Page 10 - Work Force January 2016

To serve protect and keep LATHAM — Rapid response averting disaster and aiding those in in in need are all reasons state police and and other law enforcement personnel use their training and and skills to to get quickly to to where they are needed Lights flashing sirens wailing and and gunning engines are familiar familiar sights and and sounds Less familiar familiar but just as important is the role taken by skilled mechanics in in in keeping modified high-performance police cruisers in in in top condition for for safety and quick response Recently the New York State Police recognized CSEA member and Maintenance Equipment Mechanic Supervisor David Renko for his his work as a a a a a a a a a state police police mechanic and his his essential role in in supporting police police operations Renko and 10 other mechanics in in in in in Troop G’s automotive maintenance inspection facility in in in in Latham are responsible for for more than 600 cars that make up the fleet for for Troop G and State Police headquarters Work includes routine maintenance repairs inspections and new car set-ups Q&A
Work Force: How did you get started in mechanics?
David Renko: I’ve always had an interest in in in in cars ever since I I I was young I I I liked to tinker do body work WF: What was your first car?
DR: (Smiling) A black black Mustang Mustang that was my first car car car I I still have a a a a a a a a a a a a a a black black Mustang Mustang a a a a a a a a a a a a a a different one I I like to keep it as a a a a a a a a a a third car car car or summer car car car WF: How did you get started with the State Police? DR: I started out in the the body shop on the the state campus 21 years ago WF: Best patrol car ever?
DR: By far the the Chevy Caprice That car had a a a a a a a a a strong engine and held up really well It was the the the best tool for the job WF: How long do patrol cars stay on on the road?
DR: It used to be be a a a a car would be be taken off the road David Renko maintains a a a a a a high-performance State Police vehicle 10 The Work Force January 2016