rochester, Monroe County
Environmental Conservation Officer Steven A. Bartoszewski, Hannibal, Oswego County
Environmental Conservation Officer William J. Burnell, Homer, Cortland County
Environmental Conservation Officer Russell D. Calanni Jr., Stockton, Chautaqua County
Environmental Conservation Officer Bret D. Canary, Clifton Park, Saratoga County
Environmental Conservation Officer Christopher F. Freeman, Friendship, Allegany County
Environmental Conservation Officer Jason S. DeAngelis, Richmond County
Environmental Conservation Officer Thomas M. Dininny, Southport, Chemung County
Environmental Conservation Officer Robert K. Higgins, Ballston Lake, Schenectady
Environmental Conservation Officer Shana A. Hutton, Gilboa, Schoharie County
Environmental Conservation Officer Mark J. Klein, Waterford, Saratoga County
Environmental Conservation Officer Steven D. Lakeman, Dewitt, Onondaga County
Environmental Conservation Officer Matthew T. Lochner, Himrod, Yates County
Environmental Conservation Officer John J. Murphy, Rocky Point, Suffolk County
Environmental Conservation Officer Brian D. Nothnagel, Hyde Park, Dutchess County
Environmental Conservation Officer Karen M. Ott, Pierrepont, St.Lawrence County
Environmental Conservation Officer Michael C. Phelps, Windham, Greene County
Environmental Conservation Officer Deo W. Read III, LaGrangeville, Dutchess County
Environmental Conservation Officer Joel T. Schneller, Heuvelton, St. Lawrence County
Environmental Conservation Officer Steven J. Shaw, Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County
Environmental Conservation Officer Thomas E. Snowdon, Rochester, Monroe County
Environmental Conservation Officer Nathan R. VerHague, Lockport, Niagara County
Environmental Conservation Officer George I. Wilber II, Springfield Center, Otsego
Environmental Conservation Officer Brian S. Willson, Liverpool, Onondaga County
Environmental Conservation Officer Stanley P. Winnick III, Candor, Tioga County

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