Snowmobile press conference

Sheriff Maciol Hosts Annual Snowmobile Safety & Tourism Press Conference

Earlier today, Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol hosted the Sheriff’s annual snowmobile safety & tourism press conference at the Deerfield Firehouse as the snowmobile season prepares to kick off.

In addition to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Snowmobile Patrol Unit, Sheriff Maciol was joined by Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, representatives from the Town of Webb Police Department, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Police & NYS Forest Rangers, the Deerfield Fire Department, the NYS Snowmobilers Association, and the Oneida County Association of Snowmobile Clubs.

At the press conference, numerous safety tips were discussed along with areas of concerns that law enforcement will be focusing on this year. Some of the laws that will be strictly enforced will include operating a snowmobile while intoxicated, speeding violations, registration violations, and exhaust modifications. The need to respect the landowners that make nearly all of the groomed trails possible was also stressed during this event. All of New York’s laws and regulations regarding snowmobiling can be found at https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/documents/SnowmobilersGuide.pdf .

“Snowmobiling is a major component of the tourism income generated in Oneida County,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente said. “Thousands of people come each year to enjoy the natural beauty of our area, and in turn, purchase fuel and equipment, eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores and stay in our hotels. We are grateful for the opportunity to host these visitors, and it is of the utmost importance that we ensure their safety, and that of our local snowmobilers whenever they hit the trails. I want to thank Sheriff Maciol and all of the law enforcement agencies, first responders and snow mobile associations who do an excellent job working together to make that happen.”

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office also unveiled their two, 2019 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles that will be put into service shortly to patrol the nearly 650 miles of groomed snowmobile trails throughout Oneida County. The Sheriff’s office has four snowmobiles in their fleet for the Snowmobile Patrol Unit. These new snowmobiles were purchased with funds in the Sheriff’s 2018 annual operating budget and they replaced two snowmobiles that were more than 15 years old.

In addition, several area snowmobile groups recently made donations to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Foundation to be specifically used for needs of the Snowmobile Patrol Unit that aren’t covered in the Sheriff’s annual county budget. The donations included a $1500 donation from the Oneida County Association of Snowmobile Clubs (the presentation was made by their President, Jamie Warner), a $500 donation made by the NYS Snowmobile Association Vice President, Craig LaPlante and it was made with his own money in honor of his nephew Dave LaPlante, who is currently a long time Deputy Sheriff with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and a $200 donation from the Tri-Valley Snowmobile Club (the presentation made by Isaac Warner, son of Jaimie Warner).