Millerton police offer protection — in more ways than one

MILLERTON — The role of the Millerton Police Department is to serve and protect — and in the days of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s been offering protection in more than the traditional ways. Aside from keeping residents and visitors to the village of Millerton and the town of North East safe on roadways, from crime or during any other emergencies that may arise, for the past few weeks police officers have been providing face masks to protect people from COVID-19. Officers also took to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to distribute bike helmets, along with the face masks, to help keep cyclists safe. And come Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting, they’re preparing to do it all over again. 

The Rail Trail has been something of a hot-spot for casual social gatherings during the pandemic, and some residents have complained to the police that trail users aren’t keeping the required 6 feet of social distancing. That prompted the department to hand out the face masks, according to Millerton Police Officer-in-Charge Mike Veeder, who said the masks came from the county, which got them from the state. He said the department has “given thousands of masks” to local businesses.

“We’ve also been riding our bicycles on the Rail Trail, handing out masks to people walking, on bikes and what not, who don’t have them. We’ve done the same thing with helmets… We’re just trying to get them out to the people and make sure everyone’s staying safe.”

The Police Department still has about a dozen and a half bike helmets to share, leftover from a county program last year. 

“What better way to get those out and keep everyone safe?” asked Veeder.

Officers are hoping to distribute the face masks and helmets again on Saturday, May 23, and then on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, from around noon to 2 p.m., weather permitting. The time is sketchy, warned Veeder, explaining that if it rains early, officers will be out later, and vice versa.

At last check, the Millerton Police Department handed out roughly 500 masks.

“A lot of the business owners have been very supportive and thanked us,” said Veeder. “We told them, they’re for you and your patrons; instead of turning business away you should have the supplies to keep you safe, and your customers safe, so they can stay here shopping. It keeps [everyone] safe, and they don’t have to lose any business turning people [without masks] away.”

Veeder added that the police have been well received by the community — and no one has appeared offended by the gentle reminders to wear proper protection during the pandemic.

“Everyone has been very supportive and happy and thankful, so it’s been good so far,” he said. “Most people say, ‘I forgot it,’ or ‘I don’t have one,’ whatever the case may be,” said Veeder. “We haven’t had anyone mad or upset when we hand them a mask. Most people are understanding and put them on.”

As testament to that, the Oakhurst Diner, where Millerton Police Sgt. David Rudin handed out masks earlier this month, posted on Facebook that it appreciated the gesture.

“Officer Rudin came rolling in with masks for us,” stated the post. “We want to give a special thanks to the village officials and police who have kept in close contact with us over the last few weeks. They are out here making sure we are well. As nicer weather approaches, and more people [go] outside, let’s remember to wear masks so their job is easier. Many many thanks for making us feel safe.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an Executive Order in March that all New Yorkers must wear face coverings when out in public and unable to maintain social distancing. The governor also closed all non-essential businesses and schools and banned social gatherings. The New York State on PAUSE Executive Order shutting down the state was extended for another two weeks until Thursday, May 28; five regions met the criteria and began reopening Friday, May 15, with a sixth reopening Tuesday, May 19. 

“It’s tough for everyone all the way around to not be able to go out and about and do normal business,” Veeder said, “and it’s definitely affecting business, I assume. If people can’t get out and support local businesses, it’s going to hurt them. For the most part, everyone is cooperating and doing their part to keep everyone safe. But we do see people, at the store or gas station, going out without masks. They’re not taking it seriously -— they don’t care — I don’t know why, but there are a few people who are careless. We’re just trying to keep everyone safe.”

Veeder said thus far, the department has not had to issue any violations, which could cost up to $1,000 per infraction.

“We don’t want to go out and cite people; we want to make them aware of what’s going on,” he said “Educating people is the big thing and making them understand the dangers. Most people are fine with that… We’re just out doing our job… We want to be there for the public.”