NY State Park Police PBA

NYS Announces Park Police Service Awards

By: James Montalto

December 08, 2004

OFFICER HAROLD HARTNER received a Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award.

Recipients of the 2004 New York State Parks Police Service awards were announced last month by Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Bernadette Castro and State Parks Director of Law Enforcement Chief Michael Daly. The awards are presented annually to distinguished officers who patrol state parks and historic sites across the state. The awards were presented to the New York State Park Police who went above and beyond the call of duty to fulfill the requirements of their jobs during the years 2002 and 2003.

"Millions of visitors to our state parks and historic sites each year are provided with the highest level of security by our park police. From Jones Beach to Niagara Falls, state park police work throughout the seasons to ensure the safety of our patrons," Castro said.
Five awards were presented to park police officers throughout NYS: The Medal of Honor, Medal of Valor, Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award, Medal of Merit and the Lifesaving Medal. Two Long Island region park police officers were awarded the Director of Law Enforcement Commendation Award, which recognizes officers who demonstrate extraordinary performance of duty and make exceptional contributions to the New York State Park Police.
Detective Anthony Catalano from the Long Island region received the Director of Law Enforcement Commendation for actions that led to the arrest of two individuals. On July 23, 2002, Catalano, off duty, noticed two people attempting a robbery of a parked vehicle. It was discovered they were in possession of a stolen vehicle and were wanted in connection with a burglary of a school. Both were arrested by Suffolk County Police.
Officer Harold Hartner from the Long Island region was also the recipient of the Director of Law Enforcement Commendation. On October 4, 2002, Hartner questioned a man walking through Sunken Meadow State Park in Smithtown after the park had already closed. He took the man's name and asked him to leave the premises. Hartner then checked the pro-shop and noticed that a window had been broken; he then returned to where the man was last seen and placed him under arrest. The suspect was in possession of cash found to be missing from the pro-shop.
The main responsibility of the NYS Park Police is to enforce laws and provide assistance and protection at NYS parks and historic sites. Officers assist motorists and park users, make arrests, conduct investigations and provide emergency services to the 169 state parks and 35 historic sites throughout the state.
"It is important to recognize that the people who keep us safe often do so at the risk of their own lives," Daly said. "It is a particularly appropriate time to offer thanks to those people who stand ready every day to keep us from harm."