Such a tragedy that has occurred in South Troy this week. Nothing can be worse than losing a child, for the whole family, extended family, neighbors and friends.
Children are innocent and very unaware of dangers about them. There is no blaming anyone in this situation, Officer John Wright, I am sure is in a very sad emotional state. I can speak on both sides of this issue. In my early twenties I was in So. Lansing burgh, coasting to a light at 102nd St. when a child playing tag with many other children in front of Mt. Moriah Lodge ran out from the sidewalk and right into the side of my car. I had no idea of what had happened, just that I heard a loud bang on the side of my car. There was a Wedding going on inside the facility, all the Parents were inside and the children outside playing. This young man was 6 yrs. Old. I don’t believe he even knew what had happened as he was involved in his being chased by others. I was sick to my stomach with worry. A mob came out and surrounded me hurling accusations over something they hadn’t seen. I was alone. Upset emotionally and scared. Troy Police came, we all went up to the hospital with the child and thank God no injuries. I never forgot it.
Jump ahead 8 years, my Son was coming home on the bus from the Lansing burgh Boys and Girls club and departed from the bus and crossed in front, and a car decided to go ahead anyway from behind the bus and clipped Michael as he was crossing right into the path of a truck coming the other way. Michael was severely injured, he was 6 also. Later that night after he was transferred from Samaritan Hospital to St. Peters, I was taken aside by the Dr’s and told there was a very good chance he wasn’t going to make the night. They would do all they could to relieve the pressure and fluid on his brain, he had a huge clot on the side of his head filled with fluid and blood that made his head look 1-1/2 times the size it was. I went into the bathroom and threw up. I know both sides and the pain is horrible.
Day in and day out in North Central we complain about people not using the sidewalks, we put in new sidewalks and people still walk in the middle of the road, blocking cars trying to get by. Mothers push their little ones in the “umbrella strollers”, they don’t realize when walking across a intersection against the light, those little ones are 5 to 6 ft. out in front of them in flimsy little strollers. How is a driver to see them?
We had a little boy hit on 6th Ave. just south of 101st St. He ran out from between 2 cars, and I believe he was about 6 yrs. of age. They are too SMALL to see! Adults have to watch these poor little ones. This fellow was severely hurt too, and no one could locate his parents. My God the memories flooded back!
The family of our latest little victim are heartbroken, the Community is upset. Officer Wright is devastated. The Family is demanding ANSWERS. There are none. Just facts of what happened, never, ever to be changed. The poor little guy was in the street unsupervised, way too small to be seen. If he were seen Officer Wright would have stopped. No one can change this; all we can do is pray for the little one and all those involved. Pray that in the future also, these children will be kept in a safer place, and the Parents and other Guardians remember this tragedy and protect the rest of these precious little lives.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Community Police Officers
Some of us are familiar with Community Policing and others are not. Generally residents who reside in an urban setting are, though many are not. Perhaps they don’t have problems in their area that make them become familiar with this type of Policing or they are just not aware.
Community policing is a whole different breed of Officer. Community Officers are full fledged members of the Police force and have worked both sides of policing, but deal mostly with the Social problems in the Community. They focus on the little problems to prevent them from blossoming into larger problems thus, hopefully, saving a situation from becoming much more serious. What problems do they encounter you might ask? Well in Troy, Absentee Landlordism probably fills their slate during the day the most. Part of the problems that stem from this new breed of Entrepreneur are garbage issues, overcrowding of apartments, illegally breaking down on larger houses or apartments, code violations, noise and a variety of other issues that can make residents life miserable.
Anyone who attends their monthly Neighborhood Assn. meeting knows their Officer personally and seeks their help with the issues that are brought to the forefront at the meeting. Not only do you get to know your Officer first hand but we tend to “bond” so to speak with them, they become our ‘friends’ and not just a Cop. So where am I going with this? Well this week our Officer for the North Central area, Kevin Sessions, was injured while on Bike Patrol. He was biking on Fifth Avenue, when a women opened her car door into traffic and right into the path of Kevin. Yes, Kevin got whacked, he was injured pretty well, he was knocked off his bike and his arm and knee were quite damaged. He has a good injury on his upper arm and this could have been much more serious then it was. What if Kevin had been thrown into the path of the car following him? What if the other cars in the road hit their brakes and swerved to avoid him and then hit another car or pedestrian and most folks were injured? None of these things happened but poor Kevin is on the injury list. He is new to Community Policing and we feel badly this happened to him. We miss him.. So let us all let him know we are thinking of him. A card can be sent to him at 55 State St. Troy, NY, OR you can leave your ‘get well soon’ thoughts or comments here on the BLOG for him.. Let’s make him laugh and see the humorous side of this, because that is the way we are!
Community policing is a whole different breed of Officer. Community Officers are full fledged members of the Police force and have worked both sides of policing, but deal mostly with the Social problems in the Community. They focus on the little problems to prevent them from blossoming into larger problems thus, hopefully, saving a situation from becoming much more serious. What problems do they encounter you might ask? Well in Troy, Absentee Landlordism probably fills their slate during the day the most. Part of the problems that stem from this new breed of Entrepreneur are garbage issues, overcrowding of apartments, illegally breaking down on larger houses or apartments, code violations, noise and a variety of other issues that can make residents life miserable.
Anyone who attends their monthly Neighborhood Assn. meeting knows their Officer personally and seeks their help with the issues that are brought to the forefront at the meeting. Not only do you get to know your Officer first hand but we tend to “bond” so to speak with them, they become our ‘friends’ and not just a Cop. So where am I going with this? Well this week our Officer for the North Central area, Kevin Sessions, was injured while on Bike Patrol. He was biking on Fifth Avenue, when a women opened her car door into traffic and right into the path of Kevin. Yes, Kevin got whacked, he was injured pretty well, he was knocked off his bike and his arm and knee were quite damaged. He has a good injury on his upper arm and this could have been much more serious then it was. What if Kevin had been thrown into the path of the car following him? What if the other cars in the road hit their brakes and swerved to avoid him and then hit another car or pedestrian and most folks were injured? None of these things happened but poor Kevin is on the injury list. He is new to Community Policing and we feel badly this happened to him. We miss him.. So let us all let him know we are thinking of him. A card can be sent to him at 55 State St. Troy, NY, OR you can leave your ‘get well soon’ thoughts or comments here on the BLOG for him.. Let’s make him laugh and see the humorous side of this, because that is the way we are!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Neighborhood Associations
Throughout the city of Troy we have all different types of areas: residential, commercial, and mixed use. Each area has its own personality and its own problems.
Over the past 12 to 15 years community organizations that we refer to as “Neighborhood Associations” have popped up. With the advent of Community Policing, and organizations such as TRIP, there has been a lot of help starting concerned groups and working on their problems.
Our groups are composed of a wide selection of residents in the area. Some are young, some old, some lifetime residents, and some are dubbed “newbies”. Whether they are white, black, working, or non-working they all have the same mission: to improve their living environment. These groups meet in a variety of areas including Community Police Stations, Church meeting rooms, The Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club, and wherever they can find an accessible and easy to find space.
What goes on at a meeting? Where do they meet? Well, if you are not aware of an association in your neighborhood you could either ask a neighbor if there is one, watch the community listings in your local paper, or call City Hall. The City of Troy website has a ton of information on what the city has to offer.
At a typical meeting new folks are introduced to each other, your area designated Community Police officer, your Council person, or perhaps Bob Mirch the Commissioner of DPW may also be there. Frequently our Mayor Harry Tutunjian is there and we always try to have a key speaker in relation to concerns for the area or perhaps a new project coming such as a business or improvements to the area. Great emphasis is given to “getting the word out” to our neighbors regarding important news they should know.
After speakers have their presentations there are a question and answer period and a problem solving session. We highlight the importance of staying connected to each other, knowing your neighbors and area, and reporting unusual occurrences.
Do you belong to a Neighborhood Association? If you don’t - why not? If you do - is it working for you? Do you have any suggestions or other area problem solving concerns that may need to be covered during the meetings? In what other way could a Neighborhood Association help you or your area? Would you want to start one in your area?
Let’s hear your opinions on how well or poor our Neighborhood Associations are doing. Opinions are valuable, everyone has one, and we want to hear yours. Why? Because that is the way it is!
Over the past 12 to 15 years community organizations that we refer to as “Neighborhood Associations” have popped up. With the advent of Community Policing, and organizations such as TRIP, there has been a lot of help starting concerned groups and working on their problems.
Our groups are composed of a wide selection of residents in the area. Some are young, some old, some lifetime residents, and some are dubbed “newbies”. Whether they are white, black, working, or non-working they all have the same mission: to improve their living environment. These groups meet in a variety of areas including Community Police Stations, Church meeting rooms, The Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club, and wherever they can find an accessible and easy to find space.
What goes on at a meeting? Where do they meet? Well, if you are not aware of an association in your neighborhood you could either ask a neighbor if there is one, watch the community listings in your local paper, or call City Hall. The City of Troy website has a ton of information on what the city has to offer.
At a typical meeting new folks are introduced to each other, your area designated Community Police officer, your Council person, or perhaps Bob Mirch the Commissioner of DPW may also be there. Frequently our Mayor Harry Tutunjian is there and we always try to have a key speaker in relation to concerns for the area or perhaps a new project coming such as a business or improvements to the area. Great emphasis is given to “getting the word out” to our neighbors regarding important news they should know.
After speakers have their presentations there are a question and answer period and a problem solving session. We highlight the importance of staying connected to each other, knowing your neighbors and area, and reporting unusual occurrences.
Do you belong to a Neighborhood Association? If you don’t - why not? If you do - is it working for you? Do you have any suggestions or other area problem solving concerns that may need to be covered during the meetings? In what other way could a Neighborhood Association help you or your area? Would you want to start one in your area?
Let’s hear your opinions on how well or poor our Neighborhood Associations are doing. Opinions are valuable, everyone has one, and we want to hear yours. Why? Because that is the way it is!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Troy Police Awards Ceremony
Troy Police Awards Ceremony
Yesterday, the Troy Police Dept. held its annual awards ceremony at the Franklin Plaza in Troy. The Chiefs honored and praised a number of its fine Officers ranging from investigation to heroic acts while on duty. The Neigborhood Assns. and other Committees in the City work closely with the Police Dept. and many of these officers, some we know, some we don't. But there are many residents in our Community who do NOT know their Police force, some by name in the paper others only by face. I have always felt that the Community and Taxpayers should be included in this Award Ceremony, to witness, and offer our congratulations and to be able to SEE and meet those honored, who serve our neighborhoods. My question is: if there were a small fee charged to cover the cost of the meal at the venue where the ceremony is held, would you attend? Right now there is no avenue for the general public to attend because......THAT'S THE WAY IT IS!!!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Where has all the Respect gone?
WHERE HAS ALL THE RESPECT GONE?
We all know that living in a City can be hard, and particularly hard when the weather is warmer. But in the last few years we have noticed more and more that in general the Human Race has less respect for each other than I can ever remember. When I was a Child, we were taught to say "Please" and "Thank You" and to respect our elders, and so on, but nowadays, that has all gone out the window.
Issues we have living in the City are particularly rough. Kids, some Teens, many younger and a LOT older are just out of control. Sometimes their Parents are more out of control than the kids. For instance, I think there is a huge portion of the residents of the City of Troy, that don't know what a Sidewalk is, they walk right in the middle of the road and they don't get out of the way for anyone. If you happen to give a little beep to remind them you are trying to get through, they will either walk much slower or turn around and bang on your car. No Respect.
Also, no one seems to think that folks 'sleep' anymore. They are hanging around outside your house, sitting on your steps and under your windows making all kinds of noise to all hours of the night.Sometimes drinking their Beverages out of their Brown paper bags Notice I said hanging outside YOUR house, what is wrong with THEIRS?? Obviously they aren't aware of the fact you need your sleep as you have to get up in the morning to work. Must be they don't do that.No Respect.
Ah, and now let's also go to the Convenience store and buy something, then eat it on the way home and throw the papers on YOUR property, sometime even when there is a waste receptacle right close by, such as at the Bus stop, just throw it on the ground, I guess that is easier.Or smashing their bottles on the Sidewalks or into the street so folks can get a flat tire. No respect.
This is my first BLOG..Let me hear from you with your thoughts on where all the respect has gone and what you think we should do with these people, and experiences YOU have had with NO RESPECT! Let's let them know what WE think..........................why? ..Because THAT'S THE WAY IT IS!!!
Issues we have living in the City are particularly rough. Kids, some Teens, many younger and a LOT older are just out of control. Sometimes their Parents are more out of control than the kids. For instance, I think there is a huge portion of the residents of the City of Troy, that don't know what a Sidewalk is, they walk right in the middle of the road and they don't get out of the way for anyone. If you happen to give a little beep to remind them you are trying to get through, they will either walk much slower or turn around and bang on your car. No Respect.
Also, no one seems to think that folks 'sleep' anymore. They are hanging around outside your house, sitting on your steps and under your windows making all kinds of noise to all hours of the night.Sometimes drinking their Beverages out of their Brown paper bags Notice I said hanging outside YOUR house, what is wrong with THEIRS?? Obviously they aren't aware of the fact you need your sleep as you have to get up in the morning to work. Must be they don't do that.No Respect.
Ah, and now let's also go to the Convenience store and buy something, then eat it on the way home and throw the papers on YOUR property, sometime even when there is a waste receptacle right close by, such as at the Bus stop, just throw it on the ground, I guess that is easier.Or smashing their bottles on the Sidewalks or into the street so folks can get a flat tire. No respect.
This is my first BLOG..Let me hear from you with your thoughts on where all the respect has gone and what you think we should do with these people, and experiences YOU have had with NO RESPECT! Let's let them know what WE think..........................why? ..Because THAT'S THE WAY IT IS!!!
Welcome to THAT’S THE WAY IT IS!
My name is Tina Urzan. I was born and raised in beautiful Troy, NY and will be contributing to the RECORD’s Blog section of the online News. We live in a City flowing with past History, Wealth and Architecture and have a beautiful future ahead of us. One of the greatest Treasures Troy has, is its people. We are a melting pot all on our own and I am hoping to hear from everyone. Groups here in Troy share the passion to bring back and keep the great Town we once had. We are happy, we are sad and we can get angry! A person with a voice is one who cares and I want to hear your responses!
We will be chatting about Local, State and National issues. Discussing what is happening on your block. What problems you are having, how to solve them. Who is good for Troy, who is standing in our way, raise some rabble if we need to and praise the people and their deeds on our road here. In other words I want to hear everyone’s 2 Cents worth and more………….because THAT’S THE WAY IT IS!!
We will be chatting about Local, State and National issues. Discussing what is happening on your block. What problems you are having, how to solve them. Who is good for Troy, who is standing in our way, raise some rabble if we need to and praise the people and their deeds on our road here. In other words I want to hear everyone’s 2 Cents worth and more………….because THAT’S THE WAY IT IS!!
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