Columbia Association of the Police Department, City of New York

COLUMBIA NEWs

Affiliated with the National Council of Columbia Associations

In Civil Service, Inc. and the National Coalition of

Italian American Law Enforcement Organizations

Fraternity n Integrity n Charity

VOL.49, NO. 3 August— December 2015 SINCE 1932

ONLINE ISSUE

Our President’s

Message….

I hope everyone is taking advantage of this extended “Summer” that we have experienced over the last two months. I hope Old Man Winter gives us a break this year. We sure could use it. There is so much to cover in this double issue, so here goes…

On Friday, November 13, Paris, France was the victim of a shooting rampage, explosions and mass hostage-taking. Their President, François Hollande, called it an unprecedented terrorist attack and immediate-ly announced sharply increased border controls and heightened police powers as it mobilized the military in a national emergency. In the end, 129 people were murdered and another 350 or more were injured, many of them critically. This coordinated, well-planned and, sadly, well-executed series of assaults on innocent civil-ians was deliberate, ideologically motivated, and carefully targeted. These Islamic radicals know who their enemies are, and have for decades. It is we, or at least some of our leaders, who have forgotten who is under attack. After the September 11th attacks here in New York City, I vividly recall people lined-up on both sides of the West Side Highway cheering every passing police vehicle while proudly waving the American flag. Now, less than fifteen years later, the police are vilified and it seems as though many have forgotten what this so-called “JV squad” is capable of.

Congress has allowed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to lapse, jeopardizing thousands of ailing 9/11 first-responders and their families. The pending legislation would have permanently extended benefits to the victims who are suffering from 9/11 related illnesses. In the short term, medical care will continue. The health program is so well run that it has enough money to keep operating for a few months more, so that our first responders and survivors can see their doctors and receive treatment. I would ask you all to contact your elected officials and demand that they support a permanent extension of this bill. The clock is ticking.

As many of you already know, the Columbia Association organized its first Cigar Event fifteen years ago. Many things have changed since then including the Clean Indoor Air Act. One thing has not changed; our Cigar Event is always a top-notch. Our 15th Annual Cigar Event was a huge success. I would like to thank the folks at Grand Havana Room for hosting us this year. And a very special thank you to Michael Herklots from Nat Sherman for supporting us in every way possible. We couldn’t do it without you.

After being postponed several times, the Anthony Venditti Motorcycle Run took place on October 18th. Detective Venditti was slain in the line of duty on January 21, 1986 at St. Nicholas Avenue and Myrtle Avenue while on an undercover assignment. As a result of this tragedy the Ridgewood community came to-gether and re-named the street where he died in his honor “Det. Anthony J. Venditti Square” on January 20, 1989. We here at Columbia will never forget the sacrifice that Anthony made nor the dedication of his moth-er Anna.

We are looking for members in good standing to become delegates at their respective commands. Del-egates are responsible to register members of their command and give said membership and dues to their Borough Trustee. Becoming a delegate can lead to a position on the Board of Officers. Do you have the time to dedicate to the Columbia Association? If you are interested in becoming a delegate for a command, please contact your Borough Trustee or any member of the Executive Board.

In closing, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a

Happy & Healthy New Year. I look forward to seeing you all at our first General Meeting on January, 26.

PAGE 2 Columbia News August —December 2015

Executive Board

President Richard Angeletti (718) 822-5815

1st Vice President Emanuel Rossi ( 845) 902-0175

2nd Vice President Kendra Damante (718) 972-7871

Executive Secretary Louis J. Balsamo (718) 845-2201

Treasurer Anthony Burgio (212) 741-4851

Recording Secretary Christopher J. Pizzo (516) 318-3545

Corresponding Sec Anthony Quagliariello (646) 210-9170

Sergeant At Arms Salvatore Ferrante (718) 637-4151

Editor Andrew Carraro (718) 869-9988

Public Relations John DelGaudio (917) 757-1456

Financial Secretaries

Manhattan R.J. Coleman (212) 477-9790

Brooklyn Michael Spezio (646) 634-7223

Queens Dyanne Marzano (718) 279-5200

Bronx Steven Berger (718) 548-1250

Staten Island John Peruffo (718) 815-8608

Retiree's Nat Infurna (516) 747-1389

Trustees

Manhattan Anthony Cucuzza (347) 672-5024

Manhattan Michael Alfieri (917) 575-0009

Manhattan Sebastiano Bonanno (646)210-9418

Brooklyn Alessio Bono (347) 538-9161

Brooklyn John Passarella (516) 512-7015

Queens Stephen Salazer (718) 533-2011

Queens Michael Mongelli (516) 732-7961

Bronx Richard Citarella (718) 292-6161

Staten Island

Citywide Louis Corrente (718) 670-9721

Directors & Advisors

Life Member Rep Phil Rapaci Sr. (718) 758-4475

Special Assistant to

the President Phil Panzarella (631) 965-7290

Travel. John Martini (718) 848- 1858

Health Dr. Brian Mignola (718) 816-9056

Health Dr. Joseph J. Ciuffo (718) 541-8962

Legal Stuart Salles (212) 267-9090

Legal James Moschella (212) 233-3800

Spiritual DC Msgr. Robert Romano (646) 610-6472

Spiritual Msgr. David Cassato (718) 259-9146

The

editOr’s

Blog

New York City Police Department

Columbia Association

Board of Officers wwwnypdcolumbia.org

Hello Columbia Members,

How was the remainder of 2015 for

everyone? I hope everyone enjoyed

the summer and fall. With 2016 up-

on us its time to talk membership

again. I reiterate from this time last

year that the associations backbone

is the membership. Delegates please

start getting ready to collect dues

and sign up new members. Reach

out to new personnel in your com-

mand the members might be also

searching for you. Lets make 2016 a year of positive membership gains.

There is a lot of movement in the

NYPD now. It is important for the

delegates to track down your mem-

bers. January 26th is the first gen-

eral meeting of the new year. I invite

every member to attend. Lots of in-

formation is disseminated at our

general meeting. Along with good

food and laughs you will enjoy every

minute. Command delegates put to-

gether a group and take a table at

the meetings, There is always plenty

of room. We will be repeating most

of our annual event again this year,

so check our website and facebook

page for times, dates and location.

Till next time….

PAGE 3 Columbia News August– December 2015

The Retired

Desk

Retired Desk by Nat Infurna

Retired Members Financial Secretary

MEMBERSHIP as of Nov 30, 2015

Retired..........................418

Life............................1052

Delinquent................ 50

DELINQUENTS

Dom Digennaro

Keith Maresca

Frank Parker

Dan Alferi

Anthony Digregorio

Ed Martello

Jerome Parrino

Vincent Aprea Sr

Vincent Esposito

Anthony Mastandria

Michael Rossano

Sal Bertocci

Ray Foy

Michael Morra

Ed Roome

Bruce Bovino

Robert Gentile

Dan Sacco

Lenny Torricelli

Anthony Padula

John Moore

Lou Russell

Peter Calabrese

Robert Jennings

Joseph Larusso

Andrew Nolfo

Vincent Cianco

Michael Leto

Lawrence Nunziata

Ted Seltzer

Robert Concillio

Ignatius Licato

Rich Ornstein

Robert Sena

Robert Cotumaccio

William Macbride

John Paccione

Demetrios Skordas

Vincent Damadio

William Marchello

NEW LIFE MEMBER

Michael Marino

STAY SAFE / PRAYERS FOR ALL SICK MEMBERS

Death Announcements

Life Member

Vincent J DeSario

Life Member

John P. Scaffardi

Life Member

Louis Pioli

Life Member

Daniel E. DePaulis

Sister Of Past President

Paul DiGicomo

Diane DiGiacomo

PAGE 4 Columbia News August—December 2015

Event Montage

Columbus Day Parade

PAGE 5 Columbia News August—December 2015

Event Montage

Cigar Night

PAGE 6 Columbia News August– December 2015

Event Montage

Anthony Venditti Ride

PAGE 7 Columbia News August– December 2015

Event Montage

Golf Outing

Event Montage

Kids Christmas Party

PAGE 8 Columbia News August– December 2015

PAGE 9 Columbia News August—December 2015

2016 Important Dates

General Meetings

January 26th, 2016

February 23rd, 2016

March 22th , 2016

April 26th, 2016

May 24th , 2016

June 28rd, 2016

Sept. 27nd, 2016

Nov 22th, 2016

All meeting are held at the

Italian Charities of America

83-20 Queens Blvd

Elmhurst, NY

*October General Meeting is held Post Columbus Day Parade

Columbus Day Parade 2016

Monday October 10th, 2016

Flyer to follow

2016 Events

Watch for event flyer and Dates on our website, facebook , twitter

And future Newsletters