IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Volume 1, Issue 13
A social, fraternal organization of more than 4,000 Italian American Law Enforcement officers in the State. William Schievella, President MAGAZINE
WINTER 2012 Editor: Patrick Minutillo Executive Secretary ♦ JANUARY 2011 IAPSNJ Columbus Day Parade Queen Wed. January 11, 2012 Miss Victoria Williams Disability Pensions Villa Maria Interview with 415-417 Broadway Pension Chairman Bayonne, NJ John G. Sierchio ♦ FEBRUARY Pages 32—35 Wed. February 8, 2012 Marco Polo 527 Morris Avenue Summit, NJ ♦ MARCH Wed. March 14, 2012 2011 IAPSNJ Parade Princess Miss Mountainside Inn Gianna Onnembo 509 Hazel Street Clifton, NJ ALL MEETINGS START AT 7 PM ANGELO SAVOLDI GALA DINNER A true DANCE Italian American SCHEDULED Sports Legend FOR SATURDAY, 2011 Honorary Parade Grand Marshal Angelo R. Bianchi Be sure to read this Issue’s feature MARCH 31, 2012 story in our “Great Italian American FULL STORY AND Series” on pages INFORMATION ON 18 and 19. PAGES 6 & 7 Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 2 Volume 1, Issue 13
William Schievella COLUMBUS DAY 2011 President Alan J. Sierchio Executive Vice President John Lazzara 1st Vice President Jerry Onnembo 2nd Vice President Alfonse Imperiale 3rd Vice President Joseph Simonetti Financial Vice President Rose Minoughan Recording Secretary Ronald Sepe Financial Secretary Patrick Minutillo Executive Secretary Vincent Nardone Director John Sartori Sgt. at Arms Sebastian D’Amato Director of Communica- tions Trustees Allan Attanasio Robert Belfiore Nick Incanella Anthony Magnotta Nat Faronea Richard Giordano Christopher Mincolelli Michael Puzio Peter Serrone Joseph Rutigliano John Sisto Ronald Squillace John Stroka Daniel Sollitti David Cavaliere
Edmond Brady, CPA Dr. Brian Mignola Dr Daniel Schievella Linda Mallozzi Esq.
Caterina Benanti Esq Fr. Christopher Hynes Fr. David Baratelli Fr. Geno Sylva
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Page 3 COLUMBUS DAY 2011 From IAPSNJ President And again this year, we their visit which included buses and were quickly Schievella’s letter, which were joined by a large con- parades, fundraisers, cere- taken back to New Jersey was issued following this tingent of the Hartford Con- monies and tours. I’d like where Hudson County year’s Columbus Day cele- necticut Italian American to note that their visit was Sheriff Frank Schillari had brations, it’s abundantly Police Association and the made possible by people an outstanding post parade clear that once again our Polizia di Stato, the na- such as John Pasquarosa, luncheon arranged for us at organization was able La Reggia Res- to celebrate our heri- taurant in tage and profession Secaucus. with pride and dig- Columbus Day Weekend Wrap-Up! The restau- nity as we were rant was able to participate in spacious, the
several New Jersey As the 2011 Columbus Day Weekend comes to a close I wanted ambiance was perfect parades in Morris, to take this opportunity to congratulate the Italian American for our group and the Bergen, and Ocean large variety of foods, Counties, as well as Police Society of New Jersey on a tremendous weekend of wines, beer, soda and in various other successful events. Our organization participated in the Bergen desserts was not only functions through- delicious but plentiful. out the month of County Columbus Day Parade, Morris County Columbus Day Needless to say, no one October, which you Parade and the NYC Columbus Day Parade. Our Parade left hungry (shame on will recall was offi- them if they did) and the cially designated as Queen Miss Victoria Williams and Parade Princess Miss room was packed with “Italian American Gianna Onnembo represented our organization beautifully in happy and satisfied Heritage Month” by marchers who really a joint resolution on the parades along with our police motorcycles and marchers. enjoyed each others October 11, 2009. Our Parade Grand Marshal Angelo Bianchi was also greeted company throughout the Of course it all day. Best of all, the tab by crowds of onlookers. I want to thank Hudson County culminated in our was picked up by our annual march up Sheriff Frank X. Schillari for his large contingent of vehicles, organization as a thank 5th Avenue in New you to all of you, first marchers and police bus. I would also like to thank Passaic York City. We’re timers and veteran proud to report that County Sheriff Richard Berdnick and Bergen County marchers who came out a large contingency and shared this impor- Prosecutor John Molinelli for the use of their police buses as of our members tant and memorable day were able to join us well. with us. on what turned out We would be remiss to be a beautiful The weather was perfect and we got great coverage from Joe if we neglected to thank day. Mountainside Piscopo and Maria Bartiromo on ABC Channel 7. I would also the New York City Po- Lieutenant Al At- lice Department Colum- tanasio once again like to thank Mr. Enzo Carputo of La Reggia Restaurant for a bia Society for their al- led several dozen wonderful luncheon afterwards. I was proud to march with the ways generous and cor- police motorcycles dial assistance at the at the front finest cops in New Jersey today. parade, as well as for of our securing a prime spot Happy Columbus Day contin- in the line of march for gency William Schievella our group. The pre- with parade expresso and lights and pastry was fantastic guys! tional police of Italy. These Anthony Lupica and Lieu- sirens blaring while they It’s hard to imagine how, Italian police officers trav- tenant Nicholas Salerno. continuously looped around but every year it just seems eled to the United States Nice work guys! our group to the delight and to get better. cheers of onlookers, espe- from cities such as Rome, At the parade’s end the
cially the children who lined Genoa, Florence and Avel- vast majority of our march- the streets. lino and were able to join in ers jumped on the waiting many local events during Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 4 Volume 1, Issue 13 ITLAIAN NIGHT UNDER THE STARS
Members, I would like to thank John Stroka and his committee of Alan Sierchio, Ron Sepe and Bob Belfiore for putting a lot of effort into making Italian Night Under the Stars a huge success. The food was good and the atmosphere was very classy. Our friends from Allied Beverages, the Theater Square Grill along with Jimenez Tobacco contributed to the events success through their generosity. Despite the economy we had over one hundred people attend mostly as a result of the hard work of John, Ron, Alan, and Bob. Bill Schievella
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Page 5 ITALIAN NIGHT UNDER THE STARS
Thank You For Your Support
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Page 6 Volume 1, Issue 13 2012 GALA DINNER DANCE “OUR SIGNATURE EVENT” Chairman Al Sierchio and his 2012 HONOREES committee are promising another MAN OF THE YEAR great event at this year’s Annual Timothy A. Williams Gala Dinner Dance. Director, United States Section Once again we will be cele- brating at the Fiesta, located on Interpol Route 17 South, in Wood-Ridge, NJ. Our host, Raf and his staff, WOMAN OF THE YEAR are planning another gourmet Cara Di Falco meal with our usual lavish cocktail hour, premium open bar and Ve- Reporter, News 12 NJ netian style desert area. Of course, there will be music and HUMANTARIAN OF THE YEAR plenty of dancing and socializing Dr Vincent Carrao throughout the evening.
As many of you know, the Fi- esta has recently been renovated BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR and there is more than ample Saturday Michael Tota room to gather and meet with old Owner-Appetitto Sausage and new friends before, during March 31, 2012 and after the dinner. The gala is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. 6 P.M. IAPSNJ MEDAL OF HONOR where guests are welcome into POSTHUMOUSLY the large area near the open bar Detective Michael Morgan, and where walk around butler Newark Police Dept. style appetizers will be served un- til 6:30 p.m. when the main dining room will open for our full cocktail IAPSNJ Medal of Valor hour will begin. Naturally, guests Detective Richard Nicoletti can choose to stay in the dining Officer Michael Ruggier area and enjoy the great food and drink or decide to return back out Parsippany Police Dept. to the bar area where seating will Officer Rachel Morgan also be available. Paramus Police Dept. This year the program has OUR DINNER DANCE been significantly revamped to COMMITTEE provide a much more abbreviated ♦ Al Sierchio (Chairman) program with very limited presen- FOR TICKETS CONTACT: tations to allow much more time to ♦ William Schievella enjoy dining, dancing and socializ- Al Sierchio- ♦ Ron Sepe [email protected] ing throughout the evening. Also, ♦ Vin Nardone Bill Schievella- this year salad, pasta, etc. will be ♦ Al Imperiale served during the shortened pro- [email protected]. ♦ Nick Incannella gram and dinner will be served Ron Sepe- ♦ John Lazzara immediately following the pro- [email protected] gram. ♦ Joe Simonetti -or any committee member- ♦ Bob Belfiore
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Page 7 2012 GALA DINNER DANCE “OUR SIGNATURE EVENT”
Our 2011 Our 2011 “Woman of Olympics”. Often going unrecog- “Man of the Year” the Year” is nized are those very, very important is long time Cara Di Falco. people who silently stay in the back- IAPSNJ friend Cara describes her- ground, our benefactors, without and supporter, self a Jersey girl born whom we could not continue to run Timothy A. and raised. Cara grew these events year after year and pro- vide much needed funds to the many Williams. up in Northern NJ and spent her summers at worthy causes like Special Olympics Director Wil- the beach and board- New Jersey that we support. These liams com- walk in Seaside are generally those generous and menced his appointment in October Heights (long before those Jersey caring people who are not looking for 2009 as the Director of INTERPOL Shore kids got there). Cara gradu- accolades or recognition and who are Washington (U.S. National Central ated with honors from Rutgers Uni- simply satisfied that they were able to Bureau), a subcomponent of the U.S. versity in New Brunswick. Cara is step up and help out in a worthy Department of Justice. As the Direc- now the Traffic Reporter for News 12 cause. tor of INTERPOL Washington, Mr. New Jersey and does a brief weekly This year we have the honor of Williams acts on behalf of the Attor- cooking segment! Cara states she recognizing one of those individuals, ney General as the official represen- loves food and Jersey has some of Michael Toto who has been there tative to the International Criminal the best! Sign me up any day for time after time when we needed him. Police Organization located in Lyon, disco fries, bacon egg and cheese, Thank you Mike. France. He also directs all opera- sausage and peppers or a sub, says tions, policies and procedures related Cara! She’s a Giants fan, but will Our 2011 to INTERPOL Washington. cheer for the Jets (as long as they're “Humanitarian of the Mr. Williams began his assign- not playing Big Blue). Year” is Dr. ment at INTERPOL Washington in It’s always a pleasure to watch October 2006 as the Deputy Director, Cara on News 12, whether it’s for her Vincent Carrao. where he was responsible for over- traffic reports or for her cooking tips. Dr. Vincent Car- seeing the day-to-day operations and We are proud of her professionalism rao is an Assistant administration, including managing and her accomplishments which Clinical Professor of law-enforcement agents, analysts, makes Cara stand out as an out- Oral and Maxillofa- and various specialists who operate standing Italian American who we are cial Surgery at the Columbia Univer- in divisions dedicated to specific in- honored to recognize as our “Woman sity College of Dental Medicine. Dr. vestigative areas: alien/fugitive, eco- of the Year”.. Carrao practices the full scope of nomic crimes, drugs, terrorism, vio- (Sorry, no Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery includ- lent crimes, including the state and photo available ing office based facial cosmetic and local liaison division. These divisions at press time) major reconstructive surgery. maintain direct contact with counter- Dr. Carrao was highlighted in our parts in 187 other member countries Spring 2011 Spring Edition (page 15) and with over 18,000 U.S. law en- Our 2011 “Businessman for his outstanding academic and forcement agencies across the coun- of the Year” is Michael Tota. medical accomplishments, as well as try, in order to facilitate police-to- Michael is the owner of Appetito for his well known humanitarian ef- police communications and provide Sausage. Appetito maintains that forts to treat children with deformities assistance with criminal investiga- sausage making is a fine art, and in poverty stricken areas of Latin tions. Michael manages a company known America. For the past 11 years, Dr. We are proud to know Tim Wil- throughout the Northeast for high Carrao has been a part of “Healing liams and to have him as a member quality sausage products supported the Children” medical missions., a of our organization. We are also ob- by a high level of customer satisfac- volunteer position of medical profes- viously very proud of his many ac- tion. sionals who travel to foreign coun- complishments throughout his out- You’re all aware of the many char- tries to treat children in need. standing career and are honored to ity fund raising events we run such We are honored to recognize Dr. recognize him as our “Man of the as our upcoming and highly success- Carrao as our “Humanitarian of the Year”. ful “Pasta Night to Benefit Special Year”. Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 8 Volume 1, Issue 13 2012 PASTA NIGHT TO BENEFIT SPECIAL OLYMPICS This year’s Annual Pasta Night to Benefit Saturday, April 21, 2012 Special Olympics has been scheduled for Sat- Starts at 6 P.M. urday, April 21 at 6::00 p.m.. $35.00 per person Once again we will be partying at the very spacious UFCW Union Hall at 245 Paterson Avenue, Little Falls, N.J. PASTA NIGHT COMMITTEE ♦ Jerry Onnembo As usual, a large and delicious assortment of ♦ Joe Rutigliano unlimited home cooked ♦ Bob Belfiore Italian foods, including an ♦ William Schievella assortment of pastas, ♦ Ron Sepe meatballs, sausage, anti- pasti, salads, deserts FOR TICKETS AND ADDITIONAL INFO ♦ Al Sierchio and more will be on the CONTACT ♦ Vin Nardone menu, along with beer, Jerry Onnembo—[email protected] soda, water. We will also be presenting a comedy Joe Rutigliano—[email protected] show along with a DJ who will be providing mu- sic throughout the eve- Ron Sepe—[email protected] ning and for the first time a “tricky tray”. Bob Belfiore—[email protected] If you’ve been to our Pasta Night before you come out and join us in goes directly to New Jer- know what a fun evening this great cause. sey Special Olympics. it is. If you haven’t you Remember, every Hope to see you owe it to yourself to penny made at this event there!.
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Page 9 Fairfield Detective and IAPSNJ Member Paul Marinaccio Competed in History Channel’s Top Shot Show Last issue we were closely fol- great skill and professionalism tionally televised “Top Shot” pro- lowing IAPSNJ member and Fair- during the six highly competitive gram and would like to wish him field Detective Paul Marinaccio’s programs he competed in and continued success in all his future progress and early success on Paul should be very proud of this endeavors. History Channel’s “Top Shot” significant accomplishment. . In addition to his regular duties reality show. The IAPSNJ is obviously very Paul currently serves as a Range Although Paul did not walk proud to have Paul as a member Officer for the Essex County Col- away with the top prize he consis- and we would like to congratulate lege Police Academy. tently conducted himself with him on his participation on the na-
Some of the IAPSNJ gang got together this past October for some good food and wine, along with some grape crushing and pressing while at the Villa Rose Wine School located in Madison, NJ. From Left: Lisa Scorsolini, Mike Puzio, Bill Schievella, Carmine Toto (Owner), Jack Dempsey, John Lazzara and Pat Minutillo.
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Page 10 Volume 1, Issue 13 IAPSNJ President Bill Schievella (center), Joe Puso (left) and Jerry Onnembo (right) proudly display framed “Thank You” display presented to our organization by the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization at our Annual Children’s Christmas Party held on December 17,2011. The presentation was created and signed by the children in the organization.
We would like to thank Committee Chairman and Wood-Ridge Detective Jerry Onnembo for all his hard work every year in making this party such a great success and thank you to Parsippany Officer Joe Puso for arranging all the pizza, sandwiches cake and soda for all the attendees.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the Italian American Police Society of New Jer- sey hosted its 4th Annual Italian Heritage Month Celebration on October 11, 2011, at the Freeholder’s Public Meeting Room in the Records and Administration building. This event recognized a select group of leaders who are devoted to the betterment of the Italian American Community in the fields of Law En- forcement, Public Service and Community Service. The event honored Chief of Detectives Anthony Ambrose of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Assistant Deputy Director Denise Lanza, CPRP, of the Morris County Park Commission, Cherie Castellano, MA, CSW, LPC, BCETS, Program Director of Cop2Cop, Detective Supervisor Christopher Lombardi of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Captain Ciro Chimento of the Butler Police Department, and as a keynote speaker, Freeholder Ann Grossi of the Morris County Freeholders. These honorees were recognized as distinguished guests at the celebration honoring Italian Americans dedicated to their given fields.
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Page 11
Interesting Some interesting news out of Paterson. The decision of the Paterson schools to open on Columbus Day but close on the Muslim holiday of Eid-Al-Adha has been blasted by an Italian-American group, according to a report on the CBS 2 web site. The Italian American One Voice Coalition said on its website, "This is the wrong message to give to our children, an embarrassment to Italian-American stu- dents and an insult to all New Jersey Italians." The district closed on November 7th to mark Eidh-Al Adha. It will stay open on Oct. 10, Columbus Day, to make up a day lost to flooding last month. The Italian-American One Voice Coalition is a national network of activists enabling the Italian Ameri- can community to act as one united voice when dealing with defamation, discrimination and negative stereotyp- ing.
L IFETIME MEMBERSHIP PLAN IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR LAW E NFORCEMENT RETIREES
Starting in 2011 all retired law enforcement personnel will have the opportunity to sign up for a lifetime mem- bership plan instead of paying your dues annually as has been our past practice. GO TO WWW.IAPSNJ.ORG Lifetime Membership will be available at a one time fee of $250.00. More information will be forthcoming FOR ON-LINE APPLICATION when you receive your renewal notice by regular mail. AND INFORMATION
PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR DUES
All members are urged to take a moment,if they haven't already,and send in their 2011 Membership Dues of $25 to keep their membership active. Membership dues help fund many important programs such as our scholarship and"good and welfare" funds, Columbus Day celebration, and holiday charity toy drive. Our Dues Payment via Pay- Pal has taken off and at least 15% of our membership have now renewed on-line, as well as New Members joining and paying their dues fully on-line.
This year we will be pushing our dues renewal campaign via email, to the on-line system. Please take advantage of it. It is simple & secure. You will start seeing the 2012 dues reminders starting in November. Take advantage. No PayPal account, No Worries. The system will accept credit cards securely as well. If you must pay via check, please make checks payable toThe Italian American Police Society of NJ and include your membership number if possible.
Mail to: I.A.P.S. of N.J., 729 Indian Road, Wayne NJ,
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Page 12 Volume 1, Issue 13
P RESIDENT’ S MESSAGE B Y : BILL SCHIEVELLA rived. Although this mate sacrifice last This event will recog- past year found New year. As we begin this nize several Italian Jersey's law enforce- year, let's remember Americans for out- ment officers facing those heroes that will standing professional many difficult chal- live forever in our and humanitarian ac- lenges such as pen- hearts. complishments. In ad- sion change, layoffs On March 31st, our dition, we will honor and a rise in crime, Society will host its sig- Italian American police we begin 2012 nature event - the An- officers that placed united as brothers nual Gala Benefit Din- their lives in danger to
and sisters in blue ner Dance. This event protect our state. I Dear Member, ready to fight hard to is attended by our hope that all members make New Jersey's members, as well as make this an event that As you read this streets safe. We gath- the most prominent they attend to help us magazine, the holidays ered as a community Italian Americans and celebrate our pride. will be behind us and too many times to bid leaders of government Let's make 2012 new year will have ar- farewell to fallen he- and law enforcement. the year that you at- roes that made the ulti- tend a meeting or event to get more in- volved. I thank each and every one of you for allowing me to serve as your presi- dent.
Happy New Year
William Schievella President
The Fidelians of America Annual Awards Banquet was held this past November 5th. The Fidelians is an Italian American charitable organization located in Passaic County whose goal is to raise money for a camp benefiting disabled children. Last night they dedicated their annual dinner dance to law enforcement recognition. Several IAPSNJ members were honored.
From left to right: Sgt Louis Spagnola, Paterson PD Retired Chief, Larry Spag- nola, (Fidelian Award Recipient), Morris County Freeholder Thomas Mastrangelo, IAPSNJ President William Schievella, Deputy Superintendent Jerry Speziale, NY/ NJ Port Authority Police Department (2011 Fidelian Man of the Year), IAPSNJ 1st VP John Lazzara and IAPSNJ Associate Member and Fidelian Eugene Mastroianni.
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Page 13
E DITOR’S COMMENTS B Y : PATRICK MINUTILLO Over the past few There was an inter- Dreyfuss equated it to years we have proudly esting article in the Octo- a homeowner taking out recognized many out- ber 23rd issue of the a mortgage and making standing and worthy indi- Newark Star-Ledger per- only partial payments for viduals in our “Great Ital- taining to the state of our seven years. After those ian American Series”. pension system!! seven years, the missed Every one of these indi- Contrary to what our payments are added and viduals has, or is making, Governor has been the homeowner is sad- significant contributions boasting about in regards dled a much bigger mort- in their respective fields to our pension overhaul gage and higher monthly and each and every one experts say taxpayers payments. has exemplified the im- could be hit with much And, it should be rec- portance, influence and higher pension bills if the ognized that even though significance of Italian state doesn’t pay what it the PFRS is one of the Americans in almost promises — or if it does- most solvent pension every aspect of American n’t make as much as the funds in the state it still jobs to get in the pension history and culture. 8.25 percent it expects to didn’t safeguard police system and then before This month I’m par- earn each year on invest- officers from having to they retire they get a six- ticularly proud that we ments. pay more under the new figure job and big pen- sions.” are recognizing Angelo "I call it generational pension reform law. Savoldi, aka: Mario Forn- theft," said Richard Drey- In the article John I don’t know about ini. It’s strange that it’s fuss, a pension expert at Sierchio, chairman of the anyone else, but I’m glad taken me this long to rec- the Commonwealth police and firefighters we have a man of John ognize Mr. Fornini in this Foundation, a conserva- pension board and a long Sierchio’s caliber on the publication since I have tive think tank in Penn- time IAPSNJ member, PFRS board. I think we been a personal friend of sylvania. "Any relief that said he hopes history all sense this issue is still his son, also Mario, for you are getting now by doesn’t repeat itself far from over and we cer- many years. I say par- not making payments when the state gets hit tainly need someone in ticularly because in the goes on the backs of the with much bigger pay- Trenton who is watching past I have had the next generation. That’s a ments down the road. out for our best interests pleasure of meeting with and keeping us informed huge transfer of costs, “We made the pay- Mr. Fornini (Savoldi) and on the real facts and fig- and immoral." ments, so if the state his wife while enjoying a ures, not the nonsensical On the issue of the wants to skip theirs, casual BBQ or two at his political spin that various proposed long-term re- that’s their prerogative, home in Parsippany spokespersons are ex- forms that are supposed but leave us alone,” said where Mr. Fornini re- pecting us to swallow. to fix the broken pension Sierchio at a PFRS hear- counted some of his I’m glad to call John a system Fred Beaver, for- ing in Trenton. Police wrestling adventures. friend and fellow member mer state pension direc- pay 10 percent of their in our organization. You’re not always tor stated, “ While admi- salaries for their pen- lucky enough to meet a rable, this was paper re- sions, which Sierchio Well, that it for this legend and Mr. Fornini form.” “The state is go- points out, is the highest issue. Hope to see many certainly fits into that ing to need a big shovel rate in the nation. of you during the next category. I’m sure after quarter at one or more of to get out of the hole they “The state should reading his story on our upcoming meetings are digging themselves clean up its own house pages 18 and 19 you’ll or events. And, as al- by not making the pay- before coming after us,” agree. ways, remember it’s just ments”. said Sierchio. “They give my opinion. political hacks part-time
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Page 14 Volume 1, Issue 13
We’re Very Proud That Several Of Our Members Are Members of This Very Prestigious and Productive Task Force
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Page 15
California Columbia Association A new member to our tingent and carried in the network of family and San Francisco parade in honor of the New York offi- friends is the California cers. The gesture was bit- Columbia Association tersweet in that it forged a long tern relationship be- CALIFORNIA tween the two agencies that was borne from such a hor- COLUMBIA rific tragedy. These senti- ASSOCIATION ments were never forgotten. HISTORY The following year, a group from the San Fran- cisco Police Department The beginning of the traveled to New York City California Columbia Asso- for the 2002 Columbus Day ciation is seeded in the festivities. The group was tragic terrorist attacks on hosted by members of the New York’s World Trade NYPD Columbia Associa- Center and other American tion and the officers and to begin the first Columbia Law Enforcement Columbia targets on September 11, their families were treated Association in California. Association 2001. The losses that the as visiting royalty. In May of 2010, during As is the case with start- nation faced and, in particu- the National Law Enforce- ing any new organization, it lar, the New York City Po- During the course of the next seven years the bond ment Officers Memorial requires the time and en- lice Department (NYPD), Week events in Washington ergy of a few dedicated and the New Jersey-New York between the officers of Ital- ian Heritage in SFPD and D.C., Leo Pierini met with committed individuals. The Transit Authority Police and Guagliardo on behalf of the California Columbia Asso- the Fire Department of New the NYPD Columbia Asso- ciation remained strong. contingent attempting to ciation currently has repre- York City caused the Co- start the California Colum- sentation from the San lumbus Day Parade in New Efforts to begin an Italian- American Police Officers bia Association. Following Francisco Police Depart- York City to be placed on the meeting, there was a ment, the San Mateo hold for October 2001. With Association or a contingent of the Columbia Association renewed enthusiasm, but it County Probation Depart- the personal losses that was also apparent that ment, the San Francisco each agency was dealing in Northern California was explored on a variety of lev- there was a great deal of District Attorney’s Office, with, moral was at a low work that would need to go the California Highway Pa- and the tedious task of els, but seemed to never get off the ground. into the efforts to launch a trol and three divisions of moving forward seemed California Columbia Asso- the California Department of In December of 2009, insurmountable. The NYPD ciation. Corrections…and the list the Chairman of the Na- Columbia Association faced continues to grow. this burden as did all other tional Council of Columbia In May of 2011, the first associations and agencies Associations, Joseph meeting of a core of found- We now have the begin- in the many areas affected Guagliardo, attended the ing members of the Colum- ning of what should prove to so soon after the attacks. annual Christmas Dinner at bia Association of California be a viable and important met at the SF Italian Athletic element of California law Police Officers of Italian- the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club. During the Club. Those in attendance enforcement professionals American heritage in the and making up the founding who honor both the history San Francisco Police De- course of festivities, Steve Landi, Gianrico Pierucci and committee were: Steve of Italian-American contribu- partment (SFPD) reached Landi, Leo Pierini, Phil tions to our profession and out to then president of the others from the San Fran- cisco Police Department Bruccoleri, Gloria Curcio, our own continued dedica- NYPD Columbia Associa- and Nicole Rinaldi Crosby. tion to making life better for tion, Giovanni Porcelli, and discussed beginning a Co- lumbia Association on the It was also apparent that all of us through our service offered to honor them in the there would need to be par- and education. 2001 San Francisco Colum- west coast, with its base in the San Francisco Bay ticipation from a number of bus Day Parade. In re- agencies for the Association Area, with Gualgliardo. At - Steve Landi, Executive sponse, the NYPD Colum- to get off the ground and be the conclusion of the Vice President bia Association Standard successful. The framework was sent to the SFPD con- events, Guagliardo sanc- tioned the SFPD members was forged for the California Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 16 Volume 1, Issue 13 John N. LaCorte (1910-1991) Founded the Italian Historical Society of America
Born in America and raised effects caused by prejudice. Michelangelo of the Capitol, LaCorte knew that many Ital- and Charles J. Bonaparte to in Sicily, John N. LaCorte was ians had a positive impact on the American public. His great- proud to be an American and America, but the role of Italians est accomplishment, though, understood the difficulties Ital- and Italian Americans in history was the naming of the Verraz- ian immigrants faced in Amer- was not known. He was deter- zano Bridge. ica. To educate others about mined to publicize those ac- the accomplishments of those complishments. of Italian heritage, he estab- When LaCorte learned of lished the Italian Historical So- In 1949, LaCorte founded the bridge that would connect ciety of America. La- the Italian Historical Society of Staten Island to Brook- Corte was responsible lyn, he started a cam- for the installation of paign to name it after several monuments of Giovanni da Verraz- notable Italians in zano, the first explorer Brooklyn, brought to to navigate the New attention that Italian York Harbor. After American Charles J. many years and nu- Bonaparte was in merous obstacles, La- charge of developing Corte succeeded. In the Federal Bureau of 2004, a monument at Investigation, and La- the base of the Verraz- Corte was the driving zano Bridge in Brook- force behind the nam- lyn’s John Paul Jones ing of the Verrazano- Park, was dedicated to Narrows Bridge (The John N. LaCorte for his official name of the work in naming the bridge is spelled dif- bridge and for his ac- ferently than the ex- complishments as an plorer’s name, spelled Verraz- America with a goal of Italian American. zano.) “popularizing the lives of the many Italians who have made After his return to New York significant contributions to in 1929, LaCorte became a Western Civilization.” Through successful businessman selling his efforts, a monument of An- life insurance. With a majority tonio Meucci – the original in- of his clientele Italian immi- ventor of the telephone – was grants, LaCorte was aware of erected in Brooklyn, and a the cultural differences that the statue of Columbus was moved immigrants faced in America. to downtown Brooklyn. LaCorte He was particularly concerned brought the accomplishments about the negative Italian of Constantino Brumidi, the stereotypes and the harmful
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Page 17
D E Z ENZO ASSUMES REINS AS The “IAPSNJ N EW CHIEF OF Newsletter” is an official P ARSIPPANY POLICE DEPT. publication of the Italian American Police Society of was not appropriate at that tain. New Jersey, P.O. Box time. Det. Sgt. John "Jay" Wie- 352, Lyndhurst, New Jer- On September 30 a for- ners was promoted to the sey 07071. This publication mal promotion ceremony rank of Lieutenant. is mailed to our General was held at Parsippany Po- Sgt. Keith Lefferts was Membership and selected lice Headquarters where promoted to the rank of readers from throughout many of Chief DeZenzo’s Lieutenant. Ptlm. Allan Griffin was pro- New Jersey on no less friend, family and colleagues than a quarterly basis and were able to come together moted to the rank of Ser- Effective September 1, is made available by way of and celebrate the Chief’s geant. 2011 IAPSNJ Member An- our website at thony DeZenzo officially was success. Det. Thomas Lesiak was http://www.iapsnj.org. sworn in as Parsippany-Troy The IAPSNJ has known promoted to the rank of De- Hills Police Department’s Chief DeZenzo for many tective Sergeant. No portion of this sixth Chief of police. The years and Mayor Barberio and; publication may be repro- ceremony took place in could not have picked a bet- Congratulations to Capt. duced, altered from its Mayor Jamie Barberio’s of- ter man for the job. We original content, or distrib- fice with only uted in any way, shape or the new Chief’s form without the expressed wife, Marion, written consent of the Ital- and two sons Anthony and ian American Police Soci- Michael, pre- ety of New Jersey. In some sent. cases pictures, commen- The abbrevi- tary or articles may be ated swearing used wholly or in part in ceremony within the context of this was due to the publication. In all such destruction in cases full credit shall be the aftermath of extended to the photogra- Hurricane pher, writer and or publica- Irene. How- tion. ever, while the devastating As always, you storm post- Parsippany Mayor Jamie Barberio swears in Chief DeZenzo may contact us in a variety poned the rit- as the Chief’s wife, Marion, and two sons, Anthony and Mi- of manners including tele- ual part of the chael look on. phone, regular mail or pref- promotion it erably, email: made it even more impor- Paul P. Philipps on his pro- would like to wish Anthony 1-800-IAPSNJ1 (Office) tant that the official promo- motion to Deputy Chief of great success in his new [email protected] tion of DeZenzo take place Police which became effec- position. We have no doubt as soon as possible. Hitting tive on November 1st.. www.iapsnj.org (web site) that he will have a great ten- the ground running. All communica- ure in his future endeavors DeZenzo described it as with the PPD. tions must be accompanied “baptism by fire”. by the writers name, return Shortly after his swearing Both DeZenzo and the in as Chief six officers re- address and telephone Mayor were in agreement ceived job promotions We numbers. that with all the extra work would also like to congratu- Executive /Secretary & caused by the storm and the late these officers: many Parsippany who were Editor: in crisis, a formal ceremony Lt. Richard Pantina re- Patrick Minutillo ceived a promotion to Cap- Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 18 Volume 1, Issue 13 Great Italian American Series Angelo Savoldi (1914 ~ )
At 97, Angelo Savoldi of Hoboken is the oldest living professional wrestler By Robert Sciarrino /The Star-Ledger Mario Forini left Hoboken during the height of the Depression seeking to make it big as a professional wrestler. A promoter changed his name to Angelo Savoldi. It was a career that would span four decades and countless bouts. Savoldi was inducted into the wrestling hall of fame in 1994 and is now the oldest living wrestler and member of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. So he quit. He was one of years ago and he leans Imagine the con- the pioneers in the wres- forward and speaks at a versation: Savoldi tells tling industry," said rapid pace. his struggling parents Davey O’Hannon, who "That was back that he has left his wrestled from 1971 to when wrestling was more steady job to pursue a 1990. than show busi- career in — WHAT? "He was ness, less acro- — professional wres- a phe- batic," O’Hannon tling. nomenal said. "The wres- athlete." His father is an- tling was the con- gry, Savoldi is insis- Savoldi, vincing part." tent. His mother re- 97, is Savoldi was born lents. the old- Mario Fornini in est liv- "If he wants to do Provincia Caserta, ing it, then let him do it," a small town out- Angelo Savoldi, stands hold member his opponent in a headlock she says in Italian. side Naples, three of the months before the That was his first Profes- start of World War victory, his first fan. Dur- Angelo Savoldi sional Wrestling Hall of I. ing a career that would Fame, where he was in- sat on a stool cutting His professional span the next four dec- ducted in 2004. This Sat- metal tubes at Cleveland career began in 1938 ades, he would earn tens urday, he will be the Container. He was lucky when wrestling was a bit of thousands more, who guest of honor at a fund- to have the job. The of a carnival act — a watched that same per- raiser for the hall of fame country was in the throes road show that took tal- sistence and determina- in Carteret. of the Great Depression tion in the ring. ent town to town to per- and he had dropped out He is still a form at the stockyard or His career began of high school to help his square of a man, broad- local arena. Wrestlers when wrestlers were akin family. shouldered with a sturdy worked with promoters to carnies and ended handshake and a full who controlled different The work was when they were national head of snow-white hair. territories throughout the tedious, Savoldi was stars. He wrestled before His weight has remained country. Savoldi started restless. there was television and steady even as he ap- with a promoter named "I thought, 'What after we landed on the proaches the century Jack Pfefer who changed the heck am I doing moon. He was champion mark. Savoldi’s wife the young talent’s name, here?'" he recalled more of the world twice and teases that he some- playing on the popular than 70 years later, sit- once stabbed with a knife times forgets her name, Notre Dame running ting in the living room of in the back by an oppo- but ask him about a back "Jumping" Joe his Lake Parsippany nent’s father. match that took place 60 home. Savoldi. Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 19
southern pinned against the crowd. ropes when Hodge’s "Black fans father charged into rooted for the ring and slashed me," Savoldi Savoldi with a knife. said. "They But Savoldi and had to sit in a Hodge were back in separate sec- the ring less than two tion and months later. A photo from 1950 of Angelo they’d yell 'Go This time, Savoldi, right, wearing his Junior Angelo Savoldi, left, has an opponent in on, Yan- Hodge won, claiming a headlock during a 1948 match in Championship Heavy Weight California kee!'Â…" the title from Savoldi. Belt while standing in the ring in Savoldi’s Savoldi continued to Almerillo, Texas, with fellow His first bout was wrestler Dory Funk Sr., left, and fame peaked in the mid- wrestle well into his in Newark, and he was an unidentified referee. ’50s when he wrestled 50s, but as he aged soon on a tour of one- Mike Clancy for the junior he began working as an night stands throughout tended a show in New agent for Vince McMa- New England. Jersey. The reception hon Sr., transitioning room was packed. Stars As his reputation from the squared-circle from different eras sat in grew, he wrestled in to the corporate office. small towns and big cit- metal folding chairs be- His last match ies — in Michigan, Ar- hind long rectangular ta- was in 1972 — but his kansas, Texas, Califor- bles crowded with fans — some of whom nia, Puerto Rico, Austra- memorabilia. are younger than his lia and Nova Scotia. Fans paid a small fee for grandchildren and have each autograph. They "He was a tre- only seen him on You- milled about, but only mendous talent," O’Han- Tube, still clamor for his one table had a line. non said. "He really autograph. packed the people into "Angelo, you got "I just got a letter from a the arenas." to get out of here," the kid in Florida asking for a other retired wrestlers Savoldi was a picture," Savoldi said last teased. "Nobody is buy- "heel," or a bad guy, Angelo Savoldi, second from week. "I have to send ing our pictures." earning a reputation as left, takes a flying kick during one to him." an aggressive, nasty, a "Battle Royal," in Okala- A half-century It is harder now for dirty wrestler — the one homa City in the 1940's. later, Savoldi still out- Savoldi to travel to auto- fans loved to hate, but paces his rivals graph shows, which is were eager to see. heavyweight champion- just as well for his peers. Savoldi sold out shows ship. He won the match four or five nights a week and held the belt for 2½ In 2009, he at- during the days when the years. top bill received a piece While defending his title, of the gate. Savoldi ran into an up- "I was not a start named Danny crowd pleaser," Savoldi Hodge, who had won the said. "But it didn’t bother silver medal in wrestling me. All I wanted was at the 1956 Olympics. fans to come." The two wrestled twice to a draw. Hodge then chal- His stock was lenged Savoldi to a box- highest in Oklahoma. A ing match. northerner, he was un- popular with the mostly In May 1960, Savoldi had Hodge At home in Parsippany, NJ Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 20 Volume 1, Issue 13
IAPSNJ MEMBER IS AWARD WINNING D IRECTOR & PRODUCER About the Filmmaker:
Donna Roman Hernandez, a life-long resident of New Jersey, is a former Police Captain who served 28 years in law enforcement. Donna is a 24-time award-winning indie filmmaker and the owner of Blue Force Films, a film/video production company based New Jersey, spe- cializing in police documentaries, dramas and police training videos. Donna is the Host of a LIVE blog talk radio show “THE JERSEY BEAT” where guests discuss topics impacting the law enforcement community DONNA ROMAN (www.thejerseybeat.blogspot.com). HERNANDEZ
FALLEN BLUE HEROES WINS 2 AWARDS At The Downbeach Film Festival-Atlantic City Cinefest BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY BEST OF FEST DOCUMENTARY FALLEN BLUE HEROES is an award-winning 46-minute documentary Directed and Produced by IAPSNJ Member and former Caldwell (NJ) Police Captain Donna Roman Hernandez of Blue Force Films that honors, remembers and pays tribute to the fallen Police Officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Great Job Donna, we’re very proud of you! TASK FORCE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
At their annual NY/NJ USMS Regional Fugitive Task Force Christmas Party which was held on December 1, 2011, IAPSNJ member, Matthew Testa, was recognized with the prestigious Task Force Officer of the Year award. Congratulations Matt, well deserved!
In photo from L—R: Ron Sepe, Matt Testa and Al Sierchio Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 21 Jersey City Columbus Day Parade Captain Dan Sollitti—Italian Policeman of the Year
Executive Board Member Dan Sollitti (above right) was honored at this year’s Jersey City Columbus Day Parade.
Congratulations Dan. Jersey City could not have chosen a more worthy representative.
An Italian Love Story
Don Vito had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet his wife had stayed by his bedside every single day.
One day, when he came to, he motioned for her to come nearer.
As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears, 'You know what? You have been with me all through the bad times. When I got indicted, you were there to support me. When I got shot, you were by my side. When my business failed, you were there. When we lost the house, you stayed right here.
When my health started failing, you were still by my side... ‘You know what?'
'What dear?' she gently asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth.
'I think you're bad luck... Get the hell away from me'.... Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 22 Volume 1, Issue 13 2011 MEMBERS CHRISTMAS PARTY
It seemed every- one was in a festive holiday mood as many of our members joined together to celebrate the season at the Chandelier in Belle- ville on the evening of December 10th. The evening included a 5 hour open bar, full buffet, walk around hors d’oeuvres, pasta station, meat carving station, deserts and international coffees. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to ALL our members.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS Our 9th Annual Italian American Police Society of New Jersey Children’s Party for Big Brothers & Big Sisters was once again held at the Whippany American Legion Hall on Saturday afternoon, December 17, 2011. We were very pleased that a record crowd of 400 showed up to enjoy a fun filled day with Santa and Mrs. Clause, plenty of pizza, cake and soda. To add to the excitement every child in the room was presented with an age appropriate gift directly from Santa himself.
(Photos available on our web site at www.iapsnj.org)
Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 23
State PBA Blasts Courts Failure to Track Police Officer's Killer
New Jersey State PBA President Anthony Wieners on November 10th of this year blasted the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts for fail- ing to track Newark Detective Michael Morgan's killer. President Wieners said, " Detective Morgan's killer was wanted since June for absconding from probation, but no one was looking for him. He was one of over 20,000 proba- tioners actively wanted by probation officers. These officers are unarmed and lack the resources to track these offenders". State PBA records indicate that this is at least the eighth police officer murdered in the past fifteen years by someone on probation. " Last year alone there were over 9500 new arrests of people on probation. We need to arm our probation officers and actively track down those who disregard the law," said Wieners.
Jerome Wright was on probation for receiving stolen property. His classification would not have placed him on a high risk case load but his actions show the danger he posed to all in law enforcement. "We can not find someone guilty of a crime, provide a punishment, and then when they refuse to comply turn a blind eye. Our failure to make criminals believe there will be any consequences has contributed to the cur- rent 20,000 probation warrants," said Wieners.
Each Member will receive 10 2012 Courtesy Cards in addition to your Annual Membership Card
PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR ANNUAL DUES OR CHOOSE ONE OF THE GREAT DEALS WE ARE NOW OFFERING ON MEMBERSHIP
About 20 Executive Board members met at one of Parsippany’s Fire Stations on November 11th for a full day of preparing, sorting and mailing out this year’s annual dues notices. Obviously, by the time you’re reading this you should already have received your notice and hopefully returned it in the pre-addressed envelope and have already received your 2012 Mem- bers Card in addition to your 10 2012 IAPSNJ Courtesy Cards. If not, please take a moment and send it in at your earliest convenience or as always, you can visit our web site and you can take care of it through Pay- Pal. We are offering a great deal in addition to our annual dues of $25.00. If your are a retired LEO you can pick up a Lifetime Membership for $250.00. In addition to the standard renewal options we are now offering an Automatic Renewal which will utilize Paypal and renew your dues automatically on November 1st, of each year.
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Page 24 Volume 1, Issue 13 CONDOLENCES
Frank T. Valanzola, We are saddened at the loss of 51, passed away on September 24, Carmela “Cam” Cavaliere, 86, 2011. Frank was who passed away this past September. Mrs. born on July 3, 1960 in Jersey City, Cavaliere is the mother of IAPSNJ Executive Board NJ. He has lived in Member, David Cavaliere of the Parsippany Police Flanders for the past 6 years and was pre- Department. Our sincere condolences go out to Dave viously of Hillsbor- and the entire Cavaliere family on their loss.
ough, NJ. Frank was a Vice President for Morgan Stanley in It is with regret that we announce the untimely Short Hills, NJ. He passing of IAPSNJ Member, was a 5 Star Wealth Captain Michael Rumola, who passed away on Management Recipi- October 1, 2011 as a result of injuries sustained due ent, awarded the Ital- to a motor vehicle accident in South Carolina. ian Tribune Christo- Captain Rumola retired from the Manalapan Twp. PD pher Columbus Hu- in 2002 after 27 years of service. manitarian of the Year in 2008, and was the Chairman of Opera- Our sincere condolences to the Rumola family. tion Shoebox and Embrace Kids with Cancer.
MEMBER NEWS Congratulations to IAPSNJ President Congratulations to Matthew Quagliato of Bill Schievella on his newest assignment as the Neptune Police Department on his President of the NJ Association of County Chiefs of Detectives which represents all 21 county promotion to Sergeant on January 1, 2011. Prosecutor's Offices. We wish Matthew the best of luck The election occurred at the County Prosecutor's and great success in your new position, as College in Atlantic City this past June. well as in all your future endeavors. Best of luck to Bill in his new position.
Congratulations and best Congratulations to Morris wishes to IAPSNJ County Prosecutor Detective member and retired New- and long time IAPSNJ member ark Police Officer Gus Amato on this retirement Pat Ciccone and this past July. Maria Major We would like to wish Gus on their recent marriage the best of luck and success in this past July 8, 2011. all his future endeavors.
Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 25 CONDOLENCES
Mount Arlington Police Department Police Officer Joseph S. Wargo Jr. End Of Watch: 10-16-11. Officer Joseph Wargo, 38, was killed when struck by an impaired motorist. At 0012, Officer Wargo was driving on inter- state 80 during his scheduled patrol when an out-of-control driver driving at a high rate of speed in the opposite direction careened across the median and slammed into Officer Wargo's cruiser. The immense impact pushed the cruiser off the roadway, heavily damaging the front end. The Crown Vic was found in the wooded area with our Officer Wargo trapped. He was flown to the hospital in critical condition. At 0125, Police Officer Joseph Wargo suc- cumbed to his injuries. The killer Ocean County Undersheriff was taken into custody. Prelimi- Wayne R. Rupert, 68, died at nary findings revealed the driver may have been under the influ- his Pennsylvania vacation home ence of controlled dangerous sub- this past October 23rd after he stance. apparently fell from the roof. Our sincere condolences go out Our condolences go out to the to the Wargo family, as well as to Rupert family and the Ocean the Mount Arlington Police Depart- County Sheriff’s Department. ment and community.
MEMBER NEWS A belated congratulations to Congratulations to IAPSNJ member John Senese Detective of the Parsippany Police Depart- Mike Lasalandra ment on his recent retirement. of the Parsippany The IAPSNJ wishes John the best Police department on in all his future plans which I know his retirement this past includes a lot of hunting and December following 26 fishing. years of service.
Congratulations and best wishes to A belated congratulations and an apology to Chief Kurt Dombrowski of the IAPSNJ member Anthony Scalcione of Caldwell Police Department on his the Jersey City Police Department on his retirement after 28 years of promotion to Sergeant a few months ago. service. Unfortunately, the photo displayed in this Chief Dombrowski officially retired magazine depicting Anthony, was actually effective January 1, 2012. his cousin John. Sorry about that Anthony. Good health, luck and success in The IAPSNJ would like to wish Anthony the your retirement Chief. best of luck and great success in his new position, as well as in all his future career moves with the JCPD..
Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 26 Volume 1, Issue 13 CONDOLENCES
American Hero Detective Jorge Oliveira - Essex Co. Sheriff’s Officers PBA Local #183
Our Sincere condolences to the Oliveira family and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office on the loss of Detective Jorge Oliveira who was killed in the line of duty this past October while serving in Afghanistan.
Newark Detective Michael Morgan Jr. was shot and killed on November 7, 2011 in Paterson. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Morgan family as well as to all the Men and Women of the Newark PD.
We are saddened at the passing of Rick Zirolo, 59, who passed away on November. 23, MEMBER NEWS 2011. Rick was a police officer for the City of Congratulations Paterson, N.J., retiring in 2010. Rick was a to IAPSNJ member, member of the Paterson PBA Local No. 1, a Andrew J. Conti member of the Italian American Police Society of on his appointment as New Jersey and the Honor Legion. Undersheriff of the Hudson County Our sincere condolences to the Zirolo family, Sheriff’s Office. as well as to his friends and colleagues at the Undersheriff Conti Paterson Police Department. was officially sworn in on September 26, Andrew J. Conti 2011. Best wishes for great Get Well Soon success in your well deserved new Wishing a quick and full recovery to Retired Morris position. County Sheriff and member, John M. Fox, who is recuperating from some recent surgery. Promotional Congratulations and best Hopefully, we’ll see you soon. wishes to Passaic County Sheriff’s Department Officers Natalie Lazar and Ronald Deloreto on Get Well Soon their promotions to Sergeant To Danielle Doyle, wife of Harrison Sergeant, and David Doyle, who is recovering from recent John Arturi on his promotion to surgery for a badly broken foot. Hopefully, Lieutenant she’ll be up and about very quickly. Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 27
IAPSNJ FAMILY GOLD COURTESY CARDS TIME FOR A LAUGH
A VAILABLE ON OUR A lawyer and a senior citizen are sitting W EB SITE next to each other on a long flight. The lawyer is thinking that seniors are so dumb that he Christmas could get one over on them easy. So the lawyer asks if the senior is Coming! would like to play a fun game. The senior is tired and just wants to take a nap, so he These politely declines and tries to catch a few winks. courtesy The lawyer persists saying that the game is a lot of cards would fun. I ask you a question, and if make great you don't know the answer, you pay me only $5. stocking Then you ask me one, and if I stuffers. don't know the answer, I will pay you $500, he says. This catches the senior's atten- tion and to keep the lawyer quiet, Either, or he agrees to play the game. The lawyer asks the first ques- both, cards tion. 'What's the distance from the Earth to the can be Moon?' purchased The senior doesn't say a word, but reaches into his pocket, directly from pulls out a five-dollar bill, and our web site hands it to the lawyer. Now it's the senior's turn. He at a very asks the lawyer, 'What goes up a hill with three legs, and reasonable comes down with four?' price. The lawyer uses his laptop and searches all references he Check it out! could find on the Net. He sends e-mails to all the smart friends he knows; all to no avail. After an hour of searching, he finally gives up. MEMBER NEWS He wakes the senior and hands him $500. The senior Congratulations to pockets the $500 and goes right back to sleep. Jay Alpert on his Congratulations to The lawyer is going nuts not recent promotion as Robert Meola, US DOD knowing the answer. He General Manager of wakes the senior up and asks, and his wife Jianene on the 'Well, so what goes up a hill the Office of Emerer- birth of their daugh- with three legs and comes down gency Management ter Alexandra Marie on with four?' for the Port Authority The senior reaches into his November 26th, 2011. pocket, hands the lawyer $5 and of New York and goes back to sleep. New Jersey. Our best wishes for con- tinued success, Jay.
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Page 28 Volume 1, Issue 13 OCTOBER MEETING NOTES AND PICS
Wednesday October 12 at Mountain- side Inn 509 Hazel Street Clifton, NJ
Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 29 NOVEMBER MEETING NOTES AND PICS
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Landmark Route 17 S., East Rutherford, NJ
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Page 30 Volume 1, Issue 13 Safety Equipment Program
One of the many charitable ventures of the Italian American Police Soci- ety of New Jersey, in conjunction with our New Jersey Police Officers Foundation fund raising campaign, is our Safety Equipment give-a- way. This is a presentation of a package of police safety / life saving equipment to members of our organization who are full time police offi- cers, and whose dues are current. We will average approximately 10 winners per year. All that is needed is for a member to fill out an entry form which can be found on our web site. Then an entry is selected randomly, about once a month, for presentation to the winner at a gen- eral meeting. Criteria is membership in good standing, and attendance for receiving the package. Over the last several years since the start of this important program we were honored to have given out over 60 ballistic vests to police officers who were not provided one by their respective departments. We are happy to say that most officers are now provided vest by their depart- ments. We have therefore changed our program to provide these Equipment Packages from this point on. GOOD LUCK AND STAY SAFE!!!
The Detectives Crime Clinic of Metropolitan New Jersey and New York at their Dinner Meeting on November 17th at the Empire Club in Little Ferry honored IAPSNJ President and Chief of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, William Schievella and IAPSNJ Executive Board Member and Retired Senior Chief of the Port Authority of NY/NJ Police Department, Robert Belfiore as “Outstanding Law Enforcement Professional’s”.
In Photo from left: Ron Sepe, Joe Simonetti, Al Sierchio, William Schievella, Bob Belfiore, Dan Sollitti and Frank Schillari.
Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 31 NJ granting record accidental disability pensions
New Jersey is granting a record number of accidental disability pensions this year for public employees as a result of recent changes in law that make it easier to collect. The Statehouse Bureau of The Star-Ledger of Newark and The Record reported that records show the state made $91.5 million in payments to police and firefighters in 2010, a 35 percent increase from 2007, when it paid out $68 million. This year, the state will grant the most accidental disability pensions in its history, having approved 537 through August, compared with 402 in 2007. The newspapers said the sharp increase came after the state Supreme Court in 2007 and 2008 ex- panded the types of injuries that qualify for accidental pensions. The rulings forced the state's pension boards to award them for disabilities ranging from mental illness to injuries sustained from slips and falls. Previously, an employee seeking a disability pension was required to show an accident involved a "great rush of force." Slips and falls were excluded. Public employees who qualify receive two-thirds of their final salary, with no state or federal taxes de- ducted, and life insurance without having to pay a premium until age 55. Under a normal disability, not the result of an accident, employees receive 40 percent of salary and federal taxes are deducted. The Star-Ledger and Record cited the case of a New Jersey Transit police officer who injured himself using a staple gun as one of the record number of public employees seeking an accidental disability pen- sion for life. In 2006, when the officer was 27, the officer accidentally fired a staple into the base of his left ring fin- ger while trying to reattach a target at a shooting range. He put on a Band Aid and successfully completed the firing range tests, the newspapers said, but after two operations the officer said he could not do his job and sought an accidental disability pension. In 2010, the Police and Fireman Pension Board denied the application, contending the injury resulted from negligence, not from an unexpected risk taken on the job. But a judge, citing the Supreme Court de- cisions, recommended that the board reverse its decision. "How a judge gave an accidental disability pension to a guy who stapled his finger is amazing," said John Sierchio, chairman of the pension board, who has been critical of the ruling. The pension board rejected the judge's ruling, but the officer can appeal in state court. The newspa- pers said the officer could not be reached for comment. "He never would have applied under the previous rules," Sierchio said. Gov. Chris Christie said he would like to see the laws changed
THOUGHT OF MYSELF 'I CAN HEAR JUST FINE!' MEMBER NEWS Three retirees, each with a Congratulations to long time member and hearing loss, were playing friend golf one fine March day. One Mary Anna Holden remarked to the other, on her appointment this past December to 'Windy, isn't it?' 'No,' the the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. second man replied, 'it's We wish you the best of success in your Thursday..' And the third new position and we know that with all your man chimed in, skills, abilities and knowledge you’ll be a 'So am I. Let's have a beer.' great watchdog for the citizens of New Jersey. Visit us at http://www.iapsnj.org IAPSNJ Quarterly Magazine January 2012 Winter Edition
Page 32 Volume 1, Issue 13
PFRS DISABILITY PENSIONS A INTERVIEW WITH PFRS CHAIRMAN JOHN SIERCHIO BY PATRICK MINUTILLO Q. John, there have been members who are totally is disabled because his the member goes to his numerous articles written and permanently dis- Lieutenant yelled at him two doctors that have lately by several newspa- abled. during roll call. Then we been treating him for his pers regarding PFRS have the Firemen who injury and they sign off members receiving dis- Q. Can you give our fell out of bed while he that he is totally and per- ability pensions. Why is readers some examples was sleeping and now he manently disabled from this now such a hot of the disability applica- is totally and perma- being a Police Officer or topic? tions that come across nently disabled, the Offi- Firefighter. Then the divi- your desk? What type cer who stapled his fin- sion of pensions sends A. I believe it’s because disabilities are Police Of- ger putting up a target at the member to an inde- of the record number of ficers and Firefighters the range, the Officer pendent medical exam- disability applications claiming? who slipped off of his iner (IME). The IME does that are being filed and chair while attempting to a cursory exam of the what the disabling inci- A. Absolutely. A 38 year sit down and the Officer member and then looks dents actually are in old member with 4 years who faked that he was at the members medical those applications. and 10 months of service blind to receive a disabil- documents that were is disabled from tripping ity pension. These are provided by the two treat- Q. It seems as though over a raised door seal. just some examples of ing physicians. The IME you have taken a tough A 26 year old member the types of disability ap- then files his report with stance against many of with 4 years and 5 plications that were see- the division of pensions these disability applica- months of service is dis- ing. and then all three reports tions and have made abled from being pushed go to a medical review some colorful comments to the ground. A 29 year Q. Are those type of Dis- board. The medical re- to the newspapers. Can old member with 2 years ability applications get- view board then files its you tell me why? and 11 months of service ting approved by the opinion, based on reports slipped on a wet floor. A Pension Board? only. A. Yes. I have been an 34 year old member with elected Trustee for the 6 years and 10 months of A. Yes. The Supreme Q. It sounds like there Police and Firemen’s Re- service was getting out of Court has tied our hands. are checks and balances tirement System’s Board his car when he felt a As long as a doctor says in place regarding the of Trustees since 2002. I pop in his neck. A 38 that the member is totally medical opinions. Is that am currently serving in year old member with 7 and permanently dis- the case? my third term. Each term years 11 months of ser- abled and the disability is four years. Since my vice tripped while walking arose from the incident A. Absolutely not. My time on the board, I have up the stairs. A 40 year claimed, the member experience tells me that never seen so much old member with 7 years qualifies for an Acciden- the IME very rarely abuse as I have seen of service struck his knee tal Disability pension. opines against the mem- over the last couple of on a patrol car bumper. A bers treating physicians. years. The Supreme 29 year old member with Q. It seems as though The division of pensions Court’s Richardson deci- 7 years and 2 months of the doctors play a major pays an IME approxi- sion opened up the flood service slipped while role in the granting of mately $700-$900 for a gates for abuse and now leaving a building. A 39 disability pensions. Could medical evaluation. If the the current pension and year old member with 7 you explain the medical IME opines and states benefit reform adds to years and 8 months of process for filing a dis- that the member is NOT the problem. I am fighting service slipped while ability application? totally and permanently to protect the 80% of our walking back to his desk. disabled, the member members who are work- A 45 year old member A. The doctors definitely then appeals the IME’s ing everyday and the with 15 years of service play a major role. First medical findings and the
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case goes to court. payments anymore, you when you retire at 39 about it. We need to do That’s when the treating would have the Attorney you’re going collect a more for the members physicians and the IME General’s Insurance pension for a longer pe- who are totally and per- have to testify against Fraud Unit investigating, riod of time. We are add- manently disabled and each other and put their but if you steal 1.5 million ing about 13 million dol- cannot work, and less for medical knowledge on dollars from the pension lars per year to our total the members who just the line for an Adminis- system, there is nobody disability payout figure. qualify under the trative Law Judge to de- to investigate it. That’s a We are on pace to be Richardson decision. I cide who is more credi- problem. Every disability paying over 400 million am a firm believer that ble. The division of pen- pension cost the pension dollars for PFRS disabil- just because you’re in- sions pays an IME be- system approximately ity payment in 20 years. jured doesn’t mean that tween $250-$500 dollars 1.5 million dollars over Our system can’t sustain you are totally and per- per day to attend court. the members’ lifetime that. manently disabled. So it’s much easier for an and there is no one to IME to just rubber stamp investigate if it’s legiti- Q. Why do you believe Q. In your opinion, what the treating physicians mate. that the new legislation is will happen to PFRS if report and declare the going to add to the prob- the legislature doesn’t member to be totally and Q. What is the annual lem? address this disability permanently disabled. cost for Disability Pen- issue? He gets paid more sions? A. When the Legislature money and doesn’t have passed Pension reform A. In my opinion, if this to deal with the hassle of A. The Police and Fire- Chapter 78, they never issue isn’t dealt with spending a full day in men’s Retirement Sys- included disability reform properly, the active mem- court for a lot less tem pays out and they should have. bers are going to pay the money. How any doctor $163,037,468 annually. The new legislation price. Our pension contri- declares someone totally We pay $91,519,977 in states that anyone hired butions were just raised and permanently dis- Accidental Disability and after June 28, 2011 will to 10% because of the abled from tripping over $71,517,491 in Ordinary receive 60% of final com- so-called unfunded liabil- a door seal, slipping off a Disability benefits. I ex- pensation after 25 years ity. Retirees’ cost of living chair or tripping while pect that number to climb of service. Why would adjustments were also walking up the stairs is dramatically over the anyone work for 25 stopped. If we have to beyond me. next 20 years if changes years, pay 10% pension pay more than $400 mil- aren’t made. Right now contributions and 35% lion just for disability pen- Q. Is there anyone to in- the State of New Jersey health benefit contribu- sion, not even including vestigate disability claims pays more than $320 tions along the way just regular retirements, were or the findings of a mem- million annually in dis- to get a 60% pension, in trouble. I don’t want to ber who is deemed to- ability pensions with all when they could work for see active members con- tally and permanently the systems combined. 5 years and get to top tributions raised to 12% disabled? PFRS accounts for half pay, slip and fall and re- because we have to pay of that total. ceive a 66.6% pension for the member who slips A. I have been complain- tax free? There is abso- and falls. ing for years that the divi- Q. Why do you expect lutely no incentive to fin- sion of pension should the numbers to climb? ish a career as a police Q. How can we stop the have an investigative officer or firefighter any- abuses, yet make sure unit. We have a multi- A. The disability applica- more. The standards for that the members who billion dollar pension sys- tions since the Richard- Richardson are so lax deserve an accidental tem and there is nobody son decision have al- and with the new pension disability pension still get to investigate if someone ready increased over and benefit legislation, it? is fraudulently collecting 30%. The average age of why wouldn’t you just benefits. If you were to a member on disability is apply for a disability pen- A. It all starts with dia- burn your car because 39 years of age. Mem- sion. It’s a no brainer. logue and education. Af- you didn’t want the car bers are living longer and That is why I am so vocal ter the newspaper arti-
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Page 34 Volume 1, Issue 13
cles, I had several meet- level of disability bene- ready been defined un- ings with the Governors fits? So to answer your der Richardson, anyone Q. How do you get a dis- Counsel, the Deputy Ex- question, I am definitely who applies for an Acci- ability pension after only ecutive Director of the against that legislation dental Disability and is 4 years of service? New Jersey Senate, and will fight to ensure it only disabled from being Senator O’Toole and doesn’t pass. a Police Officer or Fire- A. It is very easy to get Senator Buono. I ex- fighter and is able to ordinary disability. All you plained to them the prob- Q. What type of changes work in another profes- have to do is go to two lems and showed them do you believe the legis- sion should receive a doctors and say the key multiple examples of lature should enact that lesser benefit (50%) than words which are, “I can’t abuse. I was glad that would ensure that our a person who completes take it anymore and if I they reached out to me members and our pen- a 25 year career. A per- continue to go to work and wanted to discuss sion fund are protected? son who is granted a I’m going to kill some- the problem before any Catastrophic Disability one”. Many of the mem- type of legislation was A. First, I believe that you would receive the highest bers who have less than passed that doesn’t solve should have to have 10 benefit of 72% tax free 10 years of service and the problem. As one of years of service to qualify and the pension system apply for ordinary disabil- the longest standing for Ordinary Disability. It should use the same ity pension are usually board members, I believe used to be 10 years and standards as Social Se- losing their job. They ei- that I have the knowl- was dropped to 4 years, curity to qualify for this ther have drug problems, edge and experience to but now it’s getting higher benefit. Catastro- alcohol problems, anger help lead effective dis- abused. Only in our sys- phic Disability would also management issues, do- ability reform that pro- tem can you work for 4 mean that you can’t work mestic issues and the list tects our members and years, decide that you anymore just like Social goes on and on. Most our pension fund. What I don’t want to work any- Security. This actually are not work related is- don’t want to see is legis- more and go out on an gives a higher benefit sues. Don’t forget, if it lation being passed just ordinary disability which and protects the member was any type of work re- for the sake of passing would pay you 40% for who is legitimately totally lated issue, they would legislation. the rest of your life. Sec- and permanently dis- probably qualify for acci- ond, I would institute a abled and unable to work dental disability under Q. There was recent leg- pension fraud unit which anymore. Last, I would Richardson. islation introduced that would investigate the in- apply the earnings test to reduces Accidental Dis- cident that a member is the people who receive a Q. As a union represen- ability benefits to 40%. claiming and the doctor 40% or 50% disability. tative for most of your How do you feel about who declares the mem- This allows the member career and an elected that legislation being in- ber totally and perma- who cannot or does not member of the Board of troduced? nently disabled. Many want to work in this pro- Trustees, how are you members apply for dis- fession anymore and being received by your A. I think that legislation ability and the incident qualifies for a disability to peers regarding the is absolutely ridiculous that supposedly caused always earn the amount stance you’re taking with and that is one of the the disability was never of money that they would disability retirements? reasons why I am trying originally reported. Third, have earned as a police to educate the legisla- I would add a third tier to officer and firefighter. A. As in anything in life, ture. How can anyone disability benefits. I think These are the changes I you’re always going to even think that, for exam- we should have 40% for believe would stop the have a few people who ple, a member who has Ordinary Disability, 50% abuse and protect the disagree. I will say that an anger management for Accidental Disability member who really the people who disagree problem or drinking prob- and 72% for Catastrophic needs the disability pen- with me on this issue are lem and an officer who Disability. My reasoning sion. a very small minority of gets shot in the line of would be that since acci- people. I’ve received duty deserve the same dental disability has al- phone calls, emails and
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disability reform, it really loyal PBA member since doesn’t have to do with I started my career in reform, it has to do with 1986. I have always losing another benefit fought for the best inter- that we have. What I ests of law enforcement mean by that is many of throughout my career our members are very and I will continue to do mad that we now have to so. I would never do any- pay 10% pension contri- thing that would hurt any butions. They’re mad be- law enforcement officer cause we have to con- or any member of this tribute 35% to our health pension fund. I strongly benefits. They’re mad believe that disability because we lost COLA. pension reform must be They’re mad because enacted. our retirement benefit was reduced to 60% for Final Comment: new hires. They’re mad because the legislature is We’ll John, as always now looking to take away you’ve been a wealth of our accrued sick and va- information. I want to cation time payouts and thank you for your time, eliminate Civil Service. professionalism and can- And they have every dor in addressing this right to be mad about issue and only hope that those things but I don’t our legislators and pen- believe that this is the sion stake holders take issue that we should be all this insight and infor- mation into consideration Police and Firemen’s Retirement System taking such a strong stance against. We during the next couple of Chairman, John G. Sierchio should be embracing dis- months. ability reform. We should I’m sure that this inter- text messages applaud- out on disability now, be looking to protect the view will prove to be an ing the stance that I am aren’t doing anything soundness our pension eye opener for many of taking on this issue but I wrong. They played fund, protect the 80% of our brother and sister did get two phones calls within the rules of the the members who are officers throughout the from people voicing their game that are currently going to work everyday, state, I know it has been disapproval. One of in place, but I definitely protect the members who for me. those calls was from a believe the rules of the are totally and perma- member out on disability game need to be nently disabled and can’t but working full time in changed or we’ll be in work anymore, ensure another job and once I real trouble. that the retired members stated that I don’t believe receive the cost of living John G. Sierchio that any legislation Q. Why do you believe adjustments and weed can be contacted should be retroactive he that our members would out the people who are toned it down a little. be against disability pen- looking to game the sys- via email at: What does that tell you? sion reform if it is so tem. [email protected] And for the record, the widely being abused? Or reason that I don’t be- Q. Do you have any final lieve that any legislation A. I believe that within comments? Send comments to should be retroactive is that small group of peo- the Editor at because the members ple who don’t want to see A. Yes, I have been a [email protected]
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DISABILITY PENSIONS—HOW DO YOU STAND BE SURE TO READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH PFRS CHAIRMAN JOHN SIERCHIO—PAGES 32-25
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