GOVERNOR CUOMO CONGRATULATES STATE POLICE ON 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of the New York State Police Centennial Celebration with the dedication of an historical marker commemorating the Division’s 100th Anniversary at the Cavalry Club in Manlius, Onondaga County. Governor Cuomo also proclaimed April 11th as New York State Police Day. The Department of State Police was created on April 11, 1917, when Governor Charles S. Whitman signed the Wells-Mills Bill into law, establishing the State Police as a full-service police agency. The Cavalry Club is the site of Camp Newayo, where the first 232 Troopers received their training starting in June of 1917."
The New York State Police built a 100-year legacy of innovation and excellence in public service, giving it the well-deserved recognition as one of the most highly-respected law enforcement agencies in the nation,” Governor Cuomo said. "From Buffalo to Plattsburgh to New York City and everywhere in between, Troopers put their own safety on the line each day to protect all of us. I join the State Police in celebrating this important milestone, and on behalf of all New Yorkers, I congratulate and thank all Troopers for their outstanding service.
"State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, "Since April 11, 1917, the State Police have been committed to helping New Yorkers by providing them with friendly, professional service. I am humbled and honored to serve as Superintendent as we celebrate our centennial, and I encourage everyone to join us and learn about the outstanding work our sworn and civilian members perform each and every day."
After dark tonight, the tower of the Empire State Building in New York City will be lit in purple and gray to honor the State Police Centennial. The Peace Bridge in Buffalo will also be illuminated in the State Police colors, as will Niagara Falls, from 10 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
The idea for a State Police force started in 1913, when a construction foreman named Sam Howell was murdered while delivering payroll to a jobsite in Westchester County. Before he died, Howell was able to identify his attackers as a group of men he recently released from the construction site, due to poor performance. Even with this information, the men were never apprehended. His employer, Miss Moyca Newell, and her friend, author Katherine Mayo, concerned by the state of rural law enforcement, started the movement to form a state police force to provide police protection in all of New York’s rural areas.
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