Pictured Deputy Kevin Feola, K9 Marty and Sheriff Allen Riley.
(Wampsville, NY – Dec. 2014) The Office of the Madison County Sheriff will be expanding police canine services with the recent graduation of Deputy Sheriff Kevin Feola and his canine partner, Marty, from the New York State Police Basic Canine Handlers School.
The 20-week school was conducted at the New York State Police Canine Training Facility located in Cooperstown. During the school, instructors provided highly focused training to canines and their handlers in tracking, search and rescue, handler protection and building searches.
Additionally, K9 Marty, a German shepherd approximately 18 months old, received specialized training in narcotics detection. Feola, who has served with the Sheriff’s Office since 2010, will join the Sheriff’s existing K-9 program, led by Deputy Shawn Burbidge and his German shepherd partner, Kota, who is trained for explosives detection, tracking and other police operations. The explosive detection canine team was made possible through a grant from the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Canine Marty is trained for narcotics detection, tracking and other police operations.
Sheriff Allen Riley stated the program further endorses Madison County’s commitment to public safety efforts and furthers its ability to keep residents, businesses and tourists as safe as possible.
“These canines and their handlers are very dedicated,” Rileys aid. “They are a critical component for detecting explosives, assisting in searches for missing persons and detecting drugs before they get to their intended recipients, which sometimes are our children.”
Both canine teams are available to assist any law enforcement agency that requests these services, Riley said.
Sheriff Issues Snowmobile Safety Information
(Wampsville, NY – Dec. 2014) With winter in our midst, the Madison County Sheriff is urging snowmobile operators to refresh themselves with regulations, and to be aware of practical safety. New York’s spectacular landscapes, bountiful snowfall and attractions bring snowmobilers from across the nation into our community. Snowmobile use requires maximum concentration and the ability to react at all times; snowmobiling is a privilege. Remember the industry’s official safety message:
“Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe.”
Safe snowmobiling tips:
- Zero alcohol – many snowmobile accidents would be prevented if every rider made the smart choice for zero alcohol use, both before and during a ride.
- Anyone at least 18 years of age may operate a snowmobile in New York state without any other qualification, except as defined by state and local laws regulating operation. It is still recommended that ALL operators complete a recognized snowmobile safety course.
Individuals between the ages of 14 through 17 may operate a snowmobile without adult supervision IF they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the state.
Individuals between the ages of 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile on lands where snowmobiling is allowed, if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the state AND are accompanied (within 500 feet) by a person who is at least 18 years of age. A non-resident operator who is a resident of another state or county and holds a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by their home state our county shall be considered the same as a holder of a NYS safety certificate.
- Respect landowner wishes – obey posted signs, and stay on marked trails.
- Ride within your ability. Operate at prudent speeds at all times.
- Stay to the right – share the trail. Yield to trail groomers.
- Be aware and prepared for changing trail and weather conditions.
- Always ride with another snowmobiler.
- Obey all New York state snowmobiling laws, including but not limited to:
- a) Valid NYS registration of the snowmobile with the state Department of Motor Vehicles; the 3-by-5-inch reflective registration number must be displayed on both sides of the hood/cowling of the snowmobile at all times. Any other location (such as the tunnel, seat or windshield) is illegal.
- b) Insurance; snowmobiles operated on trails or anywhere else away from the owner’s property must be insured and carry liability coverage in the minimum amount of $10,000 for an accident involving one person; $20,000 for an accident involving two or more, and $5,000 for property damage from one accident.
Proof of insurance must be carried by the snowmobiler at all times and must be displayed upon request by law enforcement, or anyone who has suffered personal injury or property damage as a result of a snowmobiler’s actions.
- c) Trail permits; NYS does not require a paid trail permit/trail pass for use of the state-funded snowmobile trail system. Some areas may require a paid trail permit for use of certain trails not funded by the state, so consult with the jurisdiction before operating the snowmobile in areas you are not certain of. Some state parks do require a no-charge trail permit for snowmobiling in the Park after dark, or for special events. Check with the individual state park before operating the snowmobile within the park.
A complete listing of additional requirements and other critical safety information can be found at parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/documents/SnowmobilersGuide.pdf.
“With everyone’s support and assistance, we can make our world-class snowmobiling system even better,” Riley said. “By following guidelines and state requirements, riding safely and ethically, respecting the rights of others and, most importantly, protect and care for our natural environment in which you ride, we can enjoy the snowmobile season for many years to come.”
Madison County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident that occurred at 8:20 a.m. Nov. 11 on Cole Street, just south of Morris Road in Stockbridge, near Munnsville.
Seven Transported to Hospital After Rollover Incident
(Stockbridge) Madison County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident that occurred at 8:20 a.m. Nov. 11 on Cole Street, just south of Morris Road in Stockbridge, near Munnsville.
The vehicle, a 2003 Honda Pilot, operated by Evelina Voyku, 18, of Stockbridge, was traveling south on Cole Street and came upon a curve. The vehicle left the roadway, rolling three-and-one-half times before coming to rest against a tree. Six other passengers were in the vehicle, all sustaining injuries and requiring transport by multiple ambulances to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica.
All victims were family members, ranging from age 13 to 6. One female, age 11, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained injuries considered serious. That passenger was not seat-belted. Two additional victims, a female, age 12, and a male, age 6, were sharing a seatbelt. All other occupants were wearing seatbelts.
Other injuries to the passengers were considered non-life threatening. Voyku’s siblings in the vehicle were ages 13, 12, 11, 9, 7 and 6 years of age.
Due to the nature of the accident and the number of victims, the Madison County Mass Casualty Incident Plan was activated. County fire coordinators responded to the scene of the accident, in addition to four ambulances.
Voyku has been charged with speed – unreasonable or imprudent, improper seatbelt use and two charges of no child safety seat. Voyku will answer charges in Stockbridge Town Court at a later date.
Munnsville Fire/Rescue, Vineall Ambulance and Madison Ambulance crews responded to the scene.
Driver Charged with DWI
(Georgetown) Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the scene of a single car motor vehicle accident with reported injuries on State Route 80 at 2:30 a.m. Dec. 8. When deputies arrived, a 2000 Toyota Tundra, being operated by Anthony S. Ulysses, 25, of Georgetown, was found overturned and lying on its roof in the eastbound driving lane.
Ulysses was standing next to his vehicle.
Investigation at the scene determined that Ulysses was driving under the influence of alcohol; he was charged with multiple violations of the state Vehicle and Traffic Law, including unsafe speed, crossing hazard marks, failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated.
Ulysses’ blood alcohol content was 0.21 percent. He declined medical treatment at the scene and the vehicle was towed.
Georgetown Fire Department and Ambulance responded to the crash.
Ulysses was issued appearance tickets for his charges; he is scheduled to appear in Georgetown Town Court Jan. 14.
Texting Option Added to Crime Victim Notification System
Riley announced the launch of an enhancement to the New York Sheriffs’ Victim Hotline that will enable crime victims to receive a text message notification in the event of any change in the custody status of an offender incarcerated in a county correctional facility in New York state or a correctional facility in New York City.
VINE allows crime victims to learn the custody status of an offender, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by telephone or online. This new notification option, “SMS Text Messaging Notification,” adds text messaging to the existing notification options. The additional outbound notification method will be in Spanish and English.
“Crime victims need and want timely and accurate offender information to proactively ensure their personal safety and that of their families,” Riley said. “I applaud the addition of texting and predict crime victims will embrace this new technology.”
In 2014, almost 2.8 million crime victims searched the VINE Database, using either the toll-free number (888-VINE-4-NY), the VINEMobile app, the Sheriffs Mobile Patrol App (both available for IPhone and Android) or the website (VineLink.com).
Also in 2014, more than 100,000 crime victims received notification of a change in their offender’s status either by phone or email. It is anticipated that the addition of the text messaging option will result in even more crime victims receiving timely notification of vital offender information.
“I welcome this new feature as my office continues to seek ways to better serve the public safety needs of the citizens of Madison County,” said Riley.
For more information, call (315) 366-2318, or visit www.madisoncountysheriff.us