President's Message

February 2004 - Welcome back, hopefully you had a safe and happy holiday. It's hard to believe that 2004 is almost two months old, maybe the snow will give us a break.

Let us start by thanking Diane and Joe Geschwind for running another great Children's Holiday Party. The weather outside was frightful, but you couldn't tell it by the more than 150 attendees who hada fun time, the smiles on the kids faces were priceless. After running this affair for over 20 years, Diane and Joe are taking a well deserved break and handing the baton to Jennifer and Sean Kelleher who will still be ably assisted by Neil Delargy, who will give them thebenefit of his advice and experience.

As I stated in the last Call Box, Joe's position on the Board of Governors will be filled by Joe Wolff. Welcome aboard Joe.

The over 90 Shields members and friends were treated to an exciting hockey game on December 29th, we even saw the Islandersbeat the Stanley Cup Champion, New Jersey Devils.

Don't forget that May 9-16 will be National Police Week in Washington, D.C., various ceremonies are planned throughout the week.

It seems that the Governor has proposed changes in the pistol fee structure throughout New York, we're not sure how this will affect retirees, but it doesn't look good. You can call his office at (518) 474-8390 and let them know that you are opposed to the 2 new pistol permit proposals.

I want to thank Detective Nelson Dones NYPD for his talk meeting regarding the National Police Support Network he created for law enforcement officers and their families, including retirees.

Congratulations to the Shields Scholarship winners, they will receive their awards at the February 26th meeting. Retired Deputy Inspector Alan Goodman, 27 yeats NYPD will be our guest speaker, and will offer our members and guests an insightful and exciting learing experience.

Yes, there still is justice! I have been informed by Jack Coughlin that The New York State Parole Board denied parole to BLA terrorist, cop-killer Herman Bell. I guess the over 300 letters sent by The Shields, and over 20,000 petitions did some good. Thank You to all our members who took the time to write opposing parole for this vicious assassin.

Watch your back and wear your vest, we need you!