New York State Police mourn the passing of former Superintendent Wayne E. Bennett
Director of Public Information
Superintendent Bennett joined the New York State Police in 1968 as a uniform Trooper and served the Division for 38 years, retiring in February 2007.
Superintendent Bennett was nominated by Governor Pataki on July 23, 2003 to become the 12th Superintendent of the New York State Police.
The Superintendent held all but three titles in the State Police Uniform Force and Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He rose steadily through the ranks from Sergeant to Troop Commander of Troop G, and served throughout New York State, as well as in New York City with the DEA Joint Drug Task Force.
Prior to his appointment as Superintendent, he served as the First Deputy Superintendent, second in command of the New York State Police, and as Lieutenant Colonel – Assistant Deputy Superintendent for both the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Uniform.
Following his retirement from the New York State Police, Superintendent Bennett was appointed by Mayor Brian U. Stratton as the City of Schenectady’s Public Safety Commissioner on May 07, 2007. As Public Safety Commissioner, Bennett presided over the city’s police and fire departments.
The New York State Police thanks Superintendent Bennett for his service to his State and his unwavering support of the Division during and after his time with the agency.
The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of the New York State Police are with Superintendent Bennett’s family, his wife Patricia, his daughters and grandchildren.
