DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officer Highlights |
ECO Actions for Late February
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) enforce the 71 Chapters of NY Environmental Conservation Law, protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. In 2017, the 301 ECOs across the state responded to 26,400 calls and issued 22,150 tickets for crimes ranging from deer poaching to corporate toxic dumping and illegal mining, black market pet trade, and excessive emissions violations. “From Montauk Point to Mount Marcy, from Brooklyn to Buffalo, the ECOs patrolling our state are the first line of defense in protecting New York’s environment and our natural resources, ensuring that they exist for future generations of New Yorkers,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “They work long and arduous hours, both deep in our remote wildernesses and in the tight confines of our urban landscapes. Although they don’t receive much public fanfare, the work of our ECOs is critical to achieving DEC’s mission to protect and enhance our environment.” Recent missions carried out by ECOs include: Walleye Challenge – Fulton County ECO Pierce at the makeshift livewell Bronx Scrapyard Fire – Bronx County On Feb. 26, ECOs Ryan Kelley and Shane Dobies received a call concerning a large fire at a scrapyard bordering the Harlem River. ECOs and staff from DEC Spills Response unit responded to the scene of the fire to investigate potential environmental impacts on the surrounding area. The New York City Fire Department had the fire contained and the flames extinguished. After interviewing the scrapyard owner and watching security camera footage, the officers determined that the fire was started by a large spark when metal was being crushed and separated using heavy machinery. The incident is still under investigation and no charges have been issued at this point. FDNY boat extinguishing the scrapyard fire Dog Mistaken for Coyote – Tompkins County
Batting Cage Buck – Richmond County On Feb. 26, ECOs Mary Grose and Taylor Della Rocco received a call that a deer was tangled in a net at Wagner College on Staten Island. The officers arrived and found a young buck entangled in a softball batting cage net. White Buffalo Inc., was contacted for assistance and tranquilized the buck. After the deer was sedated, the ECOs removed the net and the deer was evaluated. Once the sedation wore off, the otherwise healthy buck returned to the woods on the college grounds. Buck entangled in netting at Wagner College ECO Della Rocco with the sedated buck Rescued Bald Eagle – Rockland County
Bald eagle at the veterinary facility
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