FREQUENTLY REQUESTED TELEPHONE NUMBERS

PBA                                              212-298-9100 
125 Broad Street, 11th Floor, New York City NY 10004-2400
         
DEA General Office 212- 587-1000       DEA Benefits 212- 587-9120

 The SBA office has moved to 155 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013 because of much-needed repairs required at the Worth Street office,.
 Health and Welfare office is               (212) 431-6555.
All other union matters is                    (212) 226-2180.

SOC                                            212- 964-7500

NYPD Pension Section         212-693-5100

The NYPD Payroll Section has moved from 1 Police Plaza to 90 Church Street, 12th Floor, NYC, NY 10007. 
Retirees who need to update their address with the Department should send a notarized letter to the corrected address.

NYC Employees Health Benefits                             212- 513-0470
NYC Employees Retirement System (NYCERS) 347- 643-3000
Notification of death of retiree                                 646-610-5580

Social Security                        1-800-772-1213
Empire Blue Cross                 1-800-433-9592
Medicare Part "B"                   1-800-333-7586
Caremark (Prescriptions)     1-877-722-7911
Advance RX.com                      1-888-266-5691

PRE- MERGED TPD IDENTIFICATION CARDS

This is the latest information regarding ID cards as of June 6th, 2023, and sent by Lou Hollander:

There is a new procedure for former members of the TPD to obtain their retired law enforcement ID card. The cards are still being issued by Transit Bureau but there is no longer a need to appear in person at Transit Bureau HQ in Brooklyn.

At least one month before your card is due to expire (or if your card has already expired) call Transit Bureau at 718-610-4660. Inform the PAA that you’re calling to obtain a new TPD ID card. The PAA will ask you a series of questions and ask for a contact telephone number.

About a month later you will receive a call from Transit Bureau ID card section. You will have to email them a copy of your driver’s license, your current ID card, and a digital photo of yourself from the waist up in front of a neutral colored background (no hats or sunglasses please) and no red or yellow background.

After processing, a new ID card will be mailed to you via certified mail.

If you have any questions, contact Transit Bureau at 718 610 4660 or email them at: TBHQPERSONNEL@NYPD.org.

Please note:PO Georges Bazile has retired. Police Officers Frank Pena and Willie Miranda are now processing the ID cards

New York City Police Department
Transit Bureau Personnel Unit
130 Livingston Street, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn NY 11201
718-610-4660
718-610-4555 Fax

METRO PASSES 

Note the new location for the Metro Passes. Thanks to Lifetime Member Ret. PO Richard Ward for informing us of this update.

All members of the force, regardless of what department they retired from, are now eligible for the Metro Pass. They must have completed 20 years as a Transit Police Officer prior to the merge. The Transit Authority's pass unit is now re-located to 149 Pierrepoint St, 3rd floor. Brooklyn, NY. Call them at (347) 643-8312 / 8310.  The office is open from 8:30AM to 4:00PM, Monday through Friday. No appointments necessary.

OTHER USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION
Here's how to contact departments in the Employee Benefits Program

Office of Labor Relations     (New Address)

22 Cortlandt Street
New York, NY 10007-3120
Phone: (212) 306-7200 (General Information)
Fax: (212) 306-7202

http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mailolr.html

Health Benefits Program - Retiree Inquiries Only*

http://www1.nyc.gov/site/olr/financialplanning/financial-planning-worksite-seminar-request.page

 
                                                                           Carol & Frank at Frankie's Christening

Thanks to Lou Hollander for forwading these photos. Fred and Silvia were wed on April 27th.

Watch video to the end and see if you can pick up what Freddy says walking up the aisle. VIDEO https://youtu.be/xiB4J_864dE

  

 

Silvia & Fred Mack       Fran & Joe Mastromarino

Congratulations to the newlyweds and we wish them a long and healthy life together.

Congratulations to Bill and Diane McKechnie

Congratulations also to Freddy Mack and his fiancee Silvia

Freddy Mack proposed to Silvia at the Friday Night Pizza Club. Their video can be seen on YouTube  https://youtu.be/eVSzMqdiqKU

The big day for Silvia & Freddy will be April 27 2024. Congrats can be sent to Freddy at det1013@verizon.net

L-R Chief Morris, TA Commissioner O'Grady, Sgt. John Ferrante, Ptl Tony Grammatico, Chief O'Rourke, Dept. Chief Rapp
Yes, we were called Patrolmen back then.

From Bob Valentino -

I and my friend of more than 50 years, Tony Magliano, went on the Long Island Honor Flight to Washington DC on Friday September 29th. The Honor Flight honored a WWII Veteran, two Korean Veterans and about 50 Vietnam Veterans. It was a memorable day full of surprises and all qualified Veterans should experience this honor.

From Lou Hollander - Bill Wood and I had the Honor of being selected to take the Honor Flight last May. To me it was the experience of a lifetime. Something I will never forget.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN "J.J." WILSON

My son John was promoted to Inspector on 9/29. He is the XO of Manhattan North Detectives.

From Lou Hollander:
Congratulations to you and your son, John. “I can see the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I look forward to seeing you next month when you come to FL”

Congrats can be sent to John at skisinger@comcast.net

The Executive Board and members send their hearty congratulations to Bobby, Tony and JJ, on their recent achievements. Well done !! 

 
These were taken when Edward was appointed Deputy Commissioner with his parents attending

Congratulations to our Lifetime Member Ret. Det. Juan Caban and his wife, Gladys, on their son Edward being named Police Commissioner of the NYPD. We send Edward our best wishes for a successful administration.

You can send congratulations to Juan and Gladys at jcaban10@tampabay.rr.com 

From President Bob Valentino

Jack D'Arcy and President Bob Valentino at the Awards Ceremony

Jack D'Arcy was honored on Thursday July 13, 2023 for his Military Service and for being a Vietnam Veteran by the Long Island Air Force Association. Jack's wife and several of our members were there to congratulate him.
Welcome Home, Jack.

Thanks to Lou Hollander for a few of these photos.

          
Ron Conklin & Tony Lomanto (from District 34 !!!)                                                  Deo Fasolino & Mike Lanning

       

Clockwise L-R:  Deo Fasolino, Mike Lanning, Bill Bucalo (Ron's friend), Doris Lanning, Emily Sicoli
Hilda Conklin, Bill's wife Jackie, Ron Conklin, Tony Lomanto & Tony Piazza

Seated L-R  Tony Magliano, Herb Schoen, Ken Harnose, Lenny DeRosa  /  Standing L--R  Kevin Hickey (NY), Nick Raptis, Tom Lupia

"Now" from 2023

Seated L-R  Nick Raptis, Tommy Strong, Tony Magliano
Standing L-R  Tom Lupia, Ken Harnos, Kevin Hickey (NY)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TOMMY !!!

 
(L) Tommy and Diana                                                                                                 

(R) Tommy, Diana, Beth Garvey, Pam Gunzl, Mickey Perez, George Gunzel. Louie Hollander, Barbara Hollander, Tommy’s daughter Darlene

Standing Darlene, her husband, Peter, Louie Hollander, Mickey Perez, Diana, Pam Gunzel Sitting Tommy, George Gunzl

L-R Pat DeLuca, Ed Burke, Tony Lomanto, Al Ciprello, Russel Liebold, John Kavanagh, Kevin Hickey (NY), John Rocco Carlo, Frank Crisa,
Joe Veneziano, Luke Scarangello, Bob Quigley, Fred Ametrano

Freddy Mack was surprised when he had unexpected visitors at his assisted living facility. Juan Caban and his wife paid him a visit, which made his day,

L to R  Frank Cerar, Rudy Rognon, Tim Griffin, Joe Bainlardi, Jim Kwiecinski, Mike Paccione, Joe Godino, Hugh Lennon, Bob Val, my brother Tom and Jerry Miloscia.

Thanks for making my visit to Florida special. Seeing that everyone is doing well is a plus. If any of you have Mike Paccione's or Joe Godino;s
email please send it to me. If any of you see either of them ask them to call me at 516 509-0010. I would like to see them join our Retirees Assn. - Bobby

We received this great announcement that Robert Ceru, the 16 year old grandson of the late Retired P.O. Edward Merrill, and the nephew of Ret. P.O. David Merrill informing us of the good news that Robert has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America.
The multiyear journey to the Eagle Scout Award is one of the most involved and transformative experiences a young person can have.

Robert belongs to BSA Troop 145 Hughsonville Fire Department in the Town of Wappinger Greater Hudson Valley Council.

He started in Cub Scouts when he was 8 years old and earned his Arrow of Light to bridge over to Boy Scouts where he continued to move up the ranks.
Robert earned the rank of Eagle on January 9, 2023

His Eagle Scout Project was the Robinson Lane Little League Field Flagpole Memorial Renovation and Memorial Bench. Robert did his Eagle Project to benefit the local little league baseball field by his renovating of the flagpole memorial at the field and also put together and added a memorial bench at the site.

Photos of Robert and his grandfather, Ed Merrill, can be viewed in this PDF

Our best wishes to the proud parents, the grandparents, and the newest member of the family. May he enjoy a long, prosperous, and healthy life.

This time my Granddaughter got another scholarship from the Marine Corp League.

My granddaughter, Aleksia, 3rd from right in the front row, graduated from Advanced Training Camp at Ft. Knox KY this past Wednesday after a gruelling 5 week training course. She is in the US Army ROTC, having won a 3 year scholarship and is attending Gettysburg College in PA. She will graduate in May of 2023 as a 2nd Lieutenant.

"Leopoldville: A Tragedy Too Long Secret."

For those members who like WWII history they may find it something they would like to read.

The troopship Leopoldville was carrying over 2,000 soldiers of the 66th infantry division across the English Channel on Christmas Eve 1944 when it was torpedoed and sunk just five and a half miles from its destination, Cherbourg, France. There were 763 soldiers killed and the bodies of 493 soldiers were never found.

My book uses National archive documents, interviews with widows and other relatives of soldiers killed, survivors, and those who participated in the rescue effort. Originally published in July 1997, I made some corrections, included some 50 photos not in the original book, added two new chapters and republished the book under its present title in December 2008.   

In 2004 I helped the White House Committee on Remembrance coordinate a ceremony honoring those killed in the Leopoldville catastrophe. The ceremony was held on November 15th (date the 66th Division sailed from NYC to England) at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Virginia.

Some 160 people from all across America with direct connections to the tragedy attended. U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (ND) escorted Lucy Ruggles whose husband was killed in the sinking to the tomb and placed a floral wreath. At

the time of the sinking, Lucy Ruggles was pregnant, and her twin daughters were born in 1945.  Pfc. Allan J. Dorgan, Senator Byron Dorgan’s uncle, was killed in the disaster. His body was among the 493 never found.

It was my privilege to be the American historical consultant for a Leopoldville TV documentary and I traveled to England & France with the TV documentary producer & film crew. The program originally aired on the National Geographic Channel in February 2009 (Deep Wreck Mysteries...Sunk on Christmas Eve) and periodically re-airs. In September 2015, I had the privilege of presenting a power-point lecture on the disaster & my book at the Bush 41 Presidential Library & Museum in Texas.

Attached for your use is the cover of my book. The illustration of the sinking ship was drawn by Richard Rockwell, nephew of Norman Rockwell.

Best Regards,

(Lifetime Member) Ret. Lt. Allan Andrade

The book is available from Amazon or Barnes & Noble web sites.

Besides us sending packages to the troops, we were able, with your donations, to deliver 8 packages and 8 bags of groceries to Homes 4 Heroes. We
will also deliver a load of gifts to Montrose Veterans Nursing Home on the 14th. Thanks again.

That's Chip on the far right.

RET. P.O. CHIP HAYES GETS AN "ATTA BOY" FROM GUANTANAMO

Very Respectfully,
Michael N. Scott
LTC, MP
Commander, 400th MP BN
Deputy Commander, JDG
Joint Task Force – Guantanamo

Well done, Chip!!!

Sent by Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net

               

I have never met Ronnie Morales.  How we actually connected was through my emails.  I believe someone requested that I add him to my email list. Occasionally, especially during the holidays, he would send me artwork which I would send out with my emails.  Over the years, I have collected many of his works of art which I still send out occasionally. Unfortunately, the piece of his artwork I send out too often is the “Rest in Peace”, when one of our retiree’s passes. 
Ronnie was a Sgt. In the US Marines.  After he got out of the Marines, he became a State correction officer for about a year and the went into the NYC Transit Police Academy 7/9/85.  He worked in District 11 and seemed to be an active cop.  He got hurt and retired on three quarters 10/29/93.  

In 1997 he and his wife Rosa moved to Houston TX with their 2 sons. One of his sons is a furniture builder and the other is a motorcycle mechanic.  Ronnie spends most of his time doing artwork and sculpturing and he also likes to do woodwork and leather work.  He has made several holsters for the members of his FOP lodge 39. He is also a member of the Shriners where he is active. He is a kind and generous man. 

During Hurricane Harvey, for weeks he helped people in his community with their property that was damaged.  He and his wife made food for the people who were unable to cook. He feels blessed that he didn’t have too much damage to his home, and he was able to help others.

As I mentioned earlier, he had sent me many drawings which I had shared online in my emails.  When Bill McKechnie was running the Florida Reunion, Bill had asked Ronnie if he could do a few pieces of art that would be fit for the Florida Reunion.  Within a few days he has sent Bill several pieces of artwork. I was surprised to learn that Ronnie did the artwork for the cover of Bob Cohen’s book “The Electric Sewer”.  

Usually within all Ronnies artwork, he inserts his trademark which is “A Tunnel Rat.”  I have been talking with Ronnie quite often and we plan to meet when he comes to Florida to visit his mother sometime in the near future.  A couple of years ago, Ronnie made a sculpture of the “Tunnel Rat” which I love.  You can see it below.  Just a few weeks ago, Ronnie sent me a sculpture of a Dinosaur, which he copied from the Dinosaur Club Patch.  I am sure this has put a smile on Louie Cosentino’s face. Below are some photos of Ronnie and photos of him creating the sculpture.

 

Thanks Lou, and a hardy "Well done!" to Ronnie Morales who we are very happy to have as a member of this Association.

From Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net

You can bet Tommy is walking around like a proud grandfather, as he should be.  His grandson's name is Patrick Walker, 1st officer on the left. I am told by Tommy that his life’s dream was to become a Policer Officer.  They have a photo of him at 5 years old attempting to open the door of a Suffolk RMP.  The kid made the rounds of various Departments.  He first joined the NYPD and was assigned to the 104 Pct. Top pay would have been about $74,000.  He was with NYPD about a year and got called for MTA PD where the top pay was $93,000.  After about 3 months, he went into the Suffolk Academy where top pay at that time was about $117,000.  He graduated Suffolk Academy 3/24/17. I would say the kid made some very good moves.  You can send Tommy a congratulations email at tmoon7238@verizon.net 

Congratulations, Tommy, and great work by your grandson and fellow officers.

Our congratulations to the newlyweds!

Thank you for adding us to the prayer group we feel bless knowing that God is with all of us in Jesus’ name Amen.  We also pray that we will all be together for another Transit Reunion in the not too far future.  In closing We’d be honored to Share our special day. We joined our lives together on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2021.  We had a total of 82 Family & Friends with us on that special day.  Lots Of Love ❤️ ET & Cathy

Congrats can be sent to Eddie and Cathy at eddiejtorres@YAHOO.COM

MINI ROMEO LUNCHEON

It's always good seeing the retirees getting together during these days of the unknown. We are sure all had a grand time and with those "war" stories getting 'enhanced' each time they are told. Way to go, guys!! Looking good, Lou! Yes, all of you too, of course.

From Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net

As I informed you in one of my earlier emails, Freddy moved into a very nice Assisted Living Facility, That was on July 1st .  When he moved in, he was supposed to be in Quarantine for 14 days before he can be around other residents of the facility.  He has many doctor's appointments and has to go out often, so when he returns, the 14 days quarantine starts all over again and he is restricted to his apartment.  He is very happy there and he goes out every day and the residents are wondering “What’s with this guy?”  The only people he sees is his house keepers and the front desk girls.  Once in awhile, he sees a little old lady pass by his room and just looks at him when he says “Hello.”

Last Saturday, my telephone rings and I see it’s Freddy’s cell phone, so I answer and ask where he is and he tells me “I’m in your driveway; come on out."  I go outside and I see him in this brand new 2020 Nisan Titan pick up, 8 cyl. 400 HP with ALL the bells and whistles.  He had a 2020 Nisan Rouge maybe a year old that he traded in.  I asked him why would you buy a pick up and you live in an assistyed living?  His response was: “Because I always wanted one."  Me thinks he wants to impress the little old lady that passes his room all the time.  See photos below. His phone numbers are (H) 727-753-7434  (C) 727-247-2526

Good luck with your new "toy", Freddy, and watch out for those older Florida drivers.

Frank Crisa, Tony Lomanto, and Fred Ametrano  at a recent get together before going to the firing range in Nassau County to hone our skills and have Frank try out his new "toy". Yea, we know...no masks but we were eating at the time, so....

Nick Russo    Freddy’s son Joseph,  Freddy Ametrano, Pete Marsala, Bob Ganley

What? No masks???

Congratulations and our best wishes are in order for Ret. Det. Gene Hennigan who is proud to announce the birth of his 5th grandchild John Christian Giovanelli on July 8 by his daughter Kerri Hennigan.

Alan Berkowitz meets Sami Gayle who co-stars on the TV Series “Blue Bloods.” Sami (Nicky) portrays the granddaughter of the PC ‘

Nice going, Alan...did you get her autograph and did you give her yours?????

Tony & Virgen Fernàndez would like to present grandchild number 5!   Future captain of industry and all-around good guy, Ezra Antonio Fernàndez, born August 7, 2019, 7 lbs. 4 oz, 20 in.  As you can see Father, Mother, & Grandparents are all doing well!!

Congratulations to the proud parents and grandparents. We wish Ezra good health and a bright future.

I thanked Lou Hollander earlier for sending out some of these photos on my recent trip to Australia, so here are a few others for members who don't get Lou's emails. Tony

I went to Sydney, Australia in early August with my daughter, Dorene, and my grandson, Steffen.  He was selected by the Honors Performance Program to perform at the Sydney Opera House with many other talented music student from across the United States and several other countries.
Their performances were outstanding and it was hard to believe the music that came from these high school graduates and students.
Steffen is on his way to Davidson College in NC while his sister, Aleksia, is going to Gettysburg College on a ROTC scholarship.

Thanks to Exec. Sec't'y' John Giangrasso for bringing this to our attention.

From Alan Berkowitz berky4@aol.com

My future son in law graduated from the Palm Beach Fire Rescue Academy on Thursday. He entered a family of former first responders.