As Halloween approaches, New York State Police are stepping up a decades‑old safety effort on one of the state’s busiest roadways. The agency will coordinate the 50th Annual Pumpkin Patrol on October 30‑31, focusing on New York State Thruway bridges and overpasses throughout 16 counties.
Volunteer‑led monitoring to keep drivers safe
The Pumpkin Patrol pairs State Police Troop T—whose officers patrol the Thruway exclusively—with volunteers from local amateur‑radio clubs. These volunteers will watch bridges and overpasses for suspicious or unsafe activity, such as people throwing objects onto the highway, and can quickly alert nearby State Police patrols or local law‑enforcement agencies.
Organizers expect several hundred volunteers to take part this year. The New York State Thruway Authority is also thanked for its partnership, providing access and logistical support for the operation.
History and growth of the program
The tradition began in 1976 as a grassroots effort in Fort Johnson, Montgomery County. In 1990, the State Police assumed coordination of the Pumpkin Patrol, integrating it into broader crime‑prevention strategies. Over the decades, the program has expanded from a single‑county effort to a statewide initiative covering dozens of bridges and overpasses.
Additional Halloween safety measures
The Pumpkin Patrol coincides with other State Police enforcement actions planned for the Halloween weekend, including heightened patrols targeting impaired driving and underage drinking. By combining bridge monitoring with road‑side enforcement, the agency aims to reduce accidents and keep families safe during the holiday.
Participating volunteer groups for 2026
- Orange County Amateur Radio Emergency Service / Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
- Greene County Amateur Radio Club; Troy Amateur Radio Association
- Schenectady Museum Radio Association
- Montgomery Radio Association
- Fort Herkimer Amateur Radio Association
- Madison‑Oneida Amateur Radio Club
- Liverpool Amateur Repeater Club
- Drumlins Amateur Radio Club
- Skenoh Island Amateur Radio Club
- Monroe County Amateur Radio Emergency Service / Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
- Genesee County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
- Erie County Amateur Radio Emergency Service / Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
- Chautauqua County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
By mobilizing community volunteers alongside professional officers, the Pumpkin Patrol reflects a collaborative approach to public safety—one that protects motorists, respects families, and upholds the shared responsibility of keeping our highways safe during the Halloween festivities.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
