COLUMBIA News. Our President s Message. Richard Angeletti. Fraternity n Integrity n Charity

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1 Columbia Association of the Police Department, City of New York COLUMBIA News Affiliated with the National Council of Columbia Associations In Civil Service, Inc. and the National Coalition of Italian American Law Enforcement Organizations Fraternity n Integrity n Charity VOL.48, NO. 1 January-February 2014 SINCE 1932 ONLINE ISSUE Our President s Message. Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas with your family and friends. It is truly an honor to be selected as your President. I have been a member of this great organization since past president Giovanni Porcelli signed me up 22 years ago in the Police Academy. I am looking forward to the challenges that go with this position. The New Year is upon us and we here at the Columbia Association have a full slate of events prepared for you. Our Third Annual Texas Hold em Tournament will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the Italian Charities of America. This event begins at 6pm and proceeds from it go towards our scholarship fund. Speaking of scholarships, our scholarship exams are being administered in March. The college exam is Wednesday, March 26 at the Police Academy and our high school exam is Saturday, March 29 at the Italian Charities of America. Applications are available on our website at For all of our cigar smokers out there, our Cigars Under the Stars event will be held Thursday, March 27th. This event is always a big draw, so be sure to get your tickets early before they sell out. For more information on any of these events, or to purchase tickets via PayPal, please visit our website at For those of you who missed our first meeting of 2014, we had nearly 400 people there including several special guests. Commissioner Bratton took time out of his busy schedule to join us. He spoke about working closely with the unions and fraternal organizations and giving police officers what they need to get the job done. He was welcomed by a warm ovation when he came out onto the stage. Actor Chazz Palminteri was also at our meeting. Chazz is very propolice and proved it with some of the stories he shared with the members in attendance. Chazz also presented Lieutenant Joseph Barone with a check on behalf of the Child Reach Foundation. The Child Reach Foundation was incorporated by Gianna and Chazz Palminteri in 2005 and is dedicated to raising funds for the benefit of children s health and welfare. The Child Reach Foundation also supports the Police Benevolent Association and local State Police and their families with grants for their children with Special Needs. As usual, the police unions were well represented. President Mike Palladino, 1st vice-president Paul DiGiacomo, and several members of the Detectives Endowment Association board were in attendance. President Pat Lynch, 1st vice-president John Puglissi, Brooklyn Financial Secretary John Giangrasso, and members of the Patrolmen s Benevolent Association were also there. Steve Birbiglia represented the Lieutenant s Benevolent Association. Thank you all for coming. You are always very supportive of us. There are a few people I would like to thank for being a tremendous part of not only my success, but the success of the Columbia Association as a whole: For the past four years I have had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Past President Anthony Cesarano. Anthony has brought this organization a long way. I want to thank him for taking the time to prepare me for the responsibility I am about to take on. Past presidents Paul DiGiacomo, Gio Porcelli, and John Bucalo have given me support and guidance over the years. I know that you and Anthony will be there in the future should I need guidance or advice. All of the Board Members of the Columbia Association. For all of the hard work and sacrifice you have put in to make the organization successful. Thank you so much for everything you do. All of the members of the Columbia Association. Any of the Board Members can tell you that I preach to them at every board meeting; without members, you don t have an organization. Thank you all for your support. One of the missions of our organization is to provide a close union for its members, to be part of an ethnic group of professional law enforcement officers who cherish the spirit of brotherhood and remembrance of their roots. I will make a concerted effort to increase our knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritage that unites us all and to develop an understanding and appreciation of the contributions made by Italians and Italian-Americans toward the development of our great nation and this department. This organization has been around since We have had our upsand-downs like any other organization. An organization is only as strong as its membership. I ask that if you have not paid your dues for 2014 please see your delegate or any Board Officer and support your organization. You can download a membership application on the Columbia website which is Thank you all for giving me this opportunity to serve you. Richard Angeletti President

2 PAGE 2 Columbia News January /February 2014 Hello Columbia, The editor s Spot Many of you know me already. For the last few years, I have been that guy with the camera at Association events telling you all to pose for a picture. In addition, I am a former Manhattan trustee and have been an active member of this organization for more than twenty one years. With my recent retirement, I am happy to take over as newsletter editor. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our out-going president, Anthony Cesserano, a fond farewell. Your leadership and hard work are appreciated and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I would like to also introduce our new president Richard Angeletti. Below is a short biography of our president: Sergeant Richard Angeletti is a 22-year veteran of the New York City Police Department. He is currently assigned to the Collision Investigation Squad of the Highway Patrol. For the last four years, he has been the 1st vice-president of the Columbia Association. Richard was appointed to the NYPD January 13, Upon completion of the Police Academy, he was assigned to the 24th Precinct on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. While assigned there, Richard became the Columbia Association delegate for that command. In 1997, Richard was transferred to Highway Patrol #1 in The Bronx and eventually became the Columbia Association trustee for that Borough. In January of 1999, Richard was promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the 19th precinct on Manhattan s Upper East Side. Later that year, he was transferred to the Manhattan North Task Force and remained there until early During this time, Richard held the position of Manhattan Financial Secretary for the Columbia Association. In 2001, Richard was transferred back to the Highway Patrol and was eventually assigned to the now defunct Highway Patrol #4. This highly specialized unit was tasked with the responsibility of patrolling Midtown Manhattan on motorcycles. The following year, Richard was transferred to the elite Accident Investigation Squad of the Highway District. This unit is currently responsible for investigating motor vehicle accidents where someone is seriously injured and likely to die or has been killed. This unit has since been renamed, and is now known as the Collision Investigation Squad. From June 2003 through October 2005, Richard was temporarily assigned to the Police Commissioners Security Detail. During this time, he was responsible for the safety and security of the Police Commissioner. It was also during this time that Richard became the 2nd vice-president of the NYPD Columbia Association. On a more personal note, Richard is an avid hockey fan and connoisseur of fine food and wine. He welcomes the challenges that come with being the president of the Columbia Association and looks forward to serving the membership in that capacity. Andrew Carraro Executive Board President Richard Angeletti (718) st Vice President Emanuel Rossi (845) nd Vice President Kendra Damante (718) Executive Secretary Louis J. Balsamo (718) Treasurer Anthony Burgio (212) Recording Secretary Christopher J. Pizzo (516) Corresponding Sec Anthony Quagliariello (646) Sergeant At Arms Salvatore Ferrante (718) Editor Andrew Carraro (718) Public Relations John DelGaudio (917) Financial Secretaries Manhattan Louis Corrente (212) Brooklyn Vincent Aprea (718) Queens Matthew Cioffi (718) Bronx Steven Berger (718) Staten Island John Peruffo (718) Retiree's Nat Infurna (516) Trustees Manhattan R.J. Coleman (212) Manhattan Michael Alfieri (212) Manhattan Russ Marauro (212) Brooklyn Brett Raso (516) Brooklyn Michael Spexio (646) Brooklyn John Passarella (516) Queens Stephen Salazer (718) Queens Dyanne Marzano (718) Bronx Rocco Ruscitto (914) Bronx Richard Citarella (718) Staten Island Alessandro Pizzirusso (718) Citywide Michael Mongelli (516) Directors & Advisors Life Member Rep Phil Rapaci Sr. (718) Special Assistant to New York City Police Department Columbia Association Board of Officers the President Phil Panzarella (631) Travel. John Martini (718) Health Dr. Brian Mignola (718) Health Dr. Joseph J. Ciuffo (718) Legal Stuart Salles (212) Legal James Moschella (212) Spiritual DC Msgr. Robert Romano (646) Spiritual Msgr. David Cassato (718) Past Presidents Anthony Cesarano (646) Frank Ventura (212) Paul DiGiacomo (212) Giovanni Porcelli (718) Stephen P. Chiarini (516) John Bucalo 631) Editor

3 PAGE 3 Columbia News January February 2014 LEGAL LINES Messages from your Columbia Association Attorneys Stuart Salles and James Moschella As many of you are aware, the Civilian Complaint Review Board ("CCRB") has now begun the prosecution of their own cases pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding that former Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly agreed to prior to leaving office. This agreement transferred the authority to administratively prosecute substantiated civilian complaints from the NYPD Advocates Office to a newly formed unit at CCRB, the Administrative Prosecution Unit. Since CCRB has taken over this responsibility, the landscape has changed significantly. First, it is almost a guarantee that if CCRB substantiates an allegation of misconduct against an officer it will result in the issuance of formal Charges and Specifications. Prior to CCRB taking over, the Advocates Office would review each substantiated complaint on a case-by-case basis and oftentimes would handle it as a Command Discipline, instructions or some other informal level of redress. Not so with the CCRB which has taken the unreasonable position that almost any substantiated complaint merits charges. The second change since CCRB took over is the increase in penalties that CCRB is proposing, even for the most minor alleged transgression. Whereas the Advocates Office would propose a forfeiture of a few vacation days, or even just instructions, CCRB has been proposing penalties ranging from vacation days. Given these changes, it should be no surprise that officers, in consultation with their attorneys, have been refusing these "plea bargain" offers and have instead been exercising their right to proceed to a trial on such charges. The good news is that although CCRB has assumed the prosecution of these cases, trials are still held in the NYPD Trial Room and the decision is still being made by the NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Trials. Furthermore, the ultimate decision of whether an officer is guilty, and what penalty, if any, should be imposed, is left to the Police Commissioner. Although it is early in the new administration, all indications are that Commissioner Bratton will elect to have officers retrained and reinstructed rather than forfeit vacation days for civilian complaint infractions. For example, in a recent case involving allegations of a wrongful stop of an individual, although CCRB recommended the forfeiture of 10 vacation days, Commissioner Bratton instead held that the officer should receive instructions. Among the factors he cited was the Detective's otherwise unblemished 20 year career during which he has made thousands of arrests. We could not agree more strongly with this approach. The focus should be on retraining and reinstruction on the law of stop, question and frisk, and not punishment of the officer involved. It is unclear how this recent decision will impact on CCRB's prosecutorial decisions moving forward. Now, more than ever, therefore, it is critical for officers to treat any interview at CCRB as if preparing for an IAB interview or even court testimony. This includes reviewing all paperwork (UF-250s, criminal court complaints, OLBS, etc) and actually preparing prior to arriving at CCRB for your interview. No longer is it acceptable to go to CCRB not knowing what you are going there for or to treat it any less serious than any GO-15. We will keep you informed of more decisions moving forward. As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Jim Moschella, Counsel jmoschella@kmattorneys.com

4 PAGE 4 Columbia News Jan Feb Dues are $25.00 Retired Desk By NAT Infurna Retired members Financial secretary Death Announcements The Columbia Association Mourns The Loss Of: Pray for the repose soul of Jerry A. Avellino Life member All notices have been mailed as of Mon. 2/10/2014. Checks should be made payable to Columbia Association NYPD Send to: Nat Infurna 188 Brown St Mineola NY New Life Member- John Marcone Pray for the repose soul of Louis Balsamo Sr. Life Member and father Of executive board officer Louis Balsamo Jr. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Scholarship Donations: Anthony Vallelong,Marc Tufo,Thomas Delpriore,Al Materasso Prayers: Louis Balsamo Sr. deceased, Fred Cornicello sick in rehab center and all members sick at home or confined to a nursing home. Also remember all members on patrol to keep them safe. Death Benefit: If you would like to donate your $400 death benefit for a one time tax deduction send a notice to me in writing. Until the next issue. Ciao!!!

5 PAGE 5 Columbia News Jan Feb 2014 Meeting Montage January 2014

6 PAGE 6 Columbia News Jan Feb schedule of events General Meetings January 28 February 25 March 25 April 22 May 27 June 24 September 23 October 13 * November 25 All meeting are held at the Italian Charities of America Queens Blvd Elmhurst, NY *October General Meeting is held Post Columbus Day Parade Events March 8th Texas Hold-em tournament See Flyer on Page 7 March 20th Cigars Under the Stars See Flyer on Page 8 March 26th College Scholarship Exam NYPD Police Academy March 29th High School Scholarship Exam Italian Charities of America May 2nd Annual Dinner Dance Flyer to Follow with award recipients and honorees June 6th Annual Golf Outing Flyer to Follow June 20th Annual Fishing Trip Captain Jim Freeport, NY Sept 21st Anthony J. Venditti Annual Motorcycle Run Flyer to Follow

7 PAGE 7 Columbia News January - February 2014

8 PAGE 8 Columbia News January - February 2014

9 PAGE 9 Columbia News January - February 2014