POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

of the NEW YORK STATE TROOPERS, INC.

120 State Street

Albany, New York 12207
Office: (518) 462-7448
Fax: (518) 462-0790
nystpba@nystpba.org
f
THOMAS H. MUNGEER
President

RICHARD M. AMEDURE,
JR.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli

110 State St.
Albany, NY 12236

First Vice President

December 12, 2016

DANIEL F. SISTO
Second Vice President

JOHN P. MORETTI, JR.

Secretary & Troop A Delegate

Dear Comptroller DiNapoli,

CHARLES A. Di SANTO
Treasurer

I have been closely following the saga of attempts by the Division of State
Police to secure approval of a contract for the purchase of a helicopter with
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. It is crucial that this contract be approved as this
acquisition is vital to the safety and security of the members of the New York
State Police and the passengers and public who rely on these aircraft.

ROGER L. RIUTTA
Troop B Delegate

ANDREW C. DAVIS
Troop C Delegate

DOMINICK PEDULLA
Troop D Delegate

GARY D. NUESSLE
Troop E Delegate

STEPHEN K. JOHNSTONE
Troop F Delegate

ERIC V. TERRAFERMA
Troop G & H Delegate

MAURICE E. COLEY
Troop K Delegate

PETER M. NUNZIATA
Troop L Delegate/Sgt. at Arms

WILLIAM M. GOURLAY
Troop T Delegate

JOSEPH R. DOMAGOLA
NCO West Delegate

MICHAEL R. COLLIER
NCO East Delegate

JOHN W. McCARTHY, JR.

As the President of the New York State Troopers PBA, which represents 3,800
uniformed Troopers, the health and safety of my members is my primary
concern. The PBA has always advocated for better safety conditions and for the
acquisition of much-needed equipment to ensure our members safety and we
continue to do so now.
The critical importance of the mission of New York State Police Aviation Unit
cannot be overstated as it provides support to federal, state and local law
enforcement and participates in search and rescue missions and disaster relief
operations. The Unit also provides lifesaving transport to the public in
MEDEVAC situations.

Officers Delegate

FREDERICK W. SCHEIDT
Retiree Liaison

RICHARD E. MULVANEY
General Counsel

GORDON D. WARNOCK
Political Director

The State Police has operated one helicopter short since 2012 in a rapidly aging
air fleet for far too long. This situation has added considerable stress and wear
and tear on the remaining helicopters, as evidenced by the sharp increase in
emergency landings over the past year. The fleet currently operates with
helicopters that are significantly worn and in rapid decline. Three of the
helicopters are 46, 52 and 53 years old. The last helicopter purchase was in 2002,

Proud Member of the National Troopers Coalition - National Association of Police Organizations
Police Conference of New York - New York State Public Employees Conference

making even the more recently acquired aircraft in the fleet almost 15 years old. This situation
puts the safety of our members at risk and is not acceptable.
For these reasons, I urge you to promptly approve the contract for the new Sikorsky
helicopter. This pending purchase will bring us back to full strength to help ensure the safety of
our members and the public, and needs to be completed. To us, this is an issue of public safety,
plain and simple and should be streamlined to the quickest path of resolution. Red tape and
politics should not stand in the way of public safety.
Please feel free to contact me or use my organization or me as a resource to rectify this situation.
Thank you.
Sincerely,

Thomas H. Mungeer
President

Proud Member of the National Troopers Coalition - National Association of Police Organizations
Police Conference of New York - New York State Public Employees Conference