Troopers PBA calls on N.Y. to boost support for former military servicemembers

ALBANY | In honor of Veterans Day, the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (NYSTPBA) urged Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers to advance a policy to would allow military veterans serving in the State Police and in other state roles to purchase an additional year of pension credit (up to four years total) in recognition of their service to the nation. This simple measure will boost retention and help attract new recruits at a time when the agency is stretched thin, while recognizing veterans' dual service to both the nation and the state. The NYSTPBA is calling on Governor Hochul and lawmakers to ensure this critical bipartisan initiative is included in the 2026-27 state budget. Sponsored by State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato, the legislation (A8593/S6840) builds on longstanding state policy that enables veterans to purchase pension credits in recognition of their service. Nationally, military veterans make up about 8% of the total workforce but account for nearly 20% of law enforcement officers. Veterans make up a similar percentage of the New York State Police. That pipeline from the military to a career in law enforcement has long been critical to building and maintaining the ranks of the New York State Police with individuals dedicated to community service. But as the number of retirements nears a point when they will outpace new graduates from the State Police Academy, the NYSTPBA believes that expanding recognition of veterans' prior service is a common-sense measure to both attract new, qualified recruits and to retain Troopers through fair benefits. "Nearly one in five of our members has proudly worn both uniforms: one in defense of our country and one in service to the people of New York," said NYSTPBA President Charles W. Murphy. "This legislation is about ensuring that a lifetime of service is fully recognized. It's a way to honor our veterans not just with words, but with action that helps us recruit and retain the highly trained, disciplined professionals who keep New Yorkers safe every day." Since 2006, New York has seen a 520% increase in annual Trooper retirements, from 49 in 2006 to 304 in 2024. Including senior investigators, 2024 retirements were even higher, hitting 470 in total. At the same time, the average retirement age and average years of service at retirement both dropped to an average of 49 years old and 23 years of service over the past three years — the lowest in nearly two decades. Meanwhile, with the state reducing the number of State Police Academy classes per year to two — and 414 new Troopers graduating this year in total — New York is at a point at which the losses of veteran Troopers will overwhelm the addition of new Troopers. "Recognizing our military service through pension credit isn't just about benefits, it's about honoring our ongoing commitment to public service throughout our careers," said Paul R. Scott, NYSTPBA Board of Directors Troop B Representative and U.S. Air Force veteran. "I am proud to be a part of a community of men and women who have served both their country and communities, and this legislation will help attract the next generation to do the same."

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Troopers PBA calls on N.Y. to boost support for former military servicemembers

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