Lawmakers Offer Bills Seeking "Peace Officer" Status for Schoharie Tac-Force Members

ALBANY, 06/16/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) announced earlier this week senate approval of a bill he sponsors granting peace officer status to officers and members of the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Tactical and Rescue Force.  Senator Seward’s bill (S.7720) was the result of a dialogue  between the Schoharie County Sheriff, the Tac-Force, and Schoharie County’s legislative team.

“The Schoharie County Tac-Force is a critical component of the sheriff’s department, filling voids and providing support in a host of situations,” said Senator Seward.  “The men and women who make up this specialized unit are highly trained and help meet emergency preparedness needs.”

Currently, Schoharie County Tac-Force members are only officially defined as “peace officers” when preparing for or responding to an emergency situation.  Senator Seward’s legislation will provide them with peace officer status while working at public festivities, parades, fairs, and other similar events, “pursuant to their special duties.”

“The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Department relies on the Tac-Force to provide essential services, and to keep taxpayer costs in check.  Elevating Tac-Force members to full peace officer status is an appropriate action and fits with the duties and responsibilities these men and women already perform on a regular basis,”  Senator Seward added.

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Tactical and Rescue Force (Tac-Force) is a volunteer component of the sheriff’s department which provides security during public events, crowd control, search and rescue, traffic control, and assistance to road patrol deputies when needed.

Senator Seward has been a consistent supporter of the Schoharie County Tac-Force, securing a $25,000 state grant for the unit in 2013 to help purchase communications equipment, bullet proof vests, and uniforms. 

Companion legislation (A.9842A) sponsored by Assemblyman Pete Lopez has been introduced in the state assembly.

Coxsackie Business Owner Donates ATV for Search and Rescue Operatons to Schoharie County Sheriff's Department

After hearing the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office Tactical and Rescue Force was in need of an all-terrain vehicle, even being asked to donate an older model by members of the all volunteer force, Chris Gerken of Matt's Cycle Center in Coxsackie decided to take action and assist the still rebuilding Sheriff's department.

 

Working through Kawasaki's Law Enforcement Motor Vehicle program, Mr. Gerken was able to acquire a four wheel drive, side by side 2013 Kawasaki T-Rex for the Department, which presented their new vehicle to members of the press yesterday afternoon at the county's Public Safety Facility in Schoharie.

 

Sheriff Desmond (far left) and TACT & Rescue Force Members
posed in frigid temperatures Thursday (Credit: Timothy Knight)

Commenting that the "Sheriff's Office Tactical and Rescue Force is an unpaid group of volunteers which provide services to Schoharie County and it's residents on a regular basis," Sheriff Desmond focused on the hard work that the force does by listing traffic and crowd control at public events such as parades, field day celebrations and the County Fair as every day examples of their valuable efforts. He would go on to add that they "also assist in searches for lost, missing or injured people," and that he was "extremely thankful for all that they do."

 

Members of the Schoharie County Tactical and Rescue Force, who were on hand for the press conference and were described as a "well trained group who are always willing to respond and assist in any emergency," by Sheriff Desmond, praised the donation - saying that it would be used for "search and rescue operations," and that it was "designed for rural communities." Also on hand was John Stiles of the Department of Public Works Sign Maintenance Division, who designed the vehicle's colorful decals.