SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Regional Airport Police Department is marking two and a half years since its creation making it the newest police force in New York State in the last 50 years.

Formed in 2023 to replace Syracuse Police officers stationed at Hancock International Airport, the department was designed to give the airport its own dedicated law enforcement team focused on both safety and community engagement.

Airport Police Chief Justin Baum said the department has grown quickly and now operates with 20 of 21 positions filled.

“We are about two and a half years old, approaching three years,” Baum said. “It’s been a great experience. We took over from the Syracuse Police Department so they can focus on other priorities elsewhere It’s been a phenomenal experience building the department from the ground up.”

Baum said the airport’s environment brings unique challenges and opportunities for officers who balance security responsibilities with serving travelers.

“The airport is a really unique place to work,” he said. “Our overall goal is to make and keep Syracuse safe. We work tirelessly with TSA, federal law enforcement, and all our partners to make that happen.”

Lieutenant Ken Hatter, one of the department’s early hires, said the experience of helping build a department from scratch has been rewarding.

“It’s been a really interesting process helping build this up,” Hatter said. “The nice thing about having a new department is that we don’t have the tradition of ‘this is how we’ve always done it.’ We kind of create our own traditions.”

The agency, which began as a part-time model, now maintains a full-time presence at the airport, offering assistance to passengers and ensuring federal compliance for aviation safety.

Officers are often seen assisting travelers, offering directions, or even taking photos for families, part of the department’s effort to blend law enforcement with approachability.

Chief Baum said the department continues to attract experienced officers from across the state, including former troopers and deputies, creating what he calls “a strong pool of law enforcement professionals” dedicated to protecting one of Central New York’s busiest travel hubs.

The Syracuse Regional Airport Police Department remains nearly fully staffed and continues to recruit for one remaining part-time position.