Niagara Frontier Chapter March Newsletter 2026  The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the Former New York State Troopers was held on Wednesday March 18, 2026 at the Depew Lancaster Moose Lodge, located at 5437 Broadway Avenue, Depew, NY. Meeting was called to order by Vice President Eric Weinreber at 7:40 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance to Our Flag. Followed was a Moment of Silence for Our Sick and Departed Members and Those Brave Men and Women Serving in Our Military Forces. Vice President: Vice President Eric Weinreber welcomed everyone to this evening's monthly meeting. Eric asked if all members were receiving the monthly emails.  A motion was made by Harry Perry and seconded by Tom Rash to accept the February Newsletter that was sent to members via email. A gentle reminder to return your 2026 membership renewals and dues.  Renewals can be paid at monthly meetings or by sending your check to Dan Lyons. Treasurer: Treasurer Daniel Lyons read the financial report for the months of February and March. Motion was made by Dave Overhoff and seconded by Kevin Jordan to accept the accounts. 250 LIMITED CLUB: Five weeks of Limited 250 numbers were drawn after the March monthly meeting. Congratulations to the Winners!! Checks are in the mail. There are 4 Numbers Available: 10, 28, 44, 129, 248 There are 17 unpaid numbers.  Please contact Kathleen if you intend to keep your numbers: 059, 106, 110, 117, 143, 145, 152, 157, 165, 168, 177, 181, 208, 214, 242, 243, 245  Kathleen Pawlak gave the Financial Report for Series XC from August to December 2026.  A motion to accept the account was made by Mike Slagel and seconded by Marty McKee. Week  #1               $25     169     Edward Shaver Jr                                 $15     080     Clyde Haupt                               $10     238     Greg Wildridge Week  #2               $25     088     Frank Panek                               $15     172     Richard Bizub                               $10     250     G Michael Kirkpatrick Week  #3               $25     094     Frank Broderick                               $15     026     Rick Sutton                               $10     055     Andrea Monkelbaan Week  #4               $25     013     Ron Bernys                               $15     097     Joseph Orzulak                               $10     179     Frank Broderick Week  #5               $25     019     Maryellen Cowell                               $15     135     John Ciccone                               $10     063     James Pauly Notes : Gene Baritot reported 23 members in attendance at the meeting. Thank you to Mike Ballow for taking care of the 50/50 raffle. Split club was won by Joseph Menna.  Next Regular Monthly Meeting will be held Wednesday April 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM The next SW Florida Former Troopers Luncheon will be held on Wednesday April 8, 2026 at noon at the Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill, 4451 Veronica S Shoemaker Boulevard,  Fort Myers, Florida contact:  browningrw@comcast.net if planning to attend.  A motion was made by Dave Denz and seconded by Dave Overhoff that the March monthly charity donation be given to the Niagara Wheatfield Helping Hands.  The Organization offers free groceries, hygiene products, and gently used clothing for any Wheatfield family in need.  Life is expensive, let them help. The NFC Chicken BBQ Picnic will be held on Wednesday July 15, 2062 starting at 5:00 PM at the Buffalo River Grove (formerly Fontana’s).  Tickets will be available for purchase starting at the May breakfast meeting.  Further details will be coming. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 PM was made by Jeffery Inman and seconded by Nicholas Keil. Happy Birthday: The following members will celebrate another birthday during the month of April. Congratulations!!  Please take time to wish them all the best! Lee Attaway  66,  James Barron  60,  George R. Berger  81,  Joseph Commisso  59,  William Cooley  87,  Robert Dossinger  83,  William Gourlay 58,  Dennis Jason 79,  Kevin Jordan  56,  Jack Keklak  85, Erik Lippassaar 49, Darl McCoy  83,  Martin McKee  61,  Sean Pierce 49,  Edward Shaver 57,  David Skretny 81,  Ronald Wolf 67,  Edward Young  60,  Mary Cranston Dates to Remember: Wednesday April 15, 2026 The Next Regular Meeting of the Niagara Frontier of the Former New York State Troopers will be held at the Depew Lancaster Moose Lodge located at 5437 Broadway Avenue, Depew, NY at 7:00 PM. Wednesday July 15, 2026 NFC Chicken BBQ Picnic Buffalo River Grove 2299 Clinton Street West Seneca, NY 14224  Wednesday December 9, 2026 NFC Holiday Happy Hour 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM The Ridge 555 Orchard Park Road West Seneca, NY 14224 Final Patrol :  Sr/Inv Dennis D. Marsh 76,  Tpr James F. Hughes 86,  Inv Ronald Heppes 93,  Staff Inspector Michael F. McManus 75,  Sgt/SC Gary Wilkerson 81,  Sr/Inv Robert J. Stedman 79,  Inv Dennis Spanitz 81,  Inv Frederick P. Johnson 83,  Z/Sgt Jerry A. Bliss 79,  Tpr Patrick W. Bentley 83                       May They All Rest in Peace.  Respectfully Submitted,  Kathleen M Pawlak Secretary

Sgt.SC Jay John Zagursky, Sr. July 15, 1943 - April 6, 2026 Sgt.SC Jay John Zagursky, Sr. Obituary BRUNSWICK - Jay J. Zagursky, Sr., with hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Jay Z, at home surrounded by family, on April 6, 2026. He left this world better than he found it, peacefully with a loving heart. Jay’s roots were in Albany County, where he was born on July 15, 1943, with strong ties to Rensselaer County. Marrying the love of his life, Karen Walsh of Averill Park, led him to stay in Rensselaer County the rest of his days. Upon honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force, Jay returned home to Albany where he worked for Albany County Sheriff’s office and General Electric Co.. He had his sights set on becoming a New York State Trooper. Achieving that goal, he became a sworn member in 1966. He retired after 34 years of dedicated service. Jay embarked on his second career as Investigator with the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office soon after, remaining in that role for twenty plus years, reluctantly but joyfully retiring for a final time on his birthday. Although Jay’s greatest legacy was his family, his role as Sergeant/Station Commander at SP Brunswick was a proud accomplishment in this life. It was a long held dream realized through resilience, integrity, loyalty, commitment, and dedication. A true testament to the honorable man  that he was. He is survived by friends, too numerous to mention individually, whom he shared happy times playing games of chance (mostly poker at which he excelled), horse shoes, fishing at the Tomhannock and trout streams in NY and VT, building rock walls and cutting wood for his wood stove. After he semi-retired from fishing, he would hike through the beautiful trails of the Rensselaer Plateau. He continued to be an avid reader throughout his life. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife Karen Walsh Zagursky and treasured children and family: Teri Zagursky Glasser (Thomas); Alexandria Zagursky Melaragno (James Badolato); and Jay J. Zagursky, II. Grandchildren: Tara L. Hulbert (Eric); Tyler J. Glasser (Stephanie Milos); Abagail Melaragno (David Venson); and Nicholas Melaragno (Kayla LaBreck). Great Grandsons: Cooper and Luke Hulbert; Oliver Glasser; and Carson Venson. Beloved Cousin Carol Viens (Charles); Brothers and Sisters-in-law Larry and Lois Walsh and Stephen and Rona Walsh; Nephew Sean Walsh; and Niece Amy Walsh. Jay was pre-deceased by his cherished daughter Kerrie, parents Alexandra (Alice) Karol Zagursky and Julius Zagursky and fun-loving father and mother-in-law William Walsh and Marie (Benedict) Walsh. Sincere thanks to all who provided care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jay’s name to the Trooper Foundation, Signal 30 Benefit Fund, or The Community Hospice of the Capital District. Calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. April 14 at Our Lady of Victory Church, North Lake Avenue, Troy, NY. On Wednesday, April 15,at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Church followed by interment at 1 p.m. at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.  To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sgt.SC Jay, please visit our floral store .

NYSPIA Weekly Update – Summary Troop A Visit (Buffalo) Strong turnout from investigators and retirees Positive engagement and feedback Continued emphasis on in-person meetings as a key way to connect with members Body-Worn Cameras Division has issued a draft policy (CSU & VFW focused) NYSPIA is: Reviewing the proposal Preparing feedback/changes Expanding internal committee 👉 Bottom line: Implementation is coming—focus is on shaping policy to protect members Alternate Schedules (Specialty Units) Actively being developed for contract negotiations Options being considered: Pilot program vs. full contract inclusion Member input is being used to shape proposals 👉 Still early, but real movement toward implementation State Budget & Contract Timeline Legislative session: Jan 7 – June 4 Budget: Missed April 1 deadline Extended to April 13 Likely passage: ~April 27 (or early May) Contract: Expired April 1 Cannot move forward until budget is passed What’s delaying the budget: Climate law changes (Governor) Higher taxes (Legislature) Insurance fraud initiatives 👉 Reality: Everything (including your contract) is waiting on the budget Insurance Fraud Crackdown Initiative New partnership: NY State Police + Department of Financial Services Key points: 80% increase in fraud (last 5 years) NY avg. auto insurance: ~$4,000/year Changes coming: New training (starts July 27) 1 member per backroom trained New unit: 1 senior + 6 investigators (NYC-focused) 👉 Impact: More workload , especially for: Backrooms SIU Related investigative units Pension / FAS (Final Average Salary) – FULL UPDATE Why delays happen (3–5 years): Immediate payments start using estimated (“raw”) data Later adjustments happen when: Real earnings verified Pensionable vs non-pensionable pay reviewed Issues: Manual review of pay components (“hidden money”) Staffing shortages Paper/fax records from prior employers Multi-employer retirement history Key takeaway: Early pension numbers = estimates Final numbers = adjusted over time What’s being fixed New digital system  being developed: Standardized earnings breakdown Reduced reliance on paper records Goal: Reduce delay to ~4 months Timeline: Could take up to 2 years  to fully implement 👉 Important: NYSP payroll is more accurate than most agencies But system-wide issues still cause delays Bottom Line (What Matters Most) 🔴 Immediate Impact Contract negotiations stalled → waiting on budget Increased workload coming (insurance fraud initiative) 🟠 In Progress Body-worn camera policy shaping Alternate schedules being developed 🔵 Long-Term Fixes Pension system modernization Digital FAS processing (major improvement coming) Action for Members Continue submitting input on: Scheduling ideas Policy concerns Stay aware: More responsibilities may be coming (fraud enforcement)

Maxwell E. Hunt Maxwell E. Hunt, 85, of Massena Published: Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:41 PM EDT | MASSENA, New York (WWNY) - Maxwell E. Hunt, age 85, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. There will be no public calling hours or funeral services. Arrangements are under the guidance of the Phillips Memorial Home located at 64 Andrews Street in Massena. A Celebration of Life for Max will be held at the convenience of the family at the Massena Elks Lodge, No. 1702, located at 20 Bowers Street in Massena, NY, at a later date. Born on November 5, 1940, to Eric and Elizabeth (Metcalf) Hunt in Dannemora, NY. After graduating from Dannemora High School in June 1958, he enlisted in the US Army, having served during the Vietnam conflict, and was honorably discharged in May 1961. Max entered the New York State Police in January of 1962 and retired in August 1988 as Senior Investigator. He continued to work at various jobs after he retired. He was a member of the NYST-PBA, the Association of Former State Troopers, Massena American Legion Post No. 49, AMVETS Post No. 4, Massena Moose Lodge No. 1110, and Massena Elks Lodge No. 1702, where he served as trustee and was a Master Mason with F & A.M. Fraternal Lodge No. 155 in Morrisonville, NY. He is survived by his life partner, Suzanne Deshaies, of Massena, NY, son Brian and wife Patti Hunt of McDonough, GA, granddaughter, Allyson and husband Ryan Spangenberg and grandson Tyler Hunt both of McDonough, GA., two sisters Virginia and Cassius Phillips of Queensbury, NY: Elizabeth and Dave Neel of Grove, OK, along with nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and a son, Eric William Hunt, in 2011. Memorial contribution may be acknowledged with Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org Online condolences, memories, memorial trees, and photos may be shared with the family by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com Copyright 2026 WWNY. All rights reserved.

The latest edition of  The Gray Rider  is here, covering a busy winter season and looking ahead to our spring 2026 activities. This issue is packed with legislative updates, chapter milestones, and historical deep dives. Below is a summary of the key highlights from this volume: Association Leadership & Updates New State Officers:  The final slate of uncontested officers has been sworn in, with  Michael Wells  as President and  Michael Doney  as Vice President. They officially took office on January 1, 2026. Next State Board Meeting:  Mark your calendars for  Saturday, April 18, 2026 , at 12:00 PM in Central Square. A virtual option via Google Meet is available for those unable to attend in person. Retiree Benefits & Legislative News COLA Update:  Pending legislation seeks to increase the  COLA base  from $18,000 to $21,000. PBA Retiree Liaison:   Mike McDarby  has been appointed as the new liaison. He is focused on increasing communication and addressing issues like the  Variable Supplement Fund (VSSF)  payments. Community & Trooper Traditions St. Patrick’s Day 2026: The NYSP and the Pipes and Drums band proudly represented the "long gray line" in parades across  New York City  and  Syracuse . Historic Promotion:   Treneé D. Young  has been promoted to Major, becoming the first African American woman in the agency's 108-year history to hold this rank. Archives Spotlight:  This issue features a fascinating look at former Trooper  Rudolf L. Doelicke , who became a star witness in the federal wiretap conspiracy trial of Jimmy Hoffa before disappearing from history. Final Patrol & Remembrance We honor our members who have recently "ridden their final patrol," including long-serving Troopers and BCI Investigators from across the state. A special retirement salute to  K9 Raya , who retired on January 1, 2026, after eight years of service with the Troop K Bomb Disposal Unit. Read the full issue for chapter-specific meeting dates, treasurer reports, and the full "90+ Years Old" member honor roll. Upholding Our Trooper Traditions Since 1951.

NYSPIA Weekly Update – President Labuda Upcoming Event – Irish American Heritage Museum Members are invited to attend a benefit performance: “Officers’ Confessions: South Bronx Cop” Written/performed by a retired NYPD officer Dates:  April 18 & 19 Location:  Irish American Heritage Museum (Albany area) A good opportunity to support a fellow law enforcement family and a worthwhile cause . Ongoing Coordination with Division Weekly meetings continue with the Superintendent and Executive Staff Strong, consistent communication on: Policies Procedures Equipment decisions Member Input Encouraged Use the Suggestion Program (online portal) Or go through your delegate / NYSPIA leadership Leadership’s message is clear: Don’t just identify problems—bring solutions. Dental Survey – Extended (Still Needs Responses) The Guardian dental option survey  has been extended. Current Numbers: 900+ members opened Only ~245 completed Why It Matters: Decision depends on accurate participation Goal is to get as close to full membership input as possible Take a few minutes and complete it (Yes or No) Budget & Contract Timeline Legislature currently on 2-week break Expected return: April 20 Earliest budget passage: ~April 27 Impact: No contract negotiations will finalize until budget is passed NYSPIA is preparing now to: Move quickly once budget is done Avoid long delays (multi-year retro situations) Question of the Week – Retro Pay & Pensions (FAS Issue) Issue Raised: Retro pay not reflected in current Final Average Salary (FAS) Members told it may take 3–4 years  to fully adjust Initial Response from Comptroller’s Office: Lump-sum retro payment temporarily distorted pension calculations Expected to self-correct around May Final adjustments still take years due to system backlog Next Steps: NYSPIA has a meeting scheduled with the Comptroller’s Office Goal: Get full explanation Prevent this issue in future Clarify why FAS calculations take years Additional Issue Identified Disability payments delayed up to 8 months Comptroller’s Office: Acknowledges problem Working to fix delays Key Takeaways Strong communication with Division leadership continues Dental survey still needs participation  (critical) Contract timeline tied directly to state budget approval Pension/FAS issues are being actively addressed at the state level Disability payment delays identified and under review Closing Note: Members were wished well for Passover and Easter  and reminded to stay safe.