Nine members of New Paltz UPD honored with SUNY Police Chiefs Association Awards

Members of the SUNY New Paltz UPD attended the SUNY Police Chiefs Association awards on Nov. 12

Lieutenants, officers and staff serving in SUNY New Paltz’s University Police Department (UPD) were recognized for life-saving actions and outstanding professionalism at the 2019 Police Awards, hosted by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association in Saratoga Springs, New York, on Nov. 12.

“I commend the men and women of our university police department for their tireless commitment and vigilance in keeping our students and campuses safe,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “While these awards recognize several outstanding officers, today and every day we thank and appreciate all of our officers across our campuses for their hard work that allow us to deliver the highest quality education for our students.”

Eight of New Paltz’s UPD members received Life Saving Awards, which honors police who helped save lives during the past year. Those awardees were:

  • Lieutenant John Ritayik, Jr.
  • Lieutenant Ryan Williams
  • Officer Talia Badillo
  • Officer Justin Larchevesque
  • Officer Antonio Stenta
  • Officer Victor Torres
  • Dispatcher Susan Best
  • Dispatcher Nicole Thompson

Lieutenant Ryan Williams and Officer Ryan Law received the Professional Service Award, recognizing members for acts that greatly enhance the operation of their departments.

Lieutenant Williams was the only person in the SUNY system to receive both the Life Saving Award and the Professional Service Award in 2019.

The SUNY Police Chiefs Association awards builds on a recent run of recognition for the New Paltz University Police Department. In May, the Police Chief’s Association of Ulster County recognized the department for its role in a collaborative investigation that led to arrests in multiple cases.

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