Syracuse's airport now has its own police agency after years of planning.
The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority, or SRAA, revealed its new officers at Hancock International on Monday. The airport has been patrolled by Syracuse Police since 2012, but the SRAA will now oversee its force.
It will be led by two full-time employees who both come from the Syracuse Police Department and includes 19 part-time officers.
The development of the airport police agency comes after lawmakers last year passed state legislation, which was sponsored by the region's state Sen. John Mannion
The Democrat, who represents communities north and west of Syracuse, said in a statement the airport is critical to economic development.
"The airport is a key driver of commerce, tourism, and job creation in Central New York and I’ll continue to do everything I can in the budget process and legislatively to support its growth and operations," Mannion said.
The news release from the airport authority said it’s the first time in decades the state has seen a new officially recognized law enforcement agency.
