Crime Scene

The leaders of the State Troopers Police Benevolent Association are happy with Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s decision to name State Police First Deputy Superintendent Preston L. Felton as interim superintendent in the wake of the retirement of Superintendent Wayne Bennett.
Specifically, the union is happy that Spitzer chose one of their own, a man who has worked his way up through the department’s ranks.
Felton is also the highest-ranking African-American in department history.
“Felton has extensive field field experience and has served in a variety of ranks, an attribute that is vitally important to the safety and well-being of our members,� the state troopers PBA said in a statement. “The job of New York State Trooper is dangerous and unpredictable, and those responsibilities continue to grow in the era of homeland security. It is imperative that our superintendent understand the needs of our troopers who risk their lives when they go out on patrol every day.�
Felton’s appointment to lead the 5,000-member department is temporary. A national search will be conducted to fill the vacancy, according to a spokesman for Spitzer, although that search could also end with Felton being appointed to the post on a permanent basis.
Whatever the case, the union is pleased with message Spitzer sent to the troopers by appointing someone who’s served the department for 26 years. Felton is 48 years old.
PBA President Dan DeFedericis noted that Felton recently led the effort to upgrade troopers sidearms from 9mm pistols to .45-caliber Glock automatic pistols.
“Safety is this union’s No. 1 concern and we were impressed with his leadership on that issue,� DeFedericis said in a statement. “We look forward to working with him on safety and other issues that affect our brave and hard-working members who put their lives on the line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.�