I recently heard an interview on television with a young NASCAR driver and he was asked, "What he thought of the track conditions that day". His answer was, "We think it should favor us because .........." He continued the segment always referring to himself in the plural. I remembered it was only two years ago that this novice was breaking into the sport and was asked how it felt to be driving on a major track. Back then, he answered, "I feel honored to be among these guys. Some of them are my childhood heroes." I began wondering when does a person graduate from a Singular to a Plural. I have been more attuned to this since that day and have discovered that it is prevalent in most public arenas. Politicians, sports figures, entertainers, and most media personalities have somehow become Plurals.

    I’m not sure if there are any set rules for making the change. I doubt if there is an actual promotion to or awareness of becoming a Plural. I don’t think it is a gradual transition though. It must just happen one day when a person feels he has attained a certain amount of success, fame or notoriety. The individual is gone and Plural is born. I think back to my days in ESU. Some of the members actually were Plurals (at least in their own minds) and distanced themselves from the rest of us Singulars. They had cliques and secret trips and probably special handshakes that only they could know. I was taught that the Emergency Service Unit was composed of individuals, each possessing his or her own special talents, working together as a team with the purpose of getting accomplished whatever task was put before us. The only Plural was ESU itself. I could be wrong, but (like Monk) I don’t think so.

    REMA, like ESU, is the Plural to which I now belong and focus my attention and I feel this is a good thing. It is composed of many Singulars and, basically, that is what sets us apart from most other organizations. There really is no need or room for any Plurals. Anyone who attends the meetings soon realizes that there is no place for outside agendas, "axes to grind", grudges or special interests. Maybe REMA should officially adopt the philosophy of Mr. Spock of Star Trek fame who said, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few". If you hear the word "we" used by a REMA member, it hopefully should be in a sentence, such as "We got together and visited so and so after his operation" or " Why don’t WE try to call one of the guys WE know just to see how HE is feeling." Well, I, for one, am still a Singular. I don’t pretend to speak or represent anyone but myself. Maybe WE should follow the example of someone who thought that being a Singular was good enough for Him when He said, "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love." (John 15:9).

    Live Long And Prosper.

    I went to Florida for a few weeks in January and visited Tony Napoli (Ret E 2) and his wife, Carrie, at their home in St Augustine. They really know how to make someone feel at home. Thanks, so much.........I also stayed with Pat Colreavy (Ret E 8). and his wife, Mickey. They make their home in Melbourne and are the most gracious hosts. Thanks to you both......... I was once again united with my CS Team partner, Manny Hernandez (Ret E 3), at Casa Hernandez on Merritt Island for several days. Manny and Lucy always make my visits most enjoyable and memorable. I am in their debt.....I had breakfast with Richie Smith (Ret E9) and reminisced about the Old Stakeout Unit......Pennsylvanians Rich Seaberg (Ret E 1) and Joe McShane (Ret E 9) may soon be neighbors. Maybe a mini meeting in PA? Hmmm.......Harry Stevenson, father of REMA member Det. Harriett Stevenson, ESU & E 8, was in North Shore Hospital. He is 69 years young and recuperating from a long illness. He is now convalescing at home. Our prayers are for his full recovery........John Donnelly (Ret Capt ESU) has relocated to the hills of North Carolina. Hope he enjoys the fishing.........Hank Bukay (Ret E 8) is still protecting the students at St John’s University. It’s ten years already........ Good luck to Denis Burke’s (Ret ESU, E 10) son Chris who recently joined the NYPD. Maybe another E-man on the way?.......

    Tony Sekela’s (Ret ESU) granddaughter, Zoe Ariel Sekela, age 27 months old, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2005. By God's Mercy, Zoe Ariel passed peacefully surrounded by her family......... Ronald P Wasson, father of REMA member Ron Wasson (Ret Insp CO ESU), passed away suddenly at age 71. Those who knew him were fortunate indeed. He was a special person......... Margaret Bernard, mother of REMA member Bill Bernard (Ret Lt E 8, ESU), passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 21, 2004..........James McCormack, Sr., father of REMA member James (Jimmy) McCormack, (Ret. E 8 & ESU), passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2004. James, Sr., was married for 57 years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be dearly missed..........Bob Tillman, son of REMA member, Dennis Tillman (Ret ESD), passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2004, Bob Made his home in Nashville, TN and was 55 years old. He had fought pancreatic cancer and finally succumbed to pneumonia. The Lord mercifully called Bob home.........Frank McGowan, brother of REMA member Hugh McGowan (Ret HNT, ESU,& Bm Sqd), suffered a massive stroke in Silver Springs, Maryland. He passed away on Sunday, January 09, 2005. Frank is now in heaven with the Lord.........Pray for all the deceased and their families. May their souls rest in peace.........

We have SIX members undergoing treatment for serious illnesses and two things are requested, our prayers and anonymity. I have complied with both, now it's your turn.

    1. The next meeting for the year 2005 will be Saturday, March 05, 2005 at Michael’s Restaurant, located in the American Turners Building at 748 Clarence Avenue, Bronx (Throgs Neck), NY from 12:30 PM until 3:30 PM. There will be a Hot Buffet, as well as a chef’s salad. Unlimited House White & Red Wine, Beer, Soda, Coffee and Tea are included. The price for the luncheon is $30.00, which includes all gratuities and sales tax. Payment will be made on the day of the luncheon.

    2. The Second Annual REMA/ESU Day of Remembrance will be held on Saturday April 30, 2005 at Hangar 90, Floyd Bennett Field Brooklyn, NY from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. There is NO Rain Date. Put it on your calendar.

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