? The deadline for submissions for the World Trade Center Notice of Participation (“NOP”) Form has been extended. The Governor signed the extender bill on September 11, 2016, and now the new deadline runs until September 11, 2018.
As you are aware, the Notice of Participation is not an application for disability benefits, but merely preserves the right of the member of the service to file for a WTC disability pension if he or she becomes disabled due to a 9/11-related illness. Failure to file the NOP may preclude the member from receiving a WTC disability pension or death benefit in the future.
The deadline to file for the Notice of Participation to be eligible for the Disability bill and the Death bill has been extended many times since the legislation was passed. However, September 11, 2018 will be the final deadline.
The NOP Form can be found on the NYPD Police Pension Fund website. Click on the link below and scroll down to see the “Pension Alert” about the NOP.
If you believe you already filed, but are not sure, the PPF has listed all the Tax ID numbers of those whose paperwork they’ve already received under “WTC Information” on the left side of the home page. First, click on “WTC Information” and check the pdf file to see if your number is listed. If it is, then you do not have to re-file. However, if your number does not appear, you must file the form (even if you currently have no symptoms of illness) by September 11, 2018to be eligible in the future in case of illness and/or death.
Some of the materials you can use to verify your Notice of Participation work claims include your memo books, DARS (daily activity reports), overtime slips, detail rosters, command log entries (either still at your command or at the borough command), signed and notarized affidavits from colleagues verifying you were at the pile, the Morgue, or Freshkills Landfill, photographs taken at the locations during the rescue and recovery, and/or news articles from the rescue and recovery in which you are mentioned.
July 22, 2017 LATEST ISSUE OF NEWSLETTER HAS BEEN MAILED OUT & TRIVIA ANSWERS
Our latest issue of the newsletter "Beyond the Line," #2017-1, has been mailed out to the PAID members . This issue is an amazing 48 pages and will be the highlight copy of our editor, Frank Crisa, who did a great job putting together all the photos, letters and articles that were sent in and edited by Tony. Any comments will be appreciated and will be posted in the next issue.
As to the Trvia questions in this issue, President Ed Russo gave us these:
The 2 officers who flew to DC were Andy Moschetto and Dave Fischbein
The officer in the porter's room was John Hurley
The officer who wanted to tbe the Lone Ranger in Coney Island was John DeMeis
Do you think these officers could be open for an old OP #8 (not TP #8 - they didn’t have them then)? They were off post, out of sector, out of uniform, off the system, out of borough, out of city and out of state.
Scenario #1, what if they got involved in a shootout while in Washington and had to call the Operations Desk and explain that to them?
Scenario #2, what if, the plane that they were on got highjacked to Cuba and they had to call the Operations Desk and explain that to them?
It's amazing the things we got away with back in those days. - Tony
July 17, 2017 INCREASES EXPECTED IN PENSION COLA AND SOCIAL SECURITY
The September 2017 COLA equals 1.2 percent, for a maximum annual increase of $216.00, or $18.00 per month before taxes.
The Social Security increase is projected to be just 2.2 percent, or about $28 a month for the average recipient. Social Security recipients have gone years with tiny increases in benefits. This year they received an increase of 0.3 percent, after getting nothing last year.
Some good news for seniors: The trustees project that Medicare Part B premiums will remain unchanged next year. Most beneficiaries pay $134 a month, though retirees with higher incomes pay more.
Both Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment and the Medicare Part B premium are to be announced in the fall.
On another note, please check out the latest information on the Medicare Part 'B' reimbursement on our Health & Welfare page for instructions on receiving any additional monies taken out in excess of the regular amount, known as IRMAA.
July 9, 2017 NYPD PENSION SECTION MOVED
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.
June 28, 2017 GREAT TURNOUT AT TRANSIT BUREAU MEMORIAL MASS
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Brooklyn held a memorial mass honoring NYPD Transit Bureau officers who died in the line of duty. NYPD executives, members of the Transit Bureau, and loved ones gathered to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The names of 36 fallen officers were read during the mass as attendees prayed for their families. All of the most recent officers being recognized died due to illnesses contracted while working at Ground Zero.
Police Commissioner James O’Neill and Chief of Transit Joseph Fox spoke during the solemn ceremony. Police Commissioner O’Neill reminded those in attendance that this mass is part of a continued promise by the Department to never forget:
“These heroes have left a tremendous legacy and it is our duty to build on it. We honor them by continuing their vital work and by fulfilling our promise to them and to their families: that they will be a part of our police family forever.”
June 21, 2017 REPORT OF JUNE MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Our thanks to Executive. Secretary. Ron DiMaio for taking the minutes of this month's meeting. Recording Secretary Bob Valentino was very busy serving dinners to the members and award winners and their families.
7:08 PM President Ed Russo called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Tony Lomanto read a list of those who have passed away since our last meeting, among them former past first-Vice President Ret. P.O. Ron Forte, Ret. Sgt. Joe Frasca, and many others.
Regular meeting was temporarily suspended for the Sports Hall of Fame awards.
Bob Valentino, assisted by Bobby Ganley, inducted three new members into the Sports Hall of Fame: Thomas Barrett, Soft Ball (posthumously). His daughter, Denise, accepted her father’s award; William Vitelli, Bowling. Bill was present and accepted his award. Tony Cestare, Bowling, but was unable to attend. His award was accepted by George Mitchell.
Present Hall of Fame Members in attendance: Sam Sapienza, Rich Solieri, Mike Lanning, Bob Kent, Bob Rittmeyer, Stan Baily, Bob Valentino, Joe Carney, and Howie Haag. Some of the new inductee family members were also present.
Bob Ganley spoke about the late P. O. Billy Martin who was assaulted while on duty in 1981 and ultimately died as a result of his injuries. Bob is attempting to have Billy carried has Line of Duty death. He said that it will likely happen. We thank him for his efforts.
50 50 drawing was held with five $40.00 prizes and other prizes provided by John Reeves.
Mary Fitzgerald spoke about the Mets-Yankee game on Wed. August 15. Tickets sell for $110.00 each. Citi Field section 106. Call Mary at 914 263-1813 if interested.
Tony Lomanto stated that the Association received a thank you letter from Richard Di Guglielmo for the support the Association has given him in an effort to change the ruling so that he may be released from prison. We know that he was unjustly convicted.
8:45 PM meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted, Executive Secretary Vincent R. Di Maio
May 14, 2017 REPORT OF MAY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
MINUTES of the RETIREE’S MEETING on MAY 3rd
President Ed Russo called the meeting to order at 8:00pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed asked for a moment of silence for our departed members. Ed mentioned our new associate member Debbie Bonahan.
Executive Secretary Ron DiMaio spoke about the State Constitutional Convention Vote in November. He highly recommended that all members, family & friends vote no as it could be detrimental to our and other civil servants pensions and benefits.
2nd Vice President Harry Hassler spoke about the request to obtain a line of duty death for departed member Bill Martin. He asked if our association and others would write letters to the Police Commissioner for consideration. He also said that he will continue sending trivia questions to Lou Hollender.
Recording Secretary Bob Valentino mentioned that at the June 7th meeting there will be several members who will be inducted into the Association’s Sports Hall of Fame. It will be catered by Verdis.
Ed Russo welcomed Ret. Sgt. Bob Ganley as a new member of the association. Ed presented a token of our appreciation to Bob for his assistance through the years. Bob spoke about how important it is to vote no regarding the upcoming Constitutional Convention. Bob also spoke about the slim chance to get line of duty death for Bill Martin and mentioned the reasons why.
Mary Fitzgerald spoke about the Mets/Yankee game on Wednesday August 16. She gave her phone number (914) 263-1813 and said checks would be fine.
Ret. P.O. Jack Ferone spoke about the recognition he received for driving Veterans to the VA Hospital to Northport. Another one of our members Herbert Brown received the same award.
Vinnie Servedio distributed flyers for the Romeo Luncheon on Thursday May 11th.
Tony Piazza spoke about a new bill regarding the VSF excluding the Housing Police and a supplement to try to bypass the home rule.
The raffle was conducted by Ed & Vice President Mike Lanning. There were four $40.00 winners with additional prizes supplied by a very generous John Reeves.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
Submitted by Recording Secretary Bob Valentino
President Russo informed me later on that NYPD Commissiner James O'Neil appeared at the meeting. The PC had been at another affair in Antuns at the time and stopped by at our meeting. He spoke highly of his time in, and how well it was, in Transit.
Though I was away in Florida on vacation with my fiance, Emily, I did have a "special" meeting with our dear friend and Transit Family member, Lou Hollander and his lovely wife, Barbara. It may have been a small meeting, but it was well enjoyed by all present. Old times were discussed along with what the future may hold for us all. Barbara and Lou were gracious hosts to Emily and myself and we thank them.
April 22, 2017 METS BASEBALL TICKETS AVAILABLE
Our Mets ticket coordinator, Mary Fitzgerald, will again be handling this year’s Mets/Yankee game at Citi-Field on Wednesday August 16. Last year’s game proved to be very successful.
Mary will be handling the ticket sales solely by herself just like last year. All negotiations will be strictly between you and her. All information will be given to you by her. The association will not have any information, you MUST contact her directly and as soon as possible. The ticket price will be $110.00 at this time but Mary further states that they will be going up just like last year. The price includes our group having a photo taken before the game on the field, also admission to a select restaurant not open to other ticket holders. Again, Mary states that you must contact her as soon as possible with payment in advance!
Please inform all those that you may come in contact with who may be interested in the above.
Mary Fitzgerald Cell 914 263 1813
Fraternally, Ed Russo
March 3, 2017 REPORT OF MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MINUTES of the RETIREE’S MEETING on 03/01/2017
President Ed Russo called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed called upon Treasurer Tony Lomanto who named the members who recently passed away since our last meeting. There was a total of 14 retirees that we lost. Tony also said that our finances are in good shape with about 165 members yet to pay their dues. He thanked the membership for so many generous donations to the association.
Executive Secretary Ron DiMaio mentioned that some states do not recognize HR 218 and that members should check each state that they are traveling in. A short discussion about Gun free zones was also discussed.
Recording Secretary Bob Valentino mentioned to expect a cutback in the number of PBA cards issued next year because sworn members are complaining about too many cards being out there.
Member Jacques Maurice spoke about the VSF and members with a disability. He asked that letters be written to state politicians.
Tony Piazza reminded everyone to vote “NO” for a State Constitutional Convention as it could be very bad for retirees. He also spoke about the VSF and mentioned that members with a disability lost in court. He said that a new bill regarding the defined benefit will be introduced this year as the old bill expired.
Both Ed Russo & Tony Lomanto spoke about the NYPD SBA honoring Jeanine Pirro. An official letter was sent to the SBA urging President Ed Mullins to reconsider giving her the award. Member Charlie Moran went into great detail describing why she was not deserving of a heroism award. He talked about Officer Richard DiGuglielmo, who in 1996 went to the aid of his father who was being hit with a baseball bat by an irate person. Officer DiGuglielmo was wrongly convicted and was given a long prison sentence. It is apparent that District Attorney Jeanine Pirro succumbed to pressure from outside groups and labeled the incident a bias crime. Officer DiGuglielmo is still in prison to this day. Charlie also mentioned that many police organizations have sent correspondence to Ed Mullins asking him to reconsider the award.
Associate member Willie Perez was introduced to the membership. He spoke about the great job that the Transit Police did and that he felt very bad about the failure of many members not receiving the defined benefit. He offered his assistance to try to get the new VSF bill passed.
Member Hank Melchiona thanked everyone for their support regarding his brother Michael and asked everyone to remember and keep in their prayers the families of officer Calabrese and officer Smith who were killed 10 years later in the same month as his brother Michael.
Member Vinnie Servedio asked the association to consider having a Dinner Dance like we used to have in the past. President Russo said that it would be discussed at the next board meeting in May.
President Russo mentioned the date for the Met game this year is Wednesday, August 16th. He also reminded the membership that the next meeting on May 3rd will be held at Antuns and not at the FOP.
The raffle was conducted by Ed & Tony. There were three $40.00 winners with additional prizes supplied by a very generous John Reeves.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Submitted by Recording Secretary Bob Valentino
IMPORTANT NEWS:
Due to a special event at Antuns, and requested by Joe King, the meeting scheduled for October 4th at Antuns required a change of date to Thursday, October 5th . Please mark your calendars accordingly.
March 1, 2017 LETTER SENT TO NYPD SBA PRESIDENT
The association had been contacted numerous times these past 2 weeks regarding the NYPD SBA's plans on honoring Judge Jeanine Pirro with a "Heroism Award" at an upcoming dinner in March. Needless to say, the arguments against such an award struck deeply in the hearts and minds of our fellow officers when Pirro was the Westchester County District Attorney in 1996 and she unjustly prosecuted Police Officer Richard DiGuglielmo who was assigned to Transit District 11 of the NYPD, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. Though Richard was acquitted on appeal, the County, furthering the case in a higher court, re-instated the conviction and sentence.
President Ed Russo, in response, sent a letter to SBA President Ed Mullins showing our disapproval of such an award. The letter can be seen HERE
December 9, 2016 ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY PARTY
The annual Christmas and Holiday party held at Antun's this past Wednesday was another successful event attended by many members and friends who enjoyed the food and festivities of the evening.
The highlight of the event was the presence of one of our own, former Transit Police Officer and now NYPDCommissioner, James P. O'Neill. The commissioner spoke of his tenure in the Transit Police Department and how much it taught him about police work. Our President, Ed Russo, presented the commissioner with a plaque.
Another event of the night was the presence of several members of the Classes of 1966, this year being the 50th anniversary of those classes.
November 10, 2016 REPORT ON NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING
From Recording Sect'y Bob Valentino
MINUTES of the RETIREE’S MEETING on 11/02/2016
President Ed Russo called the meeting to order at 7:40pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed called upon Treasurer Tony Lomanto who named the members who recently passed away. Tony also said that our finances are in good shape.
Special guest Eileen Daly-Sapraicone spoke about her experience and expertise in her bid to win the position of Nassau County Family Court Judge. She asked for our support and to vote Row 5.
1st Vice President Mike Lanning spoke about the Health Plan Changeover Open Enrollment which is now in effect and ends November 30th.
Executive Secretary Ron DiMaio spoke about a nice story in Newsday regarding District 30 and the Transit Bureau commanded by Chief Joe Fox. The article mentioned that there are 2591 members assigned to the Transit Bureau.
Recording Secretary Bob Valentino mentioned the hole in one by member Tony Norcia.
Ed Russo reminded everyone about our Christmas/Holiday Party that will be held at Antuns on Wednesday December 7, 2016 starting at 6:00p.m.Cost for members is $20.00 and non-members $25.00. Ed also mentioned that we will be honoring NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill.
Vinnie Servedio spoke about the Romeo and Juliet Luncheon to be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016. Vinnie also acknowledged the hard workers who keep the Transit Police Family together. He mentioned Frank Crisa, Lou Hollander, Paul Murphy, Marilyn Scahill, Tom Strong, John Reeves and Bob Valentino.
Mary Fitzgerald received a beautiful plaque from the New York Mets. She spoke briefly and played a recording that mentioned her at Citi Field.
Tony Piazza mentioned that our bill to get the defined benefit will be reintroduced in January 2017.
Deo Fasolino mentioned that there was some good news regarding member John Tully. After John was told that his Cancer was very bad, Deo was happy to say that John is 94% cancer free.
The raffle was conducted by Mike Lanning. There were three $40.00 winners with additional prizes supplied by a very generous John Reeves. Special prize of a replica of the Yankee Championship Ring was raffled off and won by Mike Lanning.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 P.M.
Submitted by Recording Secretary Bob Valentino
October 10, 2016 REPORT ON OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Our thanks to Executive Secretary Ron DiMaio (Recording Sect'y Bob Valentino and his wife, Jessica, were celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. Congratulations to the happy couple )
MINUTES OF MEETING OF 10/5/16 AT ANTUN’S
7:50 PMPres. Ed Russo called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance.
- Executive Board Report: 2nd VP Harry Hassler congratulated his son, John, who was celebrating his 51st birthday.
-Tresasurer Tony Lomanto gave report of deceaseml:namespace prefix = "st1" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />d and sick members. Financial Report was given showing funds in the accounts. He requested that pictures and articles be submitted for the next issue of Beyond The Line.
-Ed Russo mentioned that John Reeves is selling decals, patches and pins in the back of the room.
-Bobby Lentol spoke about the Spirit Award from the Mets that was awarded to the Association.
-Ed Russo reported that NYPD Commissioner James O’Neil will be our honored guest at the Holiday/Christmas Party to be held at Antun’s on December 7, 2016 at 6:00 PM.
-Our next meeting will be November 2, 2016 at the FOP Bldg.
-Paul Murphy spoke about the TPD Holiday Party New York Reunion to be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Antun’s, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, $58.00 per person in advance or $70.00 cash at the door.
-Tony Norcia reported that the wife of retired Det. Mike Sapraicone, Eileen, is running for Family Court Judge in Nassau County.She has the support of many police organization.He requests our support for her election.
-John Rini, a member of the Legislator Committee, spoke about the Constitutional Convention that will be on the ballot in November of 2017. He recommends voting against it, because this may affect our pensions and health benefits.Our VSF bill expires at the end of this year.Senator Lanza will introduce a new bill next year.
-Ed Russo said that the Association will be represented at the TPD Holiday Party NY Reunion.
- The 50/50 drawing was held and six $40.00 prizes were awarded, as well as seven prizes which were donated by John Reeves.
Chcek out the information on the Health & Welfare page for those wishing to change their health benefits plan.
8:18 PM the Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Vincent R. Di Maio, Executive Secretary
September 18, 2016 REPORT ON SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING
From Executive Secretary Ron DiMaio (Recording Sect'y Bob Valentino had to leave early)
MINUTES OF MEETING OF 9/7/16
NYS FOP BUILDING
7:55 PMPres. Ed Russo called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
-Tresasurer Tony Lomanto mentioned members who passed away and are sick since our last meeting.
-Recording Sec. Bob Valentino welcomed Stan Reitter and Bill Tricarico to the meeting, both who are recovering from serious health problems.
-Ed Russo mentioned that he congratulated the new Police Commissioner James O'Neil and reminded us that he started out as a Transit Cop. The new P.C. was invited to our meetings and Christmas/Holiday Party. He also mentioned that the plaque on display was given to the Association by the METS and is called the Spirit Award.
-Chet Levy reported that he is working on a plan for obtaining TPD ID cards for local retirees without going down to Livingston Street, B'klyn.For out of town retirees there is procedure in place, whereby they can obtain ID cards without making the trip.Contact P.O. George Bazile on our website under Keeping In Touch.
-Tony Lomanto gave a financial report on the Association.He also solicited articles for Beyond The Line.
-Mike Banahan, Ret. C.O., spoke about the football player named Colin Kapernak who sits during the playing the National Anthem, which is disrespectful.
-Tony Piazza, Legislative Chairman, spoke about the Variable Supplement. Our bill is still active till the end of the year. The Senate states that a Home Rule is required, however, it's not.NYS Constitutional Convention will be held next year.We have to keep an eye out for any problems that may arise.
-Dr. Jerry Ente, our Association Police Surgeon, spoke about red wine and grape juice containing the antioxidant reservertrol, and is very healthy to drink. If you have any symptoms of dimentia or Alzheimers disease, see your doctor at the first sign, as there are medications that can help. There has been a three fold occurrance of cancers in people who worked at the Pile at 9/11/01. Zika virus symptoms:Pink eye, pinkish red rash on the body, and the usual viral symptoms.No Zika carrying mosquitoes have been found in NYS. Donated blood is now checked for Zika virus.
-Deo Fasolino spoke about cell phones.AT&T offers a 19% discount for active and retired police.
-Chet Levy said that Walmart has a cell plan called Straight Talk that cost $45.00 per month and allows you to use SIM cards from different carriers. He also said that Cosco offers a big discount on Eloquis with a card from their pharmacy.
