Once again, the Central New York Chapter of the Association of Former New York State Troopers is offering two education awards. One $500 award will be given to a high school senior child or grandchild of an active Division member working in the areas delineated below. Another $500 award will be given to a high school senior child or grandchild of a member of the CNY- AFNYST. The high school senior MUST be planning to attend a 2-year or 4-year institution in the Fall of 2026 to qualify. Active Division members must be assigned to the CNY area: Troop D, T-3, C-3, E (Cayuga County only), SORT Central, PSB Central, or Other. See the attached application for further information. Return to CNY Chapter Secretary/Treasurer, Jay Pristash, 5167 Winterton Dr, Fayetteville, NY 13066 by deadline, June 1, 2026.

NYSPIA Weekly Update This week’s update focused on member wellness, professionalism, and ongoing engagement with Division leadership: Mental Health & Wellness Efforts: NYSPIA leadership participated in a podcast in Long Island to promote awareness of mental health resources in law enforcement. Continued collaboration with Division and EAP aims to expand support services for members and their families. Members are encouraged to utilize these resources when needed. Leadership Engagement: Regular discussions with the Superintendent continue, emphasizing member well-being, professionalism, and maintaining open communication on current challenges in the field. Personnel Complaints & Reporting: An increase in anonymous complaints (“poison pen letters”) has been noted. Members are encouraged to address concerns through proper supervisory and official channels to maintain professionalism, accountability, and unit morale. Professional Responsibility: Members are reminded to remain vigilant in their conduct, avoid complacency, and uphold the standards expected of the profession. Personal accountability remains critical. Body-Worn Cameras: NYSPIA continues to work with Division on the proposed BCI body-worn camera policy. Final approval and implementation are pending, with updates to follow. Contract Negotiations: Preparations and discussions remain ongoing as NYSPIA continues to advocate on behalf of members. Further updates will be provided as progress is made. Members are encouraged to stay engaged, support one another, and reach out through appropriate channels with any questions or concerns.

NYSPIA Weekly Update This week’s update covered several key developments affecting members: Body-Worn Cameras: NYSPIA leadership met with Division to review and provide input on the proposed BCI body-worn camera policy. Suggested revisions were well received, and the policy is expected to be finalized and rolled out in the near future. Alternate Schedules: Discussions continue with Division on implementing 10-hour alternate schedules for specialty units. A potential pilot program is being developed. Personnel Complaints & Professional Responsibility: An increase in personnel complaints has been noted, including some anonymous complaints. Members are reminded to maintain professionalism, utilize supervisors, and address issues proactively to avoid escalation. Time & Attendance: Members were reminded to use good judgment and accountability regarding time, attendance, and take-home vehicle policies to preserve existing privileges. Legislative Updates: Two service credit bills—S7750 (deputy sheriff service credit) and S7986 (firefighter service credit)—have advanced to the finance stage. Movement is expected to be limited this session due to fiscal considerations. NYSPIA also participated in a statewide Public Safety Alliance rally in New York City supporting the proposed “Halo Bill” (S9974), which would establish a 15-foot safety buffer zone around first responders during incidents. Ongoing Engagement: Continued dialogue with Division leadership remains strong, with NYSPIA maintaining an active role in policy discussions and member advocacy. Members are encouraged to submit suggestions through the intranet portal or reach out to their delegates with any concerns or ideas.

CNY AFNYST April 2026 NEWSLETTER 04/21/2026 MEETING MINUTES The monthly CNY - AFNYST meeting was held on April 21, 2026, at Jake’s Grub and Grog in Brewerton. President Mike Walser opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. President Walser requested a moment of silence for our sick and departed members. Chaplain Steve Maddox offered a blessing. The meeting was paused for a meal. The meeting was attended by: Gary Barlow, Dick Vogt, Ed Rood, Steve Maddox, Don Barker, Jim Cole, Mike Gilmour, Harold Peck, Ted Palmer, Susan Wood-Rautenstrauch, Mark Nell, Martha Lawrence, Amy Weidner, Tom Irwin, Stan Weidman, Joe Weidner, Pete Patterson, Tim Siddall, Dick Lynch, Doug Gilmore, Erwin Brandl, Sam Serrano, Tom Rogers, Jim Moynihan, Bob Heath, Jose Figueiredo, Frank Jerome, Rick Sauer, Matt Tynan, Mike Walser, Phil Rougeux, and Jay Pristash. President Walser requested to accept the last newsletter as the minutes of the last meeting, and to waive the reading of the minutes. Motion to waive the reading by Jose Figueiredo, seconded by Jim Moynihan. Motion carried. The Treasurer Report for December 2025 was given by Jay Pristash. Much of the balance of the Money Market account was transferred to a 6-month CD for business at a 2.7% interest rate. The remaining Money Market account was converted into a Commercial Savings Account. The annual IRS Tax filing was completed on December 18, 2025, which is done with a simple electronic filing. The Treasurer Report for January through March was also given. The majority of the membership has paid their dues, and the chapter received a $500 donation from Chapter member Jim Cole. It was also noted that the chapter had received “Thank You” notes from Meals on Wheels regarding our donation in memory of Dick Sparrow, and from the family of John Schuyler for a donation in his memory to the Cochran Memorial Presbyterian Church. Motion to accept the reports by Tim Siddall, seconded by Tom Irwin. Motion carried. President Walser noted the passing of 4 chapter members since our last meeting: Bob Killough. CV Lewis, John Schuyler, and Russell Gritsch. Vice President Rougeux touched on issues that were discussed at the State Board Meeting on 04/18/26, which included information provided by Shannon Scheidt, widow of former Board President Fred Scheidt who passed away in 2025 from a 9/11-related cancer. She stressed that you should ensure that you have registered both federally and with the state, and that testing is important. You should ensure your doctors know that you served in NYC and the surrounding area during the post-9/11 period and you are at risk for a myriad of illnesses and cancers so that they do not dismiss your risks. The Division’s HR-218 qualification opportunities were discussed. The Board approved a survey to be developed by some members who believe that there are neurological issues among retirees that have been caused by exposure to dry cleaning solvents in our uniforms. The survey will eventually be sent out to retirees to determine if there may be a correlation. The Board and individual chapters may now issue “Gray Rider” awards when appropriate. The Board approved the printing of same. President Walser noted the clambake is scheduled for August 2, 2026, once again at the Liverpool Elks Lodge. Old business - Jay Pristash advised that the applications for the two Education awards will go out soon. There will once again be two awards, one for the child or grandchild of a chapter member, and one for the child or grandchild of an active Division member working in the Chapter area. The applicants must be graduating high school seniors planning on attending a 2-year or 4-year institution. New Business – The Chapter received 4 applications for membership: Amy Weidner, Joseph Weidner, John Allen, and Kenneth Lawrence. All were accepted for membership. Welcome! Mike Gilmour spoke regarding his opinion that, with election season approaching, that the chapter refrain from making any candidate endorsements. He spoke of a past endorsement that wasn’t well received and made the point that it is probably not appropriate for the 30 or so members who attend a particular meeting to approve endorsements on behalf of the entire Chapter membership. 50/25/25 Drawing winners Gary Barlow Steve Maddox – donated back to Chapter Attendance Drawing results 1st for $100 – Denis Donovan – not present 2nd for $50 – Lawrence Keech – not present 3rd for $25 – Robert Wood – not present President Walser noted the next meeting will be on May 19, 2026, at the Roselawn, 446 Main Street, New York Mills, 13417. Social hour at 6PM. Meeting at 7PM. With no further business President Walser asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion by Ed Rood, seconded by Tom Rogers. Motion carried. Mike Walser - President - 1170 Ryan Rd. Tully, NY 13159 mawalser@yahoo.com - 315-761-7640 Philip Rougeux - Vice President - 1108 Palmer Dr. Canastota, NY 13032 philiptrougeux@gmail.com – 315-264-0239 Jay Pristash – Treasurer/Secretary - 5167 Winterton Dr. Fayetteville, NY 13066 treasurercny@gmail.com – 315-317-6190

James K. Hogan June 25, 1943 - April 12, 2026          Entered Eternal Life on April 12, 2026, at age 82. Loving husband of Kathleen (nee Kurtz) for 52 years. Beloved father of James K. (Jeannette) Hogan Jr. and Jennifer Hogan (Aaron Braswell). Grandfather of Will and Grant Braswell. He is also survived by his brother Thomas (Lenora) Hogan and sister-in-law Eileen Mattfeld. Further survived by other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Elizabeth Hogan. He will be remembered above all as a devoted and loving father whose guidance, strength, and unwavering support shaped the lives of those he cherished most. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he carried his sense of duty and honor into a distinguished 20-year career as a New York State Trooper, serving with integrity and courage. Following his time in law enforcement, he pursued a second calling as a practicing attorney beginning in 1984. Though he had only just entered retirement a week prior to passing, his legacy of service, commitment, and love will endure in all who knew him. Visitation will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home in Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10am until time of Funeral Service at 12pm. He will be laid to rest following the service at Sunnyside Cemetery in Lannon.

Robert J. Woytowich 1940 - 2026 Robert J. Woytowich, 85, of Toledo, Ohio passed away on April 16, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC after a short illness. He was born May 2, 1940 in Shamokin, PA to Theodore Woytowich and Isabelle (Alexa) Woytowich. He joined the Navy at age 19 to explore the world outside of Toledo, and served honorably as a Navy diver and radio operator in the early 1960’s, serving during the Vietnam Conflict. After his military service he moved to New York and joined the NYS Police on June 23, 1966. He married in 1967 and had six children: Lorraine, Lisa, Linda, Michael, Nancy and Debra. His children, their spouses and his grandchildren always looked up to him. He was a profound force and influence on all of their lives, even from afar. A proud southpaw known as “Crow,” he spent most of his time with the NYS Police stationed in Troop B Malone, as one of the only dog handlers in the state in the 1970s. He spent countless hours tracking criminals and lost souls alike, at times away from his family for weeks on end, but he always returned with a story. In his free time Crow enjoyed a varying number of pastimes - a favorite of which was playing cards. He also enjoyed rooting for the (always losing) Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and NY Giants and was an amateur ham radio operator. He was Commander of the American Legion Post 19 in Malone from 1989-1990. He retired from the NYS Police on September 3, 1986, divorced, and eventually moved to the Albany, NY area where he remarried. He spent the last years of his life in Myrtle Beach, which was - by all accounts - much warmer than the upstate NY winters. In keeping with his longstanding wishes and character, his body was donated to the Medical University of South Carolina’s Anatomical Gift Program, allowing him to serve one final time in the education of future doctors and healthcare professionals. A service of gratitude for his immediate family will take place at the Medical University later this year. Crow was very adamant that there be no fanfare when it was his time to depart this Earth. Instead, he would have wanted those who knew him to remember him in their own way. Thanks, dad. We love you, and we’ll miss you. WA2WBJ, signing off.

Russell J. Gritsch November 11, 1932 – April 16, 2026 Obituary It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, Russell J. Gritsch, age 93, of Westmoreland, on April 16, 2026. Russell was born in Rensselaer, New York on November 11, 1932, to Joseph and Marville Smith Gritsch. He attended Milne Schools before enrolling in the State University of New York at Albany, achieving a bachelor's degree. On August 19,1961 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Beverly Bonville. Russell and Beverly were married for 43 years when Beverly passed away in 2004. There are some people whose love becomes part of the foundation of a family, and Russell Gritsch was that kind of person. He lived a life marked by service. He served as a military police officer during the Korean War. Following that service, he served as a New York State Trooper for 32 years. These roles reflected his deep sense of duty, discipline, and commitment. They remained an important part of the man he was. Russell grew up on a farm and that way of life stayed with him throughout the years. It shaped the kind of man he became and could still be seen in the way he lived and the things he valued. One of the sweetest reminders of him lives on in his blueberry bushes, which still gives us something to enjoy today. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He found enjoyment in astronomy and playing cards, especially bridge. Watching his grandchildren grow was one of the greatest joys of his life. He loved being there to support, encourage, and cheer them on, often with a cowbell ringing through the crowd. Above all else, he will be remembered for the way he made his family feel. He gave love in a way that brought comfort and steadiness, and his presence made life feel more grounded. He was deeply loved and always will be. Russell is survived by one son, Douglas; and two daughters; Tammy and husband, Barry Yette and Valerie and husband, Jeffery Connor. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Adam Murling, Ryan Murling and fiancé, Nicole Dawson, Morgan and husband, Tyler Deveans, Alyssa and fiancé, Michael Clark, and Spencer, Rowan, and Kierra Connor. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Everly, Kilian, and Eloise. Russell was pre-deceased by his wife, Beverly, his parents, daughter, Deanna, and sister, Virginia. Russell's funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 23, at 6 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome, NY. Burial will be in Westmoreland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may pay their respects during calling hours from 3 to 6 PM prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the New York State Troopers Benevolent Association. Please offer online condolences at: www.barryfuneralhome.com.

Valerie Anne Pearl January 20, 1952 - April 15, 2026 It is with deep regret that Major Marc A. Barbera, Troop D Commander, announces the passing of Valerie Pearl, age 74, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.  Mrs. Pearl is the mother of recently retired Senior Investigator Jared Pearl who was last assigned to EAP in Troop H and Troop D. Valerie Anne Pearl Obituary      Mrs. Valerie Anne Pearl, 74, of Marcy, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Wynn Hospital with her loving family by her side.      Valerie was born in Utica on January 20, 1952, the daughter of Valentine and Grace (Wilcox) Zarnoch. She was raised locally and was a graduate of Whitesboro High School. On October 27, 1972, Valerie was united in marriage to the love of her life, Kermit A. Pearl, at First Baptist Church in North Utica. Valerie was a life member of the Maynard Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in Marcy. She was a devoted animal lover who found great joy in her hobby farm, where she lovingly cared for horses, cows, goats, and many other animals. Her greatest passion, however, was horses. She bred and raised Appaloosa, Pinto Paint, and Quarter Horses with pride and dedication. Valerie was also a woman of the Catholic faith.     Mrs. Pearl is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 53 years, Kermit; her loving son, Jared Allen Pearl and his companion, Nichole Shortell, of Deerfield; her sister, Marilyn Cyr of Marcy; and her brother and sister-in-law, Valentine and Rosemary Zarnoch of New Hartford. She is also survived by her Godmother, Gertrude Murphy of Marcy; a special cousin, Marty (Valerie) Zarnock of New Hartford; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Evan (Crissy) Pearl of Deerfield, Barbara (Kevin) Bischoping of Ballston Lake, NY, Penny (Tom) Eurich of Floyd, and Lydia Pearl of Rome. Valerie will be fondly remembered by her dear friends, Barbara Bathke of Westmoreland, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Cobb of Oxford, NY, Peter and Beverly Burns of Steuben, and Jimmy and Susan Thomas of Marcy, along with a special family friend, Donna Grippe. She also leaves behind several cherished nieces and nephews as well as her precious horses, Karma, Atticus, and Clyde; her beloved canine companions, Annie and Mycah; and her adored feline companion, Muffy. She was predeceased by her parents, Valentine and Grace, her in-laws, Kermit and Priscilla Pearl and her brother-in-law, Ronald Cyr.      Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation. Mrs. Pearl will be laid to rest in Carr Cemetery in Marcy at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so are kindly asked to consider a donation to the Maynard Fire Department, PO Box 377, 9500 Maynard Ave., Marcy, NY 13403, or Anita’s Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.