“We would like to thank the Nassau County Detectives Association Inc. for giving us the opportunity to work with such an essential organization. We appreciate the vote of confidence and will continue striving to achieve all our clients' financial goals. We look forward to building upon our relationship with the DAI and its members for many years to come.” SSecurities, insurance and advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Shelter Rock Financial Group is a marketing designation. 10
Secretary It has been an honor to serve the members of the DAI as Delegate, Trustee and now Secretary. Your confidence in the Executive Board in allowing us to represent you for the next four years is humbling. I believe this Executive Board has accomplished many things over the last two years under the leadership of John Wighaus. These achievements are only the beginning of what I know can be accomplished when we stick together. Accept as true that we will continue to work on replenishing our ranks to where they belong. Policing at the detective level is vital to the Department and the County. Do not under estimate the importance of the County acknowledging the severe shortage of detectives. The DAIs relentless efforts in advising to our elected officials, the media and our community leaders are ensuring the County cannot ignore this crisis. The DAI held a plaque dedication ceremony in memory of the late Detective Michael “Mickey” Gilbride on May 6th. The ceremony was attended by Mickey’s wife Kathy, daughter Jennifer and son Michael as well as dozens of friends, colleagues, past DAI Presidents and the Commissioner. President John Wighaus, Bobby Howell, Tommy Willdigg and Commissioner Ryder all said a few words about Mickey. After the ceremony refreshments were served in the Fourth Squad where the plaque was proudly displayed at the front door. It was an emotional ceremony for the family but it was clear that they were moved by the DAI and Department honoring Mickey’s memory in the Fourth Squad. Thank you to Detective Steve Graziose and DAI Second Vice President Chris Muchow for organizing this special event. I completed my 8th ride in the Police Unity Tour with Chapter 37. As always the ride began on May 9th at the World Trade Center and ended on May 12th (Mother’s Day) at the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington DC. We ride nearly 300 miles over four days rain or shine. This year was not too bad except for day four, which we rode over thirty miles in the pouring rain through the hills of Annapolis and Washington DC. The ride can be grueling at times, but as you ride through the memorial crowded with thousands of cheering survivors, family and law enforcement officers from across the Nation, suddenly all the soreness dissipates. Knowing that those men and women who have lost their lives protecting us and who can’t ride makes you understand what the Police Unity Tour is all about. We have a motto “We Ride for Those Who Died”. The Department was well represented and only the Port Authority Police, which Chapter 37 was founded by, have as many riders as Nassau County. Our riders were, Tim Rooney, Arnold Rothenberg, Billy Youngson, Bobby Rescigno, Joe Nuzzo, JoAnn Distler, George Darienzo, John Wellenreuther, Jamie Patterson, Chris Ferro, Jeanne Sisinni and Scott Amberman. It was an honor and pleasure to ride with you all. We had two new riders join us who were riding in honor of their husbands. Sandra McKee rode in memory of her husband Deputy Chief John McKee of the City University of New York Department of Public Safety- EOW: September 12, 2015. Deputy Chief John McKee died as the result of cancer he developed following his assignment to assist with search and rescue efforts at the World Trade Center site immediately following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Following the attacks, Chief McKee spent over one month at the ground zero site coordinating the allocation of his agency’s resources and personnel for the search and rescue operations. He later fell ill as a result of his exposure to the toxic materials in the area at the site. Aliceanne Guida rode in memory of her husband Inspector James Guida of the New York Police Department- EOW: October 31, 2014. Inspector James Guida died as a result of illnesses he contracted after inhaling toxic materials as he participated in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. Inspector Guida served with the New York City Police Department for 33 years and was assigned to the Narcotics Division. Joseph D. Hill This year I rode in memory of New York City Police Department Police Officer Paul Talty. I met Officer Talty’s family last September when I joined them for the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk. Officer Talty was killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks while attempting to rescue the victims trapped in the World Trade Center. Officer Talty had been a member of the New York City Police Department for nine years, and is survived by his wife and three children. He was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department’s Medal of Honor for his heroic actions. He was assigned to ESU Truck 10. On May 20th the 42nd Annual DAI Golf Outing will be held at the Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course. Chairman Vincenzo Vacchiano has done an outstanding job planning this event. I am positive this event will be a great time for all. And just a few weeks later the 67th Annual Picnic will be held at Eisenhower Park and will feature live bands, a BBQ and of course the Bier Garten. Chairman Hans Richter is working hard putting the final touches on the event. As you can see from the years each event has been held the DAI has a long tradition of bringing our members together with others. Even as we see our ranks decline we sell out golf outing and host more than 500 guests at our picnic every year. Thanks for reading my article I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Squeal Desk and thank you to all who have taken the time to submit an article or a picture our readers really appreciate it. I will leave you with a request to trust John, Jeff, Chris and the rest of the DAI Board and Delegates who are working to end our detective shortage and present a fair collective bargaining agreement to all of you. Don’t listen to those who spread rumors or question our efforts. The only people who understand and care about what the Detective Division needs are in the Detective Division. Be patient, time moves slowly in the negotiating arena, we are well aware of what direction the DAI need to move in. Be safe and, wear your vest and take care of each other. 11
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