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For Immediate Release: October 29, 2007
Troop T, Citizen Volunteers Launch Halloween Safety Effort
"Pumpkin Patrol" Aimed At Preventing Dangerous Halloween Pranks
The New York State Thruway Authority today announced that State Police Troop T and citizen volunteers will once again start “Pumpkin Patrols” statewide this Halloween week. The patrols, which began in 1976, are meant to prevent dangerous Halloween pranks and protect travelers along the 641-mile NYS Thruway.
“Many thanks to Troop T and the numerous volunteers who continue to keep motorists safe while traveling on the Thruway at this time of year,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer. “Seemingly harmless pranks can quickly turn into tragedy, and the Pumpkin Patrols across the State help deter this type of activity.”
These patrols are made possible by members of State Police Troop T, local citizen band radio clubs (“CB” operators) and amateur radio operators (HAMs). Troop T, whose members patrol the Thruway exclusively, and the volunteers will be on watch beginning Tuesday, October 30, through Wednesday, October 31.
“Troop T will be out in full force monitoring any unusual activity, as well as patrolling roads, bridges and interchanges to help minimize any potential hazards to travelers,” said Troop T Major George Beach II. “Also as part of this effort, Troop T will be watching for intoxicated drivers and conducting seat belt checks.”
The volunteers assisting Troop T will monitor Thruway overpasses Statewide and report any unusual activity to State Police or local law enforcement. Sixteen organizations from twenty counties have asked to participate in this year’s effort. In addition to Halloween pranks, Troop T will be keeping watch for other violations, including speeding, driving while intoxicated and aggressive driving.
For further information on the Pumpkin Patrol, please contact Sergeant Charles F. Stumpf, State Police Troop T at 518-436-3134.
The following is a list of local coordinators for this effort:
Group/Organization- Coordinator Area/County
Orange County
Orange County ARES/RACES
Mr. Korkean Dulgerian 845-291-3199
Putnam County
Putnam Emergency Amateur Radio Assoc.
Mr. Paul Glatz 845-279-4558
Dutchess County
Mt. Beacon Amateur Radio Club
Mr. Andrew D. Schmidt 845-462-7539
Ulster County
Overlook Mountain Radio Club
Mrs. Sylvia Stone 845-883-5195
Greene County
Greene County Fire Police
Mr. Dan Howard 518-485-2805
Albany/Rensselaer/Columbia County
Albany/Troy Amateur Radio Assoc.
Ms. Karen Smith 518-273-6594
Montgomery County
Montgomery Radio
Mr. Tom Tracz 518-842-1934
Herkimer County
Fort Herkimer Amateur Radio Club
Mr. Martin Benedict 315-866-5924
Madison/Oneida County
Madison-Oneida Amateur Radio Club
Mr. Christopher Roy
Onondaga County
Liverpool Amateur Repeater Club
Mr. Robert Hamby 315-622-1068
Cayuga/Seneca County
Auburn Amateur Radio Assoc.
Mr. Chuck Talbot
Ontario County
Drumlins Amateur Radio Club
Mr. David Taylor 315-597-4293
Genesee County
Genesee Radio Amateurs
Mr. Dennis Baumgarte 585-343-9195
Monroe County
Monroe County ARES/RACES
Rochester Radio Repeater Assoc.
Mr. Lloyd Caves 585-747-1225
Erie County
Erie County ARES/RACES
Mr. Allan Paul 716-652-4647
Chautauqua County
Chautauqua County RACES
Mr. Duane Buchweitz 716-753-3026
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The Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.
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