Retired Albany cop to lead STOP-DWI effort

TROY, N.Y. » Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin has chosen John Hourigan to serve as the county’s STOP-DWI coordinator.

Hourigan, a retired Albany police detective, lives in Schodack and is a lifelong resident of Rensselaer County. As coordinator of STOP-DWI, Hourigan will play an important role in public safety and health education in the county, McLaughlin said in a news release announcing the appointment.

“John will be an important of the effort by the county, law enforcement and concerned members of the public to erase drunk driving from our streets and neighborhoods,” said McLaughlin.

STOP-DWI stands for “Special Traffic Operations Program for Driving While Intoxicated”. As coordinator, Hourigan oversees the county victim impact panels, court- ordered, educational efforts, administration of court- ordered interlock devices, interaction with local police agencies and others.

“DWI and substance abuse

has damaged innocent residents and communities. We are counting on John’s years of valuable service in law enforcement to protect and educate our residents,” said McLaughlin.

Before retiring, Hourigan was also a master instructor for Albany police, instructing officers on the dangers of alcohol abuse. He also worked for the Rensselaer, Nassau and Schodack police departments.

The STOP-DWI position is part-time and carries an annual salary of $29,800.

Man accused of using stolen credit card

SCHAGHTICOKE, N.Y. » A local man was arrested after state police said he used a stolen credit card at several village stores.

Troopers said they were contacted by Saratoga Springs police after officers there charged Christopher McNamara, 47, of Schaghticoke, with stealing a wallet and its contents. Troopers said McNamara used a credit card from the stolen wallet to make several purchases at Stewart’s Shop, Rite Aid and Shop ’ N Save in the Schaghticoke.

McNamara was

charged with felony counts of second- degree identity theft and fourthdegree criminal possession of stolen property, as well as misdemeanor

counts of petit larceny and third degree forgery. He was released on tickets to appear at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, of Schaghticoke Town Court.