Two of the Empire State’s highest ranking state troopers are being forced off the job after allegedly sneaking relatives into the prestigious Ryder Cup golf tournament.
First Deputy Superintendent Christopher West and Col. Darren Pitkin are under investigation over claims that they abused their law enforcement access to the Long Island event in September by bringing their families against department rules, law enforcement sources tell The Post.
The probe, first reported by Times Union in a bombshell report, could force both men off the job.
State Police First Deputy Superintendent Christopher West is being forced to resign over a Ryder Cup scandal. New York State Troopers
In a statement Wednesday, state police Superintendent Steven James confirmed the probe.
“Last week, we learned that members of our executive staff may have used work credentials supplied by the PGA, or possibly other free passes, to improperly gain admission to the Ryder Cup tournament on Long Island for themselves and in some cases, family members,” James said.
“Our initial review of these allegations also uncovered that the PGA may have provided free passes to members,” the statement said. “Based on what we have learned so far, and at the direction of Governor Hochul, we are turning over this investigation to the NYS Inspector General.”
“It is critically important that an outside, independent third party conduct a thorough investigation to avoid any appearance of a conflict,” James added.
In an earlier statement to Times Union, state police spokesman Beau Duffy said James has asked West and Pitkin for their resignations, although both men could opt to retire, according to the report.
The Ryder Cup golf tournament in Farmingdale in September is one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Peter Casey-Imagn Images
West and Pitkin both had law enforcement access to the Farmingdale tournament that ran from Sept. 26 to 28, and were photographed with James and golfer Rory McIlroy at the start of the event.
But after James returned to Albany, the two high-ranking troopers allegedly snuck relatives in, a violation of their duty that ruffled feathers among some of the department’s rank and file, the outlet said.
West and Pitkin were part of the security detail at the tournament, with troopers stationed at the event cautioned to not even accept free meals — let alone bring friends and family in with them.
In a statement to The Post on Wednesday, a rep for Gov. Kathy Hochul acknowledged the investigation.
“Gov. Hochul has been briefed by Superintendent James on these troubling allegations and supports the superintendent’s decision to ask for the resignation of two executive staff members,” the statement said.
State Police Col. Darren Pitkin is one of two high-ranking troopers under investigation over Ryder Cup access. New York State Troopers
“Law enforcement is sworn to uphold the law and should be held to the highest standards,” it went on. “Our administration has zero tolerance for wrongdoing of any kind and all allegations of misconduct will be fully investigated.”
Word of the state police probe comes after a separate scandal linked to an NYPD veteran at the event.
NYPD Detective Melvin Eng got into hot water when he showed up at the event in full tactical gear allegedly falsely claiming to be part of the security detail at the Ryder Cup while out on sick leave.
Eng’s stunt came just one day after President Trump attended the event.
