Southern Dutchess News February 8, 2012. By Kristine Coulter Staff Writter. This is a weekly local paper that covers Fishkill very well. Subscription is $26.00 a year and call 297-3723 to subscribe as I do.
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The members of the Fishkill Town Board voted to eliminate two positions from the Fishkill Police Department, one Captain position and one Detective Sergeant position, in what officials called a cost savings move. There are no layoffs. The two members of the Fishkill Police force, Scott Bierce, who's captain position was eliminated, and Bernardo Scalamandre who's Det. Sgt. position was eliminated, will immediatly be reassigned to the patrol division, said town officials. The vote was taken at the board's Wednesday, Feb. 1 meeting.
"This brings us more in line with the structures of other police departments in the area," said Fishkill Supervisor Bob LaColla after the meeting. He continued that for years, the Town of Fishkill Police Department "has been top heavy" and this was a way to streamline and reduce costs.
The resolution states that the board voted on states that "due to the economic climate, the postitions were eliminated." The resolution passed unanimously.
"Bottom line is cost factor," stated Fishkill Police Chief Donald Williams after the meeting. When asked about the two officers' work performances, he responded, "Certainly, their work was satisfactory."
Councilman Tony Curry said, "It is a cost-cutting measure and operational measure. We're supporting the chief's decision."
Councilman Kurt Buck is the board liaison to the police department. "It's a cost-cuttingeffort to streamline. We just need a well rounded police department, that's accountable," said Buck. "That was our premise when we ran and we're starting to do that."
Before the vote, residents were able to comment on agenda items. A former councilman Dennis Zack asked, "What procedure was used" to determine this decision, the criteria and if superior training was taken into account. he also asked if there were any personal issues involved with the decision.
Town officials said th emeasure would save around $40,000.
Buck responded that "This is pretty much cost-cutting by the Chief of Police."
After the meeting, Bierce stated that he had been with the department for 30 years. He said he has full-time experience with the Metropolitian Transportation Authority (MTA). He was on the MTA's sergeant patrol at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, Bierce stated. Bierce said his lawyer would be answering questions. When asked for his lawyer's name, he said he was not ready to release that at this time.
Williams said the change would have "little or no effect" on the number of personnel scheduled to a shift. He said it has not been determined yet who would do the administrative work that Bierce and Scalamandre did. The work would probably be divided between three of four adminstrative positions said Williams.
"No bearing whatsoever,: the chief said on the safety of the residents.
"We're dealing with the budget that was left us," said Councilman Brian Callahan. "We wish we could make everyone happy."
Scalamandre did not respond to a message seeking comment. Fishkill Town Comptroller Robert Wheeling did not call back by press time with a definitive number as to how much the town would save.
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