Press Room

NFTA Transit Police Celebrate 25th Anniversary During
National Police Week

Formed in 1984 to Patrol Metro Rail

Thursday May 14, 2009

Buffalo, NY... The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority commemorated the 25th anniversary of the NFTA Transit Police department with retired and active officers today, at the Airport Police Headquarters, 247 Cayuga Dr., Cheektowaga, NY in conjunction with National Police Week.

NFTA Transit Police began operations in 1984 to patrol Metro bus routes and the soon to be opened Metro Rail system with 35 sworn police officers by the year's end. Twenty-five years later, the force has 91 highly trained, police officers, filling a large rang of roles. In addition to Metro patrols and airport security duties, a number of special units help ensure the safety and security of travelers and commuters.

A detective squad investigates crimes relating to the transportation services, like pass forgery and fraud, as well as performing background checks on candidates for safety-sensitive positions. The force has six K9 teams - officer and dog - five trained for explosives and one in drug detection. They deploy in and around two airports, Metro Rail facilities and can be called on to inspect Metro buses and other vehicles. An Emergency Response Team has recently been formed to support officers in high-risk policing situations.

Gregory Stamm, NFTA chairman said, "It has been a distinguished 25 years for the force. They have grown from a small department assigned to Metro Rail, to a multi-functional department capable of embracing the challenges our traveling public now faces. They have done so without sacrifice to our community's safety or their own."

Joseph Riga, NFTA chief of police said, "This police force covers a moving public in two counties, with two airports, a bus and rail system and a marina. Doing so takes dedication, commitment and professionalism of the highest level. I am proud of what this group has accomplished and look forward to the challenges of the next 25 years."

Father Joseph Moreno, Police Chaplin, offered a blessing for the officers continued safety and remembered the officers who have died over the past 25 years. In addition, a 25th Anniversary commemorative pin was presented to each officer in attendance.

Further, the program featured a display of past uniforms, photos and other memorabilia, as well as current equipment, including the department's Segway, ATV, snowmobiles, bikes, patrol cars and K9 vehicles. The Cayuga Rd. facility is home to the department's Advanced Interactive System, a situation simulator that helps officers hone their observation skills, marksmanship and ability to make quick decisions, which was also open for demonstrations.


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