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SUNY Canton University Police Officer, Academy Director Honored

 A Canton man who has helped train many of the men and women who protect and serve the North Country was honored by SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy.

Steven L. Livernois, a University Police Officer was the recent recipient of the SUNY Canton President's 2005 Meritorious Service Award. Livernois was also recently named director of the David Sullivan/St. Lawrence County Law Enforcement Academy.

"When we needed someone to run the police academy Steve was the perfect choice," said Kennedy. "I am proud to present him with the 2005 Meritorious Service Award for his service, courage, and dedication."

Livernois, a 1977 graduate of Canton Agricultural and Technical College and a 1979 graduate of SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica, began his career as a SUNY Canton University Police Officer in 1980, according to William F. Mason, SUNY Canton University Police Chief. Livernois was named Assistant Director of the David Sullivan/St. Lawrence County Law Enforcement Academy in 2002. "Steve's dedication, professionalism, and commitment are beyond reproach," Mason said. "He serves as an example for many current police officers and is an inspiration for the cadets to follow."

Mason said that Livernois' continued education and professional development made him a logical choice as both Assistant Director, and now Director of the Police Academy. During his time with SUNY Canton, Livernois became a certified Police Instructor, a Radar/Lidar Instructor and a Police Field Instructor. In 1994, Livernois was presented with the Heroism Award by the SUNY University Police Chief's Association, and in 2003, he was named SUNY Canton University Police Officer of the Year, Mason said.

Livernois demonstrated his heroism in mid winter 1993, when he saved one of SUNY Canton's barns, where agriculture classes were taught, SUNY Canton University Police said. He was doing a routine fire extinguisher inspection at what was then the Mason Building on Route 68, when he noticed an abundance of smoke. He discovered that a warming lantern had ignited pallets in the barn. Livernois threw the burning pallets outside, taming the fire before the firefighters arrived at the scene. He is credited with saving the lives of approximately 100 sheep. He also saved the barn, which would cost the College approximately $500,000 to replace. The building is now one of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Buildings.

Livernois has assisted with teaching at other academies across the state and has trained security guards at the student and professional level. Livernois has also been a SUNY Canton Criminal Justice Instructor.

Despite his illustrious career, Livernois pointed out that he was proudest of his family. In 2004, he watched his son, Brian complete his Police Officer Training. Brian now works with SUNY Potsdam University Police. Livernois and his wife, Sandra, are also celebrating the success of their son, Scott, who recently graduated from Wentworth Institute, and is working with an architectural firm in Tarpon Springs, Fla. Their youngest son Jason will be starting college at SUNY Geneseo this Fall, majoring in Elementary Education.

July 25, 2005

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7527.

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