It is with great sadness that Major Brain J. Ratajczak, Troop Commander, Troop E announces the passing of retired Investigator Peter S. Lawatsch, age 82 who previously served the Division of State Police from 1968  until his retirement in 1989. He last served as a member of the BCI out of Troop E, SP Waterloo.
 
There will be no calling hours.
 
Military Honors Funeral will be on Thursday July 7th 2022 at 10:00am
Canoga Cemetery
3263 Cemetery Road
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
 
Reception to follow at
Elks Lodge 992
2221 West Bayard St.
Seneca Falls NY 13148
 
 
All friends and family are welcome.

 Paul Militello, 73, of Land O' Lakes, Florida, passed away on April 14th, 2022 at home with his family by his side.
Paul was born in Buffalo, New York to Sebastian and Sarah Militello on January 27th, 1949. He married Victoria Arboleda Militello on November 23rd, 2004. He worked as a NY State Trooper for 25 years, retiring in 1998. He worked for the U.S. Marshal Service until retiring in 2019. He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the Air Force and served in the National Guard.

He was a loving husband, father and uncle who touched lives no matter where he went. Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and sharing his faith. Paul and Vicky would attend church services at Idlewild Baptist Church.

Paul is preceded in death by his mother and father, Sebastian and Sarah Militello; and his brother, Charles Militello.

Paul is survived by his wife of 18 years, Victoria Militello; sister, Maureen; son, Nicholas (Alicia) Militello; son, Anthony Militello; step-daughter, Ana Torres (Diego Salcedo); step-son, Felipe (Ivette) Ulloa; step-daughter, Brianna (Jessica) Hawks; grandchildren, Isabella Salcedo, Nicolas Salcedo, Sofia Ulloa, and Sarah Ulloa. Loving uncle of Jill (Eric) Morgan; Kiera (August) Privitera; and William (Charelle) Gethoefer. Great-Uncle to Sophia and Gabriella Privitera; and Mia Gethoefer.

A visitation for Paul will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Blount & Curry FH-Carrollwood, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618, followed by a memorial service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

 Dear Member/Associate Member,

The AFNYST’s Batavia Chapter would like to thank Dennis Spanitz for his 26 years of dedication as the Batavia Chapter’s Treasurer. Due to major health reasons, he has had to step down and Kathy Hartman has agreed to step in as interim Treasurer to get us up to snuff and back on track.
She will be sending out 2022 membership cards to Life Members and will be collecting dues from non-Life Members and Associate Members for the 2022 and 2023 years. Once paid she will send you your 2022 Members card and at the November meeting you will receive your 2023 Members card, if paid for. Also, if you want to purchase Decals say how many you would like and add that amount to your dues, or if you are a Life Member send the number of decals you would like with the payment for same.
Dues for Sworn Members are $12.00 a year, Associate Members are $6.00 a year and Decals are $1.00 each. Make all checks payable to AFNYST Batavia Chapter.
Send all monies to:
AFNYST Batavia Chapter
Kathy Hartman
5066 Clinton St. Rd., Lot 18
Batavia, New York 14020
Any questions regarding dues or decals, call her at (585)344-4922 or (716)474-0306 and leave a message and she will get back to you.
Thank you for your patience and hope to see you soon at one of our meetings that are held monthly, the third Wednesday, 6:30pm at the Polish Falcons Club on Swan St., Batavia, or for our monthly breakfast meets on the first Tuesdays, 9:00am at the Sport of Kings Restaurant on Main St., Batavia.
Have a safe summer.
Your AFNYST Batavia Chapter Officers
Louis Lang President, Gary Hammond Vice President, Mike Bruggman Secretary and Kathy Hartman Treasurer

 William (Bill) J. Phillips, age 79, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2022, at Mercy House. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Beatrice Phillips, and two infant sons, Todd and Sean. He is survived by his loving wife, Carole, their daughter, Amy (Anthony) Magsajo; two granddaughters, Beatrix, and Violet. Also surviving are brothers, Robert (Sue) Phillips, and Kenneth, Jr (Patricia) Phillips; sister, Barbara Phillips; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with countless lifelong friends. Bill served as a New York State Police trooper for a total of 35 years, including 29 years on the State Police Scuba-Dive Team, and several years as a D.A.R.E. officer. For over 45 years, Bill was a member of the Triple Cities Street Rods, with his 1933 Ford Pickup proudly flying the American and NY State flags. He was known for his silly puns and play on words, hilarious and sometimes irreverent jokes, immense generosity, and tirelessly lending a hand to help anyone in need, whether they knew they needed the help or not! He infused most any situation with laughter, light, and jokes. A celebration of life will be held at the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 300 E Main St, Endicott, followed by a graveside service at Vestal Hills Memorial Park. Calling hours will be Sunday, June 26, 4 to 7PM and Monday, June 27 10-11AM, with service at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY 13760, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 12226, Syracuse, NY 13218. For full obituary, please visit www.colemananddaniels.com.

 Our Chapter met on June 16th at Delancey’s in Goshen, NY with the following attending Caridi, Sitler, Bill Nuzzo, George Elston, Tom Dunn, Wentink, Gillespie, Lane, Kragh, Heppes, Webb, McDowell, Clark, Escobar, Hansen, Hudson, Martin, Thorpe, Ken Jones, Linda Clark, Daniel Serkes, Jennifer Serkes, Steve Serkes. (19 members, 4 guests).
   The meeting opened with The Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence our deceased members, military personnel, emergency responders and an opening prayer.
 Final Patrol: There were no local passings since our last meeting.
 Sick Leave: Former Chapter VP Don Plunkett is still in Castle Point VA Hospital. His cell is 845 544-9102.
 It was noted that Chapter member, retired Sr. Inv. John Wentink will turn 80 this Saturday 6/18. Best wishes John. Also noted was Undersheriff Ken Jones running for Orange County Sheriff. Good luck Ken.   
 The Chapter treasurers report was approved.
 Presentation of the Jack L. Stein Memorial Scholarship Award for 2022 was made to Daniel J. Serkes, grandson of Chapter member, retired Sr. Inv. Garfield Clark Jr.  Daniel will be graduating from Goshen High School and   plans to attend Florida Atlantic University where he will be majoring in business. A check for $1,000 and a certificate were presented to him. Daniel was accompanied by his parents Steve and Jennifer Serkes and his     grandmother Linda Clark. Congratulations Daniel.
 New member, retired Sgt/SC John Beairsto was voted into the chapter. John was the supervisor in charge at Stewart International Airport when he retired in September 2000. He resides in Calabash, NC. Welcome aboard John.
 A motion was made and carried to donate $500 to the Tour De Force charity that donates funds to the families of police officers who die as a result of duty events and illnesses.
 The 50/50 was won by Dick Thorpe. The attendance award was won by Jim Webb
 The next regular meeting is Wednesday July 13, 2022, at Delancey’s in Goshen.

 Good Morning,


Employment Opportunity:
AAA of Western and Central New York is looking for Full and Part Time Driving Instructors in the Buffalo area. Great Job for retirees. Paid travel, good pay with benefits and a car to take home.
Please contact DAVE TREAT of the Finger Lakes Chapter at 585 690-7901 for more information.

BBQ:  Tomorrow is the deadline for tickets.  If your check is not going to arrive by tomorrow, please contact me by email or phone so I have an accurate headcount. Hope to see you there.

HR218:  Gary Hammond advises that the Batavia Chapter will be hosting a HR 218 recertification class on July 20th.  I will forward additional information when I receive it.

 John "Jack" V. Currie
Dec. 12, 1941- June 13, 2022
QUEENSBURY - John "Jack" V. Currie, 80, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Monday, June 13, 2022.
Born on December 12, 1941 in Pittsfield, MA he was the son of Donald Currie and Claire (Dempsey) Currie.
Jack graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1959 and attended Hudson Valley Community College. He graduated from the NY State Police Academy in 1965. Jack retired from the New York State Police (NYSP) Division Headquarters as a Technical Sargent in charge of the state-wide hazardous materials enforcement unit in 1986.
Jack was an internationally recognized leader in the hazardous materials compliance industry. His extensive background included former Founder Supervisor and Trainer for the NYSP Hazardous Material Enforcement Unit, Director of Safety and Hazardous Materials Specialist for the American Trucking Associations, Corporate Manager of Hazardous Materials Transportation for Digital Equipment Corporation and Administrator and Chief Technical Officer, International Vessel Operators Dangerous Goods Association, and the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles. He was also founder, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Technical Consultant for Currie Associates, Inc.
Throughout his career in the transportation safety field, he worked with legislative and regulatory staffs at both the state and federal level to draft, introduce, support, and implement reasonable and prudent controls within the transportation industry. He testified as an industry expert at several hearings conducted in the US Senate and the US House of Representatives on the subject of hazardous materials transportation safety. He was also instrumental in developing and participating in inter-industry safety initiatives and award programs and authored numerous technical publications on the safe handling and transport of hazardous materials. For many years Jack represented clients at the International Maritime Organization in London, England and the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods in Geneva, Switzerland. He also provided testimony as an expert witness in numerous state and federal courts and grand jury sessions as well as serving as trial consultant to litigates.
Jack was larger than life. He enjoyed hunting (Ironsite Gang), fishing, traveling, riding his Harley and spending time with many friends and his labrador retrievers. In his younger years he was a member of the US Olympic Bobsled Team, built houses and docks, owned and operated a restaurant, was a highway surveyor and crew chief.
Jack was predeceased by his parents and his older brother James.
Survivors include his wife, Lara; children: Carolyn M. Currie, Captain USN, Christopher Currie, PhD (Lisa); and grandson Henry Currie; brothers G. Michael (Joan) and Donald Currie (Heather).
Calling hours are scheduled from 2:00–5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury. A memorial service will follow at 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to the NYS Troopers PBA Signal 30 Benefit Fund (https://signal30.org) or a charity of your choice.
Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
For those who wish, on line condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements under the direction of Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY 12804.

 It is with deep regret that Major Richard J. O’Brien announces the passing of retired member, Trooper William J. Best Jr, on June 8, 2022 at the age of 83. Trooper Best entered Division service on 01/02/62 and served 20 years retiring in 1982. Trooper Best was last assigned to Troop G, SP South Glens Falls.
 Arrangements are as follows:
 CALLING HOURS:
Monday, June 13, 2022
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home
407 Bay Rd Queensbury, NY
 FUNERAL: (Graveside Service)
Glens Falls Cemetery
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
1:00 PM
Glens Falls Cemetery
38 Ogden St
Glens Falls, NY 12801
 https://www.sbfuneralhome.com/obituaries/William-Best-7/#!/Obituary
Obituary for William Joseph Best Jr
William Joseph Best Jr.
March 11, 1939 – June 8, 2022
Glens Falls
William Joseph Best Jr., 83, of Glens Falls, passed away, Wednesday, June 8, 2022, comfortably in his sleep at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born March 11, 1939 in Kingston, NY, he was the youngest of two of the late William J and Ruth (Howard) Best Sr.
Bill was a United States Marine, a New York State Trooper, Truck dispatcher and Crossing Guard for the City of Glens Falls.
He loved time with his family, sports, playing cards and listening to music.
In addition to his parents and sister, Ruth and Bob Ghear of Kingston, he was predeceased by his daughter, Kimberly A. Best and his son-in-law, Adolphus (Dolph) Thorne.
Bill is survived by his children, Tammy and John Oligny, Faith Thorne and Billy and Karla Best. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren.
Family and friends may call from 5:00- 7:00 PM on Monday, June 13, 2022 at the Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury.
Burial with a graveside service will be at the Glens Falls Cemetery, Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 1:00PM.
Flowers are welcome but at the family’s request, donations may be made to the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation, 126 South Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.
A special thanks to all the loving professionals who took great care of William over the years.

 Howard H. Carron, 84, of Plattsburgh, passed away June 9, 2022.

Howard was born March 1, 1938, to Edward and Laura (DeFayette) Carron of Redford, N.Y.
He attended Sallaz Academy in Redford and graduated in 1956. He enlisted in the US Navy after graduation and was assigned to the USS Zelima AF 49, in Oakland, Calif. After four deployments to the Far East, he was reassigned as an MM2, to the USS Laws DD 558. When his enlistment was up in 1960, he became employed with the New York State Department of Corrections in Dutchess County. In June of 1965, he became a New York State Trooper and was stationed in numerous stations in Albany and then in Troop B. Howard found a new hobby working with wood and soon took up woodturning on the lathe. His woodturnings grace the tables of many people who own his one-of-a-kind pepper and salt mills.
Howard was also active in the Boy Scouts, and was the Scoutmaster of Saranac, N.Y., Troop 35 for a few years. He then became the Scoutmaster of Troop 39 in Plattsburgh. He was awarded the Scoutmaster of the year. He enjoyed teaching boys new skills and watching them grow into successful men. While working as a Trooper, and managing a family, he found the time to return to school. He attended SUNY Plattsburgh, earning his degree in Speech and Hearing.
He and his wife enjoyed traveling and trips to Hawaii, Europe and the Caribbean were memorable trips taken. He also had a love for sailing and sailed his own boat for over 40 years. He became a Certified Scuba Diver and spent many vacations, diving in many of the Islands in Central America and the Caribbean.
Howard also had a love of skiing and became a Senior Member of the National Ski Patrol. He also had a love of flying and was able to fly small planes whenever he could. Late in life, he picked up another hobby, playing the Bagpipes. He and his buddy, another retired Trooper, decided to form a band with the help of two other law enforcement men, started the Police Pipes and Drums of Plattsburgh. He also was a member of the New York State Troopers Pipes and Drum band and enjoyed playing with his fellow Troopers. When he and his wife spent their winters in Florida, he also joined a band, the St. Andrew's Pipes and Drums of Tampa Bay. He spent many days enjoying he companionship of the band members.
Howard was an active member of the Association of Former New York State Troopers and the NYS Troopers PBA, and the American Association of State Troopers.
He is predeceased by his loving wife, Marion, of 52 years in 2020. He is also predeceased by his father, Edward and mother, Laura Carron, younger sister, Carol and stepson Rickey Walker.
Howard is survived by his stepdaughter, Karrie Breyette (Donn) of Morrisonville, N.Y., his son Craig of Suffolk, Va., and Maria Walker of West Charlton, N.Y., five grandchildren, Jason and Jamie Breyette, Jessica Pinson and Justin Walker, and Michelle Carron Helms, five great-grandchildren, Hailey Pinson, Ty and Drew Breyette and Isla and Aria Breyette, his sister, Rita M. Larche of Dannemora.
Visitation will be Monday, June 13, 2022, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Alexander's Church in Morrisonville. Entombment will follow in the Town of Plattsburgh Community Mausoleum.
Donations may be made to the New York State Troopers Foundation for the NYST Pipes and Drums or the North Country Honor Flight.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. Plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518)561-3980. Online condolences can be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com

 Robert E. Baker, 90, of Sayre passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Athens Health and Rehab in Athens.
-
He was predeceased by his parents, Louis M. and Florence Miller Baker; brothers, Lewis M. Baker, William Baker, Carl Baker and Jack Baker; and his infant sister, Carol Lee.

Bob is survived by his children, Kathy (Mike) Ryck of Waverly, Denise Ford of Breman, IN and Robert L. (Lisa) Baker of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Nichole Ryck, Danielle (John) Dycus, Alicia (Joey) Farfan, Jimmy (Haley) Ford, Alexandra Baker and Theo Baker; great grandchildren, Christian, Stephen and Abigail Ryck, Winnie Farfan and Dawson Ford; along with many nieces and nephews.

Bob was born in Sayre, PA and graduated from Towanda High School in 1951. He went on to serve in the Air Force from 1951 to 1954. Bob joined the New York State Police and served for 22 years. After his retirement he worked for Valley Cable Vision as a manager for a few years. Bob enjoyed coaching Small Fry Football and loved working with the kids. He enjoyed wheeling and dealing in antiques and collectables. Bob was a prior member of the Waverly American Legion.

A time of calling will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 from 11 to 1 at Blauvelt Funeral Home, 625 Broad Street, Waverly, New York. Burial will be held at Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira, New York. Memorial donations may be made in Bob’s name to St. Jude. Those wishing to send a message of sympathy to Bob’s family may visit our Facebook page or in “Obituaries” at www.blauveltfuneralhome.com

 Retired Troop “A”, Zone II secretary Tammy Werts lost her home on West 2nd  St in Depew to a house fire on May 25, 2022.  Everyone is fine but the house was a total loss.  They lost everything but the clothes on their backs.   
 Tammy lives with her husband Dave, daughter Emily and Emily’s newborn son Dayn.
 Please consider donating to the Werts Family.  You can send donations to Troop HQ F/Sgt’s office or there is a gofundme page set up at www.gofundme.com
 
Thank You
JW
 
First Sergeant Joseph P. Wilkinson
Troop “A” Headquarters
4525 West Saile Drive
Batavia, NY 14020

 I have been informed that Fingerlakes Life member Danny DeJohn passed away.      

Services for Danny DeJohn:
Calling hours are at Schultz-Pusateri Funeral home on Maple Court, Newark, N.Y., on June 8th from 4 to 6PM.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Michaels Church, 401 S. Main St., Newark at 10:00AM, on Thursday, June 9th. have no other info at this time.

 PLATTSBURGH — A bill that would rename bridges crossing the Saranac River on I-87 in memory of a state trooper who died from illness in the aftermath of 9/11 has passed the New York State Assembly.Brian S. Falb was stationed in Troop B in 1998 and remained there for 18 years. During the attacks at the Twin Towers, Falb was assigned to help in the search and recovery efforts in New York City.
In March of 2017, he died from cancer that stemmed from his time assigned at the attack site.

The State Assembly passed a bill on Monday that approved the bridges’ name changes in Falb’s memory.
“The North Country lost a true hero with the passing of Trooper Falb, and it was my honor to ensure that his memory lasts forever by adding his name to the bridges over the Saranac River,” Assemblyperson Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake), who sponsored the bill, said in a press release.
“He gave the ultimate sacrifice during our country’s time of need, and I am proud to join the community in showing our gratitude and appreciation for his service by renaming these bridges in his honor.”
HONOR HIS LEGACY
Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman said it was important for the town to honor Falb’s legacy.
“Trooper Falb was a dedicated public servant and member of the Town of Plattsburgh community, and it was important to all of us that the Town honor his legacy,” he said in the release.
A similar bill sponsored by Sen. Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) also passed the state Senate.
It now waits for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature to become law.
“Trooper Falb’s character and commitment to our communities were exemplary,” Stec said.
“He lost his life in the line of service after working as part of the search and recovery efforts on 9/11. I’m glad we can acknowledge his heroism and show gratitude for all he did by renaming the twin bridges over the Saranac in his honor.”
https://www.pressrepublican.com/news/bill-to-honor-fallen-north-country-state-trooper-passes-state-assembly/article_e0c814a2-dc3e-11ec-ae1c-3f89f3b9e33b.html (Accessed 2022-05-28)

 The NTC Picnic will be held at Buffalo RiverWorks, 359 Ganson St., Buffalo, NY 14203
on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please use this link to purchase your tickets:   https://link.edgepilot.com/s/90ed3e38/HuSiih7jOUavPbDYi_gUSA?u=https://form.jotform.com/221183758247158

 23rd ANNUALCHICKEN BARBECUE

 Sponsored by the Niagara Frontier Chapter of Former New York State Troopers

 WEDNESDAY JULY 6, 2022

Festivities start at 5:00pm   Dinner at 6:00pm
 Fontana's Grove

2299 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY 14227
(Just west of Harlem Road)
Menu
Beer and Soda
Fontana's Famous Chicken Barbecue
Potato Salad, Corn, Rolls and Butter
Coffee and Cake
 Cost remains just $20.00 per person with guests welcome

 Questions contact Terry Sutton @ 716 704-9866

 Admission will include Door Prizes

 For tickets mail checks payable to:

Niagara Frontier Chapter Former Troopers
PO BOX 328
Cheektowaga, NY 14225-0328
 Checks must be received by June 22, 2022 Reservations a MUST

SORRY NO WALK-INS
Final Drawing for Limited 250 Club - LXXXIII

 It is with deep regret that Major Eugene J. Staniszewski, Troop “A" Commander, announces the passing of retired Trooper Michael C Swyers.  Tpr. Swyers passed away on May 24, 2022 at the age of 73.  He joined the State Police on 01/24/74 and retired from SP Olean on 09/07/1999. 
 
There are no known calling hours at this time.

 You are cordially invited to attend the Trooper Foundation Golf Tournament: Wednesday, July 20, 2022, to be held at Victor Hills Golf Club, 1460 Brace Road in Victor, New York.  GOLF:                              18 holes, Captain & Crew

 TEE OFF:                        10:30 am shotgun start - RAIN or SHINE         

 COST:                             $440.00 per foursome. Includes fee, carts.

                                         Breakfast (Coffee, Donuts & Bagels (8:30 am – 10:30 am)
Lunch at the turn: Unlimited Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Sausage, Peppers & Onions, Grilled Chicken (10:00 am – 3:00 pm)
                                         Dinner and awards (4:00 pm)          

 The Captain & Crew (4-man scramble) will be used again this year.  All teams will shotgun start promptly at 10:30am, so plan arriving on-course no later than 9:45am.

 Golf entries ALWAYS EXCEED what we can handle, so they will be entertained on a strict

 FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED basis.   No spots can be saved.   
Only applications accompanied by a check in the FULL AMOUNT of $440.00 can be accepted.
 Applications without checks, or with partial payments, will not be accepted.
 This tournament is one of the finest in the area and we intend to continue that tradition.  If you do not play golf, or are unable to play, please join us for the social hour and dinner.  Dinner only will be $30.00.

 Please note - Victor Hills is a Soft Spikes Only course; please, no metal spikes.

 Also - remember to bring a small cooler to keep your drinks cold on the course.

 Should you have any questions, please contact First Sergeant Brent Bowman at (585) 398-4141 or Kelly Cheasman at (585) 398-4107.