By DIANE VALDEN
HUDSON—Hudson City Police are actively seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person, Robert J. Coons, 63, who was last seen July 6 at 10:30 a.m. in the area of the Columbia Mental Health Center, 325 Columbia Street, Hudson.
Mr. Coons is described as a white male, 5’ 9”, 210 lbs, with blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark blue t-shirt.
Hudson Police received a call from a relative of Mr. Coons Sunday, July 9 at 7 p.m., reporting that they had not had contact with him for several days. It was initially reported that he was living in the Schodack area, his last known address is 931 Schodack Landing Road, Schodack, but he traveled to Hudson for an appointment. Hudson Police were able to confirm that Mr. Coons did in fact attend his appointment.
Since then HPD has worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Coons. Patrol officers along with the detectives division checked several known locations that Mr. Coons frequented when he visited the City of Hudson. The Detective Division along with New York State Police Troop K Major Crimes Unit have conducted extensive interviews, executed multiple search warrants and followed-up on numerous leads.
Based on investigative leads September 21, Hudson Police along with State Police, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Park Rangers and Amtrak Police conducted a large scale multi-agency search operation, covering about two miles north and south of the Hudson boat launch. No new information regarding his disappearance was found.
“I am proud of the efforts of my department and our law enforcement partners (Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, NYSP, CCSO, NYS Park Rangers, Amtrak Police and NYSDOCCS) to locate Mr. Coons. I am equally appreciative of the resources provided to us to continue this investigation. We will continue to work diligently to locate Robert J. Coons and hopefully bring some peace of mind to his family and to our community,” Hudson Police Chief Mishanda Franklin said in a press release.
Hudson Police urge anyone with information about Mr. Coons’ whereabouts or any potential leads to come forward and contact the City of Hudson Police Department Detective Division at 518-828-3388 or the Hudson Police Department Tip line 518-828-9900.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com
In a September 27 press release, State Police from the Livingston barracks say they are trying to find a stolen 2020 85cc KTM dirt bike missing from Clermont since September 14. Anyone with information regarding the location of the pictured KTM dirt bike is asked to contact the State Police at 845-677-7300. Refer to case #11618277. Photo contributed
Trooper exam applications top 10,000
LIVINGSTON—New York State trooper entrance exam applications have surpassed 10,000 as deadline to apply approaches.
The maximum age to apply without military credit, is now 34.
Applications opened July 1, 2023. The deadline to apply is quickly approaching as applications close October 1.
Earlier this year Governor Kathy Hochul approved a request from the New York State Police to raise the maximum age to apply to become a New York State trooper from 29 to 34. As a result, almost 2,400 individuals between those ages have taken advantage of this change and applied. Military applicants may be able to apply up until the age of 42.
The State Police have also revised its tattoo policy in 2022. Candidates may now have tattoos capable of being covered by wearing a properly-fitted long-sleeve uniform shirt or business attire, with no portion of the tattoo showing. Candidates can review the entire tattoo policy at joinstatepolice.ny.gov/tattoo-policy.
Candidates can learn about becoming a New York State trooper and sign up to take the exam at joinstatepolice.ny.gov.
State Police have contracted with Pearson VUE testing centers and is offering the trooper entrance exam at 59 testing centers in New York State, 250+ locations in the United States, and 112 military locations around the world.
Candidates can choose where and when they take the exam. The computer-based testing process is more convenient and accessible for those interested in becoming a trooper. The last day to test is October 15. A study guide for the exam is available at joinstatepolice.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/10/study-guide-practice-test-for-the-nysp-trooper-examination-updated-for-pv-testing.pdf.
Individuals can get in touch with a recruiter by emailing recruit@troopers.ny.gov or calling 518-485-0855.
Minimum exam qualifications are: U.S. citizen; 20 to 34 years of age (the maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active military duty—up to a maximum of 7 years); high school diploma or equivalency diploma. Additional requirements may be found at joinstatepolice.ny.gov/qualifications.
Salary and benefits are: minimum total compensation for the first year $98,300; full benefits and retirement.
State Police have redesigned its recruitment program to reach a diverse pool of candidates. This includes meeting with leaders in communities that are underrepresented within law enforcement, with the goal of building positive long-term relationships. State Police have also taken the 30 X 30 pledge and is committed to increasing its percentage of female recruits to 30% by 2030. The agency has recruitment teams in each troop to network at events and within neighborhoods.
