SC Police Detective William Maldonado Recognized Poshumously By AG Barr

Attorney General William P. Barr and Justice Department leadership today announced the recipients of the Third Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing, recognizing the exceptional work of 19 law enforcement officers and deputies from 12 jurisdictions across the country.

“Honoring and supporting the work of law enforcement of­ficers and deputies is a top priority for the Trump Administration, and today is an opportunity for me to personally express my gratitude and commitment to those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities,” said Attorney General Barr. “The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing honors exceptional police officers and the vital public service they provide. The brave men and women in law enforcement are engaged in an unrelenting and often unacknowledged fight to keep our communities safe each and every day. It is an honor to thank them for their service.

The awarded officers and deputies have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations or innovations in community policing. The Department received 199 nominations for 414 individuals ranging from state police departments, to local police, to campus public safety agencies. This award highlights the work that troopers, officers and deputies do to prevent, intervene in, and respond to crime and public safety issues. The individuals recognized today included:

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

Detective William Maldonado of the Suffolk County Police Department, New York:

Detective William Maldonado is being recognized posthumously for his effort in leading the criminal investigation into the violent trans­national street gang MS-13. Detective Maldonado was assigned to assist in the investigation of the disappearance of a young man. Intelligence gathered by Detective Maldonado indicated the missing boy was a murder victim of MS-13. Without the detective’s work, along with his team, the murder spree would no doubt have continued. Instead, several dozen people were arrested, charged with 17 murders, the Suffolk County MS-13 Sailor Clique was eliminated, and several other cliques were disrupted. Maldonado accomplished this while battling cancer, and rarely missed work. He succumbed to his illness in 2018, but not before arrests were made in the cases.

Detective Maldonado joined the department in September 1987 and worked in the Fifth Precinct before being promoted to detective in 1994. He spent a majority of his career in the Major Case Unit, investigating bank robberies, and was then assigned to the FBI Long Island Gang Task Force where he focused on combatting gang violence.

During his time in the task force, he was involved in the prosecution of more than 40 MS-13 gang members which cleared more than a dozen homicides and 25 robberies. Maldonado was also instrumental in dismantling the MS-13 Sailor Clique, which was responsible for a majority of the murders, as well as disrupting several other MS-13 cliques throughout Suffolk County.

Detective Maldonado, lost his three-year battle with colon cancer in April 2018. In addition to his wife, Christine Tamaro, a fellow SCPD detective, Detective Maldonado was survived by two adult daughters, Nicole and Brooke.

“This recognition encapsulates everything Detective Maldonado was as a person and as a detective,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. “Detective Maldonado worked tirelessly as a member of the FBI Long Island Gang Task Force where he was instrumental in the fight against MS-13 in Suffolk County. He was proud to be a cop and we were proud to have him as a member of our SCPD family. His absence is felt every day.”

Suffolk Closeup - "Reducing Bird Damage In The State Of NY"

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services arm has put together a plan titled “Reducing Bird Damage in the State of New York” which includes a “preferred alternative” that involves continuing its both “nonlethal and lethal bird management techniques.” The “lethal techniques…may include the use of shooting, live capture and euthanasia, avicides” and “nest/egg destruction.”

Wildlife Services’ “Environmental Assessment” for its plan is online at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=APHIS-2019-0070-0001

Many bird species are involved. The “Environmental Assessment” lists nearly 150 species for which in doing “bird damage management” Wildlife Services received requests “for assistance” between 2013 and 2017 “or anticipates receiving requests” in the future.

Starting with A, the list includes: American black duck, American coot, American golden plover, American goldfinch, American kestrel, American oystercatcher, American robin, American wigeon, American woodcock and goes on to bald eagle, barn owl, barn swallow, barred owl, belted kingfisher, black-bellied plover, black-crowned night-heron, black tern and continues to Bonaparte’s gull, the brown-headed cowbird and on to clapper rail, cliff swallow, common goldeneye, common loon, common merganser, common raven, common tern.

And it goes on to downy woodpecker and eastern meadowlark, eastern screech owl, eastern towhee, Eskimo curlew and on to grasshopper sparrow, gray catbird, great black-backed gull, great blue heron, great egret, great horned owl, greater scaup, greater snow goose, greater yellowleg, green heron, green-winged teal, gulf-billed tern, hairy woodpecker, Henslowe’s sparrow, hermit thrush, least tern, lesser yellowleg, loggerhead shrike, long-eared owl, long-tailed duck, mallard, merlin, monk parakeet, mourning dove, mute swan, northern cardinal, northern flicker and northern mockingbird.

And it continues to northern pintail, northern rough-winged swallow and osprey, palm warbler and pileated woodpecker, purple martin, red-bellied woodpecker, red-breasted merganser, red-headed woodpecker, red-shouldered hawk and ring-necked duck.

And concludes with royal tern, ruddy duck, sanderling, Savannah sparrow and semipalmated plover, semipalmated sandpiper and short-eared owl, snow bunting, snowy egret, snowy owl, song sparrow, spotted sandpiper, spruce grouse, Swainson’s thrush, tree swallow and Virginia rail, whimbrel, white-throated sparrow and wild turkey, willet, wood duck, yellow-bellied sapsucker, yellow-crowned night-heron and yellow-rumped warbler. 

“The list is eye-popping,” says David Karopkin, board member and wildlife advisor of Voters for Animal Rights, and also an attorney. “The list includes protected species…Wildlife Services is talking about killing a massive number of birds.” 

He says it is reason for the elimination of the Wildlife Services unit of USDA. It is an agency, says Mr. Karopkin, “that is out of control.”

In its section titled “Need For Action,” the 140-page “Environmental Assessment” declares: “Some species of wildlife have adapted to and have thrived in human-altered habitats. Those species, in particular, are often responsible for the majority of conflicts between humans and wildlife that lead to requests for assistance to reduce damage to resources and to reduce threats to human safety.” 

It goes on: “Birds add an aesthetic component to the environment, sometimes provide opportunities for recreational hunting and bird watching, and like all wildlife, provide people with valued close contact with nature.” But “because of their prolific nature, site tenacity, longevity, size, and tolerance of human activity, many bird species are often associated with situations where damage or threats can occur.”

Three options are presented: one is headed “No Bird Damage Management Conducted by WS,” another involves “nonlethal bird damage management only,” and the “preferred alternative” is “Continuing the Current Integrated Approach…use of the full range of nonlethal and lethal bird management techniques.” 

There are 225 comments posted online by Wildlife Services, among them that of Voters for Animal Rights: “At a time when wildlife is so imperiled and threatened by climate change and human activity, we should do everything we can to protect and preserve these animals, not design new plans and promote new reasons and ways to kill them.” Birds, the organization goes on, “are an integral part of our ecosystem.” 

Wildlife Services’ plan, notes Mr. Karopkin, comes while a study published in the journal Science in September determined that the U.S. and Canada lost 2.9 billion birds since 1970.

Mr. Karopkin says people need to “get involved politically—and get together to amplify their voices.” His organization just held a “Lobbying 101 Workshop” in Smithtown. He urges people get in touch with him at david@vfar.org about taking action.  

Karl Grossman is a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, the winner of numerous awards for his work and a member of the L.I. Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a professor of journalism at SUNY/College at Old Westbury and the author of six books.    

Theater Review – ‘A Christmas Carol'

Theater Review – ‘A Christmas Carol’’ Produced by: Theatre Three – Port Jefferson

Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur 

 

In his immortal novella, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ the great Charles Dickens has provided humanity essentially with two conjoined but excruciatingly contrasting stories. The first, of course, has to do with the miserly skinflint, Ebenezer Scrooge who wants no part of the Christmas seasonal trappings in which economically struggling 1843 Londoners find a modicum of joy only once each humdrum year.

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The second story gives us a scared-stiff Scrooge who, having been visited by ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future (plus an unforgettable wake-up call from the spirit of his similarly money-loving former business partner, Jacob Marley), figures maybe he should re-think his priorities, lest he wind-up chained in eternal fire alongside the condemned Marley.

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With that epiphany, Ebenezer comes to realize a truth that has eluded him the whole time he’s been salting away all those precious pennies, savored shillings, and coveted crowns: namely, that money can indeed buy happiness … but only when you give it away.

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So much for the uplifting nature of generosity as it’s currently embodied in our almost overwhelming tradition of Christmas gift-giving. 

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But Dickens was too keen a student of human nature to confine his narrative to that single observation. ‘A Christmas Carol’ is also a yarn about unrequited love, it’s a lesson in appreciation for the physically weak and infirm, and perhaps more than anything else, the story embodies the importance of diligence in human understanding … as when Scrooge’snephew, Fred Halliwell (ably played by the always dependable actor, Steven Uihlein) refuses to be dissuaded in his love for his uncle … and in his campaign to win Scrooge’s love in equal measure.

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The world would be a dreary, unforgiving place minus the Fred Halliwells among us.

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Most of last year’s actors and crew have returned for the 2019 version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ … after all, what actor or stagehand would forego the opportunity to be associated with a blockbuster production like this one?

There is one extremely impressive new face this year, however, and any reviewer would be remiss should they fail to recognize the absolutely marvelous performance of Kyle Imperatore. As Mr. Fezziwig, Scrooge’s first employer (has any storyteller ever dreamed up more appropriate names for his characters?) Kyle handles the show’s primary comic relief role perfectly. His timing and overall stage presence are superb … his voice is exquisite … in short, Imperatore is one of those performers whom I would unreservedly call ‘The Real Deal.’

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This classic, (so expertly adapted for the stage by Jeffrey Sanzel … I need not remind readers that he plays none other than Ebenezer Scrooge himself) has become a show business staple in Port Jefferson’s 160-year-old Theatre Three over the past three decades, during which time it has been constantly performed for sold-out audiences. Indeed, the history of Long Island theater in general has become replete with anecdotes, legends, and traditions that have sprung up far and wide around the phenomenon that many in the artistic world now refer to simply as ACC. Call (631) 928-9100  - ‘A Christmas Carol’ runs thru December 28.

 

 

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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of a dozen novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. His recent hit, THE GHOSTWRITERS, explores the bizarre relationship between the late Harper Lee and Truman Capote. Ladouceur’s topical thriller, THE SOUTHWICK INCIDENT, was introduced at the Smithtown Library on May 21st. The book involves a radicalized Yale student and his CIA pursuers. Mr. Ladouceur’s revealing website is www.JebsBooks.com

Suffolk Closeup - Election 2020 Is Coming The Political Scramble Is Underway

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

With Election 2019 past—and the blizzard of campaign signs that lined Suffolk County roadways mostly gone, thankfully—it’s Election 2020 that’s coming. The announcement last week by incumbent Representative Peter King of Nassau County that he would not run for re-election in the 2^nd C.D.—which includes the southwest portion of Suffolk—heralds the election ahead.

So does the political scramble underway in the lst C.D., which covers most of Suffolk—the five East End towns, all of Brookhaven, most of Smithtown and a slice of Islip. 

Democrat Perry Gershon who ran against the Republican incumbent, Lee Zeldin, two years ago and narrowly lost—receiving 47.4% of the vote to Mr. Zeldin’s 51.5%—is now emulating what Otis Pike did decades ago. Democrat Pike, of Riverhead, first ran against incumbent Stuyvesant Wainwright of Wainscott in 1958 and lost—but dealt with this by intense activity in the next two years. He spoke at every venue which would have him, shook plenty of hands, and beat Mr. Wainwright in 1960, holding the seat until he retired in 1979.

Mr. Gershon, from East Hampton, with a background in business, was noting recently how he’s been going to many “fire department barbecues and street fairs and shaking hands with and engaging with many voters and speaking about the issues” while “stressing listening.”

“And I’m completely convinced that the Number One problem here,” he said, “is that it’s too expensive to live here, and government needs to intervene by lowering the federal tax burden, eliminating the restrictions on the SALT [state and local tax] deductions and creating more jobs and better paying jobs and making health care more affordable and accessible.” Also, “we must do something to relieve the student debt burden to keep our young people here.”

He is embarked on what he calls a “Restore American Values Tour: 10 Town Halls in 10 Months.” The first was in September at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Library, the next month it was Smithtown, this month it’s Stony Brook. “The goal is to be everywhere, in all parts of the district.” 

Mr. Gershon is for President’s Trump’s impeachment. “Our country is founded on the rule of law. President Trump is making a mockery of the norms and structures that bind us and flaunting his perceived right to break the law. It is the constitutional duty of Congress to stop him and his chief enablers.” 

Also seeking the Democratic candidacy to challenge Mr. Zeldin is Nancy Goroff of Stony Brook who has been chair of the Chemistry Department at Stony Brook University.

“As a scientist, I believe in facts. And the fact is Washington is hurting Suffolk families. I’m running for Congress to use my experience as a scientist to combat global warming, make health care affordable, protect a woman’s right to choose and end the gun violence epidemic,” she said in announcing her candidacy.

Ms. Goroff has the endorsement of Suffolk Legislators Kara Hahn and Sarah Anker as well as 314 Action, a group working to elect Democratic scientists, and also EMILY’s List, which supports Democratic women running for public office.

Regarding Mr. Trump, she says: “If the allegations are true, Donald Trump should be removed from office—and an impeachment inquiry is the proper way to determine the truth.” Mr. Trump is working hard to get re-elected president in 2020 and through the U.S. the names of all candidates for the House of Representatives would be on the ballot with him. 

Will this hurt or help Mr. Zeldin in the lst C.D.? 

Mr. Zeldin has been personally and politically close to Mr. Trump. As a recent Newsday headline stated: “Zeldin emerges as a major supporter of Trump in impeachment Inquiry.” 

Mr. Zeldin, an attorney from Shirley, has tweeted that the impeachment inquiry now happening “has produced NOTHING to impeach POTUS…While Dems run from the MANY gross flaws of how this circus is run. I welcome a debate on just how massively screwed up their clown show is on the SUBSTANCE.”

The campaign website of the three-term incumbent, who stresses his military background, says: “Since entering Congress in 2015, Lee has pursued an aggressive agenda in Washington, D.C., on top local, domestic and international issues; quickly becoming one of the nation’s leading proponents for a stronger, more effective foreign policy that defeats ISIS and other terrorist threats, secures our homeland and treats our nation’s friends as our friends, and our adversaries as our adversaries. On the national level, Lee is fighting every day in Washington to help grow our economy and create more good paying private sector jobs, strengthen our national security, fight for our veterans, improve health care and education in America, repair our local infrastructure and safeguard our environment.”

Karl Grossman is a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, the winner of numerous awards for his work and a member of the L.I. Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a professor of journalism at SUNY/College at Old Westbury and the author of six books.    

In The News - Smithtown's Peter Dudek

All Aboard for Holiday Wonderment with Smithtown’s Peter Dudek 

By Nancy Vallarella

A smiling Peter Dudek has the twinkle of excitement in his eyes as he narrates a tour of the 38’ x 48’ model train mega display hidden below the Mills Pond House. Lifetime model train enthusiast and decade long member of the St. James Model Railroad Club, Peter gleefully shares the magical world the club has created over the past 36 years.  

The 30-year Smithtown resident and father of four was introduced to the club when his daughter, Carolyn, brought him to the model railroad display to celebrate his birthday. Upon retirement, he officially joined the club. Member skill sets vary.  Devotion to creating a world where the locomotive is king is required.

Children visit the model train display year after year to see their favorite themed locomotives, Polar Express, Thomas the Train, and Disney rumble, chug, and whistle along with seven other trains through the large display filled with vignettes of yesteryear to the current and familiar. 

Although the wide-eye wonderment may begin with the running of the trains, it is magnified by the attention to detail. Miles of wiring and multiple control panels are out of sight and mind as the scenery mesmerizes.  Model train sets running inside of a storefront window, a woman ironing clothes in her apartment, puppies frolicking in the pet store window, scented smoke billowing train stacks, synchronized street lights and railroad crossings, intrigue and are only a few examples of the captivating details.

Peter points out during a recent renovation to the display’s Levittown vignette, “Lawn replacement was accomplished with a powder, glue, and water. A needle with an electrical charge was inserted into the mixture to produce varying lengths of grass to demonstrate where a figure had just mowed.” 

Dudek shops for props in hobby stores and train shows, it is where his inspiration for the occasional out-of-theme and out-of-scale scene surprises begin. To add to the holiday merriment, Peter places a dinosaur on a mountain top along with a scout troop and a group of hippies. One may even spot a cantankerous Captain Quinn about to become an elasmobranch fish dinner. 

There is amusement for all ages to be found at the 35^th Annual Holiday Train Display and Holiday Market.  Friday, November 22, 6 PM – 9 PM, Saturday, November 23, 11 AM – 5 PM, Sunday, November 24, 11 AM – 5 PM. Hosted by St. James Model Railroad Club and Smithtown Township Arts Council at the Mills Pond House, 1432, 60 NY-25A, St. James, NY. Please use rear parking off of Mills Pond Road across from the Flowerfield entrance.

Train display admission by donation: Adults - $2.00 / Children - 50¢ Upstairs at the Mills Pond Holiday Market children’s gifts are available for purchase.

Don’t forget to wish Peter and mascot Charlie the Conductor a happy holiday!

Find the St. James Model Railroad Club on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjtrains/