Meet Captain Ryan Bentley
By Andrew Harris, pictured are Major Miklos Szoczei and Captain Ryan Bentley
A career New York State Police officer and Steuben County native has been promoted as Zone Commander, Zone 3, Troop E, which is responsible for Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates Counties.
Bentley’s promotion is no surprise considering the many positions he has held with the NYSP. Since joining the state police in 2005, Bentley has built an impressive resume. Rising through the ranks to become Captain, Bentley has served in many roles:
Trooper
Sergeant
Investigator (backroom)
Investigator (Counterterrorism)
Lieutenant – Uniform
Lieutenant – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)
Lieutenant- BCI – Zone Commander for the Western Regional Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse
And now Captain – Zone Commander for Troop E, Zone 3
Troop E is under the command of Major Miklos Szoczei, who explains why Bentley has been promoted again:
“I am glad to have Ryan back in Troop E. Captain Bentley is the epitome of what a leader is; he works selflessly, works on behalf of the public, and wants to make sure those under his command get home safely after every shift.”
Former NYS Police Officer, now the Allegany County Sheriff, Scott Cicirello says Bentley’s the man for the job: “Captain Bentley has a great reputation. Smart guy, good leader, good cop.”
His most recent promotion and assignment brings Bentley back to his roots, where his career, and family began. To understand Ryan Bentley’s success and motivation, you must understand his family history. Before his career in law enforcement began, Bentley married into the family of longtime City of Hornell Chief of Police Paul Crowe. Bentley makes it very clear that his inspiration, mentor, and idol is his late father in law:
“One of my heroes and best friends was my father-in-law, the late Paul Crowe He encouraged me to pursue a career of selfless service in law enforcement and guided me each step of the way. He recently passed away, about a month from accepting this promotion, but (my family and I) all know he would be honored that I get the opportunity to serve these great communities in this role.”
Crowe retired from the Hornell Police Department in 2007, allowing Ryan and Paul to serve together for two years, albeit for different agencies. That is a big point of pride for Bentley and his extended family, who are still grieving after the loss of Paul in September 2023.
Ryan explains that if not for Crowe, he may not have followed a career in law enforcement at all. As a lawman himself, Crowe saw potential in the charactar and personality of Bentley as a future police officer. That encouragement and direction proved to be the start of another impressive career of public service. Looking back at his stellar service to New York State, Captain Bentley gives much of the credit to the mentoring, guidance, and love of his father-in-law. It is safe to say that Chief Crowe is still motivating and inspiring Captain Bentley to this day. Moving back to serve the same community that his father-in-law served with distinction is a “full circle” for Bentley and a great “honor.”
One of his first priorities as a Zone Commander will be recruiting the next generation of NYS Police. While recruitment numbers for the state police have improved post-pandemic, the job of bringing new talent into the ranks is at the top of the list for Captain Bentley. More important is recruiting local men and women to consider a career in law enforcement. Bentley serves as prime example for his belief that the quality of police work and community engagement improves when those who are locally invested can “protect and serve.”
Interested in a career with the NYS Police? Captain Bentley pointed out this link with many different ways to learn more: Become a Trooper Home Page
