News from NYSTPBA President Tom Mungeer

NYSTPBA Newsletter News from NYSTPBA President Tom Mungeer First and foremost, our collective thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers of Connecticut State Police Sgt. Brian Mohl, who was tragically killed last week in a weather-related incident while on duty in the town of Woodbury, Conn. Sergeant Mohl, a more than 26-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police, was laid to rest yesterday with full honors. Rest in Peace, Trooper. September 11, 2021 Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country. Those of us who were on the job at that time (only 14% of the active NYSTPBA membership) will never forget that day and the six-month detail that followed. On that day, our country, our lives and our jobs were changed forever. Much has been said in editorials around the country about remembrance and reflection on this date. One common theme is this day is in danger of slipping into obscurity in American history. It's important for each and every one of us to take time to remember those who lost their lives that day and those who have lost their lives in the years that followed. Please remember the 2,977 people who died that day, especially retired Inv. Ronald G. Hoerner, who was killed while acting in his position as a security supervisor at the World Trade Center. Please also remember the first responders who have succumbed to illnesses as a result of their response to that act of terror. We pay tribute to the New York State Police members who have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses: Covel C. "Chase" Pierce Thomas G. Moran Jr. Darryl J. Burroughs Paul R. Stuewer Brian S. Falb Wayne E. Bennett Michael J. Anson Charles R. Salaway Jeffrey M. Cicora Ryan D. Fortini Joseph J. Mecca Jr. Jennifer M. Czarnecki Michael R. O’Donnell Scott P. Enser Edward T. Kiluk A final thought regarding Investigator Hoerner - Ron Hoerner, although retired from the State Police, acted heroically and very much like the Trooper he was by remaining in the tower and helping save countless lives that day. Following retirement in 1995, he was hired by Summit Security Services as a Resident Manager at the World Trade Center. He oversaw 425 employees and was responsible for all administrative duties, investigations and operations for security at the World Trade Center. He trained all of the security officers who worked there so well that a 2002 USA Today article stated they were “the best trained in the country...and on September 11th that training saved thousands of lives.” On September 11, 2001, Ronald G. Hoerner was witnessed helping evacuate people from Tower Two, exiting and returning two separate times. One of the women he helped evacuate had been in an elevator when the plane struck the building, causing her to suffer five broken ribs and a punctured lung. Hoerner helped evacuate her from the elevator shaft and turned her over to an EMT outside before returning to the building. He never was seen again after heading back in for a third time after safely escorting another person to safety. Tower Two collapsed soon thereafter. Ronald G. Hoerner was 58 years old and was survived by his wife of eight months, Barbara, three stepdaughters and six grandchildren. In 2002, his hometown of the village of Massapequa Park renamed one of its streets in honor of him for “fulfilling his sworn duty to protect his fellow Americans and the community they live in.” In 2015, Summit Security Services created the “Ronald G. Hoerner Award for Valor” given to an employee who “goes beyond the scope of their duties and performs extraordinary acts of service.” I am respectfully requesting that Ronald G. Hoerner be formally recognized by Division annually on the September 11 anniversary for his actions that day, as well as his inclusion on the New York State Wall of Honor, which would be a much-deserved honor for a hero. Vaccination - Testing Mandate Delay Last Friday we filed an improper practice seeking injunctive relief against Division regarding the state’s new policy. Immediately, I received a call from the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations requesting a meeting to discuss this issue, which we set up for later this month. Stay tuned. As a side note, while other state employee unions were publicly wringing their hands over this government directive, the NYSTPBA took action and was the first union to file an IP against the misplaced mandate. Fumble The FBI is investigating three now-former Vermont State Police Troopers after an internal investigation found that the men were suspected of involvement in a scheme to create fake COVID-19 vaccination cards. Note to self - not a good idea. Hurricane Ida Relief I am proud to say that the NYSTPBA Signal 30 Benefit Fund sent financial assistance to the Louisiana State Troopers Association to help the more than 100 Louisiana State Troopers whose homes were damaged as a result of Hurricane Ida, many of whom are still without power. If you or any of your co-workers sustained flood damage recently, please contact your respective Delegates to get the process started for Signal 30 assistance. 2021 NTC Picnic Despite the weather, the three NJSP unions successfully held the 2021 NTC Picnic in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the New Jersey State Police. There was a strong NYSP contingent in attendance. I am happy to announce that the NYSTPBA will host the 2022 NTC Picnic next September in Buffalo. 210th Session of the Basic School A much-needed new batch of recruits (250) is entering the Academy on Sunday. It has been two years since the last class started and we desperately need the additional manpower. Hey, did you hear about the one about?….Joke of the Week Asked whether he has reached out to unions (not us) togauge support for a potential run for governor, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio gave a series of responses including: “I want to keep serving.” Asked about de Blasio’s plans and how people actually think of him, a Democratic operative recently said: “He’s in the worst spot possible where the left thinks he’s pro-cop and the cops think he’s a Sandanista.” This bozo destroyed NYC and now he wants to do the same for the state? No thank you. Move over, Grover Cleveland It has been reported that there has been a flurry of activity from Donald Trump’s Super PAC. They have been hiring communications operatives and setting up an operations base in Iowa as he looks for a prospective 2024 presidential run with hopes of becoming only the second president to win back the White House after being defeated. Note - while I realize that this has nothing to do with any contemporary issues we are dealing with, I am currently smiling because I know it drives my group of detractors absolutely bat-shit crazy. Parting Thought How come the United States government does not want law enforcement to have any military surplus equipment yet they had no problem letting the Taliban have it? Just saying. This email is an automated notification, which is unable to receive replies. To send a comment to the NYSTPBA, please contact us at nystpba@nystpba.org.

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