News from NYSTPBA President Tom Mungeer Office of Special Investigations In 2015, Executive Order 147 designated the Attorney General as a special prosecutor for cases in which police officers are involved in deaths of unarmed civilians. This year, legislation created a permanent Office of Special Investigation within the Office of the Attorney General (OSI), empowered to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute cases where the death of a person (armed or unarmed) follows an encounter with a law enforcement officer. In April, I listened intently as investigators from OSI advised myself and other members of the Police Conference of NY (PCNY) of how they were interpreting their mandate to investigate any death of a civilian in which a police officer was involved. I must say, I was taken aback when they laid out a scenario in which an off-duty police officer involved in a fatal automobile accident would be subject to their purview despite the fact that the officer had nothing to do with causing the accident. Well, that hypothetical scenario is now a real one as one of our members was involved in exactly the same such scenario. Thank goodness he will be alright, but unfortunately the other driver, who swerved into the off-duty member, was tragically killed. OSI investigators responded to the scene and are currently investigating the incident. There are no jokes or movie quotes attributed to this section as I am sick and tired of how Troopers and other members of law enforcement are being treated differently than every other citizen. We did not check our constitutional rights at the door of the Academy and the NYSTPBA Board of Directors will be weighing our legal options and talking about how we are going to tailor our response so that our members will be given adequate representation in off-duty situations such as these. This is definitely a time when we have to stick together against the outside forces that be. Roswell Park Approved as site for Care of 9/11 First Responders This is welcome news for our members in western New York! Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center announced that it has been named a member of the World Trade Center Health Program provider network and can provide care for 9/11 first responders much closer to home and negating the need to travel to New York City. I would also like to thank everyone involved from our very own NYS Troopers Surgeons Group, which played an integral part in the process. NYSTPBA in the News I was recently asked for my reaction to a recent Gallup Poll showing while the media and Congress continue to lack public trust, law enforcement was the only institution surveyed to have gained public confidence since last year. Thomas Mungeer, president of the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State troopers, said the poll confirmed his suspicions. "I believe the results of the Gallup poll confirm what I and other leaders in law enforcement have been saying all year - the ‘defund the police’ rhetoric is dead upon arrival," Mungeer told Fox News. "American citizens are fed up with the unbelievable surge in violent crime and prefer to feel safe in their communities and homes." https://www.foxnews.com/media/experts-poll-media-less-trusted-police.amp Trooper Pay the Standard In this past week’s Chief-Leader, an interesting article appeared regarding the scheduling of the arbitration for the New York City PBA contract that expired four years ago. According to the headline, “Long-Delayed Faceoff Pits City Pay Pattern Against Big Gap vs. Troopers.” Trooper Pay the Standard What will be different will be the comparison point the union leans on: rather than citing major pay gaps that exist for its members compared to their counterparts in Nassau and Suffolk counties, as he often did in the past Mr. Lynch has made clear the union will peg its arguments to the growing divide with other cops assigned to New York City especially State Troopers. Under the most-recent Trooper contract, reached in the fall of 2018, even with relatively modest pay raises over a five-year period that ends next April 1, salaries are now $101,776 for officers with at least five years of service, compared to $85,292 for NYPD cops under the expired pact, who reach top pay after 5.5 years in the job. The gap gets significantly wider, however, based of several differentials, a couple of which date back to the administrations of Govs. George Pataki and David Paterson for hazardous-duty pay and expanded duty pay. Another was granted by Governor Cuomo for those based in New York City because of the higher cost of living here compared to upstate. Add those up, and throw in a longevity differential of $16,000 for the senior-most Troopers that is believed to be the highest in the nation, and the total compensation for senior officers hits $140,679. Rebuke Assemblyman Charles Lavine, head of the Assembly’s impeachment investigation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, has rebuked the governor for comments his staff has made about the attorney general’s concurrent investigation. In a letter to the governor on Wednesday, he wrote that comments from his Communications Director Rich Azzopardi alleging that Attorney General James is playing political games with her investigation could have "severe repercussions.” He also wrote, "It is therefore difficult for me to comprehend your communications director tweeting that Attorney General James, whose office is conducting a parallel investigation, ‘says she may run against the governor. It is obvious that attempts to demean the Attorney General serve as well to undermine the investigation and send profoundly negative signals to witnesses." Well, I guess someone received a genital cuff. The governor’s attorney, in turn, responded he had “serious concerns” with Lavine’s warning and…You know something, on second thought, disregard this whole section. Who really gives a rat’s ass? Continue to beat each other up, boys. We will sort out the pieces this time next year to see who we may be dealing with in the next round of negotiations. Trouble in the Ranks It was reported this week that the six Democratic Socialists, who currently serve in the state legislature, vented at a recent virtual meeting of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America after witnessing for the first time how the Democratic-run Albany legislature operates. Their bitches: too much secrecy, too many bills with popular support that fail to get to the floor for a vote and too many legislators who give lip service to legislation merely to appease activists - not because they mean it. Their solution: “run more socialists and oust entrenched get-along Democrats in the 2022 primary elections.” Well, comrade, welcome to Albany. Now please take yourself and your ilk and return from whence you came because we definitely do not need any more Socialists in the Capitol. We have found that there are numerous moderate or near-moderate Democrats currently in office who have gladly offered an ear to hear our position. We have also found that the Socialists are unwavering in their hardline ideology and they view those in law enforcement as the enemy. Isn’t That Lovely Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren and her husband were charged with criminal possession of a firearm, a felony, and two counts each of endangering the welfare of a child and failure to lock/secure firearms in a dwelling resulting from a raid on their home in May. She bemoaned that the raid was politically motivated then; what say you now, mayor? Albany’s Unfunded Mandates Although the following observation does not directly affect the State Police, it certainly affects the communities in which all of us live. I saw a statistic regarding the recent early voting requirements which were forced upon the counties. The law states that an early polling location is needed for every 50,000 registered voters. In addition, polling sites must be open for nine days including weekends. I noticed that in my own county of Sullivan we were required to have one site. This last primary included six local election districts with a total of 4,400 people eligible to vote. In the end, only 58 voters took advantage of the early voting which, according to the election commissioner, amounted to $1,000 spent per vote cast once the pay for the staff to man the site was calculated. I’m sure many of your own counties have similar results. Food for thought. Upstate Cellular Coverage Task Force A group of upstate lawmakers recently sent Governor Cuomo a letter that basically asks “where’s the cell service?" Referencing the work of the Upstate Cellular Coverage Task Force, which last met in September 2019, Assemblyman Billy Jones of Plattsburgh stated, “We are requesting from the governor some kind of report to come out. Recommendations or implementations of these recommendations so that we can get better cell service here in New York State in rural areas.” Let’s see, a group of lawmakers who mostly represent districts which tend to vote red? I wonder why the powers-to-be in Albany aren’t taking more notice? Buffalo The Buffalo City Council passed a "Right to Know" bill which requires Buffalo police officers to offer a card with their name and internal affairs contact information to every person they pull over if there is no arrest or ticket issued. Congratulations, you have practically eliminated the most powerful tool in a police officer’s arsenal – discretion. I reference and highlight these local shenanigans not so much that they currently have an effect on our members, but rather offer insight on what may be lurking in the future regarding possible statewide legislation. Quote of the Week Austin, Texas Interim Police Chief Joseph Chacon - “Last summer, the Austin City Council voted to defund the police department by $150 million, which resulted in canceling multiple cadet classes and disbanding multiple units responsible for responding to DWIs, domestic violence calls, stalking, and criminal interdiction.” He added that response times to 911 calls have slowed to 20-30 minutes on average, and the homicide rate has reached numbers “we’ve never really seen here before.” A Sign that the Apocalypse is Upon Us Minnesota In the wake of extreme violence where the city is on pace for a record-setting number of homicides and has already doubled the number of shootings compared to 2020, the Minneapolis Policy and Government Oversight Committee has overwhelmingly approved a measure to plan to replace the city’s police department with a “public safety department” that would handle emergency calls with a “comprehensive public health approach.” If the full council approves, it will appear on the general election ballot on Nov. 2. Let’s see – Defund the police – did not work Disband the police – did not work Replace the police – pending Insanity - doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results Long-Term Disability Insurance The NYSTPBA Board of Directors was recently able to successfully renegotiate new lower rates for the voluntary long-term disability insurance plan (LTD). As of the August 4, 2021 paycheck, premium rates will decrease from 0.685% to 0.658%. The amount is reflected in the “After Tax Deductions” section on your paystub under the line item “PBA Disability Insurance.” In conjunction with the rate decrease, we anticipate an upcoming Open Enrollment for all current members! Stay tuned for more information later this year! Secure Emails to Members If you have retired or have been promoted to the BCI or Management Confidential unit recently, you have probably noticed that the PBA sent to you via email membership and payment forms. These emails originate from addresses of “membership@nystpba.org” and “retirement@nystpba.org” and have subject titles such as “PBA retirement info – secure” or “PBA promotion info – secure.” The “secure” wording in the subject line indicates that the email is sent to you via a secure method, which will prompt you to create a username and password to open the email you received. If you reply to the original email from the PBA, your response will also be sent securely back to the PBA. These secure emails are being sent since the PBA now offers ACH payment methods (automatic withdrawals from your checking or savings account) to our associate members in the BCI and the Management Confidential unit, as well as retirees - this secure email method will protect your banking information included in the ACH forms. If you have any questions about an email you received from the PBA or are concerned about its legitimacy, please contact the PBA office or your delegate. Dr. Evil Did anybody else immediately think of Dr. Evil of Austin Powers fame when they saw pictures of Jeff Bezos blasting off into space in his phallic-shaped rocket? 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 The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers 120 State St. Albany, New York 12207 (518) 462-7448 http://www.nystpba.org

It is with deep regret that Major James M Hall, Troop “A” Commander, announces the death of retired member Edward H Kusmierczyk, who passed away on July 26, 2021 at the age of 80 in Groveland, FL. Edward Kusmierczyk served with the New York State Police from February 16, 1970 until retirement on June 26, 1996 as Troop “A” First Sergeant. He is brother of retired communications specialist Mary Kroll. Arrangements to follow. No obituary yet....here is the funeral home website: htttps://www.beckerfamilyfuneral.com

ANNUAL PICNIC!! The next meeting, and annual picnic, will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at the Clifton Park Elks, 695 McElroy Rd, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. The picnic will be held from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The deadline for checks to be received has been extended to AUGUST 4th! NO PAYMENT AT THE DOOR! Mail your check, payable to AFNYST-CD Chapter, to PO Box 771, Latham, NY 12110. July meeting minutes attached.

NYSTPBA Newsletter Message from NYSTPBA President Tom Mungeer Justice Served Aaron Munise, the man convicted of criminally negligent homicide in April for the death of Sgt. Jeremy VanNostrand, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Sergeant VanNostrand’s family and coworkers following his line-of-duty death on Nov. 27, 2018. Critical Incident Thank goodness our Troopers are fine after a shooting in Troop K – New Lebanon yesterday morning. Their training and professionalism were apparent and this is yet another example of why the whole concept of sending social workers to MHL complaints is an asinine idea. In Case You Missed It – Part I In case you missed it, Gov. Andrew Cuomo appeared alongside Eric Adams on Wednesday to discuss the spike in gun violence. Currently on a victory tour in the wake of his NYC mayoral primary victory - which included television appearances and a meeting with the president at the White House - Eric Adams is the hot ticket right now in the political circles. The governor, an astute politician, stood next to Adams and lavished the probable next NYC mayor with adulation and temporarily basked in Adams’s newfound celebrity. The only thing lacking in the love-fest was Governor Cuomo taking a selfie with Adams. As for the substance of the press conference, the governor blamed rising crime on a “general sense of lawlessness in the city” while Adams said, "There's just a sense that we have a city where any and everything goes.” And how did we get to this point, gentlemen? In Case You Missed It – Part II In case you missed it, a use of force report was released by DCJS and the press has been jumping all over the fact that a disproportionate number of minorities were the subject to force between July 11, 2019 and Oct. 31, 2020. The law, passed in 2019, requires each police department, sheriff’s office, and New York State Police to report incidents in which a police officer or peace officer used force against an individual while on duty to the DCJS. From the Daily Gazette in Schenectady - A report last week by New York’s Division of Criminal Justice Services that encompassed 280 police agencies included the big takeaway that Black people were the target of half of all use-of-force incidents involving police. Statewide, 49% of all targets in 6,052 use-of-force incidents were Black during the study period of July 2019 through Oct. 31, according to the report. This is disproportionate to the ratio of Black people who live in the state. The state’s population is 19.4 million, of which 17.6% of residents are Black. I sent a comment to Spectrum News regarding the DCJS report and I referenced the fact that although we had the most uses of force (289) outside NYC, only 1% involved someone of color. Of course, there was ZERO mention of this fact because the media, in their quest to “one-up” their competition, will continue to have a field day skewing these numbers and sowing discontent throughout society as a result. As president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (NYSTPBA), which represents uniformed members of the New York State Police, my preliminary review of the DCJS report revealed a vastly different picture than what some media have reported regarding race and larger cities in the state. We believe that any data is subjective to the various interpretations applied to it and those numbers can be skewed. The results of the DCJS report appear to be in the eye of the beholder. We do not believe the data in this report can be objectively analyzed without the greater picture and statistics of overall encounters between police and civilians. In our view, the DCJS report confirms that NYSTPBA members follow the extensive training they proudly receive. We are thankful for funding for resources and tools, such as the ongoing implementation of body cameras, to help us accomplish our mission of serving and protecting in today’s ever-changing society. New York City — 1,916 New York State Police — 289 Suffolk (county PD) — 227 Rochester (city) — 142 Syracuse (city) — 113 Troy (city) — 103 Elmira (city) — 101 Amherst (town) — 99 Schenectady (city) — 90 Jamestown (city) — 87 Nassau (county PD) — 79 Albany (county) — 60 Suffolk (county sheriff) — 55 Schenectady (county) — 53 Buffalo (city)— 52 Newburgh (city) — 49 Rockland (county) — 47 Niagara Falls (city) — 37 Albany (city) — 36 Utica (city) — 35 Watertown (city) — 32 Onondaga (county) — 31 Oswego (city) — 20 Binghamton (city)— 16 Monroe (county) — 8 Erie (county) — 4 Sunday Haircuts, Anyone? In a long-anticipated moment at the Capitol [sarcasm], Governor Cuomo signed legislation ending an antiquated law that prohibits “shaving, hair cutting or other work of a barber” on Sundays. Those who violated this statute could have been convicted of “Sabbath breaking” and subjected to a $5 fine. What is interesting about this legislation is that its lead sponsor was Sen. Joe Griffo, a Republican. Here is Albany in a nutshell: Republican-sponsored bills such as a repeal of bail-reform are dead in the water, yet the barbering community can now breathe a sigh of relief that the Sabbath Police will not shutter their business for operating an electric razor on a Sunday. I have an idea - why not put politics aside and repeal the so-called bail reform debacle so thugs carrying guns are not turned back onto the streets to terrorize the public? For some levity, the scene from the Clint Eastwood movie "Any Which Way You Can" comes to mind. The bumbling outlaw biker gang the Black Widows are pulled over by two Wyoming State Troopers for apparent V&T violations but while they are walking to the lead motorcycle, they notice all the bikers are wearing women’s wigs. Cholla, leader of the Black Widows - Why don't you just shut up and start passing out them tickets, there. Wyoming State Trooper - I ain't got the heart. You've got enough trouble. Cholla - Wait a minute. You have to give us them tickets. You have to. I mean, didn't you see us? We're lawbreakers. I mean, we are totally despicable. We have earned them tickets. Trooper - Son, you are a walking violation of the laws of nature. But we don't enforce them laws. Delta House As referenced last week, the Delta variant of the coronavirus is spreading rapidly, surprising some epidemiologists and public health officials. Unfortunately, this Delta doesn’t wear a pledge pin on their uniform so it’s no laughing matter. Do not become complacent, continue to observe the hygiene procedures that became commonplace over the last 16 months and be mindful of your interactions with the public. 2% NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that local government property taxes in New York next year will hit their statutory cap of a 2% increase. The 2011 law limits property tax increases at 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. This is only the third time in the last 10 years that inflation has exceeded 2% as it pertains to this law. (The 2021 limit was set at a 1.56% increase.) United Nations In a “head-scratching” move, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a “formal, standing invitation” for United Nations officials and the United Nations Human Rights Council – a body that includes China, Cuba, Russia, and Venezuela - to investigate “systemic racism” in American policing. Sounds like we may have new 2-shift partners in the near future. Sen. Marco Rubio, who is of Cuban descent, slammed the Biden administration and said that instead, officials should “ask them to go to Cuba.” KAPOW! Another Anti-Bail Reform Ally Chalk Democratic Albany County District Attorney David Soares up as another politician lashing out at the ill-conceived bail reform law. His recent op-ed in the New York Post was a notable moment because Mr. Soares was always deemed more progressive than conservative over his years in office. He stated, “The real problem isn’t catching the criminals roaming the streets with illegal handguns. The real problem is what we do — or rather, don’t do — once we catch them……If they are serious about gun ­violence, one common-sense ­step stands out: New York must give judges discretion to keep dangerous offenders in jail.” Thank you for a dose of reality from someone in the trenches, Mr. Soares. Now if someone across the street from your office in the Capitol would only listen. https://nypost.com/2021/07/11/cuomos-weak-crime-plan-misses-the-real-issue-bail-reform/?utm_campaign=iphone_nyp&utm_source=pasteboard_app First Amendment Rights Those of us in the police union world are watching with much interest the saga of my friend, Ed Mullins, president of the New York City Sergeants Benevolent Association. Ed, who has never been shy about expressing his feelings publicly, recently filed a federal lawsuit alleging city authorities, the NYPD and the Civilian Complaint Review Board have abridged his right to free speech by trying to silence his lawful union activism through threats of disciplinary action. He is set to come up on departmental charges resulting from three tweets he sent out last year in which he called the head of the city’s health department a “bitch,” a city councilman, who is now a congressman, a “first-class whore” and referenced the arrest report of the mayor’s daughter who had been arrested for participating in last summer’s riots. The health department head garnered Ed’s ire when she allegedly told then-NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan last spring that she did not give “two rats’ asses about your cops” in a dispute about protective equipment at the height of the pandemic. Congressman Ritchie Torres was slammed for his “reforms that support criminals, budget cuts for the NYPD and his unscrupulous moral values.” None other than prominent civil liberties attorney Norman Siegel believes Ed has a very strong case. The Ongoing AG Investigation POLITICO’s Anna Gronewold sums up matters very succinctly: The uncertainty (of its results) has paralyzed much of New York's Democratic political apparatus. State lawmakers have put their parallel impeachment investigation on a very slow burn. Cuomo has not revisited his pre-scandal pledge to run for a fourth term in 2022. And potential Democratic primary challengers are waiting to see if they’d face a wounded Cuomo, a vindicated Cuomo, or perhaps no Cuomo at all. It is reported that Governor Cuomo will be deposed by investigators from the attorney general’s office tomorrow. I picture it going a route similarly taken by another of our esteemed leaders more than two decades ago - “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is. If the - if he - if ‘is’ means is and never has been, that is not - that is one thing. If it means there is none, that was a completely true statement. … Now, if someone had asked me on that day, are you having any kind of sexual relations with Ms. Lewinsky, that is, asked me a question in the present tense, I would have said no. And it would have been completely true.” Gubernatorial 2022 The last six months of financial disclosure reports are in and it looks like the Republicans are finally gearing up to take on the establishment - Lee Zeldin - $4 million Governor Cuomo - $2.5 million Attorney General James - $1 million Rob Astorino - $744,000 Need A New Shotgun? Attorney General James will host a community gun buyback event in Newburgh next week. What do you get for bringing in a gun, you may ask? Assault rifle - $250 Handgun - $150 Rifle or Shotgun - $75 Non-working or antique gun - $25 I propose we set up a table outside the buyback location and offer $80 for those rifles and shotguns. Any volunteers? NYC Retirees Although this does not affect our retirees, it is an interesting and disturbing thing to watch. About 250,000 retired city employees will begin receiving their health coverage through the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Program plan starting on Jan. 1, 2022 after the de Blasio administration and the Municipal Labor Committee reached an agreement that will save the city an estimated $600 million a year. As you probably can guess, the retirees are pissed. The Cuomo administration unilaterally pulled shady shit like this in December 2011 and a coalition of state employee unions (NYSTPBA, NYSPIA, CSEA, PEF, UUP, NYSCOPBA and AFSCME Council 82) filed lawsuits in federal court challenging the increase in the percentage of health insurance contributions required of state retirees beyond the level at which they retired. I said at the time, "The New York State Troopers PBA will continue to fight for the well-being of our retired members. It is imperative that the active members of the PBA protect those members who came before us and proudly wore the gray uniform while sacrificing so much in the name of public safety." Believe it or not, this lawsuit is still pending after a decade. Quote of the Week From the NYC Democratic mayoral primary nominee Eric Adams, who has prematurely declared himself “mayor of this city” - “We have thrown up our hands and we have surrendered our city.” Welcome to the shit show, thanks to the NYC-based politicians in Albany. A Sign that the Apocalypse is Upon Us Illinois - Legislation recently signed into law in Illinois allows anyone who finds anything, even a detail or error, that they believe to be untrue – even it was an innocent error in a report or statement – can use it as a basis of a criminal accusation against that officer. In addition, it also mandates that a police officer cannot review his or her body camera footage before writing a report in a use of force incident, all but guaranteeing there will be inconsistencies between the report and the recording of a high-stress critical incident. This is a recipe for disaster for the law enforcement community as it sets an impossible bar for human beings to pass. California - The Los Angeles Police Department, in conjunction with the offices of L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón and L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer, will begin to implement a plan to divert individuals with mental health disorders, substance use issues, and/or those who are “unhoused” who are arrested for select misdemeanors and non-violent felonies “to community support programs in lieu of filing criminal charges, prosecution, and transportation to jail facilities.” Hey, I’m all in for giving someone a second chance but I see this running off the tracks immediately. Thought Going into the Weekend All bourbon is considered whiskey but not all whiskey is considered bourbon. And that’s all I got to say about that! 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. The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers 120 State St. Albany, New York 12207 (518) 462-7448 http://www.nystpba.org

TRI-STATES NEWSLETTER, July 2021 Our Chapter met on July 14th at “My Place” in New Windsor, NY with the following attending: Sitler, Escobar, Tom Dunn, Bill McLean, Cunningham, Gillespie, Plunkett, Sweetman, Ross, Duryea, Hudson, Garrison, Hank Dunn, Caridi (14 members). The meeting opened with The Pledge of Allegiance and opening prayer. Final Patrol: Noted was the passing of retired Lt. Col. Mike Halloran, age 86 on 6/13; retired BCI Captain George Dirschka, age 93 on 6/14; Maryellen DiBattista, age 72 on 6/13 (wife of Chapter member Mike DiBattista). Rest In Peace all. Sick Leave: Herb Buckley recently underwent cancer surgery. We hope for his speedy recovery. Roger Duryea had heart valve surgery in March and was at the meeting. VP Don Plunkett who was recently hospitalized was also at the meeting. It was good to see retired First Sergeant Bill McLean up from South Carolina at the meeting. Also, congratulations to Trooper Seth Caridi, son of Chapter member Bob Caridi, on his promotion to sergeant. He will be stationed at SP Middletown. The Chapter treasurers report was approved. A new member application was received and approved for retired Inv. Christopher Quick who served Troops F and NYC. Welcome to the Chapter. The Chapter has decided to use the generous donation received from the family of Chapter member John Cuneo Sr. to purchase additional NYSP patch wreaths to be presented to the families of future deceased members. The 50/50 was won by Shawn Garrison. The attendance award was won by Bill McLean. The next regular meeting is Wednesday August 11th, at “My Place”.

July 16, 2021 Michael R. Piro, 73, of Minoa passed away after a short illness. He grew up in Solvay and retired as a New York State Trooper. He loved fishing with his beloved brother and he liked to carve. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Nancy; son, Theodore Piro; daughters, Melissa and Jennifer; two step-children, Carol and Frank; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brother, Christopher (Leona) Piro. For guest book, please visit: www.SCHEPPFAMILY.com

Subject: DEATH OF A RETIRED MEMBER It is with deep regret that Major Darrin S. Pitkin, Troop “D" Commander, announces the death of Trooper Ralph M. Cardinali (retired). Trooper Cardinali passed away on July 8, 2021 at the age of 94. Trooper Cardinali served with the New York State Police from August 1, 1952 until his retirement on December 30, 1982. He was assigned to the Troop D Traffic office at the time of his retirement. Calling Hours: Calling Hours will be held on July 13, 2021 from 3PM to 7PM at the Ironside Funeral Home, 342 Main St. Oneida, NY 13421. Funeral Services: A Prayer Service will be held on July 14, 2021 at 9:15AM at the Ironside Funeral Home, 342 Main St. Oneida, NY. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM at Saint Patrick’s Church, 347 Main St. Oneida, NY, immediately following the Prayer Service. Authority: Major Darrin S. Pitkin Troop Commander - Troop D Obituary of Ralph M Cardinali Ralph M. Cardinali, 94, of Frier Lane, Wampsville, passed away on Thursday morning, July 8, 2021, at the Iroquois Nursing Home in Jamesville where he had been a rehabilitation resident since April. He was born on March 29, 1927, in Fulton, the son of Sisto and Rita Cafolla Cardinali. He was a graduate of Fulton High School, Class of 1945. Ralph proudly enlisted and served his country as a member of the United States Army serving during World War II. He saw action in the Pacific Theatre and also saw duty in the Occupation Forces in Japan. On April 30, 1955, Ralph was united in marriage to Barbara S. Stickels in St. Patrick’s Church, Oneida. Ralph enlisted with the New York State Police in 1952. A proud career that spanned for thirty years, retiring in 1982 as the safety officer for Troop D in Oneida. He then went on to work for the New York State Racing and Wagering Board at Vernon Downs for ten years. Ralph was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, the New York State Police Benevolent Association, and the Canastota Lions Club where he received the honor of the Robert J. Uplinger Award in June of 2003 by the NYS Lions. He was an avid vegetable gardener and talented woodworker. He was also a gifted craftsman of stained glass with his wife, Barbara. Ralph adored his cats and loved to read books. He also enjoyed fishing especially with his daughter, Julie. Ralph’s greatest joy in his life was spending time with his beloved granddaughter, Kate. She was the absolute love of his life. Surviving besides his loving wife of sixty-six years, Barbara; are his children, Jeffrey (Tamra) Cardinali, of Oneida, and Julie (Lisa Brackett) Cardinali, of Fayetteville; one granddaughter, Kate Cardinali, of Syracuse; a sister, Sarah C. Fruce, of Fulton; and several nieces and nephews. Ralph was predeceased by four sisters, Anna Cardinali, Ermida Procopio, Gussie Sereno, and Flora Callen. Ralph’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all of his caregivers of the past few years with a special thank you to his daughter-in-law, Lisa Brackett, who was his best advocate and kindest caregiver. His family is eternally grateful. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, beginning with a Prayer Service at 9:15 AM at the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc., followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Church, 347 Main St., Oneida, where the Rev. Christopher Ballard will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Glenwood Cemetery. Family and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home, 342 Main St., Oneida. Memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s memory to Wanderer’s Rest Humane Society, PO Box 535, Canastota, NY, 13032 or Canastota Lion’s Club, c/o Todd Rouse, PO Box 325, Canastota, NY, 13032. You may view obituary and send a message of condolence online at www.ironsidefuneralhome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Cardinali, please visit Tribute Store Visitation 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday, July 13, 2021 Ironside Funeral Home Inc 342 Main Street Oneida, New York, United States (315) 363-2978

Subject: Death of Retired Member It is with deep regret that Major James M. Hall, Troop A Commander, announces the death of retired Investigator Daniel K. Burns, age 55, on July 4, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Investigator Burns retired in 2017 after serving with the Division of State Police for more than 27 years last assigned to CNET West. Graveside Ceremony Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Bemus Point Cemetery Center Street Bemus Point, New York 14712 Obituary for Daniel K. "Dan" Burns Daniel K. “Dan” Burns, 55, of Center Street, Bemus Point, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 4, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his loving family and friends. He fought a courageous battle with cancer, maintaining his strength and glaring sense of humor until the very end. Dan was born on June 22, 1966, in Jamestown, N.Y., the son of the late James V. and Judith A. Groat Burns. Dan graduated from Maple Grove Jr.-Sr. High School in 1984. Followed by his pursuit of a degree in Accounting, while playing basketball at Gannon University. He started his law enforcement career with the Jamestown Police Department, later graduating from the New York State Police Academy in 1989. Dan dedicated his life through selfless service as a New York State Trooper for 28 years, working as an Investigator prior to his retirement in 2017. Following his retirement he worked for National Fire Adjustment. Dan was a lifetime member of Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department, Ellery Center VFW Post# 557 and a member of the Vikings Club. He was a founding member and was very involved with the Chautauqua County Child Advocacy Program. He cherished time with friends and family taking countless trips over the years that included snowmobiling, boating, skiing and golfing. He loved helping people, never hesitating to lend a hand to anyone in need. As a midget football coach he had the pleasure of coaching his two sons. Dan is survived by his wife, Linda Hearburg Burns whom he married on September 11, 2010 at the Hotel Lenhart in Bemus Point, N.Y.; two sons: Kevin Burns (Jenna Lundmark) of Jamestown, N.Y. and Jeffrey (Lauren) Tampe of Rochester, N.Y.; his daughter: Meghan Burns (Colin Brown) of Durham, N.C.; his brother: Tim (Connie) Burns of Dewittville, N.Y.; his sister: Terri (Barry) Oste of Bemus Point, N.Y.; his sister-in-law: Cindy Burns of Bemus Point, N.Y. and several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends whom he considered family. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Burns and nephew, Patrick Burns. A Celebration of Life will be held upstairs at the Village Casino in Bemus Point, on Thursday, July 8th from 3-7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Chautauqua County Child Advocacy Program, 405 W. 3rd Street, Jamestown, N.Y. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Powers, Present & Sixbey, Funeral Home, Inc., 316 East Fifth Street, Jamestown, N.Y. To light a candle or to send condolences to Dan’s family, please visit www.presentsixbeyfuneral.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Daniel K. "Dan" Burns please visit our Sympathy Store.

News from NYSTPBA President Tom Mungeer On the eve of the Fourth of July weekend, let us pause to wish a continued speedy recovery to our fellow Troopers in Troop C - Becky Seager, Ryan Thorp, and Sgt. Bryan Meehan - all of whom were injured by gunfire in two separate incidents. NYSTPBA Scholarships I am pleased to announce that the deadline for filing an application for a NYSTPBA scholarship has been extended to Friday, July 9, 2021. There are now 52 scholarships worth over $200,000 open to children/stepchildren of all NYSTPBA members (active, retired and BCI Associate members) in good standing. Visit the NYSTPBA website for an application - https://www.nystpba.org/, and on the member homepage click on the page “NYSTPBA Scholarships for 2021” In Case You Missed It Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law yesterday a bill that blocks public employers from penalizing workers who used sick leave or compensatory time to quarantine or seek medical treatment due to a coronavirus diagnosis or contact. While I believe that Division did a pretty decent job covering our members during the pandemic, if you believe that you have a situation that may be covered under this new law, please contact your delegate. 2022 Gubernatorial Race As you are probably as equally concerned as I as to who our next governor is going to be, it appears as though the Republicans are strongly leaning toward Congressman Lee Zeldin as their candidate. State Republican Party Chair Nick Langworthy stated that after Zeldin earned 85% of a weighted vote in a recent unofficial straw poll among county leaders, he will now be considered the “presumed nominee.” Although the odds are against him based on the recent history of Republicans getting elected to a statewide office, it will be interesting to see how his poll numbers fare over the next 17 months. Code Red I see that the leadership of the New York State Nurses Association and their anti-police leanings - including calls to defund the police and calling those in our profession murderers last summer - have retained their positions during a recent internal election. Although their views were not popular with their rank-and-file members, it is hard to attain change when only 8% of the 40,000 membership takes the time to cast a vote. Ranked Choice Voting Debacle As Eric Adams sees his lead dwindle in the New York City mayoral race amid gaffes by the election board and musical chair-like rules of the new ranked choice voting, he and his fellow candidates are decrying the system and filing lawsuits in anticipation of potentially negative results. I still need someone to explain to me how a Socialist who was third after the results were originally tabulated now has a chance to win the election. My friends who head the five New York City Police Department unions and I are watching this race carefully. Alice in Wonderland Congresswoman Cori Bush of Missouri is introducing a bill to establish a Division on Community Safety within the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill will “limit people’s encounters with law enforcement by funding community systems led by health officials, to respond to mental health emergencies, rather than police.” Congresswoman Bush, a card-carrying member of the Defund the Police movement, had outlined her views on police-civilian interactions earlier this year when she stated, “Almost a thousand people have been murdered by police, have been killed by police since George Floyd lost his life, almost a thousand. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect something different.” Well, when Alice finally pulls her head out of the rabbit hole, maybe she will realize that there are bad people in the world and if she might take a step back and objectively look at those nearly 1,000 fatal shootings, she will see that nearly all were justified. Quote of the Week In response to the Oakland City Council slashing his budget by nearly $18 million, Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong lashed out at politicians at a time when the murder rate has almost doubled from last year. “We see clearly that crime is out of control in the city of Oakland — and our response was for less police resources.” He saved his best for the activists who argued that the budget cut was necessary although they acknowledged that there would a “bump in the road” as the police department lost key resources. “For me, those speed bumps are 65 lives lost so far this year. All of these crimes are not speed bumps. These are people,” he said. “Isn’t it ironic” - Alanis Morissette I found this little gem that should be filed under the heading “You Can’t Make this Shit Up!” So where did the $18 million cut from the Oakland Police Department go? It was apparently reallocated to the newly-formed Department of Violence Prevention, a group that aims to counter violence in the city by sending out "civilian violence interrupters and life coaches." On Monday, just days after the budget cut, the violence prevention director triumphantly stood on the steps of City Hall giving an interview to a local news crew. This is when a pair of armed men approached the group and attempted to relieve the news crew of their possessions including their camera equipment. Thankfully, an armed security officer who happened to be nearby intervened, scaring the would-be robbers away and thus saving the day. I am really sure things will get much easier from this point on Mr. Director. By the way, I hear Walmart has a sale so you can purchase a new pair of underwear. "Driver’s License Suspension Reform Act” aka AUO 3rd? No Problem The Driver’s License Suspension Reform Act, which Governor Cuomo signed into law six months ago, went into effect on Tuesday, changing the fine process and how it relates to the suspension of a person’s driving privileges. As I had previously reported in an earlier newsletter, the sum and substance is that it would block courts from suspending drivers’ licenses if a motorist fails to pay a ticket or if they fail to appear in court. The court would also be required to offer an installment payment plan for the fine. Driving privileges will still be subject to suspension but only after numerous reminders and payment options are provided to the driver. My first impression is that while this is more of a court issue than a police one, drivers will flaunt the law and also revenue will drop. I’ve been told that other states have seen the opposite effect, and report that compliance and fine payment have increased by 250%. I, however, predict a drop in fines that help fund local courts and operations. As a result, the burden of supporting the court infrastructure will eventually be transferred upon the taxpayers. So, despite the glowing reviews in other states, I still remain pessimistic but we will see… A Sign that the Apocalypse is Upon Us (Closer to Home) While I have evoked the name of Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón for all that is wrong with the progressive police reform agenda, there was always some comfort that it was taking place 2,800 miles away. Well, a New York state D.A. has garnered a few headlines lately with her own troubling agenda. Westchester County D.A. Mimi Rocah has recently announced that her office is reviewing two previous police-related shootings, from 2010 in White Plains and 2011 in Pleasantville, respectively. A grand jury declined to indict the officers involved. Wait, there is more. Ms. Rocah has also decided to bring "attempted assault" charges against a New Rochelle police officer stemming from an incident last February in which he took police action in an off-duty capacity when he observed and intervened in a violent domestic dispute. The suspect struggled with the off-duty officer and responding officers but was finally placed under arrest. New Rochelle PBA President Christopher Greco sums up this latest action by the D.A. perfectly - “The Westchester County District Attorney has sent a clear and extremely risky message to all of law enforcement in Westchester County – that the D.A. will personally decide what is acceptable and what is not, rather than determine what is lawful and what is not. The arrest of Officer Vaccaro, along with anti-police legislation and rhetoric only serves to inspire criminals, weaken law enforcement and leaves society in danger.” George Floyd Justice in Policing Act On June 24, Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA), the top negotiators on police reform, released a statement on the status of negotiations saying they have come to an agreement on “a framework addressing the major issues for bipartisan police reform.” The statement went on to say that there is still more work to be done and “nothing is agreed to until everything is agreed to.” While there is an agreement to a framework, no actual language has been agreed to yet. Behind the scenes there is a lot of conflict among the various police organizations tasked to lobby on behalf of law enforcement. NAPO continues to be involved in the process from the Republican side, while the FOP and the IACP are trying to work with Senator Booker and the Democrats. The National Sheriffs’ Association seems to be using their own playbook. Here are the positions on qualified immunity amongst the various factions – 1. NAPO and Senator Scott (R) - Hard line against touching qualified immunity for individual officers and if there is a compromise it would be to put the liability on the municipality 2. FOP, IACP and Senator Booker (D) – Although many Democrats want to totally eliminate qualified immunity, Senator Booker stated he would compromise to keep liability on the employer but allow for the employer to hold the employee accountable 3. National Sheriffs’ Association – No liability on the municipality It should be noted that any changes to municipal liability need to be tightly crafted to include caps on damages to be paid, limitations on how liability insurance companies dictate police practices and policies for the municipalities they cover and keep the cases it applies to very narrow. From our discussions with the Troopers in Colorado, which eliminated qualified immunity for officers and increased municipal liability last year, there have been significant consequences that are harming departments and officers that the state legislature must now fix. Will there be a final bipartisan deal before Congress adjourns for August? It will depend on which one of the police groups wins one of those so-called measuring contests. The Pendulum Swings Back - Refund the Police Based on a lawsuit filed by several residents, a Hennepin County District Court judge has ordered the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey to "immediately take any and all necessary action to ensure that they fund a police force." In a strongly worded decision, he gave the city until June 30, 2022 to bring the police department’s manpower level back to full contingency. Although this is a great shot at the Defund the Police movement at its epicenter, the city of Minneapolis will have to do a hell of a lot more to attract willing candidates to the force. How about an increase in pay and benefits? With a top base pay of $40,740, it is going to be tough. Just saying. Mailbag After a long drought, the Mailbag section has been rejuvenated thanks to a repeat honoree, retired Troop G Trooper Robert A. Nelson, who sent in not one, but two emails to the NYSTPBA office in a span of five minutes last Friday night. Impressive! 1. Hey Tom, why don't you leave the politics to the politicians. And really, do you think the Troopers that you represent are at all interested in who runs for Governor? Bottom line is, what can you do for the Troopers? And since you like to quote movie lines: "Let it go" Figure that one out, and if you are still confused, you should throw your hat in the ring. Or maybe, you might time it just right to retire from your pseudo political position and run for the Attorney General job, or hell, just run for Governor, what the hell!!!!! 2. As I read your news letter [sic], I was wondering, if you left all of the political talk out, you would be sending out a blank piece of paper with your name on it. Well, sir, as I shake my head in disbelief as to your lack of even a rudimentary understanding of the labor history of the New York State Police, I must invoke one of your much-hated movie quotes from Adam Sandler’s movie Billy Madison which, in my opinion, sums up your emails in their entirety and needs no further comment from me – Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I've ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response was there anything that could even be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul. We will end the week on that note. Have a great Fourth of July Weekend! God Bless America! 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 The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers 120 State St. Albany, New York 12207 (518) 462-7448 http://www.nystpba.org

Below received from Facebook: Received from Bill Bean: Retired Troop C Zone 3 Inv Ronald Sicina Is At Piedmont Hospital In Atlanta, Georgia, After Just Having A Quadruple Bypass Heart Operation . Prayers Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Patient Ronald Sicina - Cardiac Unit, 1968 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia - 30309