Troopers honored for role in hostage crisis

ALBANY — New York State Police Acting Superintendent John Melville commended and recognized 48 state police honorees at the department’s annual Awards Day Ceremony. Among those honored were three state troopers for their help during the Nov. 10 hostage crisis at the Stissing Mountain Middle/High School in the Pine Plains Central School District last year.

Troopers Brian Engel and Jeffrey Galm, as well as Senior Investigator Gary Mazzacano, all received Superintendent’s Commendation Awards and were selected from those who had previously received Superintendent’s Letters of Commendation during the past year.

The press release for the ceremony lists in detail the surrounding circumstances for each of the awards:

“On Nov. 10, 2009, at approximately 7:45 a.m., New York State Troopers and Dutchess County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 911 report that a man with a rifle was inside the principal’s office at Stissing Mountain Middle School in Pine Plains. The suspect, who has a lengthy criminal history, was upset over the treatment of United States military personnel by the government.

“Within minutes Trooper Brian Engel and off-duty Trooper Jeffrey Galm entered the school, and being familiar with the facility, were able to tactically patrol to a safe location and contain the gunman from gaining access to any of the students or faculty.

From that vantage point, Troopers Engel and Galm were also able to effectively assess the situation, gather intelligence and communicate with additional responding police officers, facilitating their arrival.

“Senior Investigator Gary  Mazzacano had immediately responded to the middle school and assumed the role of lead negotiator with the gunman. After some discussion, Senior Investigator Mazzacano was able to persuade the suspect to disassemble his weapon and surrender, effectively defusing a volatile situation without harm to anyone.â€�

Melville pointed out in the press release that while those being honored truly deserved the recognition, troopers everywhere are constantly faced with the possibility of danger.

“Every day, somewhere in New York state, a Trooper puts them self in harm’s way to protect the public,� he said. “Today we recognize a few outstanding individuals for continuing the fine tradition of selfless duty to the people of New York state as demonstrated by their heroic deeds, persistence and displays of strong work ethic.�