Friday, December 23, 2005

Notty News

NOT HIM. Genesis of the fire inside Frank McDonald’s old Water Street, Catskill, bookstore and model train repository last Friday is still being investigated. Somebody evidently put cardboard against the door and ignited it. Smoke was soon detected and the matter brought under control. The perpetrator, as noted by Seeing Greene’s ace roving correspondent, was an “underachieving arsonist.” And that evidently clears a local pyrotechnician who otherwise would be a suspect. If he had been done it, police investigators say, the job would not have been botched.

NOT FOR SALE: Birdland Music, 350 Main St, Catskill, notwithstanding the Win Morrison Realty sign in the window. What IS for sale is the whole building (3 floors), by Tom Thornton, who, having disposed of the Community Theater at long last, is marketing more of his abundant Main Street holdings.

NOT LOVED: Rep. John Sweeney, whose congressional district includes GreeneLand; by fellow Republicans in Columbia County. According to Sally Hallock, Chatham Republican stalwart, in a letter to The Independent of 12/16/05 , “the Columbia County Republican Party leadership has turned their back on this man who has worked so hard and done so much for our county.” She’s “appalled”; “We have this caring, dedicated Republican in our midst,” this “honest and dedicated friend” who is “still the same, still out there, still fighting the hard fight, doing the right thing,” and yet “we shun him.” Ms Hallock does not shed light on the controversy. She alludes vaguely to strains over filling the county chairmanship. Translation: after Tod Grenci was pushed out of that office, Sweeney pressed hard for the election of his erstwhile chauffeur, Paul Kisselbrock. The bullying (provided generously by Sweeney’s former chief of staff, Martin Torrey) did not sit well with other Republican wheelhorses, who supported (successfully) Copake supervisor Angelo Valentino. Peace has not broken out. The rupture probably will not suffice, however, to generate a serious challenge to Sweeney in the 2006 GOP primary. As usual, the intra-party squabble has nothing to do with public policy issues, such as the USA Patriot Act, or with family values.

NOT SATISFIED: customer of the PriceChopper fish department; but not because of the merchandise. It seems that John Caramanika, 52, of Leeds, approached the counter last Saturday and ordered, from Anthony Joseph Bell, a whole croaker fish cut into three pieces. According to the police report that grew out of subsequent events, “Victim Bell wrapped said fish in paper while suspect Caramanika watched” and “handed over said fish to suspect Caramanika without incident.” But then, as he started to leave, Mr C asked Mr B “Is your name Joe?” Upon receiving an affirmative reply, Mr C “began to yell at victim Bell and threw said fish at Victim Bell…striking victim Bell in the chest area of his body…. Suspect Caramanika then proceeded to cause more of a scene by yelling profanities…. Victim Bell’s co-workers then…escorted suspect Caramanika out of the store.” Mr B filed a complaint, and Mr C now faces a charge of harassment (second degree; physical contact). And by the way: Suspect C, notes the reporting officer Chris Sprague, “is the ex-husband of victim Bell’s girlfriend.”

NOT MOVING : N & S Supply, from its Cauterskill Road, Catskill, outlet for selling plumbing and heating supplies. Instead, Rob Nussbickel is adding a facility, namely, the company’s fourth bathroom supplies showroom, on Main sStreet. To get an idea in advance of the opening, google nssupply.com.

NOT CORRECT: our allusion in previous blog to “incumbent Village justices Forest Cotton and Jim Chewens…” Make that trustees. Thanks to commentator Unknown (12/18, 2:48 pm.) for the heads-up.

NOT PRUDENT: the behavior of Michael J. Sameisky, 46, of Coxsackie, at the time he reported to the Catskill police station. Mr S was responding to a call about illegal dumping. Complainant Carl Moore, according to the police report, had protested when Mr S, on December 15, deposited a load of garbage in a car wash’s dumpster and, in response to the protest, had invited Mr M to bestow a gesture of affection or deference on his (S’s) corpulent posterior. When he arrived at the station, Mr S reportedly stank of marijuana and failed a sobriety test. To the initial charge of illegal dumping then was added one of operating a motor vehicle while being impaired by drugs.

NOT TIMELY: report in The Daily Mail of December 18th, that Sarah Saccoccie and Jason Patrick Curns were married in Latham last July 8th; and that they “will” honeymoon in Florida. Also in the December 18th edition is the news that Amy Helen Brough of Valatie and David Joseph Palmerino of Wakefield MA were married last April 23rd.

NOT TOPICAL: 19 of the stories that filled three full pages of Bridal News in that December 18th Daily Mail. Two stories mentioned people with GreeneLand connections.

NOT ACCURATE: news report (Daily Mail; where else?) that “David Lloyd, 47, of Chatham, was arraigned…for issuing a bad check” and “was released in lieu of $150 bail” until his court appearance. According to the relevant police report, Mr Lloyd is a Catskill denizen and he was released from incarceration upon payment of bail. According to a second police report, moreover, the bad check charge came two days after--as indicated by store surveillance videotape—Mr L evidently stole two cellular telephones from Radio Shack.

NOT CONFIRMED: renewed rumors that The Daily Mail is about to expire. The latest talk could be based on nothing more than cancellation of the paper’s Christmas party. If the collapse occurs, Greenville publisher Linda Fenoff will likely jump into the opening, reshaping her paper into a county-wide weekly or semi-weekly. She already has expanded coverage of GreeneLand matters (courts, legislature, State police, sheriff’s office, property transactions) and is even commissioning stories that are Catskill-specific. And her paper’s name, as we pointed out earlier, is bannered as The Greenville Press.

NOT ANTICIPATED: the hornet’s nest stirred, the can of worms opened, the firestorm ignited on October 25, by Seeing Greene’s “Secret Lawsuit” story. Hey guys, let there be peace on Earth and good will among men, even firefighters.

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

the problems with morale are being caused by the continued exsistence of a monster called Catskill Hose company #1 Inc. The only way to kill this mosster and solve many of our problems is to kill Hose #1.

Money is the the life blood of that non-fire fighting trouble making fire company. Drain the money and assets and it dies. When the money and property are gone, they will stop being associate members, stop holding meetings and etc and the CFC will start to grow and unify.

For the sake of the Catskill Fire Company and more important, for the sake of the residents who rely on fire protection, complain to the village board, the comptroller and the AG.

We need to do this or things will never change for the better.

Anonymous said...

I think it is kinda funny that Dick may chooses to write about suspicious fires and fl0ying fish at price chopper when there are about 300 comments on his blog that deal with improprities, missing equipment, a non-fire fighting fire company with money, conflict of interests, missing equipment, dual membership in fire companies.

Firemen are blowing the whistle. I wonder if he is going to look into all the things that have been written and uncover more by talking to the firemen and report what is happening at the firehouse and with taxpayers money and donations?

Anonymous said...

I agree that there should be peace on earth and good will toward men, even fire fighters and so we wish everyone a Happy holiday and New Year.

Your friends and firefighters at Catskill Hose Company #1 INC.

Anonymous said...

The previous blog brings back memories of the sign in front of Hose 1 stating support your fire house when it should have actually stated suport Hose 1 as we attempt
to steal your fire house, its air bags and other equipment and ETA 3-11. Its not what we can do for you its what you can do to give us our own fire house!
Merry Christmas to all, and let the fight begin!

Anonymous said...

Keep those entrys coming. The contest will continue until Dec 31st. We are increasing out prize as this fun competition continues to grow in participation. In addition to the 100 ataboys, we are now including a life like sculture of the display in Washington Park.

So keep those entrys coming and may the best man win.

"Survival of the Fittest"!

Tonights clue is:

What do you call a Fire Commissioner who is being nice to Hose 2 Firemen?

Anonymous said...

A two-faced Mr. potato head?

Multiple-personality Mr. Potato head?

Anonymous said...

Your friends in Leeds and Kiskatom are behind you. We know all about the arrogance and elitism that you are facing and we know that your social club boys on the hill are only in it for personal gain and don't give two shits about being volunteer firemen. For them it is about accumulating wealth and if they can get the town to pay them directly, they'd leave with ETA 3-11 in a heartbeat and take whatever else they could get their hands on.

The merry christmas from Hose 1 just goes to show that they don't get it.

Hopefully the town will let them start their own fire company. Your problems would be gone but I pity the people in the district. Talk about sticker shock when they see their tax bill to pay for the boys toys and rip off contract rate.

Anonymous said...

This reporter was driving home after a long day of Christmas shopping, when the scanner suddenly came alive with Greeene County Fire Control announcing "Catskill Firemen stand-by, report of a structure fire at the Ferro Scrap Metal yard on 9W. Once again this roving reporter found himself right in the midst of another fire operation. When I left home that day, I was determined to finish my Christmas shopping, I never expected that I would be covering a structure fire that evening. I was completely exhausted as I started my drive back to Catskill, but all of this would suddenly change!

I believe I know exactly how all volunteer responders must feel when the alarm goes out.. You suddenly go from everyday, mundane boredom to an explosive adrenaline producing high as the scanner starts announcing the emergency call. You suddenly drop everything as you refocus your attention to the emergency at hand. I was experiencing first hand the feeling that motivates volunteer firemen all over to stop what ever they were doing and respond to the alarm.

Wednesday was just like that. A typical evening suddenly changed as a small fire with heavy smoke was reported to Greene county 911. I arrived on the scene just after Chief Ormerod, followed by Ladder 3-15 and then Eta 3-11.. Firemen began pulling Hoses off of ETA 3-11 while the ladder was erected. Water lines were able to sustain water for a very short time and then would run out. The fire which was showing only in the rear of the building continued to spread. It was apparent as time went on that this was going to be a repeat of the New Years Eve fire from which I also had an eagles view from Rt 23.

It appeared that several things hampered the fireman's efforts. Initially there was considerable confusion about the placement of trucks and where to put the portable water pool which ended up moving three times before a suitable location was found. An insufficient water supply hampered the fire fighters the entire time. Trying to keep the pressure up on the numerous hose lines for more than 15 -30 seconds at a time was nearly impossible. ETA 3-11 appeared to be used to block off Rt. 9W from traffic but would have been better utilized to shuttle water to the scene. It seemed that three or four orange cones would be sufficient to carry out the road duties and free up the tanker to shuttle water. Ladder 3-15 has the same capability to pump water and proper positioning of the water pools and equipment the first time would have better served the needs of the fire fighters. There was also delays in shuttled water as certain tankers refused fill their trucks at Catskills location and chose to ride by the first fill location and go to the second fill site simply because it was manned by non Catskill firemen.

Many of the firemen were wondering why additional tankers were not called into to supply water. One firemen was over heard remarking, we call in 38 mutual aid companies for a water break which eventually shorts out a fluorescent light fixture. That fire probably would have never occurred if we had followed our own SOPs and turned off the damn water, yet. We have a working structure fire and the Chief refuses to call in addition pumpers to insure enough water is available to fight the fire. And the only reason is that the Chief doesn't want to give our critics the chance to criticize him about always over reacting. Ironically the rumblings now are due to the Chief not taking action.

Lessons Learned,

Once determined that a structure fire exists call in sufficient water trucks.

Continuously Reevaluate and readjust equipment and resources as needed.

initial control placement of equipment and water sources critical to any non hydrant area.

Order an adequate size water truck to shuttle water.

Use ladder truck or engines at fire scene to free up ETA to shuttle water..

Immediately place ETAs in water transport mode instead of tying truck up at scene where it can't do a thing without water.

Anonymous said...

Viva Catskill Fire Company!

Anonymous said...

NEWS FLASH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOT OFF THE PRESS

The Truth Detectives announce that they have a winner in the Holiday Contest!

The winning contestant has yet to be identified , but he is rumored to be a Hose 1 member who is afraid to come out of the closet!

The winning entry was Mr. Potato Head!

Its believed that the last clue helped break the stalemate in the contest. That clue was What do you call Chewens being nice to a Hose 2 member? Mr. SWEET POTATO HEAD!.

Anonymous said...

people in the fire district:

You are at danger having CFC as you can see from the 7:44 entry. It is time for you to contact the town and demand better protection.

Anonymous said...

When you talk to the Town about better fire protection, remeber what fire company was created to fight fires for you!!

Anonymous said...

You mean what village company sub-contracted out to fight fires for you. Thats right village company!!!

P.S. Don't forget who stole your taxpayers money!!!!!!!!1

Stole equipment that could have been needed to save your life!!!

Had sex with minors in the back of 316!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

allowed under age drinking!!!

engaged in wife swapping!!!!!!

Protested responding to alarms if they couldn't get their way!!!!!!


The choice is now clear get LEEDS!!!

Anonymous said...

That's right people of the fire dist. your unsafe under the leader ship of wantabe G.C.4 chief ormerod!!!! Go to the village and demand he be removed from office and the dept. completly. After all he has been arrested before.

Anonymous said...

Fuck disbanded Hose Co. #1!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I pay taxes, in return those taxes pay the salery of the police dept. So am I paying randy to be a dispatcher or a fire chief? Every time I turn around he's leaving work for fire calls and the taxpayers foot the bill for him and someone on overtime to cover his shift. Sounds like an abuse of taxpayers money to me. Is he a dispatcher or paid fire chief? Not only would I like to know ,but so would the comptrollers office!!!!!

Anonymous said...

This was just sent to me from a member of the catskill FD. I will leave the name of the writer out in order to protect him! This shows how upset the members are at all the hose one crap going on, and the direct disregard for firefighter safety!!!!

"Brothers,



Just when I thought I have seen it all.



It totally amazes me that people “THINK” that they are qualified to do a job. The sad part is that those people who “THINK” they are qualified have baffled others into “THINKING” the same.



It cannot be stressed enough the importance of the people that are put in charge of firefighters be qualified to do such. It is utter negligence by any organization to install (vote in) anyone into a position who doesn’t have the credentials to fulfill the job. The village of Catskill Fire Department has such in place in the OPERATIONS – BOOK 1, SECTION 6.0.



PESH / OSHA / NFPA, etc; are written in plan text and in ENGLISH.



Fire Department training instructors must receive a higher level of training and education than the Fire Dept. members they will be teaching. This includes being more knowledgeable about the functions to be performed by the Fire Dept. and the hazards involved.


The Village of Catskill Fire Department Safety and Training Division MUST be proactive in it’s adherence to the required regulations set forth. We will be starting the mandatory 8 Hour OSHA (PESH) Safety Training early in January 2006. Your input and suggestions are always welcome and will be taken under consideration for the Safety and betterment of the members who diligently serve…"

viva the CFC!!!!!!Down with hose 1!!

Anonymous said...

WOW, 305 COMMENTS WITH 300 COMMENTS SPECIFICALLY PERTAINING TO THE VILLAGE OF CATSKILL FIRE COMPANY. ALL CAN BE FOUND UNDER THE SECRET LAW SUIT COLUMN.

I'm surprised that more tax payers are not actively seeking out about these issues. Especialy considering that they will wish they had if their taxes are raised to cover some of the shenangans that non tax payers are attemptting to do with your tax dollars!

Anonymous said...

speaking!

Anonymous said...

HIRE AN ACCOUNTANT, (Dont use one previously caught playing with the books),

HIRE A LAWYER,

SELL TRUCK 3-11 AND PUT THE MONEY TOWARDS THE HEAVY RESCUE.

PUT EVERYONES BOOKS OUT FOR ALL TO REVIEW! (Lets find out where our money has gone)

CLOSE DOWN THE SOCIAL CLUBS,

DISCIPLINE, DISCIPLINE. DISCIPLINE
Instead of ignore, ignore, ignore.

IT WONT GET BETTER UNTIL YOU CORRECT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS INSTEAD OF BLAMING SOMEONE ELSE!

LEADERSHIP AINT EASY, BUT LEAD AND THE MEN WILL FOLLOW. FAIL TO LEAD AND THE MEN WILL MUTINY.

Anonymous said...

Wishing everyone a happy New Year .. I do believe that our Village of Catskill, and adjoining communities, will prosper in the year ahead. When I first arrived in the area, I remembered Catskill as a vital, 'down-home' retail destination (1984). Since then, we've had some rough years, but the energies of many are transforming our Village as a welcoming place to live and work. To my thinking, reconciliation and an openness to finding a common ground on a range of issues, including fire safety, will advance these positive changes.
Let's find a way to talk to each other.
Harold M. Hanson, resident

Anonymous said...

Way to go Harold, now if we can only get our Village Board to stand up and recognize their are serious problems and not just accept a Blackcoats opinion simply because he CHAIRS the Fire Departent seat on the Village Board! He was never elected by anyone as the Fire Commissioner and in fact is not a Fire Commissioner, even though he has worn a Fire Commsioner on his Helmet for the last two years.

BUT INSTEAD THEY WILL IGNORE THE ISSUES AND WONDER DUMBFOUNDEDLY WHY THEY HAVE THE PROBLEMS THEY DO IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

WONT ADDRESS AND FIX THE PROBLEMS? THEN WE KEEP LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO WILL.

Anonymous said...

A BLAST FROM THE PAST ..

22 January 1910
IS 100 YEARS OLD; WALKS LIKE GAYNOR .. John M. BUTLER, of Ocean Grove, N.J., entered his one hundred and first year last Sunday. He was born at Tottenville, S.I., January 16, 1810, and grew up on the farm of his father, Thomas BUTLER, who was a sea captain and slave owner. Mr. BUTLER walks five miles every day, gets up at 7, goes to bed at 9, eats oysters heartily and has a good appetite. He drinks coffee three times a day, has an astonishing memory and has always been a lover of fast horses, owning several in his time. A short time ago he had a severe attack of cold in his bladder, and was given up to die by three doctors, when he cured himself by taking Warner's Safe Cure. Until a few months ago Mr. BUTLER made regular business trips to New York. He has an only son, John, who is now 78 years old.

Anonymous said...

DICK, I'M WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT DOCUMENT! HURRY UP I NEED MY FIX!
ITS ABOUT TIME THAT YOU START WRITTING TWICE A WEEK.

Anonymous said...

Dear Bloggers,



I thought you might be interested to know that CSP, LLC. has developed a device to help vehicle operators avoid accidents. The device is currently selling online as a home based business in Leeds, NY and we are hoping that our invention helps motorists across the country prevent auto accidents.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Marlon Munoz


DEC 12, 2005
For immediate release.


(openPR) - (Leeds, NY)- Driving will never be the same.
Leeds resident Marlon Munoz unveils The Co-Pilot. The Co-Pilot is a safe voice warning system that generates safety warning messages that will help drivers around the country prevent a car accident, regardless of the type of weather condition. The gadget contains over 50 safety related messages that can be played in sequence or at random in intervals of 2, 4 and 8 minutes or 4, 10, and 20 minutes. The messages come standard or can be customized to fit geographic locations or driver preferences. Another feature of the Co-Pilot is the lack of a on and off button.
When asked about this particular feature, Mr. Munoz explained that some people might want to turn the device of because it might be too annoying. But that's the point. We feel that in order for people to pay attention to their driving, they need constant reminder. Specially for newly trained drivers or elderly people that still enjoy driving but may need a reminder here and there.

Mr. Munoz sites a 2004 report that shows the state of New York having 1,493 traffic fatalities compared to 42,636 in the nation. He reiterates that people are not paying attention on the road. He states that distractions like the cell phones are part of the problem. He also points to a 2002 DOT report that found
"over a half a million drivers are holding cell phones at any given time." Just think, he says, that was in 2002, imagine what the number is today.

Mr. Munoz's web site www.SafeCoPilot.com offers some driving tips:

1) Always be aware of your surroundings when driving
2) Always drive defensively
3) Concentrate on the road, don't call and drive!
4) Be courteous
5) Always keep your distance regardless of the weather conditions

The Co-Pilot can be used by anyone that drives a vehicle. Parents, teens, grandparents, even commercial drivers and machine operators.

For more information contact Marlon Munoz or visit the web site www.SafeCoPilot.com

Anonymous said...

HAS ANYONE SEEN DICK MAY???????
IS HE OK? OR HAS THE BLACK BOOTED STORM TROOPERS RAIDED HIS SANCTUARY?
RUMOURS ON THE STREET INDICATE THAT MANY FEEL THAT HE IS BEING BOMBARDED WITH INQUIREIES AND THREATS TO DIVULGE HIS ROVING REPORTERS AND THEIR INFORMANTS. THREATS OF LAW SUITS AND COURT ORDERED EXPOSURE OF NAMES ARE RUNNING RAMPANT!.
THE HOSE 1 ELITE HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO EMPLOY VARIOUS TECHNIQUES TO GET THEIR VICTIMS TO SUCCUMB TO THEIR ONSLAUGHT. THE LAST TIME THIS REPORTER SPOKE TO DICK HE WAS STANDING STEADFAST AGAINST THEIR UNRELENTING PRESSURE.
THEY CRAFTLY USE "THE GOOD OLD BOY" OR "I'M ONE OF YOU" TECHNIQUES TO GET INFORMATION VIA PHONE CALLS OR INTENTIONAL CHANCE MEETINGS ON THE STREET. WHEN THAT DOESN'T WORK THEY SEND IN INDIVIDUALS OF AUTHORITY, AND THEY CONTINUE STEPPING UP THEIR PRESSURE TO THE NEXT LEVEL. AT TIMES THEY MAY JUST HAVE ONE OF THEIR SUPPORTERS FILE FALSE POLICE REPORTS TO JUSTIFY GOING IN AND SEIZING EVIDENCE. OTHER TIMES THEY WILL BREAK IN SECRETLY AND ATTEMPT TO RECOVER THE INFORMATION. WHAT EVER THE MEANS THEY ARE RUTHLESS IN THE PURSUIT OF THE TRUTH DETECTIVES AND THIS REPORTER.
THESE CRAFTY HOSE 1 SCUMBAGS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO PERSONNALLY CONDUCT SMEAR CAMPAIGNS FOR YEARS AT A TIME. TWO CLASSIC EXAMPLES ARE THE STANLY DUSHANE AND MIKE BATAGLINO VICTIMS.
LOOK WHAT THEY DID WHEN THEY ATTEMPTTED TO SMEAR THE VILLAGE BOARD THAT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR CLOSING DOWN THEIR HOUSE OF ILLREPUTE. THEY CALLED IN FAlSE REPORTS TO 911, THEY PLACE SURVIELANCE ON FELLOW FIRE FIGHTERS AND FOLLOWED THEM AROUND RECORDING THEIR EVERY MOVE, THEY CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND MADE ANNOYMOUS COMPLAINTS, MR pOTATO HEAD STARTED A PETITION WITH 911 FLAG RAISING AS THEIR COVER SHEET TO FIGHT THE CLOSING OF THEIR hOSE 1 hOUSE OF iLREPUTE.
CAN YOU BELEIVE THAT THEY HAD THE AUDACITY TO ELECT THE THIEVES TO POSITIONS OF AUTHORITY TO FURTHER SMEAR THE VILLAGE BOARD.
THEIF ORMEROD BECAME THEIR FIRE CHIEF "Oh My God",
THIEF RIVENBURG BECAME THEIR PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD!
THESE TWO POSTER CHILDREN ALONG WITH POTATO HEAD JUST GOES TO PROVE THAT THEIR IS NOTHING THAT ANYONE WITH A RECORD CANT ACHIEVE IN GREENlAND. AS LONG AS YOU ARE DISHONEST, LACK INTEGRITY, MORALES AND A CONSCIENCE.
TAKE "oH mY gOS" FOR EXAMPLE. lOOK WHAT HE HAS ACHIEVED AS A THEIF.
FIRE CHIEF, VILLAGE OF CATSKILL
(WHAT A PROVEN lEADER)
ACCEPTTED TWICE INTO THE POLICE ACADEMY, (GOOD FRIEN WAS INSTRUCTOR) BUT DROPPED OUT EACH TIME, (QUITER)
ACCEPTTED TO ATTEND NY sTATE CORRECTIONS ACCADEMY. (WONDER WHO VOUGED FOR HIM). iNMATES SHOULD FEEL THEY REALLY CONNECT WITH HIM.
CODE INSPECTOR, VILLAGE OF CATSKILL, QUIT BECAUSE OF PRESSURES.
GREENE COUNTY FIRE CONTROL DISPATCHER, QUIT FOR INSIDER JOB AT CATSKILL POLICE DEPARTMENT.
THIS UNRELENTING THEIF WAS BRAZEN ENOUGH TO ATTEMPT EMPLOYMENT AT HUNTER PD AND THE GREENE COUNTY FIRE COORDINATORS OFFICE.
TELL ME CRIME DONT PAY IN GREENlAND!

Anonymous said...

ATTENTION TRUTH SEEKERS AND TRUTH DETECTIVES THROUGHOUT GREENLAND!

PLEASE KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR THE DICK MAY!

HE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN IN SEVERAL DAYS AND HIS FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS
ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED WITH HIS WELL BEING!

IS HE BEING EXTENSIVELY TORTURED TO GET ANSWERS?

WE FEAR THE VILE FORCES OF EVIL HAVE THOUGHT OUT HIS DESTRUCTION!

PLEASE REPORT ANY INFORMATION YOU MAY FIND TO THE TRUTH DETECTIVES!

GOOD WILL TRIUMPH OVER EVIL!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Truth Detectives,

John Dickinson May, Dick to his public, is being held in a secure location by the forces of evil who by use of sodium pentathol are extracting the identites of those who dare to point out and expose the evil ways of chaos which stands for Catskill Hose#1 association of scondrels.

Can he hold out and publish the truth of what is happening or will he be blackmailed and blacklisted by those who want the truth hidden.

Anonymous said...

Viva The Catskill Fire Company!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY NEW YEARS TO

ALL YOU TRUTH DETECTIVES, BLOG REPORTERS, TAX PAYERS ETC.

VIVA THE VILLAGE OF CATSKILL FIRE DEPARTMENT!

VIVA CATSKILL FIRE COMPANY!

TO A PROSPEROUS AND HAPPY LIFE FREE OF CURRUPTION!

Anonymous said...

No corruption? Who are you kidding?

Unless the beast on the hill is killed, corruption will prevail!!

Are we going to see the financial statement required to be given to the county clerk by January 15th?

Lets see what they got and then drain that evil ill-gotten money from the boys on the hill and transfer to an entitty that will use it to further fire fighting.

Anonymous said...

the problems with morale are being caused by the continued exsistence of a monster called Catskill Hose company #1 Inc. The only way to kill this mosster and solve many of our problems is to kill Hose #1.

Money is the the life blood of that non-fire fighting trouble making fire company. Drain the money and assets and it dies. When the money and property are gone, they will stop being associate members, stop holding meetings and etc and the CFC will start to grow and unify.

For the sake of the Catskill Fire Company and more important, for the sake of the residents who rely on fire protection, complain to the village board, the comptroller and the AG.

We need to do this or things will never change for the better.

We need to stop trying to keep the old fire companies alive by having a couple 90 year olds act as "active" members and then have a majority of us continue to participate as "associate" members.

It is crazy!!!!!

When 2 families come together to create one, you can't have separate banks accounts etc or you never truly become a family.

We have to liquidate these corporation bank accounts and transfer any assets held by hose 1 2 or 5 to the CFC and stop meeting and voting etc at these social clubs pretending to be fire comapnies and start new loyalty and pride with the CFC.

For some of us it won't be too long before we are the old guys and the young guys in time, will run the company and they wont give two shits about Hose 1 2 and 5.


Your assets are from donations given with the intent that the donations would be used for fire fighting purposes and tax money given with the same intent. Since these corporations no longer engage in fire fighting activities they are being used contrary to the constructive trust that they are held in.

I will check to make sure each company has filed a report of assets and debts with the Greene County clerk by January 15th as required by section 1402 of the Not for profit corporation law. If you have not, I will report you to the state of new york.

If you don't liquidate your assets, I will also report that you are not active fire corporations to the Comptroller, the new york department of taxation and finance and the IRS. Ask your lawyer what the consequences are.

The taxpayers do care and if you don't end it we will. Someone suggested let these corporations have a dignified death. If you get reported the death will be anything but dignified. Do the right thing.

Any one have a problem with this?

Anonymous said...

Boy if you were to see how dedicated these Hose 1 guys are now! They have not participated in months/years and are suddenly coming out of the wood work. Wow, Compare their responses to last six months and you will discover a big difference. Either they are feeling guilty from all the heat or they are scheming again with Mr Potato Head to try and get the district contract.
loosers!

Anonymous said...

News Flash!

We'll volunteer if we are paid.

CATSKILL - While still in the fact-finding stage, a committee appointed to look into creating an incentive program for volunteer firefighters hopes to provide an initial report to the Catskill Village Board in February.

Harold Rivenburgh, president of the Catskill Fire Co., said the committee he appointed plans to meet this month to discuss what it has learned so far, and determine the best direction to proceed. He said the committee is currently gathering information, has spoken to other departments with similar programs, and has also been in contact with the Firemen's Association of the State of New York.

"We're just in the fact finding right now," Rivenburgh said last week.

In October, the Village Board introduced the idea of creating an incentive program to help recruit and retain volunteer firefighters for the Catskill Fire Co. At the time, trustees provided a list of three possible incentives, which included a tax break for village residents, a college fund incentive and a retirement fund. The fire company's board of directors agreed to look into the program on behalf of the village.

"I think the pension program would work the best," Rivenburgh said. With the current makeup of volunteers in the department, he said, everyone would be able to use the pension incentive. Some volunteers live outside the village, so they would not be eligible for the tax break, and others do not have children who could use the college fund incentive.

Rivenburgh said it's best for the committee to focus on creating a program with one incentive to start and then look into adding others in the future.

When they introduced the idea of the program, trustees said they would like to have it in place by Jan. 1, 2007, and for the program not to be an added burden on taxpayers.

Anonymous said...

hey- here's an idea....
RAISE THE TAXES AND HIRE PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS!!!!!

An end to the whining would be well worth the price we pay.

Anonymous said...

Why can't all the people in Catskill get along. All of these fireman are volunteers and respond day or night, holiday, week days and week ends and never complain when there is a duty to be done. What if your house went up in flames, I am sure you would be thankfull to have the fireman respond. All of you in this village should grow up and act like adults. All the fireman should be prised for what they are doing for this area.

Anonymous said...

They can hire (o my god) and we can have parking lots all over the village.

Anonymous said...

Information Protected

All medical records and other individually identifiable health information used or disclosed by a covered entity in any form, whether electronically, on paper, or orally, are covered by the final rule.

With few exceptions, such as appropriate law enforcement needs, an individual's health information may only be used for health purposes.

Ensuring that health information is not used for non-health purposes- Health information covered by the rule generally may not be used for purposes not related to health care- such as disclosures to employers to make personnel decisions, or to financial institutions- without explicit authorization from the individual.

Federal criminal penalties- Under HIPAA, Congress also established criminal penalties for knowingly violating patient privacy. Criminal penalties are up to $50,000 and one year in prison for obtaining or disclosing protected health information; up to $100, 000 and up to five years in prison for obtaining protected health information under "false pretenses"; and up to $250, 000 and up to 10 years in prison for obtaining or disclosing protected health information with the intent to sell, transfer or to use for commercial advantage, personal gain or malicious harm. If you have additional questions, you can e-mail the Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at ocrprivacy@os.dhhs.gov, or call 1-866-788-4989

Anonymous said...

This is what I have to say about the the health issue.I need to take a healthy shanks.

Anonymous said...

sounds like dolan to me

Anonymous said...

Hate to disappoint all of you truth detectives, but it wasn't me.
Sorry to burst your bubbles, but I'm not the big bad evil blogger your looking for. You should all know by now that any time I have a problem
I speak my mind and do not need to hide behind a blog. I also don't need to ask permission before I speak or decide to run for office. Some people say that I run my mouth too much but I've been taught to speak my mind, especially when standing up for what I believe is right. I certainly am not going to cower down or kiss some ones ass. Especially if they have't earned it. At least everyone always knows my opinion on a subject. And yes I do change my mind if someone can show me a better way. Traits I learned from my father and which we both are criticized for.

No one can accuse me of being afraid to go against what's popular. Its more important to fight for what you believe in than simply going with the flow.
That's what you get with me, I speak for what ever I think is right. I don't have to suck any ones ass!
I'm me and I don't plan on changing. I stand behind what I say and am not afraid to speak my mind. I have yet to write a blog
but now is as good as any time to start. Considering all the trash talk that goes on around here I'm surprised its taken so long to throw us in. You all mock my father and Mr. Seeley but you sure kept your lids shut at the company meeting. Was that to convince Mr Seeley that everything is great at the CFC, or were you trying to keep something from him? Well, considering I've had my gear doused in diesel fuel, have officers who refuse to speak to me, have had hose lines shut down on me while inside of burning structures, had the feign hearted refuse to follow me into a burning building, or one of those who can only write a blog. I guess after all this that I can take a little jab here or there without crying. I recognize the absolute need for some to utilize a blog as it may be the only way they have the courage to speak out. Considering the demonstrated willingness of our current leaders to address anything unless forced to, its kind of comical in a sick way, but oh so sad.

So I might as well tell you how I feel about all of this. Lets see
where
should I begin. Sad to say it, but a lot of what is on this blog site is actually true, it doesn't mean I agree with it or like it being publicized. Its obvious that the blog site has generated more action than the CFC board has accomplished since its start up. It would have never reached this point but enough people had simply stood up and said enough is enough. In fact many of you have never said anything openly,. You simply bitch up a storm behind close doors. But lets face it, you haven't ever stood up so the crap continued to escalate. As I stated at the January meeting what harm has been done if we are simply being forced to do what we should have done in the first place. The CFC will only get better. Its the crap behind the scenes being orchestrated by a few who still think that Hose 1 is the only fire company in the world. Why shouldn't we have to follow the same rules as any one else?. This simpleton mentality has created all these problems. You claim that my family and I are nothing but die hard Hose 5 members to try and discredit us, but we fight on for the CFC. Even when our own officers and some of our Chiefs despise us. Volunteering for the community in a professional manner is more important than bowing down to your childish attacks.

Yes I I ran for a
lieutenants position this year against 1st LT. John Darling. I lost 23 to 14
in a fair election. I had previously spoken to 2ND Lt John Dees numerous times about running and wanted him to move up and run for the 1st Lt. position. We were both tired of the 1st Lt and Capt never showing up to calls and John was always complaining about doing all the work. I'm for anything that betters the CFC. John told me that all the line officers made a pack together that no one would run against anyone else and he was afraid of breaking it. John said he wouldn't run against Darling so I said fine and I put my name on the ballot for first LT. I didn't conspire or lead a campaign to simply oust him and I did not jump John Dees accept out of respect to the fact that he didn't want to run for a higher position. Its no different than 1st Asst Chief Prince not wanting to run for Chief. He had 25 years of service and experience as a Chief, Capt and Lt. yet he allowed an individual with with less than half the years experience to take over as Chief. Randy also jumped from a bogus district position to 2ND Asst Chief to Chief with out following the lines of progression. I don't remember anyone crying foul back then but Hose 1 members are always given an easier standard than everyone else.. Where was the childish mentality of the officers saying to him You should have asked permission to run? Give me a break, that's the kind of crap I was subjected to.! What else can I say. I ran against JD because I do not believe that he makes enough alarms. Primarily because of the fact that he lives in Palenville
which
is 2 fire districts away from Catskill. I feel that line officers should be leading the way from the fire house directing man power for the
first arriving trucks to be affective. How ever, I never said
that he
was a bad firefighter or line officer or anything bad about him
outside of
him not being able to make enough alarms to hold an office. If john
doesn't
like me because of that then it's his loss not mine, I've never did
anything to him. In fact he hasn't spoken three words to my entire family in some six to eight months.

To be honest I also feel that Neal Russell should
resign as captain because he doesn't have enough time to
properly
do his duties as captain. Not saying he's a bad officer but I don't
feel he
has enough time to dedicate to being captain at this time. I am also
upset
with the intimidation captain Russell tried to put on me when he got in
my
face for no reason at a recent board meeting. It took 3 to 4 people to
pull
him back when he attempted to assault me. This is not the way an
officer
should act when dealing with someone. Especially when I came forward to the Fire Company Board with a serious safety violation involving two probes who had run a stop sign and a red light with out any regard to fellow FFs or the public. I'm not referring to a controlled look all ways and proceed with caution drive through, but a I'm invincible and I can run straight through with out stopping carefree drive through. Four FF's saw this occur and three of us wrote supporting letters as requested by the board president. We reported it to the Chiefs etc. and followed every ones recommendations. Only to be attacked within the first minute by the Fire Chief followed by others.
This was an intentional vendetta led by the Chiefs and officers against the complainants. I was shocked that we were attacked for doing what was right, but this has been a consistent pattern around the fire house.

I also feel we have a
couple of members on the board of director's who are in it for the wrong reasons. I believe that
Harold is
doing a good job as president, and the same for John Dees. I am a
certainly
upset that john voted against me when he was the one always complaining that
he was
the only line officer who did anything around the firehouse. John sorry
if
you get mad at me for saying this, but you can't deny it. You said it to
me
and several others numerous different times.
Randy's not the worst chief but then again he's not the best either. I
don't even
dislike Randy as a person but I don't care for the way he treats many of us
who I feel do a lot around the firehouse. I definitely don't like the fact that
Randy sat at the bar in the firehouse and told a group of people that
he
wishes my fathers house burned down when he had a small electrical fire
in
the wall. That's a hell of a thing for the Chief of the Village of Catskill Fire Department to say. It can't
be
denied either, I was told by three different people who sat their and
heard
it. That's OK I won't hold it against you, you've hated my family for
years. I also don't respect the fact that you went to a fireman's funeral in Cairo and was bragging about when you become a paid Fire Chief your going to kick my family out of the department. Once again reliable sources from different departments informed about these conversations. Unbelievable but true, and yet we keep serving the tax payers because we understand the importance of doing our civic duty to volunteer and have no hidden agendas to form a paid fire department.

Chewens, he's not my favorite person but I don't hate him. Feel sorry that he is so infatuated with his Hose 1 and the fact that by all standards they lost the real competition. I do think
potato
head is funny, it makes me laugh. Kind of humorous in its own way.

The bar being closed down isn't that big of a deal I'm here to fight
fire's
not drink beer. Maybe the bar should only be open for special
occasions,
lets not deny the fact that we have had a lot of drinking related problems. The
3-11
issue, I think it's stupid, the truck belongs to the village and it
should
say Village of Catskill Fire Company on the side. The village has been ignoring
this
for years and enough is enough. The new rescue is a cool truck but I
feel
the company should decide the color, not the truck committee which I
agree
is made up of too many people that are related. E3-1 being posted for sale on the Web Site is being done simply because the Chief and Fire Commissioner want to punish Hose 5. You might have convinced the board that moving E3-1 was entirely to insure all apparatus gets off of the floor. But in all honesty it was to fulfill statements made by the fire commissioner and the chiefs that they would teach us a lesson by moving the truck up the hill. Go ahead and sell it, because I don't worship it. Just don't expect us to quit the fire house because of the childish games that are played. Selling it makes more sense than leaving the truck rotting away in the corner due to simple childish ignorance. You could never stop the East Side response so you attacked us the only way you could. Yes I also do support having
a
truck on the "east side". The whole reason 3-1 was moved was so we
could use
it more with more manpower on it. Funny because the truck never gets
used any more.
As far as more man power excuse, trucks a always rolling with two to three guys
even in a
ten man cab. How come the Chief never asks for the manpower status of anything from the West side? What's even funnier is that there are usually people
pulling up in the parking lot when the trucks pull out and leave them. So if your not
going to use 3-1 put it back on the east side and allow it to
respond
with 2 and three guys.
That brings out another item of interest. Its pretty sad when The Fire Chiefs, The Fire Commissioner and the Captain state at a Fire Company meeting that they are moving E 3-1 back to the East Side temporarily during the 9w construction because they are afraid that not doing so they will not get their rescue truck. BUT emphasizing that it could only be used for a confirmed structure and anyone responding to anything else would be suspended from the company. The Chief stated that it was strictly a move to pacify the tax payers until they get their rescue truck purchased.
.
Health problems, that's a touchy subject. I feel people should be
careful at
pointing fingers. There are several people with health problems and I
believe that they probably don't have medical clearance to be doing the things they
are. As far as a medical officer making the kinds of comments that he did were inappropriate and out of line. If someone has a possible condition that needs too be appropriately addressed then do your job and address it. Don't come out in a Blog and make accusations or threats and then state your the Medical officer. The high street fire was the first one I remember seeing you at in months if not longer. If you had a an issue with someone you should have addressed it then. Not a year later and in a blog as a veiled threat. You certainly never heard me tell anyone that you froze or hesitated in the door and was using the hose issue as a reason for not entering the structure fire. Hesitation can cost lives and yes I grab a nozzle when ever someone demonstrates timidness or slowness at attacking a fire.
I did speak up at the last monthly meeting with Mr
Seeley about issues that bothered me so there's nothing to hide.
Just
because I had balls to speak out in front of a lot of the people who
sat
there like scared little kids doesn't mean I turned you in to the state
agencies as some have accused. You should be more afraid of the people
who
act like your friend until you leave the room then talk shit about you. They are the ones that hate you not me. I also
feel
that people should make a certain number of alarms a year in order to
vote
or hold office or have any firematic say. Well now that I have sunk to
the
level of writing blogs you can feel free to attack, harass, intimidate,
and
slander me. These are my words like them or not. But remember one
thing,
just like when I wrote letters to the editor I will sign my name to it.
So
go ahead and do what ever you want to my truck or house, I have
insurance.
And if you think your going to run me off I have news for you, I'm here
for
life. By the way if you have any problems with me be a man and feel
free to
call me at home 943-0502.

Dissaponited with my brother firefighters behavior,

Joel Shanks