Beacon's Acting Chief Of Police William Cornett Resigns Mid-Way Through Appointment

Just 40 days into his 90 day temporary term as Beacon’s Acting Chief of Police, William (Bill) Cornett has stepped down from his position, and will return to retirement. Bill, as referred to by those who know him, was appointed to the position by Mayor Lee Kyriacou after Beacon’s then Chief Kevin Junjulas announced his retirement, along with Captain Fredericks, soon after police protests and the Black Lives Matter movement started nation-wide.

Lieutenant Sands Frost, who currently works for Beacon’s Police Department, has been appointed by unanimous vote of the City Council to replace Will Cornett, effective August 17, 2020. Mayor Kyriacou said during the appointment at the 8/17/2020 City Council Meeting that apparently no one had stepped forward to volunteer to be in the position until now. The position will pay a pro-rated percentage of the currently budgeted Police Chief salary, which is $147,733, according to the proposed 2020 budget. Mayor Kyriacou thanked Lieutenant Frost for stepping up, “even if it’s not your first choice sometimes.”

The appointment of William Cornett came with controversy, as the Teamsters Local 445 opposed the appointment, stating that William Cornett had been in retirement too long (retired in 2000). At the meeting to appoint William Cornett, Teamsters Local 445 representative, Mike Pitt, spoke to the benefit of promoting someone from within Beacon’s Police Department: “The Mayor continues to say that it is ‘Acting Police Chief’ and totally disregarding the promotion or acting part of someone who is already in a command position in the Police Department, who can make the transition a lot smoother until you actually make an appointment of a Police Chief, after a thorough search.”

At the August 3rd City Council Meeting, shortly after appointments were announced about who was on the selection committee to pick a new Police Chief, 18 callers called in to voice their opinions. Normally, 15 members of the public are on the call total, and maybe 5 of them speak. One of the residents who spoke during the Public Comment portion was Ciarda Hall, a founding organizer of Beacon4Black Lives. Normally callers need to state their name and address during these public portions of the City Council Meeting. While stating ones name is helpful, stating their address seems an overreach of privacy.

 

H, I’m Ciarda and I don’t feel safe stating my address .

As many of us know, the Chief of Police resigned last month. Last week, a committee was named to help choose the new Chief of Police in Beacon. It has come to my attention that the first candidate choice from Beacon4BlackLives was disqualified from the committee simply because you disagree with comments they made at the previous City Council Meeting. Comments that our whole team agrees with.

Nobody in the city agrees with your choice of Acting Chief. Residents in the city don’t feel comfortable and there has even been complaints of sexual harassment within the Police Department against him. the only person who agrees with your choice of Acting Chief, is your neighbor and close friend, William Cornett. Oh wait, isn’t that who you chose to be Acting Chief? Tea. Hasn’t he been off-duty for over a decade? Hasn’t there also been reports of him being racist? This is who you chose?

Nothing about the process to choose this committee or acting chief has been transparent and furthermore, how can we trust the integrity of a committee and have hope in positive change if you are only choosing people who agree with your shady politics based solely in re-enforcing white supremacy and maintaining the status quo?

How can we trust someone who is supposed to be our Mayor but has never reached out to me. The girl who created the Beacon4Blacklives team. A team who literally started this movement and shook the room in our entire city. We have got nothing from you but an automated speech that you already know my feelings towards.

Do you even care about black lives? It’s not that hard to show you care. Yet you continue to fail. stand up if you care Mr. Mayor and step down if you don’t. Because your job is not done when you find a new chief like you said it will be. Make a change. Thank you.

 

A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to the PBA’s Vice President, William Confield, for comment as to rumors of recent allegations of sexual harrasment, as well as to the City Council, Mayor and Administrator. Should we get a response, this article will be updated. What is also not confirmed is when when William Cornett stepped down, if he was asked to resign, if he volunteered, and if the City of Beacon was without a chief for a period of days before Lieutenant Frost’s appointment. We are unable to get a list of officers who work for the Police Department in order to check for who the female police officers are, as the list has not been published to the City’s website yet, but was supposed to be, as was announced in mid-July by Mayor Kyriacou.

Mayor Kyriacou also announced that the City would publish FOIA requests to its website, when members of the public inquire about the backgrounds of police officers. But those requests do not seem to have been published yet.

A Bit Of Beacon History - Real Old School - 1977 and 1988

Officer William Cornett had worked for Beacon for decades, and was on duty during the “racial disturbance” as described by the Poughkeepsie Journal on May 21, 1977. It was during this time that the Spirit of Beacon Day started, as a way to temper racial tensions. At the time, William Cornett was an officer with Beacon’s Police Department, and disputed the release of 3 Black youths (plus 1 who made bail) who were arrested apparently during a riot situation in Beacon.

Photo Credit: The Poughkeepsie Journal

According to the newspaper from May 21, 1977, “Officer William Cornett, in a prepared statement, said the release of 3 Black youths in their own recognizance 'compounded the violence done by roving bands of thugs.’ Cornett said local citizens should make known opposition to the release. ‘Efforts to protect the public will be futile without their support,’ he said.” The Beacon PBA at the time was also critical of the release of the Black youths, according to the article.

The 1977 article goes on to say that City Court Judge Ian MacDonald released Brian Medley, 17, Ervin Burton, 19, and Michael Bell, 16, following their arraignment on felony riot charges (they are much older today). A fourth defendant, Robert McNair, 16, was held in $1,000 bail pending a later hearing. McNair, back in 1977, was charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. Cornett said McNair posted bail and was free on that Friday afternoon. Then City Court Judge Ian MacDonald honored a request from then Assistant D.A. Thomas Dolan to release the Black youth. “I think the assistant D.A. was right,” the judge said. “I realized the decision might be unpopular. But these were young people and they did not have a criminal record.” MacDonald also noted that the youths had not used weapons, according to the article.

William Cornett was also in Beacon for a jail cell hanging in 1988. According to a Poughkeepsie Journal 1988 article, the headline of which read: “Theft suspect found hanged in Beacon jail,” went on to explain: “A 36-year-old burglary suspect arrested Saturday by Beacon City Police hanged himself in the Police Department lockup 4 hours after he was taken into custody, police reported.” William Cornett was quoted in the article, and was then a Lieutenant. At the time, he could not release the man’s name, but confirmed that the man had been found hanged in a holding cell at 8pm that evening.

During William Cornett’s appointment to Acting Police Chief in July 2020, Mayor Lee Kyriacou stated that Officer Cornett was the only one the Mayor trusted during Beacon’s dark days of the police department (Mayor Kyriacou and William Cornett are also neighborly and shared a house driveway). Mayor Kyriacou was responsible for launching a Federal Investigation into the Beacon Police Department in the 2000s, which was innitially inspired by Mayor Kyriacou wanting to cut down on overtime pay. Listen to ALBB’s sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?” to learn all about the Mayor’s experience with the investigation., which led the Beacon Police Department to become accredited, a rarity in these parts that other municipalities like Fishkill are now trying to earn. Former Mayor Randy Casale also speaks on the podcast about the dark days and his role in putting body cameras on Beacon Police Officers.

Episode 3: Randy Casale: His First Coming Out (On The "Wait, What Is That?" Podcast)

When the bench dedicated to former Mayor Randy Casale’s stepson was in discussions to be moved, he took to social media for the first time since losing his mayoral election for a third term, and flared up a base.

On the “Wait, What Is That?” podcast, we talked to Randy to learn more about the bench, what the thin blue line means to him and police families, and the American flag. We also talked to him about his experience during the end of the Federal Investigation of the Beacon Police Department, before the department was accredited, and why he wanted body cameras on officers. The original interview is 3hrs long, but has been edited to 39 minutes per his attorney’s request, and his desire to not re-ignite the divisive vibes that happened after the bench discussion and Back the Beacon PD rally.

Beacon's PBA (Police Union) and City Mayor Issue Joint Statement Of Respect and Communication

After a volley of open letters to each other (here, here and here…with a scathing letter from the Local Teamster 445, to which ALBB sought clarification for intentions here), Beacon’s Police Benevolent Association (PBA) by way of Vice President Michael Confield and Beacon’s Mayor Lee Kyriacou have issued a joint statement of support and cooperation to move forward with direct communication with each other. This also follows a “Support The Beacon PD” rally in Beacon last Sunday, which was met with voices from the Black Lives Movement.

The City of Beacon issued the following press release on Monday, July 27, 2020:

###

BEACON, NY: Mayor Lee Kyriacou and Beacon PBA Vice President Michael Confield jointly announced their commitment for the City and police union to communicate regularly and productively on issues affecting police, the City and the community.

Late Friday afternoon and on Sunday, representatives of the Beacon Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association met with City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero and Mayor Lee Kyriacou for lengthy open and productive conversations – involving listening, information sharing, assurances of respect and agreement on communication going forward.

Mayor Kyriacou and PBA Vice President Confield together stated, “We’re both appreciative of the open dialogue and are committed to making sure that city and police leadership are listening and sharing viewpoints.”

Separately, Mayor Kyriacou said, “I truly appreciate and applaud the PBA for reaching out, and working together to close the communication gap. All of us agreed that we should have reached out sooner, and that going forward, the communication will be frequent and open.”

PBA Vice President Confield also added, “Our conversations were very productive. We appreciate the Mayor’s and Administrator’s willingness to hear our concerns, and look forward to ensuring that everyone is heard in the ongoing process of improving police-community relations.”

The Mayor added, “Each time I greet an officer, my first words are ‘thank you’ and more recently, ‘I appreciate the difficult situation you are in.’ That support continues unabated.”

###

Beacon Police Officers Now Required To Carry Business Cards

It might feel like the first day on the job all over again when the Beacon police officers receive their first batch of business cards with their names on them. In an effort to increase police transparency, the City of Beacon’s Acting Police Chief William (Bill) Cornett has ordered all police officers to carry and distribute business cards in most situations that do not end in arrest or summons. On the cards will be the police officer’s name and badge number. Additionally, the officer’s name, rank and photo will be published on the City of Beacon’s website, to further help the community get to know the police department.

According to the City of Beacon’s press release issued last week, July 20, 2020, “under the Chief’s new order, officers will identify themselves to individuals upon initiation of certain enforcement activities, including questioning or searches in traffic and checkpoint stops, searches and other non-custodial questioning. Identification will include officer name, rank and an explanation of the reason for the activity. At the conclusion of the activity, if it does not result in an arrest or summons, officers will offer their business card.”

Poughkeepie and Newburgh recently passed laws requiring the carrying and distribution of business cards. Newburgh began discussing it in June 2020 with a Public Hearing, and passed the law mid July 2020 by unanimous vote. At-Large Councilperson Omari Shakur, lobbied for the Newburgh law, calling it “‘a good first step’ to repair trust between the police and the people. ‘We’re trying to change the face of our police right now,’” he said during an interview with Spectrum News. Omari’s son was shot and killed by police in 2006 while being chased, as reported by the Record Online (most articles are now behind the paywall at the Record - ALBB recommends you support local journalism and sign up with them - they provide good coverage of Newburgh news). Newburgh calls it the “Right To Know” law. Middletown is now also considering adopting, according to NewsBreak.

Said Mayor Kyriacou “This is the right thing to do, and we don’t need a law to tell us that. We are simply requiring all our officers to carry and provide business cards, which will increase transparency and build trust in our community.”

Mayor Kyriacou continued in the press release: “I approved the Chief’s order. Like cameras – where the City of Beacon was an early local adopter – transparency helps everyone and builds trust. Our officers work tirelessly every day to protect Beacon and people should know who they are. If a resident has a concern, they should know who is involved and how to proceed.” The Mayor announced the decision at the 7/20/2020 City Council Meeting.

The business cards are being designed now, and A Little Beacon Blog will be sent a sample to publish.

Updated Article: At Reader's Request From Support The Beacon PD Rally, Interviews Included From Black Lives Matter Participants

back-the-beacon-pd-update.png

After we shared our article on the “Support The Beacon PD” rally, a reader, Joe Gallo, commented in a series of comments on our Facebook page, that he thought it unusual that the description of the participants of the police rally were described - and described by occupation - and no one from the counter protesters representing Black Lives Matter were mentioned.

In his comments, Joe alluded to individuals who showed up for Black lives. Being that this was an article about the “Support the Beacon PD,” and focused on that (we tried to get comment from Beacon PBA and former Mayor Randy Casale to highlight what attending meant to them, but we haven’t heard back yet ... they are busy people), the article only focused on that group.

Hearing Joe’s feedback, while disagreeing with his implied position that people’s occupations did not need to be mentioned, we followed up with each person he named, to confirm they were there, and highlight their inspiration for attending.

Read the updated article with all of the interviews here.

UPDATED: A "Support The Beacon PD" Rally Happened This Past Sunday At Pohill Park and Municipal Building

Early moments of the Support The Beacon PD rally that happened on 7/19/2020 at Pohill Park and City Hall. Photo Credit: Steve Jacobs

Early moments of the Support The Beacon PD rally that happened on 7/19/2020 at Pohill Park and City Hall.
Photo Credit: Steve Jacobs

UPDATE 7/22/2020: After publishing this article which alluded to some people who attended, we shared it on Facebook, which we do with each article. One of the participants of the “Support The Beacon PD” rally commented with a strong request that participants from the Black Lives Matter counter protest be named also. You can read the full exchange here. Parts of the dialogue have been excerpted at right. The “Support The Beacon PD” participant asking for further participant identification was Joe Galbo, who at the time, went by Joseph James in Facebook. He has since updated his Facebook name to be Joseph Galbo. As Joe states, he is a former police officer, and current security guard for Beacon City Schools who was at the “Support The Beacon PD” rally. I know him as Mr. Galbo, as he works in my children’s elementary school.

Because this was an article about the “Support The Beacon PD” rally, we focused on identifying those participants, to give readers an idea of who attended that rally. Attending a rally is a public activity, so anyone who attends it does so, most likely, in pride, and is proud to be identified, in this case, with supporting police officers and agencies.

Attendees of the “Support The Beacon PD” rally. Photo Credit: Beacon PBA

Attendees of the “Support The Beacon PD” rally.
Photo Credit: Beacon PBA

To answer Mr. Galbo’s request, we highlighted each person he named who attended the counter protest, Black Lives Matter. We spent this week following up with those people named, in order to confirm they attended, and to learn what inspired them to attend. We received responses from all. Their quotes are below. Scroll down.

The “Support The Beacon PD” Rally Origins

On Sunday morning, a “Support The Beacon PD” rally happened, and wrapped up by lunchtime. Organizers included Tom DiCastro Sr., and participants included some from the Beacon Jeep Club, former Mayor Randy Casale, some security guards from the Beacon City School District, and others. A Little Beacon Blog asked Randy why he attended and what message he wanted to get across. His response: “I attended to show our Police officers that I support the work they do in our community. As Mayor I had my difference with the PBA (police union) during negotiations, but I always backed them when they were doing their job. We also made many changes to Department while I was Mayor.”

While it looked like the rally started at City Hall by way of parking, and set up at Pohill Park, another group representing Black Lives Matter and Beacon4BlackLives who has been regularly demonstrating at Pohill Park, were also in attendance but on the opposite side of the street in front of City Hall.

For the past several weeks, the Black Lives Matter movement organized by Beacon4Black Lives has been meeting at Pohill Park as a starting place for their march down Main Street, which usually ends at Memorial Park. This past weekend, there had been no march planned. However, supporters for Black Lives Matter continued to meet at Pohill Park, and according to one of the organizers, Ciarda Hall, were surprised to see the Support The Beacon PD rally participants there. A Little Beacon Blog is reaching out for confirmation as to if Beacon4Black Lives reserves Pohill Park at that time each weekend.

According to a Facebook post made by organizer of Support Beacon PD, Tom DiCastro Sr., the rally may have been originally set to be at City Hall (aka The Municipal Building):

According to the post: “A reminder and change for the Support the Beacon PD and all police agencies on Sunday, 7/19. We will be in the Pohill Park across the street from the Municipal Building. This was a request from the City and I agreed. All attempts to maintain the 6 ft. Social distancing should be made and masks worn if it isn't possible. A patriotic mask would be great. If you can, bring a flag, police or American, supportive signs (nothing derogatory please) and be respectful of others around you. Let's show people our support and the American way.”

Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero has confirmed with A Little Beacon Blog this request, with the following statement, when we asked if the City requested the location: “Yes. Pohill Park is where the City has allowed free speech events and rallies to take place. The City was contacted by the organizers, and after discussion about alternative locations, it was decided to utilize Polhill Park.”

A Little Beacon Blog asked about a reservation sheet, and if an organizational system existed for planning events at Pohill Park. Anthony’s response: “Yes, so there is no conflicts of usage. When permits are issued for demonstrations, the place, time and duration, as well as the number of people to be in attendance are needed information so that the appropriate city services can be planned for and provided.”

UPDATE 7/22/2020: A Little Beacon Blog confirmed with the counter protesters, Beacon4BlackLives, that they had not planned an in-person protest for Sunday. There was no double-booking.

When asked if there were police officers assigned to this rally, Anthony confirmed that they were: “Police officers were assigned specifically for that event to assure public order and a safe environment in which the event could take place. This has been done for all the protests.”

Feedback To City Council About The “Support The Beacon PD” Rally

According to posts in Instagram, driving through the dueling rallies was uncomfortable. One resident said that someone from the “Support Beacon PD” rally called for him to “Go Home.” He responded with: “I am home.” Parking for cars was held at the firehouse across the street from the Municipal Building, in the parking lot of the building, and on the grass there. City Council Member Air Nonken-Rhodes said agreed during their Monday City Council Meeting that the rally situation with both sides protesting at each other was uncomfortable.

Council person Terry Nelson, representing Ward 1, had this to say during this week’s 7/20/2020 City Council meeting: “Several of the public comments that were either read or emailed to the council alluded a couple of unfortunate incidents at yesterday’s Back the Blue rally. The organizers and attendees of that event were exercising their First Amendment rights... So, the Back the Blue rally isn’t the problem. Some of the things their attendees said is what I take issue with. The vitriol displayed is a symptom of an even larger problem. We are at each other’s throats and it is not getting any better. Certain members of our community have taken to social media and have written open letters accusing this council of being anti-police and defunding or disarming the police. If anyone tells you that, they’re either lying or are grossly misinformed. Either way, this kind of rhetoric only serves to divide us.

”As for yesterday’s rally, I acknowledge that there was an Antifa flag and an anti-police banner, but according to an attendee, Beacon4BlackLives were not involved with those individuals, who were not from Beacon, and the sign and flag do not reflect what the Beacon4BlackLives demonstration was trying to relay. Members of B4BL were told to “go back home” among other things. Those kids live here. This is their home and they deserve to be heard. Instead of screaming at them "to go back home,” maybe take 5-10 minutes to listen to what they have to say.”

A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to Beacon Police Benevolent Association (PBA) president, Michael Confield, for his comment on the following questions. Should we hear back, his answers will be updated in this article as well. Those questions are as follows:

ALBB: Did you attend? If so, do you have a comment as to what message you were hoping the demonstration got across?

ALBB: Being that there were counter protesters across the street, which seemed to turn into Blue Lives vs Black Lives, and some people in social media saying: “I side with Blue Lives,” do you think this an issue where people need to take sides? 

ALBB: What does the term Black Lives Matter mean to you?

ALBB: What does the term Blue Lives Matter mean to you?

Who Participated In The Black Lives Matter Counter-Protest?

Many people showed up for the Black Lives Matter counter protest. Mr. Galbo named a list of people in the Facebook thread, so we followed up with who he mentioned: “city workers, a Beacon BOE (Board Of Education) member… the wife of a Beacon city police lieutenant…and former ward 4 city council person Ali Muhammad.”

Justice McCray (also goes by Justice Yellow)

Justice Yellow (McCray)
Photo Credit: Justice Yellow (McCray)

Justice is the Co-Creator and Organizer of Beacon4BlackLives and past Black Lives Matter Protests in Beacon. Justice is known for working at the Beacon Public Library, for his committee seat on the Human Relations Commission for Beacon during the days when the Beacon Police Department was being investigated by the federal government. Justice was featured this week on All Things Considered about the Black Lives Matter movement locally.

ALBB: Were you at the rally, and did you have a rally previously organized at Pohill Park? Beacon4BlackLives has been meeting there for several weekends. I thought you did not have a protest scheduled for that weekend? If you were there, what inspired you to attend, and what message did you hope to get across?

“The only thing my team organized and scheduled this past weekend was our virtual community discussion. Beacon4BlackLives did not plan any demonstration on Sunday. However, when I discovered the "back the blue" protest was happening, I was called not too long after and asked to show up and show the community that Black lives still matter. Police are killing Black bodies and that needs to change. In our community, a disproportionate amount of POC have experienced way too many horror stories of police harassment and brutality. The structure of policing is founded on white supremacy and the "back the blue" rally amplified that racist rhetoric when they shouted at me to "go back to where I came from." I'm from Beacon and I've been an active member of the community for a long time. There's a clear divide in our community and I did not feel safe on Sunday. Our community is hurting, and things need to change.”


Ali T. Muhammad
Photo Credit: Ali T. Muhammad

Ali T. Muhammad

Ali T. Muhammad grew up in Beacon and was represented Beacon’s 4th Ward as a City Council member. He currently lives in Newburgh and works within the Hudson Valley advocating for community development through civic engagement and volunteering.

ALBB: Were you at the rally? If you were there, what inspired you to attend, and what message did you hope to get across?

“I was there. The original organizer wanted to have a counter protest and he reached out to a few of us that he had grown up with. We’ve been meeting weekly, around the conversation of creating solutions to dismantle racism and discrimination within our neighborhoods. We reached out to a few allies and a lot of support showed on the sides of our Black Lives Matter movement. I showed up in solidarity with my BIPOC brothers and sisters and white allies and accomplices that put their bodies on the line. I helped lead, which wasn’t the plan. I did speak directing my side and informing the Blue Lives Matter crowd on why all lives matter when Black lives matter. It was intense at times but nothing like in Pleasant Valley the day before. I felt the highlight was our neighbors showing up to stand with us and demonstrate to our other neighbors that times are changing. Move with us or continue to get left behind.”


Bryanne Figlia

Bryanne is an artist, writer, activist and mother. She is married to Beacon’s Lieutenant Figlia, who has participated by sharing his story at an open mic during a past Black Lives Matter protest, and has attended City Council meetings to help describe to the public and council how Beacon’s police department works.

ALBB: Were you at the rally? If you were there, what inspired you to attend, and what message did you hope to get across?

“Put simply, I was there because Black lives matter. Aside from being married to a police officer (which is not an occupation!), I’m an artist, writer and activist who has been engaging in direct action for over a decade, and so I understand the need to respond and stand in solidarity when any counter-movement plans an event. I know that sincere concerns, like wanting to support good officers (and I do!) can often double as cover for bad actors who simply want to assert dominance over the group that has been protesting.

”Despite a notable banner that expressed otherwise, our gathering was not anti-police. It was just an assertion that Black lives always matter, and that we weren’t going to give cover to racism here for any reason. I observed people shouting at us to “go back where you came from,” as well as mocking and jeering at Black military veterans. This type of behavior clearly has nothing to do with supporting law enforcement.

”I know some of us also really saw it as an opportunity to face our neighbors and have those challenging conversations. A group of us from both sides of the street met at the corner and there was a productive discussion. A retired police officer expressed his sorrow about the Black lives he knows were wrongly taken by police violence, a community leader discussed where he believes can work together to combat racism and make positive change, plans to meet again were made - especially with some of the other vitriol, it was a really encouraging moment to witness.”


Reuben Simmons

Reuben Simmons Photo Credit: Reuben Simmons

Reuben Simmons
Photo Credit: Reuben Simmons

Reuben is the founder of the community organization, I Am Beacon, and works for the Highway Department. Previously, Reuben was the Highway Superindenant, but was demoted after a series of events and loopholes. A Little Beacon Blog has a podcast and article coming out about that soon.

ALBB: Were you at the rally? If you were there, what inspired you to attend, and what message did you hope to get across?

“Yes I was there.

”I support peoples right to protest. I work in public service and have worked with our city police department during the course of my job and during many community events. I personally do not see this as an us vs them when it comes to the local BLM supporters and the supporters for our local police department, but unfortunately, I am also aware of the division that has been created in this city by lack of leadership. I feel we are at a defining point in Beacon. As we move forward, Will it be war? or Will it be peace? I want peace. I saw videos on FB of what happened in Pleasant Valley the day before, it was ugly for any community, and I wanted to make sure that did not happen in Beacon. People should have the right to protest (and counter) peacefully. And we demonstrated that on Sunday.

”I think we can move forward working together with respective groups being represented from all sides finding coming ground. However, I did not see anyone there on Sunday who actually sits in a position of leadership to bridge that gap. I find it very dangerous, disturbing, and a threat to our entire community if things continue the way they are currently.”


James Case-Leal

James is on the bottom center of this photo when he was running for a member seat on Beacon’s Board of Education. Ali was also running, as was Mr. Galbo’s wife, Christine.
Photo Credit: Highlands Current

James is on Beacon’s Board of Education and serves on its Policy Committee.

ALBB: Were you at the rally? If you were there, what inspired you to attend, and what message did you hope to get across?

“I stood in front of City Hall on Sunday having lined up the street side-by-side with fellow protesters. We were looking across 9D at our neighbors similarly arranged on their side, looking back at us. We were spacing ourselves out to emphasize our numbers. So were they. I had marched with Black Lives Matter counter protesters to oppose a previously announced “Back the Blue” rally. The 9am sun was already harsh and I envied the shade they had on their side. I heard someone near me start to identify people they knew. "Hey, that guy over there is a stone mason,” I heard a protester say. “He did great work on my house...reasonably priced too" Another person pointed out a man who does their yard service and lamented having to decide whether or not they’d still hire him. A lot of us saw people we know from around town. I imagined they were doing the same to us.

”I have participated in many of the recent marches, rallies, and protests organized by Beacon For Black Lives, a local youth led group working as part of a national civil rights movement. Their events in Beacon have been inclusive, safe, and without any threat of violence. They did not organize this counter protest, but many of the same Beacon residents came out to show support for Black Lives.

”As a college educator, I am very supportive of the many ways young people are now engaging with the political process. I came to the rally to express support for young organizers and stand for the ideals of the BLM movement. I am a life long advocate for this nation's great promise of liberty and justice for all. Sadly, that promise has not been consistently fulfilled for many Americans; particularly Americans who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color, particularly for Americans who identify as LGBTQ+, and particularly for Americans who struggle with poverty, health, or disability.

”Our initial plan was to arrive in silence. As we showed up, members from “Back the Blue” began shouting profanities and hate speech, immediately signaling that respect, inclusivity, and safety were not their priorities. While I do believe some attendees had good intentions, what became apparent is that 'Backing the Blue' is also a cover to freely express homophobic slurs and racist innuendos. Individuals taunted the BLM side calling them “sissies” “f*gs” and “pu$$ies”. It was populated by individuals who were freely expressing threats of violence.

”I had seen the former mayor Randy Casale call for this protest on his Facebook page several weeks ago. Tom DiCastro followed his lead and filed the permit for Sunday’s event. I was disappointed to see Casale exploiting the opportunity to settle political grudges. He carried a sign targeting City Council member Dan Aymar-Blair for vocalizing support of BLM on the city council and questioning police practices in Beacon. “DAN AYMAR-BLAIR MUST GO” his sign read under a printed photograph of the council members face. It’s not difficult for me to imagine someone reading it as an implied threat. DiCastro has openly called for violence against protesters on his public Facebook account.

”Black Lives Matter is a movement fighting for justice. When they chanted ‘All Lives Matter,’ we chanted back ‘When Black Lives Matter.’ And this is what’s so disheartening about a rally of white conservatives waving modified U.S. flags chanting “USA!” and “Go back to your home!” to a racially diverse group of people who’s homes are a short walk away. There is nothing anti-America about questioning police spending. The call for racial justice IS patriotism.

”Three weeks ago, I stood in Memorial Park along with a couple hundred protesters spread out to socially distance. It had begun raining while we were marching from Main Street. I was soaked, but didn't notice any more than anyone else seemed to. A young man at a microphone read off names. Names of Black Americans who had been denied justice by a jury of their peers. Names of Black Americans who had been murdered by agents of their government. One by one, members from the crowd brought up bouquets of flowers and laid them in a pile in front. We stood in silence in the rain. I wept.

”There are moments in history when people speak out with a clarity that brings our collective moral condition in to focus. Right now, in Beacon, that clarity is coming from the young voices organizing around Black Lives Matter who call themselves Beacon4BlackLives. I believe in them. I am proud to stand with them. and I will continue to do so.”

UPDATE: Clarifying 2 Points In Teamsters Local 445 Letter Re Gun And Bullet Proof Vests

update-to-teamsters-local-445-letter-MAIN.png

Two points were introduced in the 3rd letter from the Beacon Police Union - by way of the Teamsters Local 445 letter - but verification was not provided. Being that these were large assertions, A Little Beacon Blog followed up with the Mayor’s Office for confirmation. This morning, we received clarification from City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero as to the two points from the last letter from the police union. They are as follows:

Bullet Proof Vests

In exploring what a re-imagined police department and policies look like, Beacon’s City Council has held a public community forum to hear feedback from the community, and invited police officers to 2 City Council Workshop meetings to discuss data and current policy. Everything from how data is collected and reported, to the visual impact of a bullet proof vest on emotional escalation have been mentioned.

No formal policies have been proposed in this introductory discovery phase. Governor Cuomo has also mandated that each municipality come up with their own police policy, or face a denial of federal funding. The deadline for that proposal is April 1, 2021. During this past week’s City Council Workshop Meeting 7/13/2020, Mayor Kyriacou proposed a timetable as to how this project can get done in time. The Governor signed this on June 12, 2020: “Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Order to Reinvent and Modernize Police Strategies and Programs” Beacon’s City Council started this process before it was a state mandate, as A Little Beacon Blog reported earlier.

The past 2 letters from the Beacon Police Union have mentioned the fear of having bullet proof vests removed from officers when they answer police calls. The last letter read: “For the past several weeks, Mayor Kyriacou and the Council have continued their push of anti-police rhetoric and policies, which have included the thought of disarming and de-vesting police.“

A Little Beacon Blog asked for confirmation from the city about the removal of bullet proof vests, if that is indeed what the letter and term “de-vest” referred to, and received the following answer from Anthony Ruggiero: “I know residents have brought this up at the public portion of the meetings, but to the best of my knowledge, I do not believe any Council Members have proposed this.”

The Police Chief Carrying A Gun

A second point made in the letter, which was a continuation of a verbal comment made by union representative Mike Pitt, was certification of the Acting Police Chief William (Bill) Cornett, being that he was in retirement for a number of years. During the appointment, Mayor Kyriacou stated in response that legally, the city was cleared to hire Bill. A Little Beacon Blog followed up with the city to get a response from the City’s attorney for added clarification, and received it (you can read that legalese here).

In its most recent letter, the which was not signed but was on union letterhead that includes the names Dan Maldonado, President, and Barry Russell, Secretary-Treasurer, the letter insinuated that because of the length of time in retirement, the Acting Police Chief would be limited in his capacity as a police officer. The letter stated:

“Without that certification, the appointed temporary Chief ‘lacks the power to execute arrest and search warrants, make arrests without a warrant and use physical or deadly force in making an arrest when necessary’; he ‘may not lawfully carry a firearm without a license if he is not certified as a police officer.’ 2003 N.Y. Op. (Inf.) Atty’ Gen. 1. If this Chief sees a crime being committed, he cannot make an arrest; he needs to call the police.”

A Little Beacon Blog inquired with the City to see if arresting someone or being in the line of duty was the primary responsibility of this Acting Police Chief for the 90 days he is in the position during a time of administrative transition. Anthony Ruggiero responded: “The Chief of Police position lends itself to be more administrative, very similar to other Department Head positions.”

With 50-A Repealed To Improve Police Record Transparency in NY, Beacon To Publish FOIA Requests To Website

During the July 7, 2020 City Council meeting, where the new Acting Chief William Cornett was appointed for a temporary term of 90 days, Mayor Kyriacou announced, with Councilmember Jodi McCredo’s encouragement, that he and Acting Chief Cornett agreed to publish FOIA (Freedom Of Information Act) requests of police officer inquiries to the City’s website. Said Mayor Kyriacou: “We have received some FOIAs in the past weeks. We are just going to put all of the information online. You can submit a FOIA, but we will put it online.”

The City of Beacon will use the program JustFOIA, a management and publishing platform, that purports requests can come in any form, can be anonymous, and can have the status tracked. Asked for this article if all FOIA requests will be published, the Mayor answered: “Yes, those with respect to public interest.” The location on the City’s website of these requests is to be determined.

Acting Chief William Cornett (who goes by Bill), supported the decision with this followup statement during the meeting: “I don't like surprises. Other than Christmas or my birthday. I don't like secrets that I aint going to keep.”

City Of Beacon To Publish Police Blotter Online To Increase Transparency And Address Governor Cuomo's Policing Review Executive Order

In their first joint announcement since Beacon’s former Police Chief Kevin Junjulas retired and Acting Chief of Police William Cornett was appointed last week, the City of Beacon announced Monday evening that “the Beacon Police Department will begin publishing online its daily police blotter, as part of a broader process of increasing policing transparency,” according to their press release.

Normally found printed in the Beacon Free Press and the Highlands Current, the police blotter is often a source for newspapers to be picked up so that citizens can get a read on what kind of activity is going on around them. Police calls can include a noise disturbance, or a person being picked up for a warrant out for their arrest for any reason - like an overly expired license - during a routine traffic stop. Normally in the newspapers, only a select handful of these calls are published.

According to the press release, this move has been made in response to what the public asked for during the first public forum on policing held in mid-June after the first protest in Beacon. “The police blotter constitutes the basic raw data for activity statistics and other data,” says the city. On a subsequent City Council Workshop meeting on 6/29/2020, where three representatives from the Police Department (then Chief Junjulas, then Captain Fredericks and current Lieutenant Figlia) the department was asked by the Mayor to provide data as to the types of calls. The City Council was then able to get an idea about the types of police calls that are made 24/7, as well as the strategy that goes into categorizing them. Now, the public will get faster and more comprehensive access to the types of calls as well.

Mayor Kyriacou stated in the press release, “This is a first step of making policing information readily available, to both inform the public, and to increase transparency and build trust. This follows the socially-distanced public forum the City recently organized, attended virtually by 200 listeners and viewers. We are also beginning to organize a comprehensive policing review and plan process, consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order on the topic.”

Acting Chief of Police William Cornett added, “Transparency is a top priority for the Beacon Police Department. The public is welcome to visit our website anytime to view the daily blotter. We are working on and will be making more information available to our residents.”

The daily blotter will be available at www.cityofbeacon.org on the Beacon Police Department page.


Beacon Appoints Acting Chief Of Police, Bill Cornett For 90 Days; Beacon PBA Representative Responds, Mayor Gives His Reasons

appointment of temporary beacon chief of police.png

After Beacon’s Police Chief and Captain each gave their 30 days notice of entering retirement, which commenced on July 7, 2020, the City of Beacon has been seeking a new Police Chief. Mayor Lee Kyriacou announced at this week’s City Council 7/6/2020 meeting that they have found a temporary, “Acting” Police Chief for no more than 90 days, who has come out of retirement to serve. Bill Cornett has accepted the position, and is no stranger to Beacon. He lives in Beacon, and served on the force during Beacon’s darker period of excessive overtime, leadership change, and the Department of Justice investigation.

Before the appointment, a member of the public called in during the Public Comment portion of the meeting to say that he wished for a pause in order for a thoughtful appointment to occur. Council person Dan Aymar-Blair asked for a hiring freeze. Mayor Kyriacou presented the appointment with the following logic:

“Civil Service Law requires that we have ay chief for any police force greater than 4 people. There was an earlier discussion...We went down the initial path that we would have an Acting Police Chief from within the department, and we made a decision after examining that, that we should not do so. What we're doing here is making it very clear here that we are not advantaging anyone in this process, we are not pre-disposing anyone in any direction in this process. What we are trying to do is to have someone fill the spot on a purely temporary basis, not a permanent one, and it be an acting position for up to but not more than 90 days. In doing so, we will enable an open and deliberate process to find the full chief. So view this as the first step in the process. Finding the chief will be a longer process.”

Civil Service Requirements As They Pertain To Hiring Service Employees

The new Acting Police Chief worked for the City of Beacon during a major time of transition. The 2002-2007 period was an exceptionally difficult time in the City, where Mayor Kyriacou was challenging the expenditures of overtime, which led to a number of leadership issues within the police department, which lead to multiple lawsuits, both internal and external. This eventually led to a request by the City of Beacon to the Department of Justice to investigate the Beacon Police Department, which resulted in some reforms, ending in 2010.

During that period of time, Bill Cornett was the Senior Lieutenant. Said Mayor Kyriacou during the City Council meeting the night of the appointment: “Of anyone in the department during that period that I trusted, that provided me straight answers that was by the book, it was [then] Lieutenant Bill Cornett. Bill was one of the few people in the department during that period to have a college education. He is a Fordum Grad with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and a Minor in Philosophy and Theology. I think it served him exceptionally well. Again, I trust Bill with my life. He was instrumental in helping the process of going from what I would describe as an Old Boys Department to the professionalization of our police force.

”We had to change our leadership. We demoted a Chief to Lieutenant; we were sued multiple times; I was targeted; I was investigated. I had all sorts of interesting things occur. During all that time, the person that I trusted and always gave me straight answers was Bill Cornett. During that time, the City discovered that Bill was Acting Chief at times, which means that under Civil Service, he is capable of taking the position [today].”

Bill responded to the appointment with the following: "I look forward to serving the city, and I am also looking forward to returning to retirement. Yes, the 90 days is a good time." The City of Beacon’s press release on the announcement stated that Bill has not interested in the permanent position. Bill is quoted in the press release: “If I can help my community during a difficult transition, I stand ready to serve.”

A Representative From Teamsters Local 445 Representing Beacon’s PBA Responds

Later in the meeting during the 2nd Public Comment period, Mike Pitt, the Business Agent for the Teamsters Local 445 which represents the City of Beacon’s PBA (Police Benevolent Association, the police union) called in to voice his opinion. Mike expressed concern with the Civil Service requirements, with regards to Mike thinking that retired police officers lose their certification after 4 years of not working as a police officer. “I’m interested in seeing how this is possible,” Mike stated.

Mike continued by encouraging the route of hiring from within, and issued the following statement: “The Mayor continues to say that it is “Acting Police Chief” and totally disregarding the promotion or acting part of someone who is already in a command position in the police department, who can make the transition a lot smoother until you actually make an appointment of a police chief, after a thorough search.

“To get certified in a police department as “accredited” is a huge accomplishment for a police department. To get that, the City of Beacon showed that the administration did their job. That means the police officers did their job. It shows that the men and women there have followed the regulations, followed the rules, and the state saw that.

“It’s something that you need to take into consideration. You’re bringing in someone who hasn’t worked in 18 years. He’s not today’s world of police work, where you guys are trying to disarm police going to calls. I don’t understand that. I don’t think anybody in the union does. I look forward to hearing that point. You’re saying that it’s not appropriate for somebody to get put in this position who is in the command position now in the City of Beacon Police Department. I think the men and women deserve better. We’re going to follow this closely. We hope that you make the right decision moving forward.”

The Mayor responded that he had been advised by council and Civil Service that the Ts were crossed and Is were dotted. Bill rose his hand to speak: “Good evening!” he said, and alluded to work he had done recently with local organizations. “It’s nice to be back! Even if I am one of the dinosaurs.”

A Little Beacon Blog pursued the legalese of the crossed Ts and dotted Is, and received this response from the City of Beacon’s attorney:

“The appointment of the Chief of Police, be it temporary or permanent, is not subject to any Union rules. The Chief of Police is not a member of the Beacon PBA. The Chief of Police’s position is outside the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and the Beacon PBA and therefore not subject to any limitations, other than those promulgated by New York State and Dutchess County Civil Service Department Rules and Regulations. The temporary appointment of William Cornett to Acting Chief of Police is consistent with the requirements of Civil Service Law for the position of Chief of Police, which is Five (5) years of permanent competitive status as a Police Lieutenant or seven (7) years of permanent competitive status as a Police Lieutenant and/or Police Sergeant. William Cornett served as Police Lieutenant in the City of Beacon from 1987 to 2002. Moreover, the expiration of Mr. Cornett’s NYS certification is irrelevant to this appointment. 2003 N.Y. Op. Atty. Gen. (Inf.) 1001 (N.Y.A.G.), 2003 N.Y. Op. Atty. Gen. No. 1, 2003 WL 326937.”

About Bill Cornett

Bill Cornett is a former Beacon Police Department Lieutenant and is a lifelong Beacon resident. According to the City of Beacon’s press release: “During his career in the Beacon Police Department, Bill was FBI certified as an instructor in de-escalation techniques. He initiated the STOP-DWI program, prepared and submitted Uniform Crime Reports to the FBI, oversaw Beacon’s Traffic Division, and served on the Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board. Bill retired from the department in 2002 as senior lieutenant and continues to live in Beacon.”

Beacon's Mayor Lee Kyriacou Issues Statement And Decision Regarding Dustin James' Memorial Bench

On Monday afternoon 6/29/2020, the City of Beacon issued the following statement from Mayor Lee Kyriacou regarding the memorial bench of Dustin James. You can read more about his memorial here.

“Upon consulting with and the full agreement of the family involved, I want to announce that a bench in memory of Dustin James will be permanently located in front of the entrance to the Beacon Police Station.”

“I want to thank the family involved for their gracious accommodation.”

“I note that Dustin James was a fine human being and a fine police officer. I attended his memorial service. A portion of the memorial bench reflects his career, of which some members of the community may feel is inappropriate in front of the city’s courthouse and municipal entrance. It is more fitting and appropriate for this memorial bench to be placed in front of the entrance to the city’s police station. As this is an administrative matter, this decision is made by the mayor.”

“As with most decisions in a democratic pluralistic society, where people have diverse opinions, this may not make anyone fully satisfied, let alone everyone. I would encourage tolerance and respect for one another on this and all issues.”

“Thank you.”

Senator Sue Serino Voted Against 50-a Repeal For Police Record Transparency, And The Beacon PBA's (Police Union) Position

Governor Cuomo signed the repeal of 50-a, which now allows for transparency of prior disciplinary records of law enforcement officers. Records can be acquired through a FOIL (Freedom Of Information Law) request. The repeal was part of a broader 'Say Their Name' reform agenda to reduce inequality and reimagine the state's criminal justice system.

The shielding law was originally passed in 1976. Since then, it has been fought against by “advocates, including New Yorkers United for Justice, and legal organizations such as the Legal Aid Society and the New York Civil Liberties Union, have pushed for the repeal of 50-a in the name of transparency,” according The Daily News.

According to the press released issued by Governor Cuomo’s office: “Section 50-a of the New York State Civil Rights Law creates a special right of privacy for the personnel records of police officers, correction officers, and firefighters and paramedics employed by the State or political subdivisions. The current law prevents access to both records of the disciplinary proceedings themselves and the recommendations or outcomes of those proceedings, leading to records of complaints or findings of law enforcement misconduct that did not result in criminal charges against an officer almost entirely inaccessible to the public.”

The vote was passed down party lines, with all Democrats voting for, and all Republicans voting against, including Senator Sue Serino, whose senate district includes the Highlands. As reported in the Highlands Current, she explained: “In a statement on Thursday, Serino said she could not ‘in good faith’ vote to repeal 50-a. While there must be ‘zero tolerance for police brutality, racism, hate or violence,’ she said the bill ‘goes too far in allowing for the release of false accusations, unfounded and unsubstantiated claims.’”

While that possibility exists, reports are made public about citizens who are involved in a dispute, or medical professionals who have their licenses revoked for misconduct, whether made vengefully or not. To have zero indication about someone’s behavior, who has the right to behave physically against your person to to speak rudely to your person, seems like a mis-match. To not be able to learn how it was judged by a review board or investigation does not help anyone who wants to learn more about someone who has a powerful physical and emotional advantage over them - by law.

Senator Anna Kaplan (Monahemi) explained why she voted in favor of repealing 50-a. Senator Kaplan is the first “Iranian-American to be elected to either of New York state's legislative chambers, and she is the first former political refugee to serve in the New York Senate, according to Wikipedia:

 

“I came to this country as a 13 year old girl fleeing the revolution that had overtaken the only home I had ever known because my family, and people like us, were no longer welcome or safe in our own communities. While I can’t compare my experience to that of African Americans living in this country, the emotions on display in recent protests throughout our community resonate with me in a deeply personal way. Being raised in that environment also gave me a profound appreciation for our country’s founding principles that we are all equal in the eyes of the law and none of us are above it, and that all public officials be transparent and accountable to the public they serve.

”When 50-a was enacted decades ago, it carved out our Police and a select few public servants from the same rules and responsibilities that all who serve the public in New York State are accountable to, myself included as an elected official. We place an enormous amount of trust in our law enforcement community to wield enormous power on our behalf, but the public is right to demand an ability to “trust, but verify.” Doing so isn’t an attack on the good work of the vast majority of our law enforcement community who puts on a uniform every day to protect and serve with honor and courage…

“With tensions in many communities beyond the breaking point, now is the time to take meaningful steps to develop a durable relationship of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and the only way we do that is by being open and honest with each other. I believe by repealing 50-a, we are taking that first step together towards a safer community for everyone.”

 

During the research for this article, A Little Beacon Blog discovered that police unions, Patrolman’s Benevolent Associations (PBA), tended to not favor the repeal either. We reached out to Beacon’s PBA for comment, and received the following response from Mike Confield, Beacon PBA Vice President:

 

The Beacon PBA disagrees with the Governor’s signing of the repeal of 50-a. We feel that the state legislature and the governor passed and signed this bill without taking the necessary time to properly weigh the pros and cons of releasing officers disciplinary records. The potential release of a disciplinary investigation report, especially when it is unfounded of any wrong doing can still damage the reputation of not only the officer involved, but the department and municipality. We also believe that when an officer needs testify at a trial from now on, the trial focus will move from the defendant to the officer. Therefore attempting to slander the officers name enough so a potentially dangerous criminal can walk and cause more damage to the innocent public.

We also feel that rushing this repeal may cause confidential and personal information to be released that has potential to make good officers, good people and our families subject to targeted harassment and violence.

- Mike Confield, Beacon PBA Vice President,
on behalf of the PBA

 

The bill was sponsored by Jamaal T. Bailey, and co-sponsored by Luis R. Sepúlveda, Alessandra Biaggi, Brian A. Benjamin, and Neil D. Breslin.

The New York Post pointed out here and here that several Republican senators are not seeking reelection next term, including “Sens. John Flanagan, Michael Razenhofer of Buffalo, Betty Little of Queensbury, George Amedore of Kingston and freshman Bob Antonacci of Syracuse. Sen Chris Jacobs (R-Buffalo) is also on his way out, as he’s seeking the vacant seat of disgraced US Rep. Chris Collins in Congressional District 27.”

The Story Behind The Bench - The Memorial To Dustin James - A Beaconite, An Officer, and A Son

Former mayor Randy Casale, sitting on the bench that was made for his stepson, Dustin James. Photo Credit: Randy Casale

Former mayor Randy Casale, sitting on the bench that was made for his stepson, Dustin James.
Photo Credit: Randy Casale

There is a black bench with a thin blue line through it that is a memorial to a fallen police officer in front of Beacon’s City Hall. The bench is in memory of former Beacon Mayor Randy Casale’s stepson, Dustin James, who died in a motorcycle accident while off-duty. At some point, there has been a call for and a decision to remove the bench. This article is the exploration of what has transpired so far.

To give context: we are in a time of a revolution. A time of an awakened civil rights movement for black lives that gained strides, but got quiet and complacent for white people. Until police videos of violence came along. The pandemic gave everyone time to think and re-evaluate. We have been through the beginning of the #MeToo movement, where women’s voices began to be heard and believed. We are in the Black Lives movement, where black and brown and mixed-race voices are being heard and believed. Monuments all around us are toppling. Monuments of white men who conquered and defined this country. Toppled by regular white and black and brown people who have wanted these personified statues of oppression down for years, but nothing happened (well, in New Orleans, they were removed), and common people have taken it into their own hands, literally, by seizing the monuments and pulling them down, or voting them down (the City Council for Charleston, S.C. just unanimously voted to remove Calhoun’s statue and construction of removal has begun).

Imagery is also in question. Flags, logos, colors. What means what, and what did it used to mean? Three weeks ago, the American stars and stripes black flag decals with a blue line through them that had been placed onto police vehicles in Cold Spring were called into question by residents of Cold Spring. This black stars and stripes flag with a thin blue line decal was used to represent the Blue Lives Matter campaign, a movement started as a counter-response to the Black Lives movement. The decals were placed onto Cold Spring’s police cars one year ago, which is past the time when proud white supremacists used the black stars and stripes flag symbol to protest in Charlottesville, VA and run over people with a van. For an article covering the vehicle decals at A Little Beacon Blog, we reached out twice to Beacon’s Mayor Lee Kyriacou, City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero and then Police Chief Kevin Junjulas for comment as to their opinions of the black stars and stripes flag, but received no response.

This black stars and stripes flag imagery however, is separate from the decades honored symbol of a fallen police officer, which is a solid black rectangle with a thin blue line. The black stars and stripes flag design is also a possible obstruction of United States flag code, which states that the flag cannot be altered in its design. The discussion for this article is on the traditional marking for the fallen officer, which is a solid black rectangle with a thin blue line running through it. This design has been inspired onto a bench which sits outside of City Hall in Beacon, with these words on it: “In Loving Memory Of Police Officer Dustin James.”

Today, there is a call to move the bench. The memorial to Dustin James. Who is Dustin James, and why is there a call to remove, or move, the memorial? As we do with many little details, A Little Beacon Blog looked into it. We were already pursuing the history of the years past federal investigation by the Department of Justice into the Beacon Police Department, when suddenly, Beacon’s former mayor, Randy Casale, broke his silence after losing the mayoral election to Mayor Lee Kyriacou, a self-imposed silence Randy enacted to give the new mayor a fresh platform.

A Little Beacon Blog has been working on starting a new podcast with known podcaster Brandon Lillard. While we were recording practice episodes and finding our voices, Randy fired up his Facebook to suddenly announce his disapproval of removing the memorialized bench in front of City Hall, the decision of which had otherwise not been in the public domain. We reached out to Randy for an interview, which he granted. The recording of our discussion will be published shortly on our new podcast so that you can hear his voice, but as local debates swirl around Dustin’s memorial, we wanted to share what of the story we knew.

Who Is Dustin James?

Dustin James is the son of Etha Grogen and Bryon James. Dustin is the stepson of Beacon’s former mayor Randy Casale, who was the life partner of Etha. Before being Beacon’s mayor for 2 terms, Randy served on the City Council for years. Randy served as Beacon’s Highway Superintendent, coached high school basketball and was involved in numerous community initiatives in Beacon.

Dustin James grew up in Beacon and had many friends. He and Etha came into Randy’s life while Dustin was 8 years old. Randy recalls bouncing him on his knee as they watched the show “Cops” together at night. “Etha would come down and want him to go to bed, and I told her it was alright, we’d stay up and watch together.” Dustin grew up wanting to be a police officer. Randy helped him pursue the police academy, and to make good choices while being a police officer.

According to Dustin’s obituary: “Dustin was a Police Officer with the Walden Police Department where he started his career 10 years ago as a dispatcher and was recently promoted to Investigator. He was also a part-time police officer with the Village of Montgomery. Dustin started his career dispatching in the Town of Fishkill. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for his achievements. He was the President of the Walden PBA and a member of the Warthogs. Dustin also organized Walden's National Night Out for several years.”

Dustin was a motorcycle rider, and while off-duty when a woman ran a stop sign, ending Dustin’s life on Tuesday, April 17, 2017. Dustin was 31 years old and married to Maryellen James. The Highlands Current wrote about it at the time.

“I always told Dustin to be a good cop, and to not turn into one of them,” Randy recalled during our interview. “I never knew if he was until his funeral. When I saw how many people were at his funeral.” According to friends of Dustin, and confirmed by Randy, some people who Dustin arrested were even at his funeral.

Dustin’s friends took to creating a bench to memorialize him. They built the bench that sits in front of City Hall today that is black with a blue line running through it. The traditional symbol of a fallen officer, and a symbol of support for the family the officer leaves behind.

“I’ve Never Seen Or Heard Of This Bench Before”

Right. Neither had we. When interviewing Terry Nelson 3 weeks ago for his story about attending the first big Black Lives Matter protest in Beacon as an African American, he mentioned this bench with the blue line through it. Being new to this symbol entirely, and fresh off reporting about the consideration of the removal of the black flag decal (different symbol) from the police cars in Cold Spring (the black flag stickers have since been removed), a knee jerk reaction could be to feel negative emotions about the blue line. Three weeks ago, Terry said that the City Council had been discussing removing the bench for a period of time, and that no one had brought it up to Randy yet.

There was no ceremony or public discussion in City Council for the installation of the memorial, which according to Randy, is normal for memorialized benches. “It was placed like every other bench was placed. Someone calls and asks can we donate a bench in honor of someone, and the administration usually says yes.”

So What Is Happening Now?

Randy first learned of proposed removal of the bench from his friends who are police officers across the river. Mayor Kryiacou texted (or emailed) Randy to tell him that the bench was being moved. There was no discussion in any public City Council meeting or police related community workshop.

To date, according to Randy, the only person who has spoken to him in person about the memorial is Councilperson George Mansfield.

After Randy published his disapproval of the removal of the bench on his Facebook on June 18th, his Facebook friends went back and forth in Comments, with a majority in strong support of leaving the memorial in place. For those friends who did not know who Dustin was or why the memorial was placed there, or why the bench was being removed, things got confusing. Beacon, and politics in general, has been a place where names aren’t always mentioned, but topics are alluded to. It can get confusing to cover and figure things out.

On June 22, 2020, A well known community leader, Brooke Simmons, who is from a mixed-race family, wrote an open letter to the administration, protesting the move of the memorial, advocating for it to stay in place. Brooke is on the board of I Am Beacon and was on the founding committee for Beacon Speaks Out, a coalition that Randy formed after the killings of Eric Garner (2014) and Freddie Gray in 2015. While the City of Beacon’s police department was under federal investigation (which closed in 2016 under Randy’s administration), Randy wanted to get ahead of the racial divide and bring the community together at the local level - to an actual table in a room - to discuss. He brought together the then Police Chief Doug Solomon (Beacon’s recently retired Chief Kevin Junjulas was the Captain at the time), religious leaders, the City Administrator Anthony, and others. Not all parties were eager to come to the table. Randy strong-armed them. Brooke and her brother Reuben Simmons were part of the organization of that group.

Brooke started a Change.org petition to keep the memorial in place, and emailed her open letter all City Council members: Air Nonken Rhodes, Amber Grant, Jodi McCredo, George Mansfield, Terry Nelson, Dan Aymar-Blair, and Mayor Kyriacou. She also CCed media publications, including A Little Beacon Blog. The letter read:

 

City Administrator, Mayor, and City Council,

It is my understanding there has been discussion regarding the memorial bench dedicated to Dustin James. I believe in having all voices heard, especially in matters that question the values of our city.

With that, I began a
petition on Change.org in support of keeping the bench in place and here is the response in less than 48hrs:

Signatures: 2,530
Shares: 783 (this metric speaks to further engagement, care, concern)
Comments:
- "The outpouring of love for Dustin across the Hudson Valley shows that he made a positive difference for all who knew him as a boy, as a man, and as a police officer. He exemplified the character we need more of in this world!"
- Theresa Yanerella
- "Dustin was a fine, upstanding Young man. He comes from a wonderful family. His death was so unfair and tragic. The thought of anyone having a problem with how he is honored sickens me. I hurt for his family. I can’t believe that this is even being considered."
- Shelley Piccone
- "I can’t believe this is even an option. Dustin was an amazing human and an even more amazing police officer. This has gotten way out of hand do remove a MEMORIAL of someone who had such an amazing impact on this city. This man who is no longer with us to be under attack is truly disgraceful."
- Colleen Carey
- "So much of the community knew Dustin and were inspired by him, which is the reason the bench was put there in the 1st place."
-Jessica Lubben
Petition Site:
https://www.change.org/standfordustin

On behalf of 2,530 signatures and counting, I ask that you stand for the values of this city, stand for the many voices represented on this petition, stand for Dustin. Stand for Dustin's contribution to the city of Beacon and the legacy his bench represents.

In this moment, as the leaders of this city, it is critical to act with integrity - that means being willing to stand for what is right over what is convenient.

We ask that you leave the memorial bench for Dustin James in place.

Thank you for your time.

-Brooke Simmons

Note: As of 6/23/2020, the petition has 3,034 signatures.

 

City Of Beacon’s Response

The morning Brooke sent her letter, A Little Beacon Blog responded with a series questions directed to the Mayor, but CCed to all of the City Council and Administrator, at about 11am Monday. The questions went unanswered. On Tuesday, the questions were sent again. At 6pm on Tuesday, the City Administrator Anthony responded. Here are the questions and responses from Anthony:

“I am responding for the Mayor who is away.”

ALBB: When was the bench placed there?
”Summer of 2019.”

ALBB: Why was the bench placed there?
”It was donated to the City, and placed there by former Mayor Casale to honor Police Officer Dustin James who grew up in Beacon.”

ALBB: When did consideration begin for the bench to be removed?
”Residents raised concerns to individual council members.”

ALBB: What has been the discussion regarding the treatment of the bench?
”This has not been raised or discussed at a City Council meeting.”

ALBB: When was this topic brought up and proposed? To whom was it proposed to, and in what format?
”Residents raised concerns to individual Council Members.”

A Little Beacon Blog followed up with this question: “Can you provide when residents raised concern?”

If this clarification on time is provided, this question will be updated.

Symbols and Flags and Who Owns What Meaning

During our podcast interview, Brandon and I explored the meaning of a symbol, and what happens when a symbol takes new meaning, or gets hijacked by a different group. Is it possible, we wondered, if the thin blue line has gotten weaponized by the white supremacists, and suppressed its true meaning? Or, do people want to dismantle police theory 100% and change colors and symbols?

Brandon and I admitted that the red, white and blue American Flag has gotten caught in the middle for us. We are openly non-Trump people, and the tendency for Trump supporters to wave the American flag and attach it to their cars, the American flag has come to lean towards Trump. A couple years ago, fashion magazines were even advocating not to wear red, white and blue at 4th of July events, as doing so would be unpatriotic. This made me uncomfortable, as the American flag is mine also. If I have it flying outside my house, does that mean I am a Trump supporter? My instinct has become to take the American flag back.

Brandon admitted to questioning his favorite face mask - which has red, white and blue American flag on it. Also not a Trump-supporter, he wanted to wear his American flag face mask into the grocery store, but hesitated.

Randy, a straight shooter, understood the analogy, but saw no problem with the American flag or the thin blue line. “The only way the family got through was with the support of the officers. They were there at the time of the accident, at the funeral, and after. That is what the thin blue line means.”

In Middletown, CN, a divided debate is in progress after residents wanted a flag removed from flying outside their police department (unclear if it is the black stars and stripes flag, or the solid black flag). Their police chief provided an explanation in a video of his position on the flag before removing it for now, in an effort to “give some release to the ‘us versus them’ mentality.” Their mayor also contributed to a TV interview on the topic.

In the podcast, Brandon and I discuss with Randy what the blue line stands for, and the value in speaking about that meaning. We discuss how logos like the NHL logo have been co-opted by Antifa, and the difficulty in reclaiming a visual symbol. That podcast to hear Randy’s answers will be posted in the next few days, as well as more of Randy’s thoughts on police reform and where that reform is needed.

As for the fate of Dustin’s memorial, we do not have the final status as of now.

Beacon's Union (PBA) Publishes Letter To City Council In Response To Stories Told By Public At Scheduled Listening Sessions After Peaceful Protest Marches

After a series of scheduled story and listening sessions outdoors after peaceful protest marches down Beacon’s Main Street, the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association of Beacon issued a statement via letter published on Facebook on June 19, 2020 in response to one of the stories shared with the public on the stage following one of the marches. The story involves a black man being shot by a police officer in 2006. You can read a picture of the letter here on Facebook, and we have retyped it below for easy access:

To The Beacon City Council,

We feel it necessary to address some issues that could greatly impact this great community. The members of the PBA stand by our previous statement condemning the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis officers. We have also kept our word by setting up a safe environment for each protest and demonstration over the past few weeks.

We have performed our sworn duty to this city with professionalism as we watch police across the nation being villainized, slandered and attacked. Our members have not been exempt from these feelings here in our own city. Thankfully, we are able to keep some kind of morale due to a large of amount of support from the community as well.

Regardless of people’s assumptions, we are listening to the people at the protests, council meetings and general interactions with the community. While we still support the right of free speech, we cannot stand by and allow the truth to be twisted and inaccuracies to be used as the continued rhetoric against police. Many of the incidents as told by speakers of the movement are not accurate. We implore you, as elected leaders of this community to do your due diligence and research the facts of some of these incidents.

We must specifically address the inaccurate story of the police involved shooting that took place on October 26th 2006. The statement that a City of Beacon police office shot a woman’s son for “no reason” is a complete mistruth and dangerous statement for the public to believe. The event in question started with a suspicious vehicle complaint, called into our station by a resident of the city. As a uniformed City of Beacon police officer approached the vehicle to speak with the male occupant, the male occupant immediately fired two shots at that officer through the vehicles window, striking the officer in the chest. If not for the body amour worn by officer, on a Tuesday at 1:45pm, responding to a simple suspicious vehicle call, that officer would have been killed as testified to by a medical expert. If not for the firearm carried, as per department guidelines by his backup officer, that officer would not have been able to return fire, saving his injured partner, himself and possibly another uninvolved innocent person.

It is false allegations, like the public allegations that an innocent man was shot for “no reasons” by a Beacon police officer with no repercussion that creates a greater anger towards and mistrust of the police. This story should have been corrected publicly to the crowd to prevent fear and anger to spread.

We ask that prior to making any statements or decisions regarding your police department that may slander the good, hard working members of the Beacon Police, you do your research. Please seek the truth in regards to allegations used as examples of police brutality, as any misinformation could cause irreversible damage to this city.

Thank you,

The members of the Beacon PBA

EDITOR’S NOTE: That story was published as part of a transcript series on A Little Beacon Blog. The story was told at the first march with the listening session. You can read that story here.

Beacon Police Chief Kevin Junjulas and Captain Gary Fredericks Retire

Today at 4:30pm, the Mayor’s office of the City of Beacon sent out a press release to announce that Beacon’s Police Chief Junjulas and Captain Fredericks have retired starting on July 7, 2020. Chief Junjulas had been promoted to the position of Chief when former Chief Doug Solomon left abruptly to take the position in Newburgh. Solomon was suspended and has since resigned from that position after riots over the fatal shooting of a black man in March.

Both officers participated in a City Council Workshop last week in which the public was able to watch but not comment with questions, because the City Council Meeting happened to fall on a Workshop night, which is every other Monday, and does not allow for public comment. The video on that meeting and brief summation can be found here.

Also on that presentation call was Lieutenant Figlia, who is the officer in charge of training and has been participating in the protests by listening to the speakers. At the last protest this past Saturday, he shared his personal story of fleeing his abusive father with his mother, which became his turning point in becoming and officer and wanting to help people.

During the following week’s City Council meeting, which was last night 6/15/2020, the public is allowed to call in during a “Public Comment” session, where a person can speak for up to 3 minutes. During that meeting, there were about 27 callers (members of the public), when normally there are about 5 (hey, don’t you want to spend your Monday nights at City Council meetings? come on down all the time! they are all important! you can view on their YouTube channel now!).

Several callers spoke in favor of defunding the police by 50%, and advocated for change in training, and in re-allocating a portion of police budget to be spent more on programs for youth, the Recreation Center, and other educational opportunities.

What follows below is the press release issued by the Mayor’s office of the City Of Beacon:

 

After more than three decades of service each, Police Chief Kevin Junjulas and Police Captain Gary Fredericks are retiring from the Beacon Police Department as of July 7, 2020. Both have indicated their willingness to assist in the City in the transition process.

Junjulas and Fredericks were appointed Police Chief and Captain respectively in 2018, with the unexpected departure of the prior chief. Both were eligible for retirement at that time, and have been contemplating retirement for some time. Both have 31 years of service, more than 2 dozen of which were with the City of Beacon, rising through the department ranks together.

Chief Junjulas, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Police Science, said, “It has been a privilege to serve the City of Beacon over the last 25 years and to lead the men and women of the Beacon Police Department. It has been an honor to serve this great community, and stand ready to assist in the transition.”

Captain Fredericks added, “I am grateful and honored to have served the residents of the City of Beacon over the last 26 years. I have great respect for the men and women of the Beacon Police Department, and full confidence that they will continue to serve the City to the highest standards.”

Mayor Lee Kyriacou said, “I want to thank Chief Junjulas and Captain Fredericks for their decades of service and leadership for the city, and their willingness to afford me some initial time in office before retiring. I appreciate their guiding the department toward increased professionalization. Their calming and dedicated approach will be missed, and I wish them both well in their future endeavors.”

The Mayor continued: “I note, that as a City Council member from 2002-07, I was at first alone calling for control of police chief, actions and budget. Eventually the unanimous Council brought U.S. Justice Department oversight of the police, demoted the then chief, settled multiple lawsuits, and helped professionalize the department. The Justice Department ended its oversight four years ago. While the department has reformed substantially, the ongoing national tragedy points out there is more to do, even locally, and we will look carefully again at multiple issues.”

The City will initiate a recruitment process immediately to begin a search for a new chief. The process is anticipated to take several months.

 

A Little Beacon Blog emailed Mayor Kyriacou and Chief Junjulas with followup questions, inquiring about the level of safety an officer felt if major changes are proposed, to public perception. We have not heard from Chief Junjulas yet.

For the Mayor’s answers, we received a reply from the City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero. Anthony prefaced his answers with: “As you know you, the Mayor is always available for additional questions or information. I understand that you may be speaking to him later.” For context, Mayor Kyriacou has agreed to an interview with ALBB on a new podcast ALBB is working on, which will record next week.

ALBB: Are there any other reasons [for the retirement] other than what was stated in the press release?
No, the Press Release details the full information.

ALBB: Has the public been calling in about those two officers specifically?
No, not at all.

ALBB: Are these two officers not looking forward to reforming? Or to changes in police training?
No. Both have looking towards retirement for some time.

ALBB: Do they feel unsafe if changes are made?
No. Both have been looking towards retirement for some time.

ALBB: Were the numerous callers on last night’s City Council Meeting too much for them to want to work with?
No. Both have been looking towards retirement for some time.

ALBB: Was this resignation a surprise?
No. Both have been looking towards retirement for some time.

ALBB: Does each officer collect the same salary they are collecting now? In their retirement?
Both fall under the NYS Retirement Pension System. Police Officers are able to retire with 20 years of service and receive 50% of their Final Average Salary. More information can be obtained on the NYS Comptrollers website.

In Related Police News: