The following is a joint press release from the New York State Police and the Ulster Police Department.
On December 9, 2011, at approximately 10:30 pm, the New York State Police responded with Town of Olive Police to investigate a one car motor vehicle accident on State Route 28 in the Town of Olive. The accident occurred near the intersection of State Route 28 and Dubois Road in Shokan.
A 2001 Buick operated by Travis Nissen of Shokan, NY was traveling west on State Route 28. In the area of Dubois Road, Nissen lost control of his vehicle and struck a utility pole on the South Shoulder of the roadway. Nissen was transported to Kingston Hospital by Olive First Aid where he succumbed to his injuries and died at 11:41 pm. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the New York State Police. Agencies assisting at the scene included the Town of Olive Police Department, the Olive Fire Dept., Olive First Aid and Mobile Life Support Services.
Travis Nissen has been a sworn officer of the Ulster Police Department since 2006. Travis was hired as a part time officer in September of 2006. He also worked part time for the Town of Shandaken Police Department at the time. He was taken on full time by the Ulster Police Department in December of 2007 and in October of 2008, he was assigned to Miller School as a School Resource Officer where he has been working diligently since. Travis was married in August of this year and is survived by his wife, two brothers, his mother and father and a stepfather.
Chief of Police, Matthew A. Taggard, reports that he and the members of his department are devastated by the passing of Officer Travis Nissen. Equally devastated are the staff and students of M. Clifford Miller school, where he has served compassionately as the department’s school resource officer for three years. Officer Nissen’s dedication to both his job and the youth of Miller’s School is second to none and the painful void he leaves behind will be difficult to fill. Travis will be remembered by his fellow officers for his warm smile, his love for the outdoors and his love for the students to which he was entrusted to protect. He will not be forgotten.
Crisis Intervention teams have been activated to assist both law enforcement and school officials through this most difficult time. The Ulster Police Department and it’s members stands firmly with the Nissen family during this difficult time and will remain the liaison for the family until further notice.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced as they are made and the Ulster Police Department wishes to thank all of their brother law enforcement agencies for their support and presence during this difficult time. The Ulster Police Department may provide, with the permission of the family, department photos of Officer Nissen later today.
A follow up press release will be issued prior to 7pm this date with further information, should there be any to report.
Join the family! 
