The 2024 Pumpkin Patrol will take place on Wednesday and Thursday October 30-31st for Bridges on the New York State Thruway.
This event contributes to the safety of travelers on the New York State Thruway. It is a statewide event and is held in cooperation with the New York State Troopers and Amateur radio groups.
The Pumpkin Patrol was initiated as a volunteer effort in 1976 by Katherine St. Jacques in Fort Johnson, Montgomery County. Ms. St. Jacques was talking to a truck driver on her citizens band radio when the windshield of his vehicle was struck by an object thrown from an overpass. The driver sustained injuries from the broken glass of his windshield. St. Jacques and two companions decided to stand watch on the three over passes that crossed the Thruway in the Fort Johnson area. The State Police assumed control of the Pumpkin Patrol in 1990 as part of the State Police crime prevention effort. More than 300 volunteers will participate in this year’s safety efforts.
Upstate NY Counties participating:
Erie (Buffalo area): https://ecarham.org/announcements/
Monroe (Rochester area): The RARA Pumpkin Patrol event captain, Ed Wilkonski, K1EM is preparing for this
year's event. Please see his article elsewhere in this month’s Rag.
For more information or to register for this month's events, see our Public Service page at https://rochesterham.org/public_service.htm for more information and to volunteer.
Onondaga (Syracuse area): https://www.w2cm.com/public-service/
PLEASE SEND US YOUR GROUPS PLANS FOR 2024 to: UpstateHam@gmail.com
