William C.

Cox
Undersheriff

Craig D. Apple, Sr.

Sheriff

Office of the
Albany County Sheriff

16 Eagle Street Albany, NY 12207

phone: (518) 487-5400 / fax (518) 487-5352

Office of the Sheriff

Albany County Courthouse
16 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 487-5400
Albany County Correctional Facility
840 Albany Shaker Road
Albany, NY 12012
(518) 869-2600
Albany International Airport
737 Albany Shaker Road
Albany, NY 12211
(518) 242-4400
Albany County Sheriffs Civil Division
Albany County Courthouse
16 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 487-5400
Clarksville Public Safety Building
P.O. Box A
58 Verda Ave
Clarksville, NY 12041
(518) 655-7811
Patrol Division
Criminal Investigations Division
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Management Office
County Fire Coordinators Office
Communications E-911 Center
449 New Salem Road
Voorheesville, NY 12186
(518) 765-2351
Court Security and Transportation
Albany County Judicial Center
6 Lodge Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 694-8405
Albany County STOP-DWI Unit
Albany County Courthouse
16 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 720-8100

Albany County was incorporated in 1683. Situated on the

west bank of the Hudson River, the county is located approximately
135 miles directly north of New York City and has an area of
approximately 540 square miles. With a population of 297,414 as
reported in the United States Census Bureau's most recent report,
the county contains three cities, ten towns, and six villages.
The Albany County Sheriff's Office was established in the
1660's and is one of the oldest sheriff's agencies in the United States.
Since its inception, the agency has consistently grown to its current
strength of over 750 employees. The Albany County Sheriff's Office is
a "full-service" Law Enforcement Agency providing law enforcement
services to residents and visitors of Albany County. These services
include;
-

Uniform Patrol
Criminal Investigation & Forensic Services
Drug Interdiction
Fire Investigation
Scuba / Marine Patrol
Traffic Safety / Advanced Accident Investigation
Snowmobile / ATV Patrol
Emergency Response Team (SWAT)
Hostage / Crisis Negotiation
Search and Rescue
Emergency Management
Emergency Medical Services
STOP DWI Program
Civil Enforcement
Court Security and Inmate Transportation
County Fire Coordinators
Domestic Violence and Special Victims Unit
24 hour, seven day a week law enforcement services at
the Albany International Airport.

The Albany County Sheriff's Correctional Facility is one of

the largest county correctional facilities in the State of New York. The
facility has a maximum of 1,029 beds, providing custody for local,
state and federal prisoners. The current staff of 420 sworn officers
and civilians maintains the day-to-day operations of the facility.
During the past year, over 7,000 prisoners were admitted to the
facility. The average daily population has exceeded 800 inmates over
the past year.

2
Accredited Law Enforcement Agency Since 2003

The Headquarters of the Albany County Sheriff's Office is located in the Albany County Courthouse in
Albany, New York. Offices located at Headquarters include those of the Sheriff and the Undersheriff as
well as the Chief Deputies of Field Command, Administrative Services, and the Office of Professional
Standards.
Units currently assigned to Headquarters
include: the Office of Professional Development,
the Office of Professional Standards, the Court
Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit, Civil
Enforcement Unit, the Support / Special Services
Unit, the Human Resources Liaison, the Grant
Management Unit, the Law Enforcement
Training Unit, the Stop DWI Program,
Community Relations Unit, and the Business
Office.

The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for

investigating and managing inquiries into all complaints and
allegations made against sworn and civilian members of the
Sheriffs Office. This unit maintains investigative
responsibility for the Law Enforcement Division, the
Corrections Division and the Emergency Medical Service
Division and is routinely consulted during the development
and implementation of policies and procedures for each. In
addition to the management of the personnel complaint
process, the unit is also tasked with conducting staff and
station level inspections throughout the agency and assists
the agencys other investigative units as needed. The
inspection process serves to maintain professional
operations throughout the agency while simultaneously
ensuring compliance with the New York State Accreditation
Standards and agency general orders. The Professional Standards Unit continually strives to ensure that
each investigation is conducted objectively, thoroughly and without bias. Citizens are encouraged to
contact the Professional Standards Unit at any time if they wish to express their satisfaction or
dissatisfaction with a sworn or civilian member of this agency. This unit handled 133 cases for 2014
ranging from agency vehicle
accidents to employee arrests.
Chief Deputy Michael
Monteleone, Senior Investigator
Charles Higgins and Investigator
Shawn Noonan are assigned to
the Professional Standards Unit
and may be reached at (518)
487-5400.

Chief Deputy Monteleone conducting a Station Inspection

The Civil Enforcement Unit is

comprised of both sworn and civilian
members who are responsible for
processing and enforcing court orders
in civil actions. Civil actions processed
include the service of summonses and
complaints, execution of civil warrants,
serving subpoenas, executing orders of
seizure, property and income
executions, and conducting evictions.
In 2014, the Sheriffs Civil Office
collected $784,821.39 in revenue for
the County of Albany, a decrease of
$27,890.53 from 2013.

REVENUE
$840,000.00
$820,000.00
$800,000.00
$780,000.00
$760,000.00
REVENUE

$740,000.00
$720,000.00
$700,000.00

The Civil Unit received 1,814 summonses in 2014 which is a decrease of seventeen summonses and they
served 1,106 summonses, a decrease of two hundred and thirty-five. The number of summonses
returned was up 41.3% from 2013. One hundred and seventy-three more summonses were returned
this year for a total of four hundred and nineteen.

Summons Statistics by Year

3500
3000
2500
Received

2000

Served

1500

Returned

1000
500
0
2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Collections
12,000,000.00
10,000,000.00
8,000,000.00
6,000,000.00

Collections

4,000,000.00
2,000,000.00
2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

0.00
2005

A total of 4,185 income

executions were processed by
the Civil Unit in 2014 which is
an increase of two hundred
and fifty income executions or
5.9%. The Civil Unit also
executed one hundred and
nineteen more property
executions than they did last
year for a total of 714. There
were 1,228 evictions in 2014
which is eighteen less than
2013, a decrease of 1.4%.

The Civil Units total collections for 2014 decreased from $10,799,663.69 to $9,359,281.26.

The Civil Enforcement Unit will aspire to maintain the highest level of service and professionalism for the
communities within Albany County. In addition, it will also be the goal of the Civil Enforcement Unit to
increase the automation and efficiency of paperwork handling to reduce waste and increase revenue for
the county. This will be accomplished by investigating options for paperless checks (ACH transfers) and
switching to more electronic storage records instead of paper records. By innovating new ways to run
our operations, this unit will join the county in their green initiative and reduce the amount of space
required to store our records. The Civil Enforcement Unit will make continued efforts to decrease the
number of summonses returned for lack of service. Civil deputies will make every effort to serve all
their assigned papers within their time limits and in an efficient and timely manner.

Average Revenue
$75,000.00
$70,000.00
$65,000.00
$60,000.00
Average Revenue

$55,000.00
$50,000.00
$45,000.00

$40,000.00
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

The Sheriffs Court Security and Transportation

Unit is stationed at the Albany County Judicial
Center and provides security details for the
Albany County Courthouse, Albany County
Judicial Center, and the Albany County Family
Court. This unit is charged with the duty to
provide for the safe and secure transportation of
prisoners committed to the custody of the
Albany County Sheriff to and from various courts
and facilities throughout the State of New York.
This unit also provides security for the Albany
County Courthouse, Albany County Judicial
Center, Albany County Family Court, and the
various local criminal courts upon request.
Additionally, this unit ensures the security of
individuals secured in the Albany City Police Court holding facility who have been committed to the
custody of the Sheriff. While performing these duties, members of this unit also supplement other
details throughout the agency to assist as needed.

A total of 4,273 inmates, 3,790 males and 483 females, were transported between the Albany County
Correctional Facility and County Court. This is a decrease of 6.1% since 2013, with two hundred and
seventy-eight fewer inmates being transported this year. 3,446 males and 563 females were transported
between the Albany County Correctional Facility and Albany Police Court for a total of 4,009 inmates
transported. This is a decrease of three hundred and seventy-one inmates, or of 8.5%. There were
seven hundred and seventy males transported to NYS DOC (Ulster or Downstate Correctional), a
decrease of 10.2% from 2013. This was down from last years total of eight hundred and fifty-seven
inmates. The number of females transported to NYS DOC (Bedford Hills Correctional) also dropped from
sixty-seven to fifty-one inmates. This is a decrease of 23.9%.
INMATES TRANSPORTED TO AND FROM COUNTY COURT

5000

4500

4000

3500

INMATES

3000

MALES

2500
FEMALES

2000

1500

1000

500

0
2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

YEAR

Transports from out of county facilities to county court rose from two hundred and sixty-seven to two
hundred and seventy-six inmates. Of this total, two hundred and fifty-five were male and twenty-one
female, an increase of 3.4% from 2013. Transportation of inmates from the Albany County Correctional
Facility to various local courts throughout Albany County also rose in 2014 by 5.6%. The total number of
inmates increased from 1,611 to 1,706, of which 1,352 were male and 354 were female.
There were a total of one hundred and sixty-nine juveniles transported to and from out of county
facilities, including the Capital District Secure Detention Center.
A total of sixty-two criminal trials and twenty-nine civil trials were conducted in 2014. Compared to
2013, the number of civil trials decreased by a total of seventeen.
9

INMATES TRANSPORTED TO AND FROM ALBANY POLICE COURT

4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
INMATES
2000

Male
Female

1500
1000
500
0
2009

2010

2011

2012
YEARS

2013

2014

It will continue to be the goal at Headquarters to provide the highest level of security at the Albany
County Judicial Center, the Albany County Courthouse, and Albany County Family Court. The unit will
strive to maintain a safe environment for all those who work at or visit these facilities. Through
improved supervision and updated training measures, it will be a continuing objective to provide for the
safety and security of those persons in
the care and custody of the Albany
County Sheriffs Office during
transportation to and from various
court appearances. In addition, the
unit will continue to conform to
Commission of Corrections standards as
they apply to various court locations.
All Headquarters units will continue to
instruct members on officer safety,
various laws and legislation, and agency
policies and procedures. Instruction
will be provided through formal
training, line up briefings, and legal updates.
All units assigned to Headquarters will also strive to work as a team and assist other units as needed.
Every effort will be made to coordinate personnel for both planned and unexpected events in order to
ensure proper staffing for all details. Headquarters units will also work to reduce the number of active
10

Albany County Family Court warrants and any bench warrants for our agency through a concerted effort
by all units at Headquarters. All daily court lists, as well as the jail population list, will be compared to
the active warrant lists. Additionally, warrant details will be conducted periodically throughout the year.
With the implementation of an afternoon shift that started in 2013, and through constant observation
and supervision, it will be the goal for all Headquarters units to decrease the amount of overtime in our
offices. This will be accomplished while still providing the highest level of service possible.

There were three felony arrests, fifteen misdemeanor arrests, and six arrests on violations in 2014. A
total of forty-nine warrant arrests were made by members of Headquarters units. Of this number, thirtytwo arrests were made on criminal warrants, fourteen on Family Court warrants, and three on civil
warrants. There were six motor vehicle accident reports taken in 2014, three of which were for
departmental vehicle accidents. A total of forty-nine incident reports were taken in 2014.

Felony

Misdemeanors

Violations

CPW 3rd

Assault 3rd

Grand Larceny
3rd

AUO 2nd

AUO 3rd

CPCS 7th

Disorderly
Conduct

UPM

Harassment
2nd

Trespass

11

Having completed his certification in 2013, K-9 Mo saw his

first year of active service in 2014. He is a two year old
German Shepherd certified in explosives detection, tracking,
and patrol. K-9 Mo and his handler, Deputy Joseph Martel,
are assigned to the Transportation and Court Security Unit.
In this capacity, the K-9 team helped to enhance the security
of county buildings, including the correctional facility,
throughout the year. K-9 Mo and his handler have been
deployed eleven times and responded to bomb threats at
Watervliet High School and the Schenectady County Community College Satellite Campus as well as at
Troy High School and Middle School. The team has also assisted many other agencies including the US
Secret Service, New York State Police Capital Detail, and the Division of Homeland Security. The team
conducted security sweeps of aircraft and motorcades at the Albany International Airport for dignitaries
such as Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, US House of Representatives Speaker John
Boehner, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and the President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama. Mo
conducted a search for firearms for the Albany Police Department following a high speed chase that
ended in the City of Rensselaer. Assistance was also provided to Security Personnel at the New York
State Division of Military and Naval Affairs and the Colonie Police Department by searching the vehicle
of a foreign national for suspicious items following an attempted security breach.
The team has attended training with K-9 units from the
Albany Police Department, New York State Police, and
Transportation Safety Administration, in addition to working
with this agencys other K-9 units. They have attended a
tracking seminar with the Connecticut Police Work Dog
Association hosted by the Greene County Sheriffs Office
and trained with National Police Work Dog Master Trainer
Dr. Stephen McKenzie at SUNY Cobleskill. In addition to
Specialty Teams Training, this K-9 team also participated
with the NYS Division of Homeland Security in their Port of Albany Security Evaluation Exercise. In 2014,
K-9 Mo was granted advanced certification by the US Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
(ATF) on their National Odor Recognition Test.
In addition to helping law enforcement agencies, the Sheriffs Office K-9 program lends assistance during
community events as well. These events included details at the Times Union Center, such as the Bruce
Springsteen and Paul McCartney concerts and the US Armys Spirit of America shows. The Sheriffs
Office Community Relations Unit has also has employed the team at numerous public relations events.
Community events in 2014 included demonstrations at Brighter Choice Elementary School, the Village of
Ravena centennial celebration, JMU 4kids Albany, the Rensselaerville Fire Departments 75th anniversary
celebration, the Saratoga County Canine Vested interest event, and the NYS animal advocacy day.
12

Senior Investigator Shawn Spring is the member in charge of pre-employment background and pistol
permit investigations. As the number of pistol permit applications have increased, members of the
Support / Special Services Unit, Criminal Investigations Unit, Office of Professional Standards, and other
units have assisted in completing these investigations. The Albany County Sheriffs Office conducts pistol
permit investigations for areas that do not have a local police agency; however, pistol permit
amendments are processed for ALL permit holders county wide. The number of pistol permit
applications rose dramatically after the Safe Act was enacted and has remained relatively consistent
since.
30

Pre-Employment Background Investigations

25

27
24

20

15

16

15

Deputy Sheriff
Correction Officer

10

Telecommunicator

11

Civilian
8

4
0

5
2

2012

2013

2014

Deputy Sheriff

27

15

Correction Officer

11

24

16

Telecommunicator

Civilian

13

Pistol Permits and Amendments

269
250

221

217
200

170
150
Pistol Permits
128

Pistol Permit Amendments

100

50
40

2012

2013

2014

Pistol Permits

40

170

128

Pistol Permit Amendments

217

269

221

14

Since 1981, the Albany County STOP-DWI Program has served to educate the community regarding the
dangers of impaired driving. Our program also provides funding to groups and organizations engaged in
activities which support our mission to reduce alcohol related crashes in Albany County.
Albany County STOP-DWI offers the following services:

Anti-DWI Programs including speakers and DVD'S

High School mini-grants to assist with alcohol and drug-free prom-time events
Handouts and printed materials
DWI Program displays and educational events

Albany County STOP-DWI supports or funds the efforts of:

Addictions Care Center of Albany, Inc. (ACCA)

CHOICES 301, Inc.
Honor Court - Altamont Program
St. Peter's Addiction Recovery Center (SPARC)
Albany County Drug Court
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Parents Who Host
Albany County Traffic Safety Board (ACTSB)

Albany County STOP-DWI provides funding to:

Twelve (12) local law enforcement agencies within Albany County

Albany County District Attorney's Office
Albany County Probation Department

15

Allocation of Financial Resources

It is the responsibility of the administrator to prepare an appropriate STOP-DWI plan and to provide
financial resources to organizations that further the mission of the STOP-DWI Program. These
organizations are involved in enforcement, prosecution, court related activity, probation, rehabilitation,
public information, education and administration.

Promotion of DWI Prevention as a Priority

The Albany County STOP-DWI Program is fully committed to the deterrence model in its approach to
addressing this problem. This program will continue to focus a great amount of effort and resources on
reducing impaired driving crashes. We intend to increase awareness of the DWI offense by publicizing
our efforts and have moved to improve training for law enforcement. Victims now play a huge role in
personalizing why DWI enforcement is important. With the cooperation of law enforcement, there has
been an increase in the number of tickets being issued and the District Attorney's Office has
strengthened its prosecution policy through swift, sure and severe punishments.

Monitoring the Programs Progress

As administrators of this program, it is important for us to monitor its progress and effectiveness to
achieve our mission. We will continue to seek assistance, monitor all aspects of our program and fund
only those projects that further our mission.

16

Displays
All STOP-DWI displays are comprehensive traffic safety displays. They are exhibited at area schools,
shopping malls, industries, fairs and municipal events where anti-DWI educational literature and
novelties are distributed.
Exhibits
The 30th annual Traffic Safety Show was held at Crossgates Mall with the Albany County STOP-DWI
display Cab/Cop car as the main display at the event. This display shows that when it comes to drinking
and driving you can either be responsible and take a cab or make a destructive decision and end up in a
cop car.

STOP-DWI Educational Programs

During 2014, the STOP-DWI Program continued to participate in a number of educational events at
various high schools and colleges. In March, Albany County STOP-DWI partnering with the Albany
College of Pharmacy held a media event to bring to light the importance of intoxicated operation and
prescription medication. The display was placed in the area of the college resource office to remind the
students that prescription medication too can cause impaired operation.
17

DITEP (Drug Impairment Training for Education

Professionals)
Drug impairment recognition training conducted
at the STOP-DWI office was provided free of
charge to numerous school administrators,
nurses and other staff. This training is crucial for
those who work with our children every day.
Continuing education ensures that they are able
to recognize when a student is impaired by drugs and take appropriate action.

NEW YEARS SAFE RIDE

Again this year, the STOP-DWI Program sponsored a free ride for those who, while celebrating, became
impaired and should not have been driving. This years event was co-sponsored by the law firm of
Martin, Harding & Mazzotti and hundreds of free taxi cab rides were provided to get individuals home
safely. The STOP-DWI Program has sponsored this event for the past twenty-nine years and since that
time there has not been a DWI related fatality on New Years Eve.

ALIVE at 25
The Albany County STOP-DWI Program has continued to work with select local
criminal courts to improve public education. In 2014, defendants between the ages
of 16 and 25 who were charged with a moving violation were mandated to take the
Alive at 25 defensive driving courses. The course includes a segment on driving
while impaired and over 600 individuals were mandated to attend over the past year.

Parents Who Host

The Albany County Stop DWI Program continued to promote
and support this coalitions mission to discourage parents from
hosting underage parties that serve alcohol to minors.
Roadside billboards focus on the message and penalties for
social hosting.

18

DWI Crime Victims Event

Once again, the STOP-DWI Program organized and hosted a DWI crime victims event during National
Crime Victims Week in the City of Albany. This event memorializes DWI victims and their families. This
years event saw local officials and victims come together to address a crowd of over a hundred.

STOP-DWI Project Safe Child

This program provides free photo identification to children up to the age of 18. The Albany County
STOP-DWI Program funds this and we find it to be an excellent way to introduce the STOP-DWI Program
to local schools and community groups. This program has been sponsored by the STOP-DWI Program
since 2006 and has provided thousands of Child Photo Identification Cards to help keep our children
safe. In just 2013 alone, Project Safe Child issued over 1,700 IDs in Albany County.

19

Designated Driver Initiative

The Albany County STOP-DWI program provided a display at a variety of high profile concerts, the City of
Albanys summer Alive at Five concert venues, and events held at the Empire State Plaza performing arts
center. The STOP-DWI program provided numerous non-alcoholic beverages to over 5,000 designated
drivers and cab vouchers to those who signed up to be designated drivers at events where alcohol was
served.

STOP-DWI Victim Impact Panel (VIP)

The Albany County STOP-DWI Victim Impact
Panel (VIP) consists of victims, offenders,
and professionals who have been affected by
alcohol related offenses. The panel
addresses the impact on their lives brought
about by drunken driving crashes that have
resulted in either the injury or death of a
loved one. In addition, a member from our
partners on the rehabilitation side speak
about alcoholism and offer assistance to
whomever might like to take advantage of
this help. The goal of the panel is to deliver a message calling for a change in the behavior of the drunk
driver in order to save lives. This does not replace conventional sentencing, but instead compliments it.
The VIP is self-sufficient through the collection of attendance fees. In order to reach as many individuals
as possible, the panel is also broadcast on cable access television. The following picture shows the panel
held in July of 2014 that had 220 DWI offenders who were mandated to attend. The Albany County
STOP-DWI Program organizes six victim impact panels annually where victims and offenders tell their
stories of how DWI has forever changed their lives.
20

180

ACSO

160

ALBANY PD
140

ALTAMONT PD
BETHLEHEM PD

120

COEYMANS PD
COHOES PD

100

COLONIE PD
GREEN ISLAND PD

80

GUILDERLAND PD
60

MENANDS PD
NYSP TROOP G

40

NYSP TROOP T
SUNY PD

20

WATERVLIET PD
0

2014

21

The Law Enforcement Training Unit is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the activities and
maintaining the records relating to Basic, Supervisory, Specialized and In-service training programs. This
includes all programs attended, taught, and sponsored by or for members of the Law Enforcement
Division. The training unit coordinated and recorded over 18,359 hours of training in 2014.
This year, the Albany County Sheriff's Office continued to take a lead role in the area of law enforcement
training. Sheriff Craig Apple serves on the Board of Directors for the Zone Five Regional Law
Enforcement Training Academy. The Zone Five Training Academy currently serves 67 law enforcement
agencies within the ten counties that comprise the Zone Five Region.
In 1996, Sheriff James Campbell joined forces with other area law enforcement executives to reorganize
the design of what is now the regional law enforcement training academy. As a result of this
reorganization, participating agencies are responsible for paying a flat rate which covers all academy
related enrollment expenses for newly hired law enforcement personnel.

During 2014, Law Enforcement Division instructors responded to a total of 23 requests for instruction
and provided 1,032 hours of training. One of our members was certified as a Law Enforcement Physical
Training Instructor and other members earned new certifications to become basic instructional staff in a
variety of topics. The training unit was also able to conduct an Instructor Development Course this year.

Firearms training was conducted at both the Bethlehem

Police Departments range in Feura Bush and at the
Colonie Police Departments range this year. This
training included a thorough weapons maintenance
program which was followed by an inspection of all
issued firearms. Members attending this course of
instruction qualified with their issued sidearm as well as
with the patrol rifle and shotgun. This training was
conducted by seven part-time firearms training
instructors. In addition to firearms training, law
enforcement members received in-service training in the use of force, which is governed by NYS Penal
22

Law Article 35, the use of Oleoresin Capsicum or O.C. spray, the deployment of TASER conductive energy
devices, and proper use of the ASP police baton. Members attending this training also participated in a
course of instruction on building search techniques.

In 2014, the Albany County Sheriff's Office K-9s George and Mo, along with their handlers, participated
in over 500 hours of training covering areas such as tracking, search and scent detection, narcotics
detection, and explosives detection as well as K-9 first aid.

The Albany County Sheriffs Office

instituted a ground breaking new
program in 2014. The training unit
began providing active shooter
response training to civilians to
educate them on how to properly
respond to an active shooter
scenario. A total of 903 people
attended this training program this
year. Attendees came from various
county agencies as well as from
corporate and private entities. To
further this education, a video was
created by this agency which can be
viewed by visiting AlbanyCountySheriff.com. This new media approach provides essential safety tips to
those who have not yet been able to attend the Active Shooter Response for Civilians training course.

In addition to the firearms training listed previously, the training unit conducted an array of various inservice training courses in 2014. This in-service training serves as continuing education for our deputies
and provides opportunities for them to certify and recertify in various areas. Active shooter training was
provided for all sworn members and served as an inspiration for the new Civilian Active Shooter Training
Class instituted this year. Recent graduates of the Zone Five Training Academy were sent to both
Breathalyzer and radar training, where they received certifications. Many senior deputies were
recertified in the Breathalyzer again this year as well. Due to the nature of this, and many other
certifications, periodic training and recertification is required. Both the Search and Rescue and
Emergency Response Teams continued to have their monthly training sessions and records of this
training are maintained by the training unit. This unit also conducted a Field Training Officer School
which led to the certification of six new field training officers.
23

In 2014, the Albany County Sheriffs Office offered free of charge handgun qualification courses to 30
eligible retired/separated officers from 11 different agencies.

Taser Recertification 2014

STAT Sniper Training
SRT Training
Forensic HAZ-MAT Training
Firearms Range
Field Training Officer Course
FEMA On-line Course
ERT Training
ERT School 1
East Coast Gang Investigation Association Training
DWI Detection/Field Sobriety Course
Domestic Preparedness Awareness
Defensive Tactics Instructor at Zone 5
Data Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety
Course in Police Supervision
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
Civil Procedures Phase 2
Civil Procedures Phase 1
Choices 301
Cannabis Indoor Grow
Bulk Money Smuggling Seminar
Breath Test Operator Recertification
Breath Analysis Course
Basic SWAT School
Basic Photography Course
Basic Marine Law Enforcement Program
Basic Criminal Investigator Course
Basic Course for Police
Armorer Course (AR-15)
Alco-Sensor FST Online Training
Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement
Advanced Highway Interdiction
Adobe Digital Govern Solutions Seminar
Accreditation Program Manager Training
Range Qualifications
Radar Training
Weekly Commanders Meetings
Documented ERT/SRT Training
Conducted Taser Training and Recertification

Technologies Against Police and Prosecutors

Emergency Medical Responder
Zone 5 Instructor Pepper Spray
Zone 5 Firearms Instructor
Taser Training-New & Recertification
Prosecuting Drugged Drivers
Missing Persons Investigations
Zone 5 EVOC Instructors
Telecommunication Investigative Course
Marine Patrol Operators Course
K-9 Training
Interview & Interrogation for Police
Instructor Request Breath Analysis Course
Instructor Development Course
Incident Command System ICS-300
Impact of High Stress Events
Sovereign Citizen Extremism
Radar/Lidar Operator Course
ICS-200
GLOCK Armorer School
General Topics Recertification
Suicide Prevention in County Jails and Lockups
Firearms Instructor Recertification
Supervisors School
PT Instructor at Zone 5 Training Academy
Project Lifesaver
Public Safety Critical Incident Management Course
Patrol Rifle Operator Course
Genetec's Auto VU LPR's
Firearms/Tactical Shooting
Explosives Course for Law Enforcement
Crime Scene and Evidence Tech Course
Clandestine Drug Lab/Synthetic Drug Awareness
Civil Supervisors Training
Breathalyzer Recertification
Active Shooter Training
Distribution of Training Bulletins (15 this year)
Conducted a Field Training Officer School

24

The Albany County Sheriffs Office sent five Recruits to the Zone 5 Law Enforcement Training Academy in
2014. Each academy session lasts for six months, during which the recruits receive over 1,000 hours of
training.
Major blocks of instruction included:
40 hours of Firearms Instruction and Qualification
40 Hours of First Responder Training
A weeklong Emergency Vehicle Operation Course
A weeklong course in Officer Safety, Street Encounters, and Active Shooter Scenarios
The recruits also received intensive instruction in the following areas:
Penal Law
Criminal Procedure Law
Physical Training
Arrest Techniques
Aerosol Devices and Taser Certification (including exposure)
Situations involving Mental Illness
Domestic Violence Response
Traffic Safety and Accident Investigation
Radar Certification
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and Breath Test Operator Certification
Prior to graduation all recruits completed a period of supervised field training, review and orientation.
This training continued after graduation as the new deputies completed this agencys field training
program before receiving their duty
assignments. The commander of the
training unit oversees this program and
arranges for the certification of new field
training officers who provide instruction
and evaluation. Six new field training
officers were certified in 2014.

25

The Albany County Sheriffs Office partnered with the Albany County District Attorneys Office, the
Albany Police Department, and Pastor Charles Muller of Victory Church in an effort to remove guns from
the streets of Albany. This was a no questions asked gun buyback program which took 38 handguns
and 1 long gun off of the streets of Albany.

26

This unit has been tasked with compiling information on all grant related projects which have been
undertaken by the Sheriffs Office. In addition to compiling this information, the unit is responsible for
tracking the progress of each grant funded project, ensuring the timely submission of related reports,
and researching new grant opportunities as they arise.
During 2014, the Albany County Sheriffs Office was involved with thirty-five grants of various types.
These grants were multi-faceted and included, but were not limited to, funding for enhanced initiatives
in the following areas:
-

Traffic safety
Anti-terrorism
Emergency Management
Emergency Response
Information Technology

- P-25 Compliant Communications Equipment/Infrastructure

- Explosives K-9 Training and Equipment
- Hazardous Materials Response Equipment and Training
- Interoperable Communications
- Maritime Security Training and Equipment

Seventeen grants continued from 2013 and eleven new grants were obtained this year. These grants
totaled more than $1,089,216.00 dollars. An additional two grants were applied for, but were not
obtained; one grant application is pending and thirteen grants were closed out.
In the fall of 2013, the Albany County Legislature approved a County-Wide Interoperable
Communications project where the public safety agencies in Albany County would be utilizing the same
radio system. Old systems and equipment will be replaced with new improved technology, saving
extensive annual repair costs for end of life systems presently used. To date, approximately
$6,652,000.00 in grant funds have been applied to the overall project cost of $18,500,000.00.

Radio Equipment Awaiting Installation

27

For 2015, the unit will continue to submit appropriate grant applications as they become available and
work on other funding opportunities which may arise. The major obstacle in grant funding for 2015 and
beyond will be the decreased availability of funds. As it was this past year, the time frame in which
grants may be spent down will remain at two years, as opposed to the previous three to four years. Also,
there are fewer extensions on grant funding. A new federal reporting requirement is also in place now
which is retroactive to 2011 on all Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) projects. Despite the many
budgetary and logistical restrictions, this unit will continue to pursue new grants and administer those
currently in place. These grants are vital to ensuring that this agency has the necessary tools to continue
to serve the taxpayers of Albany County in the most economical manner.

New Mobile and Portable Radios

28

In April of 2014, the Albany County Sheriffs Office implemented a Community Relations Unit and
selected a member as the Community Liaison Officer (CLO). This position was designed to have the CLO
represent the Sheriffs Office on a one-on-one level in the community. The Community Liaison Officer
has visited various civil organizations and has attended numerous community events with a wealth of
information to increase the publics awareness on important social issues. Since the onset of the unit,
the CLO has attended six town board meetings each month, participated in over thirty different
community events, and has spoken to over fifteen groups and organizations about a variety of topics.
The CLO has also been the point of contact for over twenty non-emergency quality of life complaints.
Having a consistent, centralized contact for the community has strengthened the relationship between
the Sheriffs Office and the public in many different ways. For example, it offers a direct line of contact
for non-emergency questions and concerns, enhances the amount of positive contact that the Sheriffs
Office has with the community, and increases the amount of information that can be shared on a wide
range of topics. These topics have included drug and alcohol awareness, encouragement for teens to
make wiser and healthier choices, tips for preparedness, and stranger awareness. The CLO also exhibits
and explains valuable resources that are offered by the Sheriffs Office.
The positive response to the new Community Relations Unit has been overwhelming. Numerous cards,
letters, and emails have been received expressing the gratitude of the community. The Sheriffs Office
has already been contacted to attend events in the coming year and anticipates a continued positive
response to the new Community Relations Unit in the future.

Capital Region Rotary Club Event Open public event held at Trevisio displaying the Mobile
Command Center, the MRAP, and K9 demonstrations along with other Sheriffs Office programs
and resources.
Altamont Fair Week long display with a large exhibit of information on alcohol and drug abuse
awareness, emergency preparedness, home protection, and more. Also on display were the
MRAP, a marked police unit, and the STOP DWI Cop/Cab car.
Community Newsletter - A monthly newsletter was designed that highlights community events
that the Sheriffs Office has participated in or plans to attend. The newsletter is posted on the
Sheriffs Office website and is currently auto-emailed to over fifty individuals and organizations.
Partnering - Partnerships have been established with other organizations such as Bryant and
Stratton College and Glenmont Job Corps to further assist in providing opportunities to the
community.

29

Altamont Fair Informational Display

Youth Outreach Event

Construction Career Day

Military Children's Day

Bethlehem YMCA Healthy Kids Day

New Scotland Seniors

Animal Advocacy Day

Mirillac Shelter

Colonie High School's Raider Fest

Berne-Knox-Westerlo Connections After School Program

Rensselaerville Town Picnic

Montessori Magnet School

Ryan's Produce Make-A-Wish Tournament

TOAST Magnet School

Polish Festival

JMU Youth Group Summer Camp

CDTA Bus Road-eo

Domestic Violence Meetings

Freedom Festival

Sage College Internship Fair

Capital Region Rotary Club "Fighting Crime with Sheriff Apple"

Bryant and Stratton Criminal Justice Students

National Night Out - Lincoln Park

Job Corps Security Students

New Salem Fire Department's Punkintown Fair

New Scotland Elementary 5th Grade Field Trip to US District Court

VA Hospital Memorial Car Show

Guilderland Middle School Student Job Shadow

Clarksville Heritage Days

South Vermont Community College Internship Tour

Altamont Fair

Weekly Visits to South End Outreach Thrift Store

Times Union Benefit Car Show

New Scotland Town Meetings

Rensselaerville Fire Department 75th Anniversary Picnic

Westerlo Town Meetings

New Yorkers Volunteer at Lawson's Lake County Park

Voorheesville Village Meetings

Mississippi Day in Lincoln Park

Knox Town Meetings

Altamont Wine and Apple Fest

Rensselaerville Town Meetings

Mater Christi School Family Day

Berne Town Meetings

Saratoga County Vested K9 Event

Rensselaerville Fire Department Meetings

ACCA Smart Field Day

Child Passenger Seat Restraint Class

Best Pass Big Trucks Benefit

Guilderland High School Big Truck Day

Blue Friday

New Salem Fire Department's Fire Prevention Week

Berne Summer Festival

Guilderland High School Trick or Treat Street

Albany Police Department Domestic Violence 5K Run

30

The Albany County Sheriffs Uniform Patrol Division operates from the Sheriffs Albany County Public
Safety Building in Clarksville, New York. Members of the Patrol Division provide primary law
enforcement services to the five westernmost towns in Albany County and also provide supplemental
services to many of the other towns and villages within the county. Staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, the men and women assigned to this station continue to provide protect and serve the
community while maintaining minimum staffing levels due to budgetary restrictions. Members of the
Albany County Sheriffs Patrol responded to approximately 25,000 calls for service and made 834 arrests
during 2014.
In addition to their law enforcement duties, patrol members also provide community assistance in a
variety of other ways. For example, the Sheriffs Patrol responded to 1,191 fire and emergency medical
service calls this year. Due to the nature of their patrol responsibilities, Sheriffs Deputies are frequently
the first responders to an incident. Through training and experience, they often provide assistance until
fire and medical units can arrive at the location. As an integral part of the community, the Sheriffs
Patrol provides a vast array of services to the residents of western Albany County who would otherwise
be left without a primary, full service law enforcement agency. Other support services are provided for
community events ranging from road races and community parades to holiday celebrations and
continuing education courses. The Sheriffs Public Safety Building, which houses the patrol station, also
plays host to a variety of informational and public service events presented by the Sheriffs Office.

31

TYPE OF
INCIDENT

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Calls for Service

11,590

11,398

10,868

14,402

11,402

18,164

25,000

Arrests

557

562

468

645

546

629

834

Fire/EMS Calls

1,740

1,568

1595

1658

--

1,140

1191

--

--

8082

--

6,000

7,000

Traffic Stops

--

Uniform Traffic
Tickets

5,081

5,092

2502

2768

--

3,000

3,000

Cellphone/Texting
While Driving
Tickets

--

--

--

--

--

51

44

Speeding Tickets
Issued

1,647

1,603

460

367

--

778

548

Stop Sign Tickets

Issued

241

278

83

88

55

108

Suspended License
Tickets

314

462

214

266

--

181

179

Seatbelt Tickets
Issued

--

--

129

147

--

82

36

DWI Arrests

120

130

100

132

150

174

209

--

559

319

--

460

448

--

--

--

675

130

--

Auto Accidents

--

Domestic Incidents

--

Alarm Activations

--

--

--

--

--

127

355

911 Hang-Up Calls

--

--

--

--

--

290

226

Property Checks

--

--

--

--

--

238

12,133

Reports Generated

--

--

1088

1786

--

7,144

951

--

32

Patrol Station members continue to enforce the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law to keep our
roadways safe. They are also an active partner with the Albany County Stop DWI Program and assist
with periodic DWI sweeps and checkpoints. This is in addition to their regular road patrol duties where
they proactively enforce the laws relating to impaired driving. In 2014, Patrol Deputies stopped over
7,000 vehicles and issued nearly 3,000 Uniform Traffic Tickets. Of these, 36 were issued for seat belt
infractions, 548 speed related infractions, 179 for suspended licenses, 108 for stop sign infractions, and
44 for cell phone and texting infractions. Patrol Station members also arrested 204 people for Driving
While Intoxicated related offenses, 15 of which were for Aggravated DWI and 15 of which involved
persons under 21 years of age at the time of their arrest.

33

On April 02, 2014, Patrol members stopped Vermont registration 171A107 for driving erratically
and weaving between lanes on Western Avenue in the Town of Guilderland. While speaking to the
occupants, a marijuana cigarette was observed in the vehicle. Walt Daminger of 553 Higley Hill Road,
Wilmington, Vermont was found to be driving the vehicle with a suspended license. Daminger was
placed in custody for the suspended license and a vehicle inventory was started since the passenger,
Valentina Centra of 37 Ontario Street in the City of Albany, did not have a valid license either. During the
vehicle inventory, several partially burnt marijuana cigarettes were found along with a quantity of
marijuana, a quantity of hashish, and a loaded 9mm handgun. Both subjects were arrested for Criminal
Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th
degree and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.

On April 15, 2014, Patrol members responded

to a personal injury motor vehicle accident involving a
truck that was transporting 104 cattle from the Town
of Berne to a ranch in Kansas. The operator of the
vehicle, Michael Volmering of 9430 East Atwater Road
in Harbor Beach, MI, was travelling too fast for the
roadway. The vehicle overturned on its side and
crashed into a utility pole. The operator and passenger
were evaluated at the scene. The Albany County Sheriffs County Animal Response Team (CART)
responded to the scene with veterinarians to assess the extent of injuries to the cattle. A total of 6 cattle
had to be euthanized at the scene by the veterinarian due to the extent of the injuries to the animals.
The operator was issued a ticket for Unreasonable/Imprudent Speed.

On April 24, 2014, members of the Patrol Division took a complaint of a sexual assault that
occurred in the Town of Berne. The victim stated that she had taken a taxi from Upstate Taxi and Limo
and when she arrived at her residence the taxi operator, Umair Saleem of 17B Woodridge Circle in
Clifton Park, entered the back seat and forcibly touched her breasts while not allowing her to leave the
taxi. During the course of the investigation, the victim had the need of a taxi from her residence. She
contacted a different taxi company, but the same Umair Saleem contacted her saying he was en route to
pick her up. Saleem was subsequently arrested for Forcible Touching and Unlawful Imprisonment in the
2nd degree.

34

On Thursday, May 22, 2014,

members of the Sheriffs Patrol
responded to numerous reports of
severe weather conditions in and
around the Town of Knox. Included in
the reports was a sighting of a tornado
on Bozenkill Road. Patrol members
responded to the area and found
numerous trees, as well as a home on
Bozenkill Road, severely damaged by
the weather conditions. No injuries
were sustained during the incident,
but work crews from several agencies
were called to clear debris and repair
the damage that was caused.

On May 23, 2014, the Coeymans Police Department requested the assistance of the Albany
County Sheriffs Marine Patrol to assist in locating a vessel that had been stolen from the Coeymans
Landing Marina during a domestic incident. The vessel was located after a brief pursuit and the suspect,
Garret Auer of 413 Maple Ave Extension in Greenville, was taken into custody. He was subsequently
charged with Grand Larceny in the 2nd degree, Criminal Contempt in the 1st degree, Criminal Possession
of a Weapon in the 4th degree, Resisting Arrest and Harassment in the 2nd degree.

On August 19, 2014, Patrol members responded for a report of a missing juvenile in the Town of
Coeymans. The missing juvenile was already registered with the Sheriffs Project Lifesaver program and
had a bracelet with a specific frequency transmitter device. That device can be detected by trained
personnel in the Project Lifesaver Program using an antenna receiver. As Patrol members began
searching for the missing juvenile, one of the deputies trained in the use of the Project Lifesaver
antenna receiver indicated the juvenile was nearby. Seconds later, the juvenile was located by the
Sheriffs Patrol members and was found to be unharmed.

35

On September 29, 2014, Patrol members arrested

Shirley I. Stannard (65 years of age) and Frances J. Stannard (73
years of age) for one count of Failure to Provide Sustenance for
Animals under the New York State Agriculture and Markets
Law. Both were issued appearance tickets to appear in the
Town of New Scotland Court on October 23, 2014 at 5:00 PM.
On September 23, 2014, the Albany County Sheriffs Office was
contacted by the Delmar Animal Hospital who was concerned
about the number of cats they had euthanized for the
Stannards over the past few months. A total number was reported to be five just since August. The
Stannards were known to the Sheriffs Office and on September 29, 2014, the Stannards were located at
the Hannaford in the Village of Voorheesville. Upon interviewing them, a strong odor of cat urine and
feces could be detected from the Stannards trailer. The Stannards gave consent for Sheriffs Officials to
inspect the camper trailer and check the welfare of the cats. Investigation revealed that there were 45
cats living in deplorable conditions in the trailer and did not appear to be in good health. Numerous cats
were in obvious distress, including several that were missing eyes and others that appeared to be
suffering from diseases. At least one of the cats removed was pregnant. The Albany County Animal
Response Team coordinated with the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society and both responded to the
scene for assistance. All 45 cats were removed by the Humane Society for further evaluation.

On October 12, 2014, a Deputy on patrol attempted to check on a vehicle parked in the roadway
at the intersection of Newry Road and State Route 32 in the Town of Westerlo. Upon approaching the
vehicle, which was occupied by two men in camouflage, the vehicle sped off on State Route 32. The
operator of the Jeep refused to pull over for the emergency lights and siren and led the Sheriffs Deputy
on a brief pursuit. The Jeep drove into and then back out of a ditch on Carr Road before crashing into a
tree on a trail at the end of the road. The trail that the Jeep drove on is private property owned by the
City of Albany and is posted for no trespassing due to it being a part of the City of Albany water supply.
The operator of the vehicle, Steven Dennis of 40 Euclid Avenue in Delmar, was found to be intoxicated
and driving on a suspended license due to previous DWI convictions. Dennis was also found to be in
possession of a switchblade and operating a vehicle without an interlock device, which is a requirement
due to previous DWI convictions. The passenger of the vehicle was treated at the scene for a laceration
to his forehead sustained in the crash since the vehicle had no seatbelts. He was treated at the scene
and interviewed. The passenger was not charged since he was not a willful passenger in the vehicle
during the pursuit. The driver was charged with Felony DWI, Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle,
Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment 2nd, Felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 1st,
Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Use of a Vehicle without an Interlock Device, Felony Criminal
Possession of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd and numerous vehicle and traffic law infractions.

36

On October 9, 2014, Patrol members took a report of four checks stolen from a residence. The
checks were stolen by an acquaintance of the victim and then cashed after his signature was forged.
Two of the checks, made out to cash in the amounts of $750 and $1000, were cashed at the Woodforest
Bank located in the Glenmont Walmart. Both were cashed by Anna Crucetti of 422 Michigan Avenue in
Schenectady who was an acquaintance of the victim. The two other checks stolen were seized by bank
personnel at the Woodforest Bank located in the Walmart on Washington Avenue Extension in the City
of Albany. Those checks were made out in the amounts of $1000 and $925. Video surveillance from
both locations was secured and Anna Crucetti was arrested. She was charged in the Town of Bethlehem
with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd degree and Grand Larceny in
the 4th degree. She was also charged in the City of Albany with two counts of Criminal Possession of a
Forged Instrument in the 2nd degree and Attempted Grand Larceny in the 4th degree.

K-9 George and his handler, Deputy Patrick Strollo, are assigned as the Patrol Stations K-9 unit. George
has been with the Albany County Sheriffs Office for two years now and has responded to requests in
every city, town or village in Albany County. In 2014, the Sheriffs K-9 teams have assisted in the arrest
of countless criminals. Sometimes, their mere presence has helped keep scenes safe so that law
enforcement can continue serving without injury.
K-9 George is a 4 year old German Shepard certified in tracking, narcotics detection, article searches,
and handler protection. In 2014, K-9 George was deployed 57 times to locate drugs in vehicles,
buildings, luggage or airplanes. George conducted 5 tracks for lost or endangered people of all ages and
criminals attempting to evade police officers. Although George is always alert to threats to officers
safety, he was deployed five times specifically for the sole purpose of protecting law abiding citizens and
law enforcement. Throughout 2014, George made many new friends at the New York State Senate, the
Voorheesville Cub Scouts, the Rensselaerville Town Picnic, the Siena College Paws in the Park event, the
Berne Therapeutic Riding Academy, the Rotary Club, the Mater Christi Family Fun Day, the Village of
Ravena centennial celebration, and several unplanned meetings where youngsters and their parents
saw George going about his day and asked to interact with him.

K-9 George and Deputy Strollo at Work

37

The Marine Patrol was in service for 284

hours during 2014. The time in service slightly
increased from last year due to staffing levels
which allowed members to be assigned to the
unit during their scheduled shifts. This
measure also decreased overtime by utilizing
marine patrol members who were already in
service rather than mobilizing off duty
members. The Marine Patrol conducted
twenty-five vessel inspections, issued five
citations, and gave twenty warnings. The
Marine Patrol assisted in several details this
year including a channel security detail for the Castleton Yacht Clubs Need for Speed event on the
Hudson River. This event also utilized the assistance of Sheriffs EMS Lieutenant Dennis Wood for
emergency medical assistance.
The unit assisted the Rensselaer County Sheriffs Office on Burden Lake in August for the annual
Wounded Warrior Project event. The Marine Patrol received calls for service, including recovering a
subject who had jumped off the Green Island Bridge and assisting a disabled vessel which was later
towed back to the marina. The Marine Patrol Unit remained available 24/7 throughout the summer
boating season, especially during Alive at Five events in Albany and Rockin on the River events in
Troy, to ensure the safety of those boating on the Hudson River. In preparation for a possible
environmental incident relating to crude oil, members of the Marine Patrol joined DEC police, the
Albany Fire Department, and other agencies in a joint exercise on the Hudson River in October.

38

The Patrol Station in Clarksville administers the Christmas in the

Hilltowns program which it has done since 1989. This community
service is organized by Mrs. Kathaleen Taylor, a thirteen year civilian
member of the Albany County Sheriffs Office, who invests a great deal
of her own time and effort to coordinate fundraising and acquiring
resources for this program. All donations and money collected are used
to purchase food, presents, and gift cards for families and children that
attend this annual event free of charge. In addition to toys and gift cards,
winter jackets, hats, gloves, pajamas, and other clothing items are also
distributed to these needy families. This community program has provided gifts, food and Christmas
memories for numerous families that may not otherwise be able to afford presents. The Christmas in
the Hilltowns party was hosted at the Clarksville Patrol Station again this year. Deputies, supervisors,
administrators and civilian members of the Sheriffs Office, along with some of their families, assist with
the distribution of food and gifts at this event. Numerous local businesses also help the Sheriffs Office
with this worthwhile program through donations and fundraising. The annual 5K race, known as the
Run for the Hills, also raises money for the program and was held in the Town of New Scotland on
November 1, 2014. This fundraiser is organized and accomplished through the efforts of Patrol Station
staff, agency administrators, and volunteers.

Christmas in the Hilltowns

2014 Toy Drive at Walmart

39

The unit is currently comprised of one Inspector, one Senior Investigator and three Investigators. There
are two additional Investigators who are assigned to federal task forces. This year the Criminal
Investigations Unit has seized over $87,000.00 from local drug dealers and made more than 180 arrests.

40

JANUARY - The Criminal Investigations Unit arrested two Guilderland residents on Criminal Possession
of Marihuana in the 2nd degree (class D felony), Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance in the 5th
degree (class D felony), and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Also, approximately $8,000 dollars in
U.S. currency was seized during the execution of two search warrants on the following subjects
apartment. The Criminal Investigation Unit conducted a month long investigation on the following
subjects regarding the sale and possession of marihuana and cocaine in the Town of Guilderland. The
suspects were arrested after Investigators executed a search warrant at 55 Woodlake Apartment #1, the
residence of Matthew Barranca and a co-defendant. During the execution of the search warrant,
Investigators recovered 1.2 pounds of marihuana located inside of a safe within the co-defendants
closet. After further searching the co-defendants room, Investigators located a large amount of U.S.
currency hidden inside of his sneakers. A co-defendant was charged with Criminal Possession of
Marihuana in the 2nd degree (class D felony). Matthew Barranca, the roommate of the co-defendant,
was arrested on Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the 3rd degree (class E felony) and Criminal
Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th degree (class D felony). These criminal charges stemmed
from a prior search warrant executed by Sheriffs Investigators on December 2, 2013. During the
execution of that warrant, Investigators recovered a safe which contained U.S. currency along with
eleven ounces of marihuana and a quantity of cocaine.

Matthew Barranca
JANUARY - Investigators, with the assistance of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
and the Town of Bethlehem Police Department, executed a search warrant at 34 Beacon Road located in
the Town of Bethlehem. The search warrant stemmed from a month long drug investigation into the
sale and possession of cocaine. During the course of executing the search warrant, Investigators located
over two ounces of crack and powder cocaine, along with eighty bags of heroin, within the residence.
Ramel S. Alexander (30) of Bethlehem was arrested and charged with the following criminal charges:
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) in the 3rd degree (class B felony), two counts of
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree with the intent to sell Heroin/Cocaine (class B
felony), Criminal Possession of a Narcotic Drug in the 4th degree (class C felony), and two counts of
Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd degree (class A misdemeanor).

41
Ramel Alexander

JANUARY - The Criminal Investigations Unit arrested a New York City resident for possession of
counterfeit currency and felony drug charges. The arrest took place on Central Avenue in the City of
Albany where the subject was exiting a bus which originated from New York City. Investigators received
information from a confidential informant that a Daquan Turner (31) was traveling to Albany County to
sell counterfeit currency to another subject. U.S. Secret Service was contacted by the Sheriffs Office due
to the nature of the case. Daquan Turner was stopped and arrested by Sheriffs Investigators after
exiting the Chinese Bus on Central Avenue located in the City of Albany. Turner was found to be in
possession of $1,070.00 in counterfeit currency and ten capsules containing MDMA (ecstasy). Daquan
Turner was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 1st degree
(class C felony) and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree (class B felony).

Daquan Turner

Counterfeit Currency

FEBRUARY - The Albany County Sheriffs Office arrested two Guilderland residents for Criminal Mischief
in the 2nd degree (class D felony), Criminal Mischief in the 3rd degree (class E felony), Aggravated
Harassment in the 1st degree (class E felony), and Making Graffiti (class A misdemeanor). The subjects
wereMatthew L. Carey-Morley (DOB 05/31/1962) of 101 Patroon Drive Apartment 7, Guilderland, NY
and Manny A. Wiest (DOB 05/13/1995) of 101 Patroon Drive Apartment 7, Guilderland, NY. On January
13, 2014, Sheriffs Deputies were summoned to three different Voorheesville locations for Criminal
Mischief complaints which were actually vandalism caused by graffiti. Sexually explicit and biased
wording were spray painted on the windows and sidewalk of the library. Additionally, vulgar and
harassing comments directed toward the principal were spray painted on the high school building and
their new school sign. A third report was from a Voorheesville School District faculty member who
resides nearby the high school. This complainant had her car spray painted with more sexually explicit
drawings. The spray painting duo caused more than $8000.00 in damage. Matthew Carey-Moorly and
Manny Wiest were arrested by Sheriffs Investigators after information was developed linking the two
defendants to the crimes via similar photos and wording posted on social media sites. Matthew CareyMorley was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd degree (class D
felony) for having a forged Colorado Drivers License.

Matthew L. Carey-Morley

Manny A. Wiest

42

FEBRUARY - Sheriffs Investigators arrested Ian Vivenzio (41) of 48 Pleasant Street, Voorheesville, NY for
Criminal Possession of Weapon in the 4th degree (class A misdemeanor) and Criminal Disposal of a
Weapon (class D felony). The investigation began during a traffic stop in which Vivenzio was operating a
vehicle with tinted windows and had a suspended license. Upon interviewing the passengers of the
vehicle, it was determined that Vivenzio had recently sold him a Remington .270 caliber rifle. Vivenzio
and the person who bought the weapon are both convicted felons. Vivenzio was arraigned in Albany
Police Court by Judge Carter and was remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility in lieu of
$20,000.00.

Ian Vivenzio
FEBRUARY - Investigators arrested an Albany City resident for felony drug charges at the Days Inn and
Suites located at 15 Frontage Road in the Town of Bethlehem. Information was received from a
confidential informant that Bryan J. Craig of 90 Grove Avenue in the City of Albany was selling heroin out
of his room at the Days Inn and Suites. Surveillance was conducted on that location and subjects were
observed entering and exiting room 105. Investigators then contacted the Town of Bethlehem Police
Department and spoke with Detective Sergeant Adam Hornick who stated that he also had information
pertaining to the subject who was residing in room 105. Sheriffs Investigators conducted a background
inquiry on Bryan J. Craig which showed several arrests and convictions for felony drug charges along
with felony weapons charges. Due to the violent history of Mr. Craig, the Albany County Sheriffs
Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a search warrant at this location. Sheriffs Investigators,
along with ATF Agents and the Town of Bethlehem Police Department, assisted in the search of Craigs
room. There, Sheriffs Investigators located over ten grams of heroin along with drug paraphernalia and
a large amount of currency. Investigators located a female, Jessica L. Jackson of 90 Grove Street in the
City of Albany, inside the hotel room. Bryan J. Craig was charged with Criminal Possession of a
Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree (class B felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in
the 4th degree (class C felony), Conspiracy in the 4th degree (class E felony), and Criminal Use of Drug
Paraphernalia 2nd degree (class A misdemeanor). Jessica L. Jackson was charges with Conspiracy in the
4th degree (class E felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree (class A
misdemeanor), and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana (a violation).

Bryan J. Craig

Jessica L. Jackson

43

MARCH - Sheriffs Investigators arrested a Saratoga County man on burglary charges. The arrest
stemmed from a burglary that was reported in October of 2013 where more than $9,000.00 in jewelry
was stolen. Sean M. Descisciolo had been hired to do painting at the residence in which the jewelry was
stolen. Sheriffs Investigators arrested Descisciolo (30) of 3459 Boyhaven Road in Middle Grove, NY after
a three month investigation. During the investigation, information was developed that Descisciolo had
pawned some of the stolen property at Captain Cash, located in the City of Troy. Sean M. Descisciolo
was charged with Burglary in the 2nd degree (class C felony) and Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree (class D
felony).

Sean Descisciolo
MARCH - Investigators arrested a Colonie resident on assault and drug charges. Sheriffs Deputies were
dispatched to 45 Pleasant Street in the Village of Voorheesville for a subject, Ian Vivenzio (41), who had
been assaulted and slashed in the face with a knife. The suspect had fled the scene and the victim only
knew the suspect as Nick. The altercation stemmed from an earlier incident where the suspect had
accused the victim of stealing from him. Sheriff Investigators were summoned to the scene and more
information was developed on the suspect. Investigators learned that the suspect was Nicholas
Desanctis (21) who resides in the Colonie Towers at 420 Sand Creek Road Building 1 Apartment 605. The
vehicle reported to have fled the scene was subsequently located at the Sears Automotive Center in
Colonie Center. At the time it was found, it was occupied by the suspect, Nicholas Desanctis, and two
other males. All parties were detained and brought to the Sheriffs Public Safety Building to be
interviewed. The suspect was found to be in possession of a knife, which was believed to have been
used in the assault and also had blood stained clothes and a laceration to his finger. The driver of the
vehicle admitted to purchasing two bundles of heroin from Desanctis in exchange for a $110.00 and a
ride to Voorheesville so that Desanctis could confront a man who stole drugs from him. The driver
dropped Desanctis off at the end of Pleasant Street in Voorheesville and noticed that when he returned
to the car he was bleeding and had a knife in his hand. The passengers of the car told investigators that
they had seen a large quantity of heroin at Desanctis residence in Colonie just before heading out to
Voorheesville. Investigators executed a search warrant on the suspects apartment and found 410 bags
of heroin with a street value of $4500.00 and over $3,000.00 in U.S. currency. Nicholas J. Desanctis (21)
was charged with Assault in the 2nd degree (class D felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the
4th degree (class A misdemeanor) in the Village of Voorheesville and Criminal Possession of a Controlled
Substance in the 3rd degree (a B felony) in the Town of Colonie.

44
Nicholas Desanctis

MARCH - Investigators arrested an Albany City resident for felony drug charges. The arrest took place on
Tuesday, March 4, 2014, following a lengthy investigation into the heroin epidemic in the Capital Region.
During the course of the investigation, Sheriffs Investigators conducted various controlled purchases of
narcotics and arrested Mazene D. Lacy (33) of Albany. Members of the Criminal Investigation Unit
executed a search warrant at 3 North Manning Boulevard in the City of Albany, which was reported to
be the residence of Mr. Lacy. Over 144 grams of crack cocaine and 47 bundles of heroin, with an
estimated combined street value in excess of $20,000, were seized as a result of the search.
Investigators also found paraphernalia used for the packaging and distribution of narcotics and seized
over $1,000.00 in U.S. currency that was believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales. Mazene D. Lacy
was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th degree (class C felony),
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd degree (class A felony), Criminal Possession of a
Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree (class B felony), and two counts of Criminal Use of Drug
Paraphernalia in the 2nd degree (class A misdemeanor).

Mazene D. Lacy
APRIL - Investigators arrested two Troy residents on sex trafficking charges. The arrest took place on
Tuesday, March 4, 2014, following tip as to the whereabouts of an endangered 21 year old female. This
Lewis County female had told a friend that she was being forced into prostitution by two subjects and
that she was being held in a motel in the Town of Colonie. The friend contacted the local authorities
who then contacted the Albany County Sheriffs Office. During the course of the investigation, Sheriffs
Investigators learned that the endangered female was being advertised as an escort on Backpage.com.
Sheriff Investigators contacted the number listed on Backpage.com to set up a meeting and were
directed to the Super 8 Motel on Central Avenue in the Town of Colonie. The investigators met with the
endangered female and she informed them as to the whereabouts of the two subjects that were feeding
her heroin addiction while selling her for sex. Sheriff Investigators executed a search warrant on another
motel room just a few doors down from where the investigators met the victim. Investigators
subsequently seized twenty bags of heroin and over $1,800.00 during the search warrant and arrested
the two suspects. Elijah B. Richardson (19) of 165 4th Street, Troy, NY and Jakia J. York (19) of 115 Adams
Street, Troy, NY were charged with Sex Trafficking (class B felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled
Substance in the 3rd degree (class B felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd
degree (class B felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree (class A
misdemeanor) , and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana (a violation).

Elijah B. Richardson

Jakia J. York

45

APRIL - The Criminal Investigations Unit received a complaint from an elderly victim in July of 2013 who
reported that several pieces of jewelry, which were valued at more than $3,000.00, had been stolen
from her basement apartment in the Town of New Scotland. Although no suspects had been identified,
investigators kept the case open and routinely checked pawn shop records from area cities in an
attempt to recover the missing items. In April of 2014, while investigators were checking the pawn
records, they discovered that Jennifer L. Do (34) of New Scotland, who is the victims stepgranddaughter, had pawned some of the missing jewelry at a pawn shop in the City of Albany. Mrs. Do
was arrested on April 8, 2014 and was charged with Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree (class D felony). She
was arraigned in the Town of Westerlo Court and released under the supervision of probation. Mrs. Do
is a self-employed house cleaner and, during the course of this investigation, it was learned that she had
visited this pawn shop numerous times since September of 2013 and had pawned several pieces of
jewelry.

Jennifer L. Do
APRIL - Investigators arrested two individuals on counterfeiting charges stemming from a seven month
long investigation into the making and distribution of forged United States currency. On Wednesday,
April 16, 2014, investigators assigned to the Albany County Sheriffs Criminal Investigation Unit, who
were conducting surveillance on the two subjects, observed their vehicle on Central Avenue in the Town
of Colonie. The vehicle was stopped for a violation of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law and
upon interviewing the occupants a quantity of counterfeit currency was located. During the
investigation, the individuals listed below were found to have in their possession an additional quantity
of counterfeit United States currency. In all, the pair was in possession of $1,440.00 in counterfeit
currency in denominations of $10, $20 and $100 bills. Also located were receipts for numerous gift
certificates believed to have been purchased with the counterfeit funds. With the assistance of the
United States Secret Service, a search of the defendants residence was conducted and a quality printer
and printing supplies were recovered. David C. King (44) of 754 Third Street, Albany, NY was charged
with 30 counts of Criminal Possession of Forged Instrument in the 1st degree (class C felony) and
Conspiracy in the 4th degree (class E felony). He was arraigned in the Town of Colonie Court and
remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail. Levar J. Vanhosen (37) of 754 Third
Street, Albany, NY, who is currently on parole for a similar conviction in 2007, was charged with
Conspiracy in the 4th degree (class E felony). He was arraigned in the Town of Colonie Court and
remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.

David C. King

Levar J. Vanhosen

46

MAY - On May 7, 2014, Albany County Sheriffs Investigators arrested Emmett L. Woods (25) and
Suzette M. Guzman-Moore (45) , both of Albany, for Identity Theft. On April 8, 2014, the Sheriffs Office
received a complaint from an individual who believed someone had used her identity to open credit
card accounts and make fraudulent purchases. During the month long investigation, Investigators
learned that the two suspects had attempted to open accounts in more than fifty different names. The
investigation also revealed that Suzette Guzman-Moore was an LPN employed by the Albany Medical
Center Hospital and a majority of the victims may have been patients at the hospital. The duo would
apply for credit cards by using the stolen identity and then have the cards mailed to residences that they
were familiar with in the Albany area. Once the account was approved and activated, the couple would
then make purchases throughout the Capital District using the stolen credit cards. Investigators
executed search warrants at three locations in the City of Albany and recovered laptops, smart phones,
credit card statements, credit cards, fraudulent checks, and blank check stock. Investigators are still
following up on the forged checks portion of the case and attempting to track down the people who
were cashing the fraudulent checks. Both Emmett L. Woods (DOB 04/07/1989) and Suzette M. GuzmanMoore (DOB 03/01/1969) were charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 1st
degree (class C felony), Criminal Possession of Stolen Property (credit card) in the 4th degree (class E
felony), Identity Theft in the 2nd degree (class E felony), and Scheme to Defraud in the 1st degree (class E
felony).

Suzette M. Guzman-Moore

Emmett L. Woods

JUNE - Investigators arrested a Feura Bush man on burglary charges. The arrest stems from a burglary
that was reported on June 1, 2014 where a $9,000.00 lawn tractor was stolen. The investigation also
revealed that the burglary was committed on May 29, 2014 and that the tractor was sold on the same
day. Sheriffs Investigators arrested Eric J. Galea (33) of 165 Lower Flatrock Road in Feura Bush, NY. The
investigation revealed that Galea had responded to a Craigslist add for someone looking to purchase
lawn mowers that were in need of repair. Galea contacted the unsuspecting person and arranged to sell
them the stolen lawn tractor for $1,500.00. Investigators were able to locate the purchaser of the
tractor and recover the stolen property. Eric J. Galea was charged with Burglary in the 3rd degree (class D
felony) and Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree (class D felony). Galea was arraigned in the Town of New
Scotland Court by Judge Margaret Atkins and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility in lieu
of $25,000 bail.

Eric J. Galea

47

JUNE - Information was received during an investigation that indicated that Joseph P. Isabella (30) of
159 Winthrop Ave, Albany, NY was selling narcotics and marihuana. The information was confirmed by
Investigators via a confidential informant and a search warrant was obtained for Isabellas residence.
Investigators noticed Isabella driving down Manning Boulevard and conducted a traffic stop. Isabella had
more than five hundred milligrams of cocaine in his vehicle at the time of the stop. Once Isabella was in
custody, investigators executed the search warrant at his residence. Investigators recovered more than
three ounces of marihuana as well as scales, packaging materials, dilutents, a switchblade knife and a
Taser in the residence. Joseph Isabella was charged with the following: Criminal Possession of a
Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree (class B felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in
the 5th degree (class D felony), Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd degree (class A
misdemeanor), Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the 4th degree (class A misdemeanor), and Criminal
Possession of a Weapon in the 4th degree (class A misdemeanor).

Joseph P. Isabella
JUNE - Investigators arrested a Voorheesville man on Grand Larceny charges stemming from a complaint
received by the Voorheesville Rod and Gun Club. An independent audit was conducted of the gun clubs
financial records and revealed that the account had more than $13,000 in unapproved expenditures by
the former treasurer. Sheriffs Investigators arrested Dean G. Barkman of 7 Pine Street, Voorheesville,
NY. The investigation revealed that Barkman had used the corporate credit card on numerous occasions
between 2009 and 2011 for personal expenditures. Some of the purchases were made out of state when
the former treasurer was on vacation visiting friends and family. Dean G. Barkman was charged with
Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree (class D felony). Barkman was arraigned in the Town of New Scotland
Court by Judge David Wukitsch and released under the supervision of the Albany County Probation
Department.

Dean G. Barkman

48

JULY - Sheriffs Investigators arrested Nicholas M. Straker of 17 Olmstead Street, Cohoes, NY for Criminal
Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree (class B felony), Criminal Possession of a
Controlled Substance in the 5th degree (class D felony), Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th
degree (class E felony), Criminal Possession of a Firearm (class E felony), Criminal Use of Drug
Paraphernalia in the 2nd degree (class A misdemeanor), and Criminal Possession of a Controlled
Substance in the 7th degree (class A misdemeanor). The investigation began approximately four months
earlier when Sheriffs Investigators received information that Straker and his roommate, Christopher
Grant, were selling drugs out of their Cohoes apartment. During the investigation, it was also learned
that the pair was in possession of illegal handguns. Investigators approached Straker while he was
walking down the street and interviewed him. Information was obtained that his roommate, Christopher
Grant, was visiting relatives out of the area. Investigators conducted a search warrant on the duos
apartment and located two handguns, one of which was reported stolen to State Police in Greenwich
during February of this year. Also recovered was a quantity of ecstasy (MDNA), cocaine, and heroin.
Straker was arrested on the above charges and a warrant was obtained for Christopher Grant on similar
charges. Grant was later arrested on similar charges.

Nicholas Straker

Christopher Grant

SEPTEMBER - Investigators arrested three Albany residents on stolen property charges following a
complaint of a dirt bike being stolen in the Town of New Scotland on September 16, 2014. Sheriffs
Deputies learned that a dirt bike fitting the description was posted for sale on Craigs list. Sheriffs
Investigators made an appointment to look at and possibly purchase the dirt bike. When Sheriff
Investigators arrived at 354 Mountain Street in the City of Albany, they were able to identify the bike
listed for sale as the bike that was recently stolen from the Town of New Scotland. A second dirt bike,
which was reported stolen out of the Town of Bethlehem in 2011, was also located at the residence.
Sheriff Investigators arrested the following subjects for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd
degree and Conspiracy in the 5th degree: Albert R. Fields (28) of 354 Mountain Street, Albany, NY;
Matthew J. Armao (18) of 40 West VanVechten Street, Albany, NY; and Robert Perrin (25) of 566 North
Pearl Street, Albany, NY.

Albert R. Fields

Matthew J. Armao

Robert Perrin
49

SEPTEMBER - A Feura Bush man was arrested for Aggravated Vehicular Assault following a motor vehicle
crash on June 18, 2014. Three people were seriously injured as a result of the crash that occurred along
State Route 32 in the Town of New Scotland. Sheriffs Investigators and members of the State Police
Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the incident. The investigation revealed that, at the time of
the collision, 57 year old Kevin M. Grady of 57 Rowe Road in Feura Bush was operating his 2003
Chevrolet pickup truck while his ability was impaired by drugs. Gradys vehicle struck a 2002 Subaru
head on while travelling along State Route 32 in the area of Onesquethaw Creek Road. The toxicology
report confirmed the presence hydrocodone and alprazolam (Xanax) in Gradys system. Kevin M. Grady
was arrested and arraigned in New Scotland Court and released to the supervision of probation. Grady
was charged with Aggravated Vehicular Assault (class C felony), DWAI Drugs (a misdemeanor), Reckless
Driving (a misdemeanor), and other vehicle and traffic violations.

Kevin M. Grady
SEPTEMBER - Investigators arrested three Albany women on grand larceny and forgery charges. On
September 8, 2014, the Albany County Sheriffs Office received a complaint from an individual who
believed someone had stolen his elderly mothers checks and cashed them. The checks totaled
$17,617.00. The investigation revealed that Yasmine Jackson (30) of 111A Lark Drive, Albany was the
home health care employee assigned to take care of the victim. The complaint alleges that Jackson
conspired with Kameisha S. Quickley (28) of 166 Second Avenue, Albany and Andrea M. Dixon (47) of 910 St Joseph Terrace, Albany to cash the checks and split the proceeds. Since the checks were drawn on
a SEFCU account, Dixon opened an account at SEFCU so that the checks could be deposited and later
withdrawn as cash. Investigators arrested all three of the women. Yasmine M. Jackson was charged
with Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree (class D felony) and Conspiracy in the 4th degree (class E felony).
Both Andrea M. Dixon and Kameisha S. Quickley were charged with Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree
(class D felony), Forgery in 2nd degree (class D felony), and Conspiracy in the 4th degree (class E felony).
The three women were arraigned in the City of Albany Court and remanded to the Albany County
Correctional Facility in lieu $10,000.00 bail. Yasmine Jackson had been employed as a Home Health Aide
by Home Instead Senior Care. Sheriff Investigators are working with Home Instead managers to see if
there may be other, as yet unidentified, victims.

Andrea M. Dixon

Kameisha S. Quickley

Yasmine Jackson
50

OCTOBER - Sheriff Investigators conducted controlled buy operations with Daheem Smith (31) of
Albany, NY and later executed a search warrant at his residence at 1154 Broadway in the City of Albany.
Recovered during the search were more than 30 grams of heroin as well as drug paraphernalia. Daheem
Smith was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree
(class B felony), two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree (class B felony),
and three counts of Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd degree (class A misdemeanor).
Smith was arraigned and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.

Daheem Smith
OCTOBER - Investigators arrested of a Troy couple on drug charges as the result of a month long
investigation. Sheriff Investigators conducted controlled buy operations with Ronald Montgomery and
later executed a search warrant at his residence at 1820 Highland Avenue, Troy, NY. Recovered during
the search were more than eight grams of heroin and nine grams of crack cocaine along with drug
paraphernalia. Ronald Montgomery (38) was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the
3rd degree (class B felony) and his wife, Sherry Montgomery, (49) was charged with Conspiracy in the 4th
degree (class E felony) and Criminal Facilitation in the 4th degree (class A misdemeanor).

Ronald Montgomery

Sherry Montgomery

51

DECEMBER On December 18, 2014, the Albany County Sheriffs Office received an emergency call for a
five year old boy who had been abducted from his residence at 994 Thacher Park Road in the Town of
Knox. The child, Kenneth White, lived at the residence with his aunt, Brenda Van Alstyne; her daughter,
Tiffany Van Alstyne; his two siblings; and an unrelated teenaged male. Following a response by
uniformed patrol deputies, Sheriffs Investigators were notified and an Amber Alert was issued.
Investigators from the New York State Police, FBI, and US Marshalls also responded to assist. An initial
search of the area was conducted, along with a neighborhood canvass and interviews, and units were
dispatched to search the region for the suspects. During the course of the interviews, inconsistencies
were found in the account provided by the caller. While Sheriffs Investigators were executing a search
warrant at the property, a Sheriffs K-9 unit located the body of the victim, Kenneth White, deceased
and buried in the snow in a roadside culvert near the residence. With the transition to a homicide
investigation, further interviews were conducted and the scene was processed. Upon further interview,
Tiffany Van Alstyne admitted to lying about the reported abduction to cover up her involvement in the
murder of her cousin, Kenneth White. She provided an account of how she had unintentionally killed the
victim and then disposed of his body. During the course of a follow up interview, the suspect informed
investigators that she had lied yet again and that her earlier story was another fabrication. Tiffany Van
Alstyne then confessed that she had intentionally strangled her young cousin, Kenneth White, before
hiding his body under the snow in the roadside culvert. The cause of death was determined to be
strangulation with associated blunt force trauma to the victims head. Tiffany Van Alstyne (19) was
arrested for Murder in the 2nd degree (class A-I felony) and remanded to the Albany County Correctional
Facility to await trial.

Tiffany Van Alstyne

In 2014, the Criminal Investigations Unit continued its partnership with Albany County Social Services to
increase efforts in Welfare Fraud enforcement. As a result of the combined efforts of the Department of
Social Services and the CIU, nineteen people were arrested for charges stemming from welfare fraud.
The combined monetary amount of the fraud totaled over $165,000.00.

52

Between March and July of this year, the Criminal Investigation Unit and members of the ATF infiltrated
a large heroin distribution ring operating in Albany County. This ring of drug dealers made their home
base in the Town of Colonie and was operated by a Bronx man named Irving Prado. Prado would solicit
family and friends to sell his heroin on the streets and motels as well as in the shopping malls of the
Capital Region. Investigators and Agents spent hours conducting controlled buy operations and
surveillance of this organization. The dealers would report to work at Prados apartment on Central
Avenue in Colonie and then be driven by taxi cabs to Crossgates Mall, Colonie Center, Dave and Busters,
and Westgate Plaza where dealers would be given a drug phone and bundles of heroin to sell. Prado
would pay the $65.00 daily rental fee for the taxis and also pay the drivers in cash, heroin, or both to
chauffer other dealers around in the cabs to make heroin deliveries. Investigators and Agents ultimately
identified more than twenty members of this organization. Sheriffs Investigators have filed felony
charges on fourteen members of this ring. Investigators executed four search warrants and seized more
than 1.5 pounds of heroin with an estimated street value of $250,000.00, two vehicles, and more than
$34,000.00 in U.S. currency.

53

The Sheriffs Office has

maintained a presence at the
Albany International Airport since
the early 1970s. Over the years,
it has evolved into a full time,
twenty-four hour patrol station
consisting of eighteen sworn
members. Due to the unique
function of airport policing,
deputies and their supervisors
receive specialized training in
such areas as: Transportation
Security Administration rules and
regulations, bomb & bioterrorism threats, high- jacking, dignitary protection and aircraft emergency
procedures.
A number of the deputies are also cross designated as US Customs Officers. This agency was among the
first in the country to
implement bicycle patrols at an
airport. The Sheriffs Office
maintains close working
relationships with federal,
state, local and foreign law
enforcement agencies. Contacts
with these agencies include
duties such as criminal
investigation, protection of
both foreign and domestic
officials, transportation of high
profile prisoners, investigation
of aviation incidents and the
sharing of intelligence
information. Deputies train and
preplan emergency responses to crisis situations with other agencies to ensure a swift and effective
response to incidents which may arise at the airport.
Since the events of September 11, 2001, additional mandates were implemented by the federal
54

government. The Airport Station has strived to meet or exceed all of the new requirements. Working
closely with the airlines and airport management, this unit will continue to make the safety and security
of the traveling public the number one priority. At the same time, we will continue to maintain positive
community relations.

On Thursday, September 11, 2014, Albany County Sheriffs Deputies assigned to the Albany
International Airport were called to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint for a
report of a possible improvised explosive device. Upon the deputies arrival, a TSA bomb appraisal
officer was on site and was immediately able to access the item and determine that it was not a threat.
Sam White, an enlisted United States naval officer from Washington State was in Ballston Spa at a
nuclear power training facility and stated that the item in question was a project and part of his training.
It was a circuit board affixed to a book with wires coming out of it. White was detained and interviewed
by members of the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force. He was released without charges after confirming
Whites story and speaking with his commanding officer at the Trident Training Facility in Silverdale, WA.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2014, Albany County Sheriffs Deputies assigned to the Albany International
Airport were contacted by a Delta Airlines Station Manager regarding a security seal that was missing
from the main cabin door of a Delta aircraft. A Delta Airlines ramp worker stated that he had put the
seal on the door earlier that morning and when he went back to the plane it was missing. An
investigation into the incident revealed that the ramp worker, Estee Porter, had falsified his security log.
Porter was arrested and charged with forgery in the third degree and falsifying business records. Due to
the possible security breach, all passengers and the plane had to be re-screened by the Transportation
Security Administration. The flight was delayed approximately one hour. Delta Airlines terminated
Porters employment.

55

The EMS Division completed another year of answering over 5,600 calls for assistance. This was done
with a staff of seventy-eight employees operating five paramedic units and four ambulances. Our staff
this past year consisted of thirty-one Emergency Medical Technicians, of whom six are full time; fortyfive Paramedics, of whom six are full time; one part time Medical Director and one full time Ambulance
Biller/Administrative Assistant. In all, our seventy-eight employees worked a total of over 73,000 hours
providing emergency medical services to our six primary towns. The efforts of the EMS Division were
recognized by both the Hudson-Mohawk Regional and New York State Emergency Medical Councils.
Albany County EMS was named the EMS Agency of the Year for 2014 by both of these professional
organizations.

This year, we placed into

service a new 2014 type II
ambulance which replaced
a 1999 type III ambulance
with 180,000 miles. This
new ambulance was
purchased with money
collected from billing
medical insurance for
ambulance transport
without expending any tax
payer funds. We also
placed into service two
2014 Dodge Durango SUV First Response Vehicles. These units replaced two older vehicles with over
150,000 miles on them. Paramedics use SUVs to respond to calls where a BLS ambulance is dispatched;
the paramedic provides advanced life support care to the patient.
Also, through self-generated revenue the unit was able to procure a Stryker Power Stretcher.
This stretcher works off of a lithium battery and mechanically lifts and lowers the stretcher with loads of
up to five hundred pounds. This is a huge asset for the prevention of back injuries by EMS providers. The
cost of these stretchers is approximately $14,000.00. Additionally, a stair chair, which is designed to
assist in moving patients to the stretcher, was able to be purchased. This device is indispensable in
circumstances where stairs or other obstacles prevent reaching the patient with a conventional
stretcher. The cost of this device was $3,500.00, but it will allow our personnel to more effectively
provide safe, secure transportation and care to patients in need.

56

In April of 2014, a pilot program began with Delmar/Bethlehem EMS in which the number of
EMTs on duty was reduced from four to three per shift. Data showed that almost forty percent of
transported patients required a paramedic. By replacing the EMT with the paramedic who was already
on duty, the unit was able to realize over $65,000.00 in personnel cost savings. Similar modifications are
being studied in other areas in order to continue our efforts to provide the most economically efficient
service possible.

On November 15, 2014, an unresponsive patient exhibiting snoring respirations was found in
bed by his wife. The patients wife began doing compression only CPR and actually refused to stop to
let EMS personnel into the home. As a result, responders had to force entry and, once inside, Paramedic
Seymour found the patient in Ventricular Fibrillation. Paramedic Seymour defibrillated the patient once
before continuing CPR. He then defibrillated the patient a second time two minutes later which resulted
in a return of pulses and heart rhythm. The patient was stabilized and transported to the hospital where
he made a full recovery and was able to return home.

The unit continues to face economic challenges due to rising employment costs and efforts to
work under the state mandated two percent tax cap. In 2014, considerable concessions were made to
help municipalities stay within this cap. Unfortunately, these efforts also lead to delaying certain
purchases which has only pushed the problem forward. The following are expected major upcoming
expenses:

Two projected vehicle purchases in 2016 will cost $30,000.00 each.

In 2017, the defibrillators currently in use will no longer be supported by maintenance contracts.

With nominal cost of living increases, our employees will soon be substantially under paid
compared to other similar services throughout the Capital District. This will again negatively
reflect our ability to recruit and retain qualified, trained staff.

The unit is currently in the process of hiring. There are presently not enough people on the current list
to fill all vacancies, even before candidates are eliminated through agility testing, background
processing, and interviews. This will leave the unit short staffed and result in a surge in overtime costs
to fill contracted shifts. The unit will need to consider hiring outside the county while giving preference
to Albany county residents.
The status of volunteer staff from organizations continues to remain uncertain. The unit needs to be
poised to respond to a gap in service immediately to prevent a lack of EMS coverage to certain areas of
Albany County. This is a concern since, due to the lack of manpower, the unit is already having difficulty
providing staffing for the territories we currently serve.

57

Total Calls for 2014

5,649 calls

Call Breakdown Day vs. Night

06:00 18:00

3,578

18:00 06:00

2,071

Calls by Outcome
ALS transports 1725
BLS transport 3524
Stand Bys 400

Calls by Towns
Berne 190

New Scotland 639

Bethlehem 3415

Rensselaerville 162

Coeymans 866

Westerlo 318

Other Areas 59

58

The Critical Incident/Emergency Management Unit consists of the Office of Emergency Management,
the Capital Region Forensic Hazardous Materials Unit, Dive Team, Community and Emergency Services
Network, and Office of the Fire Coordinator. The unit also acts as the administrator of the Four County
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Group covering Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties.

Deputy Fire Coordinator, Gerry Morigerato, has assumed additional duties as the Deputy Emergency
Manager Forensic HazMat Team. Gerry is now in charge of the Capital Area Forensic HazMat team.
The team consists of members from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. Members
of the team are from police agencies throughout the four counties. The team responds to calls such as
suspicious substances, chemical suicides and other HazMat incidents where there may be a crime
involved. The members are HazMat technicians as well as certified evidence technicians.
Howard Altschule has joined the unit as a part-time deputy emergency manager. Mr. Altschule is a
meteorologist and has a background in the fire service. As a Deputy Emergency Manager, Mr. Altschule
will assist in planning for severe weather events and will also be available to respond to emergency
scenes where weather may play a factor to include HazMat incidents, large fires, chemical spills, gas
leaks, and any other scene which may be affected by weather.

The unit has taken the lead in setting up FEMAs Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS).
Working with our 9-1-1 center, this system will allow us to quickly alert the public in the event of an
emergency. The system will allow us to issue Wireless Emergency Alerts. These alerts will go to all
smart phones within a designated geographic area.

Through a program sponsored by National Grid, a WeatherBug weather station has been installed at the
County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Clarksville. The weather station provides current weather
data such as temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, humidity, and barometric pressure. It
can be accessed on the Internet at the following link:
http://weather.weatherbug.com/NY/Clarksville-weather.html?zcode=z6286
59

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services instituted statewide training
for emergency managers. During 2013, all county executives in the state received Level I training and all
emergency managers received Level II training. The state began Level III training for all municipal leaders
in 2014 with a session in Albany County held at the Clarksville Public Safety Facility.

Significant amounts of crude oil are being transported through Albany County by rail. Trains travel two
routes. The northern route enters Cohoes, and then travels south to the Port of Albany. The western
route enters the county from Schenectady County before traveling southeast to the Port of Albany and
points south.
Emergency preparedness has been stepped up in response to the increase in the local handling of crude
oil. This is being done primarily by adding to existing plans, such as, the Albany County Comprehensive
Emergency Management Plan and more specifically the Hazardous Materials Annex. This plan is
reviewed annually and updated as needed. Whenever this plan is revised for other than minor issues, it
is sent to the County Legislature for approval by resolution.
To better prepare a response to a crude oil incident, the unit met with representatives from the NYS
Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. In
addition, the unit maintains a close working relationship with the NYS Office of Emergency
Management. A partnership has been established with Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties,
as part of the Four-County HazMat Group, to multiply available resources and provide a regional
response.
In May of 2014, Sheriff Apple presented a report to the Albany County Legislature on the Crude Oil
situation in the county.

March 26, 2014 - A tabletop exercise sponsored by CSX was held at the Port of Albany.

June 5-7, 2014 - The CSX Safety Train was at the Port of Albany providing hands-on training.

June 30, 2014 - A foam training exercise was conducted at the Port of Albany for fire
departments along the rail lines in Albany County.

July 10, 2014 Amtrak held a tabletop exercise in the City of Albany. A two-hour session was
added to the exercise dealing specifically with crude oil. (Crude oil trains operate on tracks
maintained and used by Amtrak.)

October 21-23, 2014 Training at the Port of Albany in deploying booms for oil and other
chemical spills.
60

October 30, 2014 A crude oil spill exercise was held at Global Partners at the Port of Albany.

November 12, 2014 A propane leak exercise was held at the Global Partners Erie Boulevard
facility.

Flammable Liquid Training Held by NYS OFPC at the Port of Albany

March 1, 2014 - Thirteen rail cars containing crude oil derailed in the Selkirk rail yard. All cars remained
upright and no leaks were reported.
May 12, 2014 - Four crude oil rail cars derailed in the Kenwood Yard at the Port of Albany. This was not
reported for several hours. No emergency service agencies responded due to the lack of notification.
August 20, 2014 A gasket in a pipeline at Global Partners failed and a little over one hundred gallons
of crude oil leaked. The oil was confined inside the dikes at the facility. The Albany Fire Department,
NYS DEC, NYS DHSES, and the Albany County Deputy Emergency Manager all responded. A private
environmental cleanup company was called to mitigate the spill.

61

Pipeline Leak at the Global Partners Terminal

September 8, 2014 A single engine aircraft crashed into the Selkirk Rail Yard shortly after takeoff from
the South Albany Airport. Tragically, two people were killed in the crash. The plane struck a stationary
freight train impacting a car loaded with automobiles. The deputy emergency manager and fire
coordinator responded to the scene.

Selkirk Rail Yard Plane Crash

62

October 22, 2014 The unit responded to a train derailment at the Selkirk rail yard. Although no crude
oil cars were involved, several cars carrying hazardous materials, including propane, either derailed or
were impacted by other derailed cars. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no leaks. Sheriff Apple
and County Executive McCoy also responded to the scene.

Selkirk Rail Yard Train Derailment

The unit conducted many training sessions during 2014 with various groups. Several sessions were held
in the South End of the City of Albany at the Ezra Prentice homes. Unit members also worked with the
Mayor of Menands, Megan Grenier, to provide both preparedness training and shelter training so the
village can provide its own shelter in conjunction with the county.

Preparedness presentation
Village of Menands July 7, 2014

Shelter at Meyers Middle School August flooding in the City of Albany

63

The unit continued to distribute copies of the videos pertaining to individual preparedness that were
prepared during 2013. The videos were recorded by the countys new recording studio. Furniture for the
studio was provided by a donation from Pepsi. The videos include: an introduction by the Sheriff,
emergency plans, assembling a Go Kit, dealing with pets during a disaster, the Special Needs Registry,
active shooter scenarios, and hands only CPR. These videos have been added to the Sheriffs web site
and are being distributed in DVD form. The Sheriff has also completed and distributed copies of a guide
book on emergency preparedness entitled, What Will You Do To Help Yourself When Disaster Strikes.

Preparedness Videos

In early December of 2014, in conjunction with the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency
Services, we conducted a County Emergency Preparedness Assessment (CEPA). Every municipality in
Albany County was represented at the all-day session which was conducted at the Westmere Firehouse.
Participants included mayors, town supervisors, fire chiefs, police chiefs, EMS personnel, and various
public works personnel. The CEPA program was developed by the NYS Emergency Management Office
and is being conducted in all counties of New York State as well as in New York City.
The purpose of the session is to identify and rank the risks that face the county and the resources and
assets required to address those risks. Based on the results, we will be concentrating our efforts to
address the weaknesses and take best advantage of our strengths.
At the beginning of the session, Sheriff Craig D. Apple, Sr. announced the establishment of a countywide emergency management group. This group will meet periodically for planning, training and
exercises to better coordinate emergency response throughout the county. As part of this effort, a
mutual aid agreement covering various resources, such as public works assets, was announced.
The emergency management group will begin meeting in 2015. The new mutual aid agreement will
augment fire and EMS mutual aid agreements that are already in place.
64

The Capital Region Forensic Hazardous Materials Unit consists of law enforcement officers who are
trained as evidence technicians and hazardous materials technicians. The unit includes seventeen
different agencies within Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties. The Albany County
Sheriffs Office is the administrator of this regional unit.

The use of chemicals to commit suicide is becoming more frequent due to the amount of related
information available on the internet. This phenomenon presents a very real danger to first responders.
The most common method involves the mixing of common chemicals to produce hydrogen sulfide gas.
The team has trained specifically on processing chemical suicide scenes in a safe and effective manner.
On January 3, 2014, the unit responded to the Town of Colonie for a possible chemical suicide. The
scene was a motel room with the bathroom sealed off with plastic and duct tape. The team used
atmospheric monitoring equipment to check the air and donned appropriate hazmat suits to enter the
area to handle the situation.

Each year, the team responds to numerous calls for suspicious letters involving white powder since the
2001 letters sent to various entities which were found to contain anthrax. Often these letters have
contained a material that found its way into the envelope accidentally. However, on several occasions
white powder was placed in an envelope for the purpose of threatening the recipient. In 2013 and 2014,
the unit responded to several suspicious letter calls in the Towns of Colonie, New Scotland, and
Guilderland. All three letters were mailed from the same out of state location and all three victims were
employed as chemists for the same employer. This continues to be an ongoing investigation which also
involves the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

In February, the unit responded to assist a local police department investigate a suspicious package at a
government facility. The package was shipped to the facility from a Middle Eastern country. After being
checked by an explosives detection K-9 with negative results, the package was opened in a special
glove box. The package was found to contain non-threating items.

In May, there was a response to a suspicious letter call in the Town of East Greenbush. A letter with only
a return address was delivered to a company as a return to sender. The company had not sent the
letter and it contained a NYS Safeguard New York pamphlet that was glued shut. When the pamphlet
was opened, there was a small plastic bag containing a square item and what the person thought was
white powder. After investigation and laboratory analysis, the item was determined to not contain any
biological contamination.
65

Accomplishments during 2014:

Continued updates were made to the registry to improve functionality of tracking
registrants and updating requirements. These updates included mailings to every
registrant as well as phone calls and site visits. This process is necessary because
registrants often move or pass away.
Continued door to door visits to meet with registrants to assure their safety
Disseminated several hundred applications through community outreach efforts
Presented power point presentations to local organizations to promote the registry
Conducted community outreach throughout Albany County regarding the program
Conducted wellness checks on residents during two local events in the Hilltowns
Conducted a news event with News Channel 9 promoting the registry

Accomplishments during 2014:

Coordinated Project Access handicapped
parking enforcement efforts throughout the
year
Presented power point presentations to
several senior and special needs groups
Completed bi-annual report to NYS Senate
detailing the disbursements of program funds

Garry Horne, Deputy Director of Community Emergency Services, began this initiative and continues to
prepare local communities. The mayor of the Village of Menands and associated staff were the latest to
complete the training in October. The plan is designed for situations which require emergency
sheltering. Municipalities in Albany County are trained to staff and operate such shelters during
emergencies. Deputy Director Horne also works an outreach program through ACORN to assist lowincome and special needs communities with emergency shelter and disaster preparedness. As part of
these programs, as well as other initiatives, the Office of Community and Emergency Services
coordinates the emergency management of human needs throughout Albany County.
66

The Sheriffs Office, County Animal Response Team responded to a truck crash carrying one hundred
and five cattle. Unfortunately, many of the animals had to be put down. The Mohawk-Hudson Humane
Society assisted in this emergency by locating a veterinarian that needed to be escorted to the scene by
Sheriffs Deputies.

On September 23, 2014, the Albany County Sheriffs Office was contacted by the Delmar Animal Hospital
who was concerned about the number of cats they had euthanized for a local family over the past few
months, there had been five since August. The family was known to the Sheriffs Office in that they have
been seen around New Scotland living out of their camper trailer and were otherwise homeless. CART
members responded to the Voorheesville area where the camper was located and subsequently secured
a number of animals at the scene.

CART responded to a scene in Voorheesville

for the removal of forty-five cats

Conducted weekly Defensive Driving classes for Albany County employees and local
municipalities
Assisted the Stop DWI Program with conducting Alive at 25 classes and helped train
additional Alive at 25 instructors
Provided emergency management presentations to various groups throughout the year
Member of Traffic Safety Stakeholders Committee with the City of Albany Police
Department

67

This year has again been a challenging, yet productive one for the Coordinators Office. This office is
committed to upgrading and improving the services provided to our Fire and EMS agencies as well as to
the citizens and visitors to the county. This is necessary due to the ever-changing training programs and
mandates that the fire service is facing during these difficult and trying times of war, terrorist threats,
and critical incident events. The Mutual Aid Agreements and Hazardous Materials Plan was
implemented during 2014 with no significant problems. This office, under the Critical Incident
Emergency Management Unit, updates all of our agreements to maintain NIMS compliance. The
Coordinators Office and staff continued to be involved in moving forward with the National Incident
Management System (NIMS) implementation, certification, and training at numerous locations in the
County during 2014.
The e-mail site, firetraining@albanycounty.com, enables our firefighters to register for Office of Fire
Prevention and Control (OFPC) sponsored courses in Albany County. Thus far, this process has worked
well and the site is now being used for many other training events. The New York State Office of Fire
Prevention and Control is also continuing to upgrade and revise the courses they offer to area
firefighters. Some of these revisions require additional instructors, hours, and testing for successful
completion. Many of these courses are now college accredited. The NYS Department of Homeland
Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and OFPC have also re-implemented the Training Incident
Management System (TIMS) for all our fire service training records.
Many of the coordinators have attended numerous training seminars and meetings this year including
the following: New York State Fire Academy Seminars, conferences for Juvenile Fire Setters, and the
County Fire Coordinators and Regional Fire Administrators Seminars. The coordinators staff spent 70
hours handling emergencies, 291 hours involved with training, and 186 hours in meetings. In addition to
this, there are many undocumented hours put in by the coordinators staff for other various activities
which are not reflected in this report.
The Fire Advisory Board continues to work on enhancing the countys fire and emergency medical
services. Ten new computers and projectors were purchased to assist with this effort.

Regretfully there were two fire fatalities in Albany County in 2014. There was an increase in Signal 30
fires, which rose from fifty-two to seventy-three, as well as Juvenile Fire Involvement. Of these Signal 30
fires, the office personally responded to forty-nine fires which was an increase of seventeen over last
year. Multiple-alarm fires also increased from twenty-seven to fifty-four. Again, our office personally
responded to thirty-eight, an increase of fifteen from 2013. Incendiary fires, however, decreased in 2014
from seventeen to fourteen.
Some of the large scale incidents were as follows:
January 2, 2014 - River Road in Selkirk (2nd Alarm Fire)
February 5, 2014 - 75 Saddlemier Way in Knox (Incendiary fire in three buildings)
68

March 6, 2014 - 542 Warren Street, Albany (2nd Alarm Fire with multiple residents displaced)
May 4, 2014 - 116 Essex Circle in Westmere (2nd Alarm fire affecting twelve apartments)
October 8, 2014 - 109-113 Saratoga Street, Cohoes (General alarm fire which was incendiary in
nature with numerous families displaced)
November of 2014 - Eleven Albany County fire departments responded to Erie County to assist
with the lake effect snow storm that dumped up to seventy-two inches of snow in some areas.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has instituted a new protocol for
WMD/HazMat grant funding applications, which now must be applied for regionally. Albany County has
partnered with Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties. In 2014, we submitted a grant
application of just over $150,000.00 to be used for equipment maintenance and new/replacement
items. This four-county consortium is frequently cited by New York State as an example for other areas
to follow.
During 2014, the Capital Region HazMat Team completed numerous training sessions at various
facilities. This training covered all four platoons on the career side for the four counties, along with our
volunteer agencies. This training enhances our capabilities to operate regionally at multiple incidents.
Over two hundred and thirty members participated in these sessions, which were extremely beneficial.
Advanced HazMat courses put on by NYS OFPC, CSX Corporation, and the Canadian Pacific Railroad were
also offered.
The Capital Region HazMat Team had twelve meetings, two exercises, and five responses for the year.
These responses include the safe mitigation of each of the five incidents. All of these exercises involved
agencies and responders from the state, county, and local levels.

69

The County J-Fire Team met on ten occasions during the year. Deputy Coordinator DeLuca has a power
point program highlighting the teams resources, goals, and objectives. This year, the team had six
members attend the Juvenile Fire Setters Seminar at the New York State Fire Academy in May.
The team is continuing its efforts to increase involvement with the program by the various school
districts in the county. Several are now sending representatives to regular meetings and are actively
participating in the program.
The J-Fire Team performed fifty-nine interventions in 2014. Our program continues to gain national
recognition due to the combined efforts of the teams members. Coordinator DeLuca reported that,
since the programs inception, the team has handled just over eight hundred and fifty cases with only
fifteen known repeaters. This includes fifty-nine new cases in 2014.

The county now has ten assigned State Fire Instructors. The instructors Gerry Paris, Ken Dott, Jason
Geary, Dominic Bruno, Steve DeGroff, Scott Blood, Rob Conlen, Jeremy Clausen, Josh Collins and Ed
Rolfe. These instructors deliver a total of 1,400 hours of outreach firefighter training and numerous
other courses to our firefighters in a safe, professional, and timely manner. The instructor cadres
dedication and time devoted to training our firefighters is exceptional and goes far beyond the standard.
Over 3,300 hours of fire service training were delivered to our firefighters in 2014. More than thirty
courses were taught by Albany Countys certified State Fire Instructors. The New York State Office of Fire
Prevention and Control offered an additional twelve courses. Overall during this time, in excess of 1,405
of our Albany County firefighters received training through these courses. Once again, Albany Countys
use of firematic training hours exceeds all upstate counties with the exception of Erie, Monroe, &
Westchester counties.

70

During 2014, the Albany County Sheriffs Office E911/Communications Center continued to provide
effective and reliable support and services to the public safety agencies and citizens of Albany County,
despite the tough fiscal climate. There are many citizens and entities which benefitted over the past
year because of the professional and dedicated assistance that was provided to them by the
E911/Communications Center staff.
The Albany County Sheriffs Office E911/Communications Center is also the station responsible for the
management and administration of the 911 system throughout all of Albany County encompassing all
jurisdictions. Throughout 2014, the technology unit of the Sheriffs Office E911 Program has effectively
supported the technical needs of first responders throughout the County of Albany. The technology unit,
which is housed in the Albany County Communications Center, implements and maintains cutting edge
technical tools for first responders in multiple law enforcement and public safety agencies and
disciplines. The primary and secondary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) that are supported by this
unit are the Albany County Sheriffs Office, the Albany Police Department, the Colonie Police
Department, the Bethlehem Police Department, the Guilderland Police Department, the New York State
Police at the Empire State Plaza, the Menands Police Department, and the Coeymans Police
Department. In addition to these PSAPs, this unit is responsible for technology that is deployed in over
fifty different fire departments and emergency medical service departments within the County of
Albany. These requests were for the support and maintenance of nearly eighty different systems and
applications.
The Albany County Sheriffs Office E911/Communications Center provides dispatch services to the Office
of the Sheriff, the New York State Police, the City of Cohoes Police and Fire, the City of Watervliet Police
and Fire, the Village of Green Island Police and Fire, ten volunteer fire companies, and five ambulance
companies. The E/911 Communications Center also provides services, as needed, for several other state
and local law enforcement agencies as well as Albany Countys Highway and Probation Departments. In
2014, the Sheriffs Office assisted the Welfare Fraud Unit in obtaining radios so they may contact the
E911 center in the case of an emergency or need for information. The Albany County Sheriffs Office
anticipates providing dispatch service for the Town of Coeymans and Watervliet Arsenal Fire
Department by the end 2015.
The Albany County Sheriffs Office E911/Communications Center is the primary E911 answering point for
six towns, three villages and two cities. In two of these municipalities, 911 calls that do not require
emergency medical dispatch are transferred upon receipt and determination. However, if the call is of a
medical nature then the Albany County telecommunicator must follow through with the call until the
fire department or ambulance arrives on the scene.

71

Albany County E911/Communications Center located at 449 New Salem Road in Voorheesville.

These are the systems utilized by the Telecommunicators. From left to right: 911 mapping; phone system; 3 computer aided
dispatch screens to track and record Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement units countywide; and the last screen being the radio
system.

72

The total number of calls received by the Albany County Sheriffs Office 911 Center in 2014 compared with previous years.

Total Calls For Service

110,881

109,934

2013 Total Calls

2014 Total Calls

99,701
2012 Total Calls

911 Land Line and Wireless

Breakdown

911 and Administrative Line Call

Totals

80,822

71,856
26,772

30,059

77,806

28,181

32,128

2012
2012
2013
2013
2014
2014
911 Calls Admin 911 Calls Admin 911 Calls Admin
Calls
Calls
Calls

3,947
2014 911 Land Line

2014 911 Wireless

Total Calls Handled by the E911/Communications Center

Phone Calls and Field Initiated Activity

87,111

2012 CAD Entries

111,055

120,802

2013 CAD Entries

2014 CAD Entries

73

The personnel currently assigned to the

911/Communications Center consist of one
Captain, one Communications Supervisor,
one Deputy Sheriff, three Senior
5,419
Telecommunicators, twenty-two
Hours Required
Telecommunicators, one Clerk, and two
for 24/7 Staffing
Information Technology Support personnel.
10,135
Leave Used by
Minimum staffing for the operation of the
Employees
Communications Center is four
35,360
Overtime
Telecommunicators per shift.
Expended
Telecommunicators work a rotating
schedule based on twelve hour shifts and
are divided into four sections. Once several
new Telecommunicators complete their
initial training, the minimum staffing will be increased to five Telecommunicators per shift.
Manpower and Staffing Resources

On March 6, 2014, Telecommunicator Rhonda Farley received a call for a two month old child that had
stopped breathing. Telecommunicator Farley gave lifesaving CPR instructions until Emergency Medical
Services arrived. The Paramedics were able to continue CPR once they arrived and the child was
resuscitated. This was an example of a Telecommunicator applying emergency medical dispatch
protocols, training, and experience correctly.
On September 19, 2014, a call was received from a male in Buffalo, NY who was a friend of another male
in this area. The male from Buffalo received text messages from his friend that he was going to shoot
himself at a high point in the Altamont area overlooking Thacher Park. The local male was believed to
be in possession of a handgun. Attempts were made to contact the subject by phone. The phone was
traced and showed multiple cell pings at various locations in the City of Albany. The subject was located
at the site of a second cell ping in the City of Albany with lacerations to his wrists. The Albany Police
Department was able to take the male into custody and transport him to the hospital for treatment and
a mental health evaluation.

Example of the Emergency Medical Dispatch System

74

On November 7, 2014, Telecommunicator Hancock received a call from Rensselaer County 911 for a
female in duress at a location in Cohoes. The female was texting her family in the City of Troy stating,
help me. The Cohoes Police Department was dispatched to check the location, but the female could
not be located. The Telecommunicators began to research possible locations, leveraging several
computer systems, and performed a cell ping for location. Telecommunicator Hancock called the
females phone in an attempt to get locational information. The female answered and was in fact under
duress. She was only able to give limited information while answering yes and no questions before she
disconnected. The phone was last shown at a location in the Town of Colonie. Telecommunicator
Hancock called the female back and had her call 911. She then had her place the phone in her pocket so
that they could track her phone. The Telecommunicators contacted the Colonie Police Department to
check the location and the female was located. The female was the victim of an ongoing sexual assault
which was stopped. Individual efforts and teamwork resulted in successfully locating the victim and
providing police intervention. High quality dispatching, training, dedication, and commitment served
the residents of Albany County well.
On November 14, 2014, Telecommunicator Gerald Heath received a call for a 60 year old that had
stopped breathing. Telecommunicator Heath gave lifesaving CPR instructions until Emergency Medical
Services arrived. The Paramedics were able to continue CPR once they arrived and the person was
resuscitated. This was an example of a telecommunicator applying emergency medical dispatch
protocols, training and experience correctly.

Example of the Emergency Medical Dispatch System

75

The Albany County Sheriffs Office signed a contract with Motorola in 2013 to construct a county-wide
interoperable communications system. With the combined efforts and cooperation of the City of Albany
and Town of Colonie, the Albany County Sheriffs Office was able to use existing software licensing, radio
frequencies, and tower sites already in use by the city and town. By combining the resources of the city
and town with the new resources purchased by the county, a savings of several million dollars was
achieved. Albany County, Albany City and the Town of Colonie entered into an inter-municipal
agreement to govern the future use of the system and divide the operating costs between the agencies.
By dividing these operating costs between the three agencies each municipality will save approximately
1.7 million dollars over the course of the ten year maintenance contract. The Sheriffs Office has been
able to secure approximately 6.5 million dollars in Homeland Security grant funding to offset the cost of
this project. The Sheriffs Office will continue to seek funding over the course of this project to further
offset the total cost of the system.
This project will be completed in two phases. Phase one will
replace and combine the Albany and Colonie radio systems and
infrastructure. Phase 2 will expand the new Albany and Colonie
infrastructure over the entire county with the installation of nine
new radio transmitter and receiver sites. Once complete, this will
allow every municipality in Albany County to utilize a single
interoperable radio system for their Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement
and municipal service agencies if they should so choose. Phase
one is targeted to be completed during the summer of 2015, and
phase two is targeted to be completed in the summer of 2016.

The microwave system components stored

in Voorheesville awaiting installation.

The Sheriffs Office is working to replace the existing electronic fingerprint submission systems
(Livescan) throughout the Sheriffs Office and other local law enforcement agencies. Technicians are
deploying new hardware and software at processing stations. Also, a county wide server to manage the
transactions will be deployed.

The Sheriffs Office Information and Technology support staff responded to over 2,800 technical issues
throughout 2014.
76

The Sheriffs Office began replacing existing Emergency Medical Dispatch software with the most
current software. The new application will provide increased management functionality and promote
greater ease of use. This application will be deployed to all primary PSAP call answering positions within
the County of Albany.

The Sheriffs Office worked with the New York State Police to update the Traffic and Criminal Software
(TraCS) system. The new version provides more tools for the reporting of tickets and motor vehicle
accident reports.

This system increased from twenty-four on site lines to thirty thousand off site lines available in the case
of emergency. This will allow for faster and more efficient notification of large areas. Also added
through this upgrade was SMS Support and Cellphone registry.

911 answering points and radio consoles were added to the Emergency Operations Center in Clarksville.
This will provide a backup to the E911/Communications center as well as connectivity for use by the EOC
staff during emergencies.

2015 will be another busy year for the Albany County Sheriffs Office E911 Center. The E911/
Communications Center will continue to provide effective and reliable support and services to the public
safety agencies and citizens of Albany County. The administrative staff will continue to build the new
interoperable radio system and procure a new state of the art 911 phone system compliant with Next
Generation 911. Our goal is to continue seeking and cooperating with regional partners on these
projects to encourage shared costs and services to benefit the taxpayers of Albany County.

77

The Albany County Sheriffs Office has a highly trained, fully staffed Emergency
Response Team. The Emergency Response Team (ERT) is designed to be a rapid
deployment team, that can be dispatched quickly to any volatile situation.
Members of this team are trained in tactical insertions, crowd control,
dignitary protection, high risk transports, high risk warrant service, and
hostage / crisis negotiations. The team is available 24-hours a day, seven days
a week to respond to assist the Sheriffs Office or any other agency requiring
these special skills.
In 2014, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) was deployed several times to
execute high risk search warrants and also assisted the New York State Police Special Operations
Response Team (SORT) with a barricaded gunman situation in the Town of Knox. The team has
developed over time to include operators from other agencies within Albany County, including the
Guilderland Police Department and NYS Environmental Conservation Police.

Albany County was one of the first SWAT teams in the State of New York to receive the New York State
Division of Criminal Justice Services SWAT Team Certification. This standard was approved by the New
York State Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC) on December 1, 2010. The standard complies with
the select standards of the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Program and the goals and
objectives of the New York State Homeland Security Strategy. The New York State SWAT Team
Standards will give agencies the opportunity to provide a high level of emergency service to the
communities they serve.

78

The Search and Rescue Team (SRT) consists of deputies and

paramedics trained in high angle rescue, cave rescue,
wilderness searches, swift water rescue and ice rescue.
Captain Brian Wood, commander of the EMS Division,
assumed command of the Search and Rescue Team on July 1,
2014 following the retirement of Captain John Layton. The
unit started the year with twenty members, seventeen sworn
officers and three EMS staff, but saw the retirement of
longtime members Inspector Gennaro Appell and Captain
John Layton. Of the fifteen members currently assigned to
the team, twelve are certified Project Lifesaver responders.

79

The Albany County Sheriffs Office administers a program entitled Project Lifesaver which seeks to assist
in the recovery of people living with Alzheimers, Autism, Down Syndrome, traumatic brain injury, or
other cognitive disorders that might cause a person to wander. The process involves placing a watch
sized FM transmitter on the clients wrist or ankle. This device resembles a wrist watch and provides a
technological advantage to searchers without drawing unwanted attention to the client. The transmitter
emits an FM signal that can be located with special receivers that are used only by trained members of
the Sheriffs Search and Rescue Team. Using these receivers, the rescuers are able to locate the missing
client much more quickly and return them to their loved ones.

The unit currently has twenty three clients, but interest in the program is continuing to grow as word
gets out to the community. In addition, the unit has partnered with the VA Hospital, which also serves
as a project administrator with eight people enrolled in their program. Project Lifesaver equipment has
now been successfully used to locate two of our clients. The first was for a twelve year old autistic boy
who had been missing for over thirty minutes. Upon arrival, the receiver was activated and received a
strong signal which indicated that the client was extremely nearby. Sheriffs personnel subsequently
located the client in a vehicle that was located in a driveway. The second call was for a fifty-three year
old male with dementia who had left his residence in the City of Albany. The client was located walking
down Central Avenue a short time later and he was returned home safely.
The Sheriffs Office has also partnered with the Autism Society here in the Capital Region and
participated in several events throughout the year. Such events included displaying the program with
the Autism Society at Crossgates Mall during National Autism month, attending the annual Autism walk
in Schenectadys Central Park, attending meetings at the societys main office in Schenectady, attending
parent support meetings at the Spotted Zebra Learning Center in Colonie, attending the National Night
Out in Guilderland, and attending a special movie event at the Bowtie Theater in Schenectady
specifically for children with autism. We have also partnered with the Alzheimers Association of the
Greater Capital Region and have attended several events with them as well. These events included the
annual Caregivers Conference in March, support meetings with local towns senior services units, and
the annual Alzheimers walk at Siena College in September. Both of these organizations have shown
great support in helping to spread the word about the Project Lifesaver program and we will continue to
foster these and other relationships to further promote this great program.

80

The Albany County Sheriffs Office Honor Guard participated in fifteen events in 2014 including parades,
agency ceremonies, and public awareness events. The Honor Guard was proud to send a contingent to
New York States Police
Memorial Ceremony again this
year to pay tribute to fallen
Patrol Officer Daryl Pierson of
the Rochester Police
Department. Officer Pierson
was killed in the line of duty
while trying to apprehend a
suspect during a foot pursuit.
As representatives of this
agency, members of the Honor
Guard take special pride in
commemorating fallen officers
and their service at various
memorial ceremonies across
the region.

81

The Albany County Sheriffs Office Deputy

Explorer program continues to educate and
provide the youth of Albany County with the
diverse opportunities offered by the Albany
County Sheriffs Office. The Explorers donated
over 1,500 hours of service this past year. They
have continued to assist the STOP DWI program
by staffing the designated driver program and
assisted with events at the Times Union Arena
and Alive at Five concerts. Additionally, the
Explorers provided informational tables at the
Altamont Fair and Shaker Road Fire Company and
have been invited to participate in several events in Halfmoon. The Explorers have trained with this
agencys Emergency Response Team, learned about cave rescue and safety with the Search and Rescue
Team, participated in firearms safety with the agencys firearms instructors, and learned about crime
scene investigations with the Criminal Investigations Unit. Community service in 2014 included hosting a
New York State Boater Safety Course for residents of Albany County that drew over sixty participants.

82

R.A.D. Basic Self Defense for Women is a comprehensive, women-only

course that begins with awareness, prevention and risk avoidance
strategies. This is 90% of our personal safety.
The system then progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training,
but R.A.D. is not a martial arts program. The goal is to teach women
techniques to help them escape and survive.
Safety and survival in today's world requires a definite course of action.
R.A.D. operates on the premise that a spontaneous violent attack will
stimulate a natural desire to resist on the part of the victim (Fight or
Flight Syndrome). Training provides effective options by teaching women to take an active role in their
own self-defense and psychological well-being.

The twelve hour program is broken down into three or four

sessions depending on the class needs. Day one starts with risk
education and transitions into hands on physical defense. The
following sessions are composed of physical training that
culminate in the simulation component of the program. This
final session gives the participant the opportunity to perform the
techniques they have learned against "aggressors" wearing
special protective equipment in realistic training scenarios.

R.A.D. graduates receive a free lifetime return and practice guarantee that allows them to take a class
anywhere, for free, regardless of whether that instructor charges for the program or not, as long as
there is room in that class.

83

The program is coordinated by Amanda Kyle-Sprague who

is certified for both basic and R.A.D. for kids. Additional
instructors on the team are Ron Messen, Shawn Higgins,
Dave Poole, Shawn Scavo, Kelly Jordan, Molly OBrien,
Chantelle Cleary, and Heather Orth.

Classes are provided to county residents by the Albany County

Sheriffs Office free of charge.
R.A.D. is the largest network of its kind with over 11,000
instructors having received training in the systems to date.
These instructors teach at various colleges, universities, and
municipal law enforcement agencies as well as various other
community organizations internationally. R.A.D. has trained
more than 900,000 women since the program began in 1989.
R.A.D. is the only existing program of its kind with a free
lifetime return and practice policy. This policy is honored
throughout both Canada and the United States.
R.A.D. is the only self-defense program ever endorsed by the
International Association of Campus Law Enforcement
Administrators (IACLEA).

Three R.A.D. classes were presented during the months of September, October, and November of 2014.
These classes were presented at various locations in the Capital District including Albany Catholic
Charities, Hope House for Women and Children, and Albany Crossfit. Of the students who participated in
these sessions, forty-four completed the full twelve hours of R.A.D. instruction.

84

Located on the border of the towns of Coeymans and New

Scotland in southern Albany County, the 420 acre Lawson Lake
Park consists of a lake, wetlands, forested upland, open fields,
waterfalls, and streams. This facility, once known as Camp
Opportunities, is again available for use by families throughout
Albany County. This underutilized natural resource has been
revitalized through the cooperative efforts of Albany County
Sheriff Craig D. Apple, Sr., Albany County Executive Daniel P.
McCoy, and Albany County District Attorney P. David Soares.
This year, summer camps were back at Lawson Lake and the
grounds were open to the public for a variety of activities
including fishing, hiking, nature study, picnicking, and
canoeing. The Sheriff, County Executive, and District
Attorney joined forces to make the necessary renovations
and clean up the park to ensure that it was accessible to the
public. Additionally, they partnered with a number of
organizations to host day camps for kids of all ages. This year, the Boys and Girls Club hosted one such
camp. St. Catherines Center for Children and the Pride Center of the Capital Region were also able to
utilize the park during the summer months. The support of the Department of Environmental
Conservation and the Coeymans Hollow Fire Department also ensured the success of these summer
events. Volunteers from the DEC taught children from the Boys and Girls Club about Albany Countys
natural resources as well as how to fish.

With the support of a variety of local organizations and through the partnership between the Sheriff,
County Executive, and District Attorney, human and fiscal resources were made available to repair the
damage the site had incurred at the hands of vandals and trespassers throughout the years while it lay
idle. Through the support of the inmate work release program, significant accumulated debris, both
inside and outside of the buildings, was removed. Additionally, members of the Canoe Club and
AmeriCorps helped with the cleanup of the cabins and storage facilities. Local Eagle Scouts helped to
mark trails and built a footbridge to enable visitors to readily access the hiking areas located throughout
the property.
85

As part of their service project, the Eagle Scouts also built benches and a memorial so that individuals
visiting the historic Lawson Lake cemetery had a place where they could sit and enjoy the rich history of
the area. Individuals from the building trades assisted in completing the repairs to the buildings and the
cabins received a coat of fresh paint through the assistance of Jeff Stark. The efforts of these community
groups and the combined resources of the Sheriff, County Executive, and the DA, have begun the
restoration of Lawson Lake to its original beauty.

Albany County has made a commitment to continue to build on the improvements already made at this
site. The County has received a $50,000.00 grant to build new restrooms and a pavilion and to make
further improvements to existing structures. Additionally, a partnership has been formed with the Snow
Mobile Association to ensure the area is accessible for a variety of winter sports including snowmobiling,
snowshoeing and ice fishing. Efforts have already begun to repair the caretakers house in the hopes
that a visitors center can be created. The hope of the Sheriff, County Executive, and the DA is that the
visitors center can serve as a resource for citizens of Albany County who would like to learn more about
the rich nature preserve at Lawson Lake.

86

1/10/14

Ardit Potka, Deputy Sheriff

Amy Kowalski, Deputy Sheriff
Zachary Shaw, Correction Officer

1/24/14

Stephen Roberts, Telecommunicator

Tania Spadaro, Telecommunicator

1/31/14

Arthur Girard, Telecommunicator

2/7/14

Brianna Pierce, Telecommunicator

Daniel Stipe, Correction Officer
Kevin Pontore, Correction Officer
Justin Febbie, Correction Officer
Jeffrey Solomon, Correction Officer

2/7/14

Kevin Burns, Building Maintenance Helper (Correctional Facility)

3/7/14

Jennifer Wright, Telecommunicator

4/4/14

Daniel Charon, Telecommunicator

Diane Hoeffner, Telecommunicator
Christopher Sullivan, Correction Officer
Aaron Fantroy, Correction Officer
Ryan Lawson, Correction Officer
Vincent Adams, Correction Officer

5/2/14

Corey Pledger-Patillo, Correction Officer

5/30/14

Vivian Kornegay, Account Clerk I (Corrections)

87

Ashley Rose, Telecommunicator

7/4/14

Tiffany-Jayde Gontczaruk, Deputy Sheriff

Corey Andrus, Deputy Sheriff
Matthew Nash, Deputy Sheriff
Ryan Berkery, Deputy Sheriff
Anthony Sheehan, Correction Officer
Joseph Poleto, Correction Officer
Jonathan Govel, Correction Officer
Daniel Marcy, Correction Officer
Nicholas Farrell, Correction Officer
Brandon Austin, Correction Officer

10/17/14

Stacy McNally, Deputy Sheriff

1/1/2014

Kevin Demarest, to Public Safety Communications Specialist, (from Senior

Telecommunicator)

1/10/14

Brian Dunican, Jr. to Senior Telecommunicator (from Telecommunicator)

1/31/14

James Harnett, to Telecommunicator (from EMT PT)

2/7/14

Martin Zaloga, to First Sergeant (from Sergeant)

3/28/14

Bernard Weis III, to Sergeant (from Deputy Sheriff)

Bradley Roy, to Inspector (from Captain)

7/4/14

Ronald Messen II, to Investigator (from Deputy Sheriff)

Charles Higgins, to Senior Investigator (from Investigator)

8/8/14

Tressa Young, to Telecommunicator (from Food Service Helper)

9/19/14

Sherree Sebast, to Confidential Secretary (from Clerk-Typist I)

88

9/26/14

1/10/14

Steven Mattfeld, to Sergeant (from Deputy Sheriff)

Timothy OBrien, Correction Officer

Donald Hackel, Correction Officer

1/18/14

George Bull, Correction Officer

3/28/14

Steven Gecewicz, Assistant Superintendent (Correctional Facility)

4/25/14

John Sipperly, Correction Officer

Patricia Tworek, Confidential Secretary

4/30/14

Lawrence Devine, Correction Officer

6/25/14

James Sheedy, Correction Officer

6/26/14

Thomas OKeefe, Correction Officer

6/29/14

John Monaghan, Correction Officer

6/30/14

John Layton, Captain/County

Emergency Manager

7/24/14

Michael Walczak, Correction Officer

7/25/14

Edwin Kuhl, Sergeant (Correctional Facility)

10/3/14

Marc DeFruscio, Correction Officer

11/21/14

Ronald J. Bates, Deputy Sheriff

89

This unit ensures compliance in conjunction with the New York State Commission of
Corrections and works closely with their staff. Its duties include constant reviews of
current facility policies, rules and regulations, HIPPA compliance, and cycle reviews.
Reports and databases are produced for facility activities in order to define accurate
accounting of inmate and business activities. The Albany County Correctional Facility
has been accredited by the NYS Sheriffs Association since 2003. The Accreditation Unit is also
responsible for maintaining the facilitys computer and surveillance systems. Included in this is a new
Offender Management System program which integrates all current inmate information with the Global
Tel Link inmate telephone system. Further duties include the integration and collection of data from the
New York State Criminal Information Repository. The Livescan automated fingerprinting system, which
provides digital fingerprint data to the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, is also maintained.

The Albany County Correctional Facility rents out empty cells to the Federal Government, the State of
New York and other area facilities that are overcrowded. The Federal Government (U.S. Marshals
Service) has a contract with the county for guaranteed cell space for 20 Federal Inmates. Major changes
occurred in 2012 with respect to New York State funded housing. The state no longer pays for parole
violators to be housed at county correctional facilities leaving the counties to absorb those costs. The
state has also changed its policy on paying counties for housing State Ready Inmates, those inmates who
are ready for transfer into the state prison system. Payment now begins only after ten business days,
leaving counties to absorb the costs associated with housing the inmate up to the tenth business day.
Since the inception of the Boarder Program in 1990, Albany County has received over ninety-eight
million dollars in revenue.

Agency

Daily rate per cell

Received in 2014

Federal
Government

$ 119.30

$ 1,538,287.89

Other Counties

$75.00-$100.00

$ 6,168,959.18

NYS ready/Parole

$ 100.00

Grand Total

$ 7,707,247.07

0.00

90

The 2014 average population was eight hundred and thirty one inmates with each inmate receiving
three meals per day. This resulted in a total of 2,493 servings per day, 17,452 servings per week and
924,956 servings per year, including special diets. The Albany County Correctional Facility continued its
partnership with Aramark Correctional Services to maintain and support the facilitys Commissary and
Food Services Unit.

This unit provides mental health services to the inmate population as deemed necessary by the courts,
staff observations, and community referrals. Risk assessments are routinely conducted as one of the
many roles of the Adult Forensics Unit which is directed by Jennifer Dalton, LMSW. The Mental Health
Services Unit also works closely with the facilitys Medical Unit to ensure proper inmate treatment at all
times. Staff members from the Albany County Department of Mental Health and the Psychiatric Group
of Albany have been active in addressing the needs of 7,615 inmates during the 2014 calendar year. Of
these, 1,197 inmates were identified as being at risk of harming themselves or others. The units staff
conducts daily rounds on both the male and female mental health housing units. Ongoing support and
treatment are provided for all individuals who have been identified as needing psychiatric services.
These include, but are not limited to, the provision of individual sessions and groups as well as discharge
facilitation. Such measures improve access to community resources in an attempt to reduce recidivism.

Under the direction of Mr. Theron Rockwell, the Inmate Services Unit and its staff is responsible for
meeting with each inmate following admission. Through individual interviews, the ISU staff determines
each inmates need for programs, religious services, continuing education, law research materials and
other things. Additional duties of ISU include coordinating various services, such as, inmate marriages
and video conferences. 7 male inmates and 1 female inmate were married in the facility in 2014. There
were 805 video conferences in 2014: 385 to Albany County Probation, 20 to Schoharie County
Probation, 39 to Jefferson County Probation, and 123 to the Dutchess County Public Defender. These
video conferences allow for legal representation for offenders while saving transportation costs to and
from the facility. Video conferencing expanded in 2014 with the addition of video visitation. This
revenue bearing opportunity allows visitors to communicate with offenders via their computers at
home. The equipment and video services are paid for by the revenue generated by the program at no
cost to Albany County. There were 5,331 video visitations in the past year as well as 192 telephone
conferences to Albany County Family Court and various other counties in New York State. The facility
also provides a full school curriculum and in 2014, 9 inmates received GEDs while incarcerated. A Trinity
Transition program is available to inmates between the ages of 16 and 20 years of age. This program is
designed to help incarcerated youths turn their lives around using a Twelve Step Program model. The
goal of the program is to remove obstacles to training and employment for young people who have
been involved with the criminal justice system. Individual consultations and group settings are utilized
during the programs four week cycles. During 2014, a total of 3,121 participants transitioned from the
correctional facility to the community based program. The Inmate Services Unit also has seven Certified
91

Application Counselors (CAC) who interview and enroll inmates in health insurance programs under the
Affordable Care Act. The Legal Library went electronic in 2014 which now allows the inmate population
quicker and greater access to legal materials 7 days a week.

The Admissions and Discharge Unit, also known as booking, is one of the first places minor and adult
inmates will see at any correctional facility. The staff assigned to this unit will question and assess each
individual admitted to the facility for all issues related to incarceration. Upon intake, members of the
unit digitally fingerprint and outfit inmates with facility issued clothing. Personal effects and clothing are
stored and later returned at the time of the inmates discharge and release. The daily average
population for 2014 was 831 inmates. The booking area processed 7,726 new admissions, 7,699
discharges, and the facility accepted 508 pre-arraigned detainees during the 2014 calendar year. Local
police agencies saved funds and resources by housing their prisoners at the correctional facility until
arrangements for arraignment and transportation could be made.

The Albany County Correctional Facility utilizes a privatized

medical services company, Correctional Medical Care, which
has resulted in a cost savings to Albany County. During 2014,
348 inmates were admitted to the infirmary for various
illnesses resulting in a $1,157,100.00 savings to the county in
outsourced hospitalization costs. A total of 11,063 inmates
were seen by the nursing staff for routine sick call requests
and the unit screened 7,726 newly admitted inmates as part
of the initial admissions process. 35 female inmates were
monitored or admitted due to pregnancy prior to
incarceration.

In 2014, Sheriff Apple continued the Inmate Workforce Crew Program which utilizes sentenced inmates
to perform work at various locations throughout the county. Inmates in this program, under the
supervision of trained corrections officers, performed 2,985 hours of work during 2014. This resulted in
substantial economic savings to Albany County residents and to nonprofit organizations where work was
performed on a daily basis.

92

The training unit has the responsibility of individual and group training for all employees of the
correctional facility. Training for sworn staff includes firearms, defensive tactics, use of force, suicide
prevention, and diversity training along with many other topics. This unit coordinated 14,301 hours of
training in all areas required by Federal and New York State standards. The Albany County Correctional
Facility sponsored a basic training academy for correction officers in 2014, 18 correction officers
graduated from this school.

This team consists of highly trained, sworn

correctional staff members who respond to inmate
disturbances, support contraband searches, perform
high security inmate transports and address facility
perimeter threats. The team trains in multi-scenario
incident responses and is on call twenty-four hours a
day. During 2014, the team completed 1,017 hours of
specialized training. Select members of this team
have been cross designated to supplement the Law
Enforcement Emergency Response Team for certain
events such as dignitary protection, scene
preservation and training assignments.

93

The Work Alternative Program was instituted in April of 1991. Since its inception, the program has
proven to be a successful and positive alternative to incarceration. Many of the courts, along with the
District Attorneys Office, have utilized the services of the Work Alternative Program and have found it
to be very beneficial. According to New York State law, a judge may sentence nonviolent offenders to
perform unpaid services in lieu of incarceration. After evaluating such criteria as previous criminal
history and severity of crimes, the offender may be sentenced to this program as a condition of their
probation or as a requirement of conditional discharge. The sentencing judge sets the number of hours
to be worked in accordance with the schedule established by the Sheriffs Office.

Number of participants
59

Total number of
service hours

Work Site
Savings

Boarder Savings

10,962

$ 79,477.00

$137,000.00

In addition to the many programs that the

facility has to offer, the S.T.A.R. program has
been implemented in conjunction with the
Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society. Canines are
paired up with inmates who have received
training in how to properly care for animals
intended for adoption. The pets receive training
in basic commands in order to prepare them for
their future families. In 2014, 25 dogs were
trained at the facility and 23 were adopted.
Many facility staff members have also adopted
some of these pets.

94

In 2014, the Albany County Sheriffs Office introduced an inmate vegetable garden at the Correctional
Facility. The 10 bed garden included tomatoes, onions, cabbages, peppers, squash, basil, broccoli, and
eggplant. The garden was maintained by inmate workers who watered, weeded, and tended to the
plants. When the vegetables matured, the inmates harvested them and the Sheriffs Office donated the
vegetables to local food pantries to feed needy families in the community.

In 2014, the Sheriffs Office partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the County Executive
and the Soldier On program to create a new initiative at the facility focused on stopping recidivism
among our veteran population. This program also assists veterans with housing, jobs, and education
services upon release from the facility.

95