Message from NYSTPBA President Tom Mungeer
In Memoriam 

Our collective thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and coworkers of Trooper Joshua E. Gushlaw, who tragically lost his life in a snowmobile accident this past Sunday in Dannemora. 

Trooper Gushlaw had been a member of the State Police since March 28, 2016 and was assigned to SP Plattsburgh, Troop B. He is survived by his wife and two young sons. 

Financial Support for Trooper Gushlaw’s Family

Since Trooper Gushlaw was not yet vested in the retirement system, his family is not eligible for any benefits because his death occurred off duty. The NYSTPBA’s Signal 30 Benefit Fund immediately provided the newly-enacted benefit of $20,000 to the family of any active Trooper who loses their life on-duty or off-duty.
However, the family still needs our help.  

I am proud to report that other state police organizations in the northeast have pledged financial support for Trooper Gushlaw’s family. In addition, so far to date the Signal 30 Fund has received more than $3,000 in donations for the family and we will continue to accept donations on the family’s behalf. To donate to Trooper Gushlaw’s family through the Signal 30 Fund, visit the Signal 30 website https://signal30.org/online-donations/ and in the line for “Specific fundraising event or in memory of” please type in the words “Trooper Gushlaw’s Family.” In addition, you can write a check to the Signal 30 Benefit Fund and in the memo line write “Trooper Gushlaw’s Family” and mail it to: New York State Trooper PBA Signal 30 Benefit Fund, 48 Howard St., Albany, NY 12207.

Please also consider ordering a memorial bracelet through Trooper Gushlaw’s coworkers:

Presale order for “In Loving Memory of Joshua E. Gushlaw” Bracelets

Cost: $25.00 each 
Donate: $5.00 of the $25.00 will be donated back to Trooper Gushlaw’s family
Presale Deadline: March 11, 2022
Payment: Venmo @awhitty or Paypal @amwhitty

If you are interested in purchasing a bracelet please respond via email to Trooper Whitty at [email protected] with the following information:

NAME

STATION
QUANTITY 
PAYMENT METHOD/USERNAME (to confirm payment) 
PICK UP AT SP PLATTSBURGH or SENT TO YOUR LOCATION
Once the presale is over the bracelets will be purchased and everyone will be notified when they come in. Extra bracelets will be purchased for those who missed the presale but please order during the presale if possible.

Line-of-Duty Deaths

I was just recently informed that the following retired members who have passed while in service retirement from 9/11-related illnesses will now be officially designated by Division’s Honor Board as “Historical 9/11 Line-of-Duty Deaths.”
Zone Sergeant James G. Sweeney    - Troop K      Service Retired  2/27/2007

Trooper Scott P. Enser                       -  Troop T      Service Retired  10/6/2009
Trooper Joseph J. Mecca Jr.              -  Troop A      Service Retired  12/15/2006
Trooper Michael R. O’Donnell            -  Troop G     Service Retired  02/23/2005
New York State Police Officers Memorial Advisory Committee

I am honored to sit on the New York State Police Officers Memorial Advisory Committee. At our annual meeting yesterday, 48 police officers, including Troopers James Monda and Joseph Gallagher, were accepted for inclusion on the Memorial Wall. Of the 48, 11 deaths were COVID-related and 34 were a result of their service during 9/11.  

NY State Police Officers Memorial Ceremony, Albany, N.Y. – Tuesday, May 10, 1 p.m.

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Candlelight Vigil Ceremony, Washington D.C. – Friday, May 13 at 8 p.m.

Signs the Pendulum is Swinging Back

We all know that the last two years have been tough for law enforcement. Virtually overnight, we went from being the heroes of the pandemic to being vilified. While it felt bleak at times, there are signs that public perception is changing toward our role as police officers, especially during the major uptick in crime. Take these examples: 

According to a recent Siena Poll, “Nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers – including strong majorities of Republicans, independents and Democrats, upstaters and downstaters – support amending the 2019 bail reform law and giving judges more discretion to keep dangerous criminals off the street.” 

Also, there is some interesting data that was leaked over the weekend from internal Democratic polling - 80% of swing voters agree with the statement that “Democrats in Congress support defunding the police and taking more cops off of the street.”  

This November will be interesting…

More of the Same

Although there are signs of optimism, look no farther that our state’s capital to find a group of lawmakers stuck in the 2020 mindset.  
The city of Albany’s public safety commission is looking at who should respond when someone calls 911, which includes whether and how to staff unarmed responders for certain calls.  

Josiah Jones, President of the Albany Police Supervisors’ Association, summed up this proposal best - 

I’m most concerned for citizens of Albany, that they might call for police and want police to respond to calls when they’re victims of a crime, and instead an unarmed, untrained, unexperienced, un-vetted individual might respond in our place.

Masks in Schools

According to a USA TODAY Network analysis of Johns Hopkins University data, New York ranked 47th among the states where coronavirus was spreading the fastest on a per-person basis.
I’m sure I was not the only parent who had to endure watching their high school kid running up and down a basketball court these last few months trying to breathe through a mask. It’s about time the mask mandate for our kids was lifted. Just saying…

Fox News

I was honored to be asked to comment on the senseless and horrific murder of a SUNY Potsdam student recently. Although I was adamant that I was not involved in the investigation itself, the people at Fox still wanted to hear from the NYSTPBA. How far we have come this past decade.  
Tom Mungeer, president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, said Tuesday investigators were likely looking to create a timeline of Snow’s movements surrounding Friday’s alleged shooting. 

Mungeer, who is not involved in the investigation, said troopers were likely keeping releasing as little information as needed "because they want to have an airtight case.

"This tragedy is a loss of innocent life," he said. "The second tragedy would be an error in the investigation that might let this guy walk.”
He added: "I know the investigators are checking all avenues … in the end, it’s somebody who’s operating within our society and ostensibly took an innocent life."  

https://www.foxnews.com/us/suny-potsdam-beth-howell-shooting-murder-mother-daughter-attack

Austin, Texas

Please read the following press release from NAPO: 
The National Association of Police Organizations (“NAPO”) condemns in the strongest possible terms the decision by Travis County, Texas District Attorney Jose Garza to seek the criminal indictment of nineteen Austin police officers for law enforcement actions the officers took during violent protests. The officers were forced to use lawful force to protect themselves and others after they came under criminal attack during May 2020 protests over the death of George Floyd. Almost two years later, D.A. Garza, who wasn’t even serving in office at the time of the incident, has decided to criminally prosecute the same officers who risked their own safety to restore peace in Austin. The George Soros-funded Garza is playing true to form. As a criminal defense attorney, he used his position and privilege to put criminals back on the streets. As elected D.A., he is now serving the same master by trying to remove officers from the streets. There is every indication that these officers will ultimately be cleared of wrongdoing, but in the meantime, the officers, their families, and the citizens of Austin who can least afford it, will pay the price of Garza’s ignorance and hubris.

Our thoughts are with these police officers during this ordeal. I was in Austin a few months ago and the crime and explosion of the homeless situation, especially in the once tourist-friendly areas, was truly eye opening.  

Another Awesome Idea from our Elected Officials

As reported by Politico, Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Queens) wants Gov. Kathy Hochul to combat hate crimes by providing communities with walking buddies trained in martial arts.
Hey Dan “Cato” Sisto, sounds like a good retirement gig for you.  

This email is an automated notification, which is unable to receive replies. To send a comment to the NYSTPBA, please contact us at [email protected].

The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers

120 State St.
Albany, New York 12207                      

(518) 462-7448 
http://www.nystpba.org

 SUTLIFFE - Rick February 21, 2022. Beloved husband of Janice (Locke) Sutliffe, loving father of Nicole Sutliffe and Kelly (Steve) Caraher. Cherished grandfather to Lucia, Alice, Frankie, and Paddy Caraher. Preceded in death by his parents Ray and Clara Sutliffe, brother Ronald Sutliffe, and parents-in-law Shirley and Alexander Locke. Mr. Sutliffe was a retired NY State Trooper, local business owner, and an involved leader in the community. Friends and family invited to a celebration of his life at the TONAWANDA ISLAND LAUNCH CLUB, 90 Taylor Drive, North Tonawanda, on Saturday, March 5. Visitation and light refreshments will be held 11-1, with a short service and invitation to share remembrances 1-2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick’s memory to the Erie County SPCA, or Former Troopers Helping Hands, PO Box 432, West Seneca, NY, 14224. Arrangements by DENGLER, ROBERTS PERNA FUNERAL HOME. Fond memories and condolences at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.comRick started with the Park Police in 1966, transferred to the State Police on 1/1/1980 and retired in 1987.
Added 3/26/22
On February 21, 2022, we lost our dad, our mom lost her soulmate, and four little humans lost their Papa. The world lost an incredible man.
Rick was born and raised in Buffalo, NY by his parents Clara (Randazzo) and Ray Sutliffe. Throughout his life he was a proud supporter of any and all Buffalo sports teams and passed this down to his children, grandchildren and maybe even his son-in-law (go Bills!). He was passionate about classic cars- talking about them, reading about them, restoring them to their original (and often better) glory. He fell in love with boating, and with the TILC, and has made many lifelong friends on the Niagara River.

In 1967, he was sworn into the State Park Police, just like his father and grandfather before him, and soon after became a New York State Trooper. During his career, he worked many historic events including the Olympics in Lake Placid, the 'dewatering' of Niagara Falls, and was honored for his role in the rescue of the tragic capsizing of a river raft near the base of the Falls in 1975. While these events were on the news and in the paper, there were countless other times that Rick quietly put his own safety aside to assist someone in need.
He was a problem-solver in every way, the person friends and family turned to to fix cars, electronics and personal dilemmas. Most recently, his grandson's toy truck had a nasty accident with a large pebble and that was taken care of by Papa before tears could flow. He would often bring carloads of tools (and friends) to his daughters' houses to work through a long list of projects, turning their houses in to homes.
Rick was a leader in his community, serving as an officer, trustee and Commodore of the Tonawanda Island Launch Club, as president of the Kenmore Merchants Association, and as the owner and president of two successful businesses: Advanced Design Photography and Advanced Computer Systems, each of which led to friendships that lasted well beyond business relationships.
Rick was as charismatic as he was (occasionally) grumpy, as devoted as he was (occasionally) stubborn and as loving as he was vigilant. He is loved deeply by so many because he loved so many so deeply. He is survived by dear friends and family all across the country, by his beloved wife Janice, by his two daughters Nicole Sutliffe and Kelly Caraher, his son-in-law Stephen Caraher, and four grandchildren Lucia, Alice, Frankie and Paddy.
Though those that loved Rick were not ready to lose him, we are better for knowing him. His smile, his wit, his devotion and his tremendous heart will never be forgotten.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Rick's life on March 5 from 11a - 2p with visitation 11a-1p, and a brief service beginning at 1p, with stories and remembrances by friends. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Erie County SPCA and/or the Former Troopers Helping Hands organization (donations accepted at PO Box 432, West Seneca, NY, 14224). If you aren't familiar with the good work of Helping Hands, this article shares the impact this organization has on children.
Please note that the family kindly requests masks be worn at all times during the indoor services. Should you not have one, a mask will be provided for you. Thank you for your consideration of our vulnerable guests.

 Obituary of Daniel V. Mediak
Of Clarence, Suddenly, February 21, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Barbara (nee Battistoni) Mediak; Devoted father of Dominique (Bryan) Pirigyi; Loving grandfather of Sophia and Ethan; Dear brother of Robert (Betty) Mediak, Thomas (late Twylah) Mediak, Christine (late Norman) Keicher, late Theresa (Joseph) Nowak, Alfred (Grace) Mediak and Michael (Marie) Mediak; Also survived by nieces and nephews. Visitation in the Cichon-Borgosz Funeral Home, Inc., 4929 Broadway, Depew, Monday 3-7 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial in Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 4375 Harris Hill Road, Williamsville Tuesday at 10:30 AM. Mr. Mediak was an avid animal lover. Flowers gratefully declined. Those wishing may make memorials to the SPCA serving Erie County.Visitation3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Monday, February 28, 2022
Cichon-Borgosz Funeral Home Inc.
4929 Broadway
Depew, New York, United States

Dan was a Life Member of the Niagara Frontier Chapter, AFNYSTMEDIAK, DANIEL V.   6-61 TO 8-68      TROOPER AT ALEXANDER & CLARENCE 

 https://youtu.be/63avf0pkTCw

Bob Browning, Allegheny Mts. Chapter, reports the following.
On Tuesday, February 15, 2022, 11:25:52 PM EST, Robert Browning wrote:
I regret to inform you that Fred Geisel passed this morning. I confirmed this with his wife, Annie. Fred was a regular attendee at our Fort Myers luncheons. Rest In Peace Brother Trooper. We will miss you. Bob Browning
Additional info received:
Fred served 6/18/1962 - 8/9/1996 and was 79. Last served in NYC Troop as Sr/Inv.
Here is an address if anyone would like to send a card to Annie.
Annie Geisel
422 Notson Terrace
Port Charlotte FL 33952
No further information available at this time.

 NYSTPBA Newsletter Updates from NYSTPBA President Tom Mungeer And in This Corner… As expected, Gov. Kathy Hochul became the Democratic gubernatorial nominee yesterday at the party’s convention, with 85.6 percent of the weighted vote. Coupled with a war chest of more than $21 million, she is a formidable opponent. The New York State Republican convention kicks off on Feb. 28. Meanwhile, Attorney General Letitia James was nominated for a second term. She began her remarks by saying that a Democrat should "believe that the rule of law should be applied to everyone equally, and you believe that no one, regardless of how powerful you are, that no one is above the law." That was before Attorney General James revealed who has been occupying numerous hours in her head as she began her rant about former President Donald Trump and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. My bet is that Cuomo will continue to use his $13 million in campaign funds to systematically beat the hell out of her until November. As for her comments that “the rule of law should be applied to everyone equally” – maybe she should start practicing what she preaches. Mayor Adams Goes to Albany Although New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that he believed his conversations with the Democratic leadership had gone well, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins threw cold water on that assertion. She stated that adding a "dangerousness" standard to bail reform would be too subjective and that major changes to the bail law that he is seeking would remain a non-starter for them. "The reality is there is a national spike in crime," Senator Stewart-Cousins said. "It's not just here." Translation - Nothing to see here, move along folks…unless you are a moderate Democrat who is in jeopardy of not being reelected in November because of the bail and crime surge issues that are now around your neck like an albatross. No State Taxes Politicians in Georgia, Kentucky and New Mexico have all proposed legislation in their respective states that would waive state taxes for police officers as a way to recruit more police. Says Kentucky Rep. Ryan Dotson, the sponsor of that state’s bill, "People have stopped ... becoming police officers… So, we're trying to incentivize people who go into and stay in that line of work by passing something that will appeal to them financially." I have an idea - why not pay your Troopers a livable wage? Salaries for Troopers with five years’ experience in those states range from $43,014 for a Kentucky Trooper to $57, 841 in Georgia to $66,560 for a New Mexico Trooper.
Speaking of State Taxes The amount for 2021 NYSTPBA dues that can be used for a deduction for New York state taxes are as follows: Trooper Unit - $1,116.18 Supervisor Unit - $1,297.14
Update - Acting Positions Members of the NYSTPBA had a very productive labor management meeting yesterday with Division regarding the Acting Positions and Seniority side letter that we signed on Aug. 26, 2021. That agreement stated, “When a uniformed Member, regardless of rank, is assigned to an acting position and receives acting pay, that member’s date of rank for seniority purposes will commence upon the start date of such payment. This date of rank is only applicable if, and when, that member is subsequently permanently promoted to the same rank with no separation in service or position.” Yesterday’s meeting was meant to clarify the start date for seniority purposes of the affected members who had to endure months and even years in an acting position because of the fiscal condition of the state and the rules set out by the Cuomo administration, more specifically those members promoted in July and October of last year. The NYSTPBA Supervisor Unit Delegates - Dan Charleson, Eric Terraferma and John Conboy - will be collecting and submitting to Division the acting starting dates for the affected Members on the aforementioned promotion lists. From there, we expect to have a final resolution in the form of an adjusted DOR for seniority purposes soon thereafter. I appreciate the support and willingness of Superintendent Kevin Bruen and his command staff in addressing this.
Did You Know? AmazonSmile, which donates 0.5% from purchases to designated nonprofits, lists the Signal 30 Fund as one of their recognized charitable organizations. If you are purchasing something from Amazon, please use the following which will take you to the Signal 30 link - https://smile.amazon.com/ch/20-4062957 I am also proud to announce that the Signal 30 Fund will be offering more than 100 scholarships starting this year, a 100 percent increase! The NYSTPBA Scholarship Program applications will be available on the NYSTPBA website on April 1, 2022. You will be able to access the application and the criteria for applying for a NYSTPBA Scholarship through your member log in. The deadline to submit applications is June 15, 2022, and the scholarship will be disbursed in August 2022. If you have any questions, please email Ann Neeson at [email protected].
Survey We have been asked to distribute a survey to our active and retired membership by Dr. James C. Brown, an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice in the School of Business & Justice Studies at Utica College, for use in a research project. Dr. Brown has also served with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and has also served as a Frankfort and Sherrill police officer. This survey is voluntary and anonymous. A summary of the project in addition to the link to the survey can be found in the members-only area of the NYSTPBA website at www.nystpba.org.
NYSTPBA Store In addition to purchasing items through the NYSTPBA’s online store, you can also shop in-person at our store at the PBA’s 120 State Street office in Albany. The store is located on the first floor of the building, next to the legal department. The store hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and the online store is open 24/7. Our store has various items for you and your loved ones. All of the proceeds go right back to our members. Online store link: https://nystapparel.com/.
This email is an automated notification, which is unable to receive replies. To send a comment to the NYSTPBA, please contact us at [email protected].
The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers 120 State St. Albany, New York 12207 (518) 462-7448 http://www.nystpba.org

 Terry, I have the first of several job opportunities coming up for the World University Games with the first beginning 3/1/22 through 1/31/23.  The job is posted on indeed and I will hopefully be able to add a link here.  This is great group to work for and doesn’t tie you down for long term.  Was hoping that you could put it out to our crew.  We have opportunities available in other areas also.  Please forward as you see fit.
 
Security Integration Coordinator - Lake Placid, NY 12946 - Indeed.com
 
Thanks Terry!!!

 Terry Lee House, 77, of Cicero, passed away Friday at home. A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, he was a graduate of West Genesee High School and attended Drew University in New Jersey. He was a NYS trooper for 26 years. Following retirement, he was the director of the auto racing sponsorship program at Wheels Discount Auto Supply. A member of the Syracuse Corvette Club, his Corvette was his pride and joy. He was also a very talented mechanic and enjoyed restoring Packards. He loved his Wheaton terriers, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family and neighborhood friends. 

Terry was predeceased in 2009 by his wife, the former Suzanne Dunning; parents, Kenneth and Alice House; and brother, Wayne House. 

Surviving are his son, Jason; grandchildren, Corah and Michaiah; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and sister, Judy Swift. 

Services will be Thursday, February 10 at 1 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Face masks are required.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Terry Lee House please visit our Tribute Store.

 BLAJSZCZAK - Thomas J.
Age 81, of Lancaster died on January 16, 2022 after a brief illness. Tom was born on January 3, 1941 to Thomas and Jean Blajszczak of Buffalo. After being discharged from the U.S. Army in 1969, Tom proudly served with the NYS Police for over 24 years before retiring in 1991. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Carmella (nee Serafini). Tom was the devoted father of Michael (Kristina), Thomas and Jeffrey Blajszczak; loving grandfather of Cassandra, Michael and Mary Blajszczak; dear brother of Adele Cannarozzo, Richard (Denise) Blajszczak and Mark (Robbin) Blajszczak. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com