State Police welcomed in Moriah

PORT HENRY | Moriah town officials and residents alike spoke favorably about a plan to construct a satellite New York State Police office in Port Henry during a public meeting March 16. "I think it would be a terrible move if we didn't take advantage of it," said Board Member Tom Anderson. Sgt. Bill Maverick, station commander for the barracks in Lewis, said a Port Henry station would potentially knock 20 minutes off of response times, a significant boost for crime fighting or emergency response. "Drugs as we all know are a major problem," said Moriah Supervisor Tom Scozzafava. "I constantly hear that we need more patrols." Scozzafava said the town plans to buy a modular building and sit it on a full basement next to the Town Court and Town Hall complex. It would cost $350,000 and be owned by the town, which would lease it to the state at no charge. The cost would be funded through the levy by adding $36 annually on a home valued at $100,000, and be paid off over a period of five years, Scozzafava said. Two officers would report directly to the Port Henry station, said Cpt. Harold Litardo of the State Police administration in Albany. They had been stationed out of Crown Point until that station had closed and they were assigned to the barracks in Schroon Lake, Litardo said. The village had its own police force until it was shut down in 1991, Scozzafava said. The Town of Moriah took over policing duties and at one time had a force of four full-time and four part-time officers. But Scozzafava said it's become harder and more expensive for towns to maintain a force. The current department is down to one officer and one open position. An attempt to fill the position failed after drawing only one applicant who was not able to work full time. Scozzafava said the town department will continue to operate for the time being, although its long-term future is not assured. Police said the troopers will primarily patrol Moriah, although they will be on call for emergencies across the region. "I wouldn't support it if I didn't feel we'd have more coverage," Scozzafava said. "And just having the station (in Port Henry) will be a deterrent."

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State Police welcomed in Moriah

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