Franklin County Incident
I’m sure you saw this week that Division released the body cam footage of a horrific Feb. 13, incident in Franklin County in which one of our members, Trooper Bailey Martin, was injured after an SUV failed to stop at an intersection and struck her while she was investigating a crash.
The footage is difficult to watch and underscores the dangers Troopers face every day as we work to keep the roads safe. Thankfully, Trooper Martin’s injuries were not life threatening, and she has since returned to duty. We are thankful that she is OK, but we also know from past experience that this situation could have gone very differently.
The driver’s excuse, basically, was that he missed a stop sign because the sun was in his eyes.
This kind of thing happens all too often, despite our ongoing efforts to educate the public about the Move Over Law. I had the opportunity to speak with WNYT, an Albany-area TV station, about Trooper Martin and remind drivers that they need to slow down, pay attention, and – most of all – get over when they see our members and all other flashing lights, vests or reflectors.
We will continue to raise awareness about this issue, but please be alert and stay safe.
Baldner Trial
The court has announced that proceedings in the Baldner trial have been postponed this week due to an illness affecting the presiding judge. As a result, the trial is not in session. We will continue to keep everyone informed.
Spring 2026 – HR 218 Qualifications Dates/Times
Retired NYSP Members,
Division is pleased to report that the first semi-annual statewide HR-218 qualification conducted Fall of 2025 was a complete success.
Superintendent James has approved a program that offers the valued retired members of the New York State Police an opportunity to obtain an HR-218 Firearms Qualification at your local Troop Firearms Range. This qualification is offered to retired NYSP members only and will be provided at no cost to the retired member. This opportunity will be offered semi-annually (Spring Shoot and Fall Shoot). Each Troop will work independently regarding the scheduled dates for the HR-218 Qualification.
Any retired member participating in this program is required to complete a Waiver and Release of Liability form. A copy of the form is at the link below for your familiarization and review.
Retired Member Firearms Qualification Waiver and Acknowledgment of Rules
The qualification course of fire is attached to this email for your familiarization and review.
Upon your successful completion of the qualification course, Division will mail your qualification card to the home address that you provide on your qualification day.
Below are the scheduled dates and times that each Troop will be offering the HR-218 Qualification. Each Troop has provided an email address for your scheduling convenience. Please send an email request with the date and time that you select to attend and the Troop Firearms Instructors will return your email confirming your scheduled appointment.
Troop A
Qualification Dates: April 16th
Morning Session: 9:00 AM
Afternoon Session: 12:00 PM
Troop A Range Email Box: Arange@troopers.ny.gov
Range Address: Troop A Headquarters, 4525 West Saile Drive, Batavia, NY 14020
Troop B
Qualification Dates: July 10th and July 17th
Morning Session: 9:00 AM
Afternoon Session: None
Troop B Range Email Box: Brange@troopers.ny.gov
Range Address: Troop B Headquarters, 1097 State Highway 86 Raybrook Ny, 12977
Troop C
Qualification Dates: May 22nd
Morning Session: 9:00 AM
Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM
Troop C Range Email Box: Crange@troopers.ny.gov
Range Address: Troop C Headquarters, 823 State Highway 7, Unadilla, NY 13849
Troop D
Qualification Dates: June 26th and July 24th
Morning Sessions: 9:00 AM
Afternoon Sessions: 12:00 PM
Troop D Range Email Box: drange@troopers.ny.gov
Range Address: Troop D Range, 6356 ST 26, Rome, NY 13440
Troop E
Qualification Dates: April 6th – April 7th – April 27th – April 28th
Morning Session: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM
Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Troop E Range Email Box: Erange@troopers.ny.gov
Range Address: Troop E Range, 1569 Rochester Rd. Farmington NY 14425
Troop F
Qualification Dates: May 1st and June 5th
Morning Session: 9:00 AM
Afternoon Session: 11:00 AM
Troop F Range Email Box: Frange@troopers.ny.gov
Range Address: Troop F Range, Barron Road in the Town of Montgomery
Troop G
Qualification Dates: June 4th and June 11th
Morning Session: 8:00 AM
Afternoon Session: 12:30 PM
Troop G Range Email Box: g.hr218@troopers.ny.gov
Range Address: Troop G Range, 5905 Grant Hill Road, Guilderland, NY 12084
Troop K
Qualification Dates: May 1st and May 8th
Morning Session: 9:00 AM
Afternoon Session: 11:00 AM
Troop K Range Email Box: Krange@troopers.ny.gov
Range Address: Troop K Range, Taconic State Parkway at mile post 31.9 Northbound, T/ Kent
Troop L
Qualification Date: June 10th
Morning Session: 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM
Afternoon Session: None
Troop L Range Email Box: Lrange@troopers.ny.gov
Range Address: Long Island Practical Shooters Association (LIPSA), 1040 N. Perimeter Road, Westhampton Beach, N.Y. 11978
Troop NYC
Qualification Dates: To Be Determined
Morning Session:
Afternoon Session:
Troop NYC Range Email Box: nyc.hr218@troopers.ny.gov
Range Address: Troop NYC Range, 97 Queensboro Rd, Highland, NY 12528