R.E.M.A.
Retired
Emergency Man’s Association
Volume VII,
Issue 2
March 2004
Listen
Up, Pilgrim!
How do we deal
with society changing around us at such a rapid pace that it makes your head
swim? Many of the tried and true values we grew up with seem to be crumbling
everyday. We are bombarded in every form of the media with stories telling of
the recognition of gay unions, same sex marriages, daily terrorist threats,
corporate financial schemes, and on and on. Low carb, low fat, low cholesterol
diets, allergies to peanuts, out of sight taxes and gas prices, sky high real
estate values, body piercing, ADHD, cell phones everywhere, and on and on.
I think the changes mentioned and many more didn’t just happen. They came about because change is a natural component in the evolution of any society. Throughout man’s history, we have had to accept and adapt to societal changes. The difference in today’s world is that they come so rapidly and we are never given a chance to adjust to the new concepts before they are altered once again. We try to go about the business of getting through our “normal” day and suddenly find that we are listening to language coming from our TV set that we previously only heard in a football locker room or find that all we held sacred is now on the endangered specie list. Our lives have become so much more complex than that of our parents. If you have simply tried to get a cup of coffee at a local Dunkin’ Donuts, you know what I mean.
But there is something that helps preserve our sanity and allows us to look forward to another day. It is the fact that although many things change, some remain the same. There is some continuity in it all. Being with old friends, seeing a baby smile, spring training, and getting a chill up your spine when you hear our national anthem are just a few. Another constant is in knowing that REMA members do not forget the promise we made to our lost brothers. “We Will Never Forget.” On Saturday, April 24, 2004 we will have an opportunity to attend the First Annual REMA/ESU Day of Remembrance”. Let’s use this opportunity to show those around us that an E-Man’s word is still as good as ever and rock solid. There will be no changing that fact.
Congratulations go out Rich
Reichman (Ret ESU) and his wife, Pat, on the arrival of Isabella Pang.
She was born on, March 20, 2004 (a beautiful Spring present), sometime around
4:45 AM and weighed 6 lbs. 9oz. She is the first grandchild of their daughter
Cathie, who resides on Long Island. They have two other little great
grandchildren - Amanda and Karen - who are daughter Linda's grandchildren. They
live in Indiana. It must be getting tougher keeping track of everyone……. Not
to be outdone, Mike Clavin (Ret E 1) and his wife, Loreen were gifted with
their fifth grandchild. His name is William Michael Brennan, born on February
27, 2004 9lbs. 4 oz and 22 inches long. He was born in Jupiter Medical
Center in Jupiter, Florida. This is the first child for Mike’s daughter,
Jeanne, and son-in-law, Tim, who is a former NYC police officer and
now a Palm Beach police officer. They couldn’t be happier. Best wishes to
all……. We are all very proud of Dr.
Hugh McGowan, Ph.D., who successfully defended his dissertation and has
completed the requirements for a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. Graduation is
scheduled for June 3, 2004, but he is now officially allowed to use
the title Doctor. So, if you have any great philosophical questions, just give
him a call. If you are in need of medical attention, please call your own
physician. By the way, I understand he will still answer to the name Hughie.
Atta Boy, Doc…….
And now the sad news…….
Sergeant
Keith Ferguson, ESS 7,
died in the line of duty on Saturday, January 31, 2004. He was 38 years old and
had a great love for the job and for ESU. While assisting precinct officers in a
foot pursuit of a fleeing felon, Sgt Ferguson was stricken with a massive heart
attack. Keith is survived by his mother and father. He is the first ESU officer
lost since the September 11, 2001 attack……Kevin O'Rourke's (Ret ESU) father,
Gerard Francis O'Rourke,
passed away on January 18, 2004 in Florida from Leukemia. He died peacefully in
his sleep with his family at his side. He was seventy years old. Kevin's dad
retired as a 2nd grade Detective with Crime Scene after 23 years in 1987. May he
rest in peace…… Alice Fitzgerald,
mother of Pat O'Sullivan (Ret AU & E-2) and Jim O'Sullivan (Ret E-3), passed
away on Saturday, February 21,2004 suddenly and peacefully at the grand age of
eighty-nine. She will be dearly missed. Our condolences go out to the entire
O'Sullivan family……Bob Rose's (Ret E 8, ESU) mother, Rose, passed away on Thursday, March 04, 2004. She was 87
years of age. She had a full life and is now enjoying her heavenly reward. Let's
give thanks to the Lord……In addition, Bob's mother-in-law, Edith
Goedel, (wife of REMA member John Goedel (Ret E 1) is not well. She has
been battling a nagging illness after undergoing a heart procedure. Let's also
pray that she returns to "full duty" soon…Frank
Barry (Ret E 9 & E 1) passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2004. He
had suffered for years with diabetes and its effects. He was a fighter to the
end. Let's remember Frank and his family in our prayers……Pete Dowling (Ret E 8, ESU) passed away on Wednesday, March
17, 2004. Pete never lost his dignity or his E-spirit throughout his long battle
with cancer. God answered our recent prayers and called him home to his heavenly
reward. Let's keep Pete and his family in our prayers…..We
have FOUR 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.
If
anyone is interested in getting together for a week of fun, sun and memories on
the high seas, why not join REMA member Frank Gallagher and his wife next
January (2005)? They will be taking a cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida. He
has done a lot of leg work and found us a GREAT deal. I can’t thank Frank
enough. For all details and information, contact Frank at: ESU51@aol.com
or Tel # 321-956-3349.
The next meeting for the year 2004 will be the First Annual REMA/ESU Day of Remembrance. It will be held on Saturday April 24, 2004 at Hangar 90, Floyd Bennett Field Brooklyn, NY from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. There is NO raindate.
There will be a display of the vehicles and equipment from ESU, as well as other units of Special Operations Division, such as Aviation, Harbor, Highway and Canine. At approximately 1200 hr we will hold a Memorial Ceremony to honor ALL the members of the Emergency Service Unit who have died in the line of duty since it was established.
Members
are encouraged to bring family and friends, but PLEASE let me know approximately
how many so that we can provide adequate refreshments. A nominal payment will be
made on the day of the meeting.
The
following meeting for the year 2004 will be Wednesday,
June 30, 2003 at Villa Leone
(formerly Harper’s Restaurant).