The 2020 Police Chiefs Association Award Recipients range from longtime university police leaders, investigators, and lieutenants with decades of service, to brand new officers getting their first glimpse into life in law enforcement, to technical specialists whose invaluable expertise keeps SUNY university police departments running. Members of university police are given awards for heroism, life-saving efforts, and professional service. Two SUNY students were also awarded scholarships by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association.
Deputy Chief Bruce S. Redden of the New York State University Police at Stony Brook lost his battle with cancer on January 1, 2020. Redden was a 20-year veteran of the State University Police force and rose through the ranks from Police Officer to Lieutenant to Deputy Chief. He oversaw the Community Relations Team at the Stony Brook Southampton Campus, and eventually became Deputy Chief at both campuses. He was also responsible for creating a DCJS approved Field Training Officer program for Stony Brook, and received many awards including the SUNY Chiefs Association Professional Service award in 2015.
Chief Martin Pettit said, "Bruce was always a jokester, and was known for his love of Arby’s restaurant. In fact, when Bruce came to Binghamton University to assist with the 2011 flood, as soon as he arrived he asked me where Arby’s was and could we take him to get some!! Bruce and I became closer when he was promoted to Deputy Chief and we started to serve on committees together… specifically the Statewide Uniform Committee as Bruce was very proud of our Agency and his department, and strived to have us all look the best. Bruce was an avid Yankees, Giants and Rangers fan - he was a true New Yorker."
In November 2020, following a tradition where police dogs are named after fallen officers, SUNY Delhi chose to name their new K9 search and rescue officer “Redd”, after Deputy Chief Redden.
Loving husband of Jennifer, father to Peyton and Joshua… and to us, a loving brother at the Stony Brook University State Police Department. Bruce had a special place in the hearts of everyone he’s known. He will be forever missed and in our hearts.
The SUNY Police Chiefs Association Heroism Award is awarded to departmental members for conspicuous gallantry while acting in the line of duty. It is presented to officers for acts of exceptional bravery performed at very high risk to their own lives with full awareness of the danger involved.
On January 4th, 2020, a man with a shotgun in his lap was driving toward the emergency room entrance of the VA hospital near the University at Buffalo’s South Campus. He said he was planning to commit suicide.
Worried he may harm someone in the hospital, police—including UB Lt. Christopher Kerr and UB Officers Robert Adamski and Michael (PURE-ner) Puerner—surrounded the man’s car and drew their weapons.
With direction from Lt. Kerr—Officer Adamski and a Buffalo Police Lieutenant distracted the man long enough for Lt. Kerr to reach into the vehicle and snatch the weapon away.
Immediately—officers including Adamski and (PURE-ner) Purner—pulled the man out of the car.
For actions taken at great personal risk, and for his heroic dedication to the safety of everyone involved, Lt. Christopher Kerr is worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Heroism Award.
On June 9th, 2020, a masked man wearing a camouflage ballistic vest adorned with a radio and high capacity rifle magazines was reported inside Stony Brook University Hospital.
Police soon surrounded him in a bathroom at gunpoint, eventually taking him into custody.
Upon arrest, police found a BB gun with live ammo and an IED capable of causing a major explosion.
Police immediately evacuated the ER until the bomb squad could sweep the entire unit.
Lt. Alfred Robinson, Lt. Christopher Yap, and Officers Scott Rodriguez and Jason Fanning displayed exceptional bravery and placed their own lives at great risk.
Their actions are worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Heroism award.
The SUNY Police Chiefs Association Life Saving Award is presented to any member of the department whose actions directly contribute to saving or significantly prolonging human life. Only one award can be given for each instance, regardless of the number of lives saved.
On February 7th, 2020, just after midnight, a call came into UAlbany Police.
A caller said their friend had taken oxycodone—and was beginning to turn blue.
UAlbany Officers Daniel Callahan and Lucas (HOGUE) Hoague arrived on the scene and quickly injected the person with narcan to reverse the effects.
Without their quick actions, the person could have died, making Officers Callahan and (HOGUE) Hoague worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Life Saving Award.
On October 18th, 2019, Buffalo State Lt. Michael Myers and Officer Edward Helling were sent to help a campus maintenance worker who’d gone into cardiac arrest.
The pair performed CPR until EMTs arrived.
The person later died at the hospital.
Both men conducted themselves with the highest degree of professionalism. Their actions are representative of the professionalism of the University Police and worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Life Saving Award.
On the night of January 24th, 2020, New Paltz UPD officers responded to a bar fight in progress in the Village of New Paltz.
While securing the scene, Lt. Ryan Williams located a man who’d been stabbed refusing medical attention.
Lt. Williams—a U.S. Army veteran himself—established a rapport with the man based on their common military background.
The victim was concerned he’d get in trouble with his commanding officers as he downplayed the severity of his injury.
Lt. Williams raised the possibility of internal bleeding and convinced the man to seek medical attention.
When the victim arrived at the hospital—doctors discovered serious internal injuries that required immediate surgery.
The general concern for the victim’s welfare ultimately saved his life and for this reason, Lt. Ryan Williams is worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Life Saving Award.
On September 8th, 2019, Purchase UPD were sent to help a 60-year-old man who was unconscious in the road.
Officer Genaro Gonzalez was first on the scene.
He immediately began life saving measures.
Officer Michael Boyd and Lt. Timothy Ludden arrived moments later, assisting with CPR and the use of an AED.
Lt. Ludden rode in the ambulance, helping EMTS on the way to the hospital.
The man survived and made a full recovery.
He and his family expressed their eternal gratitude.
Lt. Ludden, Officer Gonzalez and Officer Boyd are worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Life Saving Award.
On July 20th, 2020, Officers Jared King and Joseph Bica were assigned to the Southampton Marine Science Building for a VIP dinner following the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Celebration.
One of the attendees began choking on a piece of steak.
Both officers quickly ran to his aid and performed the Heimlich maneuver.
Their swift action saved his life.
These two officers are representative of the dedication of the University Police and are worthy of the SUNY Police Chief’s Association Life Saving Award.
On the night of May 3rd, 2020, four members of the Stony Brook University Police Department rushed to Tubman Hall, where a person had overdosed on heroin.
They found the individual pale and barely breathing.
They gave the person two doses of Narcan to no avail.
That’s when Officer Daniel (RAP-chick) Rapczyk suggested moving the person into the recovery position, at which point the person regained consciousness.
The swift action of Officer (RAP-CHICK) Rapczyk, a well as Lt. Robert Jones and Officers Scott Rodriguez and John Buchner Junior saved this person’s life.
They are representative of the dedication of the New York State University Police and are worthy of the SUNY Police Chief’s Association Life Saving Award.
The SUNY Police Chief’s Association Professional Service Award is presented to members for those acts that greatly enhance the operation of their respective university police department.
This award for Professional Service is awarded to Binghamton University Communication and Security Specialist Todd Katen for his exemplary work with the University’s Genetec Camera video monitoring system.
Katen took it upon himself to not only learn the system inside and out, but to teach other department members how to maximize its capabilities.
His skills became widely known, prompting IT department to request his assistance with numerous projects.
He’s been instrumental in investigating of numerous campus incidents, including the tracking and capture of a homicide suspect.
Katen’s work is representative of the professionalism of the New York State University Police and worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
Officers Sean Galloway and Allen Saxby are responsible for maintaining a fleet of 15 Binghamton UPD vehicles.
They were asked to create comprehensive maintenance plan.
They went above and beyond, developing a tracking system to ensure maintenance was being reported and addressed in a timely manner.
They also developed great working relationships with vendors and repair facilities, helping save thousands of dollars on repair costs.
Their attention to detail has inspired officers to take pride and find comfort in their vehicles.
Their consistent care and devotion is worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
The jackhammer noise was just too much.
Shortly after renovations began on the building that houses University at Buffalo U-P-D headquarters—an emergency relocation for dispatch operations was in order.
Technical specialist Daryl Kempf and Equipment Specialist Scott Wallace worked quickly to move the communications center to another location inside the station without interrupting essential services.
Scott and Daryl also worked extensively to address issues with the implementation of a new digital radio system.
Later in the project, asbestos concerns forced Darryl and Scott to relocate dispatch once again—this time to a different campus entirely.
Once again, this was accomplished without any interruption in service.
And thanks to Scott and Daryl, the dispatch operation in the south campus substation will remain a fully functioning back-up dispatch center - something UB Police has been looking to accomplish for the last twenty years.
As the COVID-19 crisis took hold, Scott and Daryl continued to maintain and enhance essential public safety infrastructure.
That includes the implementation of a new audio recording system, the installation of new digital radio consoles, and upgrading all patrol car computers.
Scott and Daryl conducted themselves with the highest degree of professionalism.
Their actions are representative of the professionalism that exists across the New York State University Police. This makes them worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
On September 29th, 2019, patrols responded to a shots fired call at Buffalo State College.
Lt. Richard Myers and Officer Anthony Olszewski recovered shell casings, looked for victims, and located video of the incident.
After Lt. Michael Myers got a tip, police searched an off-campus apartment.
Investigator Steve Cahoon interviewed people seen in the videos, tracked down the suspect’s girlfriend, got him on the phone—and eventually to turn himself in.
He was later convicted of a felony.
Lieutenants Richard and Michael Myers, Officer Ole-chef-ski, and Investigator Cahoon conducted themselves with the highest degree of professionalism.
Their actions are representative of the professionalism that exists across the New York State University Police.
They are worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
Just after midnight on December 5th, 2019, local and campus police arrived at SUNY Fredonia to find a man holding a weapon.
One of the responding officers was Fredonia UPD officer Ian Hodkin.
The men took cover behind their patrol cars, imploring the suspect to drop his weapon.
With great restraint and effective de-escalation techniques, the officers convinced the man to give himself up.
They later learned it was his goal to commit suicide-by-cop with a revolver style pellet gun.
Officer Hodkin conducted himself with the highest degree of courage, restraint, and professionalism and his actions are representative of the professionalism of the New York State University Police and worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
An unexpected retirement propelled new Geneseo UPD Officer Christopher LoPiano into a role as the Department’s Accreditation Manager.
LoPiano got right to work, immersing himself in Geneseo's policies and practices while looking for shortcomings in documentation or necessary policy changes.
He effectively balanced his patrol responsibilities with those of the Accreditation process—putting in extra time when necessary.
He was so thorough with the Re-Accreditation Process that the Lead Assessor told LoPiano to become an Assessor himself.
Officer LoPiano's actions greatly enhanced the operations of the University Police at SUNY Geneseo.
This makes him worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
On January 24th, 2020 around 10:00 PM, New Paltz UPD Lt. William Shaw and new Officer Mallory Nelson responded to a bar fight in progress in the Village of New Paltz.
Officer Nelson had just recently graduated the policy academy, and Lt. Shaw was serving as her field training officer.
They were told someone had been stabbed.
When they arrived, they noticed that the stabbing suspect was around the side of the building, being held by civilians.
They rushed over to take the suspect into custody, quell the situation, and prevent further injury.
In the midst of a hectic situation, Lt. Shaw displayed great leadership and proper tactics to the new officer.
Officer Nelson acted without hesitation to secure the suspect’s legs and help make the arrest.
Both conducted themselves with the highest degree of professionalism and their actions are representative of the professionalism of the New York State University Police and worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
In the Fall of 2019, New Paltz University Police began to receive several anonymous tips regarding possible drug trafficking around room 132 of Shango Hall, a residence hall on campus. Complaints had persisted for months without any successful action or firm evidence acquired.
On November 13, 2019, Officer Shawn Mattison took a call from a father whose son, a non-student, was the boyfriend of a female student who resided in that room. The father was trying to get help for his son who was homeless and had a drug addiction and was on his way to New Paltz to purchase drugs from his girlfriend. From this information, and with the approval of his supervisor, Officer Mattison came up with a course of action to attempt to interview this possible drug purchaser and gather evidence against the female student. He put together a plain-clothes detail with the assistance of Officer Steven Shadick. During their detail that same night they were able to locate, arrest, and issued Persona Non Grata paperwork to the male non-student. However, several hours after his arrest he was able to make his way back to campus again to meet his girlfriend. Upon his return, Officer Greg Candela used the CCTV to identify both the non-student and his girlfriend entering Shango hall. When officers responded to her room, they were allowed entry and observed a strong odor of marijuana as well as a safe on her floor. The safe had drug residue on and near it. Both were taken into custody. The female student was charged with Obstruction of Governmental Administration and the male was charged with Criminal Trespass in the 2nd degree. He was remanded to the Ulster County Jail. The safe was seized and a search warrant was obtained the next day. The search yielded large quantities of narcotics, LSD, prescription pills, concentrated THC cartridges, and a substantial amount of marijuana. The female student was subsequently charged with felony drug possession and suspended immediately from campus.
The team effort of Officers Mattison, Shadick and Candela resulted in felony charges for the female student and ended a months-long investigation of drug trafficking in Shango hall. Officers gathered intelligence, canvassed, surveilled and were vigilant in their investigation.
Officer Steven Shadick, Officer Shawn Mattison, and Officer Gregory Candela conducted themselves with the highest degree of professionalism and their actions are representative of the professionalism of the New York State University Police and worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
On Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at approximately 6:14PM, a non-affiliate telephoned NYS University Police at Old Westbury stating she received two disturbing snapchat photographs from a friend, who is a SUNY Old Westbury resident student. One photo showed her friends’ wrists bloodied with cuts, another showed a pill bottle in the background. The caption on the photograph read "so much for healing, it’s a myth...I’m scared but I’m even more scared to keep living. I’m so sorry to those who have loved me unconditionally."
Members on duty recognized the students’ name and immediately initiated a missing persons investigation. Over the past five months the student had multiple welfare checks conducted including an incident in which the student was transported to the hospital to receive necessary mental health services. Officer Amanda Rothenbucher and Technical Sergeant Brett Cruickshank organized a search of the campus, including the assistance of residential life staff, canvasing locations the student was known to frequent. While the searches were being conducted, phone calls were made to her associates and an exigent request was made to her cellphone provider to locate her phone. The phone “pinged” in Freeport, New York and a request was made to the Freeport Police Department to assist in the search, which met with negative results. Notifications were also made to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department after it was revealed that the student finds comfort in riding the trains when in a depressive state. A notification was made to the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse, which resulted in a tremendous amount of local and social media broadcasts to alert the public. The students’ phone was programmed to alert an acquaintance of hers, with a GPS location if 911 was called. At 11:17PM, a 911 call was made from the students’ phone at the Long Island Rail Road Jamaica train station. Notifications were made to the local New York City Police Department Precinct, Transit District, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department was updated, again with negative results.
Investigation continued into the following day on Thursday, March 19 under the supervision of Lieutenant Renee Znack. Officer Rothenbucher and Lieutenant Znack were advised that the student had a conversation with the college counseling center via telephone. Officers met with counseling staff to confirm students’ status and to encourage them to have the student contact University Police. During the same time frame the tracking of the phone became active, indicating a location in Queens, New York. Investigator Ryon Burnett and Investigator Julie Donley immediately responded to the area, approximately 45 minutes away. The student then contacted Communications & Security Specialist Leonard Baker at University Police dispatch but was apprehensive about giving her location. Officer Rothenbucher engaged in conversation with the student, explaining that her safety was a priority, and we would be able provide her with help if she met with the investigators. The student agreed to provide the address at which she was located. The information was transmitted to the investigators and they met with the student. The New York City Fire Department Bureau of Emergency Medical Services responded to the location and transported the student to a local hospital for treatment.
Lieutenant Renee Znack, Investigator Ryon Burnett, Investigator Julie Donley, Technical Sergeant Brett Cruickshank, Officer Amanda Rotherbucher, and Communications & Security Specialist Leonard Baker conducted themselves with the highest degree of professionalism and their actions are representative of the professionalism of the New York State University Police and worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
On Monday, December 2, 2019 at approximately 1:45PM, the SUNY Old Westbury Office of Public & Media Relations discovered on the college's social media monitoring service account, HootSuite, that Twitter user LarryBands tweeted "At This Point I'm Boutta Stand In The Middle Of SUNY Old Westbury & Let The Bullets Do What They Gotta Do. F*cking Tired of Life". That office immediately notified the Chief of University Police Steven Siena. Chief Siena ordered an immediate investigation and recall of off-duty members of the
Department for deployment. Investigator Ryon Burnett recognized the twitter name and associated profile picture as belonging to a SUNY Old Westbury resident student, who was known from prior interactions. While Investigator Burnett initiated his investigation, other members conducted a search of campus to locate the student.
At approximately 3:12PM, Investigator Burnett located the student in campus center and approached him to discuss the tweet and his emotional state. The student stated that he experienced "suicidal thoughts lately" and that he "thought he deleted the tweet". The student stated that his mention of "bullets" was in reference to suicidal thoughts he recently experienced, but that he did not plan to target anyone at SUNY Old Westbury or the institution itself. The student voluntarily walked with Investigator Burnett to University Police Headquarters to discuss the matter further. Investigator Burnett was assisted by Investigator Donley who was re called due to the incident. The student voluntarily provided a sworn admission that he posted that message on his Twitter account. Upon presenting the case to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office the defendant was charged with “Making a Terroristic Threat”. The defendant was arraigned in Nassau County’s First District Court on December 3, 2019 and remanded, with bail set at $100,000. Prior to booking the student was removed to Nassau University Medical Center for psychological evaluation.
On January 22, 2020 the College Conduct Board found the student responsible for Failure to Abide by Federal, State, and /or Local Laws & Threatening or Abusive Behavior and as a result of that decision was expelled.
Investigator Ryon Burnett and Investigator Julie Donley conducted themselves with the highest degree of professionalism and their actions are representative of the professionalism of the New York State University Police and worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
Investigator Jessica Facteau has proven herself as a valuable asset to the SUNY Plattsburgh University Police, first as an officer and then Lieutenant and continuing now as an Investigator. Although her contributions for the betterment of the department span several years, there are a few contributions she has made that have greatly enhanced the operation of the department this past academic year.
Investigator Facteau is one of those tenacious officers who is involved in everything. She is the first to volunteer for assignments, first for connecting with the campus community and first to seek out opportunities to increase her knowledge and promote both the department as well as the members in it.
She is involved in several campus committees, many of which she was appointed by the campus president. She provides education to incoming freshman, campus employees and the department in topics such as active shooter, Fair and Impartial Policing, and Hate Crimes.
She co-created the department’s Student Safety Ambassador Program, which enlists students representing a cross section of our campus community, who work with University
Police Officers to patrol, to implement safety programs, and to provide opportunities for campus connections. Some of these ambassadors have completed the program as interns, which Investigator Facteau also manages.
Additionally, she has conducted several criminal investigations including multi-agency drug investigations for which she obtained and executed search warrants, provided grand jury testimony and service of indictments. She shut down a fraternity conducting prohibited hazing and infiltrated a campus drug ring seizing $15,000, psychedelic mushrooms and cannabis.
Investigator Jessica Facteau has conducted herself with the highest degree of professionalism and her actions are representative of the professionalism of the New York State University Police and worthy of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
On November 14th, 2019 at 4:20PM, Officer Lawrence Hamilton Jr. came upon a motor vehicle accident while reporting to the Suffolk County Police Department range. One of the vehicles was turned over on its side, had smoke coming from it, and an occupant was trapped within. Officer Hamilton used his baton to break the windshield and helped the male get out of the vehicle. He was courageous in a dangerous situation and helped rescue the trapped male without hesitation.
Officer Lawrence Hamilton Jr’s courageous actions are representative of the professionalism of the New York State University Police and worthy of the SUNY Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
On April 8th, 2020 at 9:28 PM, Officer Michael Schwenzer was conducting a foot patrol of the Academic Mall. When he reached the Harriman Hall building, he observed four males inside the building in what appeared to be a burglary in progress. The subjects fled upon seeing him and he radioed for additional units. During a canvass of the area, the subjects were located and again fled. After a foot chase, Officer Schwenzer and Officer Jason Fanning caught one of the males in front of a nearby building and placed him under arrest. Officer Bryan Maritato caught up to the other three subjects and placed them under arrest. All three officers acted without hesitation and demonstrated their dedication to keeping the campus safe.
Officer Michael Schwenzer, Officer Jason Fanning, and Officer Bryan Maritato displayed bravery and dedication representative of the New York State University Police and are worthy of the SUNY Chiefs Association Professional Service Award.
The SUNY Police Chiefs Association is proud and fortunate to be able to honor and support deserving students within the SUNY system. The main criteria in selecting a candidate for these awards are the student’s demonstrated contributions to personal safety on campus and whether they are Criminal Justice students in active pursuit of a career in law enforcement. Special consideration is given to applicants that are dependents of University Police staff, and academic achievements can also be reviewed outside the scope of the above criteria.
There are two SUNY Police Chiefs Association Student Scholarship Achievement awards:
This award recognizes Platt and Bud Harris for their exceptional contributions to SUNY Police. Platt J. Harris, who was the first coordinator of Security Services for the State University of New York, was instrumental in establishing the high academic requirements for University Police Officers that today remain among the highest in the country. Retired Chief, Bud Harris, served our Association and students with dedication above and beyond the call of duty.
This award is given in recognition of Dr. Bruce McBride, who was instrumental in our evolution from security services, to the current status of University Police for the State University of New York. Dr. McBride was also active in establishing the professional requirements for University Police officers that today remain among the highest and most respected in the country.
The SUNY Police Chiefs Association Platt and Malcom Harris Student Personal Safety Scholarship Award goes to Joel Okine. Joel is in the process of earning his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a 3.27 GPA and is currently working for the University Police Student Assistant Program as a Coordinator. Joel, through his hard work and dedication, has exemplified a model student and University Police Student Assistant (UPSA) throughout his employment with the Buffalo State University Police Department.
Joel started with the program in the spring of 2018, and was promoted to Team Leader and ultimately, UPSA Coordinator; the highest level of promotion that a student can achieve within the program.
As Coordinator, Joel is responsible for the semester scheduling and supervision of approximately 35 students who perform walking patrol, assist with motorist troubles (MAP), work in the residence halls, Butler Library, and assist at special events. Joel also performs a myriad of administrative duties which include: hiring of UPSA employees; training of new UPSAs; billing; tracking statistics; the completion of payroll records for all UPSA employees on a bi-weekly basis; and many other administrative duties. Joel has performed his Coordinator duties in an exemplary manner during the COVID-19 pandemic when the campus shutdown in the spring 2020 and when the campus resumed for the fall 2020 semester. Joel excels in all aspects of the Coordinator’s position, actively promoting the positive image of the University Police Department and the UPSA Program throughout the campus community and ensuring that all special events receive attention to details.
Joel brings a surprising amount of energy and enthusiasm. He is always willing to go above and beyond in his job responsibilities to assist his fellow student employees, regardless if it is with a personal, academic, or work-related concern. Joel is very active in his church at home and serves as a Church Assistant assisting parishioners in church activities.
Joel always exhibits a strong passion for learning and a commitment toward his intellectual and professional growth. He intends to earn his bachelor’s degree and attend law school.
Joel is a major asset to the UPSA Program and is well deserving of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Platt and Malcom Harris Student Personal Safety Scholarship Award.
The SUNY Police Chiefs Association Dr. McBride Criminal Justice Student Achievement Award goes to Trent Weston. Trent is the nephew of Chief of University Police at Canton, Timothy M. Ashley II and the grandson of Retired Chief, Timothy M. Ashley. Trent graduated from high school a year early and began attending SUNY Potsdam at 17 years of age. Trent is in his junior year at SUNY Potsdam, majoring in Criminal Justice. Trent’s biological father was a NYS Corrections Officer and passed away from brain cancer in 2003 when Trent was small child.
Trent was hired to work at the University Police Department and has been an excellent dispatcher for the department for the past two years. He will continue in this role while residing off campus this upcoming academic year. Trent is interested in participating in the SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute internship during his senior year. Trent is hard working and interested in a career in Law Enforcement.
Trent is a thoughtful and caring person and a positive member of our campus community. He often reports concerns and seeks assistance for other students needing help. Trent is in good academic standing and is well deserving of the SUNY Police Chiefs Association Dr. McBride Criminal Justice Student Achievement Award.
Established at the spring conference of 2010, the Lifetime Achievement in State University of New York University Police Award honors a long-standing member of the University Police community who, during their career, most notably in SUNY Policing, has made contributions that have positively impacted the field of University Police. These contributions, whether in leadership on their respective campus or Systems Administration should demonstrate a lifetime commitment in advances to University Policing.
To be eligible for the Lifetime Achievement Award in University Policing the individual must be employed in the field of University Policing for a minimum of twenty (20) years with at least ten (10) or more years at one or more SUNY campuses, including Systems Administration; and be an active member (includes retired chiefs) in the SUNY Police Chiefs Association who serves or has served on committees, regularly attends and participates in SUNY Police Chiefs Association conferences.
The following criteria was used in the selection process:
Chief Peter Carey’s career began at Buffalo State as a student, earning his bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice while working as a University Police Student Assistant. Over the years, he advanced through the ranks as an Officer, Investigator, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and currently Chief of Police. During this time, Chief Carey earned his law degree and was admitted to practice law in New York State. He went on to serve as an Adjunct Professor for Buffalo State’s Criminal Justice Department for 14 years while working full time with the University Police.
Chief Carey’s career is notable for the innovation he brought to the department. For example, in 1996 he established the University Police Department Bike Patrol. In 2012, he used internet technology to provide transparent dissemination of crime statistics in accordance with the Clery Act and earned police department accreditation for Buffalo State from the NY State Division of Criminal Justice Services. As a member of the Buffalo State Community Policing Advisory Committee, Chief Carey co-authored the "Community Oriented Policing Philosophy" which was endorsed by the United Students Government, the Buffalo State College Senate and adopted by President Conway-Turner.
Over the years, Chief Carey has personally assisted numerous students, faculty and staff in crisis situations going well beyond the call of duty. He’s earned over 15 awards, including the United Students Government Instructor of the Year Award, the Buffalo State Outstanding Criminal Justice Alumni Award, and the United Students Government Hall of Fame Award. He also earned the New York State University Police SUNY Police Chiefs Association Professionalism Award four times. Notably, he received the prestigious Heroism Award by the NY State University Police SUNY Police Chiefs’ Association and the 100 Club of Buffalo for evacuating students after a residence hall arson fire and explosion and for command of the emergency response that led to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
More recently, during the social and criminal justice reform movement, Chief Carey has provided exceptional leadership and training for his police department including: Procedural Justice and Principled Policing, Fair and Impartial Policing, Police Ethics and De-escalation Strategies. Simultaneously, during the COVID19 Pandemic, Chief Carey has worked tirelessly, serving as the Incident Commander for the Buffalo State College COVID19 planning and response. It is clear that Chief Carey’s entire life and career has been centered around Buffalo State College and that the students, faculty and staff are much better off for his lifetime of work. There can be no question he is a worthy recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of New York State University Police.