PRESENT: Chairman: Darcy. Members: Albanese, Wishnie, Mosiello, Stewart-Cousins. Staff: George Gretsas, Program Specialist-BOL; Megan Perry, Correction Department; Emilia Vita, Secretary.

ALSO PRESENT: Legislator Suzanne Swanson, District 3; Police Officer Peter Volkmann, Ossining P.D.; Michael Kaplowitz; Bob Buckley, President, Superior Correction Officers Benevolent Association.

Chairman Darcy called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m., in Chairman Oros’ office and introduced Ossining Police Officer Peter Volkmann.

Officer Volkmann played a video tape of a recent HBO special depicting the work of police officers, explaining this is not a typical COPS or NYPD Blue TV show. The tape reveals a different side of police work, the side no one sees and knows very little about.

The tape contained several interviews with police officers who are coping with emotional problems caused by the traumatic experiences they have faced on a daily basis. It is said that the normal male life expectancy is 72 years. However, for a police officer, it is only 59 years old, as a result of heart problems or alcoholism or psychiatric problems brought on by the job.

Many police personnel, as well as firefighters, emergency service personnel, correction officers and emergency room nurses are emotionally traumatized by daily events related to their jobs. They are taught to repress their feelings by superiors, they have no "safe" area. Eventually, they fall victim to chemical or psychiatric dependency problem.

Officer Volkmann, a trained EMT and certified social worker, said his program helps their own in times of crisis. "Debriefing" teams, made up of peers and mental health officials, discuss the incident, learn to cope with it and deal with the aftermath. His last training was 12 years ago when he left the police academy. Times are different and so are the problems faced by law enforcement and medical personnel. He believes this should be an ongoing program at the academy. He asked for the support of the Committee to help promote this program on the County level.

He suggested the members attend a debriefing course at Northern Westchester Hospital on June 28 or June 29 to see what is involved in the program. He cited last year’s Eastchester police shooting as an example. Psychiatrists were called in, but they were not peer driven and officers may not have been as open in discussing their feelings.

In closing, Officer Volkmann said only a peer can share the same understanding of the problems brought on by the job.

Legislator Mosiello agreed that police officers have a fear of needing mental assistance, and have the fear of being labeled as "crazy" or even incompetent, and that can work on a person’s mind. He suggests this be introduced to the Chiefs of Police Association.

Legislator Darcy said he will check if County Police are doing the same. Officer Volkmann said they have their own psychiatrist (Dr. Nyberg). Mr. Darcy would like to keep this issue ongoing and lead the Board to take an initiative. He would also like to have discussions with the Association heads of Police Chiefs, Firefighters and Nurses. Mr. Buckley from the Superior Correction Officers Association would also like to be included in those discussions.

Legislator Stewart-Cousins would like statistics or documentation of the percentage of police officers who are post-traumatically stressed. Officer Volkmann said several studies have been done, and he will forward additional information to the Chair of the Committee.

Legislator Albanese asked how funds are raised. In response, Officer Volkmann said they have several bowl-a-thons and dinner dances throughout the year in order to send other officers for more training.

Legislator Swanson asked how is 60 Control involved. Officer Volkmann and Mr. Groden are agreeable to certain criteria and assistance is dispatched by the local departments.

Chairman Darcy thanked Officer Volkmann for a very informative discussion.

The meeting continued in the Library as Legislator Wishnie introduced Mr. Gunner Neilson, President of the New York State Volunteer Firefighter Association. He gave a brief background of Mr. Neilson’s accomplishments especially his involvement in fire services for the past 38 years.

Mr. Neilson said he represents approximately 130,000 volunteers. He tries to stay abreast of current rules and regulations for the good and welfare of his members. The association is the sole support of the Volunteer Fireman’s Home and Museum in Hudson, New York. He is mandated by New York State Law and works with the Legislative Committee on issues he feels are important to firefighters.

He is currently working on the Drenden Bill, which will make one liable for negligence in loss of property and life.

Mr. Neilson has been to Washington D.C. and has favorable leads to draft a proposal. Also on the agenda is a fire-safe cigarette, which has been an issue for some time. He was told that it would probably be signed into Federal Law not State Law.

Mr. Neilson mentioned that there will be a State-Wide Convention of Firefighters, scheduled for August at the Crowne Plaza, White Plains. He has the permission of Police Chief Dolce and other city officials, there will be a parade and he would like to include the Legislators, if possible. He also scheduled a variety of speakers, including Governor Pataki, noting that his father passed away at the vets home in Hudson and the Governor is a strong supporter of the firefighters.

Chairman Darcy thanked Mr. Neilson for an informative discussion and asked that he keep him apprised of upcoming activities. He also said that the Committee would be happy to provide whatever assistance it could and to feel free to contact him.

The minutes of March 3, 1997, were moved and approved as amended on the motion of Legislator Mosiello, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins [5-0].

Chairman Darcy is in receipt of a response from Aldo Vitagliano, regarding questions raised at a recent meeting relating to highway photo enforcement. He will have copies forwarded to each member and will ask for suggestions.

On the motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Mosiello, the meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m..