UPDATED February 4,
2023
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February 4,
2023
OUR VSF LEGISLATION RE-INTRODUCED IN ALBANY &
LATEST NEWS ON THE CITY'S PROPOSED HEALTH
PLAN From Alan Berkowitz
S5107 (the Variable Supplements Bill) was
reintroduced in the 2023 legislative session under a new print
number: S4158.
Senate Bill
S4158
Extends the benefits of the variable supplements fund
to all New York city police officers, firefighters, housing police,
transit police, correction officers and registered domestic
partners
Sponsor: SEN. SANDERS
Recent Actions:
• Feb 3, 2023 - REFERRED TO CITIES
1 Review S4158 on WWW.NYSenate.gov
As soon as we hear of an Assembly bill introduced, we will
post that and urge all retirees to contact their Senators and
Assembly representatives to vote in favor of these
bills.
LATEST NEWS ON NY CITY'S PLAN TO CHANGE OUR
HEALTH PLANS
One good news is the recent judge's ruling that Emblem
Health / GHI Senior Care cannot charge for co-pays. This took effect
on January 22nd. It is recommended that should your doctor insist on
charging for the co-pay, either show him the judge's ruling or pay
it and keep a receipt. Emblem Health is contesting this ruling in
court and if they fail to win, they will set up some way to
reimburse
you. |
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From the NYC Health Benefits Program website health-retiree-responsibilities
(nyc.gov)
Senior
Care members, EmblemHealth has suspended the $15 co-pay for certain
services offered through the GHI Senior Care Plan due to on-going
litigation and pursuant to court order.
Until further notice,
no $15 copay will be required for the services listed below.
- Office visits (PCPs)
- Office visits (Specialists)
- Allergy Testing/Injections
- Chiropractic Services
- Podiatry (non-Routine)
- Cardiac Rehab
- Pulmonary Rehab
- Vision Care (Medicare-covered)
- PT, OT & Speech therapy
- Diagnostic lab/X-ray (including Hi
Tech Imaging)
- Radiation therapy
- Partial Hospitalization - Mental
Health
- Partial Hospitalization - Substance
Abuse
* * * *
*
From the NYC
Council: City Council leaders announced they have
no plan to pass a bill pushed by Mayor Adams that would allow his
administration to charge retired municipal workers for health
insurance — and multiple sources in the chamber told the Daily News
that the legislation is unlikely to ever get a vote.
City Council Speaker
Adrienne Adams The bill is a last resort in the
Adams administration’s longtime effort to enroll the city’s roughly
250,000 retired workers in a cost-cutting Medicare Advantage Plan
that critics say would result in inferior health coverage. Courts
have twice blocked the administration from implementing the plan due
to a provision that would slap $191 monthly premiums on retirees who
want to opt out of it in favor of staying on traditional Medicare.
While Advantage would be free, the courts have said the
administration’s proposed financial penalty for other coverage runs
afoul of a local law known as 12-126 that requires the city to
provide its retirees with no-premium coverage for life.
As a
result, the mayor has for months pressed the Council to rewrite
12-126 in such a way that the $191 fee would become legally feasible
— but Speaker Adrienne Adams said Thursday afternoon that her body
has no plan to vote on legislation introduced at his request that
would achieve that end. “There is no scheduled next step,” the
speaker said during a news conference at City Hall.
During a
contentious Council Labor Committee hearing earlier this month,
Adams administration officials said that if the Council does not
adopt the 12-126-tweaking bill by Jan. 26, they would move ahead
with the drastic option of eliminating all health insurance options
for retirees besides Medicare Advantage.
The administration
has maintained that option would comply with the court rulings since
there’d be no financial penalty at play. Given that the Council’s
final meeting of the month was Thursday, Speaker Adams confirmed the
body will not act by the stated deadline. That presumably means the
administration will follow through on its pledge to make Advantage
the only available plan for municipal retirees. Related video:
Mayor Eric Adams says 'no room in for migrants' in New York City
(WION) Play Video Mayor Eric Adams says 'no room in for migrants' in
New York City UnmuteView on Watch
Adams spokesman Jonah Allon
declined to disclose the administration’s next step. Instead, Allon
reiterated that the mayor and the Municipal Labor Committee believe
the administration must move ahead with Advantage because it could
save the city hundreds of millions of dollar per year at a time of
great fiscal uncertainty for the municipal government.
“The
city and the Municipal Labor Committee worked together to take
advantage of the federal funding for Medicare Advantage plans that
would permit us to continue providing high-quality, premium free
coverage for retirees while saving approximately $600 million a year
— savings that are especially critical as we continue to face a
skyrocketing health care crisis and other fiscal challenges,” Allon
said. Before the full Council would ever be able to consider the
bill favored by Adams, the Labor Committee would have to approve it
— and a source inside the panel said that’s highly
unlikely.
“The appetite isn’t there to move this bill,” the
source told The News, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss
internal deliberations. Another source close to Council
leadership agreed. “It’s dead,” the insider said of the bill, noting
that no Council member came out in support of it during this month’s
hearing in the committee.
In her press conference, Speaker
Adams declined to speculate on whether there’s any support for the
bill in the chamber. She cast doubt over the Jan. 26 deadline
floated by the administration, though. “It’s not even clear that
the deadline was ever [active],” she said before lamenting that the
administration hasn’t yet provided the Council with a detailed
contract for its preferred Advantage plan. “One of the questions at
the hearing was, ‘Where’s the contract?’ ... We didn’t even have a
contract to deliberate on as a body, so for me, that was a very
important piece of information that we would need to go forward in
any decision.”
The NYC Organization for Public Service
Retirees filed the lawsuit that prompted courts to block the first
iteration of Adams’ Advantage push — and has indicated it will seek
additional legal intervention if his administration attempts to make
it the only health plan available to them. “If they did that, I’m
sure we’ll see them in court pretty quickly,” Marianne Pizzitola, a
retired FDNY EMT who leads the retiree group, said at last month’s
hearing to cheers from her members.
Ever since former Mayor
Bill de Blasio’s administration first tried to roll out the
Advantage plan in the fall of 2021, thousands of retired teachers,
EMTs and other municipal workers have argued that such a switch
would destroy their coverage. They’ve pointed to federal
studiesshowing that Advantage plans — which are administered by
private health insurance providers, unlike traditional Medicare —
can deny “medically necessary” care for beneficiaries.
Adams’
administration has disputed such concerns and said Advantage would
provide retirees with robust coverage, while allocating savings to
hedge against a city budget deficit that could grow as large as $6
billion in coming years. |
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January 18,
2023 GREAT NEWS !!! CITY COUNCIL
REFUSES TO VOTE ON ADMIN. CODE
CHANGE
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From the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees
NYCorgOfPublicServiceRetirees@gmail.com
Greetings!
Good Morning everyone! The City Council will NOT be
voting on Intro 874 tomorrow. We will now THANK
the Council for NOT taking this bill up.. Please call and
email the Civil Service and Labor Committee. See below the draft
message for the contact Info. We will have more information
coming!
Script for Members
Good Morning/ Good Afternoon My name is
________________________and I am a retiree. The purpose of my call
is to “Thank” the City Council Member for not supporting the passage
of Intro bill 0874 from the Civil Service and Labor Committee. By
having this bill laid aside, you have restored some of our faith in
the system. We appreciate that your member heard our message to not
listen to the Mayor and that retirees should not bare the burden of
the city's budgetary issues. The Medicare Advantage Plan will not
provide us with proper healthcare coverage and we should not have to
pay more to receive less care. We discovered there are several
funding programs totaling over 300 million dollars that can be used
to help balance the budget. There will be a bill introduced soon
that will protect the status of our future healthcare, and we hope
that your member will continue to stand with us and support
it. Thank you for hearing my statement, and being the voice for
retirees. Thank you for listening.
Respectfully, (Your name), retiree, # years,
Department ****************************
List of City Council Members on the Civil Service and Labor to be
called: (CALL BOTH NUMBERS)
28 Speaker Adrienne E. Adams Legislative Office:
212-788-6850 District Office: 718-206-2068
10 Hon. Carmen De La Rosa Legislative Office:
212-788-7053 District Office: 917-521-2616
3 Hon. Erik Bottcher District Office: 212-564-7757
5 Hon. Julie Menin Legislative Office: 212-788-6865
11 Hon. Eric Dinowitz Legislative Office: (212) 788-7080 District
Office: (718) 549-7300
15 Hon. Oswald Feliz Legislative Office:212-788-6966 District
Office: 718-842-8100
21 Hon. Francisco P. Moya 212-788-6862 District Office:
718-651-1917
22 Hon. Tiffany Caban 718-274-4500
37 Hon. Sandy Nurse Legislative Office: 212-788-7284 District
Office: 718-642-8664
40 Hon. Rita Joseph Legislative Office: 212-788-7352 District
Office:718-287-8762
49 Hon. Kamillah Hanks Legislative Office: 212-788-6972 District
Office: 718-556-7370
EMAIL THE CIVIL SERVICE & LABOR COMMITTEE: Copy/Paste
these email addresses into your email: aeadams@council.nyc.gov CDeLaRosa@council.nyc.gov ebottcher@council.nyc.gov tcaban@council.nyc.gov JMenin@council.nyc.gov edinowitz@council.nyc.gov ofeliz@council.nyc.gov fmoya@council.nyc.gov SNurse@council.nyc.gov RJoseph@council.nyc.gov KHanks@council.nyc.gov
The
File for the List of CM is here if you want to save it: https://mcusercontent.com/.../b8e.../Civil_Service_labor.pdf
If you are on Twitter and Instagram, please comment and share our
messages. We also created an OPEN FaceBook Page https://www.facebook.com/NYCRetirees
And Please send your donations in to continue this fight!
We have THREE lawsuits running concurrently, and if the Mayor
eliminates all health plans, we WILL have a 4th!!
There will be NO Vote on Intro 874! You do NOT need
to come to City Council! |
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January 13,
2023
2023 MEMBERSHIP CARDS MAILED OUT |
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The 2023 membership cards and decals went out to all
PAID members this past Wednesday, January 11th.
NON-PAID members were sent the letter and
the dues envelope, and we ask those members to please send in your
dues upon receiving the mail.
In the past few years, we have encountered mail problems with
some envelopes being ripped open and membership cards being lost.
We ask any member who receives an envelope that has been opened
and cards missing, to please contact us.
To any member who also belongs to the FOP Lodge 317, be advised
that the National and State cards were sent out Tuesday to those
members who sent in their dues in the first batch early in 2022
after receiving the renewal application in September. |
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January 9,
2023
SURVEY FOR THE 2023 FLORIDA REUNION |
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Bill McKechnie, his staff, and Lou Hollander
are conducting a survey to see how many retirees would be interested
in attending what may be the last, and possibly the best, Florida
Reunion ever. We wish Bill and his staff all the best in their
endeavor.
Responses should be in before January
23rd
Please read the details in this PDF |
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January 8,
2023
RALLY AGAINST NYC MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN
and DENY
PAROLE FOR KILLER OF DET. GEORGE CACCAVALE |
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The NYC Council will be conducting a hearing on the proposed
change of the Administrative Code Sect 12-126 on Monday, January 9th
at 9:30AM. Active and Retired Cuty employees are urged to attend and
voice your oppostion to the proposal.
Please read this from
the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees in this PDF
President Bob Valentino and the Executive Board are asking all
members and fellow retirees to submit a letter or email in support
of denying parole for the killer of the Late Det.
George Caccavale.
We stand in support of
George Caccavale's daughter, Carla, who will appear at the parole
hearing in February to try to keep this killer in jail. Thanks.
Click on this link to the PBA https://www.nycpba.org/community/keep-cop-killers-in-jail/cop-killers-form/?id=25865 |
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December 21,
2022
NEW PRESCRIPTION PLAN FOR THE NYPD DEA |
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From Alan Berkowitz berky4@aol.com
Dear DEA Member:
Effective February 1, 2023, the DEA is launching a new
prescription drug program. This new program will replace our
Benecard prescription drug plan. The new prescription drug program
will be administered by Express Scripts. Our members should
experience significantly enhanced prescription drug benefits with no
disruptions to your current prescription drug needs.
By mid-January of 2023, you will receive a letter from Express
Scripts introducing you to our new program. You will also be
receiving a “welcome package” and a new prescription drug
card.
For the past several years, the DEA Board of Officers
has been committed to making improvements to the union’s health
benefits for both active and retired members. In 2021 and 2022, we
introduced our new Cigna dental plan for active and retired members,
increased life insurance benefits for active members, and instituted
our new Northwell Health body screening program. And in 2023, we
expect to make improvements to our mental health and wellness
programs. We will continue to examine other benefits to enhance the
lives of our members and their families.
Beginning February 1, 2023, we look forward to you — the
“Greatest Detectives in the World” — experiencing our new pharmacy
benefit through Express Scripts.
In the interim, have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season
and a joyous New Year!
Fraternally, Paul
DiGiacomo President |
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December 13,
2022
TOME GREER HAS TICKETS FOR THE 2023 METS-YANKEES GAME
and
LATEST RE-CAP ON THE CITY'S HEALTH PLAN ISSUE |
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Our newly elected Executive Secretary, Tom
Greer, has obtained 100 tickets to the 2023
Mets-Yankees Subway Series Game scheduled for June 13th,
7:10 PM. Please note, it will be on a first come - first sold basis
as no other tockets will be available after these are sold
out.
Full details can be viewed in this PDF flyer.
From Mariann Pizzitola of The NYC Organization of Public Service
Retirees
The latest information available can be viewed
in this PDF report |
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November 22,
2022
RETIREES ORGANIZATION WINS IN STATE APPEALS COURT |
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Marianne Pizzitola of the Organization of Public Service
Retirees has succeeded in court in a decision rendered by the NYS
Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial
Department.
WE WON! This means TWO
courts interpreted the law the same way and the retirees are
vindicated in our effort to push back on the City from trying to
take away our benefits. The MLC and City have tried everything
from back room deals to trying to change the law we won our case on,
to threatening the City Council and even using an arbitrator who is
supposed to be neutral, to say on the eve of Thanksgiving, if the
legislative body doesn’t do what’s being demanded of it he will
eliminate all plans. Truth is there are options. They
just didn’t want to implement them. WE STILL NEED
TO MAKE CALLS AND EMAILS TO CITY COUNCIL!! They
may still try to pull the “nuclear option” or change the
code! Our work is NOT done! Today, the NYC
Organization of Public Service Retirees won their case in the First
Department NY Appellate Court. The Court was very clear
Code § 12-126 (b) (1) provides: “The city will pay the entire cost
of health insurance coverage for city employees, city retirees, and
their dependents, not to exceed one hundred percent of the full cost
of H.I.P.-H.M.O. on a category basis.” The court correctly
determined that Administrative Code § 12-126 (b) (1) requires
respondents to pay the entire cost, up to the statutory cap, of any
health insurance plan a retiree selects. The Retirees
applaud the decision. Marianne Pizzitola
The
entire court decison can be read HERE |
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November 3,
2022
REPORT OF NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING |
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Minutes of the membership meeting held on November
2, 2022.
The meeting was called to order by President Mike
Lanning with the Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag and asked
for a moment of silence for the 7 departed members since our last
meeting in September, any deceased family members, and all fellow
retirees on the Sick List. Mike then introduced our Editor,
Frank Crisa, and thanked him and Treasurer
Tony Lomanto, for their work in putting together our great
newsletter, "Beyond the Line."
The finances of the association are doing well. We have received
donations from many of the members, especially from many Lifetime
Members who no longer have to send in dues..
Mike welcomed Robin Becker, the President of the
Transit Police Memorial FOP Lodge 317, and her board.
Our next meeting, the annual Christmas and Holiday
Party, will be held on December 7th at
Verdis. Any paid member who attended the
Black Patch luncheon in October will not have to pay the $25 door
charge.
The NY Reunion will be held at Antun's on
Tuesday, November 15th at 4:00 pm The cost is $65.00 in advance and
$70 CASH at the door.
Nominations and election of Executive Board Members for 2023 was
conducted by Vinnie Servedio. The results are as follows:
President - Bob Valentino First Vice President - Deo
Fasolino Second Vice President - Vinnie DiMaio Executive
Secretary - Tom Greer Financial Secretary - Gregory
Stripp Treasurer - Tony Lomanto Recording Secretary - Bob
Forrester Sergeant At Arms - Mike Lanning
Tom Greer reported there were 192 people at the
Mets-Yankees game this year at $163.00 per ticket. To change to a
location closer to home plate would cost about $200.00 per
ticket. It was decided to stay in the same section for the
2023 games. A total of 100 tickets will be ordered.
Several members in Queens requested a meeting location closer to
them and a location in Howard Beach was suggested. A meeting
starting at 12:00 noon and ending at 2:30 pm before the rush hour
traffic was proposed.
Legislative Director Tony Piazza spoke at length
about the problems facing the new medical coverage plan. The City,
faced with the possibility of the City Council not amending the city
charter section 12-126, is now using the threat of only having one
health plan for all employees, both active and retired. It would be,
of course, the Medicare Advantage Plan currently being negotiated
with Aetna Health Insurance.
We have 50 new members as can be seen in the latest issue of
"Beyond the Line." Deo spoke about the need to get new,
younger members to join and said that at the Black Patch Meeting and
the FOP State Convention, he distributed 200 applications.
1st VP Bob Valentino requested that prayers be
offered for the 2 police officers shot in Newark, NJ. Thankfully,
the culprit was apprehended.
The meeting adjourned at 2:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Robert Forrester, Recording
Secretary
Regarding the issue of the City
Council amendment change, the Organization of Public Service
Retirees has put together a chart that shows the possible changes
the City and the Municipal Labor Council as compared to what we now
have. It can be seen in the PDF HERE |
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September 27,
2022 LATEST
UPDATE ON RENEWING YOUR PISTOL PERMIT WITH THE NEW STATE
LAWS
ONLY TO MAKE MATTERS MORE CONFUSING |
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Thanks to Alan Berkowitz and Lou Hollander for forwarding
this information as received from RETIRED LIEUTENANTS'
ASSOCIATION NYPD
Dear Members,
Below are some excerpts from info we have gotten related to the
new law affecting the renewal of your NYS/NYC Concealed Carry
Permits. It is unclear how the State/City will verify how long
you have maintained your HR218. I would recommend checking with the
County that issued your permit regarding their policies. You may
want to consider saving your old HR218 cards in case they are needed
to prove your years of certification. Some Counties had permits with
5 year expirations, NYC had 3 year expiration, and some did not
expire. Per the new NY State law, all permits now expire every
3 years. Some of the HR218 schools are already offering the new
course for those needing it.
Fraternally, Michelle Schaefer President
From the NYC Pistol License
Section:
The new law for carry licenses has
changed. Per the new law, you need 16 hours of classroom
instruction and 2 hrs. range time. MOS retired over 5
years who do not have an HR218 are required to complete this
training class. If you are retired over 5 years and have an
HR218, send a written statement that you have an HR218 and kept it
active for how many years. Include a copy of the HR218 front and
back. An HR218 dated before 9/1/2022 which is in effect at
this time will be enough to satisfy the requirement. If no HR218,
then the required training has to be completed to renew the license.
From the DEA: Update on Firearms License Renewal for
Retirees
As of September 1, 2022, all
licensees, including retired members of law enforcement, must have
sixteen (16) hours of training and two (2) hours of shooting
practice. The State of New York plans eventually to check back three
(3) years of the applicant’s social media accounts, but, as of this
writing, personnel is not yet in place at the Licensing Division to
conduct social media checks. H.R. 218 certification will be accepted
only if it was acquired prior to September 1, 2022. The caveat is
that the Licensing Division will assume the retired member of the
service had H.R. 218 certification for consecutive years and didn’t
just newly acquire it. We hope more information will be forthcoming,
but as of this writing, this is what is known at this
time.
For Nassau County residents,
I called the Pistol Permit Section and was told that Nassau
County Supervisor Blakeman has a bill on his desk that will allow
renewals on a 3 year basis rather than the current 5 and training
will not be required for those with HR 218 certification. I am
assuming Suffolk County will have a similar exemption. More on this
when this matter is finalized. |
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September 13,
2022
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL FLORIDA R.O.M.E.O. LUNCHEON |
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From Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net
Great
photos from the Spring Hill FL R.O.M.E.O luncheon can be viewed in
this PDF |
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September 9,
2022 REPORT
OF SEPTEMBER MEETING & LATEST ITEMS OF INTEREST |
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From Recording Secty Bob Forrester (and his wife,
Fran)
President
Mike Lanning opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag followed by a moment of silence to remember 21 departed fellow
retirees since our last meeting, their family members, fellow police
officers, those on the Sick List, and our Armed Forces serving in
harm’s way.
Mike
informed the membership that the next issue of “Beyond The Line” is
coming out by the end of September or early October, and thanked
Frank Crisa and Tony Lomanto for doing a great job with the
magazine.
Mike
also thanked Tom Greer for doing a great job on the Subway Series
held on July 27th. Tom is currently working on the one for
next year.
Bob
Valentino asked the members present to ask any fellow retirees who
are not members, to join the association. He also spoke about the
Black Patch Meeting to be held on Saturday, October 1st, 12 Noon at
Verdis. Your $60.00 fee for the Black Patch Meeting includes
free admission to the Retirees Christmas Party. There were
five new members inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame and will be
honored at the Black Patch dinner
Bob
also mentioned the NY Reunion at Antun's on
Tuesday, Nov. 15th starting at 4:00pm, with thanks to Paul
Murphy and Marilyn Scahill.
The
Bowling League meets on Tuesday mornings, and anyone is
welcome.
Tony
Lomanto spoke about the new PBA Dental Plan which is a good one. It
is important that you go the PBA website and click on the link to
register with CIGNA. This plan is only for PBA members.
The
negotiations between Emblem and Blue Cross came apart. The
City is now negotiating with Aetna. There will be a speaker at
the Sept. 29th meeting at 12:00 Noon at the LI Shields meeting at
the Coral House in Baldwin addressing this issue. (See
the important update below)
Sun.
Sept. 11th was to be the last day to be registered in the
911 Victims Fund for any illnesses suffered as a result of 911.
Today, (9/10) the Governor signed
(S9294A/A10416) which extended the deadline to file a
Notice of Participation under WTC Disability Law. The new deadline
is September 11, 2026.
Tony
spoke about the new Gun Law Bill. It might be a good thing to
obtain an HR218 Permit - you could carry your gun from state to
state. For those living in the NY Metropolitan area, you
can call Instructor Roland M. Grant of SAFETY
QUEST at phone number 516-446-0127. Various law enforcement
organizations are seeking to have amendments added as this bill,
like previous gun laws, was rushed through without much thought and
input. This law does not pertain to active or retired LEOs regarding
"sensitive areas" as mentioned in the bill which can be read in the
State FOP posting below. It is important that you have a current
Transit Police or NYPD Police Identification card to get the HR 218
certificate.
Mike
introduced the new President of FOP Lodge 317, Robin Becker, who
said a few words to the membership.
The
next Retirees meeting will be held Wednesday, November 2nd, 1:00 pm
at Spuntino's Restaurant in Williston Park. We still do not have the
OK to resume meetings at the State FOP building because of
renovation issues.
Respectfully
submitted, Robert Forrester Recording
Secretary
Thanks to Alan Berkowitz for forwarding this important health
plan update:
Here we go
again!!!!!
ADAMS AND UNIONS STRIKE DEAL ON MEDICARE
PLAN Plan Adams and Unions Strike Deal on Shift to
Cost-Cutting Medicare Plan by Sam Mellens - NY Focus - 9/08/22 -
UPDATED
The mayor and major city
unions plan to press the City Council to clear a path for a
privatized Medicare plan for retired city workers.
At a meeting Thursday morning, the administration of Mayor Eric
Adams and major unions representing municipal employees agreed on a
proposal to clear the way for their long-held goal of switching
retired city workers to cost-saving private Medicare Advantage
plans. The insurance shift, first reported by New York Focus more
than a year ago, would likely save the city hundreds of millions of
dollars a year and help pay for current workers’ benefits — but many
retirees fear that it could decrease their access to health
care.
At the meeting, union leaders agreed to a proposal from the
administration to make a joint request to the City Council, asking
it to amend city law to allow the city to charge retirees for their
current health care plans. That would remove a legal roadblock that
has held the switch up in court and led the insurer that had won the
contract to administer the plan to back out in July. “It wasn’t
all wildly enthusiastic votes, and people were expressing qualms.
But the difficulty is we’re not quite sure what else to do, because
there is a financial problem here,” said Robert Croghan, chair of
the executive board of the Organization of Staff Analysts, a union
representing city office workers across numerous agencies. Croghan
estimated that 85% of the dozens of union representatives present
voted in favor of the proposal.
Oren Barzilay, president of
Local 2507, a union representing fire department employees, told New
York Focus that he voted against the proposal. “The law gives us
protection in terms of having our current health benefits,” he said.
“Why would you open up that Pandora’s box not knowing what could
happen?”
The city projects that the shift to Medicare Advantage will save
$600 million annually, which would go to a fund controlled by city
unions that is used to pay for current city employees’ health
insurance and other benefits. Without that additional cash, the
benefits that the fund provides could be at risk.
The city
and union leaders have claimed that retired city workers would
receive the same quality of care under a Medicare Advantage plan as
they currently receive under Senior Care, the free insurance plan
that the city provides to most retirees. But many retirees have
raised concerns that a Medicare Advantage plan would provide less
coverage and carry greater out-of-pocket costs than Senior
Care. The city had planned to incentivize retirees to switch to
Medicare Advantage by requiring them to pay $191 a month to maintain
their coverage under Senior Care. In a March decision on a lawsuit
filed by retirees to stop the switch, state Supreme Court Judge Lyle
Frank ruled the city can’t force retirees to pay for their current
care.
Frank’s ruling threatened the viability of the switch
as a cost-cutting device. By April, over 65,000 retirees had opted
out of the Medicare Advantage plan — more than one out of every five
retired employees.
The proposed legislation, endorsed by the mayor’s Office of Labor
Relations and the unions’ Municipal Labor Committee, would change
the text of the law that Frank based his ruling on to allow the city
to force retirees to pay to maintain their current coverage. The
proposal is detailed in a letter from Labor Relations Commissioner
Renee Campion to Harry Nespoli, chair of the Municipal Labor
Committee, a coalition of city workers’ unions. The legislative
change “would help ensure the parties have the necessary flexibility
to obtain quality and affordable health insurance coverage for
covered individuals,” the letter states. The letter also says that
at least one plan for retirees would remain premium-free, as Senior
Care currently is.
Frank’s ruling allowed the city to
eliminate Senior Care entirely, but the city hasn’t given any
indication that it is considering that step. The Adams
administration is appealing Frank’s ruling. But if the City Council
adopts the Office of Labor Relation’s proposed legal change, then
getting the ruling overturned might be unnecessary. “It’s an end run
around the court decision, in a sense,” Croghan said.
The unresolved Medicare Advantage situation is likely to be a
significant sticking point in upcoming contract negotiations between
the unions and the city, City & State reported on Wednesday. If
the unions think that their health care costs are likely to go up,
they may ask for larger raises, which would cost billions of
dollars. That could be an ask that the city is reluctant to grant,
especially since current projections show it is already likely to
face multi-billion-dollar budget gaps in upcoming years. Croghan
predicted that the City Council will approve the proposed change.
“It’s something that Adams wants, and now the Municipal Labor
Committee says they want it too. Why would the City Council not go
along with it?” he said.
Barzilay said that public opposition
to the plan, which has been vocal in the past, could present an
obstacle. “There’ll be people testifying for it, and people
testifying against it. It’s just a matter of who’s more persuasive
to the City Council,” he said.
From the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees
(as of September 1st)
This link is
to bring awareness of the misguided information that is being
disseminated. You will read our reply to the UFT RTC Health
Committee Chair. We included his emails for
your reference.
Grab a cup of coffee.... (or a
bottle of wine!)
This information brings out the
"lies" perpetrated by the UFT and the Health Insurance Stabilization
Fund.
The NYS Fraternal Order of Police has put out a
"Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) about the latest Gun Control laws
recently passed by New York State. Please keep in mind that as a
retired Police Officer, many of these laws do not apply.
That
report can be read HERE Note Questions
#17 & 25 as it relates to retired Police Officers. |
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August 4,
2022
PENSION COST OF LIVING INCREASE |
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From Lou Hollander and Alan Berkowitz
COLA ADJUSTMENT BEGINNING SEPTEMBER, 2022 THROUGH
AUGUST, 2023
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for September 2022 through
August 2023 benefit payments is 3%.
As a result, an eligible retired member with a maximum retirement
benefit of $18,000 or more will receive a maximum increase of
$45 per month beginning with the September
30, 2022 payment. (Eligible members receiving a maximum
retirement benefit under $18,000 will receive a lesser monthly
increase.)
This latest COLA brings the cumulative maximum monthly increase
since COLA legislation was enacted in 2000 to $444 (see chart be-
low).
New York's permanent, automatic COLA is designed to help offset
inflation's adverse effects on the fixed retirement benefits of the
state's public retirees. By law, the COLA can be no less than 1% and
no more than 3% annually and is applied only to the first $18,000 of
the retirement benefit. The COLA percentage is calculated by taking
50% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase from one March to the
next and rounding up to the nearest tenth. The CPI increased 8.54%
from March 2021 to March 2022.
To be eligible for a COLA, you must either be: • · At least
age 62 and retired at least five years; or, • · At least age 55
and retired at least 10 years; or, • · A retiree receiving a
disability benefit for at least five years (regardless of age);
or, • · A surviving spouse of an eligible retiree receiving a
lifetime benefit. (By law, the spouse receives an increase equal to
one-half the COLA the retiree would have received.)
Retirees who become eligible for the COLA after September will
receive their adjustment when first eligible.
That should
be good for at least a tank of gas in your car. |
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July 31,
2022 REPORT
OF THE RECENT NY 10-13 MEETING WITH THE PUBLIC SERVICE
RETIREES |
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President Mike
Lanning and I, along with Dan McGowan and his wife Emily, and
Associate member Eric Wollman, were among the few Transit Police
Retirees Association members along with other City agency
departments retirees who attended the special meeting sponsored by
the NY 10-13 Club with special guest speaker Marianne
Pizzitola from the NYC Organization of Public Service
Retirees.
It was somewhat
disappointing that there was such a small turnout of retirees
there.
Jay Finn, a 10-13
Club Officer, introduced Marianne and her colleague, Michelle
Robbins, to a warm applause from the audience.
Marianne mentioned
that their organization was getting negative comments from many
labor unions that what the Organization was saying was wrong, When
the unions were asked exactly what information was wrong, there was
no response from them.
Marianne started with
the history of the Health Insurance Stabilization Fund (HISF) that
was formed many years ago to maintain the cost of health insurance
plans for City workers.
In 2011, The Mayor,
City Council members and labor leaders actively discussed ways to
prevent the layoffs and cuts proposed to balance the budget in
fiscal year 2012.
One option under
consideration was to divert money from the HISF. Ultimately, around 2014 or
so, monies were "borrowed" from the Fund to settle a contract with
the Teachers Union as they had been without a contract for several
years.
From then on, and
with no oversight in place, monies were taken from the HISF by the
City and yet, there was no paying it back. This has led to the City
now looking to offer a different medical plan to employees and
retirees and to implement the current MAPP plan for Medicare
eligible retirees in order to reduce costs. With the proposed MAPP,
the City was to have saved approximately $600 million by passing the
cost of coverage onto the Federal government. That money was
“supposed” to be used for contracts and health plans and be added to
the HISF.
With Supreme Court
Justice Frank's decision in March of this year that the City cannot
charge a monthly premium for Medicare eligible retirees who do not
want the MAPP, the City had no choice but to set aside starting the
plan. Immediately after the decision, the City filed an appeal that
is scheduled to be heard some time in October. Along with this
delay, Anthem Blue Cross tried to push the City to start the new
health plan in January 2023, but they received negative response
from NYC and as a result, pulled out of the plan.
The City is now in
the process of finding another health insurance company to handle
the benefits for the employees and retirees. It remains to be seen
what that outcome will result in.
With this new snag in
the City's plan, the website for Office of Labor Relations (OLR) has
updated their website and has now removed the Opt-Out form. As to
the co-pays and deductibles, it was said that these were put in
place for the benefit of the insurance companies.
I asked the question
about the PBA's court action against the Municipal Labor Council
(MLC) where the PBA stated they are not part of the MLC and are not
bound by their approval of the proposed MAPP. Marianne explained
that when a union utilizes a benefit obtained by the MLC, they are
part of it. It's not a matter of selective choices.
In the end, Marianne
went on to say that the fight is still on and asks that we send out
the call for donations to keep it going. In that respect, we do ask
that our members, especially those on Medicare, to make a donation
of any amount.
Please make out the
check to NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees and mail it to
The Organization at PO Box 941, Venice FL 34284.
Other methods of
donations can be found on their website www.nycretirees.org
We hope this
information has been helpful to our members and please spread the
word to fellow retirees who may not have computer
access.
Thank you and stay
safe.
Fraternally,
Mike Lanning,
President, and your Executive Board.
This report will be
sent out to our members in an email. |
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July 11,
2022
NEW CIGNA DENTAL PLAN FROM THE PBA & DEA |
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A new dental plan is being offered to members of the NYPD PBA
and the DEA through CIGNA. As it appears, using an in-network
provider would cover many procedures at no cost to the member. Out
of network providers would normally charge a fee, place a claim for
you and you would be responsible for the difference. A compelete
explanation from the PBA can be viewed in this PDF |
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July 11,
2022 CEREMONY
FOR RET. P.O. BRENDAN 'JOE' McGARRY AT PINELAWN NATIONAL
CEMETERY |
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On Wednesday, July 6th, a special ceremony took place at the
Pinelawn National Cemetery in Farmingdale Long Island for the
internment of the ashes of (Ret. PO) Brendan “Joe”
McGarry, his wife, Christine, and their son,
James. Members of the State FOP, FOP Lodge 317, family and
friends, and a contingent of the Patriot Guard Riders on their
motorcycles were in attendance.
Flag bearers and all others stood at attention when the cemetery
vehicle carrying the ashes pulled up at the ceremony site. They were
placed on a stand with the American flag in front of the case with
the U.S. Marine Corps plaque holding Joe’s ashes. Ret. TP Det.
Eugene Hennigan, a deacon of the church where Joe and Christine
attended, presided over the religious aspect. At the end, Taps were
played, the urns were removed for internment and the ceremony was
over.
Joe, Christine, and James were now together. May they Rest in
Peace.
Photos taken at Pinelawn may be seen in this Power
Point folder HERE |
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June 6,
2022
LOU HOLLANDER AND BILL WOOD HONORED BY FLIGHT TO D.C.
(correction) |
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I made an error describing the Honor Flight trip that Lou
Hollander and Billy Wood recently took to Washington DC. Lou was
kind enough to point out my error and gave me a better description
of the event. - Tony
Lou Hollander and Billy
Wood were selected by the Honor Flight
Committee to take the trip to DC and to see the various
memorials situated there, most notable The Vietnam Wall and the War
Memorials. Lou mentioned that he was looking at the name on the
Wall of a friend whom he grew up with.
The Honor
Flight Network is a national network of undependant hubs working
together to honor our nation's veterans with an all-expenses paid
trip to the memorials in Washington DC, a trip many of our veterans
may not otherwise be able to take. Participation in an Honor Flight
trip gives veterans the chance to share this momentous trip with
other veterans, to remember friends and comrades lost, and share
their stories and experiences with each other.
Attached is a
short rendition and photos by Lou of his trip to Washington, DC that
can be read here: HERE
Well
done and thank you all for your services. |
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May 27,
2022 NYPD
DEA HONORS THE LATE TRANSIT DET. GEORGE CACCAVALE |
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Our 1st VP, Bob Valentino, along with Ret.
D/Sgt. Fred Ametrano attended a ceremony honoring the late
Transit Det. George Caccavale who
was killed during a robbery. DEA President Paul DiGiacomo
Jr., honored George's daughter, Carla
Caccavale with plaques and to Bobby and Fred also. Freddie
was at the scene at the time of the killing of George
Caccavale.
The YouTube video can be seen
here: https://youtu.be/gqCrs29BWGI |
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May 14,
2022
REPORT OF MAY MEMBERSHIP
MEETING |
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MINUTES
OF THE MAY MEETING AT SPUNTINO RESTAURANT
Thanks to our 2nd
VP Vincent DiMaio for this report.
7:15 PM First
Vice Pres. Bob Valentino called the meeting to order and
led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pres. Mike
Lanning and his wife Doris are not present
because they’re out sick with Covid 19, as was Recording
Secretary Bob Forrester and his wife
Frances not present due to Bob having a recent knee
replacement surgery and is currently in rehab.
Treasurer
Tony Lomanto read a list of those members who have passed
away since the last meeting and had a moment of silence for them,
any family members passing, fellow Police Officers in the country
killed in the line of duty and all serving servicemen &
women.
Bob Valentino urged
members to donate to the Public Employee Organization that is
fighting to keep our current medical plans. He also mentioned the
following functions at Verdi’s: Bowling Dinner, Friday, June
10, “The Happenings” who sang “See You in September” will be there.
Saturday, October 1, Black Patch Sports Award Luncheon 12:30 to 4:00
PM, and our Christmas/Holiday Party is scheduled for Wednesday,
December 7, 12:00 to 4:00 PM.
Bob also said that we
should all sign up for emails from Louie Hollander, as they are very
informative, and mentioned the Police Memorial at the NYS FOP HQ
that took place on May 7, which was cold and rainy. State FOP
President Mike Essig paid homage to Joe McGarry who was remembered
for all his service to the FOP. At this meeting, we all raised a
toast to Joe. Lou can be contacted at keystonecop1@verizon.net
At this meeting, Bobby Valentino
mentioned that one of our members present, Ret.
Capt. Bob Kent, recently underwent heart surgery.
Bob explained that he always felt he was in good health until it hit
him. Thankfully, he came through and is recovering and we wished him
well.
Tony Lomanto spoke
about Medicare Advantage Plan. Everything is on hold at this time.
Judge Frank ruled that NYC cannot impose a premium on the GHI/Senior
Care plan if you wish to keep what you have as it is contrary to the
NYC Administrative Code of free health care for life. At this time,
approximately 60,000 NYC Medicare eligible retirees so far have
opted out of the MAP, representing a major loss to the City who
anticipated $600,000,000 (million) reimbursement from Medicare. You
can still Opt-Out and forms were available at the meeting or you can
complete the form electronically at this Link https://nyc-ma-plus.empireblue.com/optout
The City appealed the
decision of the court, and the case comes up in September. As for
deductibles and co-pays, they were not mentioned in the court
decision and will remain in effect until further
notice.
Executive
Secretary Deo Fasolino reminded members to check if your
dentist is a member of the new PBA CIGNA Dental Plan which starts
July 1st before switching plans.
Legislative
Chairman Tony Piazza, spoke on the Variable Supplement Fund
update. He wrote a
letter to Mayor Adams about Home Rule and requesting support for the
bills, So far, we have not received a reply. which is needed to move
forward with the VSF effort. Tony said that Home Rule should not be
necessary as we worked for a State agency and not the City of New
York. At present, they are still in committee and the feeling is
that any bills relating to police are not looked upon favorably.
That and the fact that many legislators are not in their offices but
rather handling legislation by Zoom or other digital "work from
home" methods. The current legislation ends in June so if our bills
don't even get to the floor or the issue of "Home Rule" isn't
resolved, they are dead.
Sgt-at-Arms
Tommy Greer spoke about Mets/Yankees Game. Tickets which
are still available for $160.00 each. The seats are in the same
location as last year - City Field, Section 129, July 27, 2022, 7:00
to 10:00 PM.
Member Vinny
Monfredo and his guest, Ret. NYS Trooper Steve Colano spoke
about Dr. Vick Pamoukian, MD, who is a Vascular
Surgeon and is providing free testing on May 21, 2022, at 400 So.
Oyster Bay Road, Suite 205, Hicksville, NY, 10:00 to 4:00 PM. See
the flyer on the Meetings & Events page. The doctor was at our
March meeting and explained what will be done at the screening for
carotid and leg circulation. Bring your ID, insurance card and
comfortable clothes. A reminder will be sent out via e-mails to the
members and check it out on the Meetings
& Events page.
Tony Lomanto then
introduced Robin Becker, the new President of FOP Lodge
317. She mentioned the next lodge meeting Thursday, May 12
at K of C Floral Park, NY at 7:00 PM.
The next meeting will
be at Verdi’s, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 12:00 to 4:00 PM.
The 50/50 drawing was
held with member Bill Wiese donating his winnings
back to the association.
9:00 PM the meeting
was adjourned.
Respectfully
submitted, Vincent R. Di Maio Second Vice
President |
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May 4,
2022
LATEST NEWS FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREES
ORGANIZATION |
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Thanks to Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net
for sending this out
The latest information regarding
the NYC proposed Medicare Advantage Plan Program (MAPP) can be seen
HERE There
is very good information from Medicare as to proper health coverage
from these Advantage plans.
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April 24,
2002 PHOTOS
FROM THE FUNERAL OF JOE McGARRY AND THE STATEN ISLAND LUNCHEON
and
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR VSF FROM NYPD
DEA |
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Photos from the funeral
of Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. Brendan 'Joe'
McGarry can be
viewed HERE and the video I took
can be seen on You
Tube by clicking on this
link: https://youtu.be/OgaLkfpmmv8y
Talk about a "small world." We received a
recent email from member Kevin
Costigan who told us that his
son, Father Christopher
Costigan, who is the Pastor of the church where the
funeral mass was held for Joe McGarry, St. Martin of Tours, in
Bethpage, Long Island, was to perform the mass yesterday and he gave
a very warm eulogy for Joe..
Photos from
the Staten Island Lunch
Bunch can be
viewed HERE
The letter of support
form the NYPD DEA can be viewed HERE |
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April 15,
2022
MEDICARE PART 'B' HAS BEEN SENT OUT |
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Check your account where you have your pension check
deposited. You should find the Medicare Part 'B' re-imbursement for
2021 deposited in it. The payout was in the amount of $1782
per person and $3564 for a couple. Again, the City
re-imbursed us the correct amount of $148.50 per month. If you were
subjected to any IRMAA extra deductions on your Social Security
check, the forms for that reimbursement should be coming out by the
end of April. Those payments are usually sent out in
October. |
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April 2,
2022
VERY GOOD INFORMATION FROM THE CHARLOTTE NC 10-013 CLUB |
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March 19,
2022
REPORT OF MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING |
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Report of
the March membership meeting from Recording Sect'y Bob Forrester,
with assistance from his able wife, Fran:
The meeting
was held at Verdis Caterers in Westbury, Long Island, and we had
approximately 60 members attending.
The meeting
was called to order by President Lanning with the Pledge of
Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. Treasurer Tony Lomanto
read off the names of 35 fellow retirees who were reported passed
away since our last meeting in December.
Member
Vincent Monfredo brought a guest speaker, Dr. Vic Pamoukian, a
vascular surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Queens, and Hicksville,
and is offering vascular screening to all our members and their
family members. He will be setting up a meeting in May at a location
to be announced at the membership meeting on May 11th at Spuntino’s
Restaurant in Williston Park.
Though
absent for a court appearance (he's still an active NCPD officer),
Sgt-at-Arms Tom Greer has purchased 200 tickets for
the Mets-Yankees
baseball game scheduled for July
27th at 7:10PM. The seats will again be in the same
location as in 2021 - Section 129 by the
3rd base line. If interested, you
must call Tom at 631-902-8911 or email
at hpb2270@optonline.net The
cost per ticket this year will be $160, which, like
everything else, has gone up in cost.
Treasurer
Tony Lomanto spoke at length of the latest news regarding the
proposed Alliance Medicare Advantage Plan the City of NY intends to
have in place for retirees on Medicare. As reported, Judge Frank
ruled the City cannot impose a cost to the retirees to remain in
their current plan and the City, in response, stopped the plan's
start date of April 1st and also filed an appeal in court.
We
will be informing our members with whatever decision is made in
court. So, as of now, you will remain in your current plan, not pay
a premium, but you will be paying the deductible and co-pays. The
organization of service retirees who filed the court action still
advises retirees to OPT-OUT of joining the MAP. The current
telephone number of the Alliance program at this time has a
recording that it is not necessary to OPT-OUT since the plan will
not go into effect April 1st.
Despite that, and from past
history in dealing with NYC, it is recommended you file an OPT-OUT
form if you have not done so before. The form is available if you
click on the "OPT
OUT" link below in the posting of
March 8th. Follow the instructions to
complete the form (one for yourself and one for each dependent) and
send it by certified mail or electronically at the website
shown.
Tony
also mentioned that the latest edition of our great
newsletter, "Beyond the
Line," will be going to the mailer on
Monday, March 21st and should be in your hands within the next 2-3
weeks. It will be a big 48-page issue full of photos and
letters.
We would
also like to point out the great number of donors who contributed to
the Association and we thank them very much for their generosity.
Remember, the newsletter only goes out to PAID members, so if you
still haven't sent in the dues for 2022, please do so now. We don’t
want you to miss a copy of this great paper.
Congratulations
and best wishes were given to Rita and Ron DiMao celebrating their
54th wedding anniversary. Way to go, guys!!!
Larry
Lombardo spoke of the Breakfast Communion Mass being celebrated on
April 24th honoring, among others, Police Officer Irma Lozada. Full
details can be found on the Meetings
and Events page.
Executive Sec'ty Deo Fasolino made a motion which was seconded to
have the Association pay for 4 members to attend the event. They
will be Ron DiMaio, John Asti, and Carmella and Al
Pelliccia.
Deo also
spoke of how the laws have changed regarding safe deposit boxes and
gun permits when you have a spouse. Deo went through this after his
wife, Barbara, passed away last year.
Legislative
Chairman Tony Piazza spoke of the current status of the VSF. He
reported that we still have bills in Albany and that at present,
there are only about 300 TPD retirees eligible for the
VSF.
The 50/50
raffle was held and there being no new business, the meeting was
adjourned. |
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March 8,
2022
UPDATE INFORMATION ON NYC MAPP |
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From Alan
Berkowitz berky4@aol.com as
received from the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees
<NYCorgOfPublicServiceRetirees@gmail.com>
As
we reported, Justice Frank’s ruling allowed the Medicare Plus Plan
to go forward but required the City to provide GHI Senior Care
without any cost to retirees. As we predicted, the City has filed an appeal of
Justice Frank’s ruling and decided not to commence the Medicare Plus
Plan on April 1, 2022. The City has
removed all information regarding the Medicare Advantage Plus Plan,
including the OPT_OUT form, from the OLR website. The City has
updated the OLR website to state the following: "The
NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan is not being implemented on April
1, 2022. Retirees do not need to opt out of the Medicare Advantage
Program in order to remain in Senior Care or their current plan on
April 1. All retirees will remain in their current plans until
further notice. We will post updates for retirees as we have more
information. For additional information, you can call the special
Alliance call center at 1-833-325-1190, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to
9 p.m." We are sure that this had to
do with the abundance of OPT_OUT forms they were receiving after
Justice Frank’s ruling. For the Medicare Advantage Plus plan to be
implemented and profitable, the Alliance will need the majority of
the 250,000 Medicare retirees to be enrolled in this
plan. We are informed that the attorneys for the City,
MLC, and Alliance are considering their next steps to be taken.
Remember, we also reported that Justice Frank stated that “none of
this is to say that the respondent must give retirees an option of
plans”. So, the City can possibly not offer GHI Senior Care as an
optional Medicare plan, leaving the Medicare Advantage Plus plan as
the ONLY plan available for those currently on the GHI Senior Care
plan as well as for those who will become Medicare eligible. The
City can also try to make amendments to the NYC Administrative Code
Section 12-126, remember this is what Justice Frank based his ruling
on. If all else fails, the City can try to manipulate the
H.I.P.-H.M.O. rate, which is used for determining how much the City
will pay for "health insurance coverage". We cannot
allow the City to take away the GHI Senior Care as a Medicare plan
option! I want our members to know that we are monitoring this very
closely. We will continue to keep our members informed with any
updates and what you can do to help prevent this from possibly
happening.
OPT-OUT Instructions **
Updated 03/05/2022
The City is claiming that Opting Out is
not necessary because the MAPP will not be implemented
4/1/22. We advise that
you still submit an Opt-Out if you do not wish to be put into the
MAPP.
03/03/2022 PER THE JUDGE’S DECISION DATED 3/3/22,
the City is permanently enjoined from passing along any costs of the
New York City retirees’ current plan to the retiree or to any of
their dependents, except where such plan rises above the
H.I.P.-H.M.O. threshold, as provided by New York City Administrative
Code Section 12-126.
The following are your options to Opt-Out of the
MAPP. Please remember to:
- Obtain a ‘Reference Number’ a ‘Receipt’ or any other
proof that you Opted-Out.
- Keep Copies of your documents and notes in a safe place
in case you need them later!
Method 1:
*** PLEASE
NOTE AS OF THIS TIME (03/07/2022,
1:00 PM ) THE ALLIANCE 833 HOTLINE IS NOT TAKING OPT-OUT REQUESTS.
WE WILL LET YOU KNOW IF AND OR WHEN THIS CHANGES ****
Method 2: **
CURRENTLY PREFFERED METHOD **
*** PLEASE NOTE AS OF THIS TIME (03/07/2022, 1:00 PM )
ON-LINE OPT OUT IS STILL WORKING. WE WILL LET YOU KNOW IF AND OR
WHEN THIS CHANGES ***
Complete the form electronically at this
Link https://nyc-ma-plus.empireblue.com/optout ***
Take a picture of the screen before submitting ***
Method
3: THIS METHOD SHOULD ONLY BE USED AS A BACK UP TO ONE OF THE
OTHER METHODS. DO NOT JUST USE THIS OPTION AS THE FORM MAY NOT BE
RECEIVED IN TIME
Download, Print and Complete this: Opt-Out
Form https://tinyurl.com/zhr93u67
- If you are unable to download this form,
email: NYCOrgOfPublicServiceRetirees@gmail.com
Keep a copy of your Completed form and Mail to: NYC
Medicare Advantage Plus Plan PO Box 1620 New York, NY
10008-1620 *** Certified Mail Optional*** Home Opt-Out
Announcements FAQ Donate-Subscribe Stories Active Employees Press
Contact Us About Us Address PO Box 941 Venice, FL, 34284,
US
About Our Mission Retirees should not have to worry
about their benefits in retirement. We earned these during the
decades we gave back, took a 0% in collective bargaining, or paid it
back with a give back. We should be able to enjoy our retirement
because we earned it. For our former unions and the City of NY to
strip benefits away from us, automatically enroll us in a private
for profit Medicare plan, violate the contracts that were in place
when we left, is a disgrace. Fight back. Together, let our voices be
heard! Please Join Our Fight © 2022 NYC Organization of
Public Service Retirees Sitemap |
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March
3,
2022 JUDGE
FRANK ISSUES RULING ON THE NEW NYC MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
PLAN
Our thanks to Alan
Berkowitz berky4@aol.com for
sending this out.
Reading
Judge Frank's decision after receiving oral arguments from both
sides, it appears to us, and please correct us if we are wrong, but
he specifically will not allow the City to have retirees who elected
to OPT-OUT and remain on their current plan which, in most cases, is
the Emblem Health/GHI Senior Care plan, to pay the $191.57 monthly
premium for each retiree & dependent. He also stipulated that
the City's Medicare Advantage Plan will go into effect April 1st,
2022 and if one has elected to be in it, they can now elect to get
out of it in the first 3 months and go back to their previous plan.
Also, you cannot be charged the $253 deductible for each plan. That
is, if you started with Senior Care and went into the City plan then
decided to go back to Senior Care, you would not start with a new
deductible.
For
further information, you can read the entire
judgement HERE
From
the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees <NYCorgOfPublicServiceRetirees@gmail.com>
If
you want to remain in your current plan and NOT go into the City
MAP, you MUST OPT-OUT now. Have you Opted Out and did NOT receive a
confirmation letter? If so, please contact the Alliance
Hotline, 1-833-325-1190 and ask for a confirmation letter mailed or
an email. This
includes all retirees that opted out early in September and
October! You must confirm they opted you out and request proof
they received it. You must submit one form for yourself
and one for your dependents.
YOU
MUST OPT OUT ASAP. If you need help please go to our
website: OPT OUT |
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March 3,
2022
LOU HOLLANDER HOLDS ANOTHER GREAT R.O.M.E.O. PARTY FOR THE
SNOWBIRDS |
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From Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net
A few of our snowbird friends were down to spend a
couple of months in the Sunshine State so we decided to put
together a R.O.M.E.O. We had about 21 guys in attendance,
and we had a great time being with old friends. As you have
seen on too many occasions in my emails, I put out obituaries of
someone you have worked with and haven’t seen them in
decades.
Many years of your life was spent working
with them and life is passing us by fast. Try to make it a point
in getting together with guys/gals you used to work with and
reminisce the good old days on the job.
Keep the Spirit of
the Transit Police Alive. You can view the photos from the
Tampa by clicking on the .PDF attachment HERE
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January 26,
2022
THANK YOU LETTER FROM NYPD DEA PRESIDENT PAUL DI GIACOMO |
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We received the following letter from NYPD DEA President Paul
DiGiacomo, thanking us for honoring him at our Christmas &
Holiday party in December. If you don;t know Paul, his
father, Paul Sr., was a Transit Police Officer who worked in
District 34 for many years. I grew up with his dad in Brooklyn and
worked with him in 34 for many years. I also remember when Paul
Jr. was a Housing Police Officer working in Coney Island back in the
'80s. He has always been very helpful to members of this association
and department for many years. |
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December 19,
2021
PHOTOS FROM THE 2021 CHRISTMAS PARTY |
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You can view the photos taken at the Christmas & Holiday
party HERE |
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December 1,
2021
PHOTOS FROM THE NY REUNION
We want to thank Lou Hollander for putting all the photos he
and I took at the NY Reunion into a format that anyone can view.
It saves a lot of time not having to save each photo then having
to upload them to the server. Lou did it in PowerPoint then saved
it as a PDF file. They can be viewed HERE
Thanks,
Lou!
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October 9,
2021
OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Thanks to our Recording Secretary Bob Forrester and
his lovely wife, Fran, for this report
Meeting was
called to order at 1:15 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag.
Treasurer Tony Lomanto updated information on the
fellow retirees who passed away since the last meeting. A moment
of silence was held for them and for family members who passed and
for those on the Sick List, icluding our Sgt-at-Arms, Tom Greer
who is home recuperating from recent surgery, along with our
Armed Forces and fellow Police Officers serving in harm's
way.
President Mike Lanning said the NY Reunion will be
held at Antun's on November 16th. from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
Price is $65.00 in advance by check to Paul Murphy, or $75.00 at
the door. Details can be found on the Meetings and
Events page.
Treasurer Tony Lomanto advised the members that the
Money Market Account will be closed and the funds transferred to
the checking account. This was done as our annnual income has
dropped as more members become Lifetime Members and regular annual
dues stop. With ever increasing printing, mailing, and meeting
costs, the asociation can only exist with the dues or
donations. The cost for each edition of the newsletter alone is
about $5,000.00. Next high cost is the membership cards and
mailings. Donations are always welcome and appreciated, but
please indicate if you want a coin sent as our thanks.
The Retiree Association Christmas and Holiday Party
will be at Antun's on Dec. 16th at 1:00 pm. The March
Meeting will be at Antuns and the May meeting is planned for
Verdis. Other meeting locations and dates will be determined and
the members will be notified far in advance. At this time, there
will be no more meetings at the FOP Building as it is being closed
for renovations. The Board has decided to hold luncheon meetings
as more members are finding it difficlut to drive at night.
The next issue of "Beyond the
Line" is now at the printer's and will
be at the mailer on Tuesday the 12th, to be mailed out. Please
keep in mind with the current postal slowdown on deliveries, and
since the issues are not first-class, that makes it for even
longer delivery times. Executive Secretary Deo
Fasolino mentioned that he sees many retired Transit Police
Officers writing on Facebook and ending with "Transit Police
Forever" and suggested they be contacted and asked to join the
Society.
Tony Lomanto discussed the new City Health Plan and
answered many questions from the members. Her mentioned the PBA,
at a recent LI Shields meeting with Pat Lynch and a member of the
Members Benefits department, felt the City plan was favorable over
keeping the current Senior Care plan. The City plan offers the
same coverage while the Senior Care will have both a monthly
premium and will start to have co-pays with no maximum
amount. It looks like the City Plan is favored but we
caution members to make their own decison based on
needs.
The drug plan was also discussed and it is advised
you do not take out the drug rider unless necessary, as a
drug plan is available through the line organizations.
We then gave a round of applause to our Financial
Secretary, Greg Stripp, who does a grand job at the door.
After a delicious lunch, the meeting was adjourned at
3:50 pm.
Fraternally, Bob Forrester
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September 12,
2021 REPORT
OF THE SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING |
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The first membership meeting of 2021 took place on September 8th
at Verdi's Caterers in Westbury NY. It was well attended with over
90 members present.
President Mike Lanning called the meeting to order at
1:05 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Treasurer Tony Lomanto thanked everyone for attending
the meeting. He advised since our last meeting that sadly we
lost 146 members, both to COVID and other health reasons. The
members observed a moment of silence.
Guest speaker, Kim Parker, from the NYC Office of
Labor Relations, spoke about the new health program called the NYC
Medicare Advantage Plus Plan starting on January 1, 2022. It
is a customized plan from the City of New York and also a National
Plan that members can take with them. It has the same Medicare
guidelines.
Ms. Parker gave a very detailed overview of the plan
and answered many questions from the members.
We should soon be receiving a booklet with enrollment
guide and a detailed summary of the Plan. Ms. Parker
also suggested that we could call 1-833-325-1190 for additional
information.
Members enjoyed a delicious lunch after the meeting.
Meeting ended at 3;05 pm,
Respectfully submitted, Robert Forrester |
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August 5,
2021 STREET RE-NAMING
CEREMONY FOR THE LATE DEP. CHIEF VINCENT DeMARINO |
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. Street
re-naming
sign
Ceremony
gathering
 John
Rini, Fred Ametrano, Ron DiMaio, Charles
McCray Ron Kearney, Rabbi
Berkowitz, Tony Lomanto
Mark Lipra, Ron Kearney, Bob Betz

DeMarino
Family
Bob Ganley (c) next to Mrs. DeMarino |
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October 23.
2020
FOR RETIREES WITH NYPD PISTOL PERMITS |
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From Alan Berkowitz berky4@aol.com
Got The Below From Verrazano 10-13 Member Retired Chief Ray Diaz
And Forwarding For Your Information. The CEA has
received several inquiries regarding NYPD issued pistol permits for
retirees. The concern of retirees with NYPD
issued pistol permits is having licenses expiring. The mayor
implemented an executive order in May of this year (2020), that all
pistol licenses will remain active even if they have expired.
That order is still in effect as well as the state law, as long as
the licensee submitted renewal application before it has
expired. The license will remain active until the renewal
investigation is completed by the assigned investigator. In
addition, the licensees will receive an email automatically in this
regard. Please check the website for more
detailed information and check for updates: https://licensing.nypdonline.org/app-instruction/ Stay
safe & healthy. Ada L. Resnick Office
Manager Captains Endowment Association 40 Peck Slip, New York,
NY 10038 Tel # 212-791-8292 Fax # 866-226-8330 |
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September 26,
2020
INFORMATION FOR RETIREES LIVING IN NYC WITH PISTOL
PERMITS |
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From Chip Hayes chip1440@lawyer.com
This is for retirees who still reside in NY City only.
We have recieved several emals and calls from retirees who still
reside in NY City regarding the NY City Pistol licence
confidentiality request form (called the Foil exemption form, a copy
is attached). The NYPD computerized the Pistol Licence system
in 2017. Everything is scanned and then submitted on line.
When you renew online you should submit the attached FOIL exemption
form that, as a retired Police Officer, keeps your information from
being released on a freedom of information request. Apparently
some members were not asked to submit the form when they renewed and
are being contscted to now submit the form. One member
called the Pistol Licence section and provides the following
information:
Any retiree with a NYC pistol license is now required to resubmit
the "confidentiality request form" which keeps your information from
going public. I did not receive the email some received
advising we need to resubmit this form but I learned of it from
another MOS. Therefore I am sending this along in case others
have not received it either. I called pistol license and the
courteous civilian walked me through it.
Just go to the link https://licensing.nypdonline.org/
and click "sign in", then boxes will appear. One says
"CONFIDENTIALLY REQUEST FORM" (its spelled that way) click on that
box then a screen with your info will come up and just check off the
first option "retired nypd" , then type RETIRED MOS in the white box
and print name on bottom. Hit submit. It was obvious
from the confusion last year that there were going to be continued
problems with this online email process when they started. Now we
see the problems continue. What happens if you do not receive
the emailed request from them and do not submit the form
again? Who knows? I have no other information as to why the
request again. Any problems I would suggest calling pistol
license, 646 610 5560 or 646 610 5154 Remember this is for
NYC pistol licenses only.
Good Luck, Retired Lieutenant's Association
NYPD 516-354-1843 RLAnypd@gmail.com
Click HERE for
the FOIL EXEMPTION FORM.
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September 3,
2020
TRANSIT ROCKS AGAIN !! |
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From Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net

Bobby Ganley and Neil Delargy went to the Transit
Police Academy together in 1982 and worked together in TPF, District
4. Bobby tells me Neil was a great guy and left for Nassau PD
in ’86 or ’87. This photo was taken at Neil’s “walkout”.
He left as Chief of Detectives. “Congratulations and lots of luck,
Neil”
Way to go for both of these guys! All the best in
your retirement, Neil. |
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July 29,
2020 INFORMATION
FOR ID CARD RENEWALS FOR OUT OF STATE AND NY AREA TRANSIT
RETIREES |
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Our many thanks to PO Bazile (who has since retired) for
sending us this information on renewing your Transit ID card
that is expired or nearing expiration.
For the retirees that live out of state, they can email a copy of
their drivers license and id card and in the body of the email they
can put their name, address and a phone number where they can be
reached. We run a background check to make sure no one is wanted
(you'd be surprised).
Also they need to attach a digital photo of themselves from the
waist up in front of a neutral colored wall (please no hats or
sunglasses).
We need a digital photo, not a photo of a photo, to put on a new
id card that we mail certified.
Please tell your members they can call the Personnel Unit at
1-718-610-4660 and we will be more than happy to walk them thru the
process.
UPDATE At this
time, renewals will also be accepted from members living in NY.
Please follow the guidelines above. Be well and
keep collecting those retirement checks.
POs Frank
Pena and Willie Miranda or TBHQPersonnel@nypd.org
New York City Police Department Transit Bureau Personnel
Unit 130 Livingston Street, 3rd Floor Brooklyn NY
11201 718-610-4660 718-610-4555 Fax
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March 5,
2020
VIDEO AVAILABLE FOR PTL. MICHAEL MELCHIONA MEMORIAL MASS |
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Henry Melchiona contacted us to inform all our members and fellow
officers that a professional video was made of the 50th Anniversary
Memorial Mass for Hank's brother, Ptl. Michael Melchiona, celebrated
this past February 28th.
The video is of excellent quality. Lou Hollander converted it to
a YouTube Video which can be viewed on your Smart TV if you have the
YouTube app. If you view it on your PC or tablet you can view it in
full screen. I hope you enjoyed watching the video as much as
I did.
Click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIaGFK3T78s
or paste link into your web browser. It is a very moving and
heartwarming video. - Tony
Here
are some photos from the Mass:
John Moakley & Henry
Melchiona
Tony Lomanto, Henry Melchiona & Mike Lanning

?, Henry Melchiona, NYPD Comm. Shea, Henry's
son
Melchiona family & friends gather at end of
Mass
Tony
Lomanto doing a Reading during the
Mass
Comm. Shea speaking to the congregation
 Hank and fellow
officers & retirees at the luncheon with a photo of the K9 dog
named "Mel" after Mike
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February 9,
2020
TAX SAVINGS FOR FORMER MILITARY MEMBERS LIVING IN NEW
JERSEY |
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For all those fellow Transit officers who live in NJ and were in
the military, a new law went into effect in 2020.
Under a new law signed by Governor Phil Murphy, the Veteran
Income Tax Exemption is doubling to $6,000 for Tax Year 2019. This
exemption is in addition to the $1,000 personal exemption to which
each taxpayer is entitled, and any additional exemption for which
the veteran is eligible. For Tax Years 2017 and 2018, the exemption
amount was $3,000.
Their website is
www.st.nj.us/treasury/taxation/military/vetexemption.shtml
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September 11,
2018
STREET NAMING IN MEMORY OF PTL. MICHAEL
MELCHIONA UPDATE |
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From Lou Hollander, Sal Napolitano & Tony
Lomanto
The Memorial Ceremony for Ptl. Mike Melchiona was a well attended
event with Ret. P.O. Henry Melchiona and his family, NYPD Chief of
the Department Terence Monahan, Admin. Chief Bob Ganley, TA
President Andy Byford, District 1 CO Capt. O'Sullivan, former
Transit Bureau Chief Joe Fox, PBA President Pat Lynch, a contingent
of Officers from Suffolk County PD, and other NYPD uniformed ranks
and the NYPD COlor Guard and Band contingents.
From Sal Napolitano:: Today was the long overdue
recognition for Mike Melchiona who was killed in the line of duty on
the 50th St & Broadway IRT subway station on February 28,
1970. A brass plaque will be mounted on that station in Mike's
memory.
I was speaking with Mike’s brother, Henry, this
evening who told me that he and his family were overwhelmed by this
tribute and the number of retirees, active police officers, Chiefs,
former Transit Bureau Chief Joe Fox, and other ranking officers, PBA
Pat Lynch, Deputy Commissioner Bob Ganley, and the MTA President
were in attendance. Also, in attendance were Pipes & Drums. K-9
Units and police officers from various police departments from the
NY & NJ area. There were many Suffolk County Police officers
including Henry’s son and nephew who are both detectives with the
SCPD. After the dedication the PBA provided a luncheon in
District 1 for all the attendees and guests. This was a very proud
moment for the entire Melchiona family.
The Melchiona
Family
 
 
 
 
 

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