PRESS RELEASE
New York State Police Troop T and citizen volunteers will conduct their 47th annual “Pumpkin Patrol” aimed at preventing Halloween pranks and protecting motorists along the New York State Thruway on October 30th and 31st.
State Police Troop T, whose members patrol the Thruway exclusively, support this effort along with local citizen band radio clubs and amateur radio operators. This year, approximately 200 volunteers from numerous organizations spanning across 20 counties in New York State will join in the Pumpkin Patrol safety initiative. Volunteers assisting Troop T will monitor Thruway overpasses to help minimize potential hazards to motorists and report any unusual activity to State Police or local law enforcement.
As part of this effort, Troop T will also patrol for intoxicated drivers, move over law violators, in addition to the continued enforcement of speeding vehicles, seat belt and cell phone violators.
The Pumpkin Patrol was initiated as a volunteer effort in 1976 by Katherine St. Jacques in Fort Johnson, Montgomery County. Ms. St. Jacques was talking to a truck driver on her citizen’s band radio when the windshield of his vehicle was struck by an object thrown from an overpass. The driver sustained injuries from the broken glass. St. Jacques and two companions decided to stand watch on the three overpasses that crossed the Thruway in the Fort Johnson area.
The State Police assumed control of the Pumpkin Patrol in 1990 as part of the State Police crime prevention efforts.
I have been working pumpkin patrol for the past 14 years. Most with the Geene County Fire Police. Last year I went on my own with the NYS Police Troop T and I would like to work it again this year. I always worked the 9W and 81 overpasses. These two have been a very hazardous overpass. I have caught many kids looking to throw objects onto the Thruway to include 9 pumpkins which I removed and handed them to an police that passes. I would like to do it again this year. I would like to serve on the same overpasses as I am used to the area and its citizens. And they are use to seeing me there.