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Public Safety

NY County Training Armed Residents To Be 'Special Deputy Sheriffs': Here's Where, Why NY County Training Armed Residents To Be 'Special Deputy Sheriffs': Here's Where, Why
NY County Training Armed Residents To Be 'Special Deputy Sheriffs': Here's Where, Why A New York county is training armed residents who could be deputized during emergencies and natural disasters. With the state's second-largest police force of 2,600 sworn officers, Nassau County posted a notice in March in local newspapers and other news outlets for a team of provisional emergency special deputy sheriffs "for the protection of human life and property during an emergency," said County Executive Bruce Blakeman in coordination with Nassau County Sheriff Anthony LaRocco. In the advertisement, Blakeman said the "special deputies" will have no police powers unless …
Gordon Ramsay 'Lucky To Be Here' After New England Accident Leaves Him Hospitalized Gordon Ramsay 'Lucky To Be Here' After New England Accident Leaves Him Hospitalized
Gordon Ramsay 'Lucky To Be Here' After New England Accident Leaves Him Hospitalized Gordon Ramsay has a message for bicyclists who may be considering forgoing their helmet: don’t. The world-renowned celebrity chef, restaurateur, and reality TV star took to social media Saturday, June 15, to issue a public service announcement after suffering a “really bad” bicycle accident during a recent ride in Connecticut. “It really shook me and honestly, I’m lucky to be here,” the 57-year-old Ramsay said in a video shared on his official TikTok and Instagram accounts. On Instagram, he included a post-crash photo showing his torn jacket and visibly damaged helmet. The notoriously fie…
Juvenile Shot At Capital Region Park; Search On For Suspect Juvenile Shot At Capital Region Park; Search On For Suspect
Juvenile Shot At Capital Region Park; Search On For Suspect A juvenile is recovering after being shot at a park in the region. The attack happened at around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Schenectady’s Jerry Burrell Park, near Schenectady and Hamilton streets. According to police, officers found the victim suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. They were taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment. Police did not reveal the juvenile victim’s age or gender, nor did they speculate on a possible motive for the shooting. No suspects had been arrested as of Thursday morning, June 13. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sch…
Bill Adding Fencing To Bridges In Region To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward Bill Adding Fencing To Bridges In Region To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward
Bill Adding Fencing To Bridges In Region To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward A bill aimed at stopping suicides by adding preventive fencing to five Hudson Valley bridges has passed the New York State Senate unanimously. Now, the bill introduced by State Sen. Pete Harckham (D, Mount Kisco), will move to the State Assembly, whose session ends on Friday, June 7, for consideration. The bill mandates that climb deterrent fencing be installed on all bridges under the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) jurisdiction. The five Hudson Valley bridges are: Bear Mountain Bridge. Rip Van Winkle Bridge,  Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge,  Mid-Hudson Bridge,  Newbu…
Man Killed, Two Others Including 13-Year-Old Injured In Capital Region Shooting Man Killed, Two Others Including 13-Year-Old Injured In Capital Region Shooting
Man Killed, Two Others Including 13-Year-Old Injured In Capital Region Shooting A man was killed and two others, including a 13-year-old boy, were injured in a late-night shooting in the region. Albany Police were called at around 1:45 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, for shots fired in the West Hill neighborhood, near Second and Quail streets. Officers found a 46-year-old woman who was shot in the leg and a 13-year-old boy suffering from a graze bullet wound to his arm. Both victims were taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A short time later, hospital employees contacted police saying a 30-year-old man had come to the emergency room wit…
ID Released For Woman Found Dead In Region ID Released For Woman Found Dead In Region
ID Released For Woman Found Dead In Region Police have identified a woman who was found dead in the region. Related: Person Found Shot Dead On Kingston Street Ulster County resident Rieke Guercio, age 71, of Kingston, was found around 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, in the area of Meade Street in Kingston. According to the Kingston Police, Guercio was found after police responded to a report of a person dead. She had suffered blunt force injuries and injuries from an edged weapon. Police said there was no threat to the public but had not released any suspect information. The investigation continues with help from the Ulster Poli…
Person Found Dead On Street In Region Person Found Dead On Street In Region
Person Found Dead On Street In Region This story has been updated. Police are investigating after a person was found dead in the region. Click here for a new, updated story: ID Released For Woman Found Dead In Hudson Valley The incident occurred in Ulster County on Sunday, June 2, in the area of Meade Street in Kingston. According to the Kingston Police, officers responding to a report of shots fired found the unidentified victim dead on the street. The department said there was no threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing with help from the New York State Police and Ulster County Sheriff's Office. Police d…
Man, 55, Found Shot Dead In Parking Lot In Region Man, 55, Found Shot Dead In Parking Lot In Region
Man, 55, Found Shot Dead In Parking Lot In Region Police are searching for a suspect after a 55-year-old man was found shot dead in a parking lot in the region. The incident occurred in Dutchess County around 10:20 p.m., Saturday, June 1, in the area of 472 Main St., in Poughkeepsie. According to Det. Lt. Matt Clark of the City of Poughkeepsie Police, responding officers found the man at the top of the parking area. He was transported to MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, where he later died, Clark said. Police have not identified the victim. Anyone with information is asked to call the City of Poughkeepsie Police at 845-451-7…
Body In River Hoax Sparks Police Response In Mechanicville Body In River Hoax Sparks Police Response In Mechanicville
Body In River Hoax Sparks Police Response In Mechanicville At first glance, it had all the markings of a heinous crime. But authorities in Saratoga County said what appeared to be a dead body wrapped in plastic and duct tape and floating in a river was just a sick joke. Mechanicville Police were called to the Anthony Kill on Thursday, May 30, after someone came across two suspicious packages that seemed to resemble a concealed human body. However, when officers cut the plastic open they were relieved to find that it just contained stuffed fabric shaped into a person’s outline. “Two suspicious packages designed to look like a dead body were disco…
16-Year-Old Sets Fire To School In Capital Region, Police Say 16-Year-Old Sets Fire To School In Capital Region, Police Say
16-Year-Old Sets Fire To School In Capital Region, Police Say Classes were in session when a 16-year-old allegedly set fire to a high school in the region. The Albany County incident happened Tuesday, April 23, at Bethlehem High School. According to Bethlehem Police, the juvenile suspect intentionally started a fire in a school bathroom in the C wing.  No students or staff were injured, but the incident forced an evacuation of the building that lasted nearly an hour. The alleged culprit is a student at the school, according to Superintendent Jody Monroe, who said the district is cooperating with police and is conducting its own investigation. …
'Every Parent's Worst Fear': Hit-Run Leaves UAlbany Freshman With Brain Swelling, Broken Bones 'Every Parent's Worst Fear': Hit-Run Leaves UAlbany Freshman With Brain Swelling, Broken Bones
'Every Parent's Worst Fear': Hit-Run Leaves UAlbany Freshman With Brain Swelling, Broken Bones A University at Albany student remains hospitalized with serious injuries after she was struck by a hit-and-run driver on a dirt bike. Long Island resident Alexa Kropf, age 18, of Floral Park, was hit at around midnight Saturday, April 27, while walking along Hudson Avenue, just blocks from the UAlbany campus. When officers arrived, they found the freshman lying in the roadway with a serious head injury and a broken leg, according to Albany Police. Witnesses told investigators that Kropf was struck by a man who was driving an illegal dirt bike at a high rate of speed while weaving and ou…
Over $250K Raised For Families Of Deputy, Cop Killed In Shootout On Quiet Suburban NY Street Over $250K Raised For Families Of Deputy, Cop Killed In Shootout On Quiet Suburban NY Street
Over $250K Raised For Families Of Deputy, Cop Killed In Shootout On Quiet Suburban NY Street More than a quarter of a million dollars has been raised to support the families of a police officer and sheriff's deputy killed in a shootout with a suspect who also died on a quiet suburban street in upstate New York earlier this week. The two officers were  Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hoosock, age 37, and Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen, age 29. Hoosock is survived by his wife, Caitlin, and their three young children, ages 7, 5, and 3. As of Wednesday morning, April 17, a Fund the First drive for the families of the two has pulled in around $255,000 of a go…
After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage
After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage All state agencies in New York will review critical infrastructure and assess the potential for damage following an earthquake and multiple aftershocks.  Gov. Kathy Hochul made that announcement as the US Geological Survey has detected at least 25 aftershocks in Central New Jersey, many of which have been felt in New York and across the region, following the original 4.8 magnitude quake at 10:23 a.m. Friday, April 5. “My top priority is keeping people safe, and I have directed state personnel to take all necessary precautions following yesterday's historic earthquake,” Hochul said. “At…
Update: Patient Charged After Bomb Threat Evacuates Saratoga Hospital Update: Patient Charged After Bomb Threat Evacuates Saratoga Hospital
Update: Patient Charged After Bomb Threat Evacuates Saratoga Hospital This story has been updated. A former patient is facing charges in connection with a hoax bomb threat that forced the partial evacuation of a hospital in the region. The Saratoga County incident happened at around 8 a.m. Thursday, March 21, at the Saratoga Hospital on Church Street in Saratoga Springs. Police said officers responded to the hospital’s emergency department for a reported bomb threat. The area was briefly evacuated while the agency used an explosive detection K-9 team to sweep the building. No explosive devices were found, and nobody was injured. In an update hours later, S…
Where's Albert? 11-Foot Gator's Seizure From NY Home Sparks Backlash: 'Kind Of Messed Up' Where's Albert? 11-Foot Gator's Seizure From NY Home Sparks Backlash: 'Kind Of Messed Up'
Where's Albert? 11-Foot Gator's Seizure From NY Home Sparks Backlash: 'Kind Of Messed Up' Where is Albert the alligator? That’s what a New York man and his thousands of supporters are demanding to know after state wildlife officials seized his 11-foot, 750-pound gator from his home. Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers showed up to Tony Cavallaro’s Erie County residence in the town Hamburg on Wednesday, March 13, after learning that he had built an addition to his home and installed an in-ground swimming pool to keep the gator. Officers accused Cavallaro of allowing members of the public, including children, to get into the water and pet Albert while the all…
Firefighter Sends Sexually Explicit Photo To Purported Underage Teen, Capital Region Police Say Firefighter Sends Sexually Explicit Photo To Purported Underage Teen, Capital Region Police Say
Firefighter Sends Sexually Explicit Photo To Purported Underage Teen, Capital Region Police Say A firefighter from the region is accused of sending a sexually explicit image to who he believed was a minor. Albany County resident John Redick, age 68, of Colonie, was arrested Monday, March 18, on suspicion of disseminating indecent material to a minor, a felony. Colonie Police said Redick, a lifetime member of the Colonie Fire Company, sent the illegal photo to who he believed to be an underage teenage boy. “This is still an active investigation and although we are not aware of any other victims at this time, the nature of the allegations is concerning,” the agency said. Redick was ar…
'Significant Progress': Murders, Shootings, Car Thefts Down In Capital Region, Hochul Says 'Significant Progress': Murders, Shootings, Car Thefts Down In Capital Region, Hochul Says
'Significant Progress': Murders, Shootings, Car Thefts Down In Capital Region, Hochul Says Gov. Kathy Hochul is crediting recent multimillion-dollar policing initiatives with bringing down overall crime in the region. Speaking at the New York State Police Troop G headquarters in Latham on Monday, March 4, Hochul said Capital Region cities participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative all saw the number of shootings with injuries drop in 2023 compared to the previous year. The initiative provides tens of millions of dollars in state funding to local police departments to pay for equipment, overtime, and training meant to reduce shootings and homi…
Man Wielding Knives Threatens Patrons At Capital Region Bar, Police Say Man Wielding Knives Threatens Patrons At Capital Region Bar, Police Say
Man Wielding Knives Threatens Patrons At Capital Region Bar, Police Say A 56-year-old man is accused of threatening patrons inside a bar in the region while brandishing multiple knives. The Albany County incident happened just before 2 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26 at Albany’s Oh Bar, a predominantly gay bar located on Lark Street. Albany Police said officers responded to the business after someone called 911 reporting a man with a weapon. An investigation found that Walter Mastan, of Albany, went behind the bar without permission and grabbed several knives. He then threatened multiple patrons, police said. No customers or employees were injured in the ordeal. Mastan…
Man Nabbed After Threatening To Kill Motorists At Traffic Light In Region, Police Say Man Nabbed After Threatening To Kill Motorists At Traffic Light In Region, Police Say
Man Nabbed After Threatening To Kill Motorists At Traffic Light In Region, Police Say A man was arrested on an "extreme risk" protection order for allegedly scaring motorists during a road rage incident that was caught on a Ring camera in the region.  The incident took place in Dutchess County on Saturday, Feb. 24, in Wappingers Falls. Wappingers Falls Police said the department received notification from Ring Neighbors, a public online social media platform, on Saturday warning of a "possible crime" in the area. In the video, police said a man can be seen stopped at a traffic light threatening motorists that he had a gun in back. As a result, the department said it o…
Woman From Region Charged With Making A Threat Of Mass Harm Against School Woman From Region Charged With Making A Threat Of Mass Harm Against School
Woman From Region Charged With Making A Threat Of Mass Harm Against School A woman from the region has been charged with allegedly making a threat of mass harm after she threatened to blow up a middle school. The incident occurred in Sullivan County around 5:20 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22 in the village of Liberty. According to Chief Steven D'Agata of the Liberty Police Department, Chiffvon Steele, age 42, of Liberty, commented to staff at Liberty Middle School that she would  “blow this [expletive] place up." The threat was made to a staff member outside of the building during a heated conversation. Steele then left the scene. Liberty Police immediately respon…
Thousands Of Biometric Gun Safes Being Recalled Due To Faulty Locks That May Fail: CPSC Thousands Of Biometric Gun Safes Being Recalled Due To Faulty Locks That May Fail: CPSC
Thousands Of Biometric Gun Safes Being Recalled Due To Faulty Locks That May Fail: Cpsc Multiple biometric gun safes are being recalled nationwide due to locks that can fail and allow access to unauthorized users, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced.  On Thursday, Feb. 22, the agency issued a series of recall alerts regarding four safes that are subject to the recall due to the faulty locks.  Products subject to the recall:  Awesafe Biometric Gun Safes Awesafe Biometric Gun Safes CPSC MouTec brand Biometric Firearm Safes MouTec brand Biometric Firearm Safes CPSC Machir Biometric Personal Safes Machir Biometric Personal Safe…
'Not All Heroes Wear A Cape': Bus Driver Saves Student From Near Tragedy In Capital Region 'Not All Heroes Wear A Cape': Bus Driver Saves Student From Near Tragedy In Capital Region
'Not All Heroes Wear A Cape': Bus Driver Saves Student From Near Tragedy In Capital Region A 12-year-old girl has her quick-thinking school bus driver to thank for preventing a near tragedy on an area roadway. The Rensselaer County incident happened at around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30 on Route 7 in Pittstown. Sheriff’s officials said a school bus carrying students from the Brunswick-Brittonkill Central School District was stopped on the right shoulder with its red lights and stop sign activated when a white cargo van nearly crashed into it. The van then lost control, striking an eastbound box truck before going off the roadway. Moments before the crash, a 12-year-old girl was…
First Total Solar Eclipse In 99 Years To Be Visible In New York: Here's When, Where First Total Solar Eclipse In 99 Years To Be Visible In New York: Here's When, Where
First Total Solar Eclipse In 99 Years To Be Visible In New York: Here's When, Where New York officials are hard at work making preparations for a historic solar eclipse event that will be the first one visible in the state in nearly a century.  The total eclipse will be visible in the western and northern parts of New York state during the afternoon of Monday, April 8, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul and her office.  On the day of the event, between 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., the moon will pass between the earth and the sun and completely block out sunlight, completely turning day into night for 1 and a half to 3 and a half minutes.  The path of totality where…
Power Outage Measure: New Law Forces NY Companies To Prioritize Fixing Downed Wires Power Outage Measure: New Law Forces NY Companies To Prioritize Fixing Downed Wires
Power Outage Measure: New Law Forces NY Companies To Prioritize Fixing Downed Wires A new law signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will force utility companies in the state to quickly respond to downed wires reported by members of the public.  The legislation, which was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 22, will protect residents during storms by requiring utility companies to respond to reports of downed wires no later than 72 hours after the response to the emergency event ends, according to Hochul.  Before the new law was signed, power companies were only required to have a plan to secure a wire on a schedule if it was reported by a municipal emergency official.&nb…
$75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul $75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul
$75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul As a response to the rise in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic crimes across New York State stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a multi-million dollar plan to keep New Yorkers safe. Earlier report: 21-Year-Old Accused Of Threatening To Shoot, Stab, Rape Jewish Students On Campus At Cornell The announcement came on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Hochul, utilizing all available state resources, declared a multi-branched plan aimed at limiting the number of hate and bias crimes, which she says have risen since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. “Let me be clear: we cannot…
Cameras Would Be Required At NY Parks Under New Bill Proposed After Kidnapping Cameras Would Be Required At NY Parks Under New Bill Proposed After Kidnapping
Cameras Would Be Required At NY Parks Under New Bill Proposed After Kidnapping Get ready to smile big on future visits to New York state parks. New legislation introduced by State Sen. Jim Tedisco would require all state parks, campgrounds, and recreational facilities in New York to have security cameras at all entrances and exits. Tedisco, a Republican whose 44th State Senate district represents portions of Saratoga and Schenectady counties, announced the proposal Thursday, Oct. 5 on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We don’t need the state to ‘study’ and ‘review’ the need for security cameras at our state parks and campgrounds, we need them installed as soon as possib…
Massive Test Of Emergency Alert System Set For This Week: Here's When, What To Know Now Massive Test Of Emergency Alert System Set For This Week: Here's When, What To Know Now
Massive Test Of Emergency Alert System Set For This Week: Here's When, What To Know Now It will only be a test, but it will be a big one. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this week. The national test will consist of two portions, testing Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS) capabilities.  Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. It will be…
Here's Percentage Of New Yorkers Worried About Becoming Crime Victims, New Poll Finds Here's Percentage Of New Yorkers Worried About Becoming Crime Victims, New Poll Finds
Here's Percentage Of New Yorkers Worried About Becoming Crime Victims, New Poll Finds More than half of New Yorkers fear they may become a victim of a crime, a new Siena College poll finds. The poll, released Wednesday, July 12, found that 61 percent of state residents are either very (21 percent) or somewhat (40 percent) worried about becoming a crime victim. Researchers also found that 51 percent of New Yorkers have been worried about their safety, or their family’s safety, in public places. Thirty-six percent of respondents said they’ve felt threatened by a stranger’s behavior in public in the past year. That growing concern was reflected in people’s purchasing decision…
Baseball Dugout Death: ID Released For Man Found Dead At Saratoga Springs Park Baseball Dugout Death: ID Released For Man Found Dead At Saratoga Springs Park
Baseball Dugout Death: ID Released For Man Found Dead At Saratoga Springs Park Authorities have identified a man who was found dead at a park in the region. The discovery was made at around 7 a.m. Thursday, June 15, in Saratoga Springs, inside a baseball dugout at the city’s West Side Recreation park. Investigators found the man while conducting a welfare check after getting a call from a concerned citizen, according to Saratoga Springs Police. Earlier Report: Man Found Dead In Baseball Dugout At Saratoga Springs Park In an update hours later, the department identified the man as 55-year-old Steven French, of Saratoga Springs. “Mr. French lived in the area of …
‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says ‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says
‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says Recent mass shootings that killed six people at an elementary school in Tennessee and five more at a bank in Kentucky might not have occurred had those states implemented so-called “red flag” laws like New York, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. In an op-ed written for USA Today Network and shared on the governor's website, Hochul touted the measures, which allow a court to issue an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) that temporarily prohibits someone from buying or possessing a gun should they be deemed a danger to themselves or others. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the state’s ERPO in…
'We Lost A Treasure': Intense Fire Tears Through Historic Former School Building In Region 'We Lost A Treasure': Intense Fire Tears Through Historic Former School Building In Region
'We Lost A Treasure': Intense Fire Tears Through Historic Former School Building In Region A historic former school building in the region is considered a total loss after a massive fire tore through the structure. Multiple people called 911 just before 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23, with reports of a fire at Albany’s former Doane Stuart School, located on Kenwood Road, Albany Fire Chief Joseph Gregory said at a press conference. I urge our entire city to keep the members of the @FD_AlbanyNY in their thoughts as AFD actively battles the blaze at the former Doane Stuart School off of Southern Boulevard. pic.twitter.com/hziALG8hPM — Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan (@MayorSheehan) March …