LATEST NEWS
ON-DUTY INJURY 9/28
If anyone received an on-duty injury, the City is permanently responsible for treating said injury under Section 207(c) of the NY General Municipal Law This does not require disability retirement.
However, for several years, the City has balked at covering treatment once the employee has retired. Rick Brunelle has engaged an attorney to look into the matter, but the City has refused to provide any info due to HIPAA. If anyone has received an on-duty injury and the City has refused to cover treatment, it would be appreciated if you contact Rick at: rbrunelle2@twcny.rr.com. HIPAA doesn't apply to if you are freely sharing your own information.
SPD SPONSORED HR218 QUALIFICATIONS for RETIRED OFFICERS - 10/8 (Sat)
From John Savage: The SPD Chiefs Office has approved the SPD Firearms Section to administer HR-218 Qualifications for retired SPD Officers ONLY.
HR-218 is the federal certification initiative that allows retired police officers who left in good standing with their LE agency, to carry a concealed handgun nationwide. You must also have a valid Pistol Permit in the state of your primary residence. If you are currently retired from SPD but currently employed as a sworn law enforcement officer for another LE agency, you do not need the HR-218 certification to carry nationwide.
See the Coming Events tab for further details
SPD JOB OPENING - 8/24
The Syracuse Police Department is seeking a qualified Special Patrol Officer [SPO] candidate to fulfill the position of ASSISTANT DIRECTOR of the JUNIOR CADET PROGRAM.
This position is designed to be part-time in accordance with NYS Retirement System guidelines for retired law enforcement officers. The Assistant Director will work under the guidance of a Director to facilitate and energize a 50-week program for youth between the ages of 18 – 24 years old. The comprehensive program is designed to provide individuals with training and work experience that will assist them in pursuing a career in law enforcement. You will be mentoring and training our next generation of Syracuse Police Officers. Program Goals: Upon successful completion of the Junior Cadet Program, cadets will be eligible for a fulltime civilian position at the Syracuse Police Department, until such time that they are accepted as a Police Recruit in the Syracuse Regional Police Academy.
Minimum Requirements for Assistant Director SPO Position:
- Candidate must be a retired, certified NYS law enforcement officer, in good standing from separated agency.
- Eligible and willing to abide by the hiring requirements of the City of Syracuse.
- Excellent communication, organization and documentation skills.
- Strong computer skills
- Forward thinking and motivated individual, with a demonstrated strong work ethic.
- Willingness to seek progressive training and concepts to deliver to the department.
- Ability to adjust hours per department training needs.
- Duties:
- Must be willing to teach DCJS Certified Lessons. IDS Certified preferred.
- Oversee Physical training of cadets
- Oversee and ensure readiness of Cadets to be prepared for a career in Law Enforcement
- Be able to work morning hours Monday to Friday, Flexible
- Assist with scheduling duties
- Other tasks as requested by Director of the Program
If interested, please contact: Syracuse Police Department; Human Resources Division at hr@syracusepolice.org
PENSION COLA ANNOUNCED - 8/13
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has announced that the new pension cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be 3%, the highest COLA ever, and the maximum amount authorized by statute. The prior highest COLA was 2%, a mark hit just once. The COLA is applied to the first $18,000 of your pension benefit. Generally, you must be over 62 years and retired for 5 years. The COLA is based on 50% of the rate of inflation, and can never be less than 1%, or higher than 3%.
The COLA increase will appear in monthly pension payments starting in late September. The maximum annual increase is $540, or $45 per month.
Recognizing the deficiency in the current formula, RPEA has had legislation introduced to enact a “catch up” provision going back 21 years to provide a COLA equal to the actual rate of inflation, while keeping the 3% cap in place. The “catch up” applies only to retirees already eligible for a COLA. The bill also raises the income threshold from $18,000 to $21,000, which would apply to everyone going forward.
With the actual rate of inflation hovering at a 40 year high of about 9%, retirees need help. Our “catch up” provision in the new bill will provide a boost for those already retired and eligible for the COLA. The “catch up” would be a one time calculation, but it would become part of your base pension amount, and you would receive it every year going forward. It will be our highest priority next session.
PENSION FUND POSTS 9.5% RATE OF RETURN - 8/13
Yesterday Comptroller Tom Di Napoli announced that the State Pension Fund investment returns was 9.5% for the state fiscal year that ended March 31, 2022. The return on investments increased the Fund's value to $272.1 billion.
As this is indeed good news, While pensions are guaranteed and safe it is reassuring to see positive return during these volatile times in the investment realm. Secondly, the high return and growth in the Fund bodes well for our increase the COLA next year, as the fund is secure safe. We commend Comptroller DiNapoli for his stewardship of the fund.
During the fiscal year the Fund paid out$ 14.7 billion in benefits. The 9.5% rate of return far exceeds the Funds long-term rate of return of 5.9%.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES - 7/18
Cayuga County S.O. job opportunities
Security Officers: $22-24 part-time
Go to .. https:mycivilservice.cayugacounty.us
Scroll down to "Continuously Accepting Applications", Special Patrol Officer
Cicero PD is hiring 3 SROs (Cicero El, Lakeshore El and Smith Rd El).
Resumes can be submitted to: Srotunno@ciceropd.us
Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood advised that he is seeking multiple school resource officers in Madison County for the upcoming school year. If you are interested in applying for a school resource officer position, please email Todd: todd.hood@madisoncounty.ny.gov
Veterans Affairs Police at the VA hospital has 10 police Officer openings. No military experience necessary. Starting pay $52k.
Check USAJOBS for further info. The posting should be out this month. https://www.usajobs.gov/job
INSURANCE NOTE- 6/15
SPD has started to contact members with forms to update their life insurance information. This is legitimate. I encourage everyone to complete the form and return it ASAP. A few years ago, a member contacted me because he hadn't changed his beneficiary from wife #1; he was on wife #5 at the time.
Just to recap, when you retire, you carry a no-cost life insurance policy with you. Retirees have $10,000 in coverage. There is no expiration. There used to be more depending on your age, but I've been told this is a flat rate now.
MAY 2022 MEETING
President Marcely asked for a moment of silence honoring members who have recently passed away and for the victims and families regarding the recent shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde, Texas
United Police & Fire Retirees Report:
- Letter from the UPFRA regarding retiree health insurance was noted. See below in New Business
New Business:
- A request from the PBA and the FOP to sponsor two holes at the upcoming annual golf tournaments. The Retirees Association’s BOD has approved a $100 for each.
- The SPD PBA Annual Clambake will be held on Sunday, 18 September 2022 at the Spiningwheel. Retired SPD members are invited at no charge
- Brother Carman Surace will be 95 years young in June and a birthday parade will be held on Tuesday 14 June @ 1800hrs. A caravan of vehicles will meet at the Tops Market - Brewerton Rd, North Syracuse and caravan to 213 Sandra Dr. All guests are asked to remain in their vehicles. Gifts can be made in Carm’s honor to: Clear Path for Veterans, Honor Flight Syracuse Inc, Syracuse Police Retirees Association
- Brother Roger Baker advised the group of the Memorial Day Parade in Jamesville. Start time is 11:00. It is a well attended family event and he encouraged members to attend.
- Brother Dave Glisson thanked the SPD PBA for sponsoring the recent motorcycle ride. The ride started and finished at the Valley Legion
- SPD Chief of Police Joseph Cecile was in attendance at the meeting along with First Deputy Chief Shoff Jr, DC McGurk, DC Trudell and newly appointed DC Julie Shulsky. PBA President Joe Moran was also in attendance. Chief Cecile addressed the meeting and said his top priority is to restore the department morale which has taken a plunge lately.
- The UPFRA State Association sent an email regarding a recent court decision (Donohue v. Cuomo) which basically said that there were no guarantees for retiree health insurance unless addressed in contracts. PBA President Moran assured us that he was aware of the decision and said that City of Syracuse-PBA contract DOES guarantee retiree coverage.
Good & Welfare
- Scholarship winners: Chase Dadabo (Nick's grandson) and Alison Tierney (John's granddaughter). Congratulations and our best wishes for success in your educational goals.
- Retired D/C Bill Hanna attended. He is still recovering from a serious motorcycle accident over a year ago, but he (and we) were grateful that he made it to the meeting.
- from Phyllis Lorenz: "Thank you so much for including our Survivor's Support Group in the monthly meetings and other events. As you know, this means so very much to all of us. What a great feeling tonight to see smiles all around with the new Chief and Joe Moran both there for the good of all. I think this will be a very promising mix for our police community. Keep us in mind for anything that we can do to help out with any projects and events."
Have a safe and happy summer. See you when we resume meetings in Sept.
CITY OF SYRACUSE LIFE INSURANCE - MAY 14
SPD has started to contact members with forms to update their life insurance information. This is legitimate. I encourage everyone to complete the form and return it ASAP. A few years ago, a member contacted me because he hadn't changed his beneficiary from wife #1; he was on wife #5 at the time.
Just to recap, when you retire, you carry a no-cost life insurance policy with you. Retirees have $10,000 in coverage. There is no expiration. There used to be more depending on your age, but I've been told this is a flat rate now.
SPECIAL PATROL OFFICER
After months of work, I was finally able to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with Chief Buckner permitting our retirees to work Dome events/traffic control. For those who are interested, please complete this application and return it to the PBA (PO Box 11218, Syracuse, NY 13218). The application states to return it to City Hall, but if you send it to me, I will make sure it gets filed properly.
When completing the application, under the "Employment Data" section, select Other (list), and next to the selection, write "SPO". Retirees will be called in "on an as-needed" basis to supplement details, which will help our active members from being ordered in. As I have previously explained, we are having a very difficult time filling Dome related events due to our staffing crisis. The rate is $28/hr, which is the current rate for our SPO's who work for SPD. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Joseph Moran - PBA President
....... SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP .......
Phyllis Lorenz - "To help others who experience the loss of their spouse, attending calling hours, help with paperwork or anything else that may be needed. We can assist in finding painters, handymen, contractors & yard work.
You can contact Phyllis via email at phylgeorge@aol.com
AIR 1 FOUNDATION
Please help keep Air 1 flying.
The Air 1 Foundation website (Facebook)
