R.E.M.A.
Retired Emergency Man’s Association
Volume VIII, Issue 5 November 2005
The NYPD has initiated a new program called RMP. The acronym stands for Retirees Mobilization Plan. As of now, the only way to volunteer is to register through the Internet. The issue of “instant notification” was given to me as the reason for not allowing non-Internet users to be included in this group. Hopefully, all NYPD retirees will be included in the future. I will not let the department forget this promise. Here is my report on that meeting.
On Tuesday, October 25, 2005, more than 500 retired members of the service gathered at 1 Police Plaza and thus began the first actual meeting of what the Department calls RMP or Retirees Mobilization Plan. The group consisted of retired people who previously volunteered by registering at the NYPD's Actively Retired website: (http://www.nypd2.org/retirement/home.html).
Upon presenting our Department photo ID cards, which were checked against a list of already registered MOS, we were given another RMP ID card which had our name and tax registry number on it. These two must be presented at any RMP response. This is to insure that there will only authorized responders at any scene or drill. Each registered member was also given several other items and a carryall bag that should be brought with us when called upon.
In the auditorium, the NYPD orchestra (and they are very good, by the way) played a medley of tunes while a PowerPoint collage of various police activities was displayed on three enormous screens. The Tactical Assistance and Response Unit (TARU) had a display with officers available to answer questions. If you chose to, you could have had your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked (anonymously, if you wondered). Representatives from the Pension Section, Medical Division, and Health Insurance Section were present to answer questions. Catered sandwiches, wraps, salads and beverages were plentiful.
The program began with Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly (who stayed for the entire program) personally thanking us for our attendance. He then went on to explain why we were there. He said that the Department recognized the vast amount of police related talent that was possessed by members after they retired and wished to utilize this untapped resource in case of an extraordinary occurrence affecting the city. The PC then introduced Chief of Personnel Rafael Pineiro, who welcomed and thanked us for taking part in this new venture.
The program was turned over to Deputy Chief George W. Anderson, Executive Officer of the Personnel Bureau, who explained how the RMP plan will work. He said that it will be separated basically into three parts (called cohorts). The first will be members possessing special skills, training and talents (such as ESU, Aviation, etc.). The second group will be those with investigative experience and background (the detective and narcotics squads, etc.). The final cohort will be those with general patrol force skills. He went on to explain that each cohort will have separate future drills and duties. He emphasized that everything was on a volunteer basis and no one will be obligated in any way to participate. Deputy Chief Anderson further explained that the overall picture is as follows: the Police Commissioner will initiate the RMP call up. The Chief of Personnel will determine the extent of response (limited, full or specialized) depending on the situation. A “BLAST” notification will go out using the registered member’s e-mail and phone number. The member will then call a special telephone number and notify the Department if and when he can respond. The RMP member will then go to the designated mobilization point with the two ID cards and, if possible, the RMP equipment received. The member will then report to the ranking officer at the location and be further deployed. At any point, the volunteering RMP member can leave only after notifying the ranking officer (for accountability purposes) with no problem. If you simply leave, you will be taken off the RMP registry. Deputy Chief Anderson pointed out that our services would be used in four main situations ranging from natural disasters to results of acts of terrorism.
The next speaker was Captain Francis Darsillo from the Intelligence Division, who explained that NYPD retirees have amassed hundreds of thousands of hours of police experience and told us that it is too valuable an asset in the war on terrorism to be lost. We should utilize the Terrorism Hotline, 1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233) for anything we feel is pertinent. He stressed how calls received from retired members of the force are given special attention because of their life experience as police officers.
The final part of Tuesday night’s agenda was a question and answer period. The PC addressed a question about the H.R. 218 Bill. He said it was not feasible for the Department to fulfill the yearly certification due the budget and time constraints. I get the feeling that it is not going to happen for retired members of the NYPD. Another question was asked about Housing and Transit officers who retired before the merge. Deputy Chief Anderson said they realized there is a problem and is working to get these officers into the main data base so they can be registered and verified. The Chief stressed that the functions to be performed by the RMP volunteers would not be in any enforcement role, but mainly support. There would be little risk that these personnel would be involved in any action where liability would come into play. There were several more questions, but all pointed to the fact that this is a Pilot Program. It is a work in progress that seems to be quite important to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and the Department. I'm sure changes and adjustments will be made. But it is a great start.
I was pleased that they are recognizing that although retired, we are still a valuable asset with vast knowledge and experience. We in REMA have known that fact for a long while. We have shown our worth in the past and now that the Department has created this new program, our fellow retirees will also be able to make a contribution. We will continue to be in the forefront and try to get as many REMA members who wish, registered. Remember, it is strictly voluntary.
There were many REMA members present that night at 1 PP. I’m sure there is more to come and as long as ‘politics’ doesn't become an issue, this just might be a good thing for all involved. REMA has realized since its creation that there is a wealth of experience and talent lying dormant amongst our retirees. We proved that time and again, especially after September 11, 2001. Now the NYPD is acknowledging that fact and doing something positive about tapping into it. Our preparation, readiness, and resolve in any adversarial situation, whether natural disaster, man-made event, or terrorist act can only strengthen us. The formation of the NYPD RMP has great potential. I give it a “Thumbs Up”.
This is your embedded REMA reporter signing off for now. Stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
REMA member Jim McCormack (Ret E 8, ESU) and his wife became grandparents for the second time on Tuesday, September 27, 2005, at 9:14 when their daughter, Kerriann Rinaldi, gave birth to Nicholas James Rinaldi. He weighed 8 lbs 9oz, (Nicholas, not Jimmy). Both daughter and grandson are doing fine.........Bill (ret E8, E 10) and Joan Anderson had another granddaughter born at the end of the summer on August 30, 2005. Meghan Anna Reilly and her older sister Kaitlyn both have two NYPD cops as grandfathers. Can't beat that.........Larry McAllister's (Ret E 10) son, Michael McAllister, is being treated for a form of cancer and has already had surgery. He is a young man with a bright future and is in need of our prayers. Larry's other son, Larry, Jr. is a NYPD Sergeant assigned to ESU Training Facility at Floyd Bennett Field.........REMA member Kenny Shea, Ret E 8, was in intensive care on a respirator in a Vermont hospital. He had suffered two massive heart attacks. He is still hospitalized, but out of ICU. He cannot be transported back to NY due to the severity of his condition. His son, Pat, is presently assigned to ESU and I'm sure will appreciate our support. Kenny was a member of the elite NYPD Stakeout Unit before he came to Emergency..........REMA member John Goedel, Ret Sgt E 1, had surgery on October 18, 2005. He has bladder cancer and the operation was necessary. As of his last checkup in mid November, there was no further evidence of cancer found. Great news from REMA, for a change........I know we will all join in and pray that his recovery be a full and fast one.........A REMA member's step-daughter has been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Prayers and a very positive attitude will insure her a decisive win in her battle against this disease. Anonymity requested.........Linda McGuinness, wife of REMA member Tom McGuinness (Ret E 8, ESU) is back at work and wishes to thank everyone for their prayers...........A REMA member's wife is undergoing radiation and chemotheraphy treatment following surgery for breast cancer. She will need our prayers to help her through this difficult time. Anonymity requested..........
And now the sad news…….
Gladys Dominguez, mother of deceased PO Jerome Dominguez, ESS 3, (who lost his life on September 11, 2001 at the WTC) passed away after a very long illness. Prayers for Gladys and the entire Dominguez family are requested........Thomas Anthony Wall, father of REMA member Brian Wall, Ret Sgt - ESS 3, passed away at age 86. He was in Stony Brook Hospital awaiting surgery and passed in his sleep on Monday morning, November 14, 2005. Brian tells me his dad lived a full and good life and was a most generous and giving person........Melba Perkins, wife of REMA member Gil Perkins, Ret Harbor Unit, mother of REMA member Ron Perkins, Ret E 1, ESU, and mother-in-law of Det. Juan Gonzalez, ESU, passed away after a long illness. She was an inspiration to all who know her. Her legacy will remain alive for a long, long time.......NYPD Police Administrative Aide Kathleen (Kathy) Davis was assigned to the Emergency Service Unit from 08/1986 to 07/1995 where she worked in ESU Payroll. Kathy was transferred to NYPD Bus Unit and worked there until her death on October 5, 2005. She was a true friend to ESU and will be dearly missed........REMA member Jerry Harrington (Ret ESU) passed away suddenly on May 03, 2005. He never recovered from a simultaneous heart attack and stroke. I know Jerry's family can take solace in knowing that he didn't suffer and died as he often said he would like to - quick and painlessly..........Geraldine Michael, wife of REMA member Rich Michael, Ret E 1, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, September 13, 2005. They were married for forty years.......Ralph Sciame, son of REMA member Benny Sciame (Ret ESU), died suddenly of a massive heart attack. He was 52 years old..........REMA member Ed Schellhorn, Ret AU, died on Saturday, August 20, 2005. Ed was 76 years young. He suffered a ruptured aorta. Ed was a pilot with great skill and a great guy. He was honored with a "missing man" formation fly-over following his funeral service. Ed has earned his heavenly wings and they are well deserved..........Angela Somerville, mother of REMA member Bob Somerville (Ret E 8) passed away on June 02, 2005 at age 89 plus. As per his mother's request, there was only a mass service. She was sick only the last few weeks of her wonderful life and received great care at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre........Lauren Ludwig, sister of REMA member Jimmy Ludwig (Ret ESU, E 10, E 3) died on Wednesday, August 24, 2005. She was 53 and lived in Whitestone, NY. At the family's request, a private wake and funeral was held for Lauren. She was taken much too soon.........
We have EIGHT 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.........Let us include all those afflicted and deceased members and their families in our prayers. May the Lord look with favor upon our petitions.....
My thanks go out to REMA member Rich Young, ret Lt. ESU. He contacted me and reminded me that if any member needs anything he can help with, just ask. He is the SUNY Stony Brook Chief of Police (located in northern Suffolk County, NY). Rich’s contact info is: Richard Young, Chief of Police, SUNY Stony Brook, Tel # 631-632-6399 or email: ryoung@notes.cc.sunysb.edu ....... A similar reminder to our members came from REMA member Jim Romagnoli. He is the Corporate Director of Security for the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Should anyone need anything in any of their 15 Hospitals from Staten Island to Suffolk County, please do not hesitate to call. Jim has been hiring retired E-Men and everyone on his staff will do whatever is needed to aid any retired or active member of the service. If he is not in, please leave a message or ask for Assistant Director Scott Strauss (Ret E-1) or Pat Pogan (Ret JTTF & E-2). Jim sincerely hopes no one ever has to use their services, but they are there if you needed. Jim’s contact info is: Jim Romagnoli, Corporate Director of Security, North Shore-LIJ Health System, 516 719 5028, 5031 or 5050 or e-mail: jromagno@nshs.edu . Thank you, Jim, Scott and Pat..........
The ESS 8 Children’s Christmas Party will be on Saturday, December 10, 2004, 1100 hrs to 1500 hrs at Bldg 90, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY. No cost for REMA Members There will be food for all. Bring a dessert and forget the calories. Please bring a gift of no more than $25.00 per child. RSVP by December 03, 2005. Contact: Det. Jim Piccolo at 516 318-3215 or murfbe@aol.com..........ESS 10 Children’s Christmas Party is on Sunday, December 11, 2005, 1200 hrs to 1600 hrs at the Knights of Columbus on 160 St & Northern Blvd. Cost is $30.00 per family. Bring a gift of no more than $20.00 per child. Participation by Highway, Mounted & K-9 and a Magic Show. RSVP by December 03, 2005. Contact ESS 10 at 718 321-2340 or Vinny Manco at: ESSTRUCKTEN@aol.com ......... Mark Thursday, March 30, 2006 on your calendar as the date for the next ESU Retirement/Promotion party..........While at the new 2006 calendar, please set aside Saturday, April 29, 2006. It’s the Annual REMA Day of Remembrance...........
The next meeting for the year 2005 will be Friday, December 16, 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 also 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