b'OPERATIONS SYR 65The anticipated benefits were not easy to arrange. Zenk reportswith federal funds that were awarded earlier this year. Construction that Airport Authority leaders had to lobby state lawmakersis currently under way and is expected to wrap up by July.aggressively to secure legislative approval to establish an airportNew uniforms, guns and radio equipment are already in place, police department. Sen. John W. Mannion was a lead proponentand the department is continuing to use three vehicles the Airport of the push. By having a dedicated police force for the airport,Authority purchased from the city. Syracuse Police Department we can ensure the safety and security of travelers and staff, andmarkings have been replaced with the new SRAA Police provide a more efficient and effective response to any potentialDepartment logo, which features an airplane taking off and the incidents, Mannion stated in an airport press release. The airportairports three-letter identifier. is a key driver of commerce, tourism and job creation in Central New York, and Ill continue to do everything I can in the budgetTotal equipment and supply costs to date (not including process and legislatively to support its growth and operations. vehicles) are approximately $150,000. The department plans to purchase an additional police vehicle this summer, then two more Equipping the New Force sometime later. While the officers behind the badges are the most importantWe knew what we needed and what the good equipment is element of the newly formed police force, there was still the matterthat will last, and we moved forward with that, says Werbeck. of providing them with a station and equipment. This March, SYRIf youre going to start a police department, you might as well put out a request for bids to renovate a portion of the main terminaldo it right the first time and not have to go back and spend more to create a police headquarters. money to correct it.The 1,900-square-foot airport station will include all theSpending carefully to save over the long runthat sounds exactly components of a traditional police station, including an evidencelike the pride of ownership airport leaders were hoping for when room, interview rooms and an armory. The project will be paid forthey decided to establish an in-house police department. Increase Your Operational Excellence.Strategic Planning.Policy Analysis.Governance Review and Transfers. Performance Benchmarking.Executive Recruitment and HR Services.www.BaldwinLLC.cominfo@baldwinllc.com518-478-6321AirportImprovement.comMay | June 2023'