Close Calls

Close Calls

A Squad 1976

Captain Bill Dillon

B Squad 1976

Captain Joe Romanelli

Also known as Benny's Squad. Chief Ex-Officio, John Nackley upper left was the same as Benny being there.
Yes, that's me second row right side, with mustachio. Shortly after this picture was taken I transfered to "Warrant's Division" where I Worked the next 5 years. These were the good "O days".

C Squad 1976

Captain William O. Williams

D Squad 1976

Captain Dick Stanbrook

JoAnne Pecheone Murder

On Wed. Jan. 12, 1972 17 yr. old St. Francis DeSales Student JoAnne Pecheone decided to walk home on an Indian Summer type day. She was murdered taking a short cut through the woods going towards her home. The case was unsolved for many years (40) until the DA closed it after determining John Hopkins of Johnstown NY was the likely killer. Author James Tracy published a book in Mar. of 2021- Sworn to Silence - and he thinks Robert Garrow was the likely Killer of Pecheone. We turned Utica upside down after she was killed. We had full support of the community through all of the investigations conducted. We had a composite and a vehicle discription to work on but very little of anything else.

Composite of John Hopkins

March 23, 1982

Gunfire ends Manhunt in March of 1982. William Lyness, 28, was caught up with on Jason Street in W.Utica, but not until after he had shot 29 year old Police Officer Eddie Meyers. Eddie was fortunate to have been wearing his vest on that day, it saved his life, But, unfortunately a large piece of his femur had been shattered in the attack.

1980 PBA Financial Report

This was Our PBA financial Condition in July of 1980

BCI In The 70s

Left to Right::: Buddy Maunz ::: Chuck Summa ::: Budda Sacco ::: Ron Bush ::: Louie Pacillio ::: Pat Benzo ::: Howie Halpin

TAC Squad 70s

Captain Mike Scholl

All Policemen from the top to the bottom, real Pride, Integrity, Guts. From the 70s these officers made a distinct difference in the effectiveness of the Police Dept. Always on their toes and at the top of their profession, ready at a moment's notice to give whatever necessary to serve and protect the citizens of Utica. Led by Capt. Michael Scholl and Sgt. Hank LaFlair.

A little known fact about Hank, after he went on to become a lieutenant, one night while on duty he discovered a fire that had erupted in the locker room. He successfully evacuated the building, called the fire department, then made sure everyone was out of the building. He later was instrumental in convincing the administration of the need for an emergency fire escape from the upstairs communications center and Matron's quarter's.
For there was only one way in and one way out at the time from those area's. Through his persistence, shortly thereafter a fire escape was erected. Up till then there was a real possibility of becoming trapped in those quarters and a fire escape was the only solution to protect the safety of the personnel who worked and were in those un-escapable upstairs quarters. This is a little piece of trivia for those who are now working up there and do have an alternative escape route.

Original Horse patrol

Circa 1976

L-R  Rocco, Larry, Luke, Sam, and Jesse

Jesse Nicotera, the only officer to administer an emergency tracheotomy using a pen, which ultimately saved a man's life.