Letters Train SafetyIssue | www.qgazette.com

Earlier in the week of June 2nd, WABC-TV (Channel 7 New York)Eyewitness News showed that a skeleton key readily available in any hardware store would/could operate the door controls, open the engineer’s cab, get into equipment cabinets, etc. on PATH(Port Authority Trans Hudson) trains.

We disagree with FRA’s reported position that this was only a security concern and not a safety issue.The ability to tamper with equipment is most certainly a safety issue.

We disagree with PATH’s contention that the key problem wasn’t a big deal because no one had taken advantage of it and caused an emergency.

However, we are glad to know that PATH will be changing the locks and eliminating this safety problem.

We are writing this letter to askFRA,FTA and NTSB to make sure that no other rail systems have this security lapse.System safety requires secure equipment.

Dr. Stephen B.Dobrow

President, Committee For Better Transit

Woodside

Volunteers Benefit

To The Editor:

There are thousands of New Yorkers who are looking to volunteer their time and skills to benefit our city.Unfortunately, many don’t know where to turn to get involved.

The Mayor’s Voluntary Action Center has thousands of rewarding volunteer jobs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Teach job skills to the homeless. Mentor a child. Conduct tours at local museums.Help beautify our parks and community gardens.

To learn about these and other exciting volunteer opportunities, call the Mayor’s Voluntary Action Center at (212) 788-7550.

Sincerely,

Carol Friedland

Deputy Director

Office of the Mayor, City of New York

‘911’ Slow To Respond

A copy of the following letter was received by the Gazette.

Chief of Operations Peter J.Ganci

Bureau of Fire-Emergency Operation Center

9 Metrotech Center

Brooklyn, NY11201

Re:SituationDemanding Immediate Attention!

Dear Chief of Operations Peter J. Ganci:

I am writing you today at the behest of a number of my friends and neighbors who were profoundly disturbed and upset by their inability to get through on the ‘911’ system to report a fire at 47th Street off 20th Avenue in Astoria, Queens.

On a positive note I am happy to report that everyone I spoke to said that those members of New York’s Bravest, the New YorkCity Fire Fighters who responded to this fire, acted with compelling courage and professionalism.Everyone was deeply impressed with how quickly they were able to subdue and put down the fire. Indeed, most agree that the expanse of time from actually getting through to ‘911,’ ‘0’ and the Fire Department appearing on the scene was adequate.

But herein lies the problem. Perhaps a half dozen persons reported to me that upon dialing ‘911’ they alternatively received either "cracking noises," ringing out with no answer, or a recording without reaching a dispatcher. Everyone attests that this was a prolonged period of time, some said perhaps 10 to 15 minutes. I recognize that concern and fear was in the air but everyone I spoke to agrees that whatever the actual time, it was an undue period of time before anyone was able to get through.

A Mr. LaMicella who also lives across the street was finally able to get through with the help of Bell Atlantic telephone operator’s assistance. If you need independent verification of this, a Federal Law Enforcement agent also attempted to call and had the same negative experience.

I think everyone I spoke to appreciates the bravery, professionalism and dedication of the fire fighters who took this fire on, head on, and beat it out within minutes. Everyone however was gravely concerned with what appears to be a glitch in the system.

Personally I haven’t spoken to anyone with any credibility who questions Fire Commissioner Thomas von Essen’s commitment to public safety and to quick response times. Indeed everything I’ve read suggests otherwise and the professionalism observed in beating back this fire was truly heartening.

It still remains, however, that there was some kind of problem which needs to be addressed and addressed quickly. In this case, thank God, there was no loss of life, but there was significant property damage that could have likely been minimized. If this was a computer glitch or technical problem I believe the New York City Council should provide you with the additional resources to correct the problem. In any case this is a situation that demands immediate attention.

Sincerely,

Vince Tabone Esq.

State Committeeman

36thAssembly District

Astoria

Lauds Cop Course

To The Editor:

I appreciate very much the opportunity given me to have been able to take part in the special Citizens Course offered at the Police Academy. It was truly an experience. To see how the police officers are trained in New York City and what they go through on their daily duties in this diverse and big city was very interesting and informative.

I am proud to say that the Commissioner [Howard Safir], the police officers and the entire police department are doing an excellent job and professional work.Within the last six/seven years it is safer to walk the streets and take the subways of this big city. I remember seven/eight years ago when every day people were being killed, citizens were being mugged and we were afraid to leave our homes. But fortunately, today, with the great accomplishments of the police officers of the city of New York, our citizens and all tourists that come to the big Apple feel safe to walk the streets.

I am very disappointed in the media, politicians and civic leaders that have not joined me in praising the fine job the police department is doing.Because of someone’s political agenda, the only things we hear from the media are the few negative incidents that occur from time to time.Of the 40,000 police officers in New YorkCity we have to expect that somewhere along the way someone will make a mistake and when an officer makes a mistake the department has strict rules and the officer will be dealt with accordingly.

I would like to see the media, politicians, civic and church leaders come out and speak openly about the positive difference we see in our city from 10 years ago and not to condemn all the 40,000 officers of the city of New York.

All the instructors of this civilian course were excellent,highly qualified and dedicated to the force. I, for one, applaud the New YorkCity Police Department. Keep up the good work.

Thank you very much.

Rudy Sarchese

President

Astoria Ditmars Homeowners

&Tenants Civic Assn.

Astoria

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