At the awards ceremony were (left to right) SUNY Police Chief's Association President Paul Burlingame, University Police Chief Gordon Carpenter, University Police Officer James Huels, University Police Officer Ricky Laurito and SUNY Police Commissioner Mary Ritayik.
University Police Officers honored for lifesaving efforts, professionalism, and heroism
Two University Police at SUNY Fredonia have been named recipients of a system award for Professional Service.
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. recently announced the recipients of the 2025 University Police Awards, the highest recognition by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association. The annual awards honor investigators, lieutenants, officers, staff, and students for their devotion, bravery, and unwavering commitment to campus safety.
“SUNY's University Police Officers are an integral part of our campus communities and an essential element of our commitment to student safety," said SUNY Chancellor King. "I am grateful for their dedication to ensuring that our campuses remain safe and nurturing environments for all. Congratulations to this year’s recipients and thank you to all of our University Police Officers for working to safeguard our campus communities so students can pursue their dreams without fear.”
SUNY Fredonia Officers James Huels and Ricky Laurito were honored with the Professional Service Award, which recognizes members for acts that greatly enhance the operation of their respective University Police Departments.
University Police Chief Gordon Carpenter noted their contributions in his nominations for the award:
“Officer Huels has demonstrated exceptional initiative and technical skill in modernizing and streamlining departmental operations. His work in updating essential forms has improved efficiency and compliance across the board. Officer Huels also applies his graphic design expertise in the creation and maintenance of the department’s organizational chart and create professional materials such as the Parking Unit’s informational banner. His stewardship of the evidence room ensures continued accreditation compliance, and his proactive involvement in the field training program reflects a deep commitment to the positive development of new officers. By attending specialized training in Adaptive Field Training Officer [FTO] and Supervising the FTO Program, Officer Huels has elevated the department’s training standards and reinforced a culture of excellence.
“Officer Laurito exemplifies professional excellence through his multifaceted contributions to officer development and departmental readiness. In addition to his patrol duties, Officer Laurito serves as a firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, physical fitness instructor, and field training officer. He not only fulfills these roles with distinction but also coordinates multiple facets of the in-service training program, ensuring that officers receive consistent, high-quality instruction in critical areas. His ability to balance these responsibilities with his role as a union representative speaks volumes about his commitment to the department and the university community. Officer Laurito’s willingness to step up, organize, and lead without hesitation makes him an indispensable asset to our team.”
Chief Carpenter added, “Together, Officers Laurito and Huels embody the spirit of professional service. Their complementary strengths, Laurito’s hands-on leadership in training and Huels’ innovation in administrative systems, have created a more capable, efficient, and forward-thinking department. Without their invaluable efforts in enhancing both the administrative and operational functions of the department, the University Police Department would not function as efficiently or effectively. Their teamwork, initiative, and shared dedication to the mission of the department make them ideal recipients of the Professional Service Award.”
Other recipients of the award included officers from SUNY Albany, SUNY Buffalo State University, Farmingdale State College, SUNY Morrisville, SUNY Oswego and SUNY Stony Brook.
Also recognized at the ceremony were recipients of the Life Saving Award, Heroism Award, and student scholarship recipients.
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “When families send their children to SUNY, they are entrusting us with the safety of their loved ones and counting on us to have support systems that allow students to feel safe and included. We are proud to recognize the recipients of this year's University Police Awards for their selflessness, compassion, and consistent service to our campus communities.”
New York State University Police Commissioner Mary Ritayik said, “These awards showcase the bravery, professionalism, and commitment that our officers have for their SUNY campus communities, and I thank Chancellor King for recognizing our University Police and students. Their hard work and dedication are commendable and should not go unnoticed.”
