Attended Junior College of Albany where he received an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Accounting and received a Bachelor’s of Criminal Science Degree from Russell Sage College. He retired from the Albany Police Dept. after 36 yrs. and is the National Sales Director for Secure Watch.
Pat served as the Treasurer of the Albany Police Officers Union for 4 years and was in charge of many of their fundraisers.
Pat served on the Blue Knights International Board for 10 yrs., which is an organization with over 20,000 members in 29 different countries. He served as the International Treasurer for 4yrs., the International Secretary for 4 yrs. and the International Vice President for 2 yrs.
He served as the President of the Capital District Law Enforcement Emerald Society for 8 yrs.
In 2004 Pat was one of the founders of the Capital District COPS Chapter, which was formed after the deaths of Lt. John Finn of the Albany Police Dept. and P.O. Eric Veteramno of the Schenectady Police Dept. He attended the Traumas of Law Enforcement Training that was sponsored by National COPS in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and served as its President for 5 yrs. Around the 1 yr. anniversary of the deaths of John Finn and Eric Veteramno an idea was born to set aside a day every year known as Blue Friday to honor the officers who had not only died in the line of duty but also those still working and serving. He reached out to several others and they were able to get the New York State Legislature to set aside a day each year as Blue Friday and he has attended the ceremony every year since 2005 when Blue Friday was founded. He is one of the founders of Blue Friday and Blue Friday of New York where he has served as the President since 2006.
Lou Somma is retired from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office with 33 years of service. He served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965 as a Sergeant. Lou had served as the President of the Ballston Spa PBA and is the Past President of REACT (Radio Emergency Association Communications Team). Lou volunteered with the Capital Region COPS chapter, Blue Friday, and is a founding member of Blue Friday of New York where he is presently serving as our Vice President.
Bryan Pettit is a Senior Court Officer for NYS Courts Dept. of Public Safety, currently detailed to Rensselaer Supreme & County Courts since 1998. He has an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice from H.V.C.C., and extensive family history in law enforcement. He is excited to be a part of Blue Friday and look forward to being able to support his brothers & sisters in blue, their families, and continue the legacy of this fine organization
Ramon Guerrero is a retired City of Albany police officer. He graduated with honors from the State University of New York At Albany with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a dual major in English and Women’s Studies. He has received the advanced degrees of MPA (Master of Public Administration), MSW (Master of Social Work), and a CGS (Certificate of Graduate Study in Public sector management), all from the State University of New York at Albany where he is presently completing his Ph. D. He is currently a licensed social worker in the states of Massachusetts and New York.
Ramon was one of the founding members of the Capital Region COPS chapter, Blue Friday and Blue Friday of New York. He is a member of the FOP, VFW, and President of a local Blue Knights chapter. He has worked clinically for several private and governmental agencies in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer counties, and also maintains ties to Berkshire County, MA.
He was the Lead Peer Coordinator for the Albany Police EAP program. Ramon has focused continuing education on trauma, grief, and substance abuse. He has held numerous trauma and grief counseling sessions and debriefings for individuals and groups. His dissertation research has been on trauma and burnout in police officers.
Robert Markel retired from the Bethlehem Police Dept. after 28 yrs. of service as a law enforcement officer and retired at the rank of Detective Sergeant. Bob has served as the Vice President of the Bethlehem PBA and is the Past President of the Bethlehem Supervisors Association. Bob was a founding member of the Capital Region COPS chapter where he served as a Director and Secretary and is a founding member of Blue Friday and Blue Friday of New York where he is presently serving as a Director.
Richie Phillips has been a staple of Capital Region radio for the past 25 years. He was the co-host of the nationally award-winning “Sean and Richie” morning show on 1077 ‘GNA and one of the Original Founders of Blue Friday.
There’s always a keyboard by his side, providing music and song parodies on the morning show, or taking it on the road for school programs with area children. He heads up The Reading, Writing, and Rhyming Tour which has been the recipient of two New York State Broadcasting Awards for best community service programming. He is also working with The Academy For Character Education by helping kids write anti-bullying "jingles" with kids.