A PUBLICATION OF THE NYC SERGEANTS B ENEVOLENT A SSOCIATION

VOLUME X/ ISSUE I • 2012 FRONTLINE A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association Ed Mullins, President

Writer/Editor

Sgt. Charles Pulci, 72 Pct Sgt. Christopher Scott, 71 Pct Robert Mladinich SBA Communications Director Phone: 212-343-5674 Fax: 212-343-5678 E-mail: [email protected] Photography (unless otherwise noted) Robert Mladinich Walter Taylor On the Cover SBA members were among the well-wishers on hand to welcome home Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, on

Sgt. Andrew McEvoy, PCO Sgt. Stephen Papp, PCO February 21. The Cardinal had spent 9 days in Italy, where he was made a Prince of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI. Photo: Robert Mladinich

© 2012 NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association All rights reserved NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association 35 Worth Street Sgt. Gordon Pekusic, New York, NY 10013 Counterterrorism Sgt. Siria Henriquez, 42 Pct 15 years as a sergeant Phone: 212-226-2180 Fax: 212-431-4280 Health & Welfare phone: 212-431-6555 Health & Welfare fax: 212-431-6487 Hotline: 1-866-862-0695 Web site: www.sbanyc.org Twitter: @ sbanypd

Members of the School Safety Unit TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Cardinal Comes Home Amid much pomp and circumstance, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, returned home on February 21, after 9 days in Italy where he was made a Prince of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI. Among those welcoming him were several SBA members, as well as the Emerald Society’s Pipes and Drums. See page 5 for more.

SBA Media In recent months the SBA has been on the air in more ways than one. Besides being the subject of a feature on MSNBC’s “Rock Center,” which is hosted by Brian Williams, retired Capt. 7 Ernie Naspretto is now hosting the new SBA on-line audio show.

Veteran Sergeants Few people will argue that being an NYPD sergeant is one of the most challenging jobs in the world. Six veteran sergeants, 8 all of whom have 10 or more years in rank, explain what it takes to make such a tough job look so easy.

SBA Families There is no shortage of multi-generational NYPD stories, where the lines of succession run deep. Meet the Burkhalter and Courtney families, whose NYPD lineage 10 began in the 1950s and lasted into the 2000s.

Faces of the SBA Meet many of the Faces of the SBA, as they kept millions of revelers safe during the New Year’s Eve 16 festivities in and around Times Square.

OTHER ARTICLES & FEATURES President’s Message ...... 2 Legal Issues...... 18 Super Bowl Champs...... 4 Health & Welfare...... 20 St. Patrick’s Day Parade ...... 6 Proud to be an SBA Member & Friend ...... 22 Widows, Children & Military Birth Announcements ...... 30 Families’ Holiday Party ...... 14 In Memoriam ...... 31 Delegate/Membership Luncheon ...... 15 Thanks to our Sponsors...... 32 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SBA PRESIDENT, ED MULLINS

Dear Sergeants:

While crime continues to plummet throughout the actions of retired Sgt. Paul Babakitis, a 22-year NYPD city, violence against police officers has increased dra- veteran who utilized his police training to coordinate matically over the past few months. The cold-blooded efforts in restraining an emotionally disturbed pilot murder of PO Peter Figoski of the 75 Precinct in while 30,000 feet in the air aboard a commercial airline December reinforces the fact that we can never take on March 27. the inherent dangers of our job for granted, regardless The type of bravery all of these officers exhibited is of how much experience we have. as much a part of the content of their character as it is PO Figoski, who was posthumously promoted to the a cultural component of the NYPD, which makes the rank of detective first grade, was a perfect representa- next few subjects so disturbing. tive of the law enforcement profession. Despite having The indictments of so many hardworking police more than two decades on the job, he chose to work officers in what has been called the ticket fixing scan- midnights on patrol so he could maximize the precious dal in the Bronx are as misleading as it is unjust and time he got to spend with his beloved daughters. demeaning. I have been a member of the NYPD for Officers like him form the backbone of the depart- over 30 years, and for that entire time, as well as for ment, and his loss was devastating to us all. decades before that, it has been the culture of the department to sometimes extend courtesies when tick- In the months after Det Figoski was killed, it seemed ets were issued. as if it became open season on cops. PO Kevin If that culture had outgrown itself because of chang- Brennan of the 90 Precinct miraculously survived after ing times, so be it. All the department had to do was being shot in the head at point blank range on January say that it had to end—and that would have been that. 31. Two weeks later, on February 14, Detective Kevin Because we work in a paramilitary organization, we are Herlihy of the Violent Felony Task Force in Queens very good at taking orders and adapting to new rules was shot in the arm, but managed to mortally wound and strategies. his assailant, a man who was wanted for the attempted The job I came onto in 1982 is so much different murder of his girlfriend’s daughter. from the job we have now. There are numerous mores On February 27, PO Thomas Richards of the and cultures that have changed during that time. No Housing Bureau’s PSA 4 survived a close-range shoot- one would have complained if the department said no ing when a bullet meant for his torso struck his ammo more courtesies were to be extended. We would have pouch. Capt. Al Pizzano, Dets. Kenneth Ayala and adhered to the program. All that these indicted officers Mike Keenan, and PO Matthew Granahan of ESU did was participate in a culture that extended to every were wounded by a heavily armed parolee in Brooklyn rank in the department for as long as the department has existed. To have branded these officers as criminals on Easter Sunday, and on April 17, PO Eder Loor of was reprehensible. the 23 Precinct barely escaped death after being stabbed in the head. I came out front and center in criticizing this inves- tigation early on, and I am still appalled that it got to Let us never forget the gallantry of all of these fine where it did, with the lives and reputations of so many officers, none of whom hesitated for a moment to take fine officers altered so dramatically. I am certain that dangerous actions, even when it was at great risk to they will all be vindicated, and this entire fiasco will their personal safety. Nor can we forget the heroic prove to be more of an embarrassment to the Bronx

2 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association District Attorney’s Office than a black eye for the extremely knowledgeable retired Capt. Ernie hardworking patrol officers who were caught in the Naspretto, the show debuted in early March. We were crosshairs of this witch hunt. lucky enough to have police union representatives On February 12, the PBA, as well as numerous other from San Francisco and Memphis on the show with us, police unions including the SBA, held a Sunday press and the entire hour was a lively discourse on the state conference to demand that the department release of policing in our nation. As we move forward with the medical records to a panel studying links between can- show, we will have a call-in format so I urge all of you cer and 9/11 rescue and recovery workers. Since 9/11, to participate so your voices can be heard. nearly 300 officers of all ranks have been diagnosed I want to congratulate Timothy Cardinal Dolan for with rare cancers, and 65 have passed away. being made a prince of the church by Pope Benedict For years the city had vehemently opposed these XVI in February. I also want to express accolades to demands, but within days of the press conference the New York Giants for their exciting win in Super agreed to cooperate in the probe. This should go a Bowl XLVI. The Cardinal, as well as the Giants, real- long way in assisting officers who continue to be ly personifies the New York spirit. They are tough, afflicted with these deadly diseases. durable, resilient and opinionated, and they conduct themselves with great integrity and stalwart determi- I want to extend my special thanks to PO Alonzo nation, much like we do as New York City sergeants. Harris, a first responder who secured portions of his In early March we lost a valued member of the SBA uniform in plastic bags a decade ago and had the family when retired Sgt. Bill Courtney passed away at wherewithal ten years later to have the uniform tested the age of 81. Bill served the Department from 1957 to for carcinogens. What was found was that his uniform 1993, and his son, also named Bill, retired as a detec- contained scores of cancer causing agents in various tive first grade. Although the older Courtney had been quantities. The evidence he provided was overwhelm- off the job for nearly 20 years, he stayed on top of ing, and it propelled the resistant city into addressing everything that was related to union labor. He regular- an issue it had long ago chosen to ignore. ly called or wrote to the office with suggestions, com- As you all know, the Nassau County Police ments or advice, all of which was taken seriously Department is under attack by the County Executive because he was so articulate and intelligent. Edward Mangano. Precincts are being closed and As the longtime President of the NYPD Anchor changes are being made that could be logistically and Club, Bill was also a very benevolent and selfless soul. financially devastating to our suburban counterparts. What I did not know about him until he passed away, We were happy to march with them in protest against when I read it in his obituary in the New York Times, these proposed cuts and revised contracts in October, was that he had served in the United States Marine and now urge all of our members, including those who Corps during the Korean War. do not reside in Nassau County, to think long and hard His lovely wife Joan said that her late husband was about who you vote for in upcoming elections. never a boastful man, and that he always went about Union labor has become the bogeyman for many of his business with great thoroughness but never with those seeking office, and we have to do all that we can any fanfare. I can’t help but be struck by Bill’s humili- to protect the rights and benefits that we have worked ty. I knew that he had been involved in scores of phil- so long and hard to attain. Regarding the new Tier 6 anthropic endeavors, including assisting veterans, yet that has been proposed, we have been informed that never once did he make mention of his own military service. the NYPD and FDNY will not be part of it so we can be thankful for that. In many ways, Bill was reflective of who we are and what we do as frontline supervisors in the largest and Many retirees have inquired about what might occur greatest police department in the world. It is people to our benefits in years to come. Your pension is con- like him, as well as people like all of you, that make our stitutionally guaranteed. The Variable Supplement is organization so great, and one that serves as a standard legislatively guaranteed, which means current law bearer for so many others. would have to be changed in order for it to be affect- ed. Your medical coverage is guaranteed under the You are unquestionably the finest of the Finest, and Administrative Code, which also means laws would have as I’ve said many times before and will say many times again: Thank you very much for allowing me the to be changed in order to affect change. Obviously we pleasure, pride and privilege of serving as your can’t foresee the future, but we hope that whoever is in President. office displays the same commitment to retirees that the SBA has over the years. Fraternally, Prescription, dental and optical benefits are admin- istered by the SBA and are subject to collective bargaining. As I’m sure you are aware, we have always included retirees in all of our negotiations with the city. We will never waver in that commitment. With so many prominent issues at the forefront, we have begun our own on-line radio show, which can be Ed Mullins heard on our web site. Hosted by the colorful and President

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 3 SUPER

NEW YORK BECOMES BOWL THE BIG “BLUE” APPLE CHAMPS

Thousands upon thousands of maniacal fans converged upon Lower Manhattan on Tuesday, February 7, to celebrate the New York Giants victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, which was played two days earlier in Indianapolis. Approximately 40 tons of confetti rained down upon the parade, which began at the southern tip of Manhattan and moved slowly north to City Hall. Scores of revel- ers were dressed head to toe in the Giants colors of red, white and blue. With an underwhelming regular season record of 9-7, the Giants were underdogs going into the most watched television event of the year. In a nail biter that was highly competitive until the final second of the game, the Giants beat the Patriots by the score of 21-17. Quarterback Eli Manning had the perfect explanation for the team’s late season surge, as well as the Super Bowl histrion- ics, that brought the Giants its second Super Bowl championship in 4 years. “Finish games, finish fourth quarters, and finish the season strong,” he said. “That’s what we did.”

4 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association Sgt. Michael Butler

Missouri, he is a New Yorker through and through. “There’s nothing like being back in New York,” he said. “And to have my Mom with me, that really makes it home.” The Cardinal discussed his plans for the church pursu- ing even more charitable endeavors. Before dawn the following morning he helped feed the homeless at a Manhattan parish. Later that day he conducted Ash Wednesday celebrations, where he said he just might give up his beloved pasta for Lent. “The Cardinal is a real people person,” said Bob Ganley. The Cardinal “He’s a great fit for New York. The rousing reception he received here today, and the way that he found time for Comes Home everyone, is proof of that.” A mid much pomp and circumstance, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, returned home to New York on February 21, after a trans-Atlantic voyage to the Vatican where he was made a Prince of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI. The Emerald Society’s Pipes and Drums, as well as scores of well-wishers, gave the Cardinal a real Big SBA Manhattan South Director Arthur Smarsch Apple welcome when his vehicle pulled up behind St. & Vice President Bob Ganley Patrick’s Cathedral in the middle of the chilly but sunny afternoon. On hand were SBA Vice President Bob Ganley and Manhattan South Director Artie Smarsch. The sergeants assigned to the detail for the day were Michael Butler of the 20 Precinct and Jerry Ioveno of the MTN Precinct. “It’s great to be home,” said the Cardinal, who was accompanied by his mother Shirley. The always exuberant Cardinal joked that, despite all of the fine dining he enjoyed during Sgt. Jerry Loveno his 9 days in Italy, what he missed most was a New York hot dog. While he continually extolled the virtues of Italy, he made it clear that despite being born in St. Louis,

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 5 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

he SBA Canteen truck was out early on Saturday, March 17, dispensing refreshments to police personnel of all ranks along the 251st annual St. Patrick’s Day parade route on Fifth Avenue. It was T manned by SBA President Ed Mullins, Health & Welfare Secretary Cosmo Lubrano, Brooklyn South Director Pat Logan, and OCCB Director Anthony Borelli. Chronicling the activities at the parade, which has been a New York institution since 1762, was a film crew from the MSNBC television show “Rock Center,” which is hosted by Brian Williams, and is producing a seg- ment on the SBA for the near future. Among the subjects to be covered is the SBA’s historic and monumen- tal prescription program, as well as the organization’s day to day activities. “A few days before the parade, we were interviewed by MSNBC about our prescription program, which has enabled us to improve benefits for members while saving millions of dollars for the fund,” said Mullins. “After the interview, the producers expressed interest in other things we were involved in, and I was more than happy to invite them along the parade route. They randomly interviewed scores of sergeants, and said they were very impressed with the intelligence and professionalism of all of them, which did not surprise me in the least.” Martin and Miriam Hoban, with son Christopher. Martin’s brother Chris was killed in the LOD in 1988. Street’s effects on police agencies throughout the SBA MEDIA country, and fiscal constraints and pension and benefit SBA ON-LINE AUDIO SHOW concerns. In an effort to once again give the “There is so much happening right now to the law SBA a much-needed national voice, enforcement community,” said Mullins. “We will con- it has begun broadcasting a yet to duct the audio shows at the SBA offices, with guests be named recurring audio show calling in from all around the city and the country. on the organization’s web site. There is something for almost everyone on the radio First and foremost, the purpose of and the Internet, but nothing that directly addresses the show is to provide a forum so the day to day concerns of police officers. This is a the concerns of NYPD sergeants, very cost effective way to get our very important as well as law enforcement profes- message out.” sionals from around the country, can MSNBC “ROCK CENTER” be addressed and explored without fear of censure or reprisal. Veteran television journalist Mike Taibbi visited the The show is hosted by the always color- SBA offices on March 14 to prepare a segment for ful and controversial retired Capt. MSNBC’s “Rock Center,” which is hosted by Brian Ernie Naspretto, a quintessential Williams. The topic was the SBA’s creation of its New Yorker who after leaving unique relationship with a pharmacy benefit manager the NYPD worked for sever- that has enabled the union to save millions of dollars in al years as a reporter for the middleman costs while greatly improving and increas- New York Daily News. ing benefits for its members. SBA President Ed Mullins will When the organizational structure of the system was be regularly featured, and guests will include police explained to Taibbi by SBA President Ed Mullins, officers of all ranks, union representatives, elected offi- Controller Dennis Ostermann, and Fund Administra- cials, and others to discuss timely and topical issues. tor Errol Ogman, he expressed surprise that the The inaugural show, which took place in early March, system has not been adapted by unions and other was comprised of Mullins and Naspretto, as well as prescription providers around the country. Gary Delagnes, the President of the San Francisco The producers were so pleased with the show, they Police Officers Association, and Essica Littlejohn, the requested permission to follow the SBA Canteen truck Vice President of the Memphis Police Officers as it dispensed refreshments to officers of all ranks Association. along the St. Patrick’s Day Parade route. They once Among the topics discussed were police shootings again interviewed Mullins, as well as numerous ser- and suicides, liberal bias by the media, Occupy Wall geants along the way. Retired Capt. Ernie Naspretto has a well-deserved reputation for telling it like it is and always saying what’s on his mind.

Television reporter Mike Taibbi was very impressed with the SBA’s creative methodology in keeping down pharmaceutical costs while improving and increasing benefits to its members. Left-right: Fund Administrator Errol Ogman, Mike Taibbi, Controller Dennis Ostermann, President Ed Mullins.

SBA President Ed Mullins, along with Controller Dennis Ostermann SBA President Ed Mullins engages in a lively discussion with and Fund Administrator Errol Ogman, explain the dynamics and complexities (left-right): Gary Delagnes from San Francisco, host Ernie Naspretto, of the organization’s unique pharmaceutical plan to Mike Taibbi for a and Essica Littlejohn from Memphis. segment on MSNBC’s “Rock Center.”

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 7 VETERAN SERGEANTS Six sergeants share their views on how they make what we consider the toughest job in the world look so easy. All of the sergeants have at least 10 years in rank, and over 130 years of cumulative experience.

Sgt. Greg Pernicone, 120 Precinct himself on knowing his way around the system, and for being able to calm things down when emotions are Sgt. Greg Pernicone was just 22 when appointed to the running amok. former Transit Police Department in July 1987. First assigned to District 4, he recalls most of the sergeants Dorst greatly appreciates having what he considers the being “old guys who we were not supposed to talk to best job in the world. He truly enjoys being a mentor to unless they addressed us first.” younger officers and sergeants, and his door is never closed regardless of the hour of the day. He said most of the patrol supervisors had at least 15 years experience, if not that much time in rank. While “You acquire a lot of knowledge in 30 years,” he said. he recalls some of them acting as mentors, he said “If I can utilize that knowledge to smooth the path of many believed in the theory of trial by fire. young officers or supervisors, there is no greater satis- faction in the world for me.” “For a young guy like me, they were intimidating,” Sgt. Joe O’Sullivan, Highway 1 said Pernicone, who was promoted to sergeant in Joe O’Sullivan was appointed to the NYPD in February 1998 and has been 1994. Although he was just 22, he had already served assigned to the 120 four years in the United States Marine Corps and was Precinct ever since. “I a Desert Storm veteran. When first assigned to the 52 realize now that they did- Precinct, he recalls many of the sergeants being in n’t mean to be intimidat- their forties and having wives and children. Some were ing. It was just the age even Vietnam War veterans. differences that made it seem that way.” Now that many sergeants are in their late twenties or early thirties, Pernicone laughs at the fact that it is he who is now looked upon as a dinosaur. “I let my people know that I am there for them, regard- less of what is happening,” he said. “It is important to be a visible and available leader. The 120 is busy, it’s no picnic and there are shootings all the time. When the cops go out, they work. Once the button gets turned on, they don’t stop until it’s time to go home. They need to know that I’m there for them. You see a lot in 20 plus years, and that knowledge needs to be imparted on the younger people. That’s the most important aspect of the job.” Sgt. John Dorst, 102 Precinct John Dorst was not quite 24 when appointed to the Because of his own experience in the military, NYPD in January 1982. Ronald Reagan was still O’Sullivan was not intimidated by the paramilitary President, and it would be four years until anyone ever structure of the job. He recalls having an instant heard of crack cocaine. Promoted to sergeant in April respect for sergeants because he realized just how 1989, Dorst has spent every day of his three decades valuable the service they performed was. on patrol, meaning there is little or nothing that he has not seen or done. Although assigned to the “They knew everything,” said O’Sullivan, who was pro- 102 Precinct, Dorst is also the Sergeant-at-Arms for moted to sergeant in April 2001 and has been the SBA and always assigned to Highway 1 for many years. “In my early available for call- precinct days, the sergeants would walk us through outs, responding to homicide scenes, DOAs, and other unpleasant jobs. I up to 20 shootings a now find myself walking the newer people through year. some very bad vehicle accidents. As different as Highway is to patrol, there are a lot of similarities.” Dorst loves cops as much as they love O’Sullivan credits two longtime Highway sergeants, him. He is known for Neil Vespe and Joe Murphy, for providing him with the being the voice of wherewithal to be such a confident and competent reason, even amid supervisor, although he still has trouble believing that the most chaotic of with just 12 years in rank he is considered a veteran situations. He prides sergeant.

8 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association “I was in a gun store on Long Island and I mentioned Now 48, Estupinan, who has been assigned to the MTS that I was able to keep my .38 caliber revolver as my Precinct for his entire tenure as a sergeant, feels off-duty weapon,” recalled O’Sullivan. “The clerk said I blessed to have been mentored by such good men and must be an old timer, which is the last thing I consider women. While he says that much has changed since myself, especially since working with and being trained he’s come on the job, he believes that experience is the by such seasoned veterans as Joe and Neil who have best teacher for police officers of every rank. over 60 years between them.” “I don’t take my life experiences as a civilian or a cop for granted,” said Estupinan, who was born in Sgt. Donna Nugent, 106 Precinct California but moved to the Bronx at the age of 10. “All Having been raised in the suburbs, Donna Nugent things happen for a reason and there are lessons to be remembers experiencing a bit of culture shock when learned all the time.” first assigned to the 75 Precinct in 1991. She was only Many of the officers in Estupinan’s squad have less 21 and it was the first time she had actually paid for than five years on the job, and several are under 25- something through a bullet resistant Plexiglas window. years-old. She thought all of the sergeants were “old-timers,” but said their greatest quality was the immense patience “I hold myself up as an example of someone who they displayed toward the rookie officers. always tries to do the right thing,” said Estupinan. “My lessons are simple. Just do your best and treat people Like so many other the way you would want to be treated or the way you young cops, Nugent would want your family treated. The greatest tools for a didn’t always think police officer are honesty and common sense. You before she acted. can’t always go by the book, but you can always utilize But after 10 years common sense. When possible, think before you act on patrol, in the 75 and you will never go wrong.” and 101 Precincts, and a stint in the Vice Enforcement Sgt. David Porter, 108 Precinct Division, patience became one of her Having attended a military high school and college, greatest traits. It has David Porter adapted to the discipline of the NYPD with helped as a supervi- no problems whatsoever. Working as a police officer in sor, as well as in her role as one of the SBA’s few female the 109 and 114 Precincts, as well as the QSTF, he delegates. always viewed sergeants as “the person in charge.” “I learned from making a lot of mistakes, and I’m still “You rarely saw the learning today,” said Nugent, whose husband, Joseph lieutenants or cap- (in photo), is a detective assigned to the Joint Terrorist tains,” said Porter, Task Force. “I feel like I have a lot to offer the young who was appointed in people I work with. The most important thing for them July 1987 and has to develop is patience. You have to make a lot of quick been assigned to the decisions in police work, but with experience comes 108 Precinct since the ability to take a second to think something out. It being promoted in just might save your life.” July 1998. “The ser- geants carried the Sgt. Richard Estupinan, Midtown South Precinct mandates, and they had the answers to all As a 21-year-old rookie in 1985, Richard Estupinan of our questions.” remembers thinking that most of the sergeants in his first command, the 40 Precinct, were very stern, by- Porter believes that it the-book, and not people to be second-guessed or tri- is crucial that pro- fled with. spective sergeants have at least five to “You did what you were told, that’s for sure,” said seven years of patrol Sgt. David Porter with his beloved Estupinan, who spent 13 years on patrol before being time before becoming daughter Chloe promoted to sergeant in July 1998. “You didn’t bother eligible for promotion. sergeants with much, and you always looked at them as the boss.” “Learning to be a good all-around cop takes time,” he explained. “It is not something that happens overnight. A sergeant’s job can never be taken lightly or for grant- ed. The sense of accountability is too great.” Porter, a United States Coast Guard volunteer, is grate- ful to have learned from the best, and is enthusiastic about imparting his knowledge and wisdom on the offi- cers he supervises. “I have only one mantra that I live by,” he explained. “I would never ask or order any officer to do something that I would not or have not already done myself. Cops learn the most by what you do, not what you say, so leading by example is paramount to being a successful supervisor.”

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 9 SBA Families AN ONGOING TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE I t is not unusual for children to follow their join the unions. Burkhalter did whatever came his way, parents into law enforcement careers, especially in an whether it was working as a stockman or in a factory. organization like the NYPD where the lines of succes- “I was home one day and I saw a cop on his post, on sion run deep. There are countless multi-generational Sutphin and Jamaica Avenues,” recalled the now 77- stories, all of which are very unique. Here are two year-old Burkhalter. “He had his overcoat on and his more of them: night stick was hanging off of his shield. As he walked back and forth, he looked comfortable and serene.” THE BURKHALTER FAMILY In those days you could obtain applications for civil Gerald Burkhalter’s road to becoming an NYPD ser- service jobs on city buses, so Burkhalter took one and geant was a long and circuitous one, but he has no mailed it in. At the time he was driving a private bus, regrets about the decisions he has made. Born in which wasn’t a bad job, so he just thought to himself, Louisiana in 1934, he moved to Baltimore when he was “If the police call, they call. Whatever happens, hap- 7 and arrived in New York at the age of 17. After grad- pens.” He didn’t give it much more thought. uating from Jamaica High School in 1954, he attended When the police did call him Burkhalter was one of 18 Hunter College with the hopes of becoming an engi- black recruits in the Police Academy class of over 400 neer. Knowing that he was going to be drafted, he in October 1962. From his first day, he felt as if he had opted to join the U.S. Air Force where he served for found a home. After graduation he was assigned to the nearly 4 years. 114 Precinct in Astoria, Queens, where he said being one of a handful of black officers was never an issue After being honorably discharged in 1960, Burkhalter with either his peers or the public. During one tour he bounced from job to job. Back then companies would sat on the home of Malcolm X after it was firebombed. hire workers for just 90 days so they wouldn’t have to “Policing was different back then,” said Burkhalter. “We delivered a different type of service and you got a lot more respect. When you walked into a situation, Retired Sgt. Gerald Burkhalter people let you take charge. Today people challenge authority much more than they used to.” Burkhalter was transferred to the 32 Precinct in 1965, where he said the majority of the residents were “sweethearts” who treated the police with respect. It was there that he believes that he and Patrolman Jake Grant became the first regular African-American part- ners in the precinct. It was also where he experienced up close and personal one of the greatest tragedies in NYPD history. Because the precinct was so busy and there were few places to eat, sectors would dine an hour apart inside the command. On the night of May 21, 1971,

Retired Det. First Grade Kirk Burkhalter

10 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association Burkhalter remembers jokingly chiding the two offi- cers who preceded him and his partner for being a few minutes late. A short time later in the tour, those two cops, Patrolmen Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones, were assassinated by militant extremists. “We didn’t even have time to grieve or think about what was happening,” said Burkhalter. “All we wanted to do was get out there and look for the shooters. There was no time to be scared, or to feel sorry for yourself.” A year later Burkhalter transferred to the 109 Precinct, which is where he heard about a new unit being Retired Sgt. Howard Burkhalter formed called the Equal Opportunity Employment Section. The Justice Department was offering grants to police departments to create EEO programs. Burkhalter was one of the original investigators there, a job he held for 12 years until being promoted to ser- Whatever path Howard’s two grown sons, Chris and geant in 1983. Erik, embark on, he will be as supportive for them as his father was with him. “The transition to sergeant was pretty easy for me,” said Burkhalter. “I was a seasoned cop who had been “My father was a role model for me—no doubt,” said around, so I was confident in my abilities and felt as if Howard. “He is still a role model for me. My greatest gift to my children would be giving them the same I had nothing to prove.” support that my father gave me.” Burkhalter went on to work in the Manhattan Traffic Kirk Burkhalter was appointed to the NYPD in July Area and retired from the Court Division in 1987. 1984 and retired as a detective first grade assigned to After working as an investigator and supervisor for the the Intelligence Division’s Special Services Unit, New York City Housing Authority for 9 years, he where he trained members for deep undercover work, moved to Virginia in 2005. His regular activities now in October 1984. include playing golf, attending church, bowling, and participating in dinner clubs. In the early days of his career, Kirk worked in the 32 Precinct where he was assigned to Sector David- Looking back on his career Burkhalter has scores of Eddie-Frank, the same one his father patrolled a quar- fond memories, but said that two credos were more ter of a century earlier. important than any other, especially as a sergeant. “We would reminisce all the time,” said Kirk. “I would “My goals were simple,” he said. “What was most tell him about a collar I made or a job I went on and he important to me was looking out for the cops, and would want to know where it was. Then he’d tell me a making sure that we all went home safely at night.” story of a job he had in the same place or at a nearby While Burkhalter has good feelings toward police location.” work, he is the first to admit that he “broke” his neck One day Kirk was snooping through old boxes in the to send his two sons to college so they could pursue precinct basement when he came across many of his their own goals and dreams. Howard, the oldest, father’s memo books. He was astounded by how much attended Ohio State University, while Kirk enrolled at their careers paralleled each others, especially how Syracuse University with the hopes of becoming a many of the same stairwells they’d ascended and trumpet player. Their father still encouraged both to descended. take civil service tests - just in case. “It made the world seem very small,” said Kirk. “All “My father took a very active role in the lives of my those years later, I was responding to the same jobs in brother and I,” said the now 53-year-old Howard who the same locations where my father had been. The was appointed to the NYPD in January 1981 and pro- faces change and the years move on, but in many ways moted to sergeant in March 1993. “He was involved in the job stays the same regardless of the era.” sports, the Boy Scouts, church, family vacations, and trips upstate. We spent a lot of quality time together.” Kirk also worked in Manhattan North Narcotics and the Auto Crime Division before finishing up his mem- Howard had always expressed interest in becoming a orable career in the Intelligence Division. He never doctor, an idea that his father relished. But when played the trumpet professionally, but the year he that didn’t pan out, he became a cop and remembers retired from the NYPD he also graduated from New thinking he made a big mistake when one of his first York Law School, where he now teaches Legal assignments was monitoring a strike at a Queens Practice. staple factory. “It’s been an interesting ride,” said Kirk, who is the But much like his father, Howard carved out an father of three children, Kirk Jr., Nicole, and Kadence. illustrious career, working in the 103 Precinct and the “Becoming a cop might not have been a first choice at Public Morals and Auto Crime Divisions before the time, but it was a good choice in the end. My father retiring as a sergeant from the Highway District in played a large part in who I am and what I’ve become. August 2002. He’s a good guy.”

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 11 Sgt. Bill Courtney as a young patrolman in the 1950s and with former Chief of Department Robert Johnston in the 1980s.

Surprised to learn that he was not the first person in his family to join the NYPD, Courtney doggedly went about finding out all he could about his familial police roots. Leaving no stone unturned, he learned that a maternal cousin, J.J. Meaney, was a patrolman assigned to the 13 Precinct in the years after World War I. After passing away from tuberculosis in 1922, Meaney’s wife became a “bed maker” for nearly 50 years. With no death benefits in those days, the Police Relief Fund, which was made up of contri- butions from cops, paid police widows a stipend to maintain precinct dormitories. But Courtney’s intense interest did not end there. He also came across a name that he was complete- ly unfamiliar with, Eileen Romancheck, the daughter of J.J. Meaney. She was a retired detective who had THE COURTNEY FAMILY served the NYPD from the 1940s to the 1960s. Growing up in the Parkchester section of the Bronx, When they met for lunch, Courtney was intrigued to Bill Courtney had no particular inclination to become learn that she had been married to a Harbor cop, but a cop. His father was a highway inspector, and he was also assigned to the prestigious Bureau of Special not aware of any extended family members being part Services and Investigations (BOSSI), which investigat- of the police community. ed subversive activities and would eventually evolve After serving four years in the Marine Corps during into OCCB. Courtney was himself assigned to BOSSI the Korean War and attending Iona College where he in the late 1960s. earned a degree in general studies, Courtney held a Courtney, who passed away after a short illness at the variety of jobs as a young man that included construc- age of 81 on March 7, always lamented the fact that a tion worker, bridge painter, and hotel worker in study by a former CIA member resulted in the NYPD Florida. An uncle had advised him to take the tests for merging OCCB with the Intelligence Division, at the the police and fire departments, which he did with no expense of BOSSI. real enthusiasm. “It was like oil and water,” said Courtney. “The units The NYPD called first and Courtney, then 26, was did two different types of investigations, and the cops sworn in on November 26, 1957. He was initially were different types of individuals. BOSSI did high- assigned to the 41 Precinct in the South Bronx, where level investigations into subversive groups like sabo- he recalls there being lots of burglaries being commit- teurs, anarchists and communists. The other units ted by heroin addicts. Then known on the street as were doing escorts for VIPs at the time. In my opin- “junk” and “scag,” heroin was just beginning to rear its ion, it was not a wise managerial decision.” ugly head in city neighborhoods. Courtney also learned that another uncle, Peter Courtney, who was also assigned to the Youth Squad, Hilbert, served the NYPD at the time Theodore was promoted to sergeant in 1965. One night, while Roosevelt was the President of the New York City off-duty and dining with his mother, she casually men- Board of Police Commissioners, a precursor to today’s tioned that Courtney’s father was once pulled over by police commissioner. a bicycle cop on East 23rd Street in Manhattan. The cop directed an ethnic slur toward Courtney’s father Courtney’s proudest moment came, however, when his before breaking into a broad grin and telling him that son, also named William, was sworn in as a member of he recognized him as a distant relative. the former Transit Police Department at the age of 20

12 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association in July 1983. Like his father, the younger Courtney Sgt. Bill Courtney a few years before his death after a brief illness had no real inclination toward police work but took to in March 2012. it in a big way. His first sergeant was the late Jack Maple, who devised innovative crime-fighting strategies that many tradi- tionalists initially viewed as newfangled and ludicrous. A decade later, as the Deputy Commissioner of Crime Control Strategies under Police Commissioner William Bratton, Maple introduced Compstat which revolutionized the way in which the business of polic- ing was conducted in New York—and beyond. “A lot of people didn’t like Jack, but he was real tough when it came to fighting the brass and getting his point across,” said Courtney. “He didn’t just become a cop to collect a paycheck. He really wanted to make a difference.” In the early 1990s, Maple called upon Courtney and about 10 other detectives whom he knew and trusted. Utilizing the Broken Windows theory of crime fight- ing, where it is believed that the addressing of quali- ty-of-life issues will also bring about significant reduc- tions in major crimes, Maple dispatched them to the some of the most dangerous precincts in the city. “Let’s just say we weren’t welcomed with open arms,” said Courtney. “There was a lot of complacency back then, and no one believed that things could ever change for the better.” Flooding these high crime precincts, the teams made The younger Bill Courtney (bottom right) as a member of their presence known by addressing minor offenses in the Transit Police Department in the 1980s, where he was an aggressive but lawful manner. Previously ignored mentored by the late Jack Maple. offenses like loitering and public drinking and urina- tion were no longer ignored, and everyone who was Enforcement Task Force, and eventually in the stopped, questioned or frisked was checked for war- Intelligence Division where he attained the rank of rants. As incredible as it was to the naysayers, major detective first grade. His niche was extortion cases crime rates quickly plummeted in those commands. involving the music and movie industries. One of his highlights was helping dismantle the empire of drug “A lot of people balked at our efforts, but the results kingpin Kenneth McGriff, aka Supreme, who fun- spoke for themselves,” said Courtney. “I am very neled much of his ill-gotten gains into record produc- proud to have been part of the history that Bratton and ing and filmmaking. Maple created. Everything we take for granted today began with them.” “We turned that case into a RICO investigation, saved the life of a very famous rapper, destroyed a record Years later, after Maple passed away from colon cancer label that was built on drug proceeds, and shut down in 2001, Courtney wound up working in the Drug production on several films with major stars that were being financed by drug money,” said Courtney. Courtney eventually grew weary of department poli- tics and left the job in 2007 to teach investigative tech- niques in the Middle East and to also act as a techni- cal advisor on several films. He has no regrets about his choice of vocations, and is glad that his father made such a pest of himself when imploring him to take all those civil service tests way back when. “I’m glad he pushed me in that direction,” said Courtney. “Being a cop, you get to see life from a different perspective than most people. We survived all the crazy drug violence of the 1980s and graduat- ed from the hardest career in the world. Being a cop really makes you appreciate life more than other people. Seeing all that you see, and experiencing all The Courtney Family (left-right): son-in-law Daniel Quat, daughter Jean, who that you experience, makes you really grateful for what passed away in 2010, Young Bill, wife and mother Joan, and the elder Bill. you have.”

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 13 Widows, Children & Military Families’ Holiday Party

On December 16th, the SBA once again hosted its annual hol- iday party for the widows and children of members who have passed away either on or off-duty, as well as the families of members who have recently served or are currently serving in the military. This year’s event was festive and joyous, with Sergeant-at- Arms John Dorst again donning his Santa Claus outfit and dispensing an abundance of gifts, cheer and goodwill to all of those in attendance. “This is a very important tradition for our organization,” said SBA President Ed Mullins. “All of these family members have sacrificed so much, so it is crucial for them to always be reminded how much they mean to us. They will always be part of our family, and our thoughts, prayers and best wishes for them continue each and every day throughout the year.”

14 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association SBA DELEGATE/MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Due to the funeral for PO Peter Figoski of the 75 Precinct, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on December 12, the SBA’s annual Delegate/Membership Luncheon was rescheduled from December 15 to December 21. More than 1,000 active and retired members attended the affair, which was much more somber than usual. Among the activities was the Car Raffle, the highly successful fundraiser for the Widows and Children Fund. The raffle winners were: 1st Prize: 2012 BMW 328i was won by Sgt. Gregory Masaitis, TARU 2nd Prize: 2012 Harley-Davidson was won by PO Vincent Galeno, 66 Precinct 3rd Prize: MacBook Pro was won by Damon Barriteau 4th Prize: Bose Home Theater System was won by Det. John McGuire 5th Prize: 50 inch TV System was won by Louis Albert Bonus Prize: B.J.’s Membership was won by John Gavan

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 15 FACES of the SBA Sgt. John Schatz, Police Academy, 10 years as a sergeant Sgt. Frank Rodriguez, Transit District 30 ven more revelers than usual descended upon Times Square on New Year’s Eve to celebrate Ethe end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012. Visitors from every corner of the globe went gaga over the presence of Lady Gaga, who initiated the dropping of the ball, and Justin Bieber, who per- formed for his maniacal fans. Keeping all of those people safe were thousands of NYPD personnel, who began mustering up in and around Times Square in the early part of the afternoon and worked into the wee hours of the Sgt. Elisa Kurgic, Traffic Operations Division, Sgt. Paul Attardo, MTS Pct, next morning. Although the weather was milder 10 years as a sergeant Active US Air National Guard than usual, they worked long and hard to maintain peace, safety and civility. While a standard New Year’s credo is “out with the old and in with the new,” that does not apply to NYPD sergeants, who continually handle what we consider the toughest job in the world with enthusi- asm, pride, dignity and inexplicable aplomb. Sgt. John Schatz of the Police Academy was appointed to the NYPD in January 1992 and pro- moted to sergeant in January 2002. Notwithstand- ing the fact that New Year’s Eve is the day he was born, he has spent 18 of his 20 birthdays on the job Sgt. Jim Malin, OMAP Sgt. Emanuele Alongi, PBMN in Times Square without complaint. It is veterans like Sgt. Schatz who provide such a valuable service to our great city, as well as to the SBA for the leadership and guidance that he offers our younger members. Happy birthday, Sgt. Schatz. And Happy New Year to the entire SBA membership who are unquestion- ably the hardest working and most dedicated and professional frontline supervisors in the world.

Sgt. Chris DeLaCruz, Sgt. Damien Scanlon, 6 Pct Transit District 30

Sgt. Darryl Smallwood, 83 Pct Sgt. Evaristus Uke, OCCB

16 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association Sgt. Stephen Greene, Sgt. Paul D’Addario, PBMS, Sgt. Damon Brooks, Personnel Bureau Sgt. Paui Barros, 25 Pct 13 years as a sergeant World Trade Center Command

Sgt. Thierry Presume, Sgt. Peter Raftopoulos, Office of Chief of Transportation Sgt. Andy Wong, 30 Pct Quality Assurance Division Sgt. Marilyn Medina, 1 Precinct

Sgt. Joe Finan, QAD, Sgt. Reynaldo Reyes, Police Academy, Sgt. Mike Califano, 12 years as a sergeant US Air Force veteran Office of Chief of Transportation Sgt. Sunil Singh, OCCB

Sgt. Rudy Hall, Central Sgt. Richard Wilt, Citywide Traffic Sgt. Nicole Gholson, Sgt. Eric Sandseth, OMAP Robbery Division Task Force, 29 years on the job Personnel Bureau

Sgt. Thomas McCarthy, Sgt. Paul Campanella, 105 Pct, Lower Manhattan Security Initiative, Sgt. Andy Koo, Police Academy 10 years as a sergeant Sgt. Rudy Rega, 9 Pct 13 years as a sergeant

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 17 LEGAL ISSUES FOR MEMBERS Understanding Your Will

BY RETIRED LT. JOSEPH McCONNON

THE WILL incapacitated is a time-consuming and costly guardian- ship proceeding. The most important document in your estate plan is the will. A will states your preference as to the disposi- The Durable Power of Attorney will determine who tion of your estate. Even if you take measures to avoid has the legal authority to act as your agent should the probate (the process of adjudicating a will), you still time ever come that you cannot make decisions for need a will for the remaining assets. A will is important yourself. If you become incapacitated (i.e. through not just to convey property as you desire, but for other stroke, coma, accident), the person you have designat- matters. For example, you can indicate your preference ed, not a court, will take over your affairs and act with- for the guardianship of minor children. in the guidelines and restrictions you have already Non-probate assets such as joint accounts, life insur- established. The agent can pay bills, deposit checks, ance, real estate held jointly, Deferred Compensation handle taxes, and manage your assets in a falling stock and pension benefits pass outside of probate and are market. In short, everything that you could otherwise not governed by the will. You may have heard about do for yourself, but only if your agent is given that the benefits of placing your assets in a revocable (liv- specific authority. ing) trust. A will is preferable to a revocable trust for HEALTH CARE PROXY & LIVING WILL the majority of New York residents, as probate fees are reasonable and the process is not unduly cumbersome, The New York State Health Care Proxy Law allows while fees to establish revocable trusts can be costly. you to appoint someone you trust to decide about medical treatment if you lose the ability to decide for With a will you have control over how and to whom yourself. You can appoint someone by signing a form your property shall be distributed after your death. called a Health Care Proxy. If you have not appointed There is one exception: You cannot completely disin- a proxy then, under New York State law, there is no herit a spouse. one who becomes the proxy by default. In preparing your will you have to make several deci- Appointing a proxy lets you control your medical sions: Who do I want to leave my property to (the treatment by giving the person you select, your “health Beneficiary)? Who will be my administrator for the care agent,” as little or as much authority as you want. estate (the Executor)? If my spouse is no longer alive, You can allow your health care agent to make decisions who will be responsible for raising my children (the about all aspects of your health care or only about cer- Guardian)? And who will manage the assets for the tain treatment. You may also give your agent instruc- benefit of my children (the Trustee)? tions that he or she must follow. Your agent can then DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY make sure that health care professionals follow your wishes. Hospitals, doctors and other health care A Durable Power of Attorney enables an individual, providers must follow your agent’s decisions as if they called the “principal,” to choose a trusted agent to han- were your own. dle the principal’s financial affairs when the principal is incapacitated and is unable to manage his or her own In order for your agent to make health care decisions financial affairs. It is called “durable” because it contin- for you about matters involving life-sustaining treat- ues during the principal’s mental or physical incapaci- ment, such as resuscitation, the withholding of artifi- ty. The alternative to managing financial affairs when cial ventilation, nutrition and hydration your agent

18 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association must establish that the agent knows your wishes. The Health Care Proxies are specifically authorized by best way to establish this is to discuss your wishes with New York State Law while a Living Will is not. By exe- your agent and also to state those directives in a Living cuting both a Health Care Proxy and a Living Will you Will. would enable the person who you give the authority to Directives in a Living Will must be very specific; make health care decisions, the ability to demonstrate therefore, they are not flexible to changing conditions. your desires to the heath care providers.

ABOUT JOE… Retired Lt. Joe McConnon has always viewed police work more as a calling than a vocation. His father William served the NYPD for 20 years before retiring from the 106 Precinct in 1968. The family has several newspaper articles chronicling his gallantry during a violent scuffle with an EDP in the 1950s. One of Joe’s three brothers, Gerald, was assigned to the old Traffic B Squad, where he was injured in a scooter accident and retired on disability in 1974 after just two years on the job. When Joe was appointed to the NYPD in January 1986, he was determined to be assigned to the 13 Precinct, the same command where his older brother Michael was assigned when he was shot and killed in the line of duty during a bank holdup in January 1975. “A lot of people were surprised that I wanted to be assigned to the precinct where my late brother worked, but for me there was never a question in my mind,” said the 48-year-old McConnon, a Long Island native who earned an undergraduate degree in political sci- ence from SUNY Buffalo. “Walking by the plaque of my brother every day was a source of great pride and strength for me.” While working as a community policing officer in the late 1980s, McConnon met a young woman named Rosie who worked at an optical shop on East 23rd Street. After “saying hello for a couple of years” they began dating and married in 1999. They now reside in Manhattan and are the parents of a 9-year-old daugh- ter named Kaitlin. McConnon was promoted to sergeant in 1995 and to lieutenant in 1998. During his time on the job he also attended New York Law School, from which he gradu- ated in 1998. As a newly minted attorney, as well as an NYPD lieutenant, he was assigned to the Legal Bureau where he helped spearhead the much-lauded Vehicle Seizure Unit. Joe McConnon handles all will preparations and “I had a very satisfying career, “said McConnon, who real estate closings for qualified active and retired in 2005 and now operates his own law practice. retired SBA members. Active members are enti- He counts among his clients the NYC Sergeants tled to a free house closing or will preparation Benevolent Association, for whom he prepares wills every 4 years. Retired members are entitled to and does home sales and closings. He loves working one free will preparation or house closing. His with cops, and hopes to expand his business to NYPD office is located in the SBA building: members of all ranks, as well as other law enforcement Joseph McConnon & Associates personnel in the New York area. 35 Worth Street “I loved being a cop, and I love still working with cops New York, NY 10013 in my current capacity,” he explained. “I had a very Phone 212.343.5658 rewarding police career and now I have a very reward- ing second career. I get to work with and for cops, for E-mail: [email protected] Web address: www.mcconnonlaw.com whom I have the utmost respect and admiration. For me, it doesn’t get much better than that.”

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 19 drug entity. Promoted as innovative creations, they Health & Welfare are aggressively marketed and priced high. In reality, when objectively compared to existing remedies, BY ERROL OGMAN, there is really no breakthrough qualities associated SBA FUND ADMINISTRATOR with them at all. Below are just a few examples of such strategies as recreating generic, vitamins or line extentions. The End of the Blockbuster Claritan (Loratadine) > Clarinex (“DES” Loratadine) The Expiration of the Lipitor Patent Prilosec (Omeprazole) > Nexium (“ES” Omeprazole) Zyrtec (Cetirizine) > Xyzal (“LEVO” Cetirizine) n November 2011, the exclusive patent on the blockbuster drug Lipitor, which is manufactured Omega 3 Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) > I Lovaza by Pfizer, came to an end. This opened the door for the entry of generic versions of this product. How Niacin ER (Vitamin B) > Niaspan much was at risk? At its peak, the Wall Street Journal Effexor > Effexor SR > Effexor XR > Pristiq reported that 11 million Americans took Lipitor. Since Ambien > Ambien CR its introduction in 1997, Lipitor has generated more than $81 billion in sales, and currently brings in about Fosamax > Fosamax + D $10 billion in annual global sales. Omeprazole (gen: Prilosec) + Sodium Bicarbonate > Zegerid While most countries negotiate pharmaceutical Minocycline > Solodyn (Minocycline ER) prices, The United States allows drug manufacturers to have unlimited control over their pricing. This sets Simvastatin (gen: Zocor) + Niacin (Vitamin B) > Simcor the groundwork for American consumers to be These negative influences on drug price trends exploited in the re-capturing of profits lost from regu- became especially challenging in the case of Lipitor. lated markets throughout the world. It also explains A sample of the explosion in price increases over time the widespread use of foreign Internet pharmacies. is represented by Average Wholesale Prices (AWP) of Our government provides over 30% of the total Lipitor. This price signifies a cost per unit (pill). national expenditures on pharmaceuticals. These Lipitor-Average Wholesale Price costs are provided through programs such as 2005 $3.78 $113.40 Month Medicaid and Medicare. The system is so befuddled and the pharmaceutical industry so persuasive that 2012 $6.68 $200.40 Month even President Obama was convinced by lobbyists to Over the past 7 years the product cost has almost not include a provision for Medicare to negotiate doubled. With pending availability of a generic Lipitor drug prices in the Healthcare Reform Act. we believed the rollercoaster of price increases was The president also decided to allow pharmaceutical finally over. We were wrong! companies to subsidize brand drugs in the Medicare To preserve the billions of dollars of revenue, a plan “donut hole,” an omission that drives the use of of action was devised which would seek to maintain expensive brand drugs in lieu of equally effective the availability and market share for brand Lipitor in generic drugs. This formula quickly elevates con- lieu of the generic. The efforts became so question- sumers to the catastrophic level of Medicare Part D able that Senators Max Baucus of Montana, Chuck coverage. In the end this enriches brand drug manu- Grassley of Iowa, and Herb Kohl of Wisconsin asked facturers, while the program is paying 95% of the Pfizer and 5 other health companies to detail their inflated drug cost. agreements to block prescriptions of generic versions In the past I have written about the Prescription Drug of Lipitor and sell only the Pfizer brand-name version. User Fee Act (PDUFA), which was enacted by the U.S. “We need to take a close look to ensure we’re pro- Congress in 1992 and is reauthorized every 5 years. tecting both taxpayer dollars and access to the med- This allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) icine patients need,” said Sen. Baucus, who is to collect significant fees from drug manufacturers to Chairman of the Finance Committee. expedite the reviewing of new drug applications. A strategy of promotion across multiple media was Theoretically this should help speed safe and effec- increased significantly. As reported in the New York tive drugs, lower-cost generic drugs, and bio-similar Times on November 22, 2011, “Pfizer’s direct to con- biological products to market. The drug manufactur- sumer marketing has been steadily increasing over ers not only agreed to pay this “tax,” they welcomed time with ads for Lipitor. They have spent $659 million it. This detail should have raised concerns on the over the last 12 months.” potential failings of this action, but the reality is that Pfizer went to the Sunday afternoon playbook and drug manufacturers use the program to create and created a $4 drug program called Lipitor for You. With market copycat representations of existing products most consumers having some sort of third party whose patent has expired or is due to expire. payer, who actually provide 70-90% of the drug costs, There are outrageous examples of nothing more than they targeted the marginal cost share paid by bicarbonate of soda being added to an existing prod- consumers to keep the flow of inflated profits uct, which enables the manufacturer to patent a new uninterrupted.

20 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association The plan operates as follows: tests at the beginning and the end of the study to “To qualify for this offer your out-of-pocket expenses measure changes in plaque volume. Researchers for a 1-month supply (30 tablets) has to be $54 or less found that the average plaque volume decrease in then you pay $4 for a 1-month supply. If your out-of- Lipitor patients was 0.99%, versus a 1.22% reduction pocket expense for a 1-month supply (30 tablets), in Crestor patients; however, the difference wasn’t sta- exceeds $54, you qualify for up to $50 in savings for a tistically significant, which means it could have been 1-month supply. In either case, you only qualify for up due to chance.” to $600 of savings per calendar year.” My response to that is this: Will doctors still be influ- After the maximum of $600, the consumer is forced to enced by drug company representatives who come pay the usual monthly out-of-pocket costs. to them bearing gifts and loads of samples to dis- The reality is that when the subsidy is exhausted, the pense to their patients? ultimate payer is the consumer, the government, or a third party payer like the SBA Health and Welfare The government must also take a proactive stance on Fund. Simple calculations based on 2012 pricing a practice referred to as “Pay for Delay.” This consists revealed the annual cost for Lipitor is $2,400. If the of brand drug manufacturers delaying the entry of program co-pay card pays up to $600 annually, generic competition for their brand products. This is someone is responsible for the $1,800 balance. This accomplished by generic manufacturers being paid burden is symptomatic of the ever-increasing cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to delay entry of their health care. product. This arrangement allows brand manufactur- Pfizer also went into partnership with a generic man- ers to make billions of additional dollars, generic ufacturer named Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. to dis- manufacturers to get hundreds of millions not to pro- tribute an “authorized” version of generic Lipitor. duce or pursue and not to mention a couple of thou- Watson is marketing and distributing the product in sand dollars flowing to political campaigns or super the U.S., and Pfizer is receiving a share of the net PACs. This inactivity is a win-win situation for all but sales. Their agreement runs through November 2016. consumers. This is not a typical scenario of a market transition from brand to generic. While I have described the negligible treatments Ranbaxy Laboratories, a generic manufacturer, was being marketed to consumers by pharmaceutical eligible for first rights to sell a generic version of manufacturers, at inflated prices, there are extremely Lipitor. This right extends exclusively for the first 180 expensive breakthrough medications now available days of availability because they applied for FDA to treat some highly debilitating illnesses. These approval back in 2002. This process was delayed, over drugs include: time, due to various situations. What typically does occur is after the 180 day period of exclusivity, the Incivek is a prescription medicine used to treat chron- market is entered by multiple manufacturers. ic hepatitis C with a monthly cost of $16,000. This competition lowers the price of the new generic. Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced- The concerns are that when brand drug manufactur- stage non-small cell lung cancer with a monthly cost ers interfere in the market, as Pfizer clearly is doing by of $5,000. creating clandestine deals with generic manufactur- ers, pharmacy benefit managers and insurers, con- Zyvox is an antibiotic formulation indicated in the sumers become very vulnerable. treatment of the drug resistant infections causing such illnesses as pneumonia, skin infections, and bac- “Consumers and taxpayers foot the bill when drug benefit companies and insurers manipulate the mar- terial infections with a monthly cost of $2,900. ketplace to prevent access to generic drugs for mil- There is also no shortage of oral specialty drug lions of Americans,” said Sen. Kohl. approvals that include: If the Pfizer “chess game” isn’t enough, Astra Zeneca, Caprelsa—Astra Zeneca Thyroid Cancer at an annual the manufacturer of Crestor, has been operating cost $145,000. behind the scenes to increase their market share. They have their drug representatives, on overtime, Xalkori—Pfizer Lung Cancer medication at an annual detailing and sampling medical providers to hopeful- cost $115,000. ly induce doctors to change over their patients from Zelboraf—Genetech Malignant Melanoma medica- brand Lipitor to Crestor. Their determination to expand market share has led them in an uncharacter- tion at an annual cost $56,000. istic direction. Astra Zeneca took a chance to prove If we are to have the necessary resources to provide Crestor is more effective than Lipitor. Typically, drugs for these highly expensive lifesaving medications, are tested against a placebo to determine if then those responsible for overseeing pharmaceutical they work. programs must not allow revenue driven business However, in a rare rolling of the dice, Astra Zeneca models to dictate how we spend limited health care conducted and documented head-to-head clinical dollars. studies comparing the effectiveness of Lipitor versus Crestor. A recent Wall Street Journal article stated, “In We all have a fiduciary and moral responsibility to be the study, patients with coronary disease were given vigilant in identifying each and every attempt to redi- the highest doses of either Crestor or Lipitor for rect our limited resources from the business of treat- about two years. The patients underwent imaging ing the sick to promoting stockholder wealth.

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 21 Proud to Be an SBA Member & Friend

Michael’s Cause Sgt. Robert Capolongo, a 14-year veteran assigned to the Intelligence Division, and his wife Theresa, a nurse at Staten Island University Hospital, had their lives turned upside down when one of their three children, 5- year-old Michael, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in November 2010. Duchenne, which afflicts 1 in 3,500 boys, is the leading fatal genetic childhood disease in the world. It is caused by the body’s inability to make a protein called dystrophin, which is an essential ingredient in muscle cells and acts as a shock absorber. Without the protein, the muscles become increasingly weak and eventu- ally die. As the Capolongo family hopes and prays for a cure, they have created a foundation called “Michael’s Cause” to raise awareness, as well as desperately needed research funding for Duchenne. The organization’s first Spring for a Cure dinner dance was held in Staten Island on March 30. More information can be obtained at www.michaelscause.org or donations can be mailed to Michael’s Cause, PO Box 120323, Staten Island, NY 10312.

Robert & Theresa Capolongo with their lovely children, Victoria Rose, Bobby & Michael.

SBA Scholarship Fund The SBA Scholarship Fund continues to distribute annual awards to the children and dependents of active and Lifetime members with the highest SAT scores. Several non-competitive scholarships are also awarded to deserving students. For more information contact SBA Citywide Secretary Paul Capotosto, who is the Scholarship Chairman, at 212-226-2180 or by e-mail at: [email protected]. This year’s recipients are:

RECIPIENT/COLLEGE PARENT RECIPIENT/COLLEGE PARENT Amelia, Christian/Naval Academy Andrew Amelia Picht, Nicholas/Undecided Walter Picht Basile, Matthew/SUNY Binghamton Brian Basile Waldvogel, Deborah/St. John’s Daniel Waldvogel Bonilla, Robert Jr./SUNY Albany Robert Bonilla Sr. Walsh, Patrick/Notre Dame Bernadette Walsh Bove, Robert/Villanova Gary Bove Rivera, Angelica/Vassar Daniel Rivera Brick, Megan/NYU Thomas Brick Toohey, James/Georgetown Robert Toohey Connor, Catherine/Miami Univ of Ohio Timothy O’Connor D’Antonio, Christian/Marist Peter D’Antonio Recipient of the annual non-competitive Bo-Mat Creations Scholarship Eggers, Kristin/SUNY Binghamton David Eggers Sommer, Jacalyn/SUNY Geneseo Jacinda Sommer Gurtowski, Anne/St. Mary of the Woods John Gurtowski Recipient of the annual non-competitive Kocik, Ashley/Duquesne Cheryl Kocik Sgt. Doreen Scrimenti Scholarship Marron, Michael/Fordham Steven Marron Donohue, Eileen/Franklin & Marshall Kevin Donahue McGuinness, Logan/Northeastern Brian McGuinness LaRussa, Joseph/Univ of Central Florida Jean LaRussa McNeela, Colette/Univ of Pittsburgh Nancy Desfosse Recipient of the annual non-competitive Sgt. Frances Haimeck-Mladinich Scholarship Murphy, Lauren/SUNY Binghamton Daniel Murphy Senese, Kristin/St. John’s John Senese O’Connor, Brian/Cornell Andrew O’Connor

22 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association SBA Art Calendar Contest The winners of the 2012 Art Calendar Contest were once again selected by renowned artist Robert S. Greenberg, who is best known for his daily life depictions of average people as crocodiles. The 13 winners of this year’s contest received an iPad donated by the Federal Drug Agents Foundation, while the 13 runner-ups received $500 U.S. Savings Bonds, courtesy of our generous sponsors, all of which are listed on page 32. WINNERS Kindergarten: Gabriella Vallerugo, daughter of Sgt. Greg Vallerugo, 113 Pct. 1st Grade: Ryan Hogg, son of Sgt. Robert Hogg, Transit District 23. 2nd Grade: Anthony M. Limeri, son of retired Sgt. Anthony S. Limeri. 3rd Grade: Gianna Spataro, daughter of Sgt. Nicholas Spataro, QA DCSI. 4th Grade: Nicholas Gardella, son of Sgt. Craig Gardella, Detective Bureau. 5th Grade: Tracy Gulotta, daughter of Sgt. Anthony Gulotta, 75 Pct. 6th Grade: Giavanna Gardella, daughter of Sgt. Craig Gardella, Detective Bureau. 7th Grade: Eric Wall, son of Sgt. Brian Wall, ESS 3. 8th Grade: Brenden Jung, son of Sgt. Russell Jung, Police Academy. 9th Grade: Jordan Boller, son of retired Sgt. David Boller. 10th Grade: Anna Kamuda, daughter of retired Sgt. Stanley Kamuda. 11th Grade: Ailish McGovern: daughter of retired Sgt. Roger McGovern. 12th Grade: Siera Evans, daughter of Sgt. Alex Perez, 48 Pct.

RUNNER-UPS Kindergarten: Kate Alonzo, daughter of Sgt. Paul Alonzo, SSB. 1st Grade: Alison Leontis, daughter of Sgt. Robert Leontis, 115 Pct. 2nd Grade: Evan Kreth, son of Sgt. Ernest Kreth, QSTF. 3rd Grade: William Moore III, son of Sgt. William Moore II, DC CTD 4th Grade: Alexandra Flanagan, daughter of retired Sgt. Thomas Flanagan. 5th Grade: Jonathan Ieraci, son of Sgt. Peter Ieraci, Transit District 33. 6th Grade: Jessica Wong, daughter of retired Sgt. Winston Wong. 7th Grade: Christopher Bellucci, son of retired Sgt. Ronald Bellucci. 8th Grade: Brittany Regula, daughter of retired Sgt. Joseph Regula 9th Grade: Laura Matos, daughter of retired Sgt. Mark Whitters. 10th Grade: Jennifer Mozatto, daughter of retired Sgt. Ralph Mozatto. 11th Grade: Danielle Modica, daughter of retired Sgt. Joseph Modica. 12th Grade: Shannon Dougherty, daughter of retired Sgt. Thomas Dougherty.

The SBA extends its thans to Dennis J. Schnur, Chairman of the U.S. Federal Drug Agents Foundation, and Robert S. Greenberg (second and third from left) for making the Art Calendar Contest so successful.

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 23 Air Rescue On March 27, 2012 retired Sgt. Paul G. Babakitis was relaxing in Seat No. 7C aboard Jet Blue Flight No. 191, which had departed JFK Airport for Las Vegas. Approximately one hour from Vegas, a large athletic man who was dressed in a pilot’s uniform ran past him yelling, “They’re gonna get us.” A moment later, the man was pounding on the cockpit door, want- ing to know the “secret code” for access, and shouting “Say your prayers, I have 150 souls on board, and we’re going down.” Babakitis, who served the NYPD from 1982 to 2004, initially thought the man was a terrorist who had appropriated the uniform. As scores of onlookers blocked the aisle, Babakitis climbed over rows of seats until he was within reach of the man in pilot’s garb, It wasn’t until sometime later that Babakitis learned that the man was actually the plane’s pilot, who had been locked out of the cockpit by the co-pilot because of his dangerously erratic behavior. “Like a sergeant on patrol, I quickly assessed the situation.” said the 51-year-old Babakitis, who is the CEO of PGB Executive Investigations, Inc. “After determining that the guy in the uniform was clearly deranged, I coordinated a number of others to control this wild man. We had to take him down immediately in a controlled manner, and then restrain him. I directed several people to take an appendage and forcibly hold him down.” Once the man was under some semblance of control, but not knowing what might escalate the already tense situa- tion, Babakitis instructed the others not to agitate or speak to the man. He then ordered a flight attendant to bring him restraining equipment, which turned out to be non-functional. It was then that Babakitis informed everyone that the only option was to forcefully keep the man pinned down until the plane made an emergency landing in Amarillo, Texas. When the wheels of the jet finally hit the tarmac about 15 long minutes later, the man yelled, “Emergency land- ing” and tried to break free. After receiving a pair of handcuffs from a responding airport police officer, Babakitis was the first to cuff the man. He then breathed a hard-earned and well-deserved sigh of relief. Despite being praised by the worldwide media, Babakitis said he does not feel like a hero. “It still hasn’t totally sunk in, but what I have realized is how well my NYPD patrol and supervisory training prepared me for such an unforeseen and dangerous situation,” he said. “It’s easy to take all of our police training for granted, but it becomes instinctual when you really need it. Because of the tight quarters of the jet’s passenger cabin, we needed to have a coordinated plan, especially at a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet. My police training, especially pertaining to EDPs, was invaluable in assuring the safety of the flight’s passengers, and safe restraint of the deranged pilot. At the end of the day, no one was seriously injured, and everyone was reunited with their loved ones.”

World Trade Center Dust A press conference was held at the PBA offices on February 12 to demand that the city release data linking the high incidence of unique cancers in relatively young officers to their rescue and recovery efforts in and around Ground Zero. SBA President Ed Mullins, shown here, expressed special thanks to PO Alonzo Harris, a first responder who sealed his debris- laden uniform in plastic bags until recently when he had them tested for carcinogens. Numerous toxins were present in the uniform, all of which could cause an array of cancers, as well as ailments affecting the eyes, nasal passages, bronchial tubes, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. After a week of mounting pressure, the Bloomberg adminis- tration begrudgingly agreed to release the names of 12,000 police officers to federal researchers, which could help afflict- ed members be eligible for compensation under the Zadroga PO Alonzo Harris displays his debris-laden 9/11 Health & Compensation Act. uniform to the press.

Women’s History Celebration The Policewomen’s Endowment Association (PEA) honored women of the NYPD who proudly serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at its Women’s History Celebration on March 21 at One Police Plaza. This year’s honorees were Sgt. Tara Dawe of the 13 Precinct, who is a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve; PO Carolyn Anderson of Transit District 4, a lieutenant com- mander in the U.S. Naval Reserve and the highest ranking female military officer in the NYPD; and PO Morna Davis of the Personnel Bureau, a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army National Guard. Sgt. Dawe, shown here on the left with SBA Vice President Bob Ganley and PEA President Karen Pisano, is a recipient of numerous medals and commendations, including the Bronze Star. A member of the New York National Guard since 1994, she has been deployed to Bosnia and Iraq, where she commanded a military police company consisting of 161 soldiers and participated in over 300 successful combat patrols.

24 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association Certificate of Honor The Certificate of Honor program lauds SBA members who have engaged in exemplary police service. All sergeants, especially bor- ough directors and delegates, are strongly encouraged to recommend themselves or their colleagues for this honor. To do so, con- tact SBA Communications Director Bob Mladinich at phone 212-343-5674 or by e-mail at: [email protected] and provide a brief synopsis of the case or occurrence. The fol- lowing members are recent recipients: Sgt. George Astras of the 72 Squad for his role in the apprehension of a sexual predator. Retired Sgt. Paul Babakitis of the Criminal Justice Bureau for his role in the apprehension of a deranged pilot aboard a commercial air- Sgt. Chris Correa (center), an SBA delegate, with members of his team line flight from New York to Las Vegas. who arrested a parolee for CPW. Sgt. Craig Bier of Gang Squad Queens for his role in the arrest of an armed gang member who had just fired into a crowd and wounded a teenager. He was recommended for this honor by John Dorst, the SBA’s Sergeant-at-Arms. Sgt. Robert Critelli of the Transit Bureau for his role in the rescue of a man who had fallen onto the subway tracks in the path of an oncoming train. Sgt. Christopher Correa of Transit District 2 for his role in the arrest of a parolee for possession of a .38 caliber revolver that was loaded with 5 hollow point rounds. Sgt. Correa’s team was honored at the Transit Borough Brooklyn Medal Day ceremony on April 16. Sgt. Tara Dawe of the 13 Precinct for her exemplary police work, as well as for her 18 years of military service. A cap- tain in the U.S. Army Reserve, she is the recipient of many commendations and awards, including the Bronze Star, and has participated in over 300 successful combat patrols while deployed to Iraq. Sgt. Michael Gerard of OCID for his role in the arrest of two heavily armed men who were planning a violent criminal offense. He was recommended for this honor by Anthony Borelli, the SBA Director for OCCB. Sgt. John Griffin of the 43 Squad for his role in the recovery of a kidnapped infant and the arrest of three people. Sgt. Linda Lopez of the 43 Squad for her role in the recovery of a kidnapped infant and the arrest of three people. Sgt. Michael Miller of the 81 Precinct for his role in the apprehension of an armed man and the recovery of a weapon after a fierce struggle. He was recommended for this honor by Sgt. John Dorst, the SBA’s Sergeant-at-Arms. Sgt. Karen Pisano, the President of the Policewomen’s Endowment Association, for her steadfast commitment and dedication to that wonderful organization. Sgt. Hugh Sinclair of the 69 Squad for his role in the recovery of a kidnapped infant and the arrest of three people. Sgt. Edward Wheeler of the 66 Precinct for his role in saving the life of a subway passenger by administering CPR prior to the arrival of EMS personnel. He was rec- ommended for this honor by Sgt. Lorenzo Molinaro, the delegate for Transit District 34.

Mustache Madness Many members of the 10 Precinct’s first platoon participated in the Mustache Contest More than 80 members participated and $1,500 was raised by the 10 Precinct, which held a mustache contest to raise money for the family of PO Peter J. Figoski of the 75 Precinct, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on December 12. The contest was held from January 1 to January 31, and all partici- pants had to be clean-shaven at the onset. D.I. Elisa Cokkinos, the commanding officer, is shown here with the winner of the best soup strainer, PO Mike Servino (right), and the “worst,” PO Daniel Sendrowski. “We had a lot of fun and it was for a worthy cause,” said SBA delegate Mike Filomena. “It was important for us to do something to help the Figoski family in any way we could.”

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 25 Brooklyn North Medal Day SBA Citywide Secretary Paul Capotosto (right) was present when 4 sergeants were among those honored for stellar police work at the annual Brooklyn North Medal Day ceremony on December 21. From left, Sgt. Paul Socca of the 79 Precinct Anti-Crime Unit, which effected 53 arrests and recovered 12 guns; Sgt. Florencio Arquer of the 75 Precinct Anti-Crime Unit, which made 309 arrests and recovered 57 firearms; Sgt. Daniel Campbell of the 90 Precinct Anti-Crime Unit, which effected 144 arrests and recovered 35 firearms; and Sgt. Anna Serrano of the 83 Precinct, who respond- ed to a commercial robbery where a shot had been fired and arrested three suspects and recovered two guns without further incident.

New York State Shields SBA President Ed Mullins was honored as Person of the Year by the New York State Shields at the organiza- tion’s general meeting on December 6. Other honorees included Sgts. Francis Murnane of the Major Case Squad for his ongoing investigation of the murder of Patrolman Phillip Cardillo in 1972; Anthony Gulotta of the 75 Precinct and Monya Coats of the QSTF, both of whom were involved in shooting incidents, and the Intelligence Division’s Field Intelligence Unit, which monitors the parole applications of cop killers. More information on the NYS Shields can be obtained on their web site: NYShields.org.

Insp. Jeffrey Maddrey (left) presents Hero of the Sgt. Monya Coats receives the SBA President Ed Mullins receives the Month awards to Sgt. Anthony Gulotta (center) and Hero of the Month award from SBA Citywide Person of the Year Award from PO Daniel Kaplan, PO Daniel Trione. Secretary Paul Capotosto (left) and PO Daniel Kaplan, President of the NYS Shields. the President of the NYS Shields.

World Police & Fire Games Retired Sgt. Dave Duhan of the Legal Bureau com- peted in the 2011 New York World Police & Fire Games, which were held in New York from August 26 to September 5. Several of the events were can- celled due to Hurricane Irene, but Duhan did partic- ipate in 3 events in the Grand Master A category for athletes aged 50-54. One event was not without

PHOTOS: DARRIN BANFIELD unexpected drama when an arrest delayed the action for 20 minutes as a suspect was taken into custody. Duhan gives kudos to recently retired Sgt. Jimmy Russo of the Legal Bureau, who took terminal leave to serve as the cycling coordinator for the Games. “I’m glad I competed,” said the eternally youthful Duhan who is now a practicing attorney. “It gave me something to train for and it was nice to be part of such a big event.”

After crossing the finish line, retired Sgt. Dave Duhan (left) was congratulated by retired Sgt. Jimmy Russo (center) and PO Tom Chiudina.

26 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association Chinese Culinary Smackdown From September 30 to October 1, 2011, the Chinese Culinary Smackdown was held outdoors in Times Square. The SBA was well represented at the event, which was sponsored by NTD Television and saw chefs from all over the world gather to cook five at a time in the open air kitchen. Health and Welfare Secretary Cosmo Lubrano, as well as Kayla Coughlin and Caitlyn, Brittney and Timothy Roy Jr., whose fathers, Sgts. John Coughlin and Timothy Roy, lost SBA Health & Welfare Secretary Kayla Coughlin is ready to mix Timothy Roy Jr. looks like Cosmo Lubrano and Brittney Roy it up. he knows his way around an their lives on 9/11, all participated cooked up some delicious chicken. outdoor kitchen. in the festive occasion.

Occupy Wall Street The department’s contention that the role of sergeants is managerial in nature, therefore mak- ing them ineligible for FLSA pay, is put to the test here as 2 sergeants get down in the trench- es during the Occupy Wall Street protest movement that began on September 17, 2011, in Zuccotti Park in Lower Manhattan. “A picture is worth a 1,000 words,” said SBA President Ed Mullins, who initiated a 2004 lawsuit against the City of New York that disputed the city’s assertion. The city’s initial court victory was reversed after an appeal by the SBA before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, who ruled that sergeants were not managers but frontline law enforcement officers whose supervision of junior officers did not transform them into exempt executives under the FLSA. This victory secured the overtime protections of federal law.

Police Position Raceway Kerwin “Kay” Rigaud, the managing director of Pole Position Raceway, with venues in Jersey City, California, Nevada and Oklahoma offers a $5 stand- ing discount for police officers and their families. All SBA members need to do is provide their ID and they will be given the discount off of a standard race. For more information call 201-333-RACE (7223) Ext. Indoor Hoops 221 or log onto: www.polepositionraceway.com. Indoor Hoops, a basketball facility with 13 locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, is offering a 25% discount for all game reservations to SBA mem- bers upon checkout. To confirm the discount prior to making reservations, call 646-397-2383, e-mail: [email protected] or log onto the web site at: www.indoorhoops.com.

Happy Birthday SBA President Ed Mullins had the pleasure of attend- ing the 80th birthday party of David Schreiber, a long- time Garment Center worker who is the father of Sgt. Robert Schreiber of the School Safety Division and PO Steven Schreiber of CJB. The elder Schreiber has par- ticipated in numerous acts of benevolence over the years, and his sons, who have nearly 40 years of com- bined exemplary service with the NYPD, prove that the apples didn’t fall far from the tree.

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 27 In Memoriam—Sgt. Walker Fitzgerald & PO Patrick Fitzgerald It has been nearly 15 years, but the pain has not subsided for the family of Sgt. Walker Fitzgerald and PO Patrick Fitzgerald. Walker was just 28, a rising star who was assigned to the 42 Precinct when he was shot to death with his own gun after being involved in a minor off-duty vehicle accident in Queens on September 6, 1997. Citing the fact that he had been drinking, then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Police Commissioner Howard Safir were not among the 3,000 mourners who attended his services. Although Fitzgerald was trying to save his own life during a struggle for his gun, he was not approved for an inspector’s funeral. Sgt. Fitzgerald’s parents, Edmund, a former Yonkers judge and practicing attorney, and Lona, and siblings Edmund III, Patrick and John, were devastated, not only by Walker’s death but by the response of the city’s hierarchy. Patrick who was then 25 and a police officer assigned to the Midtown South Precinct, was equally saddened and out- raged at the snub by the mayor and police commissioner. He had always idolized his brother, and even followed him into the NYPD. Less than two months later, on November 2, the Fitzgerald family endured a second tragedy when Patrick took his own life. By all accounts, both he and Walker loved being police officers and were beloved by all of their colleagues. The Fitzgerald family still hopes that Walker’s death can be reclassified to line-of-duty status so he can be memorial- ized on the Police Wall of Heroes. While it most certainly will be an uphill battle, it is not one that the Fitzgerald fam- ily or the SBA is willing to give up on. “The Fitzgerald family has endured two terrible tragedies,” said SBA President Ed Mullins. “A strong case can be made that Walker died while taking appropriate police action. We believe that he lost his life in the line of duty, and the department’s classification of his death should reflect that.”

In Memoriam—Foster and Laurie Despite a torrential downpour, scores of family members, former col- leagues, military veterans, and active police officers converged on the 9 Precinct in Manhattan’s East Village on January 27 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the assassinations of Patrolmen Gregory Foster, 22, and Rocco Laurie, 23. The two former Marines, who had both served in Vietnam, were ambushed by militant extremists as they walked a beat at Avenue B and East 11th Street on the evening of January 27, 1972. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said the murders “reverberated throughout the department and the city,” a sentiment shared by SBA President Ed Mullins who grew up across town in the West Village. “I was only about 11-years-old but the killings of Patrolmen Foster Forty years ago the murders of Ptl. Gregory Foster (left) and and Laurie is a benchmark in my life,” said Mullins. “The city was a dif- Rocco Laurie reverberated throughout the city. The impact of ferent place back then, and this was a very frightening incident that their deaths have not abated, as evidenced by the hundreds of caused every citizen to feel unsafe. I believe that their murders great- supporters who braved a torrential downpour to attend a memo- rial service in their honor at the 9 Precinct. ly influenced my decision to become a police officer.”

In Memory of—Police Officer Peter J. Figoski 1964–2012 Shield 3364 Posthumously promoted to detective first grade In the early morning hours of December 12, 2011, then Police Officer Peter J. Figoski of the 75 Precinct was fatally shot while responding as back-up to a report of a home inva- sion and robbery in progress at a residential location. PO Figoski’s partner, Glenn Estrada, had been grappling with another suspect, but chased down and apprehended the gun- man after hearing the fatal shot. A total of 5 men have been charged with murder in this case. Officer Figoski, 47, who was posthumously promoted to the rank of detective first grade, was appointed to the NYPD in July 1989 and spent his entire career assigned to the 75 Precinct. Known as a consummate professional and a humble but willing mentor, different colleagues described him as “always positive,” “always smiling,” and “peaceful, humble and quiet, a great cop.” One young officer recalled, “When I came on the job, he was a senior man. Usually senior men don’t give new cops the time of day, but he was always nice and respectful to me.” The Long Island resident was the divorced father of 4 daughters, all of whom everyone who knew him emphatically stated that “he lived for.” Christine, 19, is a student at SUNY Oneonta; Caitlyn, 18, attends SUNY Plattsburgh; and Caroline, 16, and Corrine, 14, are both in high school. A statement from PO Figoski’s daughters was read at his funeral, which was attended by thousands of mourners. Commenting on the tremendous support they received from the NYPD, it read in part, “We now feel connected to a side of our dad we rarely saw at home. He put us aside from his duties as a police officer and always put us first. We are proud to call him our dad. When a hero falls, an angel rises. Rest in peace, Daddy. Your loving daughters. God bless you, Daddy.”

28 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association RETIREE’S CORNER

The Hon. Ralph T. Gazzillo Since retiring from the 120 Precinct after 15 years of service in July 1983, the Honorable Ralph T. Gazzillo has not let any grass grow under his feet. A graduate of John Jay College, Pace University and New York Law School, he spent several years prosecuting white collar crimes in Suffolk County before being elected to the District Court there in 1993. Three years later he was elected to the County Court, and in 2006 he was re-elected to the County Court for a second 10-year term. He is quick to admit that the SBA endorse- ment he received for both of those elections was an impor- tant part of his success. Now in his 20th year on the Suffolk County bench, he has also been designated an Acting Supreme Court Justice. “Being a former cop and a prosecutor prepared me well for being a judge,” The Hon. Ralph T. Gazzillo said the 66-year-old jurist. “It made it very easy to smell bull from a few blocks away.” Almost 10 years ago Gazzillo embarked on the herculean task of writing his first novel. After 14 rewrites, which includ- ed the protagonist, a beleaguered cop named Joe O’Keefe, reverting from using pay phones to cell phones to reflect the times, “The Dark Shield” was published by iUniverse in December 2010. It was given the Editor’s Choice Award by the publisher. The book chronicles the travels and travails of the demoted O’Keefe, who encounters a labyrinthine network of decep- tion and betrayal while investigating the murder of his informant. “Every cop and attorney has a book in them if they just take the time to sit down and do it,” said Gazzillo, who exudes an endless supply of positive energy. “My book started out as a story about judges, but I found that to be too boring. Judges only react to things, while cops are more proactive. All of my characters, as well as the story line, are collages or composites of real people or things that happened in my life.” Gazzillo enjoys being a judge, as well as teaching law classes and spending time with his daughter Kathleen, a school- teacher, and son Ralph J., who works for the Town of Brookhaven, and their families. It is yet to be determined if he has the energy for another novel. “I’d love to do another one, but it’s an awful lot of work,” he explained. “I compare it to finally getting around to fin- ishing your basement, but I do love reading the reviews of readers who enjoyed the book.” Asked to be more to specific as to whether or not another one is in the works, he took a second to consider the pos- sibility. “Let’s just say it’s on the bucket list,” he said. “The Dark Shield” can be purchased at iUniverse.com and Amazon.com.

Kenny Ferguson The way retired Sgt. Kenny Ferguson sees it, he was born to be a writer. Appointed to the NYPD in January 1964, he was promoted to sergeant in May 1973 and retired from the Manhattan Field Internal Affairs Unit in February 1993. Along the way he was also assigned to the 71 and 84 Precincts, as well as the Brooklyn South Task Force. Since leaving the NYPD, Ferguson, a United States Air Force veteran, has worked as the direc- tor of security for Metropolitan Lumber, a behemoth building materials company in New York. Between the demands of that job, as well as his wife, two children and four grandchildren, you would think he’d have time for little else. You would be wrong. The 70-year-old Ferguson has completed 6 novels, one of which, “The Lost Lamb,” was pub- lished in August 2011 by iUniverse. It chronicles the redemptive path of a man who shoots a police officer during a botched robbery and seeks refuge in a church in Lower Manhattan. One review describes it “as a novel of abuse and love [that] explores the reality of miracles, forgiveness and the power of second Kenny Ferguson: Then and Now chances.” His next book to be published by iUniverse is called “Tariq.” It is a fantasy about an inner city youth who has special powers, and is scheduled for release in the next few months. “I’m going to keep working for as long as I can, and I’m going to keep writing for as long as I can,” said Ferguson. “It seems like I’ve had an interest in writing forever, but finding the time to do it was always difficult. I’ve always worked two jobs, even when I was a cop. If you consider my writing a job, it’s like I’m working two jobs now. But there is nothing more rewarding than finishing a book.” Ferguson’s books can be ordered on iUniverse.com and Amazon.com.

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 29 Birth Announcements

Member Child Date of Birth Member Child Date of Birth Acevedo, Jeffrey Acevedo, Sarah 11/16/11 Manolangas, George Manolangas, Katerina 9/4/11 Antonelli, Robert Antonelli, Adriana 10/5/11 Mao, Shun-Ping Mao, James 2/14/12 Mcelroy, Brian Mcelroy, Mia 10/17/11 Benson, Benjamin Benson, Brooke 9/22/11 Merced, Blanca Merced, Aidan 8/16/11 Bizgu, Alexandru Bizgu, Michael 9/14/11 M Merizalde, Erik Merizalde, Camila 10/31/11 A Borg, Michael Borg, Liam 8/25/11 Mifsud, Luisa Mifsud, Mason 11/3/11 Burns, Frank Burns, Colin 10/29/11 Miro, Christopher Miro, Christopher 11/24/11 Moran, Michael Moran, Conor 10/19/10 Califano, Michael Califano, Skylar 2/25/12 Moran, Michael Moran, Margaret 10/19/10 Caparco, Michael Caparco, Hadley 2/4/12 B Morrissey, William Morrissey, Maeve 10/3/11 Caraballo, Steven Caraballo, Olivia 9/30/11 Carter, Jesse Carter, Jesse Jr. 8/22/11 Natoli, Brian Natoli, Mikayla 1/8/12 Chan, Jeffrey Chan, Brandon 8/30/11 Nicholson, Robert Nicholson, Aiden 8/16/11 Cooper, Francis Cooper, Aidan 11/20/11 Nunziato, John Nunziato, Luca 1/11/12 N Cooper, Francis Cooper, Liam 11/20/11 Cooper, Nancy Cooper, Kyle 10/12/11 Oetting, Richard Oetting, Emersyn 9/15/11 C Costello, Edward Costello, James 8/20/11 Orfanos, James Orfanos, Nicholas 2/4/12 Cruz, Tara Cruz, Teagan 1/19/12 Curcio, Eric Curcio, Nicole 8/18/11 Pekera, Gregory Pekera, Haley 8/9/11 Pekusic, Gordon Pekusic, Valentina 12/11/11 Davis, Shemille Mabry, Laneir 8/6/11 Pellegrin, Michael Pellegrin, Luke 12/29/11 O Degiacomo, Edward Degiacomo, Ryan 10/1/11 Pimentel, Nelson Pimentel, Christopher 10/19/11 Devine, Kevin Devine, Scarlett 10/28/11 Durets, Dmitry Durets, David 8/6/11 Radoncic, Adnan Radoncic, Nura 1/12/12 D Duta, Florin Duta, Michael 8/16/11 Raldirez, William Raldirez, Gabriel 1/1/12 Reilly, David Reilly, Deirdre 1/26/12 Everoski, Timothy Everoski, Alexa 12/16/11 Rodriguez, David Rodriguez, David 8/18/11 Rodriguez, Guillermo Rodriguez, Joshua 1/5/12 E Fabiitti, Michael Fabiitti, Michael 2/15/12 Rosario, Moises Rosario, Valentina 8/9/11 Fezza, Elena Fezza, Reese 11/3/11 Royall, Kevin Royall, Zuri 10/19/11 Franklin, Clint Franklin, Walker 1/11/12 Ryabinin, Andriy Rebinin, Damian 11/8/11 P Ryan, John Ryan, Jeanmarie 11/8/11 Galasso, Frank Galasso, Gianna 11/6/11 F Gallitelli, Robert Gallitelli, Kiera 11/30/11 Salato, Anthony Salato, Maria 11/11/11 Gallitelli, Robert Gallitelli, Liam 11/30/11 Sciacca, Gasper Sciacca, Jackson 2/3/12 Gambardella, Steven Gambardella, Christian 1/9/12 Shaffer, Thomas Shaffer, Owen 11/12/11 Gavalas, Lambros Gavalas, Markos 10/13/11 Shannon, Edward Shannon, Lucy 1/20/12 Gleason, Irene Gleason, Daniel 9/1/11 Siedlik, Jacob Siedlik, Declan 11/15/11 R Golden, Patrick Golden, Patrick 10/22/11 Siedlik, Jacob Siedlik, Madeline 11/15/11 Gonzalez, Edwin Gonzalez, Rosalynda 10/19/11 Silva, Martin Silva, Devin 9/6/11 G Grattan, Paul Grattan, Liana 9/18/11 Silvera, Taneese Silvera, Jalana 8/12/11 Guarneri, Michael Guarneri, Mia 8/25/11 Sinatra, Michael Sinatra, Nicholas 11/29/11 Siragusa, Jason Siragusa, James 8/18/11 Haug, Scott Maxwell 3/28/12 Sisto, Francis Sisto, John 1/12/12 Herrera, Daniel Herrera, Emilie 11/18/11 Skennion, George Skennion, Tyler 11/2/11 Ho, Mingfang Ho, Jayden 2/3/12 Sonnenberg, Eric Sonnenberg, Alexea 9/10/11 Howie, Judd Howie, Cole 10/17/11 Stoll, Julie Stoll, Daniel 6/15/11 S H Humburg, Mary Humburg, Shannon 9/2/11 Swicicki Jr., Thomas Swicicki, Owen 9/4/11 Israilov, Roman Badalov, Matthew 3/15/12 Tabb, Christopher Tabb, Kaleb 9/3/11 I Jablonsky, Ira Jablonsky, Shlomo 12/6/11 Tamburrino, Frank Tamburrino, Alexa 2/8/12 Jeanty, Aramus Jeanty, Emmanuel 11/9/11 Teran, Francis Teran, Ashton 10/28/11 Joy, Michael Joy, Thomas 12/27/11 Tricarico, Joseph Tricarico, Tiara 10/11/11 J Jung, Yeon Jung, Ryan 1/19/12 Tuozzolo, Paul Tuozzolo, Austin 1/12/12 Karimzada, Mohammed Karimzada, Ava 8/30/11 Velez, Mark Velez, Mason 8/25/11 T Katinas, Michael Katinas, Abigail 1/31/12 Vitagliano, Anthony Vitagliano, Olivia 1/26/12 Katinas, Michael Katinas, Madeline 1/31/12 Vitale, Michael Vitale, Cole 1/4/12 Kienle, Scott Kienle, Massimo 11/18/11 Kim, Hak Kim, Ryan 8/23/11 Waldron, Daniel Waldron, Payton 11/14/11 U Kissel, Walter Kissel, Mason 10/23/11 Walsh, Thomas Walsh, Hayden 1/25/12 K Walston, Maurice Walston, Mekhi 9/30/11 Lago, Alexander Lago, Alexander 10/4/11 Wheeler, James Wheeler, Gavin 8/26/11 V Lavin, Peter Lavin, Kristin 10/1/11 Whelan, Kevin Whelan, William 10/19/11 Lawrence, Richard Lawrence, James 12/31/11 White, Mindy White, Eli 1/25/12 Leblanc, Louis Leblanc III, Louis 9/8/11 Wnorowski, Miroslaw Wnorowski, Alex 12/28/11 W Lisi, Anthony Lisi, Daniella 11/25/11 Wrieden, Michael Wrieden, Thomas 9/28/11 L Lombardo, John Lombardo, Emerson 11/23/11 Lynn, Ruben Lynn, Alani 10/24/11 Yoo, Young Yoo, Gabriella 10/21/11 Lynskey, Sean Lynskey, Erin 9/20/11 X Zaleski, Robert Zaleski, Nicolette 8/26/11 Macdonald, David Macdonald, Elizabeth 11/29/11 Zirlinger, Marc Zirlinger, Taylor 8/9/11 Mallo, Daniel Evelyn 3/20/12 Zizza, Christopher Dominick 3/24/12 Z

30 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association In Memoriam

The SBA pays respects to the following members who have recently passed away. Notifications were received between August 2011 and April 2012. Any omissions will be published in the next issue.

ACTIVE MEMBER Name Retired Passed Aw ay Name Passed Aw ay Command Hoffman, Howard 2/19/85 1 2/28/11 Martin, Andrew 11/27/11 78 Pct. Johnston, Edward 2/2/77 2 /8/12 Orench, Bruno 4/29/12 Comm. Div. Kinard, Franklin 3/1/90 3/22/12 Larkin, William 2/17/99 11/1/11 RETIRED MEMBERS Libonati, Ronald 4/20/84 11/9/11 Name Retired Passed Aw ay Loiacono, Frank 11/29/75 9/21/11 Belmar, James 5/17/80 11/30/11 Maguire, Benedict 8/31/81 1 2/26/11 Blackshear, Jerry 7/31/93 9/27/11 McCrudden, John 3/14/81 2 /21/12 Brereton, William 9 /16/94 1 0/13/11 McGoldrick, William 1/31/80 2/7/12 Brideson, William 10/14/81 3 /16/12 McKeon, John 7/17/88 1 0/2/11 Cambridge, Patrick 7/19/75 3/15/12 McMahon, James 8/14/73 12/12/11 Capak, Donald 1 2/3/77 11/10/11 Meyer, Frank 8/26/88 10/24/11 Chimenti, Frank 7 /28/88 2/22/12 Miletti, Robert 7 /3/87 8/13/11 Christofides, Chris 7/2/87 3/14/12 Mis, Edward 8/31/87 2 /21/12 Combs, Junious 7 /22/87 8/5/11 Monahan, Francis 11/13/65 3/21/12 Courtney, William 5/7/93 3/7/12 Mulvey, Daniel 1/31/81 1 2/4/11 Cunnane, Michael 11/19/99 2/12/12 Mulvey, Robert 9/27/81 4/17/12 Dailey, Robert 7/3/84 9/7/11 Murphy, Alfred 7 /17/81 4/5/12 Darraugh, John 7/31/81 3 /24/12 Murphy, Harold 7/23/88 10/11/11 Davey, Lana 7/30/92 8/27/11 Murray, Michael 5/1/81 1 0/20/11 DeRosa, Frank 1 /26/78 1 /4/12 O’Brien, Sylvester 9/3/81 2/1/12 Digiacomo, George 9/6/67 12/14/11 O’Neil, James 7/9/84 4/17/12 Doherty Jr., James 12/7/80 10/10/11 Ogden, George 7/11/83 3/14/12 Donofrio, Sabatino 3/28/84 12/8/11 Passannante, Vito 2/19/78 4 /20/12 Dougherty, John 7/31/83 10/19/11 Penchenski, John 7/6/73 1/26/12 Dunleavy, Dennis 6/30/77 3 /31/12 Policare, Ronald 10/9/86 10/20/11 Egan, John J. 3/9/75 3/14/12 Rao, Anthony 9/30/81 8/21/11 Egan, John 10/28/75 12/1/11 Rock, Robert 7 /22/81 8 /11/11 Farula, Robert 7/2/87 11/13/11 Saslawsky, Manfred 10/1/72 1/15/12 Fitzpatrick, John 2/12/76 12/10/11 Sattler, Werner 10/23/82 3 /31/12 Florio, Thomas 11/15/81 3/13/12 Schaefer, Jacqueline 7/28/06 1 2/2/11 Friedl, Martin 2/28/86 2/21/12 Schrammel, Frank 8/2/93 10/20/11 Galt, Frederick 10/2/76 1/13/12 Suzio, Robert 9 /30/07 1 2/10/11 Galvin, Thomas 9/7/81 2/22/12 Ti erney, Kevin 1 2/12/04 12/16/11 Garafola, Joseph 7/21/76 8/17/11 Walsh, Edward 10/18/80 2/13/12 Gerry, William 10/1/68 4/18/12 White, Thomas 10/6/79 8 /21/11 Goldsand, George 10/1/75 10/11/11 White, John 11/9/81 2/18/12 Grant, Boyd 6/26/95 9 /15/11 Wilkeyson, William 7 /14/77 4 /20/12 Hoffman, Albert 5/18/77 1/21/12 Yuknes, John 6/26/92 8/6/11

FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 31 32 WEAR YOUR VEST FRONTLINE: A Publication of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association For the Benefit of the Widows & Children’s Fund

1st Prize 2012 BMW 328i 2nd Prize 2012 Harley-Davidson 3rd Prize MacBook Pro Laptop 4th Prize Bose Home Theater System 5th Prize 50" TV System

FOR TICKETS CALL ROBERT W. JOHNSON, TREASURER (212) 226-2180 SBA OFFICE

Drawing to be held on December 21, 2012 at the Delegate Luncheon

ONLY 3,000 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD Raffle Ticket $50 Sergeants Benevolent Association Presorted Standard 35 Worth Street U.S. Postage PAID New York, NY 10013 Newark, NJ Permit #30

Sgt. Joseph Sordi Transit District 2 Sgt. Juanita Castillo, 71 Precinct Sgt. Gabriel Oliveras, WTC Command

A NYC Police Sergeant— The Toughest Job in the World

SERGEANTS BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

Edward D. Mullins, President Vincent Vallelong, Recording Secretary Paul A. Capotosto, Citywide Secretary Robert Ganley, Vice President Gary DeRosa, Financial Secretary Vincent Guida, Marshal Robert W. Johnson, Esq., Treasurer Cosmo Lubrano, Health & Welfare Secretary John Dorst, Sergeant-at-Arms

DIRECTORS Michael Peruggia, EMD/HQ/Police Academy Stephen O’Hagan, SOD/Housing Bureau Raymond Brickley, 42 Precinct/Bronx Arthur Smarsch, PBMS/Manhattan South Anthony Borelli, MN Narcotics/OCCB Peter McCormack, BX DA Sqd/Det. Bureau Cliff Thieleke, PBMN/Manhattan North Edward Conroy, Citi Field/Queens North Patrick Logan, 67 Precinct/Brooklyn South Anthony Augello, TD-33/Transit Bureau Kevin Kerrigan, Highway District/Queens South James Gatto, Highway 5/Staten Island