Displaying items by tag: obituaries

Sheriffs Seek Information About Fred “Fritzie” Drumm

SARATOGA – The whereabouts of Fred “Fritzie” Drumm, 68, of Burgoyne Road in the Town of Saratoga, are still undetermined according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Drumm, who is a Councilman for the Town of Saratoga, was reported missing by his family on Wednesday, November 25. The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to actively investigate leads in the case. 

According to the Sheriff Department’s Lieutenant Jeffrey Brown, a search of the ground and waterways surrounding the area that Drumm was last seen began immediately after the family reported his disappearance. A total of more than 200 people have participated in the search for Drumm. In addition to the Sheriffs, other agencies involved in the search included Saratoga County fire agencies, the New York State Federation of Search and Rescue Teams, members of the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office and New York State DEC Forest Rangers.An area of about 1200 acres was searched, including portions of the Hudson River by the Sheriff’s Marine Unit. 

The ground search concluded last Saturday, although Lt. Brown emphasized that the investigation is still classified as active, and the Sheriff’s Office is still continuing to focus on all leads and possible avenues that they receive regarding Drumm’s disappearance. They are continuing to request the assistance of the public (see below for contact information). 

The decision to suspend a ground search is determined by a variety of factors, Lt. Brown noted. It is made on a case-by-case basis by the Sheriff’s Office, and in this case was done with consultation with the Forest Rangers. Lt. Brown noted that some possible factors that are taken into account when determining the size and length of an ground search include the topography of the area of disappearance, the general health and age of the missing person, time of year and weather conditions. 

Anyone with knowledge or information regarding the possible whereabouts of Mr. Drumm are requested to contact the Sheriff's Office at 518-885- 6761.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Automobile Museum (SAM) has invested in and installed a powerful tool for combating a major problem on our roads – distracted driving. This problem is particularly rampant among young motorists, but by no means exclusively. Four state-of-the-art distracted driving simulators, funded by donations and the Museum’s board of trustees, are now in operation at the Museum and available for the public to use with a paid admission. 

In doing this, the museum has also expanded its mission from educating about automotive history, to a forceful and consistent advocate for safety behind the wheel. “We will be reaching out to schools, calling driver education classes and private driving instructors,” said SAM Educational Director Seth Warden.  

At a conference at SAM on Tuesday, May 5, Anthony Ianniello, Chair of SAM’s Board of Trustees, called distracted driving “…nothing less than an epidemic,” leading to more accidents than impaired driving. “We intend to bring in young people here by the bus load to show them what can happen when you don’t pay full attention.” He introduced a panel that included Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, Congressman Paul Tonko and Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen, each of whom spoke of the dangers of driving while distracted. 

Congressman Tonko noted the fact that there were 3,100 deaths on our nation’s roads in 2013 that were attributed to distracted driving, and that injuries continue to rise: 424,000 people injured in the same year. The overwhelming majority of these were young drivers. Mayor Yepsen noted the need to reverse these trends, citing her concerns for her three young driving children, ages 19 to 27, and lauded the museum for “taking its educational message to another level.” 

The four panelists then each got behind the wheel of the simulators, which resembled an arcade ride with a steering wheel, brake and accelerator pedals, and three video screens that represented front and side windows, as well as rear and side mirrors. The video presented each driver with a myriad of distractions, both in and outside their “vehicle.” Included in the list were cell phones, of course, but also animals, pedestrians, other vehicles, passengers talking to you, unfamiliar roads and much more. Violations are tracked and displayed on the screens in real time. 

But the simulation program, called ‘One Simple Decision,’ did more than track traffic mishaps and accidents and keep score. The consequences are also detailed on the video depending on what you experienced. A crash might get you a visit from an EMT unit; a minor fender-bender’s economic outcomes are detailed – from the cost of repairs to insurance increases and points on your license. A vehicular homicide will have law enforcement drag you to court, listen to a victim’s family read an impact statement, and receive a sentence.

After each simulation, a user will complete a survey about their experiences and the data will be compiled to help SAM develop other programs to serve the community. 

After his turn on the simulator, Sheriff Zurlo called it “a great educational tool.” He noted that the simulator was extremely easy to control and that young drivers would be able to operate it with ease. “There was always something happening, and it shows the importance of really paying attention to what you are doing.” He said. 

Congressman Tonko had similar reactions. “It really showed how quickly things can happen, and how alert you constantly need to be.” He said. 

For more information about the Saratoga Auto Museum’s activities and educational programs, visit saratogaautomuseum.org

BALLSTON SPA — As the primary draws near, the Republican race for sheriff is intensifying with each candidate vowing to try and stay positive despite some negative rumors and complaints of destroyed campaign signs. 

Sheriff James Bowen Announces Retirement

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After 48 years serving in the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, 41 of those as the sheriff, James Bowen announced his retirement effective December 31.