Three UPD members honored at SUNY Police Chiefs Association Ceremony

UPD Interim Chief Mary Ritayik and Lieutenant Ryan Williams at the SUNY Police Chiefs Award Ceremony, Nov. 13, 2018

Three members of the SUNY New Paltz University Police Department received awards for their service to the campus community at the 2018 SUNY Police Chiefs Association Awards Ceremony, Nov. 13 in Saratoga Springs.

Lieutenant Ryan Williams and Officer William Shaw received the Life Saving Award, an honor reserved for police whose actions directly contribute to saving or significantly prolonging human life.

Lt. Williams was recognized for exceptional work on Aug. 27, 2017, during a campus-wide search for a student believed to be at risk of self-harm. Lt. Williams found the student unresponsive and with a wrist laceration. He rendered first aid until an ambulance arrived on the scene, helping to save the student’s life.

On Sept. 29, 2017, PO Shaw responded to a 911 poll for an unresponsive male, possible overdose. He was the closest unit to the individual’s off-campus location, and as first responder administered a dose of Naloxone to the patient. The patient responded and became combative. PO Shaw was able to restrain the patient until additional assistance arrive and successfully rendered aid.

Also recognized at the Awards ceremony was Investigator J. Carson, who received the Professional Service Award, honoring members whose performance generally enhances the operation of their departments.

Inv. Carson works extensive hours handling a heavy caseload of numerous investigations, skillfully organized the department’s evidence and property handling, and served as the UPD’s Accreditation Manager, helping the department secure Division of Criminal Justice Services accreditation in March 2018.

Visit the University Police Department online to learn more about their work creating and maintaining a safe and secure educational environment on the SUNY New Paltz campus.