New York State Police Announce Major Kevin P. Sucher as Troop E Commander
The New York State Police proudly announce the appointment of Major Kevin P. Sucher as the new Commander of Troop E, effective January 2, 2025. Major Sucher, a highly experienced and dedicated member of the New York State Police, brings over 25 years of exemplary service and leadership to this position.
Major Sucher began his distinguished career with the State Police on May 10, 1999, as a Trooper. His career trajectory has been marked by numerous leadership roles and specialized assignments:
• 2005: Transferred to Troop E Forensic Identification Unit (FIU) as a Trooper.
• 2006: Promoted to Investigator within FIU.
• 2007: Attained the permanent rank of Sergeant and remained in FIU.
• 2014: Appointed Senior Investigator, supervising Troop E FIU and the Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU).
• 2018: Promoted to Lieutenant in the Uniform Force, serving in Troop NYC and later with the Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET).
• 2019–2023: Held various leadership roles within Troop E, including Zone Commander and BCI Captain.
• 2025: Appointed Major and Troop E Commander.
Throughout his career, Major Sucher has demonstrated unwavering commitment to public safety, forensic science, narcotics enforcement, and criminal investigation. His extensive experience in both uniform and non-uniform roles positions him as an exceptional leader for Troop E.
About Major Kevin P. Sucher
A native of Wayne County, Major Sucher resides in the town of Ontario with his wife, Terri, and their children. He graduated from Wayne Central High School in 1987 and earned a degree from Monroe Community College.
Major Sucher brings a unique perspective to his leadership, having started his career in the Troop E garage in 1990 as a Maintenance Assistant Mechanic. There, he helped set up new police vehicles and provided general mechanical services. This hands-on beginning has given him a deep appreciation for the diverse roles within the State Police and the importance of teamwork at every level of the organization.
Before joining the State Police as a sworn member, he served as a Police Officer with the City of Geneva Police Department. Major Sucher’s connection to law enforcement runs deep; his father, Paul Sucher, was a retired New York State Police Sergeant and former Town Justice in Ontario. Paul passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy that Major Sucher continues to honor through his service.
About Troop E
Troop E encompasses 10 counties in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and is dedicated to providing professional and effective police services to its communities. The troop’s diverse responsibilities include highway patrol, criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, and community policing.
Major Sucher’s appointment underscores the State Police’s commitment to strong leadership and the continued safety and security of New York State residents.
State Police Arrest Woodridge Woman for Vehicular Manslaughter in the Town of Thompson
On January 5, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at Wurtsboro responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on Glen Wild Road near the intersection of Pine Tree Road in the town of Thompson, Sullivan County.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Toyota RAV 4, operated by Sadia K. Thomas, age 31, of Woodridge, NY, was traveling northbound on Glen Wild Road when it struck a pedestrian, identified as Vanessa M. Hopper age 29, of Liberty, NY. Hopper was transported by EMS to Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Following the investigation, Thomas was subsequently arrested and charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combination of Alcohol/ Drugs (Misdemeanor) and Vehicular Manslaughter Second Degree (D felony).
Thomas was arraigned in the Town of Mamakating Court and remanded to the Sullivan County Jail with bail set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond. Thomas’ next court appearance is scheduled for January 23, 2025, in the Town of Mamakating Court.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact SP Wurtsboro BCI at 845-344-5300. Reference case number NY2500010891.
State Police investigate pedestrian fatally struck on Thruway in Montgomery County
On January 4, 2025, State Police responded to the report of a pedestrian struck by a westbound vehicle on I-90 in Canajoharie, NY.
On January 4, 2025, at about 11:50 a.m. State Police of Troop T responded to the reports of a car-pedestrian collision on I-90 westbound in Canajoharie, NY. The investigation determined that a westbound vehicle being driven by David Bonaparte, 61, of Rome, NY, stopped on the northern shoulder. Bonaparte exited the vehicle and was struck by another westbound vehicle. He sustained severe injuries and was declared deceased at the scene.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing. The driver of the other vehicle immediately stopped, contacted emergency services and has been cooperative with the investigation.
