Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - DEC Police Graduate 26 New York State Environmental Conservation Officers

The 24th Basic Environmental Conservation Officer Academy Graduates.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar recently welcomed 26 new graduates from the 24th Basic School for New York State Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs). The graduation ceremony took place in Syracuse on Friday, December 20th celebrating the graduates upon their completion an intensive 29-week law enforcement training academy.

“I congratulate this new class of New York State ECOs for enduring a demanding training regimen to join one of the most elite police forces in the nation,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “As these new Officers begin their careers, I am confident they will each carry on the rich legacy of protecting New York’s natural resources and public health and safety by holding lawbreakers accountable for environmental crimes and making a positive difference in communities across the state.”

ECOs don’t just enforce environmental laws. You may know them out in the field as “Game Wardens,” or their pre-1970 title of, “Conservation Officer.” They’ve also been referred to as “The Thin Green Line,” the last, and only line of defense standing guard against unchecked poaching of our fish and wildlife resources and the ravaging of our environment. They remain New York’s only enforcement arm protecting the state’s environment while combatting poaching and pollution each day of the year. They enforce the State’s Environmental Conservation Law and all state laws in the accomplishment of their mission.

“In 2023, DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement ECOs and Investigators responded to more than 30,932 complaints. Cases resulted in nearly 16,900 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, and excessive emissions violations. For more information on New York State Environmental Conservation Police Officers, visit DEC’s website.”

DEC Division of Law Enforcement Director, Karen Przyklek said, “Originally called Game Protectors when first appointed for service in 1880, ECOs are highly trained police officers who specialize in investigating and solving environmental crimes to ensure the protection of New York’s land, water, air, and animal species, as well as every New York resident and visitor. I am eager to welcome these new Officers to our ranks and challenge them to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to safeguard our natural resources, hold polluters accountable, and connect with their communities each and every day.”

For the past 29 weeks, ECO recruits were immersed in grueling training at the ECO training academy in Pulaski, Oswego County. “DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement trains recruits in conventional areas of law enforcement such as criminal procedure law and vehicle and traffic law, as well as specialized courses in Environmental Conservation Law, wildlife identification, and wildlife forensics.” The recruits must complete difficult physical training, defensive tactics, firearms, and emergency vehicle operations, and many other topics. The 26 graduates will join the State’s force of 290 ECOs statewide.

While 26 ECO recruits managed to stick it out and graduate the challenging police academy, 30 did not complete the difficult training. PBA of NYS ECO Union Director, Matt Krug, said, “DEC had allotted 45 academy slots with 11 prospective recruits held in reserve as backfills.” When you do the math, graduating just 26 means 30 did not complete the rigorous training program.

Upon graduation, the ECO recruits who, while needed in each of NY’s 62 counties, will all be assigned downstate to NYC, Long Island, and the lower Hudson Valley.

The Graduates of DEC's 24th Basic School for ECOs: