Scott Brown shares the life story of retired senior investigator Bob Brenzel, tracing his path from Hudson High through the Army, into the New York State Police, and later onto the bench as Greenport Town Justice. The episode matters because it shows how one career in public service can span generations of local history, major cases, leadership, and community trust.In this episode, Scott Brown focuses on Bob’s early influences, his rise through the New York State Police, and the values that shaped his long second career as a judge.

• Bob Brenzel’s early life in Hudson, including sports, hunting, softball, and his father’s work as a Columbia County deputy
• The influence of BCI Sergeant Frank Appleton and how Bob’s admiration for troopers began after seeing the 1950 Hudson raid era
• Bob’s father’s death in 1952 and how Appleton supported the family during that difficult period
• Bob’s military service in Germany from 1954 to 1956 before returning home and applying to the State Police
• His entry into the New York State Police in 1957, including basic school in Troy and early assignments at SP Sydney, Oneonta, and SP Kirkwood
• The brutal early work schedule for troopers, from barracks living to 60-hour weeks and later the move toward a 40-hour week
• His promotion into BCI work in 1962 and later rise to senior investigator in 1978 at SP Poughkeepsie
• The kind of investigations Bob handled, including homicides, assaults, sex crimes, arsons, burglaries, and major sensitive cases
• Notable cases discussed, including the Lewis Rollin homicide and the 1988 Claverack arson and related murder investigation
• Bob’s major heart attack in 1988, his recovery, and the support he received from colleagues, NYPD officers, and his own unit
• His return to duty in 1989 and retirement in 1990 after 33 years of service
• Bob’s second career as Greenport Town Justice, where he served 25 years and dealt with criminal matters, civil disputes, evictions, and local ordinance issues
• Reflections from former colleagues who describe him as fair, organized, trustworthy, and a true trooper’s trooper
• His long marriage to Ellen, his family, fitness routine, gardening, and life after public service

“Bob is a trooper’s trooper.”

“Do unto others as you would want done unto you.”

“I’ve always loved being able to serve others

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Enjoy an interview with our special guest and retired NYSP Zone Sergeant Michael (Trim) Trimboli who finished his incredible law enforcement career in 2018. I had the pleasure of working with Trim for many years and also playing hockey with him for the NYSP Hockey team. Aside from his family, Trim's true passion is coaching his Massena Red Raiders High School Hockey Team. For over thirty years he's been coaching High School Hockey at two different schools, entering his 18th year at the helm in Massena.

During this show Trim shares his childhood including fond memories of his parents, particularly his mom's concern of how Trim would be changed from that sweeet young teenage boy to a dsiciplined soldier/cadet upon his return from four years at Norwich University. Trim's dad also instilled many characteristics in his son including discipline, structure, a strong work ethic, and love for his family.

Trim had an exciting and memorable LE career with the NYSP, becoming a member of the elite tactical team - Mobile Response Team or MRT, and retired as a Zone Sergeant assigned to the Counter- Terrorism Unit for the Northern District.

Throughout the years Trim remained loyal member of USA Hockey and held various positions, including his current responsibility as Head Coach of his beloved Red Raiders. Trim presently is in his second term as President of USA Hockey and recently on July 12, 2026 was inducted in the NYS Hockey Hall of Fame.

Trim and his wife Michelle, also an avid athlete and coach, are the proud parents of two boys and two daughters, all athletes. Some of Trim's most memorable moments were attending 2026 Winter Olympics and watching the trifecta with the mens 's and women's Hockey Teams winning Gold Medals, and the USA Paralympic Team clinching their fifth straight Gold medal in sled Hockey!

Full Episode Drops Monday!

In the upcoming episode of Coffee with Cappy, Scott Brown sits down with retired New York State Police Zone Sergeant Mike Trimboli for an inspiring conversation about service, leadership, family, and hockey. From outdoor rinks and childhood lessons in Massena to years in law enforcement and his work leading USA Hockey, Mike shares the values, experiences, and teamwork that shaped his life. They discuss the old days of outdoor hockey, the importance of work ethic and accountability, major law enforcement details, coaching, and what it means to lead with humility and purpose. It’s a conversation filled with memory, perspective, and lessons that carry well beyond the rink.

• Growing up in Massena and learning life lessons on outdoor rinks
• How family, discipline, and hard work shaped Mike’s path
• Stories from his years in the New York State Police
• The role of teamwork in both policing and hockey
• His perspective as president of USA Hockey
• Why the lessons from the rink still matter today

If you enjoy conversations about leadership, sports, service, and the stories behind the people who shape our communities, this episode is for you.Listen now and don’t forget to share it with someone who loves hockey, service, and great stories.#CoffeeWithCappy #Podcast #MikeTrimboli #Hockey #Leadership #Teamwork #USAHockey #NewYorkStatePolice

Hello. my name is Scott Brown, I am a retired New York State Police Captain, retiring in 2013 after serving an exciting 32 years. I transitioned into overseas LE contract work in Liberia and Haiti during two UN Police missions, and Department of State GATA (Global Anti-Terrorism Assistance)throughout the world. I worked in Mogodishu, Somalia, Nigeria, Chad, Tunisia and eight other African countries, as well as Iraq, Philippinnes, and Jordan. Our mission was to provide training at US Embassies for Host nation police officers in hostage rescue and barricaded subjects, Target Hardening, building and room, , open air environment tactics, and other advanced SWAT tactics.

Our Podcast Coffee with Cappie hopes to provide a space where LE officers and other first responders can come listen and enjoy discussions between the Host and special guests. Listeners are encourages to send comments in the show with comments and questions.

I am in early phase of tweaking the schedule. Currently I plan on publishing bi-weekly with intentions of making the show weekly.

Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you!

Scott Brown

Welcome to Coffee with Cappie Podcast! My name is Scott Brown and I am a retired New York State Police Captain, having hung up my spurs and retired back in 2013 after an exciting 32 year career. In episode 1 I will interview my dear friend and fellow NYSP member retired Trooper Rich Mattson who had joined the ranks in 2000 and was a member of the elite Mobile Response Team (MRT) since 2006. In the spring of 2007 Trooper Mattson and his fellow teammates were pursuing a fugitive in the Catskill Mountains in Troop C. The fugitive was located in a farmhouse and a violent gun battle ensued. During the firefight Trooper Mattson was shot in his left arm and brachial artery during which time he nearly bled to death. Heroic efforts by his fellow officers in applying a tourniquet saved his life and he was medivac'd to Albany Medical Trauma Center. During this shootout Teammate trooper Dave Brinkerhoff (Brink) shot and killed the suspect. Simultaneously, Brink was accidently shot and killed from behind by friendly fire.

Trooper Mattson recovered after several years of surgeries and therapy. Due to his extensive injuries he was forced into disability retirement in 2008. His physical fitness and mental toughness has kept him active with assisting other officers who have experienced similar situations and injuries.

During this episode Trooper Mattson has spoken openly about another fugitive search and subsequent gunfight occurring just eight months prior to Rich's shooting that led to two fellow MRT members being ambushed in a rural area in Chautauqua County in western, NYS in Troop A. This ambush left Trooper Joe Longobardo losing his life and Trooper Donny Baker critically wounded but making a miraculous recovery and returning to duty one year after their shooting. Trooper Mattson talks candidly about the great efforts the ground Troops performed searching for the Troop A fugitive, and also opens up about his thoughts about decision-making or lack there-of by certain high-ranking State Police Command personnel from both Troop A as well as Division HQ. in Albany, NY.

Since his early life Rich has never forgotten his passion for soccer, a sport he fell in love with at the age of 10. After playing in local youth leagues, Rich quickly became a stellar goalie while playing in high school and college, before securing a position in both the semi-pro and professional USA Leagues.