Published: Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Saratogian
from left to right: Saratoga County STOP DWI Coordinator Bob Murphy, Saratoga Springs Sgt. Tim Sicko, Stillwater Sgt. Ray Cordani, Trooper Ken Ahigian, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Sgt. Dan Morley, Saratoga Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Prevention Council Executive Director Heather Kisselback, Trooper Michael Tromblee, Saratoga Springs Sgt. Andy Prestigiacomo, Trooper Dale Palmer, and Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Several members of local law enforcement were honored by the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council Thursday morning for their work in preventing underage drinking and drunk driving.
The following law enforcement officers were honored:
Trooper Ken Ahigian, of the New York State Police Department, was honored for his dedication to removing intoxicated drivers from the roads. His paperwork and files have been used as examples of the kind of complete and thorough work required in the prosecution of driving while intoxicated and other alcohol-related cases.
Sgt. Ray Cordani, of the Stillwater Police Department, has been employed by the department for 19 years. Cordani has worked with the district attorney’s office to improve communication and facilitate the successful prosecution of impaired drivers. He has also worked to improve his department’s policies, procedures and tactics for handling and following through on DWI cases. He makes numerous DWI arrests on his own and regularly investigates and takes action on underage drinking parties within the community. Last year, on his own time, Cordani organized and coordinated a comprehensive DWI Trial Testimony course for his department in preparation for prom and graduation season.
Sgt. Dan Morley, of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department, was honored for his commitment to keeping communities safe throughout the county. His thorough reports provide a solid foundation for the DA’s office to prosecute alcohol-related cases.
Trooper Dale Palmer, of the New York State Police Department, has been very proactive in underage drinking en- forcement over the last year. As a school resource officer at Shenendehowa Central School District, he developed many positive and proactive contacts within the community. He is one of the top DWI enforcers at the Clifton Park station.
Sgt. Andrew Prestigiacomo, of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, a 16-year veteran of law enforcement, is a member of the Traffic Safety Board, Saratoga-Warren County Traffic Task Force and Saratoga’s Safe Routes to School Committee. He is currently responsible for traffic safety initiatives including STOP DWI enforcement, aggressive/distracted driving and motorcycle and pedestrian safety.
Sgt. Timothy Sicko, of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, has more than 16 years of law enforcement experience, serving as a patrolman, a DARE officer and a community police officer and investigator in Saratoga Springs. In that capacity, he has served in both the criminal and narcotics units for the past 6 years. Over the years, he has forged working relationships with bars and clubs in the downtown area in order to provide a safer environment for their patrons. This past spring, after a brawl at a downtown bar, he worked tirelessly with the State Liquor Authority to investigate illegal activity, ultimately resulting in an emergency SLA board hearing which resulted in the revocation of the bar’s liquor license.
Trooper Michael Tromblee, of the New York State Police Department, has demonstrated his commitment to the prosecution of DWI cases in his meticulous and comprehensive paperwork and his attention to the details of each case. His preparedness is unmatched and his pleasant demeanor is unwavering.