SUNY Chancellor King Announces Winners of the 2025 University Police Awards

December 4, 2025

University Police Officers Honored for Lifesaving Efforts, Professionalism, and Heroism

SUNY Students Recognized for Contributions to Campus Safety

Albany, NY – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today announced the recipients of the 2025 University Police Awards, the highest recognition by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association. The annual awards honor investigators, lieutenants, officers, staff, and students for their devotion, bravery, and unwavering commitment to campus safety.

"SUNY's University Police Officers are an integral part of our campus communities and an essential element of our commitment to student safety," said SUNY Chancellor King. "I am grateful for their dedication to ensuring that our campuses remain safe and nurturing environments for all. Congratulations to this year's recipients and thank you to all of our University Police Officers for working to safeguard our campus communities so students can pursue their dreams without fear."

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "When families send their children to SUNY, they are entrusting us with the safety of their loved ones, and counting on us to have support systems that allow students to feel safe and included. We are proud to recognize the recipients of this year's University Police Awards for their selflessness, compassion, and consistent service to our campus communities."

New York State University Police Commissioner Mary Ritayik said, "These awards showcase the bravery, professionalism, and commitment that our officers have for their SUNY campus communities, and I thank Chancellor King for recognizing our University Police and students. Their hard work and dedication are commendable and should not go unnoticed."

The Life Saving Awards recognize members of the New York State University Police who directly aid in saving someone's life. This year's awardees include:

  • State University of New York at Albany: Officer Travis Gebo
  • State University of New York at Buffalo: Lieutenant Catherine Guzman, Officer Jason Converse, Officer Gregory Kuchta, and Officer Alexis Goodlander
  • SUNY Geneseo: Officer Emily Herrick and Officer Rachel Youngers

The following University Police Officers received the Professional Service Award, which recognizes members for acts that greatly enhance the operation of their respective University Police Departments, include:

  • State University of New York at Albany: Lieutenant Michael Mabee, Investigator Daniel Vandeyar, and Investigator Adam Pasnik
  • Buffalo State University: Assistant Chief Steven Cahoon, Lieutenant Daniel Harris, Investigator Robert Fletcher, Investigator Raven Harvey, Officer Dalton Kruger, and Staff Assistant Darlene DiCesare
  • Farmingdale State College: Officer Jennifer Grimes
  • SUNY Fredonia: Officer James Huels and Officer Ricky Laurito
  • SUNY Morrisville: Lieutenant Philip Netzband, Officer Ryan Harrington, and Officer Nicole Wright
  • SUNY Oswego: Officer Scott Maynard
  • State University of New York at Stony Brook: Inspector Rosemarie Hayes

The following University Police Officers received the Heroism Award, presented to members for acts involving grave personal danger to the officer or the saving of a life. This year's awardees include:

  • State University of New York at Albany: Investigator Adam Pasnik
  • State University of New York at Buffalo: Lieutenant Scott McMillan, Officer Nicholas Pokorski, Officer Amy Revelas, Officer Christopher Sprigg, and Officer Dylan Wojciechowski
  • SUNY Morrisville: Chief Paul Field, Lieutenant Luke Learned, Investigator Caitlin Clark, and Officer Tyler Morgan

As part of the ceremony, two SUNY students received the following scholarships:

  • The Dr. McBride Criminal Justice Student Achievement Award, awarded to criminal justice students or students in a related field considering a career in law enforcement. This year's recipient is Gracie Wheeler, SUNY Canton.
  • The Harris Family Student Personal Safety Achievement Award, given to a SUNY student who has contributed to the safety of their campus. This year's recipient is Jillian Mitchel, SUNY Geneseo.

About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.

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