Ellicott NY hires part time police to patrol local airport www.privateofficer.com
ELLICOTT NY Dec 31 2011 - Four part-time police officers have been hired to provide security for the airport.
Police Chief William Ohnmeiss Jr. was given approval at a recent Ellicott Town Board meeting to hire the officers, which, he said he has done.
Due to budgetary constraints, it was deemed more financially feasible for the town to take over security at the airport, a service once provided by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department.
Ohnmeiss said the four new hirees will spend eight to 12 weeks training. A meeting will be held with federal Transportation Security Administration and airport officials to go over what the detail the four are to provide will entail, although, he said, the officers will be visible as planes arrive and depart.
They will also provide security at checkpoints and be responsible for parking lot, runway and gate security.
He said there have been suspicious situations throughout the years at the airport they have been able to be handled without incident due to security being present.
Ohnmeiss said the four will also be cross-trained so they can work as Ellicott road officers, in courts and as needed to fill-in scheduling gaps, when others have time off or are sick.
He said there are other six part-time Ellicott police officers and nine full-timers, including administration.
The new officers will begin work at the airport Sunday.
Source: The Post-Journal
