The 2025 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.
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.
PLEASE SEND US YOUR GROUPS PLANS FOR 2024 to: UpstateHam@gmail.com
Upstate NY Counties participating:
Erie County (Buffalo area):
Erie County ARES/RACES Pumpkin Patrol info: https://ecarham.org/announcements/
Chautaqua County (Dunkirk):
NCARC Pumpkin Patrol : http://users.netsync.net/~ncarc/index.htm
Monroe County (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.
Oneida & Madison County Counties:
MOARC Pumpkin Patrol event;Thursday, October 30th & Friday, October 31st, 6PM until 10PM (ish).
Please email Andy W2ZXN (w2zxn@arrl.net) with your name, address & callsign if interested. Looking to cover all bridges in Oneida & Madison Counties!!! If you have a preference, please include your preferred bridge/location.
Ontario County (Canandaigua):
SIARC; Dave KB2KBY is still in need of operators for the Pumpkin Patrol on October 30 and 31. If
you can volunteer, contact Dave at kb2kby@rochester.rr.com.
Onondaga County (Syracuse area): https://www.w2cm.com/public-service/
from RAGS Review 10/25 (Syracuse):
