CITY OF WATERVLIET, NY

POLICE DEPARTMENT
2 15TH STREET
WATERVLIET, NY 12189
518-270-3833 FAX 518-270-3839

MARK J. SPAIN
CHIEF OF POLICE
518-270-3819

December 14, 2016

Troy City Council
433 River Street
Troy, NY 12180
Council Members,
Recently I was made aware, through newspaper and television media reports, that the
City of Troy was considering disbanding the Emergency Response Team (ERT) due to
limitations in the Citys annual budget. I wanted to take the opportunity to voice my concern in
regards to this decision.
I understand and empathize with the City in the financial stress that they are experiencing
and I can imagine the tough decisions that have to be made when considering programs and their
expenses. However, I would like to state that the ERT of the Troy Police Department does not
just serve the City of Troy. On two separate occasions the Troy Police Department and the
members of this elite team have assisted us in not only scene safety but apprehending armed
suspects in our city. Specifically, in January of 2016, when they apprehended a male subject who
was barricaded in a residence with a loaded shotgun. It was after his apprehension that we
learned that he had fatally wounded an acquaintance in his residence, which he later was
convicted of.
Both of the incidents I refer to directly dealt with the suspect having possession of a
firearm. That is when we call for these resources because, quite frankly, that is their specialty,
their skillset. As far as I am concerned they are the best at what they do and there are times when
we need them in our city as much as you need them in yours.
Without the assistance of this team of specially trained officers who are close in
proximity to our municipality, I shudder to think of any alternate outcomes in these incidents. A
small department such as ours does not have the resources to answer these incidents in the way
the Troy team has. Their expertise in these operations is invaluable to the emergent situations
that seem to arise more frequently in todays society.
As I am sure you know, you have one of the most well trained, knowledgeable,
professional teams in the area which are recognized as one of the best in the state of New York.
Under the guidance of Chief Tedesco, Deputy Chief McAvoy, and Assistant Chief Van Bramer
this team is another part of your elite Police Department who are always willing to offer service
to my department whenever needed.
I urge you to reconsider this decision as its effects could ripple across many smaller
communities like ours who depend on their experience and specialty in serious incidents.
Respectfully,
Mark J. Spain
Chief of Police

Community Professionalism Integrity