Pumpkin Patrol out in force

Volunteers will join the New York State Police in a cooperative effort to monitor overpasses along the New York State Thruway for criminal activity or pranks on the last days of October in efforts to keep drivers safe during Halloween festivities.

On Oct. 30 and 31, Troop T and citizen volunteers will conduct the 40th annual “Pumpkin Patrol,” aimed at preventing Halloween pranks and protecting motorists.

“Reckless shenanigans can lead to dangerous conditions on the road and cause disruptions for motorists,” said Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Bill Finch. “The joint effort by Troop T and the dedicated volunteers across New York state will be essential to ensuring our roadway remains safe during Halloween weekend.”

Troop T, whose members patrol

the Thruway exclusively, support this effort along with local citizen band radio clubs and amateur radio operators. This year, more than 300 volunteers from 16 different organizations spanning across 20 counties in New York will join in the Pumpkin Patrol safety initiative.

Volunteers assisting Troop T will monitor Thruway overpasses and report any unusual activity.

“Troopers will be out in full force to help minimize any potential hazards to motorists by monitoring any unusual activity, plus patrolling roads and bridges,” said State Police Troop T Commander Major Joseph W. Dodd. “As part of this effort, Troop T will also patrol for intoxicated drivers, move over law violators, in addition to the continued enforcement of speeding vehicles, seat belt and cell phone violators.”

The Pumpkin Patrol was initiated as a volunteer effort in 1976 by Katherine St. Jacques in Fort Johnson, Montgomery County. St. Jacques was talking to a truck driver on her citizen’s band radio when the windshield of his vehicle was struck by an object thrown from an overpass. The driver was injured by the broken glass. St. Jacques and two companions decided to stand watch on the three overpasses that crossed the Thruway in the Fort Johnson area.

The State Police assumed control of the Pumpkin Patrol in 1990 as part of its crime prevention efforts.

DISPATCH STAFF PHOTO Madison-Oneida Amateur Radio Club member Bob Haeger watches over the bridge on Route 13over the NYS Thruway in Canastota as part of the annual Pumpkin Patrol on Friday, Oct. 31, 2014.