Thursday, January 12, 2006

Stonewall

The existence of a lawsuit brought by a former head janitor against the Catskill Central School District was acknowledged in public for the first time last night (1/11) It was acknowledged in the form of a refusal to talk about it.

During question time at the special “community meeting” in Catskill’s new Senior Center, the school district’s trustees were invited to confirm or deny that the lawsuit had indeed been filed; that the plaintiff, Stanley Dushane, had accused the trustees of making him the victim of political persecution; that a settlement had been reached; and that in accepting the settlement the trustees had not acted on advice of counsel.

To these questions, posed by a Seeing Greene reporter, Superintendent Kathleen Farrell responded by alluding to a “sealed court document” that “cannot be discussed.” (She also alluded to a “letter of commendation” from the board to Mr Dushane that was included in the confidential agreement). Citing that out-of-court settlement of a “personnel” matter, Dr Farrell declined to say any more about the case. Board President James Garafalo endorsed that position. The other trustees were silent.

Dr Farrell’s response marked the board’s first public acknowledgement of a civil suit that had been filed in June 2003 before State Supreme Court Justice Leslie Stein. Information about the case had never been shared at the board’s public meetings, and had not appeared in the news media, other than the October 25th issue (“The Secret Lawsuit”) of Seeing Greene.

Mr Dushane accused the school trustees—with Morris Darling as president at the time, and Geraldine Wolff as superintendent—of fraud. They had put through a series of administrative changes that included abolition of the Head Janitor position in favor of a Director of Facilities whose educational and technical requirements were relatively rigorous. Mr Dushane did not apply for the new job; he was offered, and accepted, an ordinary custodial appointment. But then he went to court, claiming that in essence he had been the victim of wrongful dismissal, with deprivation of accumulated benefits. In the words of his formal complaint, Catskill’s school trustees engaged in “intentionally misleading” and “defrauding” him; they did so as “retaliation for plaintiff’s involvement in the political activity between local fire hose companies.”

The secret settlement of the secret lawsuit took place last September. According to the best information we have been able to gather, the settlement calls for the trustees to pay Mr Dushane $35,000.

Now for some hunches:

*In deciding to settle and to pay, the trustees were not heeding advice of counsel.

*By settling out of court and acting in secrecy, the trustees have tacitly endorsed serious accusations (fraud, political persecution) against their predecessors (including, in some cases, themselves). Did Mr Dushane withdraw those accusations? Was he asked to do so? The settling parties evidently do not want us to know.

*The board’s rationale for stonewalling is spurious. Although the out-of-court settlement’s immediate terms may be confidential, they do not preclude open acknowledgement of the suit’s existence, open discussion of the formally filed complaint and rejoinder and amended complaint, or discussion of procedures that led to settlement. Moreover, stonewalling cannot be rationalized as appropriate handling of a “personnel” matter. The matter is legal and financial. The trustees evidently have concealed an outlay of taxpayers’ money.

*Stonewalling serves powerfully to fortify doubts about procedural integrity. The settlement with Mr Dushane followed substantial change in the composition of the school board. It came about after Mr Galafalo and Michael Battaglino came on board, after Mr Galafalo became President of the board, and after James DiPerna was elected as Vice-President. Those men are close friends indeed of Stanley Dushane. They were active, presumably, in deciding how to handle the case. They collaborated in concealing the whole business. It’s still possible, however, that they helped to shape an outcome that, in the final analysis, has merit. #

IMMINENT. Saturday (1/14): 4-artist show opens at Windham Fine Arts. Trey Finney, Xiangyuan Jie, Christopher Magadini, Daisuke Tsutsumi. That night, from 8 pm., at Windham Civic & Performing Arts Center, from 8 pm., folk singer Kevin Briody performs vocals with acoustic guitar. He was Connecticut’s official State Troubadour in 2000-02, says a Daily Mail blurb of 1/6.

Sunday (1/16): “Origins of the Hudson River School.” Dr Lee Vedder, curatorial Fellow at the New-York Historical Society, on political, social, and artistic influences shaping emergence of Thomas Cole and his followers.

111 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mr. May,

What about the real issue, the corruption in the catskill fire dept. and it's leaders?

This is what taxpayers want to know about!

Anonymous said...

Mr. Steve Darling,

It's time you wake up and smell the coffee. Your part of the problem, never come around and don't even have a clue. Not only do you lack as a member but as a medical officer as well. You have done nothing in the years you have been in office. There are members who haven't had yearly physicals in over three years because you could care less about the dept. all that you wanted was the title. And as a officer of the village of Catskill who are you to release personal medical files and info. of employees? Do you do this at your work as well? No wonder your own family talks sh*t about you. You should take your own advice and turn in your gear since you have proven to be a drain on the new company as well as the village. Looks like me and hose 1 can agree on one thing, we both hate you!

Anonymous said...

For all of you firefighters on this site: you are supposed to fight fires not each other.

I think you are all a dissappointment and an embarrassment to this fire company. None of you should be proud of yourselves and you should all grow up and act like real men. I think that if you don't have something nice to say then you really shouldn't say anything and blogging is not the answer. You will never get along and be productive if you all keep talking shit about each other. I'm fed up with all the bullshit and I'm not even a firefighter. You should all be ashamed of yourselves for acting like high school kids. You need to hurry up and fix your problems in a mature, civil manner and stop bad mouthing people and playing childish games because that fixes nothing. I don't care if SOME of these blogs are true or not I just hope it all ends soon.

Anonymous said...

Vince Seeley wants to shut this blog down because he doesn't want people to know what is going on. At the meeting the other night he showed his arrogance, ego and all he seems to care about is his personal power and personal agendas. He doesn't want information released because then people can't question his judgment and maturity.

Heil Seeley!

Anonymous said...

At 4:28 PM, Anonymous said...
Dick, The Catskill Fire Company was visited by President Seely, Trustee Kosloski, and Fire Chair Person Chewens. It was a remarkable that it was the first time in years that individuals were allowed to speak freely at a fire company meeting without repercussions from the Fire Commissioner, Fire Chief and Fire Board.
Your presence had a definite impact as certain individuals didn't utter a word. Certainly a considerable contrast to the meeting when the Fire Chair Person, Chiefs, line officers and board members verbally abused all firemen belittling them and antagonizing them for voting against the membership application of a known trouble maker into the fire company.

A few individuals had the courage to speak there mind while others understandably chose to remain silent, its only sad that those guys who spoke up only touched the surface of the problems at the fire company. Its the under lying cancer that has to be eliminated not the symptoms. I guess any dialog is better than none though, so hopefully the fire company under Vinny's direction (wanted or unwanted) is going to move forward.

I understand that Mr Seeley is upset with the seeing green.blog site and states that he is real close to requesting that you shut it down. He expressed that it was once a good thing when it only showed new business's' s opening up. Now he thinks its doing a great injustice to the Village because of its contents. Has Vinney just awaken to all the fire department controversy or has he intentionally been ignoring it? Whats so bad about people expressing their views and using the blog to get out the other side of the story.

I disagree with Vinny assumption that its all lies, because it allows individuals to see how there tax payer dollars are being used or misused. For example; how else would the tax payers on Landon Ave know that they too can simply borrow Village of Catskill machinery to install a water line on Landon Ave, just like the service folks on Edge mere Road was provided. Has the Edgemere road residents been charged or was this a Village of Catskill freebie? Which also raises another question. Was the Village equipment only used on property that was inside the town of Catskill limits or did it also provide service to the county? (Who's doing an injustice to who, and whats providing a service to who?) Will thugs break into my home to sequester my voice?

Or what about the abuse of power and Alcohol related problems that were exposed on this blog is another perfect example of exposing improprieties. Or what about the never ending saga concerning ETA 3-11. All of this was exposed by this blog and would have been buried under the rug just like the incident with the DJ. The Catskill Fire Company just had their bar operation closed down and can no longer sell alcohol. Why did it take so long? How could the Village Board not know about the unauthorized party and the assault on the DJ and the under aged drinking? Three law enforcement agencies and the Catskill Rescue squad and an eight month long investigation. Yet; no one knows a thing? The entire community knew about it and it finally took Dick May and his seeinggreene.blog site before the village board finally acknowledge it. Is it real action or the appearance of action that is taken over a year after the FACT. Why would Vinney consider closing down such a valuable site? Hey, Vinney doesn't live on Edgemere Road does he? Maybe if he started reading the Blog everyday he to would realize its value to the public. At least he would be on top of things.

There will always be a blog site to allow the frustrated population of Greeneland to speak out on anything they wish, Perhaps Mr Seeley needs to stop accepting the tainted truths of his counterparts with the rhetoric everything is peaches and cream in the Village of Catskill and start seeking the truth. Heck if Mr. Seeley needs the help of the TRUTH DETECTIVES here we, just call, its all done on a voluntary basis at no cost to the village.

What a disservice closing down Seeinggreene.blog.. Especially when its the only way certain individuals have as a means to expose wrong doings that had been previously covered up and put on the shelf. I understand that the village is now going to conduct an investigation into many of the alcohol related problems that have occurred around the fire house. I hope that the Catskill Fire Company Chair person will exclude himself; and not be involved in this investigation as well as any other trustee who is, or has been a firemen. Nothing like investigating oneself. Although I really hope that real change is going to be made at the fire house. I just can't help wondering if all we have done is allowed the fox in the chicken coop!

Dick, you are doing a great service to the tax payers of Catskill. That is why the Truth Detectives are negotiating a full size Bill Board to advertise your site to the general public. Vinney is feeling the heat because the Board of Trustees had taken the wrong approach by not previously dealing with these problems in the Fire Company. He is obviously against anyone speaking out on the seeinggreeneblog. He resonates the same feelings that has brought discontent and disbelief from the fire company members. Despite the overall attempt to remain civil its very clear that many individuals present at the meeting are forming a witch hunt to attack the whistle blowers; instead of seriously trying to fix the true under lying problems. Yes, I agree that we have some what commandeered your site to bring out the truth which Vinney refers to as all lies. He stated he wasted over two hours reading the lies. Take off your blinders and wake up! I'm sure there are things that are not facts on both sides. Then again I'm absolutely positive that there are also facts with supporting pictures available. When the problems are reviewed by a truly impartial office I'm confident that many of the Blogs contents will be proven true. Probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 85% truth. Not bad for all lies!

As a truth detective it has been important to insure that the information is brought out and exposed and no no longer covered up by the various entities that support the culprits directly or indirectly. Is there only one or two disgruntled individuals as Vinney stated at the meeting or is there considerable more. My belief is there are many more than he realizes who will speak out when push comes to shove. Now they simply remain silent except for speaking out on seeeinggreene.blog. What is everyone afraid of unless the comments are true. One thing that quickly comes to mind is the personal attacks, flat tires, scratched cars, harassing phone calls at home and work, phone calls to newspapers, surveillance, threats, that have been conducted under an orchestrated body in the fire house. Ask Trustees Berzal, Dushane, Bataglino how they were affected by the disgruntled members who still attack them to this day any chance they get. These individuals have been on continuous witch hunts for years and initiated the fire company response to the Silent Law suit. I'd be willing to bet that a Hose 1 member initiated the entire story in one way or another that started this entire firestorm. But now that the truth detectives have been activated there ain't no stopping us now!

The fire company provided Mr/ Seeley the impression that everything was very civil at the meeting. But the real under tones were present. Comments such as your disgruntled and why dont you quit are minor to what would have occurred if the Village Board was not there. Repeated attempts by certain individuals to get the whistle blower to stand up went UN- heeded. Obviously his reputation and life would be in jeopardy once certain individuals find out his or her name. Fire Chief Prince summed it up when he acknowledged the fire company's failure to discipline or effectively lead and demanded that the village board step up before someone is beat up hurt or killed. The problems are there if if you would only open your eyes and ears.

My biggest fear is that individuals in the company will continue to support the vendetta against the truth detectives, as they blame them for exposing the wrong doings in the fire company. If the Fire Company and Village Boards get there way they will blacklist these firemen, chastise them unmercifully, ostracize them from the fire company and make their lives miserable at work and home. Mr Seeley also stated that they would pay dearly for it!

Viva The Catskill Fire Company
Viva Truth Detectives
Viva seeinggreene.blog

------------

I am outraged as a taxpayer that I donated money to Hose #1 at tag days and by attending breakfasts and dinners so that they could buy fire fighting equipment and yes, some creature comforts for the fire house and then they take the things bought with these donations, sell them and the money they got came from me as a taxpayer and then use that money to throw a party for people who aren't even members of the Catskill Fire company and who don't fight fires or deserve a tax payer subsidized food and liquor fest. It looks like I've paid twice. Once to buy the stuff and again to buy it from Hose #1. Talk about a taxpayer rip off.

I believed Hose #1 and thought that Stanley Dushane was wrong to go after them but after reading all this, I can see that he was right to do what he did.

As a taxpayer, I hope that the honest firemen who know what is going on will end this once and for all. Don't hide behind the wall of secrecy if you really care about the village and fire fighting.
----------------

WILL THE TRUTH DETECTIVES EXPOSE THE SOCIAL CLUBS WHO HAVE BANK ACCOUNTS AND ASSETS?

WILL THE TRUTH DETECTIVES PUBLICALLY DEMAND THAT THE DISBANDED "SOCIAL" CLUBS ORGANIZED AS FIRE COMPANIES FILE THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT WITH THE COUNTY CLERK BY JANUARY 15th AS REQUIRED BY LAW?

WILL THE TRUTH DETECTIVES FIGHT TO GET ETA 3-11 TURNED OVER TO THE VILLAGE AS HOSE #1 DOESN'T FIGHT FIRES ANYMORE?


At 8:33 AM, Anonymous said...
I heard that Vinny stated that "there will be hell to pay, I can't even tell you what we're going to do if we find out who turned us in to the state!"

Apparently the taxpayers of this site aren't lying when they say their going to report all illegal actions to the state.

If the fire co. and village officals aren't doing anything wrong then why are they under so much heat from 7 plus New York State agencies. "it's all lies"
Then why is the village recieving so many violation's from the state? Sounds like a outside third party is uncovering hundreds of wrong doings. Thank you truth detectives!!!!!! Don't be surprised if you see officals under arrest for there involvement in illegal activities. What's happened so far is only the tip of the iceburg.
Don't worry taxpayers evil will lose and truth and good will prevail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also heard Vinny is making a bylaw that any one who reports safety violations to the state will be kicked out of the fire co. and labeled a "trouble maker".
Are you that dumb? Thats illegal once again under whistle blower laws.
Sounds to me like you have a history of wrong doings. Hows the water taste out of your new water line? After all I payed for it along with other taxpayers!


At 7:17 PM, Anonymous said...
Is it true that the village president wants this blog shut down? If that is true, I guess he doesn't believe that the public has the right to comment or the right to know what elected officials are doing and what is happening with tax dollars. It sounds anti-american to me.

Who got a water line installed at village expense? Maybe that should be reported to the press and the state.


At 5:47 AM, Anonymous said...
I would like to comment on Village President Seeleys visit to the Catskill Fire Company on Tue Jan 3rd 2006. Although I felt that he was not completely sincere with his intentions and seemed to subversively always try spin things to support the Fire Commissioners Hose 1 agenda. I did like his philosophy concerning safety as the over all number one priority. He even expressed his preference for the color red to be used on the fire trucks since that is the color everyone expects fire trucks to be. However countless studies have proven that red is a very hard color to see especially at night.

I had a conversation with the CFC Safety Officer Kastanjian several years ago about why Hose selected the light green color for ETA 3-21. He informed me that it was not the original color of preference. It took considerable discussion before Hose 2 finally voted on the green color. They chose it over the historical colors of Hose 2 because studies had shown that it was the most easily seen color at night, in smoke, fog, etc. Since they knew consolidation was inevitable they chose to move forward with a color that would promote safety in the department. ( If they were like Hose 1 it would have been red to prove that Hose 1 lives on).

Historically, red was chosen for fire apparatus because it signified fire and heat. In the year 2006 we need to stop the "everyone knows a fire truck is red mentality" and select the color that is the safest. In fact a vote was conducted at a CFC meeting and safety green was chosen over any other color. Why then was a red color scheme chosen behind our backs? BECAUSE, when the board does not agree with the membership they simply do what they want anyway. If they have to they will activate the non fire fighting membership to come in and a second vote will be done. And they will have there way. In the case of the fire truck the truck committee went with the Chiefs favorite color.

I am upset that Seeley kept preaching compromise when the village board gave ultimatums for consolidation. Yes the entire membership voted on it and it passed! Village Board assured everyone that everything was going to be fairly done and no company would be allowed to monopolize the fire house. Hose 1 members couldn't wait to strip the hose 2 and hose 5 names off the trucks. Recently Chewens and Ormerod stripped all vehicles of the "Village of Catskill" script. I am appalled that the Chief who works for the village, and lives in the town would have the audacity to strip gold leafing off of the tax payers trucks in a vain attempt to hide the fact that they belong to the Village. We all know the fire commissioners views on Hose 1 must live on.

I remember the Village board compromising with Hose 1 when they were shut down for two weeks in 2002. The Village Board should have disbanded them altogether then. The village board stated that a new color would be selected for the fire department and it could either include the use all three fire company colors or an entirely new color scheme entirely. Tan was the original color selected for the new uniforms, but the board changed the color on re-vote to be couple of shades off of Hose 1s uniform color. The truck color selected by the Ormerod clan was red with a white top. What happened to the safety green voted by the company? It cant be red, cream or yellow (Hose 2s color). Unless its done in an all inclusive design. It absolutely cannot be done as another slap at the other companies. Safety Green is perfect and insures that Hose 1 dies with the other companies.


At 11:01 AM, Anonymous said...
IN response to the earlier blog, in the consolidation paper from the village it states " all three former fire co. are here by DISBANDED from firefighting." They have already been disbanded, ask the village to see the consolidation papers.
Second it states "all three companies will keep some identity or non will keep any"

Put hose 2,and5 back on the trucks or take hose 1 off of 3-11!!!!!!!


At 11:08 AM, Anonymous said...
Most men wouldn't run for office if they only made 30 alarms, but then again some folk'll, like black tooth the slack-jawed yokel.

Must men will never lose their teeth but then again some folk'll,
like black tooth the slack-jawed yokel.

yee haw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


At 11:19 AM, Anonymous said...
When the taxpayers get robbed! Who you gonna call?

chorus-THE TRUTH DETECTIVES

When there's misappropriation of taxpayers funds! Who you gonna call?

chorus-THE TRUTH DETECTIVES

Instrumental break-
ner na ner na ner na, duda dudaloo,
ner na ner na ner na, duda dudaloo

When there's a lack of safety! Who you gonna call?

chorus-THE TRUTH DETECTIVES


At 11:22 AM, Anonymous said...
Joke of the day?

What would you call potato head IF
he smoked pot?



Answer- a baked potato


At 4:02 PM, Anonymous said...
I figured out who some of the nicknames belong to, but need help on who these people are:

potato head
Tommy Boy
Dist Attornys Secretarys Husband
GC District Attornys brother
GC District Attorny
"c.t."
Corky


At 4:17 PM, Anonymous said...
Funny how when both sides of the story comes out hose 1 runs from the blogs and hide.


Truth hurts


At 4:24 PM, Anonymous said...
Thank you seeing greene for uncovering the lies and protecting us taxpayers. You are making catskill a better and safer place for me and my family. I would suggest more advertising for this site, it's kind of hard to find.


At 4:29 PM, Anonymous said...
To thank all of this fire house crap going on under our noses, that's the last time I go to their breakfast and support corruption.
I want paid firemen and not this joke we call fire protection.


At 4:58 PM, Anonymous said...
if you want paid firemen, who do you call?

Catskill Hose Company #1


At 5:19 PM, Anonymous said...
Thats exactly what the Chief wanted all along! Cut down response times get your best responders to quit, destroy leadership, allow favortism, support the bar, and hope the fire house fails and suddenly out of the ruins comes Whiley Hose Company #1 to the rescue. Your all dumb enough to buy in to that!

Hell we had the district since 1948, we were making $118,000.00 dollars a year in the end and buying what ever we wanted, and the village continued to repair the trucks. You could say we made out like bandits! Now that you closed down our bar we'll boycott you again. You jerks just keep playing into our hands just the way we want it. Compromise till your hearts content! The District will rise again!


At 5:48 AM, Anonymous said...
In reply to anonymous at 4:24pm.

If you really think all of the issues raised (some are valid, but some aren't)are really making the Village and Town of Catskill Safer you are sadly mistaken. All of this is causing HUGE internal problems within the rank and file of the Catskill Fire Company.

Calling every NYS Agency and making reports is only causing more division in the CFC. So far every NYS agency that has come down has found very little merit to the complaints and I am sure the other agencies will as well. I hope that the agencies get together and turn the tide and investigate the "truth detectives" who are obviously trying to ruin the Catskill Fire Company enough so they can take over the leadership of the Catskill Fire Company.

If you are members of the Catskill Fire Company all you are doing is throwing more daggers into the heart of the CFC. It is obvious that you dont want to see the CFC move forward under anyone elses leadership execpt your own. If you are a member of the CFC your time will come to lead the company/department, but if you continue to cause disharmony within the ranks, you will NEVER be a leader and shouldnt even be a member.

If there are that many problems within the CFC your first actions should of been going to a Village Board Meeting and force them to do something there, not calling in EVERY NYS agency to investigate issues.

I hope the Town of Catskill is SERIOUSLY looking at the Village of Catskill Fire Company/Department since they are under contract till the end of this year to provide fire service to the Fire Protection District. Do you the Town of Catskill and residents of the Fire Protection District really want a Department/Company like this providing service to you?

To the members of the Catskill Fire Company that are trying to stick this out, keep up the good work. I know it has to be hard and not worth the time and aggrivation for all the headaches. I am sure it gets easier and easier day by day to just say screw everyone "firefighters, residents, and taxpayers" and just say "enough is enough". The comes a time when there really is enough of the non sense for something you volunteer to do.

I have a feeling there are more who are getting to that point then most realize, and I hope the Village Board steps in and addresses that issue. If these members do just up and say "enough is enough" will there be a fire company/department left in the end? PROBABLY NOT. IS THAT WHAT THE "TRUTH DEDECTIVES AND EVERYONE BASHING THE CATSKILL FIRE COMPANY WANTS".

YOU TELL US!!!!!!!!!


At 6:15 AM, Anonymous said...
There is no bashing the cFc, you guys made your bed now lie in it! If what you are doing isn't illegal than you have nothing to worry about!!! Concerned citizens just want what's best for everyone not just hose one!!!
You talk about these trouble makers shouldn't be albe to be leaders or even members because there hurting the cfc?
What they are doing is to only make the cfc stronger, SAFER, fair,
for everyone from members to taxpayers!
What about the current chief who stole,lied so on so fourth, to the village in order to make the village fire dept. fail. He was rewarded with a job at the police dept. and forget being a member he was aloud to be fire chief. What in the hell is that all about????
WHAT IS GOOD FOR ONE IS GOOD FOR ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


At 6:18 AM, Anonymous said...
Not being an officer of your company right now is probly a good thing with all of the law suits pending, sounds like they are all in deep sh*t. Too late to change the strips on a tiger


At 10:15 AM, Anonymous said...
Reply to 5:48 Blog. Lets try and guess your real motives. Probably support Hose 1, Probably never spoke up and defended anything that went against the cliche! Do they call you up and tell you who to vote for? see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil! Your certainly not in the fold or else your a liar.
I'm willing to bet your like a mushroom, kept in the dark and fed crap! Ironic that Mr Potato Head and Oh my god have been doing everything to better the chances of Willey Hose 1 and their separate fire district.
Lets guess whats coming next, a group of you are going to start boycotting CFC calls so you can prove taking away your Alcohol and your social life will only create chaos in the department. And ultimately justify reopening your bar and social hangout.

GOT BEER!
If your only in it for the alcohol who needs you anyway? The volunteer fire fighters from this community and every surrounding mutual aid fire company will once again join in unison with the CFC members once the Village Board starts cleaning house and ridding the fire department of arrogance, thieves, alcoholics, and closes down the private interest of Hose 1. All they need to do is to provide an atmosphere where the CFC can grow and prosper while cleansing us of the two family cliche. We have been waiting for over two years and the time has come to close down the old social clubs and foster the rebirth of the Catskill Fire Department free of corruption and abuse of power.

Viva the CFC


At 11:15 AM, Anonymous said...
COMPROMISE? COMPROMISE ?!? COMPROMISE!!??

Why in the hell compromise!!!!????

Where has that ever gotten the tax payers? You might as well tell us to bend over and grab our ankles! Don't you realize compromise is what got us where we are today with Hose 1? Every time we pull back and allow compromise it only allows them to change their attack.

Lets stroll down memory lane and regurgitate Compromise with Hose 1.

WASN'T IT COMPROMISE:

when the Village Board allowed Hose 1 to take over the Fire District?

when the Village Board started allowing Hose 1 to negotiate its own contracts?

when the Village Board allowed Hose 1 to be the sole responders to the district?

when Hose 1 was allowed to purchase a second ladder truck for the district?

when Hose 1 double its officer positions by having three district Fire Chiefs illegally added to the roster.

when the Village Board allowed Hose 1 to reopen after the board shut it down in 2002 for mutiny, boycotting, etc

when it allowed the Hose 1 thieves to rejoin the CFC with absolutely no restrictions or probation.

when it allowed Hose 1 thieves to run for Fire Chief.

when it allowed Hose 1 thieves to run for Captain and Lt positions?

when it allowed the Hose 1 thieves to run for board positions?

when it agreed to allow the Hose 1 thieves to simply get a one year slap on the wrist (suspension) instead of permanent expulsion?

when it did not prosecute Hose 1 for theft of vehicles.

when it allowed them to think that they owned the vehicles.

when it did not prosecute Hose 1 for unauthorised purchase commitments.

when it allowed Hose 1 to keep its motif on the Meeting room floor?

when it allowed Hose 1 to keep their name on ETA 3-11

when it allowed Hose 1 to keep a large red one on the front of the West Side Station.

when the village board failed to prosecute the Hose 1 individuals who removed the village of Catskill off of the trucks?

when all three companies were allowed to keep their assets instead of turning them into the Village for use by the new fire company?

when it did not discipline the Chewens for the DJ fiasco!

when Potato Head and Oh my god are given free reign with the fire company to do what they want?

when they removed E 3-1 from responding to most calls and placed it in moth balls?

when they did not discipline the individuals who place E 3-1 on the internet for sale.

when Potato Head and Oh My God were allowed to purchase a 450,000.00 dollar heavy rescue truck, when T3-15 is also falling apart and the professional fire department advisers recommended not wasting money on a heavy rescue.

when they through out all prior established requirents to run for Chiefs postions.

when 80,000.00 was spent on new uniforms that are only a shade different from Hose 1 uniforms?

Wasn't it a compromise when the new Heavy rescue truck was ordered with red to emphasize Hose 1.

when the Fire Company wants you to tell them your problems so they can ostracize and punish you for turning them in.

when Hose 2 lost its building?

when Hose 5 lost its station,

when Hose 2 lost M 23?

when Hose 5 lost T3-2 (despite the professional advisers recommendation to keep it).

They compromised training
compromised drills,
compromised safety,
compromised membership.
compromised our respect,
compromised our self dignity,

Hell what didn't we compromise and where did it get us?
Worse Chiefs,
worse election turnout,
worse morale.


At 11:41 AM, Anonymous said...
I hope the Village Board is not dumb enough to compromise once again with Hose 1 and allow them to think they still own ETA 3-11, even if they finally want to compromise and agree to take their name off of the truck.
TO LITTLE TO LATE! !!!!!!!

The board must act as a parent and show tough dicipline by putting out once and for all any chance of Hose 1 trying to rise up again. Otherwise they will keep trying to revitalize their survival of the fittest mentality.(Not every member, just the schemers trying to form their own fire company at the tax payers expense.

But lets face it, to many people have kept their mouths shut and allowed good members to be repeatedly screwed, time and time again.

While allowing the biggest problem children to continously cause problems with absolutely no repercussions.

Enough is eough!

MORE TO COME!!!!!!!!!


At 11:50 AM, Anonymous said...
IMPEACH THE FIRE CHAIR PERSON !!!!!

IMPEACH THE FIRE CHIEFS !!!!!!!

IMPEACH THE LINE OFFICERS !!!!!!

BRING BACK DOLAN, LACKIE,
DIPERNA AND DUSHANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TIME TO CLEAN UP MR POTATO HEADS ABUSE OF POWER AND ANTI CFC POSITIONS.

PUT A BLACK STRIPE DOWN THE SIDE OF EVERY RED TRUCK!

SELECT AN UNBIASED AND OPEN MIDED INDIVIDUAL FOR THE CHAIRPERSONS POSITION ON THE VILLAGE BOARD. THERE ARE TWO OTHER TRUSTEES THAT HAVE FIRE FIGHTER EXPERIENCE WHO HAVE YET TO CHAIR THIS POSITION. TIME TO GIVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE AND CLEAN UP THE IMAGE THAT POTATO HEAD HAS TARNISHED!!!!!


At 11:51 AM, Anonymous said...
This just in.

Hot off the press.

Read all about it.

An anonymous tip from a concerned
former firefighter and appalled taxpayer has uncovered this story.

Recently a member of the cFc placed a decal of a maltese cross
with the wording "the desire to serve" along with "est. 2003" in the bar on the mirror at the fire station located at 1 Central Ave.

All members liked it and thought it was a step in right direction.
Unfortunately this was a kick in the face to all members of the cFc.

That's right, the evidence lies at 30 west bridge St. Catskill NY 12414. The former hose 1 station. Above the station is a sign that reads the old firehouse, with a maltese cross reading "the desire to serve," with a big 1 in the middle Looks like the new cFc had to take an old hose 1 logo!
Who decided what the logo of the new fire co. would be? Not the cFc members!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe hose 1?

The proof is on the sign go see for your self.

This has been a Truth detectives &
Joint Coalilition of Catskill Fire Co. members & appalled taxpayers against corruption of disbanded former hose Co. 1 task force, joint
effort.


At 12:02 PM, Anonymous said...
Joke of the day!

What would you call potato head IF
he smoked pot while sun tanning?



Answer- twice baked potato


At 12:04 PM, Anonymous said...
When it rains it pours!

Shove that up your pipe hose 1.

Disbanded since 2003-hose 1


At 12:05 PM, Anonymous said...
Thanks Dick for such a great site. You are helping the taxpayers more than the village board.


At 12:07 PM, Anonymous said...
Only eight months left for the current chief until his term is over.

Thank God


At 1:11 PM, Anonymous said...
Why wait eight months? if this was the Marine Corp he would have been dishonorably discharged by now!

Hell, They impeached Clinton for using an expensive Cuban Cigar, lets impeach all of them for imitating leaders!


At 1:14 PM, Anonymous said...
Maybe we should contact beleive it or not or Ripplys Book of world records.

Who else can claim, kicked out of the same fire house twice, fire company disbanded twice,

AND YET They think their still legit. GO FIGURE!

Three times and your OUT!!!!!!!!!!!


At 6:51 PM, Anonymous said...
I wonder how many alcoholics were complaining that there bar was closed down at the Village meeting tonight?


At 3:52 AM, Anonymous said...
You were absolutely right about the motif over the old Hose 1 building on West Bridge Street.

I had to laugh, I tried to pull in and couldn't see it from my car, and someone pulled in right behind me trying to do the same thing.

It was like the Divinci Code with Truth Detective Super Sluthes tracking down the clues. Hose 1 may say one thing publicly, but the truth detectives always gets down to the real truth! And this time its on the sign for everyone to see.

Now who ordered the new motif for the CFC?
I know the fire commissioner was behind ordering a replacement Motif for the Hose 1 motif that was removed from the meeting room floor. Some Hose 1 die hard continously uncovered it before all village meetings etc. to promote their beloved Hose 1. The firemen finally said enough of the bullshit after repeatedly covering it up with rugs more then 100 times and simply removed it. The fire commissioner had a fit and immediately ordered a replacement Motif for the floor. I bet the commissioner copied his sacred Hose 1 Motif so the secret society of Hose 1 could live on! It must have tore his heart to have to put a 3 on it.

I feel like we live in the back woods of the Loisianna Bijou. Seems like nothing but a bunch of in-bred munchkins running around looking for a beer.

The commish is always saying one thing to the Village Board and the CFC and then later strutting around like a peacock proud of how he's tricked everyone again.

The indians have a name that would fit him perfectly.

Mr. Red Potato Head

because he speaks with a forked tongue.


At 6:43 AM, Anonymous said...
And to think this all was started by hose 1 bashing previous board members and former members. I guess a lesson was learned hose1,

If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all- it just may come back to haunt you.

You had to start now your losing everything.

disbanded since 2003
100% shut down 2006

I love it


At 9:19 AM, Anonymous said...
No beer,
No bar,
No problems!


At 1:04 PM, Anonymous said...
Hose 1 inc still has money in an account and still has meetings. Is anyone going to make sure that they file the financial statement with the county clerk as required by law? Let's see how much money they have from the taxpayers and donations in that bank account!


At 6:06 PM, Anonymous said...
What is the disbanded Hose 1 that doesn't fight fires doing with the contract (taxpayer) money and donations that it has in the bank?

Doesn't anyone else think it is wrong for them to keep this money? Shouldn't this money go to fighting fires?


At 7:47 AM, Anonymous said...
Don't worry I'll be checking in with the county clerk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Round 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


At 7:48 AM, Anonymous said...
Has anyone else heard of the recent traffic jams on west bridge st?


At 1:24 PM, Anonymous said...
Hell yea, The GreeneLanders are coming out in force to see the Hose 1 Motif picked by Mr Potato Head the Fire Chair person himself!
The truth detectives are cionsidering inviting the author of the Divinchi Code to write the Hose 1 Sage, (The screwing of the Village of Catskill tax payers).

There has been all kinds of money that has been siphoned over the years. Do the math! $118,000.00 dollars a year was given directly to Hose 1 and yet the tax payers were required to take over their payments on T 3-15. And we had to cancel the ilegal contract which they had ilegally signed concerning the original rescue truck that Hose 1 had ilegally purchased.

By the grace of God another purchaser was found and we were let off of the hook for the price of that truck. Oh yea, I forgot Oh My Gods father was fired from his position with KME and they still did not hold the Village of Catskill to their purchase contract.

How did Oh my God and the Fire Chair Person reward them? By intentionally contracting with another company for the new Heavy Rescue because of his fathers firing. Thats why they were absolutely determined that the new truck had to be a heavy rescue. It was to send a message to KME. The saga ever grows with these self rightious Oh My Gods and the King of the Potato Heads.

The real justice will be served when Mr Potato Head is removed from his position of Fire Chair Person! He has been a total disgrace and insult to everyone in GreeneLand.

What was potato heads claim to fame during his election speach. Vote for Change. It should have been Vote for a screwing by Mr Potato Head.

But wait, him and Oh My God did so much for this Village by all the money they received in free equipment/funds through home land security. The fact is it was there for everyone, you just had to ask for it. We could have had the the kinder garten class submit the request and we would have still received it.


At 2:41 PM, Anonymous said...
fuck hose 1


At 4:27 AM, Anonymous said...
How is a prison and Hose 1 alike?

How is Hose 1 like a street walker?

ans ?


At 7:37 AM, Anonymous said...
How is Hose 1 like a street walker?

ans ?

You give them money and in return you get screwed.


At 11:34 AM, Anonymous said...
Co's and criminals?


At 1:00 PM, Anonymous said...
Mr. Steve Darling,

It's time you wake up and smell the coffee. Your part of the problem, never come around and don't even have a clue. Not only do you lack as a member but as a medical officer as well. You have done nothing in the years you have been in office. There are members who haven't had yearly physicals in over three years because you could care less about the dept. all that you wanted was the title. And as a officer of the village of Catskill who are you to release personal medical files and info. of employees? Do you do this at your work as well? No wonder your own family talks sh*t about you. You should take your own advice and turn in your gear since you have proven to be a drain on the new company as well as the village. Looks like me and hose 1 can agree on one thing, we both hate you!


VINCE SEELEY IS A PART OF THE PROBLEM. HE IS ARROGANT AND WANTS TO HIDE HIS ACTIONS IN SECRECY!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have just one comment for everyone:

How does the issues with the Catskill Fire Company/Department have anything to do with the articles on this blog?

Sounds like a group of individuals (either members or past members) have nothing better to do then cause disharmony within the fire service.

Lets stop the non sense of he said she said and stop bringing down our community and lets make Catskill a better place for everyone.

Anonymous said...

In response to anonymous at 1:20pm:

I agree 100% with you, we are firefighters and should fight fires not each other.

As far you saying that all members of the Catskill Fire Company are a disappointment and embarrassment is far from the truth. The Catskill Fire Company has many GOOD quality members who are here for the betterment of the Company as well as the community that we protect.

I do agree with in one respect that the members of the Catskill Fire Company who are on here bringing down their Fire Company and its leadership and making personal attacts at their brother and sister firefighters, those are the real embarassment and disappointment to the Catskill Fire Company and our community.

The membership of the Catskill Fire Company should be proud of themselves because "most" have not issued statements on this blog. We do have a few members that shouldn't be proud of their actions but they are a VERY SMALL MINORITY of the Catskill Fire Company. They may seem like they have big voices on these issues, but they are only a small fraction of the general membership.

I do agree with you that if you have nothing nice to say, then you shouldn't say anything. There are times and places to say things, and your 100% right in saying that this blog is not the time nor the place. The Catskill Fire Company meets once a month and that is the time and the place to bring up issues.

I do agree with you that we will never get along and be productive if members keep talking about each other.

I also agree with you that the members who are airing out their issues here instead of internally should all be ashamed of themselves for acting like high school kids.

You are right we need to hurry up and fix our problems in a mature, civil manner and stop bad mouthing our fellow brothers and sisters and playing childish games because that fixes nothing.

I also hope these childish games ends soon.

Anonymous said...

VINCE SEELEY IS A PART OF THE PROBLEM. HE IS ARROGANT AND WANTS TO HIDE HIS ACTIONS IN SECRECY!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I heard that because he couldn't shut this blog down he made his own
called "one man's opinion".

I guess if you can't take the heat,
get out of the kitchen or blog site!!!!!

Will the truth detectives please help investigate this?

Anonymous said...

A recent poll shows that 30 west bridge st is the most popular site seeing site in the village of catskill, also seeinggreene.blog is the most popular web site in all of greene county.

Anonymous said...

Mr. May thank you for stopping the local spin on things. This truely is a great site with out a political influence over it like the daily mail has. That paper is going down hill. Thank you for reporting the truth.

ps I love the truth detectives, keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

In the private business world, like an insurance company, it is acceptable for decisions to be made in private behind closed doors. The public and competitors don't have a right to know about the corporate decisions. It is unfortunate that Vinny Seeley treats being on the board of trustess like being on the board of a private company. He doesn't think the public has a right to know what he is doing as a village trustee and he doesn't believe that the public has a right to know what the village board is doing or what decisions they are making. Doesn't he realize that we have open meeting laws because the public has the right to know.

Come election time we should send him a message that this is America and that we have a right to know by voting him out of office.

WE ARE TIRED OF SEELEY AND HIS ARROGANT ATTITUDE THAT WE DON'T HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON! WE ARE TIRED OF HIS BS A FULL DOSE WE GOT AT THE FIREMENS MEETING AND HIS TALKING OUT BOTH SIDES OF HIS MOUTH.

DOWN CASTRO
DOWN PUTIN
DOWN DICTATORSHIP
DOWN SEELEY

VIVI CATSKILL FIRE COMPANY!!!!

Anonymous said...

You want to send Seely a message, Vote Potato Head out of office in March! Then he loses his power! Maybe then you see change in the fire dept

Anonymous said...

I agree vote NO

Anonymous said...

Who's steve Darling? Is he an active member? I've been in the catskill fire company for a little over a year and never heard of him.
Is he related to the other Darlings in the fire company? Maybe he's a life member?

Anonymous said...

If this was the Marines he would of been arrested for going a-wall.

"The Desire to Serve" = you must show up at least once a year!

Anonymous said...

The Desire to Serve Who?

Hose 1 maybe?

Anonymous said...

Every thing is great at the firehouse. We still have our truck with our name on it and now our logo at our bar. Lets all vote to dissolve the village and teach the trustees for messing with hose 1. Lets close down the village fire dept. and open dist. hose 1, we can take our truck and all our members. No one f*cks with hose 1 and wins, Ask previous board members. We do what we want, when we want, where we want. No village board will ever stop us.

Anonymous said...

Hail President Seeley!

From your friends at Hose Co. #1, Inc.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your original reporting on the legal settlement by the School Board. It interests me that they felt no obligation to inform the public of this 'private' agreement which is at the expense of all of us who pay school taxes. Can I assume that my personal contribution to a resolution of this matter cost me as much as $20, or more. I commend you, Dick, for attending this earliest meeting, even if you were stonewalled.
Harold Hanson, resident of Catskill

Anonymous said...

Dont forget to visit Vinnys site Villageofcatskill.blogspot.blog.

Dont be afraid of Mr Potato Head! I still remember his pethetic Vote for Change election motto. His only change was to put Hose 1 back in power and insure Hose 1 lives on.
Hell I hear that the new uniforms purchased for the CFC will boast a Red Tie with a dark color to act as if the uniforms are color coordinated with the red trucks. I personnally will always remember the two teeth Chewens knocked out of a DJ's mouth.

Anonymous said...

Thursday, January 12, 2006
Stonewall


The existence of a lawsuit brought by a former head DRUNK against the Catskill Fire Company was finally acknowledged in public for the first time last night (1/12) It was acknowledged in the form of a refusal to talk about it.

During question time at the special “community meeting” in Catskill’s new Fire Center, the Village of Catskill trustees were invited to confirm or deny that the lawsuit had indeed been filed; that the plaintiff, Mr cORKY Budwieser, had accused the trustees of making him the victim of political persecution; that a settlement had been reached; and that in accepting the settlement the trustees had not acted on advice of counsel.

To these questions, posed by a Seeing Greene reporter, Village President Vinney Seeley responded by alluding to a “sealed court document” that “cannot be discussed.” (He also alluded to a “letter of commendation” from the board to Mr Budweiser that was included in the confidential agreement). Citing that out-of-court settlement of a “personnel” matter, President Seeley declined to say any more about the case. Board Vice President Mr Potato Head endorsed that position. The other trustees were all silent while holding up the "V" sign to all Hose 1 old timers .

Mr Seeley response marked the board’s first public acknowledgement of a civil suit that had been filed in June 2005 before State Supreme Court Justice Leslie Steinburger. Information about the case had never been shared at the board’s public meetings, and had not appeared in the news media, other than the October 25th issue (“The Secret Lawsuit”) of Seeing Greene.

Mr Budweiser accused the Fire Company trustees—with Paully "Call in the National Gaurd and Wake up theThe President of the United States" Oderball as president at the time, and Edwaarrd Collinsport as superintendent—of fraud. They had put through a series of administrative changes that included abolition of the Requirements for Fire Chief in favor of a Village of Catskill Director of Emergency Services. whose educational and technical requirements were relatively rnonexistant. Mr Budweiser did not apply for the new job; he was offered, and accepted, an ordinary beer consumer appointment. But then he went to court, claiming that in essence he had been the victim of wrongful dismissal, with deprivation of accumulated benefits the ability to drink beer at any and all fire relatiod functions.. In the words of his formal complaint, Village of Catskill Trustytees engaged in “intentionally misleading” and “defrauding” him; they did so as “retaliation for plaintiff’s involvement in the political activity between local fire companies and routine all night drink fests.Specifically mentioning the ilegal consuming of alcohol beverages on the former (now defunct Hose 1 Campus, and the unwillingness of the Village trustees to provide him with the same free medical coverage and payoff that they provided the DJ who had his teeth knocked out requiring the 6 stichesat the unauthorised 2005 Chicken Song Drinkfest. .”

The secret settlement of the secret lawsuit took place last September. According to the best information we have been able to gather, the settlement calls for the trustees to pay Mr Busweiser 35,000 in damages, 45,000.00 for cosmetic surgery, and 55,000.00 for emotional fear of no longer being able to look at Mr Potato Head in the same loving manner that he had as a child..

Now for some hunches:

*In deciding to settle and to pay, the trustees were not heeding advice of counsel.

*By settling out of court and acting in secrecy, the trustees have tacitly endorsed serious accusations (fraud, political persecution) against their predecessors (including, in some cases, themselves). Did Mr Budweiser withdraw those accusations? Was he asked to do so? The settling parties evidently do not want us to know.

*The board’s rationale for stonewalling is spurious. Although the out-of-court settlement’s immediate terms may be confidential, they do not preclude open acknowledgement of the suit’s existence, open discussion of the formally filed complaint and rejoinder and amended complaint, or discussion of procedures that led to settlement. Moreover, stonewalling cannot be rationalized as appropriate handling of a “personnel” matter. The matter is legal and financial. The trustees evidently have concealed an outlay of taxpayers’ money.

*Stonewalling serves powerfully to fortify doubts about procedural integrity. The settlement with Mr Busweiser followed substantial change in the composition of the Village Board board. It came about after Mr Kosloski and Mr Potato Head came on board, after Mr Seeley became President of the board, and after Mr Potato Head was elected as Vice-President. Those men are close friends indeed of all Hose 1 members and Mr Budweiser himself. They were active, presumably, in deciding how to handle the case. They collaborated in concealing the whole business. It’s still possible, however, that they helped to shape an outcome that, in the final analysis, has merit. Fact is Mr Potato Head was recently overheard saying that he is willing to spend tax payer dollars on frivious law suits against Mr Busweiser all day long. After all, when he buys his daily case of Budweiser it does improve hisability to function normaL
#

Anonymous said...

can't find vinny seeleys site

Anonymous said...

I find your excuses amusing and down right pathetic. The last fire I remember seeing you at was on North Street. Luckily no one depends on you showing up at an emergency. I'm so busy may fool the young guys, but you pick your responses. Guess you'll receive Officer of the Year now. What your father earned he earned.

What the police reported about Oh My Gods brother is already known. Did the two police officers who grabbed the ladder and erected it and was holding it when he showed up and lent a hand receive anything? Did they get a plaque and a parade?

As far as you releasing enough information to identify someones medical condition while not releaseing his name is clearly evident! Every fire fighter knows who does what at each and every fire. Your admitting the individuals names does not negate the fact that you violated a fire members personal information to fellow employees of the Village of Catskill.

I contacted the Greene County web page and read its HIPPA statement located at the bottom of the page. I will be contacting the individuals present at the fire and if indeed any of them did in fact have any kind of problem I will persuade them to lodge a complaint to the Greene County Atty, the State Hippa site and the Federal site.

Some medical Officer you turned out. You do or don't know individuals personal medical information and you do or don't use it for personal gain. Sounds like a threat in the blog. And yes you can remove a blog, but it is for ever on record; especially if it is copied and saved!

The medical officer before you did far more work and accomplished a hell of a lot more. He was fired because he had to deploy in support of the war. Never heard him cry I work to much.

I just hope you get all the medical files and records up todate before you quit. No reason why some other poor guy has to do your work for you. PS As a medical officer shouldn't you be inforcing cleaniness in the fire house?

Anonymous said...

Its really a shame that the people replying to this blog cant remain with the subject at hand. I know most of you, and I know you have children in school. I would hope you are more concerned with your childrens education than the color of a firetruck or a sign on a firehouse.
YOUR childrens education money was misappropriated to take care of a friend. And you are allowing this to happen. For once take a stand on something that really matters...Your Kids, and do something about it. Its frustating to see people who have lived here their entire lives allowing the School Board to squander taxpayers money. And all you can do is argue about firehouse politics. For once, pull your head out of the sand and do something. Vote NO on the school budget in May. Elect people who care about our childrens education, and not the betterment of their friends.

Anonymous said...

Hose 1 wanted their own fire company and exploited 911 to try and get it.

Now, they are asking you to focus on the "secret lawsuit" saying think about your kids.

Now, they are exploiting kids.

They started the comments to personally attack Stanley D, Mike B, Jim G etc and they are so sorry that they created a firestorm that is going to finnaly level hose 1

VIVI CFC

Anonymous said...

Don't attack the symptoms like the the medical officer. Attack the real PROBLEMS

VINNY SEELEY
POTATO HEAD

DOWN WITH CLOSED DOOR DEALS
DOWN WITH SECRETS IN GOVERNMENT
DOWN WITH COMMUNISM
DOWN WITH NAZIISM
DOWN WITH KINGS AND QUEENS
DOWN WITH FACISM
DOWN WITH ARROGANCE
DOWN WITH SEELEY

VIVI OPEN GOVERNMENT
VIVI PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
VIVI OPEN MEETING LAWS
VIVI HONESTY
VIVI TRUSTEES WHO UNDERSTAND THE PUBLICS RIGHT TO KNOW!!!

Anonymous said...

Come election time we should send a message that this is America and that we have a right to know by voting him out of office.

DOWN CASTRO
DOWN PUTIN
DOWN DICTATORSHIP
DOWN SEELEY

VIVI OPEN GOVERNMENT

Anonymous said...

is this someone we know?

Name: ForcedFather
Real Name: Vincent Seeley
Location: Catskill NY
USA
Age: 34
Marital Status: Married
Sex: Male
Occupation: Director of Operations
Total Posts: 2
More About Me
Bio: 1st forced fatherhood when I was 20. 2nd forced fatherhood, two years ago. Enough is enough.
Hobbies: Research on how to change the Family Court/Paternity system.
Latest News: 7/29/2002 - child support hearing, she wants more money.
Favorite Quote: "Stop, think about it, does this make any sense?" This is my quote said to a Child Support Hearing examiner.. his reply... duh....
Links
Homepage: No homepage specified...

Anonymous said...

this is the link to the above

http://www.bayindex.com/madmenunited/forum/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=72

Anonymous said...

what is that?

Anonymous said...

The school had violated someone for his political views. I feel Mr. Dushane should have gotten even more money. Hell, he should of gotten all of hose 1's money after they got disbanded.

Anonymous said...

Kids have nothing to do with this!!!

Anonymous said...

what do you call a Potato Head after the election?


ans.... a Mashed Potato!

Anonymous said...

What about Hose #1 still having taxpayers money and donations. When that money is not used to fight fires as intended it has to come from someplace else such as taxes. When I have to pay twice it takes money out of my pockey. Money that can't be spent on my children.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it comment at 1:31

Anonymous said...

Amazing. No discussion about the proposal to construct a new jail, 30 to 60 MILLION dollars, a project that could bankrupt Greene County just like it has Ulster (49% tax increase anyone?). No discussion of the plan to piss away $500,000 to build a boardwalk on the Creek, right through people's backyards and the County's already undersized parking lot. Nothing about the IDA's drive to open a third 'industrial park' when the two we have are nearly empty. Does anyone care about any issue other than the fire companies...?

Anonymous said...

RICK SHANKS for trustee

Anonymous said...

DOWN SECRECY|
DOWN HIDDEN AGENDA!
DOWN ANTI-DEMOCRACY!
DOWN POTATO HEAD!
DOWN SEELEY!

VIVI THE TRUTH DETECTIVES!

Anonymous said...

In reply to ananymous at 5:13 am

I agree 100% with you that there has been no comments on the construction of a new jail. I do know that Greene County does need a new jail, but we need to look long and hard at where to put it, and how big to build it. We dont need another project like the office building that is too small already. The legislature should of been planning for this project a long time ago and putting money away, but as always we will foot that bill all at once.

I think building the board walk along the creek is a nice idea, but we have other pressing matters to deal with first instead of wasting money on that.

I havent heard of the IDA wanting to put in another "industrial park". Where do they want to put this one?

There are other issues besides the fire company, and if people start to write about them, that will push the fire company issue right out of this blog and put the real issues of the community first and foremost.

Lets get back ALL issues and not just fire related issues.

Anonymous said...

FYI: I believe the money that is being used to construct the boardwalk is grant money. Not sure if the county has to kick in any money themselves, though.

Anonymous said...

The jail has been put on the back burner for years. We spend countless thousands boarding out inmates because we cant house them. The same idiots that let this county loose its Hospital has allowed the jail to go un built! Why because we needed a facility that brings in little money first. Think about the vast moneys we can bring in if we housed federal prisoners as they enter and leave federal custody.
But your absolutely right in changing the sunject but for the wrong reason. The firehouse has misutilized tax payer dollars, covered up lawsuits paid off complaintants (Probally7 with tax payer dollars) and otherwise screwed the tax payers. And all you can say is run them off of the site. Obviously Hose 1 is generating a lot of this change the subject crap, but it aint going away until the FAT LADY SINGS!

I'm tired of curruption which abounds through this community. Abuse of power is taught at an early age From the base ball, soccer, footbvall fields, the basket ball courts, the school coridors, the streets, the political system, the hospital to the grave This community decieves and screws the residents.

I thought the State audit would question the number of personal accidents that one individual had with assigned vehicles as he went from bar to bar. What about the official reports performed by his own deputies. Hasn't anyone dug under this rock. Accidents and drinking problems go hand in hand. No wonder they dont want Greenland to be audited. Afraid of what will be exposed!

Continue the good work Dick because cover ups are away of life here in GreenLand and your our only voice!

Anonymous said...

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see who is generating the crap!

It wont go away until the Village Board corrects it!

Call the Village President all the names you want.

Push come to shove he is going to have to do whats right!

Viva the CFC!

Anonymous said...

The village board won't be able to correct anything as long as seeley and chewens are on it and run things. get rid of them and maybe you have a chance.

Anonymous said...

As to the boardwalk project, yes, I believe it is grant money - but it's still taxpayers' dollars. It doesn't fall from heaven like manna. And when you have a parking lot that's too small already, do you build something that will take away more spaces? And has anyone asked the private owners along the Creek if they want this built along their property? And who is going to police it - especially at night?
As far as the jail, the head of the jail task force stated it's cheaper to board prisoners out-of-county NOW than keep them in our jail - doesn't that mean we would save money by closing the current jail? He also stated that because so many counties around us have built new jails recently, we can't expect to get any revenue from boarding out-of-county prisoners. So why would anyone in their right mind propose building a new jail?
And the IDA executive director stated that he hoped to open the third park soon; it's already there but not ready to be used. Seems to me it would make more sense to fill up the other two first.

Anonymous said...

The firehouse issue is a big problem and isn't just going to go away. We need to correct it and then move on to other problems!

We must not let the firehouse issue go away!

Have you forgotten the 5 who stole?

Anonymous said...

Lime green is beautiful
Beige is grand

But RED is the color of the big
boss man.

Anonymous said...

RED IS THE COLOR OF THE DEVIL!!

AND

HELL!!!!

Anonymous said...

LIME GREEN IS THE COLOR OF THE MARINE AIRPORT CRASH TRUCKS

Anonymous said...

YOU SHOULD PAINT YOUR TRUCKS RED, THEN THEY WILL LOOK LIKE USED TAMPONS, FITTING FOR A BUNCH OF LITTLE GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

yeah, paint the top white and it will look like the string hanging out.

Anonymous said...

please stop making fun of red trucks. Can we make fun of something else please. hold on let me wipe my eyes

Anonymous said...

1-800-888-wten

news tip hot line

report hose 1 today!

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...

Seeinggreene Ace reporter has been investigating a proposed meeting between Green and Ulster Emergency Coordinators with Fire Chiefs from Malden West Camp and Catskill. Rumors have it that the alleged meeting is planned to discuss the twin county response to the structure fire at former Sheriff Kiebarts residence in Cementon last month.

Several problems were identified during this structure fire. Including Command Jurisdiction, mutual aid, lack of on scene officers etc. One problem that had occurred was the fire departments initial response to the wrong house. Luckily the Catskill Fire Company successfully performed a thorough investigation of the structure. Within 20 minutes they were able to successfully determine that it was a false alarm. They finally realized that the home owner must have been telling the truth when she emphatically insisted that she did not call the fire department and her house was not on fire.

In our exclusive seeing greene interview the home owner reported it was like a nightmare; where she imagined having to let out a blood curdling scream to stop a big 220 lb dumb ass firemen named Piti from destroying her house, as he was about to swing a fire ax into the side of her beautiful home trying to find the fire that wasn't there. The Fire Company finally concluded without a doubt, that they were at the wrong house when one of the probes noticed that the flume of smoke rising over the Hudson valley was not the cement plant, but actually coming from Sheriff Kiebarts house located further down the road. When the home owner finally came out of her daze the fire trucks were driving frantically to Sheriff Kiebarts house with 100 feet of hose dragging behind one of the trucks as a firemen ran to catch up with it.

The home owner stated the fire fighters reminded her of a slap stick comedy with everyone falling over themselves as they ran around rolling up hoses and climbing back on the trucks. All under the diligent eyes of Catskills Finest. Who had been insisting that the home owner tell them where the fire was for the past twenty minutes. It was really hectic initially as both department Chiefs were arguing over who was going to save this perfectly fine structure as they tried to Jockey their trucks into the best position.

The entire problem apparently evolved around who was actually responsible for command in Cementon. Ironically, when they responded to former Sheriff Kiebarts house they both changed their minds and began claiming the other fire department had jurisdiction.

Why would a fire company from another county assume that they were suppose to have jurisdiction inside of Greeneland bewilders this author. Its rumored that they may have been receiving district money for years to cover this section of Greene County and might have felt that the old Catskill boys were infringing on their territory. Ironically the former district boys (who were previously responsible for the Catskill Fire District) had no clue who was responsible.

Rumblings around the county have also been building as numerous legislators had been complaining for weeks about Chief Oh My God , inundating their offices with phone calls inquiring as to why he wasn't selected for Greene Car 4. They must have been bombarded with calls begging for favors. I guess the Chief cant always manipulate jobs like fire company elections. It appears that shedding alligator tears are just as ineffective with acquiring jobs as it was during police interrogations?

It was very obvious to everyone here in this office that his actions were simply indicative of what firemen have been complaining about for years, that Oh My God is nothing but an egotistical loud mouth, self serving, unprofessional, spoiled rotten little squaw bag. If you really think about it; where else but in GreenLand would a thief have the balls to seek and an employers would even consider hiring him. I guess they assume he will never stay very long.

If this reporters memory serves him right, didn't Chief Oh My God apply for the Greene County Coordinators position which was eventually given to well qualified individual. Information obtained from an informant from the Catskill Village Offices stated that the Chief and Fire C/o/m/m/i/s/s/i/o/n/e/r/ WHOOPS I mean Fire Chairperson were disgusted that a self proclaimed Hose 1 Professional was not selected over a small town fire department member like West Athens. Since they failed to get the County Coordinators position they conspired to create the Village Of Catskill Emergency Services Coordinators position. (Don't laugh, it worked when they created the District Chiefs Positions). An alleged $33,000.00 salary was considered for the positions salary. But the truth detectives discovered this little scheme and reported it!

Anonymous said...

I keep hearing rumors that law enforcement and lawyers are being called in to review the information exposed on this site. I evebn heard that claims are being made taken out of context to justify the storm troopers breaking in and confiscating computers. I just love it! Think about it, its typical Hose 1 all the way. All the crimes that their members have commited or covered up, and they are going to manipulate freedom of speech by using the black booted storm troopers. I just cant wait until a warrant is served.

We will then be given our time in court and we will be able to finally obtain evidence concerning numerous investigations into abuse of power, conspiracy, cover ups, misappropriations of moneys and assets, falsification of paper work.
Yes the truth detectives have tried every way it can to get as much evidence and information out to the public to let them decide. As part of our defense we will subpoena records , produce evidence, track assets and money expenditures, until we have uncovered every bit of hidden evidence. Let the Chess peices fall were they may!
GID UR DUN!!!!

Anonymous said...

Question of the Day?

What do you call Mr Potato Heads brother when he has alcohol delivered to a fire scene on New Years Eve?

ans: sMashed Potato Head

Anonymous said...

If catskill doesn't have a fire commissioner than why does chewens have a fire helmet that clearly calls him fire commissioner? Can just any one get one of these helmets?

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...

Jim Chewins as fire commish is like putting corky in charge of arc.

8:26 AM


Anonymous said...
EXTRA EXTRA if you would like to be a Truth detective you can contact chief detective( Rick i wish my son was chief Shanks) or asst. chief( Tom I know more than the hole town Burke).You may also contact ( Joel my dad wont let me be chief either Shanks ).If enough people join ranks maybe they can make Joel a Lietenut.

1:06 PM


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

8:56 PM


Anonymous said...
Maybe if joel steals from the village you can make him chief, then he can knock a dj's teeth out and become fire chair person aka wannabe fire commish. Then maybe his father should buy him a pacemaker a he will become chief driver.But then maybe not, joel if you want to be a board member get drunk by lunch every day, and if you want to be a lietent just stop comming around and your bound to get voted in, you know 20 years of not brushing your teeth I mean services will make you qualified.

9:04 PM


Anonymous said...
down with oh-my-god,potato head,tommy boy,don't brush my teeth,don't rock the boat,i can't get a title,my son can't get a title,I so smart I turn wrenchs,disbanded hose 1.

9:08 PM


Anonymous said...
should you call him can't get a title or can't break the family?

10:43 AM


Anonymous said...
maybe you should call him not a thief which = not a corrupt leader?

10:44 AM


Anonymous said...
Are the truth detectives looking for a gum shoe medical officer?

I know someone who can help over turn peoples personal health records!! Lets call him Dr. your health!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Who sucks "JO" dick more "CT" or his sister?

Maybe "JS" sucks the most

Anonymous said...

grand pappy told my daddy back in my day son a man had to answer for all the air bags he stole, take all the corrupt leaders in Catskill and march them down main st in handcuffs for all the people to see.

You know that justice is the one thing that's hard for Catskill to find, the village p.d. needs to leave the whole donut and draw a hard line. When the mug shots are finished we'll sing a victory tune, and we'll all meet back at fire house salon. We'll raise up our Pepsi against o my gods forces, singing beer "I ment SODA" for my men, water for my horses.

Anonymous said...

thats funny right there, i dont care who you are

Anonymous said...

when your health info's released who you gonna call?

Truth Detectives
or
Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at ocrprivacy@os.dhhs.gov, or call 1-866-788-4989

nana nana nana dudaduddleloo.

Anonymous said...

Chicken dance song for kids
Tune of Chicken Dance

Original lyrics by Maggie LLI




(boy) I'm a rooster on the farm
Cock-a-doodle-doodle-doo

(girl) I'm a happy little hen
Cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck
cluck, cluck, cluck

(boy) There's a comb on my head
Cock-a-doodle-doodle-doo

(girl) I can lay you many eggs
Cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck
cluck, cluck, cluck

(sing la, la, la...... when it comes to the middle
part of the song)


(both) We live in a chicken coop
(boy) Cock-a-doodle-doodle-doo

(both) On a big and happy farm
(boy) Cock-a-doodle-doodle-doo

(boy) I say Cock-a-doodle-doodle-doo
(girl) I say cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck
(both) We can do the chicken dance
I know you'll like it too.

doesn't that make you want to knock out someones teeth?

Anonymous said...

Do you think it is possible that Hose #1 peeople attacked the president to turn him against the Catskill Fire Company?

Anonymous said...

It was such a short time ago that I can remember the Hose 1 Sexual Intelectuals (Fcking Know It Alls) bad mouthing everything the previous chiefs did.
Remember
Garbage Man at the fire at Shakesphere on the Hudson arguing with the Chief during the middle of a structure fire where the garbageman thought the truck and the portable pond should have been set up. It worked fine and most remarkably, we never moved it two or three times due to undeciveness. Clear and precise was the way the old chiefs made decisions and stood by them.

Remember at the upper main street fire where Eddy "I'm depressed/no I'm running for Capt" iritable Colon, and President "Its not what you can do for the CFC , But what the CFC can do for Hose 1" Rivenairbagenburg; were standing around bad mouthing the Chiefs. But then again they did this at every call, didn't they.

remember the Judge Pulver fire off of Woodland Ave, where disenfranchised hose 1 die hards led by their fearless leader were jamming the radio, calling in false alarms, and called the insurance company during the fire stating that the Village of Catskill fire truck was parked next to a fire hydrant but was refusing to pump water and was intentionally allowing a house to burn down.

Remember the statements in the paper that allowing Hose 2 and Hose 5 to respond to the district would place the tax payers lives in serious jepordy.

Remember playing eye spy and following trustees around at work and home taking pictures, reporting on their every move, instigating investigations and supplying information to the school board.

OHHH the HOUSE THAT HOSE 1 BUILT"

We mocked our Chiefs every move,
we mocked their decisions,
we mocked their recommendations, we mocked their training,
we mocked their standards,
we mocked their drills,
we mocked our mutual aid brothers.
On and On and On and On!!!!!!!!!!

So you in your ultimate wisdom convinced the wheel chair brigade to come out and support you. And there was those of you who truly beleived in selling out your seperate companies by selling your soul to prove the Village Board and Fire Chiefs were wrong for consolidating and taking your personal posseccions away. There really wasn't any competition as no one esle wanted to run against you in the "House that Hose 1 built". You had already run many folks off already!

So where are we now? Are we the greatest fire company led by our great fearless leaders? Many claim that the department is in the worse shape that it has ever been in. Morale is at an all time low, and hovers there because the Fire Company Board, the officers, the fire commissioner all reflect the arrogant better than you, better than our mutual aid companies, better than the Professional Advisers, hell better than anyone; cant see the truth because my eyes are full of sht meentality! You were going to take over and make things so much better! You did take over, and in your eyes you probally cant see past your nose. Oh please take credit for obtaining grant money that has been made available to all departments for the asking. It took the 911 tragedy to make that available to all just for the asking. What about before when it wasn't available? And we had to beg. Oh yea I for got Hose 1 never had to beg because they were getting $118,000.oo more than the others. What do we have to show for the money? Where did it all go?
It doesn't seem like it was to pay trucks off etc Where did $118,000.00) dollars go every year? Thats over two million dollars of tax payer dollars. There must be something to show for it. I guess it will come out in the assets report. RIGHT

Its obvious that your expertise, leadership and chance to improve the CFC was over ridden by childish pranks, lies, cover ups, personality assasinations, etc etc etc.

You got an "F-" in my book. I'm still waiting for you to achieve your great achievements that you talked so much about.

Where have you taken the CFC and where are we going from here. Dont cry I'm only one man, or I cant do it alone! Want to be a leader start leading. Dont codem the ones speaking out against the childish games and the "Hose 1 must live on mentality". Things will get better but not until the Village Board takes steps to change the "IU cant let go mentality".

The time has come for the Fire Commisioner to be removed as Chair for the Fire Department. His antics and abuse of power would fill a page by itself. The Village Board must realize that he is only concerned with pushing his Hose 1 agenda by now. How can there be so much resentment and animosity and yet the Village Board thought everything was fine? Is=n't there one line officer or board member who is tired of the crap? This isn't just a matter of testosSet standards expected of the Officers. If they are not doing the job get them out! If they respond to a certain amount of calls they are not full filling their job duties! Get rid of them!

Anonymous said...

I started reading an artical in the Daily Mail about a law suit against Tannersville Trustees for abuse of power. I had to look twice because I was expecting the head line to read Catskill Village Trustees are involved in an abuse of power law suit because of alcohol abuse around the fire house. Its amazing in this day and age that a known FF and Corrections Officer with a serious drinking issue would be allowed to roll around the streets of GreeneLand. I cringed at the thought of him harming someone on the roadway. Any good lawyer will start asking questions and there has been such a history of looking the other way that it will cost this village thousands if not millions to settle!
Even after his last arrest he received a work only license and rouitinely drove behind the fire house and dranks out of his truck.

I think Chief Prince summed it up best when he expressed the fire house mentality by saying, we have to find out who the snitch is and get even with them.

Could you imagine if they devoted the man power assets they used to follow Stanly Dushane around town to getting this guy off of the streets.

Anonymous said...

I really feel sorry for him and everone just ignores him. He is crying out for help.

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.

Disappointed with my brother firefighters behavior,

Joel Shanks

Anonymous said...

Joel shanks' comment, while long, is honest and well reasoned and should be read. He is showing a great deal of maturity and his comments and concerns should be taken seriously by the Village and the fire company.

Anonymous said...

Way to go Joel!!!!!!!About time some body stands up with out fear. Hold your head up high,your our hero.

viva cfc
viva Joel

Anonymous said...

JS, you either have one super set of Gonads or you are incredibly stupid. Why give a group of egotistical self proclaimed "I'm Gods Gift to fire Fighting" a chance to mimick you or attack you.

Stanley Dushane stood up and simply allowed Hose 1 to self destruct and he is still being harrassed. $33,000.00 was not nearly enough money and the School Board should be ashamed at such a small settlement. Look at the harassment and abuse that he was given from fellow employees in the Catskill Fire Department. And I wonder why Dick May writing seems to always be anti Dushane, Bataglino etc? Just review his writings. I wonder if he is pro hose 1 or just has a nephew in the department? Surely he doesn't completely buy into their crap.

That reminds me Chico Garafalo also won his lawsuit against the village because of Hose 1 shenanigans, but he only wanted $1.oo restitution because he was simply proving a point. He was right and who was wrong. Never charged the village a cent for his defense! He could have asked and recieved considerably more for that law suit also.

Has anyone ever held the individuals who initiated the problems accountable. I guess it wouldn't matter because we would still allow them into the fire house with open hands and offer them a superintendants position for public relations at $33,000.00 per year.

JS keep a record of the comments, the times and dates of everything. Write down who was present and who participated. Record everything, threats, negative comments, stare down or brush off. Eventually you will be able to have your day in court and hit them hard. Its the only thing that these small minded people understand!

Viva the Catskill Fire Department!

Anonymous said...

Harold, Keep up the work and dont get discouraged!

Stay on course and don't let others side track you with the pastand their pethetic bullshit!

You've done more than
Pauly "I never accomplished anything" OverbillthevillageBaugh

alias:

" When I was Chief"

"I'm putting together a committee"

"Whenever I had a problem I went to the man"

"I'll just hold out until consolidation goes away"

"Just tell us your name"

"How can I trust going inside a burning building if he doesn't sign his name"

(WAIT, THROW THAT LAST ONE AWAY!

I DONT RESPOND TO FIRE CALLS,
LET ALONE GET ON A HOSE LINE,
LET ALONE GO INSIDE A BURNING BUILDING, oH HELL, Please Just tell me your name damn it!!!!
"i JUST WANT TO GET EVEN"

His legacy of accomplishing absolutely nothing will go no where! At least you can be instrumental in finally driving the CFC in the right direction for the right reasons!

Anonymous said...

I just took over an hour trying to track comments and blogs I've heard about. Theres a few rookie bloggers who have posted comments on past writings. What a drag because you have to go back and forth through back issues time and time again.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the CFC suffers from over inflated egos. I have never heard such pethetic excuses for leaders. Appointed family members who never show up?
Vote rigging to the fullest!
Get your own way by stacking the deck in your favor?
Attack anyone who supports the CFC because you hiddenly want the fire company to fail so a certain group of I never succeeded in anything/ i want to get paid instead of volunteering swine create a paid fire department.

Reading the blogs makes one thing clear.

The Village Board has to take emmediate action.

1st and foremost remove Chewens as Fire Commissioner Pronto!

He is ultimately responsible good or bad and its obvious that something is DRASTICALLY wrong at the CFC!

Abuse of Power is a serrious charge these days and could come back to haunt more than just the fire department.

Confistcate all Hose1,2,and 5 assets and return them to the Catskill Fire Department.

Emmediately take possession of ETA 3-11.

Place a servicable engine or the ladder truck back at the main st station.

According to the Chief and Fire Commissioner there is a used engines available on top of the hill. If its in storage and not being used nothing is lost, not having it available on the East Side when a garage is availble is ludercrous. Its obvious that jealousy and financial gain motivated this move in the first place.

I heard firemen talking out at the Place Resturant that many former firemen from Hose 2 would consider returning to the Catskill Fire Company if it started manning the station next to the Police Department. They just cannot stomach being thrown in with the Top of the Hill Bunch yet.
Gaining assets are more important than holding prejudices against these fire men. Why attack the men who followed the fire commissions advice and quit? You welcomed the 5 Hose 1 thieves back into the department with open hands and there is nothing left to the Main St station but the garage bay itself. Everything upstairs has been turned over to the Village and the police department. What would it really hurt other than the egos of the Fire Commissioner and the Fire Chief who openly admitted that they would close down both station. Haven't they already harmed morale in this fire department enough? Lets try rebuilding and moving forward instead of the childish games.

Put in place a tribunal or a village contact outside of the CFC to hear and investigate complaints that the CFC members make. This will insure that all issues are honestly addressed in a civil and fear maner.

I also just visited the Catskill Fire Department site at LOCALFIREHOUSE.COM.

Why is the first picture in the gallery one of a cream colored engine with a for sale sign on it? I thought that a civil municipality had to advertise and collect bids ? How was the bidding done on the ladder truck sold to Coxsackie? Is this considered insider trading where you limit the exposure to the truck and then offer it to a specific company for a super low deal? Didn't the paid advisers tell us to keep the ladder truck? What family members were involved in the sale of that truck for only 30,000.00? I heard it only had 8,000 miles on it. Is that true? And we are now going to consider paying out some $750,000.oo dollars to replace the current ladder truck?

Why hasn't the fire comapny books been reviewed to insure that all monies were fairly handled. Rumours abound that there was monies past from the men to a ladys social club to hide it from the village. I WANTTO KNOW WHERE THIS TAX MONEY HAS GONE AND IF ANY OF IT WAS STOLEN OR MISAPPROPRIATED! Now not next week and not next year, Your only providing dishonest characters with a way to cover their mis deeds.

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON HERE AND WHY HASN"T THE VILLAGE BOARD BEEN INVOLVED? WHERE IS OUR TAX PAYER MONIES GOING AND WHO IS INSURING THAT EVERTHING IS LEGAL AND LEGIT?

Anonymous said...

Why was the phone number changed on the picture of E 3-1. It use to have a phone number of the Village of Catskill? There is something wrong going on hear! The truth detectives compared it to a picture in December where the public was told to call the Village Office number.

I also noticed that the picture of Hose one on the bottom of the page indicated it was taken in the summer yet this is an old picture taken in the Winter. see the snow. Chiefs Ormerod control this site. And were also involved with finding a buyer for the ladder truck. This opens up a whole new area as why are they selling trucks sop cheaply and what doi they gain from it? Finacial reward in the form of kick backs or are they just simply targeting assets that belonged to their former enemies? OH BOY THE HOUSE THAT HOSE 1 built gets worse and worse!

Anonymous said...

A super sleuth belonging to the Truth Detectives uncovered another startling revelation as they were searching Municipal Law concerning the sale of Engine 3-1 with out following the necessary procedures under municipal law.
Refer to

Elliot Spitzers "Guide to Sales and other dispositions of assets pursuant to Not For Profit Corporation Law 510-511.
www.oag.state.ny.us/charities/charities.html
It is evident that the individuals responsible for the content on the LocalFireHouse.com site for the Catskill Fire Company Inc under the picture Gallery the truck is being offered for sale without following municipal law. A Jr correspondent picked up on this incredible abuse and possible illegal sale of Village of Catskill Assets. When one of our correspondents contact the Village of Catskill Clerks office they denied knowing anything about the sale.
Established guidelines such as three separate appraisals to determine fair market value were obviously not done and it appears that it is only being introduced to certain selective buyers. Considering this gallery location is only known to individuals told to look for the truck there.
This could clearly indicate insider sales. This is trouble sum considering the extremely low sales price of the ladder to Coxsackie and what appears to be insider knowledge of the truck to limited sources. In fact if this office remembers correctly Coxsackie was the only Department to show any interest? Are they the only ones to review that site indicating a closed sale of municipal property. ANOTHER WORDS< COOKING THE BOOKS

Anonymous said...

Vote No For Chewens. Don't
let "the problem" go on.

Anonymous said...

fire alarm is going off is that where all the bloggers are

Anonymous said...

Absolutely Amazing!

See, you people can turn ANY converstation, whether it verbal or written, into something to do with firematics! Don't you people have any real lives?

The original issue was about the CSB awarding a janitor an absurd amount of money without public input...

You guys need a life or better yet, why don't one of you pyros figure out how to start your own blog to talk about the CFD! That way you can all talk to your hearts content and let those of use who want to talk about the issues at hand do so with out all this fire BS.

Anonymous said...

Well it's 4:15 pm on tuesday the 17 of January. I just returned from a fire alarm back to the fire house when I was approached by P.D. ORMEROD.He expressed his anger that he hasn't been mentioned on this blog yet, and that he's been kicked out of the fire house once already so I should try to do it again. P.D. I don't feel you should be thrown out again, you have already been arrested once for reportedly stealing fire equipment from the fire station and storing it in your grandparents basement. You did the crime and you did your time. I believe that every one deserves a second chance and so far you've been a asset to the Catskill Fire Department. As I stated before you don't scare me and I'm not going to quit. I'm here to tell the truth so feel free to ask me.

P.D. here's your five minutes of fame!

Joel Shanks

Anonymous said...

12:16pm blog, be man enough to state your name

Anonymous said...

Blog 2:27pm... what makes you think I'm a man? Can't a woman have an opinion? Is it so hard to imagine that a woman can make a good point?

Anonymous said...

Why should I state my name, when none of you have the balls to do it!

Anonymous said...

6:49pm women suck thats why we never let them join our company.

hose 1 rules

Anonymous said...

Hot off the press!


Pleases visit local fire house web page. Look under personnel and check out the fire protection committee chairman. Thats right under extreme pressure from the public the vill. web site was forced to remove "aka commissioner" from his name. Village officals stated "we didn't realize he made up his own title, and this is not correct". Thank you for your support and remember your voice is being heard.
viva la taxpayers

Truth Detectives

Anonymous said...

It is very easy to start a FH blog, look at the top of the page and hit "start your own blog"

Anonymous said...

"85% truth" sounds like enough to get a B (even with poor spelling and grammar), but only if you know which 15% is bogus.

Interim grade on this "discussion:" F

Anonymous said...

What is the local FH web page. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

web site which every fire dept in the U.S. has a page on. go to localfirehouse.com and search for catskill fire company inc.

Anonymous said...

President Rivenburg was heard on greene county fire radio asking one of the catskill chiefs if he wanted m314 at another alarm or if he wanted him to put in back in the hole i.e. station 2 on main st. Some leader and official of the fire company.

angry tax payer

Anonymous said...

what does in the hole mean?

Anonymous said...

I believe "shit" hole

Anonymous said...

Its a term that convicts use to talk of a place one is sent for severe punishment.

The president was one of the five thieves who stole air bags in their attempt to reinstitute Willeys Hose 1.

And being a NY State Corrections Officer he is very fluent with the terms that scumbags in the prison system uses.

Since the chief is trying to become a NY State Corrections Officer he was probally working on the proper use of terms for his benefit.

In recent years it seems having hands on experiences is a prefered prerequisite for becoming a
leader in the fire community throughout Greenland.

Reminds me of that famous MOTTO:

Screw Up, Move Up!

Anonymous said...

GEEZ,

Does this represent GreenLands finest?

OR;

Its worse?

Once a thief, always a thief!
once a scumbag, always a scumbag!
Once a Hose 1'r always a Hose 1'r.

All one has to do is sit back and watch their true colors come out.

Now I truly am realizing why its so important to rid the fire company of every nuance of Hose 1.

Anonymous said...

GEEZ

Get rid of the old Hose 1 members, what would you have?

NO FIRE COMPANY AT ALL.... LOOK AT THE ROLL CALLS. KEEP THE ATTACKS GOING, YOUR ONLY ADDING FUEL TO THEIR FIRES TO KEEP THEM COMING AROUND.

There are some of the old Hose 5 members in that come around, but not as many as Hose 1.

Where are the old Hose 2 members. Oh yea, they just up and quiet because they lost their "social club" that they had on main street for a year without a fire truck being there.

Keep the personal attacks on everyone going. They will come back to someone eventually and someone will end up paying the pipper for it in the end.

Like the old saying goes "every dog has his day".

Anonymous said...

Funny you say check the roll call.

1) I've been told by multiple people that the 1st Lt. has told them not to check me off on roll call just because he hates me, not that someone who acts like he's two years old hurts me but none the less.
2) Since the dist. contract is almost up there has been a recent increase in the amount of hose 1 members showing up.
3)how many of the people who get checked off on roll call even leave the fire house to go to alarms? I know for a fact that some members put beers down on the bar and walk up front open the garage doors then check them selfs in on roll call. What a great firemen that is. Or what about the members who drive by and wave, next thing you know they are being marked off. Please tell me it doesn't happen.
4) Why wouldn't more hose 1 members come around? They haven't lost anything, they have gained 2 trucks newer than any of their own, shut down the other two stations, took all the logos of the others companies off but got to keep their own on 3-11. As a tax payer I'm outraged that they took a razor blade to a truck less than a year old just because it said hose 2 on the side. Now that truck has big nick's in the paint, that should be a crime in it's self.
5)When you have a chief who makes statements like "I hate him" or bashes every thing certian members do, no wonder people quit, but don't worry I wont. Just remeber onething it's a small town and no matter what you say or where you say it at it gets back to me.

If you take a job as a leader be prepared to:

act professional
be nice to people you don't like
deal with all the crap it's part of the job

How valid is the 5:01 blog? I don't know they won't put a name to it!

Joel Shanks

Anonymous said...

I am curious how many bloggers actually attend meetings and / or go to fires? If they do not they should just shut up and let the members still involved with CFC do what they have to do to make things work. Former members of any of the companies who just stick around for the "fun" of starting trouble & not letting the past go, should just let them be. However, if some of the blogs are true , leaders are people who are supposed to set examples for the "troops" not shoot everyone down whether you agree with them or like them, you should be neutral.
There are also several past members who are not even involved anymore and many current members who are not involved in all the "politics" of firefighting, and its not fair to group each company with every comment or complaint.

Anonymous said...

We agree whole heartedly!

If your one that remains silent and watches the attacks for the last two years, then your guilty by association!

If your just as sick as we are, join us and lets finish the battle so we can get back to rebuilding the CFC.
Viva the CFC

Anonymous said...

Does anyone care about the money? It is BS if Hose #1 and or Hose #5 have my tax money and my donations sitting in a bank account when those fire companies don't fight fires.

Is each company going to turn this money over to the village to be used for the fire company or turn this money over to the Catskill Fire Company?

Did you Companies file the statement about your assets and liabilities as previous comments have indicated are required by law?

Will the truth detectives check on this and report to us and the state if this doesn't happen.

Anonymous said...

This entry is in reply to the "angry taxpayer at 1:52 pm and "anonymous" at 3:35 am.

(times on this blog have to be off)

Yes I got on the radio and asked Chief Ormerod if he needed M-3-14 at another call or if I can put it back in its hole.

The hole I was refering to is the Garage Door and apparatus bay that M-3-14 belongs in. Not some shit hole or some slang term used in a prision as some may think.

I want someone to show me where anyone was convicted of stealing anything. Everyone knows that the whole thing a few years ago was politically driven by 8 individuals. They all know who they are. They had a vandeta against certain people and that whole incident should of never gotten nearly as far as it did. But that is all water under the bridge. There are a couple of those indivuals that as President and a member of the Catskill Fire Company that I have to work and deal with. I have no problem working and dealing with them on a professional basis. That doesnt mean that I will go socialize with them.

You want to call me names, go right ahead, that doesnt bother me. I know I am more of a man then that. Am I from Hose Co. No. 1, yes I am and I am proud to be from Hose Co. No.1, just like those who are from Hose 2 and Hose 5 are proud of where they came from. Dont forget that I started in Hose Co. No. 5 and left to go to Hose Co. No. 1. I get along with those in both companies and will continue to get along with those in both.

I was elected President of the Catskill Fire Company last year and again this year to serve the membership of the Catskill Fire Company. If you think my true colors are coming out, then tell me what colors they might be since I was a member of both Hose 1 and Hose 5 and I am currently a member of the Catskill Fire Company serving the membership of the Catskill Fire Company?

My place of employment has nothing to do with the Catskill Fire Company. If the Chief is trying to get a Job with NYS or any other job for that matter, that is none of anyones business but his own and his family. His place of employment has nothing to do with the Catskill Fire Company of Fire Department.

One comment on this blog amazes me.

"In recent years it seems having hands on experiences is a prefered prerequisite for becoming a
leader in the fire community throughout Greenland."

I think anyone in their right mind would want a leader in the fire community to have hands on experience in the field of firefighting and not someone who is just book smart with minimal experience and cant put their knowledge to practical use. We have been there in the past with a couple of officers.

If you truly realize why its so important to rid the Catskill Fire Company of the nuance of Hose 1, then you should rid it of the nuance of Hose 1, 2 and 5. Why signal out just one. I dont feel there is a problem with any one group running the Catskill Fire Company. The officers of the company are running it elected by the membership of the company. As sad as it is, the elections as any election is won by the most popular person. That is life. We dont get to always pick those who are going to lead us, but we do have to listen to them and obey their directions and not constantly fight them. If you feel someone isnt performing their duties to standard then that needs to be addressed through the "Chain of Command" not trying to constantly "buck the system".

If you put as much time into the Catskill Fire Company as you do writing on here, then you would see what really goes on. If you believe everything you read here, your dumber then I want to know.

In closing, yes I do have the balls to sign my name to my entries.

I am the President of the Catskill Fire Company, Harold Rivenburgh.

If anyone want to know what is really going on in the Catksill Fire Company you can contact me and I will explain and clairify anything you want.

Anonymous said...

Just for information purposes, your time is off by 3 hours.

Harold Rivenburgh

Anonymous said...

ON A VERY SERIOUS NOTE:

Since most members of the Catskill Fire Company read this blog daily.

I just want to inform everyone that Past Chief Joe Meo passed away and the wake is Friday 2-4 and 6-9 and the funeral is 9am at the funeral home (Travers) and at St. Pats Church at 10am.

Members of the Catskill Fire Company are meeting at 6:45 pm Friday night for the service.

If anyone is interested and avaliable for a special detail for this please contact me as soon as possible so we get everything coordinated.

Thanks you,

Harold Rivenburgh
President
Catskill Fire Company, Inc.

Anonymous said...

Mr Rivenberg please answer the following question. I'd appreciate your input on this



Does anyone care about the money? It is BS if Hose #1 and or Hose #5 have my tax money and my donations sitting in a bank account when those fire companies don't fight fires.

Is each company going to turn this money over to the village to be used for the fire company or turn this money over to the Catskill Fire Company?

Did you Companies file the statement about your assets and liabilities as previous comments have indicated are required by law?

Will the truth detectives check on this and report to us and the state if this doesn't happen.

Anonymous said...

Harold I tried calling your house and the phone rang 20 times. Maybe your online. I want to help out Friday. I get out of work at 6:00 pm on Friday. Call me at home 943-0502.

Joel Shanks

Anonymous said...

Harold who are these 8 people in the co. you despise but have to work with.?Is it the same ones you buddy up to when there in front of your face and then bad mouth when they walk out the door.you have always been the biggest flip flooper going.Its people like you who hold grudges and hold officer positions that have run this new co. in the gutter.

Anonymous said...

Yes, please answer this. I also think that this should be addressed by the president of the Fire Company or one of the officers.





Does anyone care about the money? It is BS if Hose #1 and or Hose #5 have my tax money and my donations sitting in a bank account when those fire companies don't fight fires.

Is each company going to turn this money over to the village to be used for the fire company or turn this money over to the Catskill Fire Company?

Did you Companies file the statement about your assets and liabilities as previous comments have indicated are required by law?

Will the truth detectives check on this and report to us and the state if this doesn't happen.

Anonymous said...

Truth Detectives have just uncovered the person behind the 5:01am blog. It's no other than RANDY ORMEROD, I guess he forgot to put his name on it, again. Do your self a favor and grow some balls.

and remember your own saying?

"Keep the personal attacks on everyone going. They will come back to someone eventually and someone will end up paying the pipper for it in the end.

Like the old saying goes "every dog has his day"."

P.S. Randy, shouldn't use the same things you say at the firehouse in your blogs then try to be anonymous.

Anonymous said...

I also want someone to answer about Hose 1 and 5 having money in the bank. When will that money be given to the Catskill Fire Company?

Anonymous said...

JOKE OF THE DAY

WHAT DO YOU CALL A FAT MR. POTATO HEAD WEARING A HOSE 1 SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST SHIRT?

ANS; Lumpy Potato HEAD

Anonymous said...

I am replying to the following entries: Anonymous at 1:50pm and 3:17 pm.

The membership of the Catskill Fire Company does not volunteer their time because of money. Does the Catskill Fire Company get money to benifit the membership of the company from time to time, yes. Does Hose 1, Hose 2, and Hose 5 have money in their accounts, I honestly have no idea. Each company is still incorporated and can legally still have bank accounts and assets, so that is a mute point to keep bringing up. Everyone keeps mentioning just one company,if your going to mention any at all, it should include all three.

As far as each company turning their money over the the Catskill Fire Company, that is up to each individual company. So far NONE of the companies (Hose 1, Hose 2, or Hose 5) have turned money over the the Catskill Fire Company. Why should one company turn anything over if the others dont?

The Catskill Fire Company filed whatever paperwork we are required to file. As far as Hose 1, Hose 2, and Hose 5 I cant speak for them.

I do not despise anyone in the Catskill Fire Company. Not all of the eight people I referred to in my entry were members of the fire company. There are a couple who have stayed in the fire company and I have mended the fences with those and have a professional working relationship with. I dont agree with some of the things they did in the past, and they know that, but that is all behind us now and we are now working TOGETHER for the Catskill Fire Company. I am not going to get into putting name on here and having people twist things around to make it look like its something its not.

As far as me buddying up to people in front of others is far from the truth. I believe one of the earlier entries stated that officers need to be respectfull towards everyone and get along with everyone on a professional basis and see all sides of issues. That is what I attempt to do on any issue put in front of me. Sometimes your not going to like the outcome of the decisions that are made, but I will talk to all involved and get as much information and will make the best educated decision that I can. If you think that is flip flopping, then thats on you. I do not hold grudges against members of the this company, and yes I have been an officer of the Catskill Fire Company since it was organized in 2003. I am not the only one who has held officer possitions since then.

If you feel that I am running this company in the gutter and your a member of the company then maybe you should come to the next monthly meeting and everyone after that and start voicing your concerns.

I know if the membership of the Catskill Fire Company can stop the bickering and work together on all issues, we could have a powerhouse of a fire company that could surpase what the old companies had and everyone (firefighters and taxpayers) would be even more proud of.

The Catskill Fire Company has alot of potential, but everyone has to give it a chance to grow and iron out our problems internally and not air everything out on the street. Airing everything on the street is only slowing and hurting the Catskill Fire Company.

To the membership that is coming around and sticking with the company, keep up the good work.

Thank you,

Harold Rivenburgh

Anonymous said...

Thanks for that comment kermit the frog!