Dear National Law Associates,

Transcription

1 President MANNY GOMEZ 1 st Vice President JAMES FEY 2 nd Vice President MICHAEL SWEENEY Sergeant-At-Arms KENNETH McGUIRE Treasurer JOHN M. MURPHY Executive Secretary JOHN W. KENNA jwkenna@queensda.org Presidents Emeritus JOSEPH J. GANNON *GERALD E. McCARTHY *CHARLES F. J. MEYER Board of Directors KEVIN PERHAM Chairman ALBERT S. BECKER 2017 KEVIN FITZGERALD 2016 JOHN P. McCANN 2016 JAMES J. COLEMAN 2015 EDWIN CUEBAS 2015 J. KEVIN VAUGHN 2014 Historian JAMES J. GRANT Committees Audit JAMES J. MESKILL Webmaster YAO LIANG Information Sytems DAN MULVEY Interstate Liaison RONALD T. SULLIVAN Intrastate Liaison KEVIN A. NULTY Law Enforcement Liaisons ROBERT J. CREIGHTON CORNELIUS J. DOUGLAS Legal THOMAS A. McSHANE, Esq. Membership Chairperson I. AMY BONDEROW Membership EDWARD GANNON DAN O LEARY Private Sector Liaison TED LOTTI Program CHARLES H. BOKLAN KEVIN GREEN Public Relations EUGENE J. BURKE DONALD J. MCGUIRE Welfare JOHN F. STEWART Dear National Law Associates, President s Message President s Message So much has happened since our last newsletter in November that it s hard to know where to start. Two Grand Jury decisions were rendered one a decision to not put information into a Grand Jury, and the other a finding of no true bill, that set off a wave of anti-police sentiment resulting in protests and demonstrations in New York, riots in Ferguson, Missouri, and everything in between across the Nation. Two of New York s Finest, Police Officer Rafael Ramos and Police Officer Wen Jian Lieu, were cold bloodedly assassinated while sitting in a marked radio patrol car and, of course, the reaction of the police unions in response to all of these events. Not to mention terrorist activities around the globe, one of which was very close to home in Canada. Yes, these are troubling times, and are a concern to us all - and we will delve into them further down in the newsletter. But for now, I d like to inform you about what is going on in the NLEA. Since our last writing, we held two premier events which from our perspective could not have gone better. The Thanksgiving Eve, Eve dinner was held on November 25 th in Bobby Van s Vault Room. Joe Esposito spoke to the membership about his role as Commissioner of the NYC Office of Emergency Management and managed to wax nostalgic about his days as THE CHIEF of the NYPD. Thank you, Commissioner, for your generosity. We were all proud to see you in action during the Nor easter that wasn t (unless you live way out east). One thing was for certain, the City was prepared to deal with anything Mother Nature would have thrown at us! In December, over 800 members gathered for the NLEA Christmas Luncheon. In what turned out to be a cold, but crystal clear day, Lee Mazzilli entertainingly reminisced about his playing and coaching days with the Mets and Yankees, and touchingly spoke of his relationship with his mentor, Joe Torre. Lee also spoke about his days growing up in Brooklyn, and how police officers had a positive influence on him. Thank you, Lee, for providing insight for our members as to the Major League life that most of us have dreamed of having at some point in our lives (I still dream of it!). * Deceased

2 We begin our 2015 slate of events with the February luncheon on February 10 th, at 12 Noon at Bobby Van s Steakhouse. We will gather to share stories of the holidays and share our feelings over changing times. We look forward to seeing all of you on the 10 th! Manny Thanksgiving Eve, Eve Dinner Our annual Thanksgiving Eve, Eve dinner was held on Tuesday, November 25 th. What a terrific atmosphere in the backdrop of the iconic bank vault dining room. The dinner was held at Bobby Van s Steakhouse in Manhattan, and was well attended as is usually the case as members and guests relax and get into the spirit of the holidays. The dinner really is a great tradition and is a homerun for the organization. Special thanks to Commissioner Joe Esposito who helped to make the event particularly festive and interesting. This time the Chief was at the podium not on the Dais. Many members commented on having a feeling of reverse Dejavu. It was great to see you boss! Continued success in your new position! Commissioner Esposito with three familiar faces at the Thanksgiving Eve, Eve dinner. From left to right: Retired Chief George Anderson, Chief Joe McGrann, Commissioner Esposito and former NLEA President, Al Becker NLEA Christmas Luncheon The Annual NLEA Christmas Luncheon was held at Pier Sixty located at Chelsea Piers (23rd Street and the West Side Highway) on December 12th. The luncheon was well attended, as over 800 members and guests filled the expanse of Chelsea s main Dining Room. Of course the dais was chock full of law enforcement heavy weights most notably headlined by the Honorable William J. Bratton. NLEA Past President Don McGuire emceed the proceedings, and made the organization proud by moving the program along while entertaining the membership. Thank you Don for your unwavering professionalism, and for a job well done! We would also like to thank Lee Maz Mazzilli for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend the luncheon, and speaking to the membership about many of his experiences; both on and off the diamond. We would also like to say a big thank you to Mike Sweeney 2 nd Vice President for a well- organized and smoothly run event. Great job, Mike! 2

3 Lee Mazzilli addressing the membership at Chelsea Piers. Also pictured from left to right: Superintendent of the NY State Police, Joe D Amico; Master of Ceremonies, Don McGuire; and NLEA President, Manny Gomez A little bit about our Guest Speaker. Lee was naturally ambidextrous, and swung the bat both ways from an early age. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Brighton Beach and was drafted by the Amazin s with the 14 th overall pick in the first round of the 1973 Major League Baseball Draft. He went on to debut with the Mets on September 7 th, Lee played for 10 seasons with the Mets, for one season with the Yanks, and also played for Texas, Pittsburgh and Toronto. Lee also coached for the Yankees and managed the Baltimore Orioles. Lee owns two World Series rings as a player on the 1986 Mets and as a coach with the 2000 Yankees (when they beat their cross town rivals in the Subway Series). Interestingly, Lee was traded from the Mets in 1981 to the Texas Rangers for Ron Darling and Walt Terrell. Ron, of course, was a star pitcher for the 1986 Mets, and is now a Mets and National Baseball broadcaster. Texas later traded Lee to the Yankees in 1982 for iconic Yankee, and fellow Matinee Idol, Bucky Dent. Lee s 1977 Topps Rookie Baseball Card. Lee shared the card with another former Yankee, Jack The Ripper Clark. Did you know that the sport that Lee excelled most in High School was Speed Skating, in which he won 8 National Championships? What an athlete!! 3

4 Condolences Deputy Chief Steven J. Bonano The following is a statement by Police Commissioner Bratton placed on the NYPD internal website: Deputy Chief Steven J. Bonano was laid to rest this afternoon, after a long and courageous battle with a rare blood cancer. A veteran of the United States Navy, Deputy Chief Bonano s public service career spanned four decades. As Commanding Officer of the Emergency Services Unit during 9/11, Chief Bonano played a decisive role in the Department s rescue and recovery efforts. Chief Bonano was also Commanding Officer of the 23 Precinct, and Executive Officer of both the Community Affairs Bureau and Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. An accomplished pilot, Chief Bonano also spent many years with the NYPD Aviation Unit, and was a recipient of the Department s second-highest medal, the Combat Cross. This highly respected leader will be deeply missed by the countless people he touched throughout his distinguished career. The NLEA Board would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Chief Bonano s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, and to all of his NYPD brethren. Rest in Peace, Steven. Rocco Minardi The Board regrets to inform the membership of the passing of great man and a Past President of National Law, Rocco Minardi. Rocco was a longtime friend and mentor for many in the organization and on the job. Rocco retired as a lieutenant in the NYPD. Rocco is survived by his wife Beatrice, his five children: Kathleen, Salvatore, Patricia, Peter and Michael and his 11 Grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are forever with Rocco and his family. God Bless and Rest in Peace, Rocco. Rocco with his beautiful wife Bea at the Coral House in Baldwin, Long Island. 4

5 Reverend Bill Kalaidjian The Board also regrets to inform the membership that Retired Police Chaplain Reverend Bill Kalaidjian passed away on January 16 th at the age of 89. Reverend Kalaidjian was known as a cop s cop, and had NYPD Blue coursing through his veins. He was a caring and compassionate man of the cloth, and counseled countless officers during his time with the NYPD. Up until the time of his passing, he served as the Executive Director for the New York State Shields. Reverend Kalaidjian retired from the NYPD in 1998, after 42 years as the Senior Chaplain for the Department. Reverend Kalaidjian was the New York State, Fraternal Order of Police Driscoll Lodge Chaplain Emeritus, and was also a Chaplain to the New York Office of the FBI, the NY State Police, the NY/NJ Detectives Crime Clinic and the Police Honor Legion. He served in the Navy during WWII, and spent many decades as the Chaplain at the Bronx Veterans Hospital. Reverend Kalaidjian will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Reverend Kalaidjian and his family. February Luncheon February's meeting will be held at Bobby Van's Steakhouse, in the vault dining room. Attendees will have the choice of chicken or filet mignon accompanied by salad, wine or beer. Coffee and dessert will also be served. Bobby Van's is located across from the New York Stock Exchange at 25 Broad Street, between Exchange Place and Beaver Street. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10th at 12 noon. The cost of the event is $60. We look forward to seeing everyone there. We have a very special guest speaker for the luncheon, as Diego Rodriguez, the newly appointed FBI Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) of the New York Field Office, will address our membership. As leader of the Bureau s largest field office, Director Rodriguez oversees all operations and personnel in the five boroughs of New York City, eight counties in New York state, and La Guardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. He most recently served as special agent in charge of the Dallas Field Office. Director Rodriguez began his FBI career in 1990 assigned to New York and was a member of the SWAT team and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. The task force, a combined effort with the New York City Police Department, was responsible for investigations involving South American and Mexican drug trafficking/money laundering organizations. 5

6 In 1997, Director Rodriguez transferred to the San Juan Division, where he was a SWAT team member and was also assigned to a drug/money laundering task force with the Puerto Rico Police Department, and in 2001 was transferred to the Miami Field Office. Director Rodriguez returned to FBI Headquarters in 2003 as chief of the Field Oversight Unit in the Directorate of Intelligence. Director Rodriguez was appointed special agent in charge of the FBI s Criminal Division in New York in July 2010, and held this position until his promotion to ADIC of the New York Field Office. Before his FBI career, Director Rodriguez was a teacher in New York City. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1988 from St. John s University in New York. Director James B. Comey named Diego Rodriguez assistant director in charge of the FBI s New York Field Office in December. Assistant Director in Charge, Diego Rodriguez Click here to pay for this event via Paypal. The last few events held at Bobby Vans were sold out therefore all guests are requested to either prepay via Paypal or RSVP to Al Becker by February 6th. Congratulations on your Retirement The Board would like to congratulate Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos on his retirement. George ran the New York Field Office for over two years, having been installed by Director Robert S. Mueller, III in October George has been a friend to the organization from the beginning, and we would like to thank him for his cooperative spirit and generous nature. Congratulations George you ve certainly earned it! 6

7 NYS Shields Awards On December 9 th, the NYS Shields recognized several law enforcement officers from local police departments at their membership meeting held at Antun s Catering Hall in Queens Village. Among the 23 extremely deserving individual awardees were Police Officer Rosa Rodriguez of PSA 1, who was gravely injured from smoke inhalation during a building fire in Coney Island. Her partner, Dennis Guerra, died in the line of duty at that fire. Detective Mario Muniz of the Regional Fugitive Task Force, who was shot while apprehending a fugitive pedophile in Greenwich Village, and Police Officer Kenneth Healey, who was grievously wounded when he was slammed in the head by a lone wolf terrorist inspired by jihadist propaganda. Detective Muniz received the Purple Heart Award, while Officers Rodriguez and Healey were presented with the Distinguished Service Cross. Two Units, Nassau County Homicide and the NYPD Crime Scene Unit also received citations for their work involving the murders of Nassau County Police Officer Artie Lopez and civilian Raymond Facey. Congratulations to all of the awardees. Thanks also to long time member Charlie Boklan, who serves as the Vice President for the New York State Shields, for passing along information regarding the ceremony. From left to right holding certificates NYPD Captain Erik Hernandez, President of the NYS Shields, Police Officers Peter Rivera, Taylor Kraft, Joseph Meeker and Kenneth Healey, and Deputy Inspector John Cappelmann, Commanding Officer of the 103 rd Precinct 7

8 In Remembrance So much has already been said about the tragic assassinations of Detective Rafael Ramos and Detective Wenjian Lieu, that any words describing the event or attempting to describe the gut-wrenching and heartbreaking emotions that we have all felt would be significantly understated. However, the thought of not mentioning the significance of their deaths and their lives would be incomprehensible. That being said, they will always be with us, and memories of this time will never fade. Below are photographs taken surrounding the tragedy I included them in this newsletter to depict the solidarity that all law enforcement officers have for one another, and the deeply engrained respect that we all share for persons willing to put their lives on the line each and every time we don the uniform. The photographs also underscore how important groups like ours are to the entire law enforcement family and profession. Officers from all over the nation stand at attention in Queens as the funeral procession for Detective Ramos passes by. (photo courtesy of the NY Daily News). 8

9 Firefighters salute an ambulance carrying the bodies of NYPD Detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were fatally shot while sitting in their marked police car in Brooklyn on Saturday, Dec. 20, (photo courtesy of the NY Daily News) New York State troopers visit a makeshift memorial for slain NYPD Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos at the intersection of Tompkins and Myrtle avenues in Brooklyn (photo courtesy of the NY Daily News). Law Enforcement Motivation Do yourself a favor and view the video montage via the link below. It is an inspiring 4:19 done to the voice of Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday. 9

10 2015 Dues Thank you to all who have paid their dues! We are collecting the 2015 dues. If you have not made payment please do so at your earliest convenience. The dues for 2015 are $50 and Payment can be made via Paypal on our website or mailed to: NLEA P.O. Box 5604 Hauppauge N.Y Click here to Pay 2015 Dues Mark Your Calendars EVENT LOCATION DATE TIME February Meeting Bobby Van s Restaurant and Steakhouse 2/10/15 12:00 PM Pre-St. Patrick s Day Dinner Wolfgang s Restaurant and Steakhouse 3/10/15 6:00 PM April Luncheon TBA 4/14/15 12:00PM Installation Dinner Battery Gardens 5/7/15 TBA Manny Gomez President John W. Kenna Executive Secretary 10