With local college students returning to campus, the University Police Department (UPD) at SUNY Brockport joined with local emergency personnel recently to train on water rescues at the new pedestrian bridge over the Erie Canal.
The bridge, which connects the Empire State Trail and the village of Brockport to the SUNY Brockport campus, opened in July 2025 and is now seeing heavy foot traffic as campus opens for the fall semester.
“The commitment to immediately train and protect against a rare worst-case scenario reflects the everyday dedication of UPD officers at SUNY Brockport, and all New York State University Police,” said James McCartney, president of the PBA of New York State, which represents UPD officers. “Our organization commends the foresight of SUNY Brockport Emergency Management and our member officers in Brockport, for preparing to keep students safe in every way imaginable as they return to campus this year.”
The water rescue training on August 19 was coordinated by SUNY Brockport Emergency Management and was jointly carried out with the Brockport Fire Department. Members of the SUNY Brockport Office of Residential Life acted as “victims” for the training exercise.
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