[New] Hochul inks violent crimes against police legislation

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Friday to crack down on violent crimes against police officers. The legislation will establish a Blue Alert system to aid in the identification, location, and apprehension of individuals suspecting of killing or seriously wounding a police officer. By creating a better way to disseminate information to the public on violent crimes against law enforcement, this new law will help catch perpetrators and improve public safety across the state.

“We are taking a comprehensive approach towards protecting the individuals who serve and protect us, taking every measure we can to crack down on violent crime against law enforcement,” Hochul said. “New York is wholly committed to safeguarding our brothers and sisters in law enforcement and this new law will be crucial to creating safer communities and apprehending those who commit violent crimes against police officers.”

Legislation (S.772A/A.6318B) establishes a Blue Alert system to aid in the identification, location, and apprehension of individuals suspected of killing or seriously wounding a police officer. A Blue Alert is issued to notify law enforcement agencies, media, and the public about suspects who have killed, seriously injured, or pose an imminent threat to police. Creating a Blue Alert system will help catch perpetrators that threaten public safety by establishing a better way to disseminate information on crime against police officers to the public.

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “Law enforcement is known for being a dangerous profession. However, officers chose this profession because they believe in public service, helping others and putting the public ahead of themselves. Each call to service brings its own set of challenges and officers never know for certain what they will face. By establishing a Blue Alert system, we can better protect law enforcement from individuals who are looking to inflict harm on officers that have committed their lives to protecting others.”

“I was proud to sponsor and pass this critically important legislation in support of the brave men and women of law enforcement, who sacrifice so much to keep all of us safe,” said state Assemblymember Steve Stern. “The Blue Alert System has a proven track record of success nationwide and its implementation is long overdue in New York State. This legislation will protect our community, protect our officers, and save lives. I thank my colleagues in the Legislature for unanimously supporting this legislative initiative and Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”

“Beer Brewing 101: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide” will take place at the Fordham Westchester campus in West Harrison on Feb. 25. “Practical Brewing (Intermediate/Advanced)” is a three-part program that will take place at Broken Bow Brewery in Tuckahoe in March.

For those who have thought about making their own beer but don’t know where to start, Beer Brewing 101 will provide an introduction to home brewing. Students will learn about the different beer styles and the ingredients needed, plus get a walkthrough of the step-by-step process of extract brewing in a friendly, handson format. The class is taught by John Fix, a home brewer with nearly 30 years of experience, and no equipment is necessary and the two-and-a-half-hour course is $80. The Brewshop at Cornell’s in Eastchester, which Fix created, will offer a discount for students who need home equipment to hit the ground running.

“This is a great introduction to what may become a lifelong hobby, or even a career in the booming craft beverage industry,” said Fix. “And at an affordable price, the course makes a great holiday gift!”

The Practical Brewing pro- gram is designed for people who have experience home brewing or for those who have worked in a brewery and want to advance. Students will benefit from a deep dive into the ingredients, process, and subtleties in the craft of brewing beer. Upon completion of the three-class course, students will better understand the brewing’s chemical process, ingredient profiles, and flavor characteristics, plus how to avoid the most common pitfalls. Students will create their own craft beer using the all-grain method, under the instruction of the president and head brewers at Broken Bow Brewery, receiving expert advice on perfecting its flavor. No equipment is needed, with class demonstrations using a professional pilot system. The eight-hour (over three sessions) course is $550.

“We’re so excited to partner with Fordham to share the all-grain brewing method with hobbyists,” said Michael LaMothe, president and founder of Broken Bow Brewery. “It’s the purest form of beer-making and the method by which you can greatly influence the outcome of the finished product – the perfect beer.”

“Fordham built this program to complement growing interests in brewing, sparked by the delicious beer being crafted locally,” said Dr. Anthony R. Davidson, dean of Fordham PCS. “Working with a community of local brewers to offer these courses has been an absolute pleasure, and I’m eager to see where the Brewing Institute goes from here!”