(WNY News Now) – A 23-year veteran of New York’s Environmental Conservation Police and decorated military serviceman, Officer Sean Dewey is remembered as a steadfast protector of wildlife, a beloved colleague, and a tireless public servant.
CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. — The PBA of New York State and its members are mourning the loss of NYSDEC Environmental Conservation Officer Sean Dewey, 63, of Ticonderoga, New York, formerly of Clifton Park. ECO Dewey died unexpectedly on July 25 while visiting family in Florida.
ECO Dewey was a PBA member and a 23-year officer of the New York State Environmental Conservation Police. He served first in the five boroughs of New York City, then Greene County and finally in Essex County, where he has been stationed since 2019. A true team player and leader, ECO Dewey served for years as an academy instructor and led trainings on firearms, emergency vehicle operation (EVOC), drill instruction and other roles. He held these duties in addition to his full-time role as an environmental conservation officer.
“ECO Dewey lived for fish and wildlife protection. He is one of the last ‘old school game wardens,’” said Matthew Krug, Director of Environmental Conservation Officers for the PBA of New York State. PBA Director Krug worked alongside ECO Dewey in NYSDEC Region 5.
“Sean kept postponing his retirement because he loved his job so much, and he always went above and beyond if his fellow officers needed anything,” said Krug. “Working long past his retirement eligibility, he was still always first to volunteer for extra boat and snowmobile patrols, overnight shift coverages and for work with the swift water flood rescue team. He was also part of New York’s COVID-19 incident management team, administering COVID testing sites downstate and spending significant amounts of time away from home during the pandemic.”
ECO Dewey was also involved ceremonially with the Honor Guard and as NYSDEC Division of Law Enforcement Pipe and Drum Band leader. He was honored with the NYSDEC Commissioner’s Meritorious Service Award in March 2019.
“ECO Dewey devoted his life to law enforcement, and to protecting the environment and the people of New York,” said PBA of New York State President James McCartney. “I can personally recall his even cadence and steady leadership when he served as my police academy drill instructor. The PBA of New York State sends our condolences, thoughts and support to ECO Sean Dewey’s family and close friends at this difficult time.”
ECO Dewey will receive full New York State law enforcement honors and escort during a motorcade from Albany International Airport to Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home in Clifton Park on Thursday, July 31. An obituary with full public visitation and funeral details for this Saturday, August 2, is available by clicking here. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the Army National Guard, ECO Dewey will be laid to rest with military honors.
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