Crime Scene » Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com A behind-the-scenes look at public safety, law enforcement and the courts Thu, 08 May 2008 17:21:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Buckle up this holiday season http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/11/14/buckle-up-this-holiday-season/ http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/11/14/buckle-up-this-holiday-season/#comments Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:28:40 +0000 Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/11/14/buckle-up-this-holiday-season/ State and local police are warning residents to buckle up when climbing into a car. Troopers and local police will conduct a “Click it or Ticket” seat-belt enforcement campaign beginning Nov. 12 and running through the Thanksgiving weekend. Troopers from the Somers barracks wasted little time, running a safety check Nov. 13 on Route 35 in Somers. The troopers issued 138 tickets during the six-hour enforcement, including 87 tickets for seat-belt violations. One state police sergeant told me he was amazed that several volunteer firefighters were among those driving with no seat belt. Ironically, your local volunteer firefighters probably see more serious accidents in a year than most of us will see in a lifetime. You’d think they’d learn something after seeing so many people do a face plant into a windshield.
Yorktown police will join state police in the two-week effort.
“Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes,” Yorktown Chief Daniel McMahon said in a release.
So do the police a favor – buckle up.
Do your loved ones a favor – buckle up.
Heck, do me a favor because I’m tired of writing about all these horrific crashes – and buckle up!

]]> http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/11/14/buckle-up-this-holiday-season/feed/ 0 More than 13,000 seek to become state troopers http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/10/more-than-13000-seek-to-become-state-troopers/ http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/10/more-than-13000-seek-to-become-state-troopers/#comments Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:03:29 +0000 Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/10/more-than-13000-seek-to-become-state-troopers/ A state police recruitment drive for new troopers that began last month has already drawn more than 13,000 applicants, the New York State Police Public Information Office said in a release today. Here is the text of the press release from the NYSP:

NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Preston L. Felton
Acting Superintendent

Lieutenant Glenn Miner
Director of Public Information
(518) 457-2180
www.troopers.state.ny.us

FOR RELEASE: Immediate

Troopers Announce Over 13,500 already signed up for Upcoming
Examination

Albany, NY – October 10, 2007 – New York State Police Acting
Superintendent Preston L. Felton announced today that, with nearly two
months left to apply for the next statewide Trooper examination, over
13,500 qualified applicants have already signed up to take the exam.
There is still time left to apply. The recruitment campaign ends on
December 1st, 2007. Exams are scheduled for January 19, January 26,
February 2 and February 9, 2008, and will be offered at several
convenient locations around the state.

“This very strong interest is a testament to the proud tradition and
standards of excellence that have defined our agency and continue to
lead us into the future,” Felton said. “We firmly believe that the
thousands who have signed up so far want to be a part of an agency that
stands for pride, professionalism, respect and service. Since the
entrance examination is typically administered just every four years,
now is the time to consider a rewarding career with the New York State
Police.”

Felton added, “We encourage young people from all walks of life, who
are looking for a rewarding career, to visit our website and seriously
consider serving the public as a State Trooper. Unlike any other
profession, Troopers have unique opportunities presented daily, to make
a difference in someone’s life.”

Interested candidates should go to the State PoliceÂ’s
state-of-the-art recruitment website, NYTROOPER.com and apply before
December 1, 2007. On-line convenience features allow the processing of
credit card payments for the application fee and offer the ability to
select a specific test center and exam date. Eligible family members
and friends who may be interested in a career in public service should
be encouraged to apply and participate in the examinations scheduled for
early 2008.

Currently, a TrooperÂ’s starting salary is $50,374 during Academy
training. Upon Academy graduation, the salary increases to $61,525, and
after one year to $65,358, with additional salary steps during the first
five years of service. After 5 years, a TrooperÂ’s salary increases to
$77,218, with additional longevity payments through 25 years of service.

Additional location compensation is provided for troopers assigned to
NYC, and Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and
Westchester counties.

On-line applications must be submitted by Midnight EST December 1,
2007. Results from the examination will establish an eligibility list
that may remain in effect for a maximum of four years.

The New York State Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values
diversity and encourages all individuals interested in public service to
apply.

Below is detailed list of exam eligibility requirements:

REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW YORK STATE TROOPER

Must be 20 years of age by December 1, 2007 to apply to take the exam;
Must be at least 21 years of age by date of appointment;
Must not have reached your 30th birthday prior to December 1, 2007.
This may be extended up to six years for active military service;
Must have graduated from senior high school or possess a high school
equivalency diploma at time of application;
Must have 60 credit hours from an accredited college at time of
appointment; 30 credit hours may be waived for candidates with at least
two full years active duty in the United States Military and an
Honorable Discharge; or who have completed a certified Basic Police
Officer Training Course approved by the New York State Municipal Police
Training Council or its equivalent;
Must be in excellent physical condition, able to pass a physical
performance test;
Must be a New York State resident and possess a valid New York State
driverÂ’
s license at time of appointment;
Must be a United States citizen at time of application;
Must be of good moral character. A felony conviction is an automatic
disqualification.
Must successfully complete a medical examination, vision test, hearing
test, background investigation including polygraph examination, and
psychological evaluation to be appointed.

CURRENT SALARY INFORMATION:
$50,374 Starting salary;
$61,525 upon graduation from the NYSP Academy;
$65,358 after 1 year;
$77,218 after 5 years.

(Salaries do not include additional location compensation for NYC;
Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester
counties.)

Apply on-line or get additional information on becoming a New York
State Trooper at: www.nytrooper.com
or by calling 1-866-NYSP-EXAM

]]> http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/10/more-than-13000-seek-to-become-state-troopers/feed/ 0 What’s worse than crack in your heroin? http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/02/everyone-has-crack-in-their-jeans-but/ http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/02/everyone-has-crack-in-their-jeans-but/#comments Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:40:34 +0000 Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/02/everyone-has-crack-in-their-jeans-but/ Could it be heroin in your crack? State police charged George P. Lanza, 30, of Poughkeepsie, and Matthew F. Azimi, 26, of Deposit, N.Y., each with seventh-degree criminal possession of a weapon and possession of a hypodermic instrument, misdemeanors, after Trooper Brian Will stopped them Sept. 29 at 11 p.m. on Interstate 684 in Bedford. Will walked around the car with his canine partner, Hudson, who alerted the trooper to the presence of drugs in the car, police said. The two men were taken into custody. Both were stripped search at the Somers barracks where, police said, a deck of heroin fell out of Azimi’s anal cavity. They are due Oct. 11 in Bedford Court, police said.

]]> http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/02/everyone-has-crack-in-their-jeans-but/feed/ 4 Yorktown Italians to honor Peekskill police chief http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/09/18/yorktown-italians-to-honor-peekskill-police-chief/ http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/09/18/yorktown-italians-to-honor-peekskill-police-chief/#comments Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:41:03 +0000 Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/09/18/yorktown-italians-to-honor-peekskill-police-chief/ The Yorktown Christopher Columbus Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary on October 5, 2007, with a gala dinner dance and award presentation to honor a member who has long served the Westchester community.
The society is honoring Eugene Tumolo, Chief of Peekskill Police, who has been a member of the Society since 1999.
“The Yorktown Christopher Columbus Society is one of the longest serving society chapters in Westchester County with a membership of committed citizens who contribute unselfish service to their communities,� said Bob Giordano, President, Yorktown Christopher Columbus Society. “Police Chief Tumolo has worked closely with local community groups for many years, as well as initiate valuable policing initiatives throughout Peekskill and surrounding communities.�
Chief Tumolo will be honored for his outstanding service, including his role in transforming the Peekskill Police Department into one of the most progressive, well-equipped and trained law enforcement agencies in New York. He was instrumental in developing a highly trained and equipped tactical response unit and full time narcotics and anti-crime units. Chief Tumolo has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations from local fraternal organizations and community groups.
Before his current position, Chief Tumolo served in every position in the Peekskill Police Department, beginning as a patrol officer in 1968. He was promoted to detective in 1974, uniformed sergeant in 1977, lieutenant in 1985 and Captain in 1988. He commanded both the uniformed and detective divisions until his promotion to Chief of Police.
Chief Tumolo and his wife Heidi have three children. He has served as president of the New York State Chiefs of Police Association and Westchester County Chiefs of Police, as well as served on numerous New York State policymaking criminal justice committees.
The society’s Golden Anniversary dinner dance will be held on October 5, 2007 at the Colonial Terrace 119 Oregon Road Cortland Manor, New York, beginning with a cocktail hour at 8 PM.
The admission price is $80 per person, with door prizes and a 50/50 raffle for a $5,000 first prize $5,000.00
The Christopher Columbus Society was established as a social club, but annually contributes funds to community charitable causes, as well as educational scholarships.
For more information, please contact Bob Giordano, (914) 874-4347 (rgiord19@optonline.net). Make checks payable to the Yorktown Christopher Columbus Society, PO Box 202, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598

]]> http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/09/18/yorktown-italians-to-honor-peekskill-police-chief/feed/ 0 Carmel police union endorses Jacobellis for town justice http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/08/02/carmel-police-union-endorses-jacobellis-for-town-justice/ http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/08/02/carmel-police-union-endorses-jacobellis-for-town-justice/#comments Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:34:09 +0000 Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/08/02/carmel-police-union-endorses-jacobellis-for-town-justice/ The Town of Carmel Police Benevolent Association has endorsed Thomas J. Jacobellis for a full four-year term as town justice. Jacobellis, a former Putnam County prosecutor, was appointed to the position earlier year when former Town Justice James Reitz was elected as a Putnam County judge. Detective Robert Bagnarol, Carmel PBA president, said that although his organization usually doesn’t endorse canddiates, “there was an overwhemling consensus amongst our membership to endorse Judge Jacobellis. After working with Judge Jacobellis over the last seven months, based on his knowledge of the law, accessibility, fairness and perofessionalism, we felt it was very important for the people of Carmel and Mahopac to know what we have observed on a first-hand basis.� For his part, Jacobellis was thrilled. “I am extremely proud and honored to have received the endorsement of the Carmel PBA,� he said in a statment relased by his campaign committee. “The men and woman of the Carmel Police are out there every day, working hard to ensure that the Town of Carmel continues to be a safe community for all its citizens, which is a direct reflection of their hard work and dedication.�

]]> http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/08/02/carmel-police-union-endorses-jacobellis-for-town-justice/feed/ 9 Hey kids, interested in becoming a firefighter or a cop? http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/07/18/hey-kids-interested-in-becoming-a-firefighter-or-a-cop/ http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/07/18/hey-kids-interested-in-becoming-a-firefighter-or-a-cop/#comments Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:49:48 +0000 Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/07/18/hey-kids-interested-in-becoming-a-firefighter-or-a-cop/ If your children are interested in a career in public safety, one way for them to get a taste of it is through “junior academiesâ€? sponsored by local police and fire departments. In Peekskill, the city Police Department has announced the start of its 5th annual Peekskill Youth Police Academy on July 23. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 learn about police work by working side-by-side with some of Peekskill finest to learn what it’s like to be a cop in this little city by the Hudson River. The children will be spending 10 days over a two-week period from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., learning in classrooms and on the street. They’ll participate in mock traffic stops, learn about arrest procedures, building searches and crime-scene investigations. The academy, according to veteran Peekskill Lt. Kathy Johansen, emphasizes why police do what they do so the cadets can come away with an understanding of what officers face on a daily basis. Students will also take field trips to various places, including the Westchester Police Academy and Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Officer Andre Wright, the academy’s primary instructor, said that thanks to the generosity of Peekskill merchants, other police agencies and City Hall, Peekskill police will again hold the academy this year with no cost to the students. “The success of this program is due to the generous outpouring of support from the community and other law-enforcement agencies as well as the backing of our city government,â€? Wright said. “Without everyone’s help, we could not have pulled this off without charging a fee to the kids.” This year’s program is filled up with 25 cadets and five senior supervisors. However, it’s not too late to reserve a space for next year’s session. Call Lt. Johansen at 914-737-8000 for information on the 2008 Peekskill Youth Police Academy.
Now if chasing bad people isn’t your thing but running into burning buildings is, then check out the Cold Spring Junior Firefighting Academy, which also kicks off July 23 and runs for a week. In the academy, held at the Cold Spring firehouse on Main Street, students learn about firefighting and the important role physical fitness plays in that profession. The academy, which is in its fifth year, includes training in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, first aid and fire safety. This year’s class is also filled with 50 students — the most ever — but there’s always next year. For information, contact the Philipstown Recreation Department at 845-424-4618 or e-mail the Fire Department at coldspringfd@aol.com.

]]> http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/07/18/hey-kids-interested-in-becoming-a-firefighter-or-a-cop/feed/ 3 Driscoll FOP Lodge hands out awards in Putnam http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/06/driscoll-fop-lodge-hands-out-awards-in-putnam/ http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/06/driscoll-fop-lodge-hands-out-awards-in-putnam/#comments Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:58:18 +0000 Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/06/driscoll-fop-lodge-hands-out-awards-in-putnam/ The Stephen P. Driscoll Memorial Lodge of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police recently held its annual awards ceremony in Southeast in Putnam County.
The lodge was formed in honor of Driscoll, a Lake Carmel resident and New York City police officer who died on Sept. 11, 2001 while saving others at the World Trade Center.
Since its inception, the lodge has grown to one of the largest in the state, boasting several hundred members who are current and retired police officers living and/or working in Putnam and northern Westchester counties.
Among the awards given out at the May 22 ceremony were: – The Driscoll Memorial Medal of Valor to the family of Senior Investigator Thomas M. O’Neill of the New York State Police. He died in the line of duty in 2005. Receiving the medal on his behalf were his sister, Kathleen O’Neill Flood of Carmel, her daughter Hannah and husband Brian Flood. – The first Detective Investigator Stu Cohen Memorial Scholarship was presented in honor of Cohen, a lodge member and investigator with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. He died this year from an unknown ailment he apparently got after raiding a drug den. His death was classified as in the line of duty. – Several lodge members were honored for their fund-raising and volunteer efforts on behalf of the New York State Special Olympics of the Hudson Valley, including retired NYPD detectives Tom Gervasi, Henry Primus, FBI Special Agent Barbara McArdle and business associate Edward Scheck. – The boxing teams of the FDNY and NYPD were honored for their charitable work on behalf of the lodge, including participating in the lodge’s annual boxing event. – Scholarships were presented in honor of several local police officers who died in the line of duty. Among them were: Westchester Deputy Sheriff Kieran Grant, killed in 1979; NYPD Officer George Werdann, 1982; Officer James McNaughton, 2005, the first NYPD member killed while serving in Iraq; New York State Police Investigator Thomas O’Neill, 2005. Winners of these scholarships included Thomas Flynn and Samantha Scheck of Carmel High School, Kaitlin Beirne of Mahopac High School and Caitlin McDonald of George Fisher Middle School.

]]> http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/06/driscoll-fop-lodge-hands-out-awards-in-putnam/feed/ 0 Putnam D.A. Wright to drunk drivers: No more Mr. Nice Guy http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/05/10/putnam-da-wright-to-drunk-drivers-no-more-mr-nice-guy/ http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/05/10/putnam-da-wright-to-drunk-drivers-no-more-mr-nice-guy/#comments Thu, 10 May 2007 19:57:45 +0000 Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/05/10/putnam-da-wright-to-drunk-drivers-no-more-mr-nice-guy/ It used to be that a first-time offender charged with driving while intoxicated in Putnam County and registering a blood-alcohol level below 0.15 percent could have the misdemeanor charge reduce to a violation of driving while impaired. But District Attorney Kevin L. Wright recently announced that his office had changed that policy. Now, anyone with a blood-alcohol level of 0.13 percent or more will not be eligible for the reduced charge, Wright said.
“If a person, even a first offender, chooses to drink and drive, they will not receive consideration from the courts and the district attorney’s office when the alcohol in their system is is five points above the state limit of 0.08 percent,� Wright said in a statement from his office.
He noted that Putnam County has made significant progress in the last 20 years in reducing the instances of driving while intoxicated but said he believes that the new policy by his office will fruther discourage intoxicated people from getting behind the wheel.
“Simply because someone is a first-time offender does not eliminate the possibility that they have serious issued with alcohol, even though it is customary to give them a break,� Wright said.
Wright said he discussed the change with Putnam County Probation Director Gene J. Funicelli, Putnam’s STOP-DWI coordinator, and that Funicelli is on board with the idea.

]]> http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/05/10/putnam-da-wright-to-drunk-drivers-no-more-mr-nice-guy/feed/ 0 Troopers’ PBA pleased with new superintendent http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/03/05/troopers-pba-pleased-with-new-superintendent/ http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/03/05/troopers-pba-pleased-with-new-superintendent/#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:53:31 +0000 Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/03/05/troopers-pba-pleased-with-new-superintendent/ The leaders of the State Troopers Police Benevolent Association are happy with Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s decision to name State Police First Deputy Superintendent Preston L. Felton as interim superintendent in the wake of the retirement of Superintendent Wayne Bennett.
Specifically, the union is happy that Spitzer chose one of their own, a man who has worked his way up through the department’s ranks.
Felton is also the highest-ranking African-American in department history.
“Felton has extensive field field experience and has served in a variety of ranks, an attribute that is vitally important to the safety and well-being of our members,� the state troopers PBA said in a statement. “The job of New York State Trooper is dangerous and unpredictable, and those responsibilities continue to grow in the era of homeland security. It is imperative that our superintendent understand the needs of our troopers who risk their lives when they go out on patrol every day.�
Felton’s appointment to lead the 5,000-member department is temporary. A national search will be conducted to fill the vacancy, according to a spokesman for Spitzer, although that search could also end with Felton being appointed to the post on a permanent basis.
Whatever the case, the union is pleased with message Spitzer sent to the troopers by appointing someone who’s served the department for 26 years. Felton is 48 years old.
PBA President Dan DeFedericis noted that Felton recently led the effort to upgrade troopers sidearms from 9mm pistols to .45-caliber Glock automatic pistols.
“Safety is this union’s No. 1 concern and we were impressed with his leadership on that issue,� DeFedericis said in a statement. “We look forward to working with him on safety and other issues that affect our brave and hard-working members who put their lives on the line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.�

]]> http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/03/05/troopers-pba-pleased-with-new-superintendent/feed/ 1 Ever wonder what it’s like to be a cop? http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/02/01/ever-wonder-what-it%e2%80%99s-like-to-be-a-cop/ http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/02/01/ever-wonder-what-it%e2%80%99s-like-to-be-a-cop/#comments Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:17:45 +0000 Terry Corcoran http://crimescene.lohudblogs.com/2007/02/01/ever-wonder-what-it%e2%80%99s-like-to-be-a-cop/ Putnam County residents who want to learn more about police work — from procedure to investigations to forensics and corrections — are encouraged to sign up for the Putnam County Citizens’ Police Academy. And we promise it’s nothing like “Armed and Famous,� the ill-fated reality TV show that CBS just canceled that featured washed-up celebrities training to be police officers. Weekly classes for the bi-annual Citizens’ Academy begin March 8 and will be held on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. through May 10. Classes meet at the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services building off Route 6 in Carmel. This will be the third time the Academy has convened. Each class can handle about 30 members, and since classes always fill up fast, Sheriff Donald Smith is advising interested residents to get their applications now. Applications are available by calling Lara Liotti in the Sheriff’s Office at 845-225-4300 ext. 213. The deadline to apply is Feb. 26. Smith said he likes the Academy because it gives people a better understanding, and, therefore, a better appreciation of police work. “The goal of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to educate and raise civic awareness about the functions of law enforcement in general and the workings of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in particular,� Smith said recently. “Informing citizens about public safety and law-enforcement issues builds closer bonds between citizens and police and those bonds strengthen the community.�

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