NYS Troopers Emerald Society Fundraiser is Saturday 3/12 from 4p-8p. American Legion 1066 Veterans Blvd Massapequa $55 includes food and beverage Venmo - NYST Emerald Society

Joyce L. Galcik, wife of retired Inv. Paul Galcik (SP Saratoga), the mother of retired Tpr. Michael Galcik (SP Schuylerville)  and Troop G  Zone 2 Secretary Bridgette Schwerd, passed away on 03/11/2022 after a brief illness. She is also survived by another daughter and four grandchildren. Per the family's wishes services will be private.  

 Philip James McHugh
March 18, 1938 - March 7, 2022
Obituary for Philip James McHugh
Philip James McHugh, 83, of Hudson, passed away Monday March 7, 2022 in Ghent, NY. Born March 18, 1938 in Manhattan, he is the son of Neil and Esther (Grady) McHugh. Providing for and offering unconditional support to his family was Philip’s number one priority. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. Philip graduated from John Adams High School Ozone Park, NY in 1956, then served Honorably in the United States Marines until 1959. He retired in 1986 as a Sargent with the New York State Police stationed out of Claverack. Following his Trooper career, Philip was a United States Postal Carrier, and also served as Sargent at Arms for the New York State Senate. He was a member of the Federation of Polish Sportsmen. Philip will be forever remembered by his wife Diane (Park) McHugh, daughter Melissa McHugh, son Eric Samperisi, grandchildren Camryn Clark, Taylor, Amber and Eric Jr. Samperisi, along with four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Philip is also survived by his siblings, Neil (Susan), Sr. Anne, Essie (Harold), Kay, MaryJane (Tom), Jerry (Fay), and Donny, and sister in law Maureen. In addition to his parents, Philip was predeceased by his brothers Joe and Jimmy, and his brother in law Larry. Visitation from 11:00am-1:45pm, followed by a prayer service at 1:45 will be held Saturday March 12, at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home.Visitation Hours MAR 12. 11:00 AM - 1:45 PM (ET) Bates & Anderson - Redmond & Keeler 110 Green Street Hudson, NY 12534 http://batesandersonredmondkeeler.com

 As mentioned in our Chapter newsletter, retired Sr. Inv. Joe Hurbanek had passed away on April 13, 2020 at the age of 85. His widow, Chapter member, retired Inv. Charlotte Wirth is planning a celebration of his life to be held on Saturday April 23, 2022., the details as they were received from charlotte are outlined below:
1. It has been almost two years since Joe passed away, and I never got to properly honor his passing. Due to Covid-19, and the very strict strict regulations at that time, it was difficult to bring our loved ones together to celebrate his life. Now that our world has returned to a new “normal,” I am going to hold a celebration of life on Saturday, April 23, 2022 in Mooresville, NC. While I am still in the planning stages, I wanted to share this with you all to see who may be able to attend. It will be a nice ceremony with plenty of food and drinks. Please let me know if you are interested in attending via IM at your earliest convenience so that I can move forward in planning. Thank you!
2.  I just blocked some rooms also by the Fairfield Inn by Marriott that is near my house and in Mooresville where I live.
Here is the link: https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1646766221733&key=GRP
3. Here are the final plans:
  The Service will be at my house on 4/23/22 at 2:00 pm.  I have a big yard for it.  My address is 131 Wildwood Cove Drive, Mooresville, NC  28117.
My cell number is 704-658-4718.  My home number is 704-528-7717.  In addition to the Fairfield Inn there are other hotels in the area.
There is a Holiday Inn Express, Quality Inn, Wingate Woods and Hampton Inn and Suites.  All are in the same area and are in 
Mooresville.  Again, Thank you for all your help with this.

Charlotte

 The next state board meeting for AFNYST will be held on April 2, 2022 at Jake's Grub & Grog, 7 East Riverr Road, Central Square, NY 13036.  This is located on right as you drive into the 916 Riverside, 916 CR 37, Central Square.  This is where we had our November meeting.
 
Menu will be:
Grilled Chicken w/side; BBQ Burger w/side; Cheese Burger w/side; Haddock sandwich w/side; Hamburger w/side; and Cajun Chicken salad.
 
Please advise choice for lunch and number of members attending.  Need response by March 28, 2022.
 
Please reply to Mike Doney @ AFNYST@aol.com.  Thank you!
Michael F. Wells
Secretary/Clerk
AFNYST

MOHART - Carlton W.
Age 98, of Silver Creek, NY. February 24, 2022. Loving husband of the late Arlene (Conover) Mohart; son of the late Mildred (Frone) and Clarence Mohart; beloved father of James (Tina) and Michael (Catherine) Mohart; cherished grandfather of Dr. Andrea (Todd) Perseghin, Jennifer and Aidan Mohart; great-grandfather of Colter Perseghin; step-grandfather of Joseph and Cassiah Gilvin; brother of Dorothy Story; several nieces and nephews; predeceased by a brother Nelson (late Dorothy) Mohart, sisters, Marion (late Wayne) Taylor and Evelyn (late Art) Chapman. Friends may call at the HOLE-PARKER FUNERAL CHAPEL, 160 Central Ave., Silver Creek on Saturday, March 19, 2022, from 9-11 AM, where a Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM. Please share condolences at www.holeparkerfc.com


From Jimmy Mohart:
"He lived pretty much on his own until the last couple of months when my brother was with him.  He wanted to hit 100, only missed by a couple of years at 98! We should be so lucky! "

Our sincere condolences to Jimmy and his family. 

https://www.wivb.com/news/crime/investigation-underway-into-town-of-alexander-double-homicide/?fbclid=IwAR2hMED2b4ZkYMxlOGdL2yw0aQu2yS7U7YnteiX0x2lfsrWJyYU9Zzj2auM

ALEXANDER, N.Y. (WIVB) — An investigation is underway in Genesee County into a double homicide.

The killings happened at 10216 Alexander Road in the Town of Alexander, according to the Genesee County Sheriff’s office.

It’s believed this is an “isolated incident” and there’s no public danger.
Authorities haven’t released any other details.

 Trooper Tamar Bucci
I was with Pat McNamara, president of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, yesterday and he wanted me to convey to you, on behalf of his membership and the family of Trooper Tamar Bucci, his thanks for the presence of New York State Troopers at her funeral on Wednesday. 

Up in Smoke

New York's Office of Cannabis Management posted proposed regulations for licensing cannabis dispensaries on Wednesday. The only catch? To be one of the state’s first licensed retailers, you or a member of your family must have been convicted of a marijuana-related offense. Additionally, Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to create a $200 million fund to invest in these aforementioned entrepreneurs.

Welcome to New York state. Work hard, keep your nose clean and be guaranteed a second-place finish. 

Just Like a Monkey Trying to F#@k a Coconut 

It should be interesting to watch the impending battle between progressive New York City officials and upstate environmental advocates over the proposed Champlain Hudson Power Express. Since New York City has decided they will abruptly curtail their reliance on fossil fuels, and nuclear energy is a forbidden word, their answer is a 339-mile hydropower transmission line that will deliver Canadian hydropower to the city at an increased cost of billions of dollars.   
The Apostle Cuomo

During his first public appearance at a church in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, last Sunday, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo railed for 20 minutes and laid out the same defense of his behavior that he’s held over the past several months but assured the audience he’s been leaning on scripture in a difficult time because “God isn’t finished with me yet.”
Insert smart-ass comment here _____________

On the other hand, maybe he has a point. In the latest poll on the New York governor's race, he only trails Governor Hochul by 4 percentage points among likely Democratic primary voters – 37 to 33 percent - with a 4.3 percent margin of error.

God may not be finished with him yet, but God help the rest of us.
This Week’s Sign that the Apocalypse is Upon Us

The first kick in the nuts came last fall when New York state, through the dysfunctional Parole Board, made the audacious decision to parole Anthony Bottom, who had been serving a life sentence for the ambush and murder of New York City Police Officers Waverly Jones and Joseph A. Piagentini on May 21, 1971. Now, SUNY Brockport has decided that this convicted cop killer is fit to “educate” our children during a scheduled lecture next month about, of all things, being a political prisoner. Shame on you SUNY Brockport President Dr. Heidi Macpherson. 
Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio?

A picture has surfaced of former Gov. George Pataki, clad in a New York State Police jacket, touring a hospital on the Ukraine-Hungary border, where he led a delegation to provide humanitarian relief to Ukrainian refugees.
Reminiscing about the good old days.

Final Note

Sounds of “Play Ball!” will soon be echoing across the nation as Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association reached an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement on Thursday, paving the way for the 2022 regular season to begin on April 7. Go Yankees! 

 https://usanewstoday.in/3-top-nys-troopers-forced-to-retire-over-handling-of-discrimination-complaint/?fbclid=IwAR2SrIbbO61F6x6wflaobXdsCyLRw5KkFD3g2jdJcbhsNwvGFZLJDtRxHBg

Three high-ranking New York state troopers are set to retire Monday after the governor’s office took issue with their handling of an investigation into a workplace discrimination complaint, The Post has learned.
Cols. Pat Regan and Mary Clark and Lt. Col. Jim Michaels opted to resign rather than to be demoted to the rank of lieutenant, law enforcement sources said.
The trio of longtime troopers were given the ultimatum in connection to their probe into an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint filed by a female trooper, according to the sources.
It was unclear what the complaint was over and when it was filed — but the governor’s office felt the case wasn’t being investigated quickly enough, a source said.
A law enforcement source said the shakeup was political in nature since Gov. Kathy Hochul is facing re-election.
“The governor doesn’t want any negative stories about how women are treated after the [Andrew] Cuomo allegations,” the source said, referring to the sexual harassment accusations against the disgraced former governor.
The departure of the three troopers is especially consequential since two of them are top-ranking colonels.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office gave the troopers the option to retire or face demotion.Paul Martinka
Regan is the deputy superintendent for field command and Clark is the deputy superintendent of labor relations and human resources.
The nature of their roles in the probe wasn’t immediately known.
“State Police learned about an internal complaint and that it was not handled properly and notified the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations to investigate further. We are reviewing our internal policies to ensure better processes and full compliance,” said director of public information Beau Duffy in a statement.
A spokesperson for the governor’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Regan, Clark and Michaels couldn’t be reached Sunday night.

 Good Morning,
I received information that Don Romano of the Villages, FL has passed away.  Don was not a member of the NFC but worked on the Tway and Troop A.  I have been unable to locate an Obituary for him, but if anyone has additional information let me know and I will forward your email to our members.

Stay well,
Terry

Ostrom, Philip "Flip" BALLSTON SPA Philip "Flip" Ostrom, of Ballston Spa, passed away peacefully at Glens Falls Hospital on February 28, 2022. He was born on January 13, 1942 in Nyack to the late Philip and Marjorie (Johnson) Ostrom, Sr. Phil grew up in Orangeburg, N.Y. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army, 7th Battalion 15th Field Artillery- Vietnam. He met his wife, Dianne, an elementary school teacher and began their lives in Nyack, N.Y. They moved to Valley Cottage, N.Y. where they began raising their two children, Eric and Elizabeth. Phil was employed as a New York State Trooper. During his career, he was promoted to Senior Investigator. They moved their family to Lake George, N.Y., where they lived for almost 30 years until they recently relocated to Ballston Spa to be closer to their daughter. Phil enjoyed the woods around his house and spent many happy hours taking care of his home and property. Phil was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Glens Falls, N.Y. Besides his parents, Phil is predeceased by his sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Tygert and Marjorie Lynch. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Ostrom of 50 years; his son, Eric (Lisa) Ostrom of Port St. Lucie, Fla; his daughter, Elizabeth (Daniel) Mattoon and grandson, Bradley, of Charlton, N.Y., along with many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours scheduled. Burial with full military honors will take place at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 543 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801. For those who wish, online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Rd, Queensbury, NY.

 Canandaigua - Timothy Hugh Walsh passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on March 3, 2022. He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Hugh Walsh. He is survived by his devoted wife, Wendy; his sons, David (Jennifer), Christopher (Lori) and Jason (Michelle); his grandchildren, Hayden, Catie (Travis Gregorio), Brian Leo, Michael (Erica), Nicholas, Jack and James; his sister, Patricia (Bert Reveille); his brother-in-law, Peter Stanbridge; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Tim was a retired member of the New York State Police, followed by a career with Wegmans.
No prior calling. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Januarius Church, 180 North Main Street, Naples, NY 14512.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to UR Medicine Hospice of Ontario and Yates Counties, 756 Pre Emption Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, in Timothy's memory. To donate online, click on the charity name.
Funeral Mass 10:00 am Wednesday, March 9, 2022 St. Januarius Church 180 North Main Street Naples, New York, United States Need Directions? View Map | Text Directions | Email Directions

 RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Richard T. Bobnick, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, Feb. 19, 2022, at home with his loving family by his side.
He was born in Oneonta, Oct. 5, 1940, son of the late Stanley and Frances Bobnick of Milford.
He was raised and educated in Milford graduating from the Class of 1958.
On April 8, 1961, he was united in marriage with the former Janet L. Quackenbush at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Oneonta. They shared a devoted union of many years. In 1966 he left his family farm in Milford and went to the NY State Police Academy in Albany. Upon completing the Academy he and his family moved to Richfield Springs where he was stationed as a trooper until his promotion to investigator (BCI) after health issues forced him to retire from the state in 1986.
After his retirement from the state he worked at the family-owned Sears Catalog Store along side his wife, Janet, until Sears closed all catalog stores in 1993. He then owned and operated Bobnick Snowmobile and Tractor Parts for many years until his retirement.
He left the area for many years and moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to be with his special companion, Violla Ploutz (Leach) until her sudden passing in December. 2021. He returned in late December to his family home in Richfield and his wife with whom he had remained in a special and dear friendship.
Truly a genuine, hard working, honest man who we cherished, he will be missed by so many.
He is survived by his loving wife, Janet; two sons, Michael (Wendy) of Schaumburg, Illinois, and Kevin (Lisa) of Richfield Springs; daughter, Monica (Lenny) of Richfield Springs; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents and mother-in-law, he was predeceased by his only brother, David; and a special son-in-law, Dean Robertson .
There will be no calling hours at Richards's request. His wishes were that you remember him by spending time with someone you love.
Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Richfield Springs Fire Department, P.O. Box 1456, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

 Jack Herman Millage of Waverly NY. Passed away on Saturday February 26, 2022 at the Athens Health and Rehab facility. He was born on June 4, 1927, a son of the late John C. and Consuella Millage. Jack was a veteran of the US Coast Guard and Retired New York State Trooper. Burial will be in the spring in the Barton Cemetery. He is survived by his Niece Karen McConnell of Elmira NY
Memories and condolences for the family may be shared by visiting our guest book at www.tiogapointcremation.com Caring assistance is being provided by Cooley-Tioga Point Cremation & Burial Options, Inc. 802 N. Main St., Athens, PA 18810.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Jack Herman Millage, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Jack Herman Millage, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

 We started a Facebook group. Just ask for an invite. We will keep the group private but it can be a great way for people to keep in touch.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1038608976759442

 In Memoriam

Our collective thoughts and prayers go out to the men and women of the Massachusetts State Police as well as the friends and family of Trooper Tamar Bucci, who was killed in the line of duty last night when her patrol car was struck by a tractor trailer on I-93 in Stoneham as she tried to pull over and assist a disabled motorist on the side of the roadway. 

Trooper Bucci, 34, was a two-year veteran of the State Police and is survived by her parents, two sisters, stepbrother and stepsister. 

Advisory Council of the New York State and Local Retirement System

I am honored to represent the NYSTPBA as a sitting member of the Advisory Council of the New York State and Local Retirement System. This past week, we met and were apprised by Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and his staff on the overall fiscal strength of the retirement fund. I am happy to announce it is close to 100% funded at nearly $260 billion, making it one of the top performing retirement funds in the entire nation.

The New York State and Local Retirement System is made up of two distinct retirement systems.

·         The Employees’ Retirement System (ERS)

·         The Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS)

·         The average pension for all ERS retirees and beneficiaries is $25,783

·         The average pension for all PFRS retirees and beneficiaries is $56,695

Tier 6

Currently, 39.9% of the PFRS are Tier 6 (joined on or after April 1, 2012), however, nearly 60% of the NYSTPBA membership falls into this category. During the Advisory Council meeting, Sen. Robert Jackson, Chair of the Civil Service and Pensions Committee, expressed emphatically that he would like to see changes made to Tier 6. In addition, I’ve had conversations this week in Albany with both Sen. Diane Savino as well as Sen. Jim Gaughran, who pledged their support on the topic. Our legislative team has taken the issue as one of the top legislative priorities and has partnered, in part, with the Police Conference of New York to work on suitable language to alleviate some of the financial burdens and hurdles Tier 6 has created for our members. There is lots of time left in the current legislative session; however, there appears to be a groundswell of support in Albany for modifications to be made to Tier 6.

With Every Rose There is a Thorn
Although the aforementioned Senator Jackson is keen on alleviating some of the hardships that accompany Tier 6 membership, he also is an advocate of eliminating qualified immunity for police officers. His bill (S.1991/A.4331) aims to curtail our current protections because he believes “qualified immunity has shielded law enforcement from accountability.” 

Albany politics are like an onion – many, many layers.

Shrek: Ogres are like onions.
Donkey: They stink?
Shrek: Yes. No.
Donkey: Oh, they make you cry.
Shrek: No.
Donkey: Oh, you leave ‘em out in the sun, they get all brown, start sproutin’ little white hairs.
Shrek: No. Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers. Onions have layers. You get it? We both have layers.
Donkey: Oh, you both have layers. Oh. You know, not everybody like onions.

State Republican Convention

Congressman Lee Zeldin is now the official Republican candidate for governor backed by the party leaders following this week’s convention. However, a trio of other candidates, Andrew Giuliani, Rob Astorino and Harry Wilson, have indicated they are willing to go to the mat and stay in the race through the June primary. Although he only received 1% of the vote at the convention compared to Zeldin’s 85%, Giuliani has the satisfaction, at least for now, that he is polling ahead of all of the above candidates. Add in businessman Harry Wilson’s pledge to pump in $12 million of his own money into the race and it should be a long, bruising spring for the aspiring Republican gubernatorial hopefuls. 

“Screw the Republicans. A bunch of jerks,” Rudy Giuliani told Politico following his son’s poor showing at the convention.  

State of the Union

President Joe Biden honored slain NYPD officers Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera during his State of the Union speech Tuesday night.

“Both Dominican Americans who’d grown up on the same streets they later chose to patrol as police officers. I spoke with their families and told them that we are forever in debt for their sacrifice, and we will carry on their mission to restore the trust and safety every community deserves.” He went on to say, “We should all agree: The answer is not to defund the police. The answer is to find the police with the resources and training they need to protect our communities. I ask Democrats and Republicans alike: Pass my budget and keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Sounds good, Mr. President. However, actions speak louder than words.

National Association of Police Organizations

This is the latest from NAPO –

NAPO participated in a listening session with staff from the White House Domestic Policy Counsel and the White House Counsel’s Office on the issue of violent crime on February 17. Specifically, the staff wanted to hear how the Administration can best support state and local law enforcement in our fight against violent crime. This listening session came three weeks after a meeting NAPO Executive Director Bill Johnson participated in with the Attorney General and U.S. Department of Justice leadership on violent crime and criminal justice and police reforms.

NAPO reiterated our frustration regarding bail reforms and progressive prosecutors releasing criminals out of prison, many of whom quickly recidivate and are rearrested, and the impact that is having on violent crime. We made the point that police officers do not want to be sent out to enforce laws that prosecutors are not willing to prosecute. We cannot keep letting criminals out of prison, refuse to hold violent offenders without bail, and decline to prosecute certain crimes without expecting violent crime rates to rise in our communities. Officers are frustrated and demoralized when they continue to put themselves in harm’s way to arrest the same criminals over and over.

NAPO believes that the Administration and the Department of Justice can support state and local law enforcement who are struggling with progressive prosecutors who decline to prosecute violent crimes to the fullest extent of the law. An example of why such support is necessary is the case of Los Angeles Police Officer Fernando Arroyos who was gunned down by four gang members. Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon refused to prosecute the cop-killers, so Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva went straight to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles asking them to prosecute the gang members, who are now facing serious federal charges. The Attorney General can set the tone for the Department and let U.S. Attorneys across the country know that the Department will prioritize protecting state and local law enforcement by aggressively prosecuting violent crimes against officers.

We also mentioned the concern that many of the individuals being placed or nominated as U.S. Attorneys do not have law enforcement backgrounds and that impacts their relationship with law enforcement as they try to work together to address violent crime in our communities. State and local law enforcement must be seen as partners, with collaboration and cooperation in the fight against crime. 

Spy vs. Spy

In case you missed it, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a $369,000, 30-second advertisement recasting himself as the victim of politically-motivated “attacks” in an attempt to convince New Yorkers that the entire misconduct case assembled by Attorney General Letitia James was without merit.    

In the meantime, the attorney general is also casting herself as the victim in the following missive her campaign recently sent out: “Earlier this week, New York Republicans selected someone to run against me for attorney general – and he’s determined to win.My opponent is attempting to fearmonger his way into the attorney general’s office. He thinks that he can throw words like ‘death’ and ‘destruction’ around to scare New Yorkers into voting for him, but he seems to have forgotten one crucial thing.I vow that I will do everything in my power to keep serving as this great state’s attorney general…”

Personally, I would much rather he save his $14 million in his campaign coffers and hammer away at her all summer long. Get the popcorn ready. Oh and by the way, ourlawsuit seeking declaratory judgment and injunctive relief against Attorney General James and challenging her Office of Special Investigations (OSI) and their over-reaching investigations into our off-duty members is still alive. 

Road Sodas

Gov. Kathy Hochul is continuing to push for takeout alcoholic beverages, which she called the “most popular item” in her executive budget released on Jan. 18. That would allow restaurant and bar owners to once again tap into the pandemic-era moneymaker of takeout alcohol, aka road sodas.

“This is what kept people afloat during those dark, dark months and years of the pandemic. There has been a change in people’s attitudes. There is an expectation now, so why set us backwards? Why can’t you have a drink in a movie theater? Just look at all the laws that are in place that are holding us back.”

State Trooper: You fellas been doing a bit of boozing, have ya? Sucking back on grandpa's old cough medicine?
Harry & Lloyd: Oh no, no sir.
State Trooper: Yeah, well what's that?
Harry: That's nothing, sir.
Lloyd: Yeah, nothing.
State Trooper: Yeah, well you aware it's against the law to have an open alcohol container here in the state of Pennsylvania? Come on give me them booze you little pumpkin pie hair cutted freak!

Third Grade Answers

Our legal department spends considerable time every week stopping the sale of our NYSTPBA cards and stickers on eBay. The PBA's cards and decals are trademarked, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, reproduced, transferred, duplicated, transmitted, downloaded or broadcast in any manner, including but not limited to E-Bay. Our genuine items contain this warning. Usually, a strongly worded email to the seller is enough to halt the practice. However, every once in a while you encounter people like the following dick –

Yankee_2020 has taken it upon himself (or herself, however they identify or which pronouns they use – he/she/it) to take our 9/11 image from last year’s card and make a 2022 version of it. On top of that, he/she/it used our PBA logo and scrubbed out any reference to the PBA and then had the balls (maybe) to insert this disclaimer  - THIS DECAL WAS DESIGNED BY YANKEE_2020 AND DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL. THIS ITEM COMPLIES WITH eBay RULES & POLICIES. 

I do love the following cerebral conversation:

NYSTPBACOUNSEL: Please be advised that these items are COUNTERFEIT. Therefore, I hereby demand you remove them from sale immediately. Failure to do so will result in a complaint to EBay for your selling counterfeit materials. Should you have any questions, feel free to reach me through the NYSTPBA website.

YANKEE_2020: All the pictures and designs on my items were created from pictures found on google and Photoshop. Its impossible for the items I am selling to be counterfeit because none of the items I am selling say or convey any association or membership with the New York State Police Benevolent Association. Thanks for your concern.

NYSTPBACOUNSEL: You clearly do not understand copyright law. Complaint is being filed with EBay.

YANKEE_2020: You clearly do not understand copying...

Until we meet again, Yankee_2020…

Cardiovascular Screening

The NYS Troopers PBA has partnered with Capital Cardiology to provide all active and retired Troopers and their family members with access to a FREE cardiac screening. This is a 15-minute screening that will include a blood pressure test, heart rate, cholesterol check and a calcium test score via low radiation CT scan of the heart. Each participant will have a very solid look at their cardiac health and will meet with a highly ranked cardiologist. No insurance will be charged for the screening, though they may need your insurance information if follow-up care is warranted. Please be advised that this is a screening performed every 5 years - those who have had this screening within the last 5 years are not eligible.

The next screening dates are scheduled for Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. and Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Located at: 

Capital Cardiology Associates

7 Southwoods Blvd 1st Floor

Albany, NY 12207

To schedule your free, 15-minute screening for you or a family member, please contact Emily Dixon at edixon@nystpba.org or 518-462-7448 Ext. 140.

Lastly

Our thoughts and prayers are with the brave people of Ukraine!! We are inspired by the bravery of their people and their elected leaders!

 The PBA has 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 as has also served as a Frankfort and Sherrill police officer.

This survey is voluntary and anonymous.
NYSP Introductory Letter
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYSP2022

 From Henry Haas
For your information Louie Lang,  is presently in Rochester, Strong Mem Hospital,  was taken in by ambulance on Monday 2-28-22,  weak and dehydrated, kidney problems, etc.   I was able to talk to him a bit and also to his son Jeff who advised they are going to try and get him in the VA rehab, Batavia or someplace else upon release from hospital …   Jeff also advised it would not be a permanent, they hope.

 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 ashley.whitty@Troopers.ny.gov 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 nystpba@nystpba.org.

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 aneeson@nystpba.org.
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 nystpba@nystpba.org.
The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers 120 State St. Albany, New York 12207 (518) 462-7448 http://www.nystpba.org