The Suffolk County Police ALUMNI NEWS

Summer 2019

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I am pleased to report that we have forged an alliance with the retired Port Authority Signal 8 Florida. They meet the second Wednesday of each month. We will send a contingent to meet and greet once they announce the location. They have also invited us to attend their reunion in October. Vice President Bob Timm will handle liaison as he is also one of their Alumni before finding the GOOD LIFE in S.C.P.D. Pastor Richard Jensen. I am extremely pleased to announce that Pastor Richard Jensen (Alumni member and re-

tired Detective/Sergeant) of the Hope Reformed Baptist Church in Coram, New York, has agreed to accept

the position of CHAPLAIN for the S.C.P.D. Alumni Association. Rich has in excess of twenty years・

experience as a practicing pastor. Rich is available 24/7 for our members. He can be reached at 631-682-7435 or Chaplain@scpdalumni.com. Feel free to call him to welcome him aboard! Along with counseling members on personal matters, Rich will be an active participant in our Good and Welfare and Bereavement programs. He is also available for alumni meetings or mobilizations as requested and as time permits. Welcome aboard! Museum Proposal Our sincerest thanks to our members who attended the first mobilization meeting of the museum rejuvenation project. Thanks also to Coordinator Jeff Frayler and Regional Director Joe Brock. I was advised that Jeff

reviewed the Alumni proposal to ・ake our police museum great again・ I am pleased to report that Jeff Fray-

ler and Joe Brock had a meeting with Chief Stuart Cameron regarding “making our museum great again” on 7/29/2019. The Chief advised he is totally committed to this project. He is delighted and grateful to have the support and assistance of the S.C.P.D. Alumni Association. He agrees that our “old timers” are a major part of the Department's history. Look for more information from the Alumni Museum Coordinator Jeff Frayler. IF YOU SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS, please send a brief email to Jeff Frayler at unionjef@aol.com. Proposal to operate and manage The S.C.P.D. Police Museum Whereas the Suffolk County Police Alumni Association, a 3000 + group of retired law enforcement officers who served the people of Suffolk County, is interested in rejuvenating, operating and managing the Suffolk County Police Museums in Headquarters and Main Street Yaphank in order to promote the unique and glorious history of the Police department to the public it served. The Alumni would accept full responsibility to increase public access with guided tours, on-sight trained historians (retired members) videos and history presentations for all ages. The Alumni will provide adequate staff from its many members to meet or exceed previous attendance and participation statistics. Retired PBA President and Alumni member Jeff Frayler has agreed to serve as the Alumni Museum Manger and Coordinator. Staff recruitment will be assisted by Alum-ni Regional Directors Joe Brock and Mike Thompson. To date we have in excess of thirty volunteers who will be titled Museum Assistant Curators. Ed Johntry, the designated S.C.P.D. Historian, has agreed to train Alumni staff and assist with all ongoing programs. All costs associated with this proposal will be borne by the Alumni, without any cost to the Police Department or taxpayers of Suffolk County. Once designated, the Alumni will immediately inventory museum items, set up curators' training, review maintenance issues with an immediate goal of offering guided tours of the museum at least twice a week, with or without an

PLEASE SEND IN YOUR 2019 DUES WITH ANY CHANGES IN YOUR PERSONAL DATA AND THE BENEFICIARY FORM

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appointment, on or near to August 15, 2019. Quarterly reports describing programs' progress and attendance will be made available for any interested party. The overall Mission is to provide programs which will extol the vast history of the Suffolk County Police Department. Reopen Museum Mobilization Meeting Our sincerest thanks to our members who attended the first mobilization meeting of the Museum Rejuvenation Project. Thanks also to Coordinator Jeff Frayler and Regional Director Joe Brock. I was advised that Jeff reviewed the Alumni proposal to “make our police museum great again”. I was somewhat dismayed at alleged statements of Police Historian Ed Johntry. Not sure if Ed understands that the S.C.P.D. Alumni is a fraternal organization of over 3000 + police officer retirees spread about in eighteen states, and our Museum proposal has the endorsement and support of the S.C.P.D. Police bargaining units and the S.C.P.D. retired Detective association as well as hundreds of our members including two retired police commissioners, one retired deputy commissioner, and numerous retired high ranking Police staff. It was also relayed to me that Historian Ed Johntry also seemed to indicate that the current status and operation of the museum is adequate? I am aware of at least one of our members who agrees with Ed Johntry and suggests the Alumni should

withdraw its proposal. Despite the opposition, the Alumni is committed to ・aking our police museum great

again・ Our resolve to our proposal is strong. An additional meeting will be scheduled between Jeff Frayler

and Ed Johntry to attempt to resolve issues raised by Historian Ed Johntry who wants command and control of our Alumni staff. The final decision sits with the Police Department to either accept the status quo or move to improve the service at the museum for the residents of Suffolk County. IF YOU SUPPORT OUR PROPOSAL, please send a brief email to Jeff Frayler at unionjef@aol.com/ Fraternally, Jack Scott, President SCPD Alumni Association.President@scpdalumni.com

I recently saw an ad for the sale of stuffed K-9 animals. I ordered some for my Grandkids. I noticed it was a fundraiser for S.C.P.D. retired K-9s. Being curious, I contacted the sponsor. I was appalled to find out that retired Suffolk K-9s do not get any support from Suffolk County. It seems the handler is responsible for upkeep, room and board, and veterinarian expenses. These canines are in fact law enforcement agents who served the people of Suffolk County and therefore are eligible to be members of the S.C.P.D. Alumni Association. After discussions with other Alumni executive members, we decided to create an S.C.P.D. Alumni K-9 Unit for these Police veterans. Besides offering some needed financial support, we will include these K-9 members in Alumni affairs and functions. Active K-9 Sergeant James Curley, who has a retired K-9, has agreed to act as the liaison with the Alumni and will maintain contact with our Regional Director Joe Brock. Additionally, we will work with the S.C.P.D. line organizations to get funding from Suffolk County for our K-9 retirees. to our newest S.C.P.D. Alumni members who will be assigned to the S.C.P.D. Alumni K-9 Unit. They too “served with pride” the people of Suffolk County. I believe we may be the only police retiree group who has its own retired K-9 Unit.

K-9 Bear……..PO Ryan Neems K-9 Hunter…...PO Ed Gomez K-9 Havoc…...PO Keith Menotti K-9 Razor….…PO Brian Holtje K-9 Chase……PO Sam Barreto K-9 Archer…...Sgt. Jim Curley K-9 McClane...PO Steve McSweeney (Retired) K-9 Storm…… Sgt. John Durkin (Retired) K-9 Rebel…….PO John Malia (Retired)

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VICE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Due to a family emergency, Ronnie Ames is unable to submit an article for this issue of the newsletter.

Snow Birds

Please notify Ronnie Aimes of address change by e-mail Raims@tampabay.rr.com

Or call him at 352-688-8363.

I recently received the $1,000 scholarship letter in the mail and I figured i should inform you that a copy of my transcripts should be on the way. I would also like to thank everyone in-volved in this opportunity to better my life and education.

Many thanks,

Peter Timm

My name is Alison Maxwell and I am the daughter of Donald and Darlene Maxwell, both alumni's of the S.C.P.D. First, I want to confirm my unofficial transcript is on its way to you by mail. Second, thank you so much for selecting me for the scholarship. I am honored to be recognized by the S.C.P.D. Alumni Association. I am a Mass Communications major special-izing in public relations and advertising with minors in marketing and music industry at Tow-son University, so this scholarship will help me immensely with getting the school supplies I need.

Thank you again,

Alison Maxwell

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TREASURER REPORT Hi everyone! I hope you are all having a great summer. The Alumni Association has the following funds: Benefit Fund $37,064.15 Scholarship Fund $4,064.54 Special Events Fund $1,462.10 Fraternally Yours, Ted Wojciechowski

From The Editor: In the last issue of the Newsletter I wrote that there would be another Florida Annual S.C.P.D. Highway Patrol Alumni Mobilization Luncheon. It was held in Ormond Beach, Florida, on March 27, and it was a success.

Bottom Row (left to right) Don Howe, Bill O'Callaghan, Mike Lange, Eileen Callaghan, Joe Reyes, Dave Canonico, Dan Meyer, Bob Hubbard, Tom McKibbin Second Row (left to right) Ed Cacioppo, Ron Cammarata, Gene Milhit, Richard Diamond, Richard Fitzgerald, Jack Capute, Butch Abbott, Ed Trusiak Top Row (left to right) Lee Flammer, Jeff Flammer, Bob Elrose, Bill Donnelly, Richard Parks

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New Retirees

Scott Blansfield Michael Grosso Christopher Nealis Michael Bonenfant Mark Grubbs Nancy Neumann James Brierton Trent Jenkins Christopher Prokesch Robert Cardona Thomas Kennelly Daryl Quinones Paul Carnival William Kerensky George Reading Robert Chase Peter Kieseheuer Brian Reid Steven Cherian William Krause Brian Ribeiro Robert Cristando Sandra Kyrkostas Nicholas Riccio Peter Cunneen Walter Langdon Miriam Riera Robert Damiata Martin Lauter Matthew Sherlock James DeMarco Jason Leoni Christine Tamaro Timothy Dillon Frederick Leyboldt Joseph Tassa John Duffy Francesco Lombardi Richard Ullrich Angela Ferrara Frank Manetta Gerard Varley Kit Gabrielsen Timothy McGrath John Venturo Jaime Giovanniello Timothy McNamee Timothy Vicinanza Michael Graziano Thomas Napoli

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"Blasts From The Past" By Carmine Macedonio

Our Blast from The Past is Retired Police Officer Lee Thomas Gelderman Lee was sworn in during the month of August of 1969. He retired after twenty years of police service in September of 1989. Lee spent his entire law enforcement career in the fighting Fourth Precinct and stated it was a very intriguing and exciting time of his life. He enjoyed police work; it gave him a special chance to help people. Every day was something different, sometimes good and sometimes not so good. Lee indicated he is very thankful for his career as a Suffolk County Police Officer and is still serving his passion to help people with the Suffolk County Police Alumni Association (SCPAA) as their E-Communications Person. Prior to joining the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), Lee was employed by Airborne Instruments Laboratories (AIL) a Division of Cutler and Hammer. AIL specialized in the field of electronics and top-secret military projects. AIL is located in Deer Park, Long Island; however, there were other locations across Long Island, including office space in several Grumman locations. Lee was classified as one of their Project Planners. Prior to this writer joining the SCPD I was also employed by AIL in Deer Park. I worked in their Contract Division and am aware of the top clearance needed on many of those contracts and military projects. I did not know Lee back then; however, I do know of the high intelligence and quality of character needed to work on many of those military projects, especially as a Project Planner. Lee brought that high intelligence and good character to the people of Suffolk County. Upon graduating from the SCPD Academy, Lee was assigned to the Fourth Precinct. His first assignment was walking foot in Ronkonkoma. I asked Lee if he ever had a run in with crazy Mary in Ronkonkoma. He told me “No”, but maybe because there were a lot of crazy people in Ronkonkoma. I told him, if you ever met crazy Mary you would never forget her. Lee was later assigned to the Fourth Precinct Desk and worked there until he was assigned permanent sector car 414. He then worked the 403 car, 411 car and the last fourteen years in sector car 404. He spent twenty years helping the people of Suffolk County and he is very thankful for his time with the SCPD. Lee explains, “there were many good times helping people, protecting them, and generally giving them assurances while working in the sector cars. I enjoyed that aspect of law enforcement. However, there was one incident that remains with me, which was not so nice, and it will be something I will never be able to forget. One Sunday afternoon a call came out that someone leaving a bar on Rout 111 in Hauppauge just threw a baby out of the window of their car. I was the first officer to arrive on the scene and found the baby. The baby was 'cooked'. We later found out the father was drinking all afternoon in a bar and had left the baby locked in the car.” I am sure many of our law enforcement readers will have horrific stories to tell. Stories we all would like to forget but somehow they stay in the backs of our heads. We all became police officers to try and help, protect, and be a positive force with society. However, our job also brings sadness, pain, and stories like Lee has just described. With the good there will be bad and we all must learn to bring the good times, the happy times, and the times we helped people to the forefront of our memories and place those “not so nice times” to the back. On the more positive side, Lee had great experiences socializing with his fellow officers while playing softball. He indicated there were exceptional team players and teams from squads 5, 6, 7, and 8. They played many good games and had a great time playing the Hauppauge Fire Department, the Home Box Office, and

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the Smithtown Sheraton Teams. He recalls speaking with the chef of the Sheraton 1 team and advising him to take the police test. The chef passed the test and was required to give Suffolk County an answer. The chef called, Lee told him to accept and if he did not like police work, he could always go back to being a chef. The chef accepted, passed the academy, and joined the Riverhead Police Department. The chef just retired after thirty years of law enforcement service. Lee would like to thank all the men and women he worked with and alongside while in the Fourth Precinct. He would like to send out a special thank you to Lieutenant William Grollinger who was a very good boss. After retirement Lee purchased a golden retriever, went to classes, and learned how to show dogs. He and his wife, Elaine, purchased a second golden retriever and traveled with other show breed owners to dog shows throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York and Florida. All of Lee’s golden show dogs were “therapy dogs” and along with his wife visited many nursing homes and schools. Lee described how a visit to a nursing home located in Florida with two of his therapy dogs, Kokoma and Morgan, was very rewarding. The nurse at the home indicated that a long-time resident was speaking to his dogs. The elderly woman had not spoken any words to anyone in years prior to their visit. In 1995 Lee and his wife moved to Florida and they joined the Hernando County Kennel Club (HCKC). Lee worked on their board of directors and helped HCKC get their first AKC license for all breed dog show in Hernando County. They then joined the Monaco Traveler’s motor home club and Lee became a wagon master along with two other club members. They did a lot of traveling to find RV Resorts and Entertainment to run rallies for the club. In 2005 they purchased a vacation cottage in Tropical Palms RV Resort located in Kissimmee, Florida. Lee became the IT man and oversaw their TV Cable, Internet and Telephone System as well as all their Office Computers. He also assisted on Activities, Entertainment and Dinners for the Resort. Lee and his wife left Lake Grove, New York, in 1995 and they built a home in Spring Hill, Florida. They currently live in sunny Spring Hill and as we mentioned before, Lee is still serving the people around him and is currently the E-Communications Person for the Suffolk County Police Alumni Association. Lee has been married to Elaine for fifty-five wonderful years. They have two sons and four grandchildren. Elaine is a retired RN from Saint Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson and together they enjoy retirement by traveling in their motor home and going on cruise ships. Their son James is a retired carpenter from Long Island and is currently living in Tarpon Springs, Florida. His daughter and Lee’s granddaughter Alexandra is attending Mercy College. Their son Kenneth is a carpenter and is currently residing on Long Island. His son and Lee’s grandson Kyle stated the following, “I am a fulltime student at New York Maritime College. I am studying a Bachelor of Science in Marine Environment Science with a minor in Marine Biology, as well as a USCG Unlimited 3rd Maters License. I was able to apply for the scholarship through my grandfather, Lee Gelderman. I want to thank all that were involved in allowing me to be the recipient of this great award.” Lee also has two granddaughters from his son Kenneth. Casey who is currently attending Pace University will be followed there by her sister Lindsay in the fall. Congratulations Lee on a successful law enforcement career. You helped many people during your service time, and you continue to do so today. Also, congratulations to your wife Elaine for her service as an RN in Saint Charles Hospital. Both you and Elaine have helped many people during your service time and have raised a caring family who will continue to help their communities.

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Fifth Precinct Luncheon – March 20, 2019

Left to Right: John Doucette, Mark Goodman, Tex Hamill, Fred Hergott, Tom Cardaci, Kevin Lixfield, Louie Martin, Hugh Montgomery, Dominick Amato

Fifth Precinct Luncheon – May 15, 2019

Left to Right: Tom Brady, Frank Bacile, Ron Aimes, Fred Hergott, Mike Rupolo, Rob Dohrenwend, Charlie Biegler, Hugh Montgomery, Jim Woods, Bob Elrose, Tom Cardaci

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A nice luncheon was had by Linda and Rich Battaglioli, Stella Biscardi, and Eileen Callaghan

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TAPS

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF

Stephen Wagner Detective/Sergeant Electronic Investigations Unit March 23, 2019 Charles Agius Sergeant K-9 Unit March 27, 2019

Richard Dormer Police Commissioner April 21, 2019 Raymond Griffin Detective Suffolk Detectives Association April 30, 2019

Henry Johnson Captain Chief of Patrol’s Office May 7, 2019 Bernard Krahm Police Officer Sixth Precinct May 10, 2019

Ray Purcell Detective Fifth Squad June 19, 2019 Francis McEvoy Police Officer Fourth Precinct June 22, 2019

Thomas Quinlan Detective Narcotics Squad June 26, 2019 Robert Harris Police Officer Sixth Precinct July 8, 2019 Peter Marsala Police Officer Headquarters July 24, 2019

Rudolph Lazina Police Officer Emergency Services July 28, 2019 James O’Connor Police Officer Second Precinct August 1, 2019

Daniel Graniello Detective Third Squad August 3, 2019 Edward Peregoy Police Officer Applicant Investigation Unit August 3, 2019