R.E.M.A.
Retired Emergency Man’s Association
Volume VI, Issue 4 July 2003
Retirement is really not
what it’s cracked up to be.
There
are many negatives I have to deal with now that I never considered before I
retired. I don’t have a vacation pick anymore. Gone is the quality time that I
had to ponder deep philosophical issues while waiting in traffic as I drove to
and from work. I have no urge to be at a particular place at a particular time.
I don’t get a chance to interact with other civil servants in raincoats and
boots. Everyday I have to choose a different outfit to wear instead of that
snappy uniform. I feel unsatisfied at meals because there is no radio dispatcher
urging me to leave the table and get some cardiovascular exercise. There are
very few forums (except REMA meetings) to complain about being overworked,
underpaid and not appreciated. My penmanship has suffered because I don’t have
summonses, run sheets, or overtime forms to practice on anymore. My vocabulary
has become less expressive. I eat Chinese food on regular plates and not out of
cardboard containers. I eat donuts as a dessert and not as a main course.
I’m
sure there are many other examples that can be added to this list, but suffice
it to say, retirement has its shortcomings. But I’ve never been one to
turn away from a challenge and thus I will persevere in my quest to find out why
so many people decide to accept this new way of life. One positive benefit is
that it allows me to attend REMA meetings and that’s a good thing. Another is
that I have time to write this newsletter and edit the REMA web site. And I’m
sure I’ll think of others. In the meantime, I hope everyone stays safe and
enjoys the summer. Let us never forget September 11, 2001 and those who have
given their lives in the protection of our freedom. Remain alert and God Bless
America.
Rich
Reichman,
Ret ESU, received clearance from his cardiologist to start driving again. Great
News. Rich tells me he’s planning to attend the August 20th REMA
meeting. It’ll be good to see him………Congratulations to Bill
Anderson, Ret E-10, and his wife, Joan, who became grandparents for the
first time when James Michael was born at 1:22 AM on June 02, 2003. Parents,
Michael and Cathie (Anderson) Simon, were also celebrating their 2nd Wedding
Anniversary that day……….Double congratulations go to Pete Mandleur,
Ret E-10 and AU, and his wife, Anita, who also became grandparents for the first
time on June 24, 2003. Their son, Peter’s wife, Christine, gave birth to twin
boys at St Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY. Christopher Joseph and Mathew
Peter and Mom are doing fine………Danny Reilly, Ret E-10,
suffered a brain aneurysm and had to have emergency surgery. He is back home in
Murphy, NC and hopefully will make a full recovery…….Det. Ron Cooper,
ESS 9, was given twenty fours hours to live at Good Samaritan Hospital in
Bayshore, NY as a result of a prolonged battle with cancer. He was added to the
REMA Web Site Prayer List and somehow made a ‘miraculous’ recovery. He is
still in the hospital, but doing much better. Don’t underestimate the power of
prayer ……… Joe Kusk,
Ret ESU and AU, had back surgery (Laminectomy and Fusion) on Wednesday, June 11,
2003. Although still in pain and in a harness, Joe was able to attend the
June 23, 2003 REMA meeting and he told me he will be back skiing again next
February. Great News……… Joanne Langone, sister of PO Tom
Langone, ESS 10, who was lost at the WTC on September 11, 2001, had
surgery at NSUH/Manhassat on July 8, 2003 to remove a brain tumor. Joanne
was then transferred to NSUH/Glen Cove Rehab – and was reevaluated on July 22,
2003. She had been in terrible pain initially, but that has subsided, thank God………
And
now the sad news.
Our
condolences go out to Pete Dowling (Ret ESU) on the death of his
younger brother, Dennis, who passed away suddenly at age 61. He lived in New
Jersey………Condolences also go to the family of William (Bill) Imm,
Ret E-10. He was a member of the Stakeout Squad and later worked security at
Grumman Corp in Bethpage, NY………May they rest in peace.
All REMA members
are invited to attend a ceremony dedicating individual memorial plaques to honor
the memories of PO Jerome Dominguez, PO Vincent Danz, and PO
Walter (Wally) Weaver. It will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at 1100
hours at ESS 3 quarters located on Fteley Avenue, Bronx, NY. The families of the
three officers will be present. There will be refreshments afterwards.
Truck 10 Annual Picnic – 2003
will be held on
Sunday, August 10, 2003, 1030 hrs. at the Dix Hills Country
Club. There is an Adult and a Kiddie pool at the location with a
lifeguard on duty. The cost: $ 30.00 PER FAMILY or SINGLE PERSON $15.00. FOOD
WILL BE CATERED BY FIRESIDE CATERERS with BEER AND WINE included.
You MUST RESPOND by AUG 1, 2003. Contact: Vinny Manco at ESSTRUCKTEN@aol.com
or at ESS 10 - Tel# 718 321-2340.
ESS
1 Dedication Ceremony report
The members of ESS 1 held a Memorial Plaque
Dedication ceremony Thursday, June 26, 2003 at 1130 hours at ESS 1 quarters.
There was the dedication of individual bronze memorial plaques to honor
the memories of P.O. Paddy O'Connor, P.O. Frank LaSala, and P.O. Brian
McDonnell. The NYCPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band, under the direction
of Assistant Bandmaster REMA member Kevin McCarthy, did another outstanding job
as they opened the ceremony in grand fashion.
The event was attended by many Police Department
dignitaries too numerous to mention. The ceremonial unit orchestrated the
affair. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly spoke of the heroes and praised the
officers for their bravery. He mentioned the entire unit as well and commented
on the ultimate sacrifice made by all the Emergency Service Officers we lost on
September 11, 2001. The audience included the families of Officers O'Connor,
LaSala, and McDonnell. Present also were many members of the families of those
officers lost on September 11, 2001.
Det Paddy McGee made an eloquent speech outlining how
this day came to be. It was very touching to hear each officer's heroic deed
chronicled for all those present to hear. The unveiling was conducted jointly by
the three officers’ families and PC Kelly. The three plaques serve as a
fitting tribute to three real heroes. It is also a reminder to all those who see
it that we will never forget.
My thanks go out to the more than thirty REMA members who joined this show of respect for our slain ESS1 brothers.
The next meeting for the year 2003 will be Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at Villa Leone (formerly Harper’s Restaurant) located at 1270 Union Turnpike, New Hyde Park, N.Y. 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.