CENTURY OF SERVICE

State police celebrates 100th birthday with open house

ONEIDA, N.Y. >> For 100 years, the Long Gray Line has stood watch.

The New York State Police was officially established in April 1917. Now, a century later, troopers across the state are holding open house events as a means of celebration and commemoration.

On Saturday, hundreds local residents flocked to the local state police headquarters on Route 5 to get up close and personal with state law enforce- ment, getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes peak at operations taking place at one of the four original state police troops.

Undeniably, one of the most popular exhibits at the open house included the K-9 units. Froma bloodhound, to narcotics and explosives K-9’s, attendees were wowed by the four-legged companions of the New York State Police. K-9 handlers took their furry partners through the paces as the crowd watched on. K-9’s keyed in on explosives and drugs hidden in vehicles or underneath crates, successfully

showcasing their talent to the delight of the crowd.

“They did a really good job,” Penni Conley said of the open house event.

“The community really came out for it,” added Sean Miller who had just finished checking out the helicopter with his son Garrette. Miller’s older son Clay is an MP in the United States Army and stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and hopes to join the state police after his service.

In addition to K-9 demonstrations, troopers held DWI arrests presentations in addition to internet safety, defensive tactics and emergency medical awareness courses. Another eyecatching presentation included the medivac-helicopter demonstration as the chopper circled over Genesee Street.

Acting Troop D Commander Mark Lincoln was pleased with the overall turnout at the open house, saying that by the end of the day, he hoped to have a couple thousand attend- ees. At the midway point of the event, throngs of people were already exploring the plethora of exhibits and more were filing in the front door of the Troop D Barracks.

“It’s refreshing to know people care. We appreciate the community’s interest,” Lincoln said, adding that seeing such support further motivates law enforcement in their duty. “It’s a nice chance to meet the folks who pay our salary.”

History of the New York State Police as told byNYSP: On August 2, 1913, Samuel Howell, a construction foreman, was shot seven times and robbed of a payroll sack by four former employees. Howell identified all his attackers, and provided information regarding their locations before succumbing to his injuries, however, none of the four were held accountable.

Howell ’ s employer, Moyca Newell, of Weschester County, was outraged at the escape of the killers, and with the assistance of her friend, Katherine Mayor, they started a campaign to establish a state force that would provide police protection to rural areas in New York. Thanks to their tireless efforts, On April 11, 2017, Governor Whitman signed the WellsMills Bill into law, establishing the Department of State Police. The basic role of the state police set forth in the original law remains unchanged to this day: “It shall be the duty of the state police to prevent and detect crime and apprehend criminals. They shall also be subject to the call of the governor and empowered to cooperate with any other department of the state or local authorities.”

JOHN BREWER - ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH The Troop D Open House was a hit on Saturday as more than a 1,000people turned out to get a closer look at the New York State Police.

PHOTOS BY JOHN BREWER — ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH The Troop D Open House was a hit on Saturday as more than a 1,000people turned out to get a closer look at the New York State Police.

The Troop D Open House was a hit on Saturday as more than a 1,000people turned out to get a closer look at the New York State Police.