Troop D holds Annual Awards Ceremony
(Oneida, NY – Feb. 20, 2014) Troop D held its annual Awards Ceremony Feb. 13 at Troop D Headquarters in Oneida.
Troop D gathers each year to honor members, both sworn and non-sworn, who have distinguished themselves as employees who perform at the highest level.
Major Rodney W. Campbell, Troop D Commander stated “These employees were recognized for continuing the traditions set by our predecessors. They work to enforce the law and assist citizens in everyday life, while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Their service to the people of the State of New York is both dangerous and rewarding”.
Outstanding Civilian Employee Award – Mr. Joseph Palmisano
Palmisano joined the Division on June 5, 2000 and was assigned as a Communications Specialist at SP Ithaca in Troop C. He then transferred to SP Oneida in December of 2003 where he has worked ever since. He is certified by NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services as a NYSPIN basic school instructor and over the past several years has trained hundreds of people in NYSPIN operations. Mr. Palmisano is also certified by the American Heart Association as a CPR/AED instructor and has trained dozens of State Police employees in this life-saving program.
Troop D Outstanding BCI Member – Investigator Gary Darstein
Investigator Gary Darstein is a 24-year veteran of the State Police, and is assigned to SP Lysander. He has been a member of the BCI since January of 2000, and attained the permanent rank of Sergeant in 2002.
On the evening of March 14, 2013, Investigator Darstein was on call and advised to respond to a sexual assault that had occurred on Verplank road in the Town of Clay in Onondaga County. As more facts became available, it was learned that the perpetrator had brutally murdered a woman, and sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl. While en route to the scene, Investigator Darstein monitored radio transmissions which indicated state troopers and sheriff’s deputies were pursuing the suspect through a wooded area. Using his knowledge of the patrol area, Investigator Darstein adjusted his route of travel to position himself in an area where he was likely to intercept the perpetrator. As the suspect emerged from the woods, Investigator Darstein placed the suspect in custody after a brief struggle.
As the case agent, Investigator Darstein spent the ensuing days, weeks, and months following leads, supervising grid searches, documenting evidence, preparing court documents, and attending hearings on the case. Due primarily to this meticulous case preparation, the perpetrator has plead guilty to the crime in state court and will serve life without parole. A federal prosecution is also pending which could result in the death penalty.
Zone One Outstanding Trooper – Trooper Michael Nackley
Trooper Nackley was appointed to the Division on Aug. 16, 2007. Following his graduation from the New York State Police Academy and his Field Training, he worked the road patrol, assigned to Troop B. In February, 2009 he transferred to SP Marcy. Nackley has been recognized for his work on criminal cases and he closes a large percentage of his investigations by arrest. He displays a high level of motivation and dedication to police work.
Zone Two Outstanding Trooper- Trooper Michael Biedermann
It should be noted that Trooper Biedermann was just promoted to Investigator on Jan. 30, 2014.
During 2013, Trooper Biedermann was assigned to the Interstate Patrol at SP North Syracuse. He has been a member of the State Police for nearly 14 years and is being recognized today because his overall performance throughout the year demonstrates his consummate professionalism and dedication to duty.
Zone Three Outstanding Trooper – Trooper Michael Mierek
Trooper Mierek has been employed with the New York State Police since May 8, 2006 and is currently stationed at SP Pulaski. Trooper Mierek works closely with the members of the BCI and is always thorough in his work. An example of Trooper Mierek’s work can be seen when he responded to an address in the Town of New Haven regarding a burglary complaint in April. Trooper Mierek worked diligently with little information given to him initially, which led to the arrest of two suspects.
Troop D Outstanding Supervisor – Sergeant/Station Commander Susan Lockyer
Sergeant Lockyer has been a member of the State Police since September 1992, attained the permanent rank of Sergeant on Jan. 4, 2001, and was appointed to her current rank on May 3, 2007. Sergeant Lockyer is currently the Station Commander at SP Lafayette. The past few years, she has participated in the Police Unity Tour, whose primary mission is to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. The secondary mission is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum.
Sergeant Lockyer participates by riding a bicycle from the World Trade Center site to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial each May. Sergeant Lockyer, along with others, represent the New York State Police in the ceremonies during National Police Week.
Troop D Trooper of the Year – Trooper Miles Robertson
Trooper Miles Robertson joined the State Police on Jan. 7, 2002. His first assignment was in Troop B. On June 5, 2003, he transferred to Troop D, Zone 1, where he has served since that time. He was stationed at SP Morrisville for more than eight years, and then transferred to the SP Sullivan Satellite in 2010. In 2012, he was assigned to the SP Oneida road patrol.
Trooper Robertson has also been commended for his role in the resolution of many high-profile incidents during his career. These include a domestic violence call in which a male subject barricaded himself with a woman and infant, and then threatened responding police with a long gun. Another such incident involved the stabbing death of a six-year-old child by the mother’s boyfriend.
More recently, on June 14, 2013, Robertson assisted the Madison County Sheriff’s Department with a complaint of a suicidal woman threatening to jump off a cliff at Chittenango Falls State Park. Deputy Shawn Burbidge and Trooper Robertson attempted to speak to the woman, but she would not respond. Burbidge tied a rope around his waist and descended to where he could reach the woman. He then grabbed her, but had no way to ascend back up the cliff. Both remained in a very precarious position 150 feet above the floor of Chittenango Falls. Robertson managed to pull both of them up the cliff face to a position of safety.
Robertson was promoted to Investigator on Jan. 30, 2014.