PLATTSBURGH — Two North Country police departments have received funding to support their community programs.
Assemblymember Michael Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) said Wednesday he secured $10,000 in funding each for the Plattsburgh City Police Department and the Saranac Lake Police Department’s respective programs.
PLATTSBURGH FUNDS
Plattsburgh Police Department Chief Jarrod Trombley said the funding will support a new program called the C.O.P.S. Mobile — Community Outreach Patrol Service — which is a “community center on wheels” that will bring safety resources and engagement opportunities directly to neighborhoods.
“Thanks to Assemblyman Michael Cashman’s support, we are excited to launch the C.O.P.S. Mobile this coming spring 2027,” Trombley said.
“This mobile hub will deliver practical safety education, prevention tools and positive connections right where residents live, work and play.”
The C.O.P.S. Mobile initiative will transform one of the department’s vans into a welcoming outreach unit equipped for e-bike and teen driver safety, senior fraud prevention, internet safety, bike registration, and neighborhood problem-solving pop-ups, Trombley said.
The department invites residents to watch for upcoming event announcements. Regular events will tentatively begin in April or May 2027.
“This approved funding represents a strong investment in proactive, relationship-based policing,” Trombley said.
“C.O.P.S. Mobile initiative will help reduce risks, build trust and strengthen partnerships with our community.”
SARANAC LAKE FUNDS
The Saranac Lake Police Department will designate its funding to continue the Youth Academy programming that introduces youth to police work through a week of hands-on educational activities.
The program launched in 2025, welcoming a group of local teenagers to experience mock search-and-rescue missions, water safety practice and other activities.
“We are incredibly grateful to Assemblyman Michael Cashman for securing this $10,000 investment in the young people of our community,” Saranac Lake Police Chief Darin Perrotte said.
“Programs like the Saranac Lake Police Department Youth Academy create meaningful opportunities for positive interaction between our officers and local youth, helping to build trust, confidence, leadership and mutual understanding.
“This funding will allow us to expand those efforts and continue providing experiences that inspire young people to become engaged, responsible and successful members of our community.
“When we invest in our youth, we invest in a safer and stronger future for Saranac Lake and the North Country.”
The funds were allocated during one of the final votes of the 2026 legislative session, alongside various other program funding measures.
“Our police departments are more than institutions of public safety, they are essential for building a sense of trust and community within an area,” Cashman said.
“These funds will go directly to each department’s public programming, furthering opportunities for the public to meet with police and build relationships with those who protect and serve us every day.
“I am proud to have secured these funds for the departments and look forward to seeing these programs in action.”