PBA 212-298-9100 New address: 125 Broad Street, 11th Floor, New York City NY 10004-2400 DEA General Office 212- 587-1000 DEA Benefits 212- 587-9120 SBA 212- 431-6555 SOC 212- 964-7500 NYPD Pension Section 212-693-5100 NYC Employees Health Benefits 212- 513-0470 NYC Employees Retirement System (NYCERS) 347- 643-3000 Notification of death of retiree 646-610-5580
Social Security 1-800-772-1213 Empire Blue Cross 1-800-433-9592 Medicare Part "B" 1-800-333-7586 Caremark (Prescriptions) 1-877-722-7911 Advance RX.com 1-888-266-5691
TPD IDENTIFICATION CARDS
NYPD Transit Bureau Headquarters Attn: Police Officer Meglio 130 Livingston Street 3rdFloor 718-694-4276.
Note that current policy with NYPD is for a three year ID card that must be renewed and you have to turn in your old Transit Police Department ID card.
METRO PASSES
All members of the force, regardless of what department they retired from, are now eligible for the Metro Pass. They must have completed 20 years as a Transit Police Officer prior to the merge. All requests must be made by appointment and only through the Transit Authority's pass unit now located at 180 Livingston Street, 5th floor, Brooklyn, NY. Call them at (347) 643-8312 / 8310. The office is open from 8:30AM to 4:00PM, Monday through Friday.
A NOTE FROM YOUR TREASURER
I started receiving a large number of the 2012 dues since the members received the latest "Beyond theLine" newsletter in December. Along with the dues were notes several members attached with comments about the Association. I know many more will be coming in and I will post them as they are received. Please keep in mind that all the letters have to be manually re-written for posting on the website. Our editor, Frank Crisa, knows this all too well. If possible, send your letters or comments to me by e-mail as it is much easier to copy and paste rather than manually re-write the letter to post here.
I would like to add at this time that as much as I enjoy making a personal phone call or sending an e-mail to thank those members who send in donations, time restraints prevent me from continuing this practice. Please don't take it the wrong way, but working a full-time job and handling the multiple functions of receiving and recording the dues and updating this website on an almost daily basis is time that is taken away from other work I need to accomplish around the house. I thank you for your understanding of this issue and when things quiet down later on, I hope to revive the calls and e-mails.
JANUARY 21, 2012 CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER
From Lou Hollander, we received the following happy news:
Congrats to Ret. P.O. John Celia on the birth of his 11th grandchild. His oldest granddaughter Denise gave birth to a boy on 1/11/2012. Congrats can be sent to John at BLUKNT.NY@VERIZON.NET
Congratulations are in order for Patrick Madden on becoming a grandfather to a little girl for the 1st time. Baby Isabella was 8 lbs 3 oz on December 8th to his oldest son Michael and his wife Kim who are doing well. Pat went to New York to see them last week. Congratulations can be sent to Pat at Pmadden838@aol.com
Anne & Brendan Keeney are happy and proud parents with their son Kevin home with them for Christmas. See story click on this link Russ Lemmon: Reality of military service sinks in for '09 VBHS grad. Anne & Brendan’s email address is bwkeeney@comcast.net
Nice note on your check, Tom, and you are correct. We have been Tops when we were working and we still are as retired. - Tony
"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"
Ret. Det. Sal Iacone (Palm City FL)
And we hope your holidays were good to you, Sal, as you were to the Association with your $30 donation. Thank you and we hope you like the Challenge coin we sent as our thanks. - Tony
"Please share this with other members. Charlie Mills, as he was known, was a true cop's cop."
Ret. Lt. Mike McCrann(Medford NY)
That he was, Mike, and thank you for the article you sent in and is posted elsewhere in this issue. We also want to thank you for your very generous $100 donation and the Challenge coins are our thanks for your generosity. - Tony
"Keep up the good work and thank you all for your time. District 4 forever!"
Thank you, Frank, as the Beast is getting hungry with the upcoming postal rate increases. We appreciate your generosity and are sending you a Challenge coin with our thanks. A very healthy and Happy New Year to you and yours. - Tony
"Tony, Here's $20 extra plus (the dues.) Don't send cards - it's a waste of postage."
Thank you for your generosity, Santa; that was very thoughtful of you and we hope you like the Challenge coin we sent as our 'gift' to you. Happy New Year! - Tony
"Use the extra money wherever needed. Merry Christmas and Hapy New Year."
We hope your Christmas was good to you and our best for the New Year. Thank you for your $25 gift and the Challenge coin is our thanks to you. - Tony
"Tony, Best wishes to you and the family in health and for the Christmas season and beyond. The extra $100 is for the Association and all the considerable time you, Frank Crisa, Ed Russo and all the board members put in for the good of all of us. Sincerely,"
Thank you for your thoughtful gift, Pat, and we hope you enjoyed the sunny and warm holidays down South. Our best wishes to you for the New Year and we hope you like the Challenge coin sent as our thanks. - Tony
"(Here's) $30 for the dues and $70 to help the Association. I hope to see everyone at the Florida Reunion, June 1st to the 3rd."
Thank you for the 'help,' Tom and hopefully a lot of the guys and gals will be at the reunion that is put together with so much time and effort by Lou Hollander and his staff. As our thanks, we sent you a Challenge coin we hope you will like. - Tony
"Dear Ed, Sorry I was not able to attend meetings, but I whole-heartedly support our cause. May the New Year be healthy and wise for all our members and that we be successful in our endeavors. The donation is to be used at your discretion. Sincerely,"
Ret. P.O. Pat Caporrino(Ozone Park NY)
Though you may not be physically at the meetings, we are sure you are there in spirit, and we thank you for your generous $20 donation as a new Lifetime Member. All the best to you in 2012, and we hope you like the Challenge coin sent as our thanks. - Tony
"Tony, When I turned my computer on just now, I got an e-mail notice that my 2012 dues for the NYCRTPOA had been automatically sent and saw that I never changed the amount from $25 to $30 after you reminded us last year. I just sent you another $30 check with a memo - "Correct dues error" - on it. That will cover my 2012 dues. Consider the first check for $25 to be an IDIOT penalty I charged myself with and put it into the fund. Sorry about this mix-up and I have already corrected next year's payment. You should receive both checks at the same time on Friday.
Jack, no apologies needed. You are not alone in what happened. We still get some dues payments with the lesser amount and we thank you for correcting your end and making a donation to the Association. We hope you like the Challenge coin we sent as our thanks. - Tony
"Hi, Tony! Since I just turned 75, I guess I'm a Lifetime Member now. Please use the enclosed check as you see fit. You and the rest of the Association continue to do a great job. Happy holidays to all!"
Ret. P.O. Bill Germano(Barnegat NJ)
Yes, Bill, you are officially, and without a doubt, a Lifetime Member and afforded all the glory, honor and hoopla connected to that status. Congratulations and thank you very much for the $40 donation. We appreciate it and are sending you one of our Challenge coins as our thanks. All the best in health and happiness for the New Year. - Tony
The Association also wishes you and your family the best in 2012, Isaac, and thank you for the Christmas card you sent. Stay well. - Tony
"Dear Ed and the Board, Wishing all a very Happy and Healthy New Year! I know as we get older, we are forgetful but I checked my records and they indicate I paid my 2011 dues. I will assume (Oh, oh!) that the notation on the mailing label ("Non-paid") referred to the 2012 dues. Please advise if I forgot to pay any dues, a check for 2012 is enclosed."
Chief, thank you very much for your generous $50 donation. We will send an extra coin as our thanks along with the 2 you purchased. You are not alone in questioning the label; the software we have needs a little tweaking to add the year along with the paid/non-paid notation. - Tony
"Please use this gift as you see fit; I wish it were more. Happy New Year to all!"
Fred, your $30 gift is well appreciated and no matter if it was more or less doesn't lessen our gratitude for your generosity. We sent you a Challenge coin as our thanks. Have a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
"A little extra for those administrative expenses."
Ret. Det. Ed Mendez(Queens Village NY)
Thank you for the $25 donation, Ed, and we hope you like the Challenge coin we sent you as our appreciation. Yes, the costs are only going up and in January, postage will take a hike forward. - Tony
"Dear Ed, Enclosed please find a check. I am really not certain if my dues are in arrears at this time. If I am, in fact, up to date, please apply the amount towards expenses the Association has incurred. I appreciate the time and effort the officers of the Association have expended on our behalf. The names of the officers who are now, and have in the past, looked after our needs and benefits, are very familiar and it was a pleasure to have been associated with them. Have blessed Christmas and good health in the coming year."
Ret. Sgt. and Lifetime Member John Keane(Manalapan NJ) akeane@sc.rr.com
Thank you for your generous $50 donation for which we sent you a Challenge coin with our appreciation, John. We also thank you for your kind comments on the Association Board members. A very healthy and Happy New Year to you and yours. - Tony
"To the board, Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year."
Ret. Det. John Clinton(Monroe NY)
We hope you had an enjoyable Christmas season, John, and all the best to you in 2012. Thank you for your $20 gift, and the coin we sent is our appreciation for your generosity. - Tony
"You're doing a great job. Here's an extra $50. Semper Transit! Be well,"
That was very thoughtful of you, Lee, and we hope you like the Challenge coin we sent as our thanks. Have a healthy and Happy New Year - Tony
We received the following letters from Connie Jensen, widow of the late Ret. P.O. Arthur Jensen:
"Dear Sir, This note is to inform you of the passing of my husband, Arthur Jensen. He passed on August 4th of this year (2011)I would like to send the $30 dues in honor of his memory. Thank you. Sincerely,"
Connie Jensen(North Port FL)
“Dear Tony, First, I would like to say "Thank You!" for the lovely message you left for me; I was sorry I didn't get to speak to you. I appreciate your loyalty to your former brothers on the Transit Police. Thank you also for the beautiful coin you enclosed. I would like to have two more for my sons, Arthur and John. Again, I have to say your phone call brightened my day. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you and God bless you,"
Connie Jensen
As I explained to Connie in a note sent with the two coins she purchased, all we (the Association) do as well as all that Lou Hollander and Frank Crisa do to keep the retired members of the greatest police department ever informed, is what the term "Transit Family" means. - Tony
"A little extra for the organization. Hopefully I will feel healthy enough to attend a meeting in the future, something I have missed over the last couple of years. Happy Holidays!"
Paul, thank you very much for your $20 donation, and the Challenge coin sent is our appreciation. As much as we would like to see you at the meetings, it is more important that you regain your health so you can live a long and healthy retirement. All the best to you in the New Year. - Tony
Hello, George, and thank you for your thoughtful $20 donation. We hope you will like the Callenge coin we sent and all the best to you in 2012. Regards from the crew at SFH. - Tony
"Please use the extra $20 to keep up the good work. I appreciate my Transit memories more all the time."
Richie, we appreciate your generosity and may those memories last forever. - Tony
"Tony, I am sending two checks, one for $40 for my 2012 dues and a $10 donation, the other for $10 for one Transit Police Challenge coin to send with my 2012 membership cards. Thank you,"
Ret. P.O. John Tully(Bayside NY)
John, we are more than happy to send you the coin along with your cards and decals. We hope you like them and thank you for your purchase. - Tony
Gladly, Ray, and thank you for the coin purchase. Have a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
"Dear Eddie, Please find enclosed my dues payment and a payment for two Challenge coins. Please send the cards and coins to my Florida address. Thanks again and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and the rest of our Transit Police Family. Sincerely,"
Ret. Det. Joseph Volpicello(Montauk NY and Hudson FL) monmex123@aol.com
God bless you snowbirds! We hope your Christmas holidays were good to you, Joe, and our best to you and yours in this New Year. Thank you for the coin purchase and we hope you will like them. - Tony
"Please send one coin."
Ret. P.O. Bob Cohen(Pembroke Pines FL)
Thank you for the purchase, Bob, and our best to you in 2012. - Tony
"Enclosed is a $50 check, $30 for the 2012 dues and $20 for two Challenge coins. Thanks, guys, for all your efforts and it doesn't go unnoticed. Your dedication to us retired guys exemplifies your dedication we all had when we were working on the job. Thank you again and God bless! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all." Ret. P.O. Carlo Albanese(Mahopac NY) cva1359@verizon .net
Hi, Carlo, and thank you for the coin purchase. Your comments are very touching and we appreciate them very much. May the New Year bring health and happiness to you and yours. – Tony
"Enclosed are my 2012 dues and a little extra. You all do a great job.. God bless," Ret. P.O. Joseph Beneventano(Summerville SC) jab1@sc.rr.com
That was very thoughtful of you to send the extra $25, Joe, and we have sent you one of the Challenge coins as our thanks. All the best in 2012. - Tony
"Hello to all you Blue Knights." Ret. Lt. Jerry Kroll(Sun City West AZ) g.kroll@cox.net
I had to give up my CB750K many years ago, Jerry, and I still miss it. It was very thoughtful and generous of you to send in the extra $100 donation and we have sent you a few Challenge coins as our show of appreciation. We wish you a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
"Dear Ed, Here are my dues and a little extra to support the organization and newsletter which I look forward to receiving. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!"
Our best wishes to you and your family, Mike, for a healthy and happy New Year. We're happy to hear how much you (and many others) enjoy our newsletter and we can all thank our editor, Frank Crisa, for his hard work in its' preparation. Thank you very much for your $50 donation and we sent you a Challenge coin as our thanks. - Tony
"Tony, Enclosed are my dues and a little extra for expenses."
That 'little extra" of $20 can help a lot with the postal increase we got hit with. It shows up a lot with the newsletter and ordinary mailings. Thank you and enjoy the coin with our compliments. - Tony
"Dear brothers, Please send a Challenge coin. An additional $10 is enclosed. Fraternally,"
We send it with thanks and appreciation, Sal. Take care and have the best in 2012. - Tony
"Ed, Enclosed are two checks; one for the dues with a little extra and one for the Challenge coins. Thank you for everything you do. Take care and a healthy and happy New Year to you and your family. Fraternally,"
A happy and healthy 2012 to you, too, Ralph. In addition to the coins you purchased, we are adding an extra one for your $20 donation and we greatly appreciate your generosity. - Tony
"I pay my dues every year, but my name has never been mentioned in your publication!"
Ret. P.O. Joe Funk(Westbury NY)
Well, Joe, here you are! We wish we could print out the names of every member of this Association in every issue of this newsletter, but that would be impractical due to space requirements. What we do publish are the letters and notes we receive from members when they send in their dues and/or a donation. This is why Frank Crisa and I go through all this work to type out each letter, then I post it on the website and Frank publishes it in the issue. I hope this answers your question and thank you for being a member. - Tony
"You guys are doing a great job in keeping all of us informed, and we really appreciate it.Keep up the good work; it is a tremendous value to all of us."
Thank you for your compliments, John, and thank you again for your $100 donation. We have sent you a Challenge coin as our thanks for your generosity. - Tony
"I am including an additional $10 along with my dues. I am hoping, along with my membership cards, you could include a Challenge coin. Thanks,"
Your wish is our command, Bob, and by now you would have received the coin. We surely hope you like it. - Tony
"Enclosed is a check for $100. $30 is for the dues, $50 is for five coins, and $20 is for a donation. Keep up the good work! God bless you and God bless America!"
We are very happy to hear how much the Challenge coins are so well liked by our members and friends and we thank you for the purchase. All the best to you and yours in the New Year. - Tony
"Tony, I hope all is well with the family. (I am) enclosing a $35 check which includes $10 for the coin and use the balance for the Association needs. My application is enclosed with my DOB stating I hit the magical 3/4 century mark. Good luck and a Happy and Healthy New Year to all. Stay well!"
It's always good to hear from you, Irv, and now that you are officially a Lifetime Member, along with your coin purchase, we are adding another coin for your thoughtful donation. Stay well, my fellow Stillwell Avenue partner. - Tony
"Tony, I reached 75 years of age, thank God! Use this check as needed for the organization. Happy New Year to all!"
Hello, Arnie, and welcome into the Lifetime Membership Club. We wish you all the best in 2012 and hope you like the Challenge coin we sent as our thanks for your $30 donation. - Tony
"Please send a Challenge coin. You guys do a great job. Thanks," Ret. P.O. Donald Parks(Fountain Hills AZ) chief1657@cox.net
We are happy to send you the coin you purchased, Don, and thank you for that and your comments on our work. - Tony
"Ed, Enclosed is my check for $70. $30 is for my 2012 dues and $40 is for four of the Challenge coins." Ret. P.O. William Grossi(Mahopac NY)
Thank you both for your continuing membership, Bill, and the coins you purchased. Stay well and take care. - Tony
"Happy New Year, guys! Please use the additional $70 as you see fit." Ret. Sgt. 'Anonymous'
Thank you very much for your generosity, 'Anonymous' and we hope you like the coins we sent you with our appreciation. Happy New Year to you! - Tony
"I am enclosing my 2012 dues plus (extra) to use as it sees fit." Ret. P.O. Sharon Kowsh(Palm Coast FL) ocean2319@aol.com
We can put your $20 donation to good use, Sharon, and thank you for it. The coin sent is our appreciation. - Tony
"Tony, Enclosed is a donation for the Association to be used as needed. Best regards," Association Historian and Ret. Court Officer JJ Sullivan(Brooklyn NY) dadacnt@aol.com
Thank you, JJ, and you know firsthand the expenses the Association is faced with. Your $25 donation can easily go for the new postage rates. - Tony
"Here is a little extra money to help with expenses. I enjoy hearing from you and especially the old stories. You have done a great job keeping us informed. Please keep up the good work you do. Yours,"
As we mentioned before, with postage going up, the newsletters our editor, Frank Crisa, does so well with, keep costing more to mail out and your $20 donation will certainly help..The Challenge coin we sent you is a show of our appreciation. - Tony
'Ed, I have enclosed a little something extra for the Association to use as they see fit. Merry Christmas!"
That 'little' extra of $50 will be well put to good use, Rudy, and thank you for your generosity. We hope you had a pleasant and enjoyable Christmas season and our best to you in 2012. - Tony
"Hi, Ed! I hope all is well with you and yours. My wife is on the mend and starting to walk on her newly reconstructed ankle and foot. We've been glued at the hips since September and looking forward to getting out and about with the guys. Enclosed are my 2012 dues and something extra for a brother or sister who needs it. Merry Christmas! Ret. P.O. Al Pelliccia(N Massapequa NY) cappermt@gmail.com
We're glad to hear the progress on your wife's surgery, Al, and please give her our best wishes for a full recovery. Thank you for your generous $75 donation and all the best for a healthier and happy New Year. We hope you will like the Challenge coin we sent you for your thoughtfulness. - Tony
"Tony, Here is my 2012 renewal ($30) and $50 is for the Association. I hope it helps with the cost of postage. To you and everyone, a Happy and Safe New Year." Ret. Sgt./SA Louis Maresco(Brooklyn NY) all4lou@aol.com
That was very thoughtful of you, Lou, for the donation and we have sent you a Challenge coin as our appreciation. May you and yours have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. - Tony
Jerry, you must love us to send in a $75 donation. We appreciate it very much and our best wishes to you for a long and healthy retirement and the best in 2012. – Tony
“Dear Ed, After reading your “plus” for early payment of dues, I decided to do just that...Pay My Dues!!! By the way, I retired in 1970 and have paid my annual dues each and every year. Regards and best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.”
Ret. Det. 2nd Grade and Lifetime Member Anna Romano(Middletown NY)
God bless you, Anna! Having members like you with such a strong belief in this organization is what makes us Transit Cops so great. Your $30 ‘dues’ is always appreciated and the Challenge coin is our way of saying “Thanks!” – Tony
No, thank you, Alex. Those two short words mean a lot to us on the board. It tells us that we are (hopefully) doing the right thing in keeping Transit alive and ongoing. Stay well and take care. – Tony
“To all, Thanks for all the work you do for us. Have a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. With memories to all,”
Thank you, Billy, for the kind comments. May you also have a safe and healthy 2012. - Tony
“Say hello to Patty Collins from me. Thanks to Patty, I made it through.”
Ret. P.O. Arthur Browning(Pompano Beach FL)
We will do just that, Artie, when we speak to him next. Patty has done a lot for the Association these past several years and has finally ‘retired’ as a snowbird. I’m sure he will be glad to hear from you. – Tony
“Hi! Have a great holiday season. I was paid for last year (2011) and the money was sent to Tony Lomanto. Thank you.”
Yes, Bill, I know you are paid for 2011, and thank you for sending in your dues for 2012. The label on the dues envelope should have said ‘Non Paid-2012’ as there was a glitch in the label program that I hope to have corrected and avoid any more confusion in the future for our members. – Tony
“Dear Tony, Enclosed is my check for $30 to the Association for 2012. Could you send me Tony Morrissey’s phone and home address in Peachtree, GA? I worked with Tony for years and I’ll be 85 in January.”
Ret. P.O. and Lifetime Member Richard Doyle(Bronx NY)
First of all, thank you for the donation as a Lifetime Member and we wish you many more years of healthy retirement. I had sent you the information you wanted along with a Challenge coin with our appreciation. – Tony
“A Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all of you. I added $20 for the kitty.”
Ret. Sgt. Tom Moriarty(Sloatsburg NY)
We hope your Christmas and holiday season was enjoyable, Tom, and thank you for the $20 gift. We sent you a Challenge coin as our show of appreciation. – Tony
“As a Lifetime Member, Class of 1950, I am wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Ret. P.O. and Lifetime Member Lou Pisano(Massapequa NY)
As a representative of the Class of December, 1965, we wish you the best of everything in 2012. From the Association, we thank you for your thoughtful $25 donation and have sent you a Challenge coin. Stay well – Tony
“Ed, This letter is to acknowledge the receipt of the 2012 annual Association cards and the decals; thanks for the service. The secondary purpose is to order two Challenge coins (if available). Enclosed please find a check in the amount of $20 to cover the cost for the coins. Best wishes for a successful year,”
Ret. Lt. and Lifetime Member Mario DelCore(Brooklyn NY)
Thank you for the purchase, Mario. We are always happy to send out the coins to whoever wants to purchase them or as a thank you for anyone sending in a donation of $20 or more. If you need more coins, just ask. - Tony
DECEMBER 10, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #11
"Happy and healthy Holidays to all."
Ret. Capt. Steve Gartner(Brooklyn NY)
And may you also have an enjoyable holiday season along with a prosperous and healthy 2012. - Tony
"Please accept my dues and the extra money maybe should be used for a monument of Frank Crisa (better known as "Gas Pipe") for a job well done."
Ret. P.O. Al Ciprello[better known as "Moon"](Staten Island NY) moon13@aol.com
Al, first of all, thank you for the generous $25 donation for which we are sending you one of our Challenge coins. Second, and this is from Frank himself after I told him of your suggestion: "He always was crazy!" Frank does a lot for the organization in the time alone spent putting the newsletter together for the enjoyment of the membership. Besides, how can Frank carry the statue around to every meeting he attends? - Tony
DECEMBER 6, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #10
"Tony, Here's the 2012 dues. The best,'
Ret. P.O. Joe Rinklin (Jericho NY)
Thanks for sending in your dues early, Joe. Expect the new membership cards we will be sending out very soon. In the meantime, have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2012. - Tony
"Hi! My 2012 dues and a donation from Tom Menninger. It was great seeing some of us at the Canaveral (FL) reunion. Hope your Thanksgiving was great and have a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year."
Thanksgiving was good and we hope yours was, too, Tom. Thank you for your very generous $75 donation and we are sending you a Challenge coin as our appreciation. May you also have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year. - Tony
And a very Merry Christmas to you, Richie, and thank you very much for your thoughtful $25 donation. We hope you will like your Christmas gift of one of our Challenge coins. - Tony
DECEMBER 4, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #9
"Tony, Here are my dues plus a little extra. Use it where needed. I will try to make this year's Christmas Party on the 14th at Antuns. Regards,"
Good to hear from you, Freddy, and thank you for both sendng in your dues early and for your very generous $70 donation for which we are sending you one of our Challenge coins as our thanks. We appreciate it and we wish you and your new bride, Ann, a most Merry Christmas, a healthy and happy New Year, and a long life together in happiness. - Tony
"Dear members, Wishing you all the Season's Greetings and a Happy New Year. Keep 'Beyond the Line' afloat."
Ret. Lt. and Lifetime Member Al Johnson (Brooklyn NY)
That is very generous of you to send in the $30 donation, Al, and as long as our editor, Frank Crisa, is able to do so, the newsletter will continue to be published. We also wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year and we hope you will like the Challenge coin we sent as our thanks. - Tony
"Hello, Tony, Enclosed is my check for my dues and an extra $30 for the Association. I would like to wish you and the family and to all our Transit Family members the best and healthy Holidays. This has been a rough year on me and my family. I had to have open heart surgery this past January to replace my aortic valve. The surgery went well but I still have more recovery to go, but I thank God for every new day and look forward to the next day. Fraternally,"
Thank you, Mike, for your continuing membership and for your donation. We are sending you one of our Challenge coins with our thanks along with our best wishes and prayers for your recovery back to good health. Have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
"Tony, I am submitting $30 for my dues for 2012 and an extra $50 for the kitty. Take care and God bless America!"
Ret. P.O. Callie Loguisto (Aquebogue NY)
Thank you, Callie. Kitty appreciates it and is sending you a Challenge coin with our thanks. Have a Merry Christmas season and a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
Thanks, Eddie, and please accept the Challenge coin as our thank you for your $25 gift. Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
"Hi guys! Please find my 2012 dues and something a little extra for the Association. Keep up all your good work; it is most appreciated by all. Thanks,"
Good to hear from you, Andy, and our thanks for your thoughtful $20 donation. We hope you will like the Challenge coin sent as our appreciation,and the best to you and yours for the Christmas holidays and a healthy and happy 2012. - Tony
"Hi guys! Here are my dues and a little extra. Keep up the good work; it is appreciated."
Thank you, Jerry, for your $20 gift. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are appreciated and we are sending you one of our Challenge coins as our thanks. Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
"Tony, Here are my dues plus a little more. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
Ret. P.O. Joe Mongiello (New Port Richey FL)
We also wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we thank you for your generous $45 donation for which wwe are sending you one of our Challenge coins as our thanks. - Tony
"Tony, Enclosed is my donation to the organization in memory of the good friends I have lost, to wit: Mike Spadafora, Lt. Eli Smilen, Mike O'Leary, John Gannnotta, Richie Purcell, Capt. Bill Bell, Paul DiGiacomo, Insp. Ryan, Joe Saladino, Bill Eliopoulos, and Charlie Mills. They were all "good cops." May they rest in peace.
That is very thoughtful of you, Bill, for the $100 donation in the memory of some very fine police officers and most of all, good friends. Yes, they are missed along with the many other fellow officers we have lost over the years. May they all rest in peace. Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year - Tony
"Hello, Thanks for being there. Keep looking out! May 2012 be much better."
Ret. P.O. Joe Caldwell (Laurelton NY)
Thank you for the compliment and for your very generous $100 donation, Joe. A long and healthy retirement along with a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year are extended to you and yours. We are also sending you a Challenge coin as our thanks and appreciation. - Tony
"To Treasurer Tony, Tony, I've been a retired TPO member since the mid '80s, having retired on three-quarters disability in 1981. The 1st of December, 1965, was my first day in the Academy, having been discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in mid-March of 1964. Since the late '80s, I keep busy as an active Legionnaire and I'm now the Chaplain of the Delaware County Americal Legion. Enclosed is a check with the U.S. flag for payment of my 2012 dues, and a check with the cross, as a Christmas gift to the Retired TPO Association. Merry Christmas to all!"
We're sorry you had to leave 'the job' so early yet we are happy to hear how well you have done since retirement. I was also in that big class and thankfully, the years have been good to most of us. Thank you for your thoughtful and generous $50 donation and our best wishes to you and yours for a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. Please accept the Challenge coin we sent as our thanks and thank you for your service to the country while in the Corps. - Tony
"Please accept my 2012 dues plus an additional $15. Keep up the good work!"
Ret. Det. William Weber (New Hempstead NY) Senior Analyst, Corporate Security at Teva Pharmaceuticals william.weber@tevapharm.com
Thanks, Bill, and our best wishes in your new career, along with our best wishes to you and yours for a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
"Hi! Here's an extra $25 and thank you for the work you do."
Ret. Det. Frank Maddalena (Chester Springs PA) detpaco@aol.com
Thank you, Frank, and we hope you have fully recovered from your recent 'episodes.' The Challenge coin is our thanks for your generosity and our best wishes to you and yours for a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
"Tony- Ed (Russo) said to send you $10 for a Challenge coin. Here's $12.50 and that should cover postage. Thanks,"
Thanks, Al, but $10 is sufficient for the packaging and postage. The rest will be used for a worthy expense, I'm sure. Have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
"The check is for my 2012 dues and the rest is for a Challenge coin. Keep up the good work!"
Ret. P.O. Andrew Delorenzo (New York NY)
Thanks, Andy, for sending your dues in early and for the coin purchase. We hope you will like it and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
"Enclosed please find my check for $100 to cover my 2012 dues and the remainder for the Retirees Association to use for their worthwhile causes."
Ret. P.O. Stephen Brennan (Deer Park NY)
Thank you, Steve, for your generous and thoughtful donation and to show our appreciation, we have sent you one of our Challenge coins. Have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. - Tony
NOVEMBER 16, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #8
"Tony, Let me start by stating I feel you and everyone on the staff are doing an excellent job keeping the Transit Police alive. Keep up the good work. It's hard to believe that I have been retired for 25 years, but my health is fine and my wife and I travel a lot. Enclosed you will find a check in the amount of $70 of which $30 is for the annual dues, $20 for two Challenge coins and $20 for whatever. Thanks again,"
That is a very thoughtful comment and we appreciate it very much, as we do with your donation and coin purchase. - Tony
"Tony, I am now a Lifetime Member, so please accept this donation and put it to use as needed."
Ret. P.O. Teddy Fisher, Jr. (Bayside NY)
Congratulations on the upgrade to Lifetime status, Teddy, and thabnk you very much for your $50 gift. The coin sent is our "Thank you." - Tony
"Tony, Please use the $30 for whatever and thanks again for helping my wife in St. Francis Hospital."
Ret. P.O. Nick Lutsky (Bayside NY)
Thank you, Nick, for the donation and please accept the Challenge coin we sent as our thanks. The guys at St. Francis were more than happy to help you and your wife during her critical time of need. - Tony
"Dear Tony, Here are my 2012 dues. Sorry I missed the last two meetings. See you soon."
Thanks, Tommy, for sending in your dues early. We missed you also and hope to see you at the upcoming meetings. For those who may not know Tommy, he is the son of the late Ret.Transit P.O. Tom Greer who worked in District 20. - Tony
NOVEMBER 8, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #7
"Tony, Enclosed are my 2012 dues and a little extra so the guys could have a cold one on me. Thank you."
Ret. Sgt. Eddie Bermudez(Freehold NJ)
That was very thoughtful of you, Eddie, to send in the extra $25. We will make sure that "cold one" will be put to good use at the Christmas Party. In the meantime, we are sending you a Challenge coin as our thanks and have a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year. - Tony
"Hi Guys! Season's Greetings! Please find my check for the 2012 dues and something for the Health & Welfare Fund. Best Wishes!"
Thanks for sending in your dues early, Stan, and a special thanks for your generous $50 donation to which a Challenge coin is being sent with our thanks. Have a very happy and healthy Holiday Season.
OCTOBER 29, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #6
"Tony, Enclosed are my dues for 2012 and a little extra. I hope to see you at the November Reunion or at the Christmas/Holiday Party. I hope all is well. Thanks for everything you all do."
It's always good hearing from you, Donny. It lets us know you are still roaming around up there in the wild north. We also wish to thank you for your very generous $70 donation and a Challenge coin is on its' way to youwith our appreciation. - Tony
"Tony, Thanks to Eddie, you and the board for all the time and effort you put in keeping our retirees association strong and informed. The 2012 dues are enclosed."
Thank you for your comments, John, and thanks to you both for your $25 donation and for the time and efforts you give us in the fight for the VSF. - Tony
"Tony, Sorry for the application but that is how I got it delivered. If you could send two coins, I would appreciate it. The dues are included and the rest as a donation. The slots are still giving something. Thanks"
Frank, that back page looked like the mail truck that delivered the newsletter to you ran it over first, but it was still legible to read. We wish to thank you for sending in your dues early, for the coin purchase, and more so, for the generous $50 donation. We sent you an extra coin in appreciation. Take care. - Tony
"Dear Tony, Although I am a Lifetime Member, please accept my donation of $30 for the 2012 dues. My wife, MaryAnn, and I are also pleased to announce the birth of our 16th grandchild, Amelia Rose Crean."
Ret. P.O. Dave Crean (Seaford NY)
Congratulations are in order, Dave. Your family must have some gathering around the holidays. God bless you all! We also wish to thank you for the donation and the fact that you will be our new Sergeant-at-Arms starting in 2012. Nice going and our best wishes for the latest addition to the family. - Tony
OCTOBER 24, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #5
We received an interesting email from Ret. Lt. Bob Lagarenne recently with a photo attachment. Bob's late father, Ret. P.O. Harry Lagarenne and I worked together in District 34. The photo is of the Class of 1981-07. Notice how young they all looked back then, even the instructors, Ret. Sgt. Ben Pepitone and Ret. Sgt. Ed Kaercher.
Thanks for the photo, Bob. Now all we need to know is who are all the people in the photo. I may be mistaken, but is the female on the left in the 2nd to last row Irma Lozada? - Tony
Hi John and our best wishes to you and your family in your new home. A special thank you for the generous $30 donation and for our thanks, we have sent you one of our Challenge coins. Stay well. - Tony
"Please accept my check for the 2012 dues. I enjoyed reading "Always a Cop," and "When Cops Retire." I'm so sorry Joe Russomanno passed away. I always remember him on 50th & 6th. Rest in peace, bro!
See you at the meeting,"
Ret. P.O. (Honorary Member) Tommy Barreca (Brooklyn NY)
It's always good hearing from you, Tommy. You are a true example of always having Transit blood despite going over to NYPD so many years ago. - Tony
"Hi, Tony, Here are my dues for 2012. The extra $100 is for the Association. I moved to Greenwood SC after 9/11 and am living on a 27 hole golf course. It's a big difference from NYC. Keep up the great work you and the board are doing."
We hope you are enjoying golf on a daily basis, Jack, and there are no holes in any of your windows. Thanks you very much for such a generous donation and for our "Thanks", we are sending you a few Challenge coins for our appreciation. - Tony
"Hi, Tony, I hope alll is well. Looking forward to a healthy 2012. Say hello to everyone and wish all Happy Holidays."
Good to hear from you, Tim, and we hope all is better with you and your family these days. I will pass on your wishes to the guys at SFH and we send the same back to you. We also wish to thank you for your thoughtful and generous $30 donation, and hope you like the Challenge coin we sent as our thanks. - Tony
OCTOBER 16, 2011 A THANK YOU NOTE FROM MARILYN LOIACONO
We received the following Thank You note from Marilyn Loiacono, widow of the late Ret. Sgt. Frank Loiacono who recently passed away, after receving the Association Memorial Folder and the Death Benefit check.
"Dear Anthony, How nice to receive the Memorial Folder and the membership cards. Frank always carried his police cards in his wallet. And thank you for the check. I will put it to good use. You asked if you could assist me. I want to continue the health insurance Frank had with GHI. Can you send me a name and number I can contact?
Thank you in advance,"
Marilyn Loiacono (Florence NJ)
We would be very happy to help you, Marilyn. I will send you a letter with the information you need to continue the GHI under COBRA, - Tony
OCTOBER 16, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #4
"Hi Tony, I trust y'all are doing fine. My regards to the crew. As for my dues, I believe I'm paid up for the next year - 2012. If not, please take out what you need for dues and the rest for the "war chest." I can't believe we lost 26 members, Tony. I hope they're not shooting at each other. My best to Rev. Rocco Carlo. He wrote a good article. It had me thinking of past memories, especially the women in my life. So help me, that after a time, they would want to slap me, punch me, kick me, stab me, or shoot me. Tony, remember that song "What is this thing called love?" I don't think it was meant for me! Take care, good buddy. Always"
Ret. P.O. Mike Canade (Bradenton FL)
First of all, Mike, why would anyone want to hurt a big teddy bear like you? Second, a big thank you for sending in your dues early but you are already paid up for both 2012 and 2013, so I have applied your check for 2014 and a $70 donation. That will be the last year you are asked to send in dues as you will be a Lifetime Member starting in 2015, so make sure you take care of yourself and enjoy the new membership status. We are sending you a Challenge coin as our way of saying thanks. - Tony
"Tony, Enclosed is my check for $30. Please accept it as a thank you for continuing the tradition of sending me a copy of "Beyond the Line." Again, thanks so much. PS - I was very pleased with Ted's memoriam in the issue."
Miriam Rotun (South Fallsburg NY) widow of the late Ret. P.O. Theodore "Teddy" Rotun
Thank you for the donation, Miriam. As you requested, we will continue sending you a copy of our newsletter as they are published and we are sending you a Challenge coin as our thanks. - Tony
Thank you for the $20 donation, Jim, and we hope you will like the Challenge coin sent as our thanks. - Tony
"Hi, Ed- Enclosed are my dues and a little extra. Also note my new address. Respectfully,
Ret. P.O. Jim Rifino (Hopewell Junction NY)
Thanks, Jim, both for sending in your dues early and for the generous $45 donation to which we are sending you a Challenge coin as our thank you. Our best wishes in your new home, too.- Tony
"To Whom It May Concern- If my dues are paid up, apply to next year's. Sincerely,"
Thanks, Bill, you are paid up for 2011 and for 2012, so we have applied your dues check to 2013. Thanks for sending it in early and for your continued membership. - Tony
OCTOBER 4, 2011 RET. DET. LOU CRUZ AS A PROUD GRANDPA
We received this from Lou Hollander as sent by Ret. Det. Louie Cruz cruzesq@msn.com
New California granddaughters reached the ripe age of One. Whenever things aren't going "Just right," look at these smiling little faces and you will smile.
Always, Lou
Congratulations, Lou. We are sure you will spoil your two "princesses" in life. - Tony
SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #3
"Enclosed please find my check for the 2011 / 2012 dues. Please use the additional funds as you see fit. Thanks for doing such a great job. I look forward to the newsletter.
Thank you, George, for sending in your dues this early and for the generous $40 donatoin. As I reported in my email to you, since you had already paid for 2011, I credited your check for 2012 and 2013 along with the donation. For our thanks, we sent George a Challenge coin. - Tony
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 LOU HOLLANDER STARTING A NEW ADDITION TO HIS WEBSITE
From Lou Hollander:
I received a Promotion and Graduation exercise program from October, 1974 from a former Transit Cop, Roy Moren,PIGBIKE@aol.com who was caught up in the ’75 layoffs. After being laid off Roy moved to Florida and became a Hillsborough County Deputy, where he retired after 26 years. He had said maybe I would be interested in posting it on my web page and the more I thought about it, I got the idea to create a memorabilia page on my web. I thought this was a great piece of memorabilia to be my first addition. There are so many people I know who are in this program, I thought they would enjoy viewing it. I will continue adding memorabilia as I find it. If you have any graduation or promotion programs you would like me to post or any Transit Police memorabilia, please scan it or take a photo and email it to me and I will post it. To view my first piece of memorabilia, click on this link http://www.nyctpflare.com/Memorabila.htm or type it into your browser.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #2
"While I am well over the Life Membership age, I still want to donate something to keep the organization going. Keep up the good work!"
Ret. D.I. Ed Challis (Franklin Square NY)
I contacted Ed and thanked him for his donation and sent one of our Challenge coins as a thank you for his $30 gift. - Tony
"Dear Eddie, I am sending a check to cover both my 2012 and 2013 dues plus $40 to help out. I hope this letter finds everyone in the best of health. Always remember: Transit Cops are Tops." Mother Transit was good to all of us. Sorry the "Gutter Guards" had to steal us away. Proud to be Transit!"
OK, Freddy, now we don't have to remind you to send in your dues for a few years and thank you for doing that and a special thank you for that extra $40 donation. A Challenge coin is on its way as our thanks to you. Transit Forever!!! - Tony
"Hi Tony, I am showing you a NY Daily Newspaper article from 1979. After 1980, I retired. My last train was finished, over or under it. Well to all!"
As copied from the Queens edition of The Daily News, 1979 (exact date unknown):
Headline reads:TA Cop rescues man, MDs fail to save arm.
A 57 year old Flushing man who was run over by an IND train Saturday night and was aided by a Transit cop who crawled under a "live" train to reach him, was reported in fair condition yesterday after his badly mangled arm was amputated at Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica.
The victim, Vincent Cahill, of 141-18 78th Avenue, was aided by TA officer Norman Wasserman, moments after a northbound 'F' train passed over him at 7:21 PM Saturday, at the Union Turnpike station in Kew Gardens.
Just one thought
Wasserman, 48, an 18 year old veteran, said yesterday that he didn't wait until the power was cut off, because he had only one thought in mind: To save that man's life."
"As we were pulling out of the Union Turnpike station the train made an emergency stop." Wasserman said. "A teenage boy ran up to me and told me he had just seen a man fall from the platform between cars onto the tracks. I immediately radioed communications but decided not to wait the five minutes it takes to have the power turned off. I took my flashlight and began searching the tracks."
Wasserman said when he checked the third car of the 10 car train, he saw first a leg extending out, then heard moaning, and saw blood gushing from the man's upper left arm. The man was prone, about 75 feet under the car.
Rescue Effort
"By the time another officer was on the platform,' Wasserman said, "I asked him for his belt and he handed it to me. Then I took my nightstick, and using it and the belt, made a tourniquet where the man's arm was cut and mangled. This stopped the bleeding. Then the man started losing consciousness. I gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Later a rescue squad arrived.
Cahill was rushed to Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica where a team of doctors, led by Dr. Peter Rocki, worked for more than three hours to save his arm.
A spokesman at the hospital said yesterday that attempts to save Cahill's arm failed. Cahill was reported to be alert and in fair condition.
Wasserman, who said the heat under the train Saturday night felt like it was near 200 degrees, had the day off yesterday,
Great work, Norman, and thank you for that article copy. These are the stories we like to receive and post in the newsletter.Enjoy a continuing healthy retirement. - Tony
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 2012 DUES LETTERS #1
"Hi Tony, Frank and the Board,
It is my pleasure to forward the attached check. Thanks for all you do on our behalf."
Thank you, Ed, for sending in your dues early and thanks again for your generous $20 donation. A Challenge coin is sent as our thanks. - Tony
"Dear Tony,
To know that I'm being thought of means the world to me. Thank you for everything. Sincerely,"
Lisa Rigney (wife of the late Association member, P.O. Richard Rigney)
Lisa, it all goes back to what we all feel about the "Transit Family;" it will never end and you will always be part of it. - Tony
"Hi Tony, I'm sending in my dues early this year, less I forget again. Please send me 3 of the Challenge Coins and use the remainder as you see fit. Stay well and keep the faith. Your old neighbor from "Pig Town." "
Thanks for sending in your dues early, Joe, and a special thanks for the coin purchase and the $40 donation. For that, we are sending you an extra coin as our thanks. For those non-Brooklynites, Pig Town was an old part of Flatbush around Brooklyn & Kingston Avenues north of Kings County Hospital. As the name implies, there were some pig farms around the turn of the century. - Tony
"Hey, Tony, Enclosed are my 2012 dues and a little extra. I've been in and out of hospitals since November, 2010, and just got out after 14 days when my kidneys shut down. I'm hanging in and hope to make the meetings soon. Thanks for everything you and the Board do."
Thank you for sending in your dues along with the extra $25 donation, Joe. We're sending you one of the Challenge coins as our thanks along with all our prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery. So hurry up and get well and we hope to see you at the meetings. - Tony
August 16, 2011 LATE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN FROM RET. P.O. JOHN T. KELLY
No apologies necessary, John, and thank you both for sending in the dues and for your very generous $100 donation. We hope you like the Challenge coins sent as our thanks. – Tony
July 25, 2011 A GREAT LOOK BACK IN HISTORY ON YOU TUBE
We received this link from Ret. NYPD Det. & former Transit, Ed Keevan. I viewed it and it sure brings back many memories. http://youtu.be/TRWC3tY-wKI
July 19, 2011 LONG LOST LETTER FOUND FROM RET. P.O. ALAN SILVERBERG and a NOTE FROM RET. P.O. TONY VONA
Today, while putting away some stationery into a closet, I came across an unopened letter from Ret. P.O. Alan Silverberg that was stuck to the underside of a box of envelopes and it contained a donation check and a note. I later informed Alan by email of the error. Alan had joined as a new member in December, 2010.
"Dear Tony, First, let me say thanks for the note and the past issues of the newsletter. I left the job in February, 2010 after 36 years and it really hit me that the cops I worked with were some of the finest people in the world. I look forward to attending all the events to come. Please accept my check for a donation to this fine organization.
In the email I sent Alan, I apologized for my error and informed him that his note will appear in the next issue Frank Crisa and I are now working on. Alan saw that his original check was never cashed so he did send in another $100 donation in late January. We did thank him for that and sent a Challenge coin with our appreciation. - Tony
"Hi, Tony, Since I reached the age of 75 and no more dues, I am enclosing a check for $30 for the Association on behalf of my Great Grandchildren. Regards,"
Congratulations, Great Grandfather. It's always happy seeing another member join the ranks of the Lifetime Membership list. Thank you for the donation and please accept one of our Challenge coins as our thanks. Stay well and have a long and healthy retirement. - Tony
July 18, 2011 RECRUITMENT BRINGS IN A NEW MEMBER
Ret. Det. Frank Cayea sent in the following note attached to an application for a new member, Ret. Det. Jose Santiago:
"Hi Tony, Enclosed is a membership form. An old partner of mine who I broke in in the Robbery and Pickpocket Squad stopped over to use my pool and tell old stories. When he told me he wasn't a member, I told him to fill it out. I am also paying for him and please send him a Challenge coin also."
Ret. Det. Frank Cayea (Brentwood NY)
Thank you very much for your recruitment work, Frank, and we want to welcome Jose into the Association membership. We look forward to seeing the both of you very soon at our meetings. - Tony
July 16, 2011 A FEW MORE LETTERS SENT IN WITH THE DUES
"Sorry I misplaced this notice and forgot about it. Please keep me current and thanks for everything."
Thank you for the purchase, Ed, and we're happy you like them so much. Please give our best wishes to your son out there in sunny California. If you can convince him to write a short article about his department, it would make a nice part in a future issue of our newsletter. - Tony
July 12, 2011 THANK YOU FROM LISA RIGNEY (late posting)
The Association recently sent a donation to Lisa Rigney, widow of the lateRet. P.O. Richard Rigney, soon after the sudden death of her daughter. In response, Lisa sent the following note which I regretfully failed to post upon receipt:
"Dear Tony, I am deeply sorry for the delay in thanking you, President Ed Russo and the Executive Board members for your thoughtfulness and generosity.
Thank you, also, for the newsletter and membership cards.
God bless you all."
Lisa Rigney
July 6, 2011 THE CHALLENGE COINS KEEP SELLING
"This check is for the 2012 dues and please send me four of the NYCTPD Challenge Coins and the rest - $30 - is a donation. Keep up the good work."
Thank you for your early dues payment, Jerry, and thank you for the coin purchase and donation to which we will send an extra coin as our thank you. Most important, thank you for remaining a member of the Association. - Tony
"Ed, The enclosed check is for six medallions (Challenge coins) if you would be so kind to send them. I gave my last one away this week (and) you can't believe how people's eyes light up when you give them one and explain what the Transit PD was all about. So, they are, in their own way, a great success in public relations.
Thanks in advance."
PS - In looking for paper and an envelope for this, I came across a long misplaced autograph of Davey Johnson. I also found this photo of Insp. Hillel Valentine and Sgt. Joe Sede. Did you know them?
Thanks again,"
Ret. P.O. & Lifetime Member Richard Broderick (Gettysburg PA) giants214@aol.com
Thank you for the coin purchase, Richie, and yes, I knew both Insp. Valentine when he was a Lt. in the OU and Joe Sede when he was a P.O. riding the 8P trains out of District 34. - Tony
July 4, 2011 THE WEST COAST CALLING IN TO SAY HELLO
"Tony, Me and Frank Arcati last week in California."
Good to hear from you and Frank, Al, and we hope you both had a good time together out there in California.
June 30, 2011 PLAQUE OF CONGRATULATIONS GIVEN TO OUR OLDEST MEMBER
A few weeks ago, Ret. Insp. John Ferrante and Ret. P.O. Lou Pisano travelled to Connecticut to deliver a plaque to our oldest Association member, Ret. P.O. Lou Pavlu, who turned 100 years old in January.
As our Executive Vice President Harry Hassler says it: "John Ferrante (and Lou Pisano) delivered the plaque to Lou Pavlu and I received a 'thank you' email from his daughter (Mary-Lou Pakenas) that Lou was very grateful for the plaque and visits from his old friends. I also asked John to do an interview with Lou and take some photos of the presentation."
The photo of the plaque is below and when I receive the photos John may have taken, I will post them here.
June 30, 2011 LETTERS COMING IN FROM THE LATE DUES POSTCARD MAILING
We recently sent out 107 postcards to those past members who were in arrears in their dues, some for the past 2 years. So far, we have been getting a decent response and a few notes attached with the payments.
"I belong to five Police organizations. Sometimes I forget which ones I paid and which ones I forgot, but my memories of the Transit Police will never be forgotten. Transmish Forever!!!
Ret. P.O. Paul Rosenblatt (Manchester NJ) SGMTPO@AOL.COM
Good hearing from you again, Paul. You know you're alive and kicking when you can still remember what "The Job" was like way back when and thanks for sending in your dues. - Tony
June 24, 2011 RET. P.O. VINNY MARINO MAKES IT TO THE HALL OF FAME
My old Company 5 partner and Flatbush, Brooklyn neighbor, Ret. P.O. Vinny Marino, sent me this note. Sorry to say but it is not the one in Cooperstown, NY.
"Hi, Tony,
I just want to say I was elected to the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame and will be inducted on September 10th of this year, in Dalton, Georgia.
The Hall of Fame is in Mustang, Oklahoma. (Ret. P.O.) Sam Sapienza is the only one I know from the job that's already in the Hall of Fame.
Thank you, and here's a little donation of $50."
Ret. P.O. Vinny Marino, (Stuart, FL)
Congratulations on your achievement,Vinny. I'm sure a lot of the retirees who played Transit softball with and against you know of your skills. Nice going and thank you very much for your generous $50 donation. We hope you will like the Challenge coin sent as our thanks. - Tony
June 24, 2011 THE CHALLENGE COINS ARE STILL GOING OUT
"Hi, Tony
I am enclosing a check in the amount of $30 for three Challenge coins. Thank you for all your help."
Thank you for your purchase, George, and I'm glad I could help you with your recent phone call request. - Tony
June 17, 2011 A THANK YOU NOTE FROM THE COSPITO FAMILY
In response to the donation the Association sent to Ret. Det. Jim Cospito, we received the following note and we thank Ellen for sending us the latest on her father:
"Dear Mr. Russo,
Thank you for your kind and generous gift of $200 in response to the "10-13" put out for my dad, Jim Cospito. The outpouring of love and gifts have buoyed my dad's spirits and provided much needed support. God bless you."
Ellen Cospito Ferber
June 17, 2011 BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS OF RET. P.O. ED KOCHIS
"Hi Ed, Tony, Ron and Frank,
Good job, guys! I'm at that age of freeloading my yearly dues, but use the $50 where needed. I was in the May, '59 class and retired in December, '79 and been living in Sarasota, FL on Siesta Key ever since. When I look at the "Beyond the Line" snapshots of the retirees, I hardly recognize anybody.
I'm sending a 'before and after' snapshot of myself so my past officer buddies can say: "Is he still alive?" and if they stray to Siesta Key, call me and I'll give you a tour of the island."
Ret. P.O. Eddie Kochis (Sarasota FL)
Thank you for the donation, Ed, and we just love that double knit polyester suit and the handle bar mustache. It is so '60s and today you look like you're enjoying the good life. Is that a Merlot you're drinking? I was staying with friends in Bradenton back in March and had taken a tour of the Key. Had I known you lived there, I would definitely have contacted you, but maybe next time. We would like to thank you for your donation with one of our Challenge coins being sent to you. - Tony
June 16, 2011 ERROR CORRECTION IN LETTER FROM TED ROTUN'S WIFE
In the last issue of "Beyond the Line" (#2011 Vol.1) on Page 11, is a letter Miriam Rotun, the widow of the late Ret. P.O. Teddy Rotun, sent in shortly after Ted passed away. When posting it on our website and also when forwarding it to Frank Crisa for the issue's publication, I inadvertently added the name "Steve" to the ending of Miriam's letter. It appears I had the name of Steve Nappo on my mind from the letter I previously posted. Needless to say, Miriam got a number of phone calls from friends asking who this "Steve" is. I apologize for the error and any embarassment it may have caused and after speaking to Miriam, I told her I would post the corrected letter on our website and in the next issue, along with a picture of Ted in his early Transit Police career. This is posted below:
In Memoriam from Miriam Rotun, widow of the late Retired P.O. Theodore, aka Teddy, Rotun
To all the guys of the Retired Transit Police Officers Association,
I am in awe of the wonderful gesture that was made to our daughters Sharon and Linda and myself in honor of Ted. You brought tears to my eyes. He loved you all and the job was a very big part of his life.
Thanks so much, Teddy’s Girls (Miriam, Sharon and Linda)
June 13, 2011 HONORARY MEMBER RET. SGT. KEVIN MATTHEWS & THE HONOR FLIGHT
Ret. Sgt. (NCPD) Kevin Matthews, son of the late Ret. Sgt. Ray Matthews, recently flew to Washington, D.C. along with several WWII veterans on the "Honor Flight." See Ray's article below:
June 13, 2011 BELATED CONGRATULATIONS TO RET. P.O. BILL "WOODY" WOODS
We received this happy news from Lou Hollander:
Congrats are in order to (Ret. P.O.) Bill "Woody" Wood and his wife Julie on the birth of their 3rd grandchild, William Ellis Wood, on May 11th, 2011. This is their 3rd grandchild. It is the first child for their son Bill and his wife Niki. Mother and child are doing fine. William came into this world at 9 lbs & 11 oz. and 21".
My apologies for the delay and our best wishes for a long, healthy, and fruitful life. - Tony
June 7, 2011 RET. SGT. JOE FRANCO HEADING NORTH
"Just a note to say I'm sorry. I was packing up to go back north and found the dues notice in my clothes drawer."
Ret. Sgt. Joe Franco (Palm Beach Gardens FL & Manchester NJ)
Not to worry, Joe. Just have a safe trip back and thanks for sending in the dues. - Tony
June 5, 2011 DUES AND LETTERS AND NEW MEMBERS KEEP COMING IN
"Tony,
Thank you for your kind thoughts. Enclosed is a check for the dues and a little extra for the organization. Things are looking up, but will know more after July.
Henry had sent an email asking about his past and present dues owed and apologized for the delays as health issues had taken over most of his life these past 2 years. We sent our best wishes and Hank responded with all his dues owed along with a generous $25 donation and we sent Hank a Challenge coin as our thanks. Please, no apologies needed when health conditions prevent timely payment of dues; health always comes first. - Tony
"Hi, Tony and fellow retirees,
As a long time member who has been away a long time, I want to take this time to renew my membership in the Association by submitting this application.
Our 1st Vice-President, Ron Forte, convinced me to return and Chaplain Carlo's "Amazing Grace" article helped me make this decision.
Enclosed is a check for $80; $30 for next year's dues and $30 for the remainder of this year so, hopefully, I will be able to receive "Beyond the Line" for the remainder of this year.
I found the articles and other information very informative. (I) Probably will be sunmitting something about my grandson, Jason Heyward, who is the right fielder for the Atlanta Braves. I am also enclosing $20 to receive the Challenge Coin.
Thanks,"
Ret. Sgt. Nesbitt (George) Benjamin (Jamaica NY) thenesb@aol.com
For whatever reason you were "missing in action," we want to thank you and welcome you back, George, and thanks to Ron and John Rocco for getting you back into the membership. Considering his present age in the Lfetime Membership category, I contacted George and, with his OK, I rearranged his check to cover the dues for 2009 to 2011 making him eligible for Lifetime Member status. Our best wishes for a long and healthy retirement - Tony
With this brief note, Chris joined the ranks of the Transit Police Retirees, having retired from NYPD in February, 2002. We wish to welcome you, Chris, and hope to see you at the meetings and in the meantime, we hope you will enjoy the Challenge coins and have a long and healthy retirement. - Tony
May 30, 2011 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. LOU PAVLU AT HIS BIG 100
We received the following photo from Lou's daughter, Mary-Lou Pakenas, taken at Lou's 100th Birthday Celebration Party on January 20th, 2011:
May 21, 2011 NEW MEMBER RET. P.O. PAUL CRITTI CALLING
"To Whom It May Concern:
I am enclosng a check for $30 for three Challenge Coins. They look so good in the pictures (and) I will be showing them to other retirees and hopefully, they will want them too.
Paul only recently joined the Retirees Association and was eager to get a Challenge Coin. We hope you will like the coins up close and real and thank you for showing the coins to other retirees. We have many on hand for them also. - Tony
May 15, 2011 RET. P.O. CHARLIE BRITTAIN WITH A NICE COMPLIMENT
"To the Best Police Department:
Just a note to tell you guys that you are the best. Keep up the good work! Also, find my check for the (2012) dues and an order for three Challenge Coins. They look great and I hope to see you soon.
Thanks again,"
Ret. P.O. Charles "Chuck" Brittain (Bayville NJ) acbritt@msn.com
That was a very nice comment, Charlie and we thank you. We also are happy you like the coins so much to have purchased three of them. Stay well and take care. - Tony
May 15, 2011 GOOD NEWS FOR A CHANGE
From Lou Hollander:
Congrats are in order to Ret. P.O. Bill (Woody) Wood and his wife Julie on the birth of their 3rd grandchild on May 11th, 2011. This is their 3rd grandchild. It is the first child for their son Bill and his wife Niki. Mother and child are doing fine. Congratulations can be sent to Woody at woody-s@tampabay.rr.com
I received this from Lorraine Kenny, LE714Kenny@aol.com Wife of the late Ret. PO Ed Kenny
I would like to announce that our Granddaughter, Alyssa Kenny, passed the Florida State Test with the highest score at her school, Wasingham Elementary. Alyssa is only in the fourth grade. The Kenny family is so proud of her.
Ret. Sgt Mike Fanning and his wife are mentioned in this article. Be sure to watch the video.
It is always a pleasure posting the good news going on with our retiree families. Congratulations and best wishes to all.
May 15, 2011 UPDATE - WE FOUND OUT WHO WAS TRANSIT SERGEANT #771
Lou Hollander had posted this request on his mailings and he received an email from Ret. Lt. John Cullen who reported his Sergeant's shield was #771 from 1973 to 1983 but does not recall ever having made a mini shiled of it.
Now the question is did anyone get promoted to Sergeant in 1983 or later and receive that shield number? The hunt goes on!
April 30, 2011 WHO WAS TRANSIT SERGEANT #771 ????
Hi Tony, Last year while visiting Mickey Mouse, I had done some yard sales in Kissimmee, FL. I was looking at a table with a bunch of pins, buttons and such when I came across one of our Transit Sergeant's mini shield #771. I asked the 2 young guys if they knew anything about it and both had said they have no idea where it came from. I was wondering if there is a list of who had shield #771 or if anyone knew who Sgt. 771 was? I would like to get it back to whom it belongs. Thanks.
Nice catch, Pete, and sorry for the delay in posting this. I don't know of any list of shield numbers, but perhaps someone out there will have an answer and get back to either you or me. - Tony
April 28, 2011 LETTERS #8
"Keep up the good work. Enclosed is a little extra to help out."
Ret. Chief John Kavanagh (Staten Island NY)
Thanks for your compliments, John, and a special thank you for your generous $70 donation which is a bit larger than "little." As our thank you, we will send you one of our Challenge coins with our compliments. - Tony
"I think I forgot to pay my dues in January, (so) a small donation is added for the Association."
Hello and thank you, Mike, for your thoughtful $30 donation. To show our appreciation, we are sending you one of our Challenge coins we hope you will like. - Tony
April 10, 2011 LETTERS #7
"Dear Tony, Old age sometimes makes one forget to do important things. Enclosed please find a check for $100; $25 for the past 2010 dues, $30 for the 2012 dues, $20 for two Challenge coins and $25 as my donation to the club."
Thank you, Lloyd, for remaining a "member in good standing" by paying past dues. We appreciate that an we do your donation and purchase of the Challenge coins. As our thank you, we are sending an extra coin. Stay well and thanks again. - Tony
"Dear Ed, Attached is a check for $50 for the purchase of three Challenge coins. The coins are for myself and my two sons who are currently serving in the U.S. Army. My sons will be home on R&R soon but my youngest is scheduled for deployment to Afghanistan in late May. Please use the extra $20 to expedite shipping and whatever is left over use as you see fit. Thank you in advance."
Ret. Lt. Joe Mediavilla (Kissimmee FL) joe616630@yahoo.com Harlem Hilton Class of October, 1981
Joe, it is our pleasure to send you the coins for you and your sons and we have included an extra one as our thanks for your donation. May God protect your sons and all those members of the Armed Forces serving in harm's way.
"To the Association, I enjoy reading "Beyond the Line." Enclosed please find a check for the 2012 dues and $25 extra for the Association."
Ret. Sgt. Pat Ryle (Cornwall NY)
Thank you, Pat, for sending in the advance dues and for your donation. We appreciate your comments about the newsletter and a Challenge coin has been sent as our thanks for your generosity. - Tony
"To President Russo, I proudly send in this application for membership in the finest association. I have no idea what took so long to join my fellow members of the finest police department in this city - the NYC Transit Police Department. In closing, I thank my former partner, (Ret. Det)Bob McMillan for sendine me this application. Good luck and thanks."
Ret. Det. Bill Davis (Staten Island NY)
Well, thank you, Bill, for finally joining this finest Association of retired members of the finest police department around. And thank you, Bob, for sending Bill the application. We still have many retirees who still haven't joined for one reason or another, so if anyone knows of any, try getting them to join their fellow officers. As a special thank you for your donation, Bill, we sent you a Challenge coin and newsletters we hope you will enjoy. - Tony
March 31, 2011 LETTERS #6
The following letters were received after the last issue of "Beyond the Line" went to press:
"To Ed Russo and Frank Crisa,
Regarding your "Reflections" article, you missed the "Fathers and Sons." Lt. Robert P. Donnery, Districts 34-30-4, Coney Island Summer Squad, CWAC and Mobile Task Force and P.O. Robert J. Donnery, District 34-30, HQ and later merged with NYPD."
OK, Bob, we will re-instruct "Anonymous" on gathering the proper records and thank you for bringing this to our attention. I could also mention P.O. Richard Lazar and his son, Sgt. Richard Lazar. I'm sure there must be a few more still around so anyone with information, let us know. - Tony
"Hello to all and greetings from Middletown NY,
Enclosed are my 2011 dues of $30. I retired "ages" ago but paying my dues gives me a great sense of satisfaction.
Best wishes and regards,"
Ret. Det. and Lifetime Member Anna Romano (Middletown NY)
I called Anna to thank her for her donation and reminding her that Lifetime Members do not have to pay dues. She sounds very energetic and was aware of this 'perk' but still insists on making her annual donation. To thank her, we sent Anna a Challenge coin and she stated she couldn't wait to see it. - Tony
"Dear Frank,
This is a follow-up on the e-mail I sent you. I am enclosing a check for $70. I would appreciate your sending me 2 coins and put the rest in the 'kitty.'
All the best,"
Ret. Sgt. and Lifetime Member Tom Moriarty (Sloatsburg NY)
Thank you for your coin purchase, Tom, and as an extra thank you for your $50 donation, we are sending you an extra Challenge coin. - Tony
"Hi, Tony
What's up? I hope everbody in Brooklyn is all right and sorry for the dues delay. Last January, 2010, I was in the hospital for a spine operation and everything got fouled up. My wife thought she had paid it (the dues) but she didn't, so here it is. I'm still recuperating with a pretty physical therapist but it's taking a long time and I'm glad she's pretty. Well, that's it for now. Next time I get to NY, I'll look you up.
I retired 25 years ago. God bless New York - 25 more to go!"
Ret. P.O. Donald Collins (Lady Lake FL)
No apologies needed, Don, and our best wishes for a speedy recovery, despite your instructor's good looks. When you do get to NY, give me a call; my number is on the back of the membership card. - Tony
Of course we can, Mario, and if you need more, just contact us. We're happy to hear how much you like them. - Tony
"Hi, Tony,
I don't know if I ever met you but I have been a dues paying member for over 25 years. Reading "Beyond the Line"is very enjoyable and you guys are doing a great job! I have enclosed a check for $50 for the Association. Let me know if I am wrong, but last year I sent in a check for $75, $25 was for a donation to the Association and the rest for the 2010 and 2011 dues. I tell everyone I am 65!"
Ret. Det. and Lifetime Member Frank Cayea #907(Brentwood NY) 1-631-231-7232
Hello, Frank, and thank you for the donation. A Challenge coin was sent as our thank you for your generosity and yes, we did receive your dues and donation last year. Thank you again. - Tony
Frank also sent this letter a few days earlier:
"How are you, Frank?
I would appreciate if you would submit this article for printing (in the next newsletter).
Thank you, Frank Cayea
The Elite Pickpocket Squad of the NYC Transit Police Department
I was lucky to be a member of this unit but prior to that, I came on in the Class of 1966 in the uniformed 8P program. In 1968, I went to District 33 rotating then in 1970, I went into the Detective Division in plainclothes, learning the ropes in different investigations and pro-active arrests for jostling, bag openers and lush workers. In 1971, I was promoted to Detective 3rd Grade. Then came the time when Det. Juan Caban, who was a member of that famous Pickpocket Squad, requested I become his partner. From that time on, he was my mentor. He showed me all the tricks and moves of the pickpockets, including men, women, female impersonators, and groups of professionals of two to six working in groups young and old, people from all over the world working the travelling public. Det. Caban was known as "JC" and together, we made an outstanding number of arrests. Two years later, Juan was promoted to Det. First Grade. After that, the Squad was increased to ten Detectives, one being a female, Mary Rossetti, who became my partner.
Det. Caban and I were split up and they made another Pickpocket Squad. Our boss was Sgt. Bill Aromi and he was a great supervisor. We had a good bunch of detectives, one outstanding one being Bob Magone who did a terrific job of doing research of pickpockets, gave classes, and also put out a manual for all members. Another great detective was Tom Kohler aka "Popeye." One time when making an arrest with him, we were at the pecinct and Tom would aski the culprit how much he weighed. When they had no reply, Tom would bench press the guy and give the weight to fill in the caption on the arrest report. Still another team was Bob Basel and Frank Gomez, both of whom were dapper men.
In the '70s, things went down and so did the police department budgets to the point where police officers, both men and women, were laid off. After a while, things picked up and some officers were called back but some did not as they had started jobs around the country.
On August 8, 1980, Chief Meehan promoted five Sergeants and five detectives to 2nd Grade and I was proud to be promoted to Detective First Grade. I was then transferred to the Robbery Squad with Joe Santiago who I was asked by Lt. Joe Shade to break in. I tell you, it was nice having a partner with a black belt. Joe wound up having an outstanding undercover arrest record. He was a great guy, a stand up partner and nobody ever made him. Another Robbery Squad detective, Sgt. Mike Ansbro, went on to become a Chief of the Department with NYPD.
Ret. Det. First Grade Frank Cayea #907
A great article, Frank, and thank you for taking the time to write it out and send it to us. It will be in the next issue with Frank Crisa's handiwork. - Tony
"Dear Tony,
Enclosed please find a check for $50 for the Association. I am also enclosing a copy of a Transit PBA Dinner Dance journal from 1957 which I kept for all these years but thought our historian (JJ Sullivan) may want to keep it to show how the Transit PBA got started.
I am also enclosing a photo of myself with Lou Cosentino and John Goode when we were elected as Delegates-at-Large. The historian may want to keep it or send a copy to Lou and John.
I wish my old buddies well and I look forward to receiving "Beyond the Line" for many more years - God willing.
Yours truly,"
Ret. P.O. and Lifetime Member Anthony Morrissey (Peachtree City GA)
Thank you, Tony, for sharing this memorabilia with us. That journal is definitely a piece of history of the NYC Transit Police PBA and the Department. It shows TPBA PresidentPtl. John Martin and his board which I scanned along with the photo and is posted below. Read closely the President's report concerning pay paritywith NYPD. The originals were sent to our Historian JJ Sullivan to be viewed at the meetings and the Christmas and Holiday Party. I also sent a copy to Capt. Martin's son, Brian, as a remembrance of his father's past and by coincidence, he received it on the 13th anniversary of his dad's passing. - Tony
February 18, 2011 LETTERS #5 RECEIVED WITH 2011 DUES
“Hi Tony,
Please find my 2011 dues and a little extra for the Association. Thank you and the Board of officers for a job well done.
A Happy and healthy New Year to you also, Jim.Thank you for your comments and thank you for the extra $20 donation that is well appreciated. We hope you like the Challenge coin as our thanks. – Tony
“Hi Tony,
Use the extra $25 for the VSF fight.”
Ret. P.O. Tony Cestare (Gilboa NY)
Thank you, Tony, and let’s hope this year will be the one we get what we justly deserve. – Tony
“To the Association,
I must report that I am one of the members in ill health.I also find it difficult to drive at night.This is the reason for my poor attendance.
Yours,”
Ret. Lt. and Lifetime Member John Englert (Howard Beach NY)
John, there is no reason to apologize as we are more concerned about your getting back to good health. We wish to thank you for your thoughtful and generous $30 donation and please accept the Challenge coin as our thanks. – Tony
We try, Sam, believe me, we try, and thank you for your very generous $100 donation.We appreciate it very much and the Challenge coin is our small way of saying thank you. – Tony
“Dear Tony,
Thanks for your fast e-mail response on the availability of the Transit (Challenge) coins.I would like a total of five coins – a total of $50.Enclosed please find a money order in the amount of $100; the overpayment is for the benefit of the Association. Thank you for your time in this matter, but I have to go – must get that motorman’s name and run number.
Don’t forget the lead car number, too, Mike, and thank you both for the coin purchases and for the $50 donation. We will throw in another coin as our thanks. – Tony
“Dear Tony,
Enclosed are my dues for 2011 and a little extra.I am also enclosing a check for $10 for the Association Challenge coin. Great idea!
Thank you and thanks to Ed, Ron, Pat and the rest of the board for all that you do in the interest of Transit Police retirees.I am sorry that I have not been able to get to New York more often to attend our meetings or the social functions.From the 17 years in California to the last 5 here in Florida, it has been difficult to time my trips to NY to coordinate with the meetings.I am going to make a real effort to change that in 2011.
It is hard to believe that it’s been 45 years since we were sworn in that December morning in 1965.I would like to wish our members a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2011.
Thank you, Gene, for your comments which we appreciate very much. We will add an extra coin as our thank you for your generous $20 donation.A very healthy and happy New Year to you and yours and we hope to see you at one of the meetings this year. – Tony
“I hope this donation helps a little.Thanks for all you do.”
Thank you, Ron, and thanks for your $20 donation.The Challenge coin sent is our thanks for your generosity. – Tony
“Please send me two coins and keep the rest of the money.”
Ret. P.O. Dennis Timm (Cecil WI)
Thank you, Dennis, for sending in your dues, for the coin purchase and for your generous $50 donation.Please accept the extra coin as our thanks. – Tony
“$20 for the kitty.”
Ret. Sgt. TomMoriarty (Sloatsburg NY)
Kitty thanks you as do we, Tom.We hope you like the Challenge coin as a show of our appreciation. – Tony
“To the board,
Thank you for your dedication to the retirees.I am sending the dues for 2011 and 2012 plus a little extra to use as you see fit.”
Thank you, Pete, for your generous and thoughtful $70 donation.The Challenge coin sent is our show of appreciation to you. – Tony
“Hi guys,
I hope all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.I miss all the Christmas parties and seeing all the old timers I worked with.I have been blessed with good health and a great retirement.We are enjoying the desert climate and don’t miss the New York winters.I have been enjoying my new passion of flying and have attached a recent photo.
George, how can you be so serious about missing all this snow we had?That desert Sun must have fried your brain. Here’s the photo of Top Gun George:
“Hi, all!
I’m 75 years old but still kicking.Please use my $30 donation to help or continue membership for someone who is having difficulties.
Regards,”
Ret. P.O. and Lifetime Member Dan Carmody (Phoeniz AZ) danallie17@cox.net
Good to hear, George, so keep those legs going.Thank you for your generosity and rest assured it will help one of our members and please accept the Challenge coin as our thanks. – Tony
“Dear Tony,
First, I want to thank you and your team for all the work you do.I always look forward to “Beyond the Line.”
I took your advice to write about the Southwest.I vested in 1981 from District 33, owned a Daily News route in Oceanside and Rockville Centre, then sold the house, all my vehicles and the business in ’84 and left Bellmore, Long Island for Flagstaff, AZ in our motorhome to start a new life.
I was the GM of a chemical company for 7 years, bought a China Mist Iced Tea distributorship in ’92, of which I still own a third of – a second pension.I fully retired in 2005 at the age of 62, and moved to Lake Powell.We’ve (me and my wife, Maureen) been houseboating on the lake since 1988.Now we spend 6 months on the houseboat from April to September, hiking, riding our jet skis, fishing, etc.
In the spring and fall, we take our toy hauler and ride our ATVs exploring this beautiful area.In the winter, we snowmobile the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.It’s a wonderful life; this whole are is so beautiful.I get no e-mails, don’t own a computer and my telephone number is 928-660-2626.
I hope you all have a very happy and healthy 2011 and I hope you like the picture.
Respectfully yours,”
Ret. P.O. Ken Egita and Maureen Egita (Page AZ)
Good for you, Ken, and it’s always good talking to you every year when you get your dues notice. We’re happy to hear how much you enjoy the handiwork of our Editor, Frank Crisa, in the newsletter. Perhaps you might get a call from a passing Transit cop one day who just happens to be in the neighborhood and asks to stop by and say hello. We’re sure your hospitality will shine through. Take care and stay well and say hello to Maureen. – Tony
“Hi Ed, Tony, and ya’ll,
Thanks again for all you do for all of us (and that includes us Southern folks, too.) It’s always great to receive and read “Beyond the Line;” I wait patiently for it.Enclosed is a check for my membership dues and a little more.I wish it could be more, but...
Please keep up all the good work ya’ll do for us.Thanks again.
Sincerely,”
Ret. P.O. Randy Riotto (Myrtle Beach SC)
Hi, Randy.Good to hear from ya’ll and I see you have blended in well with the Southern folk.Thanks for your $20 donation which is greatly appreciated and please don’t ever apologize for not sending enough. The coin we sent is our thanks for that. I spoke to your boss – National FOP President Chuck Canterbury – last year at the NYS FOP Convention who tells me his job got so much easier when a retired Transit cop (you) joined his force.It only proves Transit cops are tops! As for the newsletter, Frank Crisa does an outstanding job and we all thank him. – Tony
“Hi, guys,
A Happy and healthy New Year to all of you and your families.Please find a little extra in the check for the Association and thanks for everything you do.”
Hello, Andy, and thank you for that extra $20.All donations from our members and friends come in handy during the year as expenses keep going up and we do what we can to give back to the membership in different ways. Please accept the Challenge coin with our compliments. – Tony
“To the Association,
Sorry, but I didn’t notice the dues increase this year.I sent in $25 last week and here’s the balance.”
Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Ben, and we appreciate it. Stay well and take care. – Tony
“Hi, Tony,
I hope to see you at the 2011 Reunion.Here’s my dues and a little extra.Tony, if you could, please get me some information on Mike Lenahan from District 20, and Jack Stoehr from Fare Evasion.
I called Mike after receiving his note and gave him the latest we have on Mike and Jack, both longtime members of the Association.We hope they all made contact and talked about the good ‘ol days in Transit. – Tony
“Dear Tony,
Enclosed please find my check for $55 for the 2010 and 2011 dues.I’m sorry about the missing year. We wish you a happy and healthy New Year.
Regards,”
Ret. Sgt. Stephen Nevin and Frances Nevin (St James NY) nona198056@aol.com
Steve had contacted us about his dues status and when informed he had not paid the 2010 dues, he immediately sent in a check to cover both 2011 and 2010. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Steve, and the best to you in 2011. – Tony
“To the Association,
Please find enclosed check for $50 for membership renewal plus a donation for the year 2011.
Thank you, Bob, for the $20 donation.We appreciate it and please accept the Challenge coin with our compliments. – Tony
“Dear Tony,
Enclosed is a donation to help continue the good work the Association does.Thanks and have a happy and healthy New Year to all.Please tell Ron (Forte) “Check Mate” from “T.D.”
That was very thoughtful and generous of you, Norman, for the $50 donation.We appreciate it and hope you like the Challenge coin as our thanks. I well remember those chess matches in the O/U with Sgt. Reggie Dawson and many others, yet we still got the work done. Take care. – Tony
“Tony,
Thanks for all you guys do.Put the extra $100 to good use.”
Ret. P.O. George Ostrowski, PBA Delegate and Trustee, D/33 (Walton NY) gostrowski@stny.rr.com
Hello, George, and thank you for that very generous donation. I well remember all those Delegate meetings we attended and tried to make things better for the members of the force. Sometime we failed but most of the time, things went our way. Stay well. – Tony
“Hi, Tony
Enclosed is payment for two coins.You did not include postage and handling so I hope the extra $5 covers it.Thanks for all you guys do for the organization.”
Al, I put the extra $5 as a donation since the $10 cost of the coin does cover postage and mailing costs. Thank you for thinking of it and we hope you liked the coins. – Tony
“Fellow members,
I enjoy our paper; keep up the good work.”
Ret. P.O. George Hickey (Woodside NY)
Thank you for your compliment on our Editor, Frank Crisa’s work.He does work hard getting everything together for the enjoyment of our members and friends. – Tony
“Tony,
I’m sorry but I misplaced the last issue of the newsletter, so I printed the application form off the website.
Enclosed is a check for the dues -$30 – plus $20 for the Association.I would also like to get three Challenge coins and I would like to donate $20 in memory of (Past President) Charles Farkouh.I never worked with him on the job, but I got to know him and his wife, Alice, at the Ft. Hamilton High School Alumni Association and worked a number of alumni functions with him.I’m also a FHHS Alumni – 1978.
That was very thoughtful of you to make a donation in Charlie’s memory and for that and the additional donation, we sent Lou an additional Challenge coin. – Tony
“The coins look great.Thanks for all your hard work for us old timers.I think I sent my dues for 2011.”
Ray purchased a Challenge coin recently and sent this response. Yes, Ray, you did send in your 2011 dues last year, thank you, and we’re glad to hear you like the Challenge coins. – Tony
“Here are my dues for 2011 with a little extra for the organization.Keep up the great work you guys do and have a healthy and happy New Year.
Jerry, that extra $75 was very generous and thoughtful of you and to show our appreciation, we sent you a Challenge coin we hope you liked. Stay well and the best in 2011. – Tony
“Tony,
Thanks a lot both for your promptness and friendship.Enclosed is the money for the coins and a small donation.”
Ret. P.O. and Lifetime Member Floyd Holloway (Chesterfield VA) floholl68@yahoo.com
We’re happy you like the coins, Floyd, and thank you very much for the $100 donation.It is very generous of you and we appreciate it. Stay well, my friend. – Tony
“Tony,
Enclosed is my check for the 2011 dues.I’ve recently bought a house in NC so I haven’t been around NY to attend the meetings.Please note my new address in NC as I don’t want to miss any issues of “Beyond the Line.”
I will be visiting family here (in NY) from time to time and will try to make some meetings.Thank you for making me feel like a part of your organization.
President Ed Russo gave Fred Honorary membership since Fred was appointed to the Transit Police in February, 1974 and was laid off in August, 1975.Having a family and needing security, he had to take other employment as being re-hired was a total unknown. Being part of the Transit Family has made Fred extremely happy and we’re glad to have him as a member. – Tony
“Enclosed is a $30 donation to the Association. (You guys) have been doing a great job all these years.Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and happy New Year to all.”
Thank you, Bill, for the donation and for your continuing membership.We hope you liked the Challenge coin we sent in appreciation. – Tony
“Ed,
Enclosed are my 2011 dues and a little extra.I enjoyed the Association’s Christmas and Holiday Party at Antun’s.As usual, I lost my voice the next few days from all the talking with so many I knew on the job.You, especially with Tony and the rest of your board are to be commended for all the time and effort put in keeping our shrinking numbers informed through the newsletters, meetings and holiday party.I was glad to see Ron Forte back in action.
Thank you for your $25 donation, John, and for your very warm comments.You also are to be commended for the time and effort you, along with Tony Piazza and Phil Reilly, put in for the fight to get the VSF benefit for those denied. Please accept one of our Challenge coins as a thank you for your generosity. – Tony
“Dear Ed,
I recently moved back to NY from Virginia as children and grandchildren are a big draw.Since I moved back, I have not received any newsletters. I guess the Post Office does not forward them.
Enclosed are my dues for 2011.You guys are doing a fantastic job.Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
I contacted Jim and explained how 3rd class mail – as our newsletters are sent – are not forwarded by the Post Office, andthe cost for 1st class mail would be too costly. Jim also had moved and did not contact us until recently in December, so we sent him the back issues he missed and for the extra $10 he sent, Jim purchased a Challenge coin. Thanks, Jim. - Tony
“Gentlemen,
As you can see from this picture of my Military/Police Challenge coin collections, I am a collector, so please send me two.You guys did a great job on them and I would be proud to add and display one and ‘trade’ one, when, and if, the opportunity presents itself.I still feel Transit Cops are Tops! Included, please find a few extra bucks for the cost of the mailing.
Thank you, Ret. Sgt. Martin O’Reilly, Transit Police Class of May 20, 1974 Supervisory Criminal Investigator, Dep’t. of Veteran’s Affairs Police martin.oreilly@va.gov
That is some collection, Marty, and we hope our coin will stand out proudly amongst them.Thank you and stay well. – Tony
“I enclosed something extra and if you have an extra Challenge coin, I would appreciate it.”
That was very thoughtful and generous of you to send the extra $70, Ron, and we thank you very much. A Challenge coin was sent as our way of saying “Thanks.” – Tony
“Hey, guys,
Keep those letters coming and keep up the good work holding us together for all these years. There is a little extra for the ‘Kitty.”
Hi, John!It’s always good hearing from you and thank you very much for the extra $100 you added.We appreciate it very much and hope you like the Challenge coin we sent as a thank you. – Tony
“Tony,
I appreciate your speedy response.Attached please find two checks, one for the 2011 dues and the other as a $50 donation.Please acknowledge that we are current with our dues.
Kind regards.”
Ret. Det. George Vaught (Bonita Springs FL)
OK, George, it is official that you are paid up to date and thank you for that generous donation.We appreciate it and hope you liked the Challenge coin we sent as a thank you. – Tony
“Tony,
Enclosed is a check for my 2011 dues and a donation for the organization.I also added for two Challenge coins.Keep up the good work you and the Executive Board has been doing all these years.Remember – Transit Police are second to none!”
From your mouth to God’s ear, Phi,l and let’s hope you are correct.Thank you for your $20 donation and for all the time and effort you have spent with Tony Piazza and John Rini in the Legislative Committee. – Tony
“Tony,
Sorry for the delay in my dues.I thought I paid it back in October.Anyway, here is my check for the 2011 dues and put the extra for a brother or sister who is less fortunate or whatever.
No apologies are needed, Al, and thank you for the $70 donation which we always appreciate. Please accept the Challenge coin with our compliments. – Tony
“Tony,
Sorry about missing my 2010 dues.It was an oversight on my part.Please find my 2010 and 2011 dues submitted now.I had a great time at the Christmas Party and sorry I missed you.See you soon,
Hi Frank. I’m sorry I missed you and the rest of the guys at the party, but I hope to see you at one of the meetings this year and thanks for remaining a “member in good standing.” – Tony
“Hi Ed,
Here’s an extra $50 for a great organization of brothers. Once a Transit Cop, always a Transit Cop!
Thank you for the $30 donation, Ron, and the best in 2011.We hope you like the Challenge coin as our thanks for your generosity.- Tony
“Greetings,
I would like to purchase three Challenge coins for my dad, (Ret. P.O.) Don Wisotsky, who retired from Transit. It really is a beautiful coin! I retired from the U.S. Marine Corps and have collected numerous coins.
Thank you for your time,”
Dan Wisotsky (Glendale NY) His father, Don, lives in Patchogue, NY nypd1507@aol.com and joined the Retirees Association for the first time since he retired in 1981. Thank you, Dan, for the coins and for getting your dad to join. – Tony
February 15, 2011 LETTERS #4 RECEIVED WITH 2011 DUES
The following note was sent by Rose Ruggiero, widow of the late Ret. Det. and Lifetime Member, Joseph Ruggiero, after receiving the Association Memorial Card and Death Benefit payment.Joe passed away in April, 2010.
“Dear Tony,
Thank you for the condolences and sympathies – they are greatly appreciated.Enclosed you will find a check in Joe’s memory.I didn’t realize there was a death benefit and thank you for letting me know.
I thought you might be interested in the photo of Joe, our grandson, Matt, of the San Diego Police Department, and our son, Peter of the San Diego School District.
We superimposed the picture of Joe to the pictures of Matt on graduation day from the academy. I think the New York Police ‘dress’ far better.
Sincerely,
Rose Ruggiero (San Diego CA)
Rose was kind to send the Association a $100 donation in Joe’s memory and we thank her for it.We sent a Challenge coin as a thank you. - Tony
From Executive Secretary Harry Hassler on the application of membership for his son, William Hassler:
“Bill was appointed to the Transit Police and stayed in the Transit Bureau for most of his career.He got out two years early because of saved OT on the books.”
Welcome to the Association, Bill, and we’re sure your dad has spoken well of this organization. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings and we’ll make sure your dad drags you to them. – Tony
“Hi guys,
Please send me two Challenge coins to my home address.A check is enclosed. I found this pad in my desk after 20 years and thought you might get a kick out of it.
Thank you for your purchase, Ray, and what other Transit Police Dept. gems did you find in the desk? Ray sent a page from that pad that is printed with “From the desk of Lt. Raymond Honan #146” with the first Transit shoulder patch insignia. – Tony
“Ed,
I just became aware of the increase of dues to $30.I sent the incorrect check for $25 in January.It must have been a “senior moment.” Enclosed is the additional $5.00.
Thank you for your attention to this, George, as it much appreciated. – Tony
“To Ed Russo, President
I received the (Association) Challenge coin and, believe me, it is exceptional, to say the least!As to the raise in dues, it was probably very necessary and needed. No complaints here.Of course I pay no dues but will send in a donation, plus.
My compliments go to (Historian)JJ Sullivan.I had some business with him earlier this year and it was very well handled. I worked with most of the people on the Association list, all the very best there are.
Enclosed is a photo of my back yard with the latest snow last night.The photo would be of interest to JJ as that is Round Top in the background (from the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg.)
Keep well and keep up the good work.Transit Forever!”
Ret. P.O. and Lifetime Member Richard Broderick (Gettysburg PA) giants214@aol.com
Thank you for your compliments and photo, Richie.We’re sure you had more snow since that photo was taken in January as I am sure most of us did. – Tony
Thank you Bob, for the generous $25 donation and we hope you like the Challenge coin sent as our thanks. – Tony
“Dear Association board,
Enclosed is a check for the 2011 dues and a check for three Challenge coins for my grandchildren.Please give a special “Hello!” to my dear friends, Harry “The Hat” Hassler and John Rocco Carlo – our bomb squad leader.
Wishing all members a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Ret. P.O. Mike Gagliardi (Olivebridge NY)
Thank you for good wishes and the coin purchase, Mike.I’m sure Harry and John and all our members will be reading your “Hellos” and send the same back to you. – Tony
“Gentlemen,
I am enclosing a check for $50.Thirty of which is for my dues and the $20 to use as you may see fit.Keep up the good work.
Ron, we always have a lot of “whatevers” that your donation can be used for.Thank you and enjoy the Challenge coin. – Tony
“Ed,
Please use the extra “C” note wherever needed.I’m glad to be able to send it.It would be nice to have a telephone number of the Association should we ever need to contact you in emergencies.
God bless and stay healthy,”
Ret. P.O. John Goode (Lake Katrina NY) retired 30 years!!!
Thank you, John, for that $100 donation and please accept the Challenge coin with our appreciation and compliments. The association had specific phone number years ago but it was hardly called though the bill was always being paid to Ma Bell. If anyone has to contact any board member, our phone numbers are listed on the back of the membership card or by e-mail on the website. - Tony
“Dear Ed,
Enclosed is a check for $50, $30 for the 2011 dues, $10 for a Challenge coin, and the other $10 as extra for the Association.Keep up the good work.”
Ret. P.O. Richard Miniutti (Flushing NY)
Thank you for your generosity and purchase, Richie, and the best in 2011.Stay well and take care. – Tony
“Tony,
I hope this note finds you and your family in the best of health.I’m paying the 2011 dues and $20 for two of the Challenge coins you had made up.Also included is an extra $30 to be used as the board sees fit.
As I’ve said before, you gentlemen who make up the Retired TPO board are the best!
So far, our health is good (God bless). That was very nice of what you said about us on the board and we thank you.We also thank you for the donation and the coin purchase and we hope you like them. The best to you in ’11. – Tony
“Tony,
Enclosed is a check for $110.00.$30 are for the dues, $30 for three coins and a $50 donation.Keep up the good work.You guys are a big part of keeping all of our Transit Police memories alive.”
Thank you, Richie, for the coin purchase and we added another one as our thanks for your thoughtful donation. We, along with many other men and women we worked with, do what we can about keeping those memories going. – Tony
February 13, 2011 LETTERS #3 RECEIVED WITH 2011 DUES
The following letters were sent in along with their 2011 dues. Any member sending in an additional donation of $20 or more will receive one of our Challenge coins as our small way of saying "Thank you."
“Hello,
Enclosed is a check for the 2011 dues, a donation, and a Challenge coin (if still available). Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication to our Association.
Thank you, Sharon, for your $20 donation and Challenge coin (many more available) and for your kind comments on our work. We appreciate your generosity and continuing membership in the organization and our best wishes to you for a healthy and happy 2011. – Tony
“Enclosed is (an additional) $10 for one of the NYCRTPOA Challenge coins and thanks very much.We enjoy the newsletter and the website.
Thank you, Gerry, for the coin purchase and your comments about the newsletter (Frank Crisa’s handiwork) and the website (mine). – Tony
“Hello Tony,
I received your note on my purchase of the challenge coins, but omitted to read who sent it to me and I assume it was Ed Russo. Therefore I just cut and pasted the 1st reply I sent to Ed, and resending it to you. Anyway, this is my reply to your note.
Thanks for being so quick with mailing the coins I ordered.
No, I wasn't a Transit Cop, but my God-daughter (Yvette Ortiz-Murphy) was in Transit, then worked in Traffic in the Surface Transportation Enforcement District (Bus Unit), went back to Transit to work in SOD at 370 Jay St, promoted to Sgt, and went to Homeless Outreach, then to Counter Terrorism, and now working for me at 1 PP, Chief of Transportation Bureau .
I collect these type of coins, and we were speaking about the Marine Corp coin, and I said to her make sure her husband has his challenge coin with him or else he's buying the rounds. She had no idea what challenge coins were and what they were for. When I mention to her about your organization she told me she never hear of the association, then called her retired partner who also didn't know of the Retired Transit Police Officers Association. So I showed her a picture of your coin, which she got excited about, and from there I decided to purchase a few of them to give one to her, her former partner, and my friend, John Gleason who also is a retired Transit Cop.
You see, that is why I needed 4 coins, and hopefully I get them to join your association.
Oh yes! I am now the new President of the Traffic Squad Benevolent Association, and will be holding our first general membership meeting on March 1, 2011, 6:30 pm at the Police Museum. If your free that evening, your very welcome to attend as my guest.
Hope to see you soon,
John Valles
“Thanks for the great job you guys are doing for all of us.It is greatly appreciated.Please use the extra for what you think is warranted.Keep up the newsletters – we look for it in the mail.”
Thank you, George, for your comments and for your $20 donation. We appreciate both very much. – Tony
“Hi Tony,
Sorry I didn’t make the Christmas Party.Eileen and I were at a friend’s son wedding in Virginia.It was very nice but the Garmin (GPS) told me to hang a left and when I did, I came nose to nose with a city police car.I was going the wrong way down a one-way street.She yelled at me and saw my NY plates, shook her head, laughed and helped me turn around. A nice girl! I mean a nice officer.It was a good laugh.It was also very dark out and I was lost, not senile (yet). I hope all is well with you and the family and hope to see you in March. Enclosed in the check is an extra $30 for three Challenge coins and double check your Garmin when making turns in the dark.
OK, Jon, I’ll make sure my Garmin is working properly on my next car trip.I had a situation with a VA State Trooper a few years ago and it was my FOP plates that saved me. Thank you for your purchase of the coins and I look forward to seeing you at the March meeting. – Tony
“Guys and dolls,
Enclosed are my 2011 dues and a little extra $30.Be well, be happy, live long, and keep the faith.”
Ret. P.O. George Wigfall (Santee SC)
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity, George, and you stay well and take care, too. – Tony
“Hi, Tony,
How are you guys doing? Fine I hope.Enclosed are my yearly dues and a little extra $30.I’m very happy for the great jobs you guys do.Keep up the good work!”
Ret. Det. Rosario (Sal) Iacone (Palm City FL)
We are doing as well as can be at our ages, Sal, and thank you for your generosity and comments on our work in the
Association. - Tony
“Hi, Anthony,
Here is something extra for the kitty.Thanks for your good work.”
Ret. Capt. Paul Moraff (West Islip NY)
Thank you, Paul, for your very generous $100 donation and comments and we hope you will like the Challenge coin we sent as our thank you for your generosity. - Tony
“Thanks Tony.
Time is flying by. One month becomes one year in a blink. Thank God you are watching. I hope you and your family are well. I have no complaints. It’s a great life. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU!”
Thanks, Pat, we are well and I hope the same with you. This is the response Pat sent after reminding him about being “a member in good standing” as we missed him in 2010.Pat sent in his 2010 dues and we appreciate his continuing membership. – Tony
“To Frank and Tony,
Pat sent a letter reporting the attendance of over 15,000 Police Officers and civilians at the funerals of two Miami Dade Police Officers killed in a shootout while attempting to serve a murder warrant. They lost their lives on the same day eleven police officers around the country were shot and two more officers killed in St. Petersburg, FL, also attempting to serve a warrant.
Enclosed is a “little extra” $50 donation to the Association.All the best,”
Ret. P.O> Pat Cantalupo (Tamarack FL)
Thanks, Pat, for the letter showing just how dangerous police life is these days and wondering how people still dedicate themselves to this profession. We also want to thank you for your generosity and hope you like the Challenge coin we sent you. - Tony
“Dear sirs,
I was a member for over 10 years and then the mail stopped coming.I found you on the internet and want to get back into the fold.I would like to order two Challenge coins.Thank you for being there for the retirees.”
Welcome back, Mario!As I explained to Mario over the phone, the reason he was not getting mail was for the fact he had moved (a few times) and never sent us his new mailing address.Now that this has been corrected, he is assured all mail and newsletters will be forthcoming.Mario also purchased two Challenge coins, and we thank him.– Tony
“Hi, Tony!
Once again here are the dues.I hope all is going well and thank you for the good work.
It’s always good hearing from you Ed, and thank you for your $30 donation.Stay well and live long in good health and beat the City in your retirement, - Tony
“Hi, Frank!
My name is Tom Brady, retired Police Officer, class of July 6, 1964.I came across some old photos I would like to share with the guys.I called (1st VP) Ron Forte who was also in the class, and had a great conversation about the old days.He suggested I send the photos along to you with my dues and a note.
Please find the two photos, one of which was taken on graduation day for the class of July 6, 1964, at Hunter College. Left to right is myself, Sam Jannazzo and Vinny Rapacciuolo.The other was taken on Medal Day at City Hall in 1969/70 of myself and Danny Bolger. I am also enclosing an extra $20 donation along with my dues.
I am active in the Las Vegas 10-13 Club and see some of the old Transit guys, Bobby Clark, Frank McCabe and John Doyle.
Thanks for keeping the old Transit Police Department memories alive.
Thank you, Tom for your nice letter and the photos which I will send to our editor, Frank Crisa, for the next issue of the newsletter. We also thank you for your generous donation and appreciate your thoughtfulness and comments.- Tony
“To the Association,
Enclosed find my 2011 dues and a $25 gift to the Association in memory of Ret.Lt. Thomas J. Mullan who passed on April 13, 2010.It is said the TJ was a “Cop’s Boss.” I’ll always remember him as a professional and my friend. The Mullans were like family to my wife, Joan, and I.
Tom was proud of his accomplishments with the NYCTPD.It was my honor to conduct a ceremony and eulogy with
D.I. Hugh J. Cassidy, NYPD Retired.Joan and I will always remember the Irish kid with that smiling baby face.
Amen.”
Ret. P.O. Rudy Mazurczak (Stony Brook NY)
That was a very thoughtful gesture on your part to honor a very good and dear friend and we appreciate it very much. It is somewhat amazing when you stop and consider the many good and lasting friendships that have taken hold within the Transit Family. - Tony
January 30, 2011 THE TRANSIT FAMILY IS EXPANDING
From Lou Hollander:
CONGRATULATIONS TO RET. P.O. JERRY COX
Louie, I am a new grandfather again for the 3rd time.. My daughter-in-law Kristin and son Shaun are parents again. Kristin gave birth to my 2nd granddaughter, Olivia Grace Cox, on New Year's Eve at 10:53 AM. Olivia weighed in at 7 lbs and 14 ozs and was 20" long. Her sister, Abby (almost 4) and Brother Ethan (2 1/2) love her very much.
