WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

If you would like to post something about yourself since you have left the Transit Police Department either by retirement or by the merge with the NYPD you can do so by clicking here and write a little something about yourself and I will post it.  I am sure some of your old friends would love to know where you are and what you are doing since leaving the Transit Police.  If you do post a message, I will have your e-mail address linked back to you so people can e-mail you back. Just click on the persons name to send an e-mail to them.

 Jim    

 Jim Devlin -YOUR REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Bill Beck R.E.
Broker, e-PRO,
268 Main Street
Vergennes VT.  0549
(800) 639-1763 ext.23
(802) 877-3125 ext.23 Office
(802) 349-9595  Cell

05-10-07 - Billy Cox  Louie, I just wanted to send you something that you can share with the rest of our Transit Family. Our department may be gone, along with the leather jackets, the northbound/southbounds, not hearing Harry Pierre saying "Operator 7422222222222222K! over the radio. The thing is we have to try and remember what we had and we will always have as a Transit Family. Last Oct. I landed a job as the Director of Security for the Barnegat Township School District in NJ. One of my jobs was to make the security department more professional. I could not help myself when it came time to design a new patch that will be worn by all of my security officers starting in Sept. 2007. I have attached a copy of it, I am sure the gang will find that it looks pretty familiar.<smiles> Be safe and be well. 

05-01-07 - Jerry Cox here. Just like to update my profile here since that last time I did back in 2003.I started with Transit with the class of 10-30-81. I then worked in Dist 33, CWTF PC, MBTF, Dist 02 and Crime Analysis.

I was retired on 12-31-97 with 16+ years on the job, out of the Office of Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters. I was retired on the heart bill, but under ordinary disability (1/2 pay taxable). But with Patty Townsend help (God rest his soul), I received the 3/4 heart bill three months later.

In 2004, I received good news from the PBA, the Transit and Housing officers won it case against NYPD on have prior service time count up front not at the end of service. I received all my time I did with NYS Corrections and now was retired with 21 years of service. I made out because now the city had to pay me extra year salary and 7 years interest cool.

In July 2005, I lost my wife Jean after 29 years of marriage to a sudden heart attack. I myself had 5 blockages in my heart and had heart surgery in September and October, and had 4 stent's put into my heart. I also became an domestic partner to my partner of 16+ years Dennis, in November of 2005.

In February 2007, I became an grandfather for the first time. My son Shaun and his wife Kristin, became proud parents of a baby girl, Abigail Jean Cox. Abi was 7 lbs and 2 ozs and 21" tall.

I am enjoying retirement live now, traveling all over the world when I can with my partner. We travel for his job (he works all over the world teaching computer security classes for big companies) and been to Asia, England, Hawaii, San Francisco and Washington DC and Florida just to name a few places I been too.

I have email at GOALEXCDIRECT@AOL.COM I hope to keep in touch with all my old friends from transit.

In transit always.

Jerry Cox

Class 81-16

03-21-07 - Jimmy Ledwith -Dear Louie. I enjoyed looking at the photos of the 2006 reunion. I saw many old friends. Thank you for all the hard work you do. If anyone wants to drop me a line at ledwithjames@aol.com I would appreciate hearing from them. Best wishes Jim Ledwith.

02-24-07 - Charlie Rodriguez  Greetings to all of those whom I had the pleasure of knowing and working with. I joined the Transit Police in June 21, 1965. I was fortunate enough to get promoted to Detective in 1983, then to Sgt., in 1985, after twenty years of service. I retired in Sept. of '87 and moved to Florida with my wife Dahlia,aka Cookie and son Erik. We both joined the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office on January 1, 1989. I worked the road for five years, then was promoted to Detective. I worked as a Detective for ten years, then decided to go back in uniform to a " sweet" detail. Days, with Sun/Mon off. Here in the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office you can become a Career path deputy and make more than a Sgt., and a little less than a Lt. without taking an exam. All you need is time in grade, college degree and several specialized skills. They are paying me eighty-thousand. Not bad. I am hoping to retire very soon.   You can email me at work, rodriguezc@pbso.org Love to here from you guys. Hope to see you at the next reunion. God bless all of you. Louie, Don't forget to send me a form for the reunion.

09-21-05 My name is Bertha Aiken and I joined the Transit Police family on January 29, 1982. Louie I used to work with you in Citywide. I retired in March 2002. Since retirement I have taught classes for the Port Authority Police Department and Teamsters Union Local 237. Currently, I am the Assistant Director for the Education and Training Department of Teamsters Union Local 237. I enjoyed looking at the 2005 Reunion pictures I saw some faces I hadn’t seen in years. Thanks for such a wonderful and informative website. Send my love and prayers to Ralph Robles.
 

08-9/05 - Jay Oher - Just wanted to say hi to a few that I haven’t seen in a long time. Inspector Joe Scatuaro (Ret) my C/O at TPF hope you are doing well. Chief of the Dept.James Meehan (Ret)-Thanks for being there when I needed it. Hank Cronin you’ve come a long way from the Lt.-XO days at ISU when I worked there with you. My Lt.-D/30 Mike Ansboro (Ret) aka Chief of the Dept. hope retirement is treating you well. Lt. Jim Murray (Ret)-D/30 regards. I wish for a speedy recovery to Frankie Rivera (Ret).-ISU The list can go on and on. My thoughts are always with you Charlie Mills. Our paths converged at again NYS Tax and Finance and you always treated me with warm regards. To all the rest that I didn’t list (Steve Plavnik, Angelo Giaoia, Richie Lazar etc) as there are too many, regards which is long overdue. Feel free to E-Mail me a hello at Stci@optonline.net. After leaving NYCTPD I went on to work at NYCDOI then IRS and NYS Tax and Finance. These days I am a CPA with my own practice in Forest Hills and Lindenhurst LI. My fondest memories have always been with NYCTPD and the people that I worked with and for. Time takes its toll on all of us but it also makes the memories more pleasant. It was nice to see Norma Gonzalez on this web site. Hope you remember me PO Jay Oher # 5304 TPF/30. I remember you freezing at Metropolitan Ave on the M train as Howie Haig chased us for hanging out in the tower. He never caught us. Belated congratulations to Capt. Ernie Van Glahn, my little track worker friend, upon retirement. Ernie, call to say hello. It gave me a good feeling to bring me back some 20 years, via this web site. Hope those mentioned in this E-mail have the same response.
 

06-30-05 - Bob Ingulli Lou, I was turned on to your site by a friend and recently and have enjoyed it ever since. Thank you for the memories. I joined Transit in 1974 and left to NYPD in 1981. Retired 1995 and have spent the last 10 years in Arizona law enforcement. My fondest memories and some of the greatest cops I have had the pleasure to work with NYCTPD
 

6/9/05 - Hello fellow retirees, I am retired Police Officer Warren "Kenny" Brown. I came on the job in December 1980 and retired in January 2002. I worked in District 11 and 20. I relocated to Deltona, Fl. To all True Transit Police Officers I have written a book dedicated to you and the job that you did or still do. To my knowledge this is the first and only book I know of that lets the public experience first hand the exciting, humorous and tragic events that a Transit cop encounters while patrolling the belly of the beast. The Name of the book is Tunnel Vision (Thru The Eyes Of A Transit Cop). Check out the website at www.brownwk.com   I hope you enjoy

5-10-05 - Paul Troiano I came on the job in 1969 after serving a tour in Nam with USMC.I worked in Dist 1,3,4,34,34a,30 and my last years in RPU was also PBA delegate for RPU during Mckechnie days.I retired in 1989 and moved to WPB FL.I worked for Lake Worth PD and Boynton Beach PD was a paralegal investigator for law firm and also was a bodyguard for Palm beach Billionaires moved to Lake City in North FL in 2000 where Im retired due to Health WE ONLY PASS THIS WAY ONCE IM BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN YE!

03-26-05 - Hey Buddy, Santo Russo here just wanted to say thank you for this opportunity it is truly great to have been a part of this Family of Transit Cops, I'm retired now and enjoying the time to my greatest expectations, i hope all is well im living in upstate New York and im now Driving a Bus in the city of Ithaca also having alot of fun doing that. i would like to say hi to JOE SULLIVAN i read about his diagnosis and just want him to know im glad that i read hes doing better and my prayers are with him . You are all the BEST guys and women on this planet.

Hi Lou,
03-23-05 / Bob McMillan – I joined the Transit Police on April 3, 1972 after returning from Vietnam in 1970. My first day on the road I walked into the old District # 4 at Chambers St & Church St only to be told by the area coordinator Bob Birmingham, who I presently work alongside at NYC Transit, that I had 3 trips northbound on the #2. What a wakeup 8P’s was, riding back to back and conversing with your fellow officer’s on a bench at Park Place. I worked with Bobby Brunkie, Walter Jorgenson, Bobby Christie, Richie Andriesen, Richie Petrizzo, Lenny Hershkovitz, Pete Tambassco and my partner of 20 years Bill Davis. We had some great times and then I went into D-4 anticrime under Lt. Mike O’Connor, Sgt’s Tony Lubrano and Frank Brogan until we moved up to Union Square several years later. From there my career entered into the career path (Task Force) under Chief John Dunlop who became our surrogate father and pie cutter. I was a fortunate to get promoted to Detective in August 1983 working alongside Billy Scully (RIP), Mike Esposito, Bobby Basel, Richie Armstrong, Vinny Carrera (RIP), Jimmy Normile, John Glucker (RIP),Tommy Boyd, Bobby (Mr. Pickpocket) Magone, Frankie Gomez, Jack Herbst, Ben Patton, Ida Rosenbloom, Eileen Beatty, Al Waters, Frankie Cayea, Harry Harris, Butch Bava, Sherrif Ali, Jack Rossiter, Walter Hulse, Maria Padilla, Ronnie SpeedBey, Val Jackson, Charlie Casey, Louie Crocie, Tommy Flannagan, Danny Dellesandro, Danny Curtain, Jimmy Christie, and so many other people that my memory escapes. I was fortunate to get assigned to the Major Case Unit in 1988 and stayed there until 1995 merge then went to the Brooklyn Robbery Squad only to return to the Transit Bureau’s Special Investigation Unit under Jack Cassidy (RIP). While in SIU I worked with Nelson Donnes (still working), Billy Davis, Mike Zent and of course Alice Nicks and Diane Scopes who are still there. I retired in 1998 and was fortunate to get a job with Mother Transit in the Department of Subways handling confidential investigations and arrested employees, working alongside Tommy Cappiello and having a great time. I passed the torch to my son Bob who was in the last Transit Class in 1993 and is currently pursuing his career with the Transit Bureau. I would just like to thank my fellow officer’s who in some way made a positive influence on my career. Reading the old memories is a step back in time that is very rewarding. If there is any assistance I can give anyone over here at NYC Transit please call me at (718) 243-7256.
 

03-09-05 Marty O'Rielly Hi Lou,
I visit your website from time to time and I really enjoy it! I finally got around to posting my Transit Police Bio! So here goes: I was part of the May 20, 1974 class and I’ me still proud of it!! My first assignment was D-3 TPF. I was laid off about a year after that, on a Friday and was rehired the same weekend. Thanks to my Navy Veterans Status. I was ordered to report for duty at D-12 TPF. (I figured the job must have thought I lived up there, my home station was Nassau Ave on the “GG”) I got into CWPS and was transferred to D-11. There I volunteered for Anti-Crime Stakeouts and thanks to then Sgt. George Gully, I got into D11-A/C. I finally made it to my neck of the woods and got into the “SCS” squad. (Decoys out of Metro-Lorimer on the “GG) That unit made who they wanted and dissolved. I was sent to D-4 “T” chart. I was active and thanks to then Sgt. Francis Brogan made it back into plain clothes (D-4 A/C) the next “Career Path” was the City-Wide Anti-Crime Squad. I was lucky enough to be back in my neck of the woods again (Metro-Lorimer again, the old D-31). I did everything they asked (In Spades!) and finally caught the “Carrot”. I was proud to say I made it to the “Squad”. As a Detective I was assigned to Major Case Night Watch, D-20, 4, 2, & 1. Requested the DD Pick Pocket Unit and finally got in, that is in time for it to disband! The job did not believe in pro-active detective units at the time. I studied and made Sergeant and was assigned to D-2 then CASP (Control Area Safety Program). Thanks to Captain Mark Logan, got into and retired from SOD in 1995. I was a proud member of the Emerald Society Irish War Pipe Band and enjoyed playing bagpipes for a lot of years for many happy and sad occasions. I started the Transit Police Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 317. I was the first president and charter member. Me and my wife and kids got it up to 1,500 members when it got to much to handle I turned to Kenny Cummings (RIP) and now “Joe” Mc Garry has it and is doing a great job!! ( small point only a few people know, 3/17, think about it, St. Patricks Day ring a bell?)
I still live in New York and I am a Criminal Investigator for The Department of Veterans Affairs.
My two daughters are on the job, Katie works at B’klyn North Boro, married to Keith, a cop in the 90’ Jen is a sergeant (on the Lts’ list) married to Martin, a sergeant in Transit Beareaus Task Force!! I have two grand children! “Martin, by the Grace of God” O’Reilly the “IV’ and (3) and his big sister Hanna (5 going on 25!) .
STAY HAPPY AND HEALTHY ! TRANSIT COPS ARE STILL TOPS!!

Martin O’Reilly, Criminal Investigator
 

02-17-05 - JOE SULLIVAN - HI LOUIE, BRUCE RUPP GAVE ME YOUR EMAIL. I WROTE AN EXTENSIVE E MAIL ON YOUR WEBSITE ABOUT WHERE ARE THEY NOW DONT KNOW IF YOU RECEIVED IT OR NOT BUT ANY WAY HERE IS MY STORY . I RETIRED FROM D-34 IN JULY OF 1998 AND MOVED TO FLA IN NOV 1998. ALITTLE TOWN CALLED LARGO RIGHT BETWEEN TAMPA AND ST. PETERSBURG. MY WIFE AND I BOTH WORKED FOR A GROCERY CHAIN KNOWN AS SAVE A LOT FOR 3 YEARS .THIS PAST NOV 2004 I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA WHICH IS KNOWN AS SMOKERS CANCER HERE IS THE THING I NEVER SMOKED IN MY LIFE . I UNDERWENT SURGERY TO REMOVE MY RIGHT TOSIL IN JAN 2005 THERE WERE 4 BILLION CELLS OF CANCER ON MY TONSILS, BUT THE BAD PART IT ALSO HAD SPREAD TO MY LYMPTH GLANDS AND MY JUGULAR VEIN AS WELL AS THE STERNO CLEIDO MASTOID MUSCLE THE ONE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO MOVE YOUR NECK FROM LEFT TO RIGHT SO IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO DRIVE RIGHT NOW . I JUST STARTED AN INTENSIVE TREATMENT PROGRAM OF RADIATION THERAPY FOR 7 WEEKS AND ONE DAY OF CHEMO THERAPY FOR 6 WEEKS ON MON ONLY, I AM RECOVERING QUITE WELL AND JUST WANTED EVERY ONE I WAS DOING WELL IN EVENT THEY WANTED TO CONTACT ME FOR ANY REASON. BRUCE IS A GOOD LISTENER AND HE HAS HELPED ME MANY TIMES BEFORE ON AND OFF THE JOB. OH WELL I WILL END THIS WITH MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF THE TRANSIT COPS I TOUCHED IN MY 24 YRS OF SERVICE AND WISH THEM WELL .TELL ANYONE WHO WANTS TO E MAIL ME I CAN BE REACHED AT LEFTY53FLA@AOL.COM OR IF THEY PREFER A PHONE CONVERSATION 727 784 2313. I LIVE IN PALM HARBOR STONEGATE APTS . GOOD LUCK TO ALL THANKS AGAIN LOU AND IF YOU HEAR FROM LOUIE SHANLEY TELL HIM TO CALL THANKS AGAIN JOE SULLIVAN #4374 TPD.

02-06-05 - Richie Commesso- Hi Lou, Since my last entry in "Where Are They Now", I have gotten involved inthe Verrazano 10-13 Association. We have approximately 1,100 members andstill are rising. I was voted in as Vice President with Harry Morse of the old 77th. Pct. as president. I am looking to get more Transit PD
involvement in this organization. We do a ton of charitable work and
make yearly donations to the Police Emergency Squad. This unity which is
manned by uniform police officers will supply ambulance service within a
200 mile radius of the city. They supply hospital beds, wheelchairs and
a host of other medical items to retired and active members at no cost.
Our 10-13 branch is involved in all the legistration that you are
currently reading about. Those of us that retired prior to 7/1/87 and do
not receive the VSF will be interested in what we do. We operate under
the assumption that all retirees are entitled to this benifit. Allen
Berkowitz is the president of a 10-13 in Florida and he too can tell you
the fight going on in Albany just to keep what we have. I am still
working full time in investigations for insurance companies. If anyone
is interested in joining our organization, they can contact me at
ricommesso@aol.com. The 10-13 phone which is in my home is (718)
987-6354. You will receive membership cards and a quarterly magazine. We run trips to Atlantic City, golf outings etc. All profits go to our charities. We have monthly meetings with political guests and members of the financial community to guide us in our investments. GO TRANSIT
 

01-10-05 - Hey Lou. this is Lorraine Lynch, retired 2001 from Transit Bureau. just wanted to post a little something about myself in the event any of the other transit guys I worked with want to read and contact via e mail. since reading and looking in on the site, I have been in contact with two old friends from District 11 that I have been wanting to reach out to for ages. one was ret. Lt Hank Bopp, now living in Florida with his wife Rosemarie: by the way hank just underwent by pass surgery December 27th and is home recovering. I received an e mail from Rosemarie saying he was weak but ok. I found his address after all these year because his son/daughter posted in and it was great to reconnect after all these years. I also was in touch with Steve Farkas from District 11 and Ray Burke. it was just great to hear from the guys I shared so many good times with. I retired in 2001 from the Transit Bureau at Jay street, but most of my time was spend in District 11 where I made a lifetime of friends and memories and continue to do so. I was just married to a wonderful man in October 2004, (mike) and I have a 14 yr old son, Ryan, who is a great kid. His dad is Bob Hilerio, also formerly of District 11 and he is retired and doing great. if anyone knew bobby, you knew he is now enjoying his fishing and hunting every day.. But life is good and I thank God for my health, friends and family. I will keep up with the website and thank you so much for it, it's a great way to reconnect with the people I miss very much.. I live in Orange County ( Town of Newburgh) with Mike and Ryan. anyone wants to get in touch my e mail is raney0421@yahoo. com. all my brothers and sisters, take care, God bless and hope to hear from you..
 

01-10-05 - Hey Louie, love your site and thought Id say hello. Im Chris Seidel I came onto Transit April of 1987 where I woked TPF in District 4, Steady Grand Central D4, Anti Crime in 4 and then I went to CWPC Task Force. I finished my Transit career in Queens Task Force, Im now working as a Firearms Instructor at Rodmans Neck. I am also in the Navy Reserves attatched to a Naval Coastal Warfare Unit as a Master at Arms 2nd class. (I should be going to Iraq in about a month). I have two years til I retire from NYPD. I miss Transit (The old Transit pre merge) and all the great cops I worked with. God Bless everyone and be safe

12-24-04 - Would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year! My lovely wife, Anita, also sends her warmest wishes to all. We are still traveling, just returning from Italy. We have been spending time in Long Island in the summer with our grandchildren and staying warm in the winter at our home in Fort Myers Fl.hitting the golf ball around and trying to stay in shape. Anyone from Dist 4a,4,20,and22-would love to hear from you. I received an offer to play some softball this year from a friend in Ft.Myers. It's a 65 and over league- have been giving it some serious thought. I'm working on my 20 year in retirement and our oldest son Tommy will have 20 years in next year!! Time flies,stay well and healthy. Regards to all your family members, Jim and Anita Lowney

10-27-04- My name is Joe Bainlardi. I came on in the June 65 class and retired November 1987. I worked in Districts, 1.30,34,32 then the OU and finally ended my career detached to the NYPD as a Sgt. with the Applicant Investigation Unit. After leaving the job, I had another career as a corporate security manager for Bankers Trust Company retiring for the last time as Vice President in 2000. My wife Jane and I have been blessed with three great children who have made us very proud grandparents seven times. We recently moved to a golf community in South Jersey and now split our time between there and our condo in West Palm Beach Florida. I know it's a tough life but someone's got to do it. Like many of us who were fortunate enough to have spent time as TPO's, we've come a long way since. Now it's great to be able to look back and appreciate how lucky we've been. I pray for those of us who haven't been so fortunate. I still hang out with fellow transit alumni who have been close friends for almost 40 years. More like the brothers I never had. I would just like to send my best regards to one and all. Stay well.. Joe Bainlardi

10-16-04 - Hi. Bob Scaplehorn. Started in Feb 66 and left Jun 73 for the wild West. Was in Dist. 3 and 11. Capt Patrolman in D 11. Became a Deputy Sheriff in Umatilla Oregon and then went to work for Uncle Sam.
Retired as the Director of Security and Law enforcement from a military post. reited from the Oregon Army National Guard. Just found the site and found a few old tunnel rats.

10-1-04 -  Hi, My name is Philip Goglas. I joined the NYC Transit Police Dept. on 10/29/81. I served proudly in District 30 TPF, 1982-1983, District 30, 1983, Revenue Protection Unit, 1983-1989, Legal Bureau 1989-1991. I attended Brooklyn Law school from 1983-1987. In 1991, I left the job to become an Assistant County Attorney for Suffolk County. In 1994, I became a Family Court Hearing Examiner deciding child support cases. I had several contacts with ex-transit police officers and bosses who were lawyers and had to appear before me to decide their client's cases, a turnaround from when I had to appear before them as my desk officer. I ran unsuccessfully for the NYS Assembly in 2002. Presently, I am an Assistant Town Attorney for the Town of Smithtown, 99 West Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787 631-360-7570. I also have a private practice, mainly civil matters. Law Office of Philip Goglas, 1455 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11749 631-234-2222. I live with my wife Marilyn, (sister of Edwin Corales, Retired TPD District 30) and my two children, Genevieve and Philip II in Central Islip, Long Island. I can also be contacted at three7three@aol.com. Any of my former colleagues please contact me and let me know how you are doing, we will get together.
 

10-01-03 - Hello my name is Izzy Sterling joined the transit police in 1950 retired in 1976. Just moved to Tampa Florida from Boynton Beach and was in touch with Tom Brown. Lou let me know if there is a 1013 club in the area. What happen to all of the old timers? All we hear from are the new retiree’s. Come on you old timers send some e-mails.
Izzy Sterling
izzy.sterling@mindspring.com
 

09/29/04 - Barry Galfano - Hi to all my Transit Brothers and Sisters. I joined the TPD on 10/20/81 and spent most of my time as a P.O., Sgt., and Lt. in the K-9 Unit, until I was promoted to Captain in 1993. I was the X.O. in Dist. 11, 30, and 34, and became the C.O. in Dist 34 after the merge in 1995. After 2 years there, I became the C.O. in the Brooklyn Street Crime Unit, Queens North Narcotics, and arrived at my final destination in the Emergency Services Unit on 8/21/01, 3 weeks before 9/11. I am currently an ESU Captain in charge of Brooklyn, the K-9 Unit, the ESU Training School, and all special details. I'm thinking about retirement in the next year and looking forward to joining the elite TPD retirees club. Hope to renew old acquaintances with many of you. Barry

09/21/2005 John Michaels- Hey Lou, Unfortunately I couldn't make the reunion this year.Dave Ingram will never let me live it down.He told me to leave the palm tree in my roof and worry about it when I get home. Just kidding. I did lose power though for quite a long time. I got power back to my house the Friday of the reunion. I had to move my family back to the house, fill the refrigerator and start the cleanup. Not too much damage though. I really missed seeing everyone. Anyway, after reading Ed Steeles depressing story in the "Where are they now" about retirement I figured I'd set the story straight. I retired Jan 2003 after 20 years (not a day more). I worked in TPF 30, D-4, CWPS, MBTF (condo with pool on roof) and finished out my career in the Queens Pickpocket Unit. After retirement I packed up the wife and kids and headed south to sunny Florida. I settled down in Wellington,Florida (NY south) and relaxed next to the pool for 5 or 6 months before I figured I should get a job. I saw a commercial on TV that the Palm Beach County School Police was hiring. I applied and got hired. I work a teachers schedule and make a good salary. We are the third largest department in Palm Beach County with 186 Officers. I'm assigned to a high school with another Officer. We have 3,000 students that keep us busy most days. The job is trying at times but it's rewarding watching these kids become young adults and helping them through the rough spots. I'd say almost half the Dept. is Ex TRANSIT or NYPD. A great group of guys. So yes "BROTHER STEELE" there is life after TRANSIT. I too miss alot of the great guys and gals I met over the years though and would like to here from some that I lost contact with, like Jim Dickson, Claude Coleman, Andy Capozzi, Bobby Delloioccano and Mike Brunsden. Oh yeh,I can't forget my Transit Police Ski Team buddies......... Kevin, there's no snow down here!!!! Mikey McQuillan, they do have Mahogany slopes here though!!! Feel free to drop me a line. My e-mail address is newlatitude@adelphia.net

09-15-04 - Richie Andresen, retired 05-19-82, after working in Dist. 4 & 11. Hope to hear from some of the cops I worked with, and played ball with. You guys really need to attend one of these REUNIONS that Lou Hollander puts together. They are great. I am living in DELTONA, Fl. and would like to hear from some OLD COPS. My e-mail address is: NYPD1158@cfl.rr.com

09-15-04 - Hi Lou ! Just a Hi from Don (the Doctor ) Calderone, who did your PVB checks from 1981-1985 and a Hi from my brother Richie, who did your Criminal Records Checks, while assigned to Applicant Investigation Unit. Hay Luke S. Do you still travel with a hair stylist on a 24 hour basis ? LOL !
Donnie_Cypwood@Yahoo.Com

09-05-04 - Dennis Avon, retired 09-30-82,worked in dist. #4 & 5. Living now in bayside queens ny. planning to become a snowbird, just bought a home in lake worth fl. Looking forward to hearing from old friends I worked with especially the guys from dist.#4 and 5. my e-mail address is davon@nyc.rr.com.

08-26-04 Alice Ross, wife of D/1 PO Barret Ross -Hi Lou, Last night we got a call from Joe McDevitt. He’s looking to get in touch with some of the guys he worked with but many are no longer at the phone numbers he has and he doesn’t have e-mail. I told him I’d pass along his phone number to you and maybe you’d send it out to all on your list. He’d really like to hear from some old friends. He lives in Williston Park, Long Island. His number is 516- 742-0715.  Thanks.  Alice Ross

 

08-26-04 - My name is Ray Burke retired Jan 86 from D-11 also worked in order Dist 3,4,11, FEU,CWAC,D11AC' Presently Living in Crossville Tenn for the last 9yrs after retirerment I worked various security jobs until Joan retired from the phone Co.We then brought our 1st motorhome and started seeing the country We are now on our 3rd motorhome.would like to hear from some old friends and partners. Transit Police Forever.

08-07-04 -  Retired Sgt. Stanley R. McDonald. Appointed to the Transit Police May 1956 and retired on disability October 1975. While at Dist#1 was assigned to the IRT Times Square station from 1958 to 1966 on steady midnights. Reassigned to Dist#1 Homepost, steady midnights until 1968 when i was promoted to Sgt. and assigned to Dist 2A for a few months then to Dist#3 on the 8P's. 1975 assigned to Community Relations until retirement. Relocated to Titusville, Florida January 1979, a few minutes from the Kennedy Space Center. Employed at the Space Center for a few months until the Shuttle Columbia exploded. Did volunteer work with the YMCA and Astronaut High School swim teams from 1980 until 1992. Taking it easy now with a little gardening. E-mail address Stanleigh28@aol.com

07-31-04- My name is Mitch Evans. I've been retired for 12 years and all the negative about the job is gone, only the good memories remain. I've worked in Districts 4,32,2,Citywide Anticrime and EMRU. I
believe that Sandy Garelick was the best chief we had.I've worked in security and as a Physician Assistant for 6 years. My time as a Transit Cop gives me the most fulfillment and pride. We went out on post and we were expected to handle any probelems we encountered on our own, under an adverse work environment. We were self-sufficient. we finished what we started without a partner for backup. This made the average Transit Cop a cut above other law enforcement agency's cops. I am proud to have known and worked with the unique people who
were Transit cops.
 

07/30/04 Hi Lou, My name is Jose Caceres (Joe) I joined the great transit family 1/21/85.
My first transit comand was the harlem house(Dist.3) the punisment comand that officers
came to, but did'nt want to leave. The journey continued after the famous TPF to the boggy
down bronx to (Dist.12) the resort. I worked with great transit brothers and sisters at the resort like Harry Scott, and Howie Brown and became life long friends.
 

The Journey towards the career path continued Task Force (the condo) and the decoy squad (forty duce).where I was promoted to detective and had the opportunity to head back to District 12 (dream come true). The dream ended in 1996 when were forced to leave our mother transit.
 

At the N.Y.P.D. I was assigned to 24sqd, CCIU,CCAU,Cold Case,110sqd.,48sqd.,and 52sqd. where I was promoted to Detective second grade and retired 12/03. and now living
in Clermont, Florida. My E-mail papo5022@aol.com I would love to hear from all my transit brothers and sisters. God Bless !
 

07-27-04 - Jeannette Colon-Barba,  I became a N.Y.C. Transit Police Officer in January 9th, 1986, and very proud to be a tunnel rat. Once a Transit cop, always a Transit Cop. We were family until the hostile take over of N.Y.C.P.D.in April 26, 1996. No disrespect to other departments, or Police Officers, but what took one Transit Police Officer to do in that underground world, it took 5 city Police Officers to do. Yes we were elite, unique, and the best. Compared to N.Y.P.D., and Housing. The trainning was good and we would find top of the line equipment no questions asked, except for the radios. We had dead zone. We were trained to survive and defend ourselves. Unlike now, all N.Y.P.D. worries about is law suits. All we are, are numbers that's it. But deal with it. But because of the mighty dollar, we had no choice but merge. One of the biggest mistakes ever. Many promises made, and none kept. To all does N.Y.C. Tranist Police Officers cherish the memories. God bless to all and stay safe.

07-22-04 - Hi Louie, Paddy O'Toole signing in to say hello. I came on the job on Oct. 1st, 1973 and retired on Sept 30th, 1995. Started out in D-32, then in D-33, D-31, D-1, Patrol Bureau HQ, D-4, made Sgt. and was sent to the good old 8P's at 42nd $ 8th, back to D-1, Gold St. Academy Drivers Training Unit, CCU ( was asked to leave ) ( they didn't like me )
( I didn.t like them either ), I was only there to try to make Det. Sgt., back to D-1, back to the Academy as the Admniistrative Sgt., then the merge came , and my last assignment was D-20. I was a bagpiper with the Emerald Society Pipes & Drums for 21 years. I moved down to sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.on Sept. 7th 1995 before I retired. I was determined to get the hell out of N.Y. It's a better world, living on the beach.
 

Louie & Woody, along with others who helped, have done an outstanding job putting together the Florida Reunion. I've been to all of them except the 1st one. I grew up with Louie and his wife Barbara and our mothers and fathers knew each other. He was a great guy then as he is now. Woody and I worked in D-1 together and he was as nutty as he is now, but also a great guy. If there was a medal awarded for what these guys have done for us, they deserve it, because they went beyond the call of duty. All I can add is " Thanks for the Memories ". We all may look different on the outside, but we're still the the same as always on the the inside. If you have not been to the Reunion, GO, you won't regret it.

I need a beer, so I'm going to sign off. My phone is 954-805-9570 & e-mail is paddysandy2@aol.com. Take care and all the best !!!!
 

07-10-04 - My name is Christopher Robinson. I retired 06/02.
I started out in Transit 01/82. Worked in Dist 03 until promotion in 1988. Then short stints in Dist 33, TPF- Dist 11. Returned to the Harlem House in '92, and then the last 10 + years in the Detective Bureau.
After the Merge in '95 held the following assignments:
CO Bronx Robbery Squad
CO 50 Squad
CO 48 Squad
XO 46 Squad
CO 44 Squad
I don't know how big brother got along without us, all the transit boys are stars! We are the few, the proud, and the best!
 

06-24-04 - My name is Ed Steele, better known as "Brother Steele" - formerly of Manhattan Task Force (42nd & 8th, although I actually turned out of Dist.01) I retired in May of 2002. I would like to take a brief moment of your time to tell all of you that are still on the job one important phrase that you should never forget. The phrase is this : no matter what anybody tells you, Retirement Is Not All It's Cracked Up To Be ! There's so much I can say , but let me put it to you this way : 1st) if you think your pension is going to be enough to support you even with all the over-time you've done, you're in for a rude awakening; 2nd) the job market in NY is shrinking big time; all there is for retired cops is boring security jobs; some places are worse than others. Think of it for a minute - you're literally standing in one spot for 8 or more hours; and you thought you had it bad guarding those turnstiles, believe me it could be worse. And don't be fooled by the Federal Gov't. who from time to time advertise certain job openings which may sound attractive and which any retired police officer could do. It's all baloney. Most of the time, the jobs are already filled before they give out the vacancy announcement, or else you may be "too old" to fit the bill. Plus, they don't even pay well; eg. The Airport Security Screeners.

If none of this matters to you, and you want to stay home doing nothing (perhaps you are financially well off, maybe by marriage to a rich spouse), then all power to you. But if you're not in that category, my advice to you is to stay on the job until you have something definite that you do want to do. Some retirees are happy just working a couple days a week; some drive school buses, some drive delivery trucks; anyway you look at it, when you leave the job, you might find yourself working harder than when you were a cop.

A final word to all you still active cops : tonight when you go to bed, think about what I'm going to say first, and then do it : say a prayer of thanksgiving to Almighty God that 1st) you have job, 2nd) you have good benefits (forget about ever reaching parity with Nassau or Suffolk), 3rd) your job is secure unless you really mess up by doing something stupid like DWI for example, and 4th) eventhough you may not like your daily assignments, at least you're working in something that has the potential for helping someone - there may even be times of fun; I know in Task Force, I had loads of fun.

God Bless all of you, and don't make any hasty decisions. Brother Steele (TMTF - Retired)

06-23-04- MY NAME IS JOHN REEVES, RETIRED FROM NYCTPD AS A SERGEANT IN 1990, AFTER 25 1/2 YEARS OF SERVICE. CURRENTLY, I OWN & OPERATE AN ADVERTISING SPECIALTY BUSINESS (IMPRINTED PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS) IN WILLISTON PARK, NY. I ALSO SELL 14k GOLD CHARMS & SHIELD RINGS FOR ALL RANKS, RETIREMENT SHIELDS, MINI SHIELDS AND 911 SHIELD LAPEL PINS. THE ABOVE PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR NYPD, NYC TRANSIT PD & NYC HOUSING PD. FOR INFORMATION OR TO PLACE AN ORDER CALL JOHN AT (516) 741-6057 OR E-MAIL ME AT ATLASPRO@AOL.COM. IF YOU LIVE NEAR WILLISTON PARK, NY, YOU CAN VISIT MY STORE AT 682 WILLIS AVENUE.

06-16-04 - Hi !! All My name is Oscar Basora, hired as a Transit Police Officer in 1972,and
the last class in the Flushing Armory retired as a Transit Police Officer
in 1993. I was hired in Nov.93 with the Cape Coral Police Dept., and was
able to retired last year after ten years of service. I am presently
working for the Sanibel Police Dept. as a part-time officer. I work one
day on the road, two days on the boat as a Marine Officer. Its a tough
job, but someone got to do it. I hope, if God willing, to be at the
reunion in Sept. and meet all the guys I worked with. Thank you Lou for
the wonderful web site where I seen pictures of old friends that I have
worked with. I have enjoyed reading the message board of other retirees.
Thank you again for the memories, and I hope to bring more memories with
the pictures that I have to share with everyone.

Hope to see you then.

Oscar Basora

06-10-04 - HELLO ALL STEVE FARKAS HERE (01/29/82-02-22-02).JUST WANTED TO UPDATE MY EARLIER POST RETIREMENT INFO. I MOVED TO CITRUS SPRINGS FLORIDA IN JULY OF 2003 AND BEGAN WORKING AS A DEPUTY FOR THE CITRUS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. JUST RECENTLY I WAS PROMOTED TO DETECTIVE.FLORIDA LAW ENFORCEMENT IS ANOTHER WORLD.I PLAN ON ATTENDING THE 2004 REUNION AND HOPE TO SEE SOME FORMER DISTRICT 11 GUYS I WORKED WITH (THE BIRD,KEVIN FLANAGAN,MATTY RICH,JOHN RAU ETC.) WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM MY OLD FRIEND,TOM FITZGIBBONS. WE HAVE LOST CONTACT THE PAST FEW YEARS. BEST OF HEALTH TO EVERYONE !
 

6/10/04- HEY LOUIE,THIS IS TOM BERSCH FROM THE CLASS OF FEB 1974.I
WORKED MANY YEARS IN DIST. 4 WITH SOME OF THE BEST PEOPLE I'LL EVER MEET IN THIS
LIFETIME.I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM THEM AGAIN.I RETIRED AS A LT. IN 1994 AND MOVED TO
MILFORD PA. WHERE I BECAME THE DEPUTY WARDEN OF THE COUNTY JAIL.AFTER TWO
YEARS I CAME TO MY SENSES AND BOUGHT AN ICE CREAM SHOP.I FINALLY COULD DEAL
WITH PEOPLE IN A FUN ATMOSPHERE.AFTER RUNNING THE SHOP FOR EIGHT YEARS I
SOLD IT AND BOUGHT A BOAT TO GO FISHING. AND THATS ALL I DO NOW.WHEN IN DIST.4 I
WORKED ANTI-CRIME WITH MIKE MUSCATELLO,PAUL RAGUSA,JOE MILLER,AL SILVERBERG,
BIG BIRD,AND MANY OTHERS I HAVEN'T SEEN IN YEARS.I HOPE THEY ALL ARE WELL.I
WAS SORRY TO SEE ON THE SITE THAT STEVE REINKING HAD PASSED AWAY,HE WAS A GOOD
GUY.WELL IF YOU CAN LIST ME ON THE SITE THAT WOULD BE GREAT.HOPE TO HEAR
FROM SOME BROTHERS OF THE PAST.

06-05-04 - James B. McCrea (05/03/65-01/21/86) I started working Dist 20 train patrol,then was assigned to Dist 3 (145th St. A) then to Dist 2 (125th St Lex) Dist 20 (Roosevelt Ave E) Dist 21(Willets Pt # 7) and finally to (O.U.370 Jay St).When I retired as a Police Officer I started working for FedEx in New York as a courier,within a short period of time my wife (Alice) and family, daughter (Robin), son (George) transferred to San Diego CA. We bought a new house in Poway CA where we stayed 14 years and now we have moved and bought a new house in a very rural part of San Diego called Ramona CA .It might sound familiar, it's where that famous CA wildfires stared back a few months ago. I have been working for FedEx going on 19 years. I have had various jobs with FedEx, courier,safety manager, and now tractor trailer driver.I enjoy driving the big rigs up the coast from San Diego to Los Angeles and watching the crazy California drivers.I only plan to do this another year, then hope to spend the majority of my time sailing and fishing on San Diego Bay and voluntering with the San Diego Sheriff Dept. My daughter is a stay at home mom with our two grand kids Benjamin(6) and Jacob(4).My son George is a senior loan officer at Washington Mutual Bank and the father to our grandson Devin(12).My wife is retired from the medical field and now spends her time in her woodworking shop. I love California but there is nothing better than a New Yorker.I think of the Wonderful people I worked with at the Transit Police Dept,and the good times we had.If God willing I plan on attending the 2004 reunion and hope to see some of the old friends . I would love to hear from you all my e-mail address is what_ever@cox.net 
 

05-12-04 -  HI Guy's Salvatore Spataro here, I retired 1984 and have already posted my info here. I was wondering if anyone out there knows the wear abouts of a fellow retiree, LT. Roger Perez, he retired around 1989 from Dist. 34. I would like to get in touch with my friend; we have lost contact over the years. If anyone has any info please let me know. Thank you, Sal
 

04-21-04 - Hello everyone, my name is Dan Haggerty. I was appointed to the Transit Police on October 20, 1981, and attended the Harlem 'Men's Shelter' Police Academy. For the next 20 years I worked in District 4, K9, and EMRU; after the merge I was assigned to ESU Truck 9, (113 pct.) for four years and then went on to
Truck 7, (75 pct.) for my last two and a half years on the job. We sometimes refered to Truck 7 as District 7; what with all the Transit Guys assigned there. After I retired I worked for Saint Francis Hospital in Roslyn, N.Y., (the Transit Police goes to Roslyn), then I went to work for Geico, and now I'm settling in at Saint John's University, in Jamaica, Queens, as a Public Safety Officer. These days I keep very busy with work, family, friends, golf and the volunteer fire department.
Be safe everyone, and always remember the days of 'northbound/southbound!!!

04-20-04 - Hey everyone my name is Bill Frey, I was appointed 6/21/65. Was assigned to old district 2 at 125th & Lex, moved to old district 4 at E. 180th St. transferred to district 11 when it first opened, moved on to CWPS at district 5 Grand Central then back to District 11 CWPS, helped to form the taxi & limousene squad, worked in the CWPS roll call unit at Jay Street and then became a duty Captain driver from which i retired in 1985. I am now living in Massapequa, NY I had triple bypass surgery in august 2000 and I feel great, I play softball for LISSA on a team called the Jaguars. I sure do miss the old days on the job. Say hello to everyone.

04-15-04 - Hello. My name is John Prink. I was appointed in January 1986 as a Transit Polcie Officer, and attended the NYPD academy. I also attended the Transit PD academy for about 3 weeks before being assigned to District 33-TPF. I did that for awhile then was assigned to Rotating in D-33. I mostly worked the "A" (Ralph Ave....my favorite....the only indoor subway station where it snows) and the "LL" (I miss that Pizza place in Canarsie at the end of the line). In Feb 1989, hearing that "a" merger may happen, I decided to try my hand at policing out on the west coast. After attending a small local police academy, in Pittsburg, CA, I started working for the Piedmont Police Department, a 20 man police department, completely and totally surrounded by the city of Oakland, CA. I served as a patrol officer and was in investigations as a detective (a rotating position, for 5 years).

After 11 years there, I needed a change of venue and started work with the Vallejo Police Department, a 150 man PD. Not liking that, I took a break from police work, got a private investigators license and bounced around various security and investigations companies.

I finally settled on a job with the Solano County Health and Social Services Department as a Criminal Invesigator investigating Welfare Fraud - sort of got my "gold shield" only it was a "star". I got laid of in August 2003, after only 16 month on the job due to massive budget cuts in this wacky state of California, but managed to get hired right away by the Solano County Sheriff's Office as a deputy. I patrol rural areas in this county..........from NYC to rural deputy. Who've thought that was possible.........

Cheers,

Deputy John Prink ( Transit PD Former Shield #6051)
Solano County Sheriff's Office
Fairfield, CA

04-15-04- Hi, I'm Andy Stromfeld. You have a great site thanks for all the work it must take. I was assigned to Dist 20, patrol, plainclothes & as a FTO. I moved on to EMRU in '93. After the merge we all went to ESU where I was assigned to Truck 9 in 113pct. I busted up my leg in '99 & got assigned inside at the base Floyd Bennett Field. After getting back to fulI duty I ended up staying & running the units Roll call til I was retired Jan. '03 3/4's, with 18 years, on the Heart Bill. After the World Trade Center medicals for ESU found a bad EKG leading to a few stents. So big suprise for me, not really what I wanted, but I'm here so thats a good thing. I haven't started doing anything yet, just redoing somethings around the house. Thanks & be safe everyone.   Andy " NEVER FORGET"
 

04-03-04 - I received this e-mail below from Steve Reinking 's brother.  I don't quite understand the e-mail, but if anyone can help him, please do.

Sirs,

This is an open letter to all of the officers of the New York Transit
Police who served with or were friends of Steve Reinking (later
Detective).

His sudden accidental death struck us tremendously and all we wanted to
do was bring "the bird" (family nickname) home to our bosom.     As his
older brother I was determined to see him home over the strong pleas of
his brother officers and friends (the only one I can remember was
"Jimmy" his partner (?).  

His friends and fellows urged us to allow them to hold a wake in his
honor but we just couldn't appreciate its' importance to you all and so
immediately brought him home to Seattle.

Please accept my deepest and sincerest apologies to all of you who
served with Steve, who fished for 'stripers' with him, drank beers with
and who were his other family (a family we knew nothing about.)    
Please accept our assurance that we would gladly and with deepest
respect for your traditions and customs have honored you.

Thank you for being his friend, partner and family.   Steve loved his
work and his fellow officers.    He never said bad about any of you and
loved the force with all his heart.

Respectfully (and with deep regret to the circumstances)

John R. Reinking (brother)
reinkings@ispwest.com

P.S.   Steve often spoke of "Jimmy" (his partner/brother officer).    My
wife met him while settling Steve's affairs.    Can anyone help me
locate "Jimmy"?     Please.
 

04-01-04 - Hi Lou. Stanley Rifkin. appointed May 3rd 1965, Retired Aug 29 85. I was in Dist 33, 32 till1968. Then I spent from 1969-1982 in the Rockaways, Dist 24-23. 8p's from 68-75, Noon to 8 from 75-82 mainly at the race track in the winter and the beach in the summer. From June 82 till retirement I spent in Brooklyn court house working fro the PD. I am now living in Myrtle Beach SC since Aug 95 living on my pension and my Air National Guard pension. Stan

03-07-04 - Hi Lou, Bert Barghaan (Big Bird) as Joe Tuff nicknamed me. This is a great website. It was nice to see a lot of the guys after all these years and how great they look. As for me, I worked in the old 4a and
then DIST 4, as you know. I retired in 1989 from Dist 2 and after taking a couple of months off, I went to work for the New York Times where remain after close to 15 years as a(what else) a
security supervisor. But they have been good to me; I will be retiring for good in November with a second pension. Then I can play all the golf I want. Have been playing a lot during the season with Jerry McCarthy and Don Avenoso and others that are still in this area. Had a small stoke a few years ago, but I am fine. Just
trying to keep the damn weight off like everybody else. Once again it was great seeing a lot off you old birds and I will try to keep in touch. Keep up the great work Lou.   Bert Barghaan 380 Main ST. Staten Island N.Y. 10307. 718-317 5723
 

03-03-04 - HI MY NAME IS