Subj: HASTA LA VISTA BABY
Hasta la vista, baby?"Always be careful what you ask
for, you just may get it!
One of the many headaches that the U. S. has had was the Puerto Rican Island of
Vieques. In the waning years of the Clinton administration, Protesters demanded
that the US Navy abandon bombing and naval gun fire exercises that had taken
place on the largely uninhabited island for nearly seventy years.
Liberal icons bumped into one another to fly to Puerto Rico, boat over to the
island, trespass (but never on a day that there was an exercise scheduled) and
get arrested for the benefit of the New York Times or Newsweek. They included
the Reverend Al Sharpton, Mrs. Jesse Jackson, Joan Baez, Robert F. Kennedy,Jr.,
Edward Olomos, Michael Moore and Ramsey Clark, just to name a few.
In 2002, the bombing exercises were transferred to an Air Force bombing range in
central Florida, not far from the Jacksonville and Pensacola Naval Air Stations.
In January, many of the protesters were back in Puerto Rico, celebrating the
final bombing exercise on Vieques and waved Puerto Rican flags and placards that
read "U.S. Navy, get out of Puerto Rico."
The following Feb, Rumsfeld announced that the U.S. Navy will close the
Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station in Puerto Rico in 2004, eliminating 1200
civilian jobs as well as 700 military positions. This naval facility is
estimated to put nearly $300 million annually into the local economy.
The next day a stunned Governor Sila Calderon, held a news conference in San
Juan, protesting the base closure as a serious blow to Commonwealth's fragile
economy. The governor stated that "The people of Puerto Rico don't now or never
did have an interest in closing the Vieques bombing range or the Roosevelt Roads
naval base. We are interested in both staying in Puerto Rico."
When asked, the Commander-in Chief, Western Atlantic Command, said, "Without
Vieques, I see no further need for the facility at Roosevelt Roads. None." So,
Yanqui go home? Fine. But we'll take our dollars with us. Hasta la vista, baby!
On February 21, the Secretary of Defense also announced that starting this year,
the U.S. European Command would begin moving most if not all of its active
combat and support units from bases in Germany to others being established in
Poland, The Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey to "better position them for
rapid deployment to likely hot spots in those parts of the world".
Immediately the business and government leaders in the German states of Hesse,
Rhineland and Wurttemburg, protested the loss of nearly $6 billion in revenue
each year from the bases and manpower to be displaced. A spokesman for the
Foreign Ministry speculated that the move may be "what the Americans call
'payback' for the actions of this government in opposing military action in
Iraq." Does anyone know the
German translation for "Hasta la vista, baby?"
Oh, ain't it nice to see a government with guts and a good memory. What fun!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Remember those out there tonight paying the price for our freedom !
God protect our military forces
God Bless America
STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
GEORGE E. PATAKI, GOVERNOR
Press Office
518-474-8418
212-681-4640
http://www.state.ny.us FOR RELEASE:
IMMEDIATE, Thursday August 28, 2003
GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL TO HELP FAMILIES OF FIRE, POLICE MEMBERS KILLED ON DUTY
New Law Provides Families With Additional Special Accidental Benefits
Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has signed legislation
into law to benefit the families of New York City firefighters and police
officers killed in the line of duty while acting in a higher rank. Under the new
law, the families of those killed in the line of duty after September 10, 2001
will receive benefits afforded to the rank in which their loved one was acting
at the time of their death.
"Our courageous New York City police officers and firefighters place
themselves in harm's way to protect the public and keep New Yorkers safe,"
Governor Pataki said. "While nothing can replace the loss of a loved one, this
new law will help to ensure that the families of brave New Yorkers who are
killed in the line of duty receive the benefits and support they deserve."
Senator Martin Golden said, "The 9/11 terrorist attack forever changed the way
our police officers and firefighters approach their jobs. On that tragic day,
some police and firefighters were thrust into highly dangerous situations that
required them to act in a higher rank of service. Subsequently, some of those
acting in a higher rank were killed in the line of duty without formally being
promoted. This law ensures that if another such event occurs, the families will
be compensated at the level they deserve."
This new law amends the general municipal law to require family members of New
York City police officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty to receive
special accidental death benefits at a level that is equal to the higher rank
their loved one performed at the time of death.
Assemblyman Peter Abbate said, "I congratulate the Governor for signing this
important legislation. Although it will not bring back a loved one, it will
give the families some measure of financial security and dignity."
On the evening before the World Trade Center attacks, a Battalion Chief from the
FDNY was detailed to serve the next day as Deputy Chief. He was one of the first
responders on the morning of September 11th, and was killed in the North Tower
when the building collapsed. While the firefighter was not covered as a Deputy
Chief under previous law, in his case the FDNY promoted him posthumously and his
widow is currently receiving the higher special accidental death benefit. The
new measure signed by the Governor will help to ensure that the appropriate
benefits are provided in similar cases as a matter of law.
-more-
Labor Commissioner Linda Angello said, "Firefighters and police officers put
their lives on the line every day they're on the job. Governor Pataki has taken
a major step toward helping the families of those who give their lives to
protect the public and to help them deal with the economic implications of their
loss. I commend the Governor for helping these families receive the benefits
they deserve."
This law becomes effective immediately.
STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
GEORGE E. PATAKI, GOVERNOR
Press Office
518-474-8418
212-681-4640
http://www.state.ny.us FOR RELEASE:
IMMEDIATE, Wednesday September
10, 2003
GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL TO HELP SIBLINGS OF FIREFIGHTERS AND
POLICE OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON SEPTEMBER 11
New Law Provides Additional Civil Service Credit to Brothers and Sisters of
Victims
Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has signed into law
legislation that will benefit the siblings of New York City firefighters and
police officers who were killed in the line of duty in the September 11
terrorist attacks. The new law amends the Civil Service Law to provide 10
additional points on civil service exams to the siblings of firefighters and
police officers who died at the World Trade Center.
This new law is similar to a measure the Governor approved last year that
provided an additional 10 points of "legacy credit" to children of police
officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
"We will never forget the courage and selflessness of the firefighters
and police officers who gave their lives on September 11 while trying to save
others," Governor Pataki said. "While nothing can replace those who were lost
in the attacks, we are committed to providing support and assistance to the
families of the brave New Yorkers who were killed in the line of duty on that
terrible day."
Under the new law, which takes effect immediately, the 10 additional points can
only be granted to individuals who have passed their Civil Service examination,
and is limited only to positions in the same municipality in which the deceased
sibling served.
Senator Martin Golden said, "I applaud Governor Pataki's signature today that
continues our commitment to ensuring our support of the families of those lost
in the line of duty on September 11, 2001. For those wishing to continue the
legacy of their brothers and sisters who so bravely and proudly made a life of
defending ours, this will aid them to follow in their footsteps and maintain
honor and pride within the confines of their family."
Assemblyman Peter Abbate said, "As we approach the anniversary of the World
Trade Center Attack, I am pleased the Governor has signed this legislation
providing a living legacy to those fire and police who were killed in the line
of duty. I am proud of the brothers and sisters who wish to honor their fallen
siblings by following in their footsteps and becoming fire fighters and police
officers. This legislation honors the tradition within the fire and police
departments of recognizing the loss by providing some benefit to the family of
the deceased. So many of those lost were young with no children to carry on
their legacy. That this credit can now be given to a sibling is a small gesture
to those who have lost their lives and for those who take up their mantle to
serve and protect our City."
--more--
The application for additional points may be made at any time between the time a
person applies to take the civil service test, and the establishment of the
"eligible list" resulting from the test. Once an individual has been appointed
to a permanent position in the civil service, they may not claim eligibility for
the additional points. In cases where an individual is appointed without the
additional points becoming a factor, they will retain the right to apply for the
additional points in the future.
In August, the Governor also signed into law a measure to benefit the families
of New York City firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty
while acting in a higher rank. Under the new law, the families of those killed
in the line of duty after September 10, 2001 will receive benefits afforded to
the rank in which their loved one was acting at the time of their death.
Paul Ansbro recovering from heart surgery
Last week Paul was admitted to the hospital with 95% blockage in his artery.
The doctors inserted a stent and Paul is expected to make a full recovery.
This episode may have just saved Paul life.
We hope to see a new Paul at a luncheon in the near future.
BiehlerGram#89
September 2003
NYPD Ramblings
by
DCFB@aol.com
***************
Police Officer Glen Pettit, Police Academy; Police Officer Mark Ellis,
Transit District#4; Police Officer Ramon Suarez, Transit District#4;
Police Officer James Leahy, 6th Precinct; Police Officer Moira Smith,
13th Precinct; Police Officer Robert Fazio, 13th Precinct; Police
Officer John Perry, 40th Precinct; Sergeant Rodney Gillis, Emergency
Service Squad#8; Sergeant Michael Curtin, Emergency Service Squad#2;
Sergeant John Coughlin, Emergency Service Squad#4; Detective Claude
Richards, Bomb Squad; Detective Joseph Vigiano, Emergency
Service Squad#2; Police Officer Walter Weaver, Emergency Service Squad#3;
Police Officer Vincent Danz, Emergency Service Squad#3; Police Officer
Jerome Dominguez, Emergency Service Squad#3; Police Officer John D'Allara,
Emergency Service Squad#2; Police Officer Thomas Langone,
Emergency Service Squad#10; Police Officer Ronald Kloepfer,
Emergency Service Squad#7; Police Officer Santos Valentin Jr., Emergency
Service Squad#7; Police Officer Stephen Driscoll, Emergency Service
Squad#4; Police Officer Paul Talty, Emergency Service Squad#10; Police
Officer Brian McDonnell, Emergency Service Squad#1; Sergeant Timothy Roy,
Traffic Control Division (STED).
***************
PROMOTIONS
Nothing to Report
TRANSFERS
D.I. JOSEPH HOCH (48P) to CO 52P, RAYMOND ROONEY (52P) to
BxDets, LEONARD ROPPA (BxDets) to CO Trf Opr Div.
Capt. JAMES MCCARTHY (CO 5P) to CO 9P, BARRY BUZZETTI (71P)
to CO 48P, KEVIN MCGINN (CO 123P) to CO 63P, WILLIAM MATUSIAK (MSTF)
to CO 5P, THOMAS PILKINGTON (PBQN) to CO 111P, and JAMES KLEIN (DCPI)
to CO 123P.
RETIREMENTS
Service: DC DEWEY FONG (PBQS); DI GLEN KOTOWSKI (105P);
Capt. FRANCIS FOTI (IAB); and P.O. MARTIN POLIGNONE (PBBx).
Ordinary: Sgt. WILLIAM MILLER (Legal); POs ROBERT DALESSANDRO
and MARK ESPOSITO (Hwy#3).
Accidental: PO PAMELA FLYNN (PBBx).
Amendments: Insp. DONALD FESER (Manh Traf TF), Lieut. JAMES
ROBERT (PBMS TF), Dets MOSES GONZALEZ (DA Qns) and DENIS MULCAHY
(Bomb Sqd); and PO CARL DAGNELLO (MTD), are now all granted
Accidental Disability.
The above is a partial listing of the 87 June 2003 retirements
listed under PO#218, s03
Announcing: A.C. ANTHONY MARRA (CO PBSI); DC Surgeon GREGORY
FRIED (Med Div)
(Pg 1 of 3 Pgs)
IN THE LINE OF DUTY
Richmond PD (VA) P.O. DOUGLAS WENDEL (41), (originally, a Long
Island native) investigating a radio run of drug sales, shot from behind with
one suspect now in custody and indicted, on July 30th ... LaFourche
Parish Sheriff's Dept. (LA) Sgt. KURT HARRELSON (31) and Det.
CHANCEY CHAMPAGNE (45), both killed when their RMP collided with a truck on
State Highway 308, on July 31st ... Federal Way PD (WA) Officer
PATRICK MAHER (46), during a struggle with a suspect, the Officer's gun was
taken by the suspect who attempted to use the firearm against his ex-girlfriend
and brother, at which time the Officer lunged for the weapon, but was shot and
killed by the suspect, who was taken into custody, on August 2nd ...
LA County Sheriff's Dept. (CA) Deputy STEPHEN SORENSEN (46)
shot and killed near Llano with NFI available at this time, also on August 2nd
... Grant PD (AL) Police Chief VERLON LEMASTER,
accompanying Deputies on a stolen gun investigation, shot and killed by suspect,
with one person now in custody, on August 15th ... Greenville County
Sheriff's Dept. (SC) Deputy ANDREW MAZUR (24), shot and killed while
investigating a "suspicious male," on August 17th. The shooter, a nineteen year
old male, committed suicide during a standoff with police the following day.
... Greene County Sheriff's Dept. (VA) Sgt. RODNEY DAVIS (30)
serving a narcotics warrant, near Stanardsville (VA), shot and killed by
perpetrator who was hiding in a bedroom within the house. The suspect (male-32)
was then killed by other Deputies on August 26th. ... Memphis PD
(TN) Ptl. ANTHONY WOODS (35) responded on a domestic violence radio run
and upon entering the house, the male suspect shot a woman and struggled with
the Patrolman, who he then shot and killed. The suspect fled from the premises,
but was confronted by other Officers who shot and killed the suspect, on August
27th.
BULLETS
THEY DONE GOOD: Retired Lieut. DAVID CHONG is now the
Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety (Police and Fire Depts.) of The City of
White Plains, New York. And retired Deputy Chief THOMAS BELFIORE is now
the Commissioner of Public Safety, Westchester County, New York. .....
FRIVOLOUS APPEAL: A Kings County Federal Judge rejected the claims of
two former Black Panthers, who murdered Police Officer JOHN SCARANGELLA
(May 1st 1981), that discrimination was a factor in their trial and convictions.
The Judge noted the claims of the killers were "frivolous" and they will remain
in jail to serve out their sentences of 25 years to Life. ..... VOTE FOR A
COP: Retired A.C. TRUDY LAFORGIA needs your vote in the
Clarkstown Supervisor Democratic Primary of September 9th. ..... THERE'S
NOTHING WRONG, BUT: Although the Ford Motor Company keeps telling us
every thing is just swell with its Crown Victorias, which are used by 85% of all
Police Departments, and that a design flaw is not responsible for the gas tank
explosions and fires when the vehicle is struck in the rear, Ford is expected to
begin offering "fire suppression technology" on Crown Vic police
vehicles. No word on if Ford will offer the same thing to the general public
that own Crown Vics. ..... PANDEMONIUM AT THE 40: A 40 GLA car was
pursuing a stolen BMW. As vehicle operator neared the 40 SH he struck three
parked and unoccupied RMPs, attempted to run down a Police Officer (who fired
two rounds at the auto), and finally crashed into a parked FDNY ambulance.
MARCELO RODRIGUEZ (16) was then apprehended and charged with attempted
Murder and other charges. ..... PAROLE SHOCKER: Parole has now
been granted to KATHY BOUDIN (60) who was a participant in the murder of
two Officers and a Brink's guard in the infamous "Nanuet Brink's Armored Car
Robbery," on October 20th 1981. She will have served only 22 years for the
murders of three men. ..... PROTECT YOUR CHILD: One of the best
self-contained fingerprint/ID kits we've seen around is now being offered at
many CVS Pharmacies. You should pick one up for the kids or grandkids.
It's called the "Child Safety ID Kit- Protect your Child" and it's FREE!
..... IN FASHION: NYPD is sporting a new look- Cargo Pants!
The pants are an optional uniform item that can only be worn on patrol and they
have plenty of extra pockets to carry police gear (or donuts, or hero
sandwiches, cell phones, bottled water, or whatever). .....
(Pg 2 of 3 Pgs)
THAT OLD FEELING: JANE WYATT (92); VAN JOHNSON (87);
"Her Nibs", GEORGIA GIBBS and MAUREEN O'HARA (83); GENE
WOODLING, GEORGE KELL, and SHELLEY WINTERS (81); RHONDA
FLEMING (80); ARLENE DAHL (79); TONY BENNETT (77); EDDIE
FISHER and ANN BLYTH (75); SEAN CONNERY (73); REGIS PHILBIN
(72); EYDIE GORME (71); and FRANK GIFFORD (73) and wife
KATHIE LEE (50) shared the same August 16th birthday. ..... A
REMEMBRANCE: A classical tap dancer, Tony winner, and the
dominant dancer of the 80's and 90's on Broadway, TV and in the movies-
GREGORY HINES (57), in LA on August 9th ... He created a world
sensation when he coached the US Hockey team to a victory over the Soviets in
1980- HERB BROOKS (66), in an auto accident near Minneapolis (MN) on
August 11th ...
10-13
1. They're holding a racket for Det. ROBERT WILLIAMSON, recently retired
from MS Street Crime Unit, and former 5th Precinct PBA Delegate, on
September 6th, at the Pearl River Elks. "Bobby" has come
down with a very serious illness and he and his wife and three children need
your help. The racket starts at 1700 hours, tickets are $20.00, and it's at Elks
Drive, Nanuet, NY. Further info from Sgt. Mike Kelley, MN SCU (212-678-1325).
Can't make it? Donations may be sent to: Bobby Fund, Box 1251, Pearl River, NY
10965.
2. Det. JOHN WALCOTT (MN Narco) is fighting a very serious illness and
needs your help. A beefsteak fundraiser will be held on Monday,
September 22nd, 1900 hours, at the Brownstone House, 351
W. Broadway, Paterson, NJ (973-779-1738). Dave Szott (NY Jets) will be in
attendance. And call DC Monahan (718-299-4314) or James Griffin (718-299-4098)
for more info on the $40 ticket.
WITH SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF:
Retired Patrolman JOSEPH JOVE, 64 Pct., Appt'd- Feb 21st 1928,
Ret- 8.31.51, on Feb 21st 2003 (the 75th anniversary of his
Appointment date); Retired D.C.I. ARTHUR SAVITT (OCCB), a former
XO@PBBx (under A.C. Sydney Cooper), Appt'd- 3.16.42; Ret- 9.4.72, on July 11th;
Retired Sgt. ARTHUR GREENE (69), of Lake Wylie (NC), who (along
with me) was one of the first Anti-Crime Sergeants in The City, at the 46P in
the late sixties, on July 30th ... Former P.O. JULIUS FRANK BINETTI
(63), of Miami, also on July 30th ... Retired Insp. ALFRED OLIVERI
(76), of Hobe Sound (FL), formerly of Rockland County (NY), with more than
30 years O-T-J, on August 1st ... Retired Det. WILLIAM MCCARTHY SR.,
formerly of the 63 Pct., also on August 1st ... Retired Sgt. HENRY
REITER (60), of Florida, Appt'd to Transit PD on 5.3.63; Retirement date
unknown, of an apparent heart attack on August 2nd ... Retired member
EDWARD VOSKA, suddenly, also on August 2nd ... Retired Captain
MICHAEL O'GARA also on August 2nd ... Retired Lieut. FRANCIS
O'BYRNE, with a second career as Sr. Vice President of Support Services at
St. Vincent's Hospital, on August 3rd ... Retired P.O. THOMAS FLEMING,
of St. James (NY), a WWII Navy Veteran, on August 4th ... Retired Sgt.
MARTIN KENNEDY, of Ridge (NY), with over 20 years O-T-J, on August 10th ...
Retired Officer VINCENT VINCIGUERRA (65), of Dix Hills (NY), on
August 11th ... Retired Sgt. WALTER MULSTAY, JR., formerly of the
52nd Pct., at Middletown (NY), also on August 11th ... Retired Chief of
Patrol JOHN MCCABE, who was also a former CO PBBx, on August 14th ...
Retired P.O. THOMAS PARR (95), of Dover Plains (NY), retiring in
1953, in Sharon (CN) on August 22nd ...
LATE AND BREAKING
(1) Lets hear it for Boynton Beach, Florida- United States Little League
Champions for 2003.
(2) And how about Atlanta Brave shortstop Rafael Furcal who turned in an
unassisted Triple Play against the Cardinals. It's only the 12th
time that's ever been done.
(3) Captain KENNETH GIRVIN (34), CO PBMN Anti-Crime Unit, alone and
investigating suspicious men he observed near autos on west 154th Street, near
Bradhurst Park, was shot on August 27th. Gunshot wound is serious, but not
considered life-threatening.
30