SHOOTING OF TWO NYPD SERGEANTS IN 43RD PRINCINCT

   After a call of a home break in just before 3 PM today on Beach Avenue two 43rd Pct. Sergeants were shot at during a chase and stop of a suspect in a red Jeep at 1757 Bronx River Avenue. The suspect identified as Manuel Rosales who fired at the police, was pronounced dead at the scene after police fired back at him. In the gunfight Police Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo was shot in the head and chest, and was pronounced dead at Jacobi Hospital shortly after arriving there. Sergeant Emmanuel Kwo was also shot by the suspect in the leg and is recovering at Jacobi Hospital.

Photos of the scene are below with statements from Mayor de Blasio, Police Commissioner O'neil, Bronx BP Diaz Jr., State Senator Jeff Klein, while State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. who was on scene  in his district called the incident very tragic.

Above - State Senator Diaz Sr. surveys the crime scene.

Below - The shooting took place just up the block.

Above - Police Brass leave the scene to travel to the press conference at Jacobi Hospital.

Below Police went door to door seeking more information.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, POLICE COMMISSIONER O’NEILL DISCUSS THE SHOOTING OF TWO NYPD BRONX POLICE SERGEANTS

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Thank you, Commissioner. It’s with tremendous sorrow that I inform you of the murder of Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo. Commissioner O’Neill and I broke the news of Sergeant Tuozzolo’s death to his wife, his mother, and his father just over an hour ago. Sergeant Tuozzolo was a 19-year veteran of the NYPD – longterm and devoted member of the 4-3 Precinct, and a loving father of two young children. 

The City is in mourning, and the family of the NYPD is in mourning, and particularly all the men and women of the 4-3 Precinct are in mourning right now. They lost a very good man, a devoted man, a man who committed his life to protecting all of us. 

We told his wife, his mother, his father that the NYPD would be with them, with their family for as long as they need help for years and years to come. We will support that family. 

I want to express – against the backdrop of this sorrow, I want to express our appreciation to everyone at Jacobi Hospital, to the doctors, the nurses, all the staff who labored so hard to save Sergeant Tuozzolo. We appreciate you efforts deeply. 

Commissioner O’Neill: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. It is with great anguish that I have to tell you today an NYPD was shot and killed while doing his job, while trying to keep the people of this great City safe. At 2:45 pm, a female called 9-1-1, saying a male armed with a gun had broken into her apartment on Beach Avenue in the Bronx. That information was dispatched over our Department radio. As patrol units from the 4-3 Precinct were responding, the radio dispatcher advised them that the suspect had just fled the scene, was driving a red Jeep. A few minutes later, at 2:52 pm, the suspect’s vehicle was observed at Noble Court and Bronx River Avenue by a marked patrol car roughly a half-a-mile from the original car. As officers approached the vehicle, which was stopped at 1575 Bronx River Avenue, the suspect, identified as Manuel Rosales, 35 years old, fired at the officers with a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Police returned fire, striking the suspect. During the exchange of gunfire, two uniformed sergeants were shot. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Both sergeants were immediately transported to Jacobi Hospital. Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo, a 19-year veteran, was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. Sergeant Emmanuel Kwo, a nine-year veteran, was shot in the leg and is currently in stable condition. 

Sergeant Tuozzolo has worked at the 4-3 Precinct for 10 years. A preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect, Manuel Rosales, is the estranged husband of a female occupant of the apartment on Beach Avenue. Earlier today, the suspect forcibly entered the apartment armed with a gun. Present at that time was his 29-year-old estranged wife, their three-year-old son, another 13-year-old child, and a 50-year-old woman who was the original 9-1-1 caller. 

A preliminary review of the suspect’s history reveals 17 prior arrests within Suffolk County, New York, where he is believed to be living. Further investigation of his background is currently underway. 

I want to take this time to this time to thank the highly dedicated and professional staff here at Jacobi Hospital who did as much as humanely possible to try to save Sergeant Tuozzolo. I always talk about what a great job this is, but there’s nothing worse than a day like today. 

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

“This afternoon, The Bronx was the scene of a horrible tragedy as two New York Police Department sergeants in the 43rd Precinct were shot, one of them fatally. This heartbreaking incident puts into clear focus both the difficulties our police officers face every day and the true scourge of guns and gun violence faced by our police, our communities and our nation.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these two sergeants and the entire NYPD as they mourn the loss of their partner and colleague," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR JEFF KLEIN

"I was saddened this afternoon to hear of the loss of a New York Police Department Sergeant and the injury of another from the 43rd Precinct. Police officers put themselves in harm's way every day and on every call that they respond to and incidents like these are a sad reminder of that fact. My thoughts are with their families and fellow members of the NYPD at this difficult time,” said Senator Klein.

More statements of sympathy for the killing of Police Sergeant Tuozzolo, and shooting of Sergeant Kwo will be forthcoming from other elected officials.

I arrived at the scene shortly before 3:30 PM as the ambulances were pulling away from the crime scene.

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER BANNING CITY AGENCIES FROM INQUIRING ABOUT SALARY HISTORY OF JOB APPLICANTS

In major step toward achieving pay equity for women and people of color, City agencies will no longer be allowed to inquire about an applicant’s salary history before extending a conditional offer of employment 

Under Mayor de Blasio, for first time in City history, women and people of color hold majority of managerial positions in City government

#EqualPayNYC

    In a major effort to ensure fair employment practices and close the pay gap for women and people of color, Mayor Bill de Blasio today signed Executive Order 21 prohibiting City agencies from inquiring about the salary history of job applicants. Executive Order 21 is the most recent effort by the de Blasio Administration to ensure the families of NYC’s diverse workforce are supported and enabled to thrive. The Mayor also announced his intent to support Intro. 1253, sponsored by Public Advocate Letitia James, which seeks to prevent both public and private employers from inquiring about potential employees’ salary histories. The Mayor and First Lady were joined by senior Administration officials, elected officials, City employees and advocates. 

“It’s no secret that throughout our nation’s workforce, women and people of color are, on average, paid less for the same work as their white, male counterparts. As the employer of over 300,000 City workers, I have a responsibility to lead the way in putting an end to that cycle of discrimination,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Women and people of color constitute the majority of our City workforce and a large share of the people of working age in this city. It’s essential to the success of our local government and our city as a whole that everyone is treated – and paid – with the fairness and respect they deserve.”

“Back in 1976, when I graduated from college, women were paid roughly 60 cents for every dollar that men were paid. That means my classmates and I were valued less than our male peers and destined for a lifetime of less income. The disparity in pay is even greater for women of color,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “From the very beginning of our careers, women and men of color have been paid less than our colleagues for the same exact work. The Commission on Gender Equity, which I co-chair, is working hard to address this issue and create a city where everyone is treated equally. Today’s executive order will advance equal pay for equal work in our city, beginning with our hardworking public servants.”

While over 90 percent of the City’s workforce is unionized and paid in accordance with collective bargaining agreements – which have defined salary schedules driving uniformity and equitable pay practices – the City will take additional steps to ensure pay equity across the municipal workforce. A ban on salary inquiries prior to a conditional offer of employment provides a model for other employers in both public and private sectors.

By eliminating questions regarding an applicant’s previous compensation – which is often used as a benchmark from which to determine starting pay in a new position – employers take a vital step to stop perpetuating a cycle of suppressed wages for women and people of color within their workforce. 

The Executive Order, which goes into effect in 30 days, dictates that prior to making a conditional offer of employment, City agencies cannot seek to obtain information regarding an applicant’s salary history either through direct questioning of an applicant or through searches of public records. An applicant’s salary history includes prior wage, salary, benefits or other compensation. The Order allows for City agencies to inquire about previous salary only after making a conditional offer of employment that includes the salary for the job, and solely for the purpose of evaluating an applicant’s representations about their prior employment, such as degree of responsibility or breadth of role.

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services will provide training for Agency Personnel Officers on the appropriate manner in which to ask about the pay history of applicants who have received conditional offers. Personnel Officers will train their Agency Human Resources staff. DCAS will also conduct periodic reviews to ensure that Agency practices comply with this Order and collect relevant data for its reviews.

“Requiring applicants to provide their salary history perpetuates and exacerbates the existing wage gap,” saidCity Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Executive Order 21, which will cover those seeking City employment, is an excellent start for potential City agency workers. While the City Council has already implemented this initiative internally, we will soon be considering additional legislation by Public Advocate James to go even further by prohibiting this practice in the private sector. I thank Mayor de Blasio for taking this essential step toward tackling pay disparities and look forward to a hearing on the bill that will apply it citywide.” 

“On the eve of a presidential election when a woman's name is on the ballot, we are still fighting for equal pay for equal work. We know that using salary history is not a fair or necessary means to determine an employee’s wages. This practice perpetuates a cycle of wage discrimination against women. It’s why I introduced legislation, Intro. 1253, earlier this year to ban the use of salary history in the hiring process. I’m proud to join Mayor de Blasio as he announces an Executive Order banning the use of salary history in hiring City employees and I’m grateful the Mayor will support my legislation to ban the use of salary history in both the private and public sectors. We will continue this fight until every single one of our daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers are guaranteed equal pay for equal work,” said Public Advocate James.

Women in New York City continue to earn less than men and are more likely to live in poverty. The income gaps are widest among women of color, older women, immigrants, and women without a high school degree. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the mean income for women in New York City was equivalent to just 80 percent of what men earned, a gap of $10,470. The report also showed that across the United States, women employed full-time lose a combined total of more than $840 billion each year due to the wage gap. Reports on the gender wage gap vary slightly across the board, but according to 2015 U.S Census Bureau data, women earn approximately 80 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts. The problem is even more evident for women of color, compared to what white males make: Black women make 64 cents to every white male dollar, while Latina women make 54 cents, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Black and Latino men across the United States also earn less on average than their white male counterparts. According to the Pew Research Institute, in 2015, black men earned 73 percent of white men’s hourly earnings, while Hispanic men earned 69 percent. This translates to average hourly wages for black and Hispanic men of $15 and $14, respectively, compared with $21 for white men. 

For the first time, under the de Blasio Administration, women and people of color now hold more than half – approximately 52 percent – of managerial positions in City government. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services’ data also shows that the majority of City government employees are people of color, representing approximately 61 percent of the total workforce. 

Across the de Blasio Administration’s senior leadership – which includes senior cabinet members and the heads of agencies and mayoral offices – women occupy 52 percent of the leadership positions, and 44 percent of the leadership positions are occupied by people of color.

The de Blasio Administration has made meaningful changes to improve the lives of the City’s diverse workforce, including:

• The provision of six weeks of paid time off for maternity, paternity, adoption, and foster care leave, at 100 percent of salary – or up to 12 weeks total when combined with existing leave; 

• The expansion of Paid Sick Leave to all businesses with five or more employees. 

• Supporting legislation that will allow Paid Sick Leave to be used for purposes of Paid Safe Leave. This amendment would ensure victims, survivors and those who are impacted by domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault offenses are able to take necessary time to rebuild their lives and seek safety while not sacrificing their paychecks or jobs.

• An increase in the minimum wage to $15/hour for all City government employees and employees who provide contracted work for the City at social service organizations; 

• Settled contracts with 99 percent of the municipal workforce, compared to zero when Mayor de Blasio took office – bringing salaries for female-dominated fields like teaching and healthcare in line with salary increases previously given to other municipal workers, and providing all City employees with new 7-year contracts that included 10 percent in raises. 

• Universal pre-K for All, which has made it possible for thousands of parents to earn a living without sacrificing their children’s early education; 

• New guidance from the City’s Human Rights Commission defining violations of pregnancy protections under the NYC Human Rights Law and requiring reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. The guidance explains how the law ensures pregnant employees are not unfairly terminated, pushed out of the workforce or discriminated against based on their pregnancy. 

• The creation of more family-friendly workplaces, including the creation of lactation rooms for new mothers at social service agencies across the city. 

• The formation of a first-ever Commission on Gender Equity to leverage the power of City government to expand and increase opportunity for all New Yorkers regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation; 

• The establishment of the Office of Labor Policies and Standards at the Department of Consumer Affairs to ensure rules, regulations, and laws designed to improve working conditions are enforced properly, and that workers and businesses know and understand those laws.

• The addition of caregiver protections under the New York City Human Rights Law to ensure people providing care to children under the age of 18 and those caring for parents, sibling, spouse, children of any age, grandparent, or grandchild with a disability are protected from employment discrimination, such as being terminated, demoted or denied a promotion because of their status or perceived status as a caregiver. 

“Every New Yorker deserves to be paid based on their qualifications for the job,” said Chair and Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights Carmelyn P. Malalis. “Inquiring about pay history during the hiring process often continues a cycle of pay inequity, which perpetuates lower salaries for women and people of color. The Mayor’s Executive Order today is a crucial step towards ensuring that all New Yorkers seeking employment with City agencies are paid what they are worth, regardless of their age, gender, or race. The Commission looks forward to working with employers, advocates, and elected officials on future efforts to fight employment discrimination throughout the city.”

Memorial Service for Jeffrey Panish

In Loving Memory of  Jeffrey Panish November 6th,2016 Bronx House 990 Pelham Parkway South Sunday, November 6th, 2016  3:00pm - 5:00pm Please come and join us to remember Jeffrey Panish, a community activist, a kind neighbor, a pillar of our community and a dear friend to many of us

"Veterans' Day Remembrance", Friday, November 11th, 11:00 AM, At Rudy Macina Peace Memorial Plaza....

Veterans Day Event!!! Lehman College Office of Veterans and Military Affairs - Thursday Nov. 10th

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN BRINGS MOBILE HEALTH SERVICES AND SCRIE SPECIALISTS TO LOCAL SENIORS

State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) provided over 100 senior citizens with the opportunity to sign-up for a rent freeze program called the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), while they were offered a variety of health services today at the Northeast Bronx Senior Center.

Attendees met with SCRIE benefit specialists to see if they were eligible for a rent freeze.   Senator Klein has secured $150,000 in funding for LiveOn NY in an effort to guide senior citizens through the application process and receive assistance in filling out cumbersome paperwork.

Senior citizens also received blood pressure screenings, elder abuse screenings, and nutritional counseling. Senator Klein secured $200,000 in funding for the Hebrew Home to purchase mobile health vans in order to bring vital senior health services directly to the elderly population who need it most. The mobile vans will continue to travel throughout the district.  

“I am proud to have secured state funding to ensure that our senior population has access to these valuable services. The traveling vans, operated by the Hebrew Home, will offer a variety of medical screenings and also disseminate important health-related information. It is also imperative that senior citizens are aware of the SCRIE program and have the opportunity to fully utilize it. My funds will provide seniors with one-on-one assistance from LiveOn NY SCRIE benefit specialists. As seniors enter their golden years, they must live comfortably and independently in their own homes. I encourage our senior citizens to take advantage of these free services,” said Senator Klein.

Residents of the 34th Senate District also can come to Senator Klein’s office to visit with a LiveOn NY benefits specialist to determine their eligibility anytime on November 7 and 21; or December 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein chats with seniors asking them for any comments they may have.

Below - Senator Klein has his own blood pressure checked, which was excellent. 

Seniors are glad to sit with Senator Klein while one has her blood pressure checked.

LiveOn NY SCRIE specialists will also travel throughout the district and offer services to senior citizens at the below locations:

• November 23 - Bronx House, 990 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461 at 11:30 a.m.
• December 7 - Mechler Hall Senior Center at Holy Family Church, 2158 Watson Ave, Bronx, NY 10472 at 11:30 a.m.

For more information and future dates, please contact Senator Klein’s office at (718) 822-2049.

BARNES & NOBLE COMMITS TO BRONX RETURN

  Bronx elected officials are reacting to news that national retail bookseller Barnes & Noble has committed to return to The Bronx, following the announcement of the impending closure of their existing store in Bay Plaza.

“We are a borough of book lovers, and Barnes & Noble has been an institution in The Bronx for nearly two decades. I share the concerns of my constituents that they will depart Bay Plaza. However, I understand that the business of selling books is going through a transformation, and that Barnes & Noble is adjusting their business model to reflect a new reality,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Barnes & Noble has made a commitment to return to The Bronx, and the people of this borough look forward to welcoming them back in the near future. We are also grateful to Prestige Properties and their CEO, Sam Shalem, for their previous efforts extend Barnes & Noble’s lease and their commitment to hold space in their retail center for the bookseller should they choose to return to Bay Plaza.”

Borough President Diaz added, "My office will continue to work with Barnes & Noble in the coming months to help identify potential locations for new retail sites in our borough that will work with their updated business model, and we will continue to support our libraries, as well as independent bookstores and other businesses that connect Bronxites with books.”

“Though I am saddened that Barnes & Noble will no longer operate at their current location in Bay Plaza, I appreciate that the company today has reaffirmed its commitment to operating a brick and mortar store in the Bronx,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “Our borough is thriving, and I believe the presence of stores like Barnes & Noble is vital to its continued success. Over the years, Barnes & Noble became part of the fabric of Co-op City, serving hundreds of people every day as the only active bookstore in the borough. It is my hope that as the company begins its search for a new location, it will strongly consider remaining a part of the community by keeping a store open in Co-op City.” 

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz Kicks Off Annual Holiday Canned Food Drive

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz(D-Bronx) has kicked off his annual canned food and turkey drive with students from local schools and participating residential buildings. 

The Assemblyman’s office will be accepting donations until December 16^th with a pick-up for Thanksgiving scheduled for November 14^th. Food will be donated to various non-profit organizations in the Northwest Bronx for families in need during the Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas holiday seasons.  The following canned and non-perishable food items are accepted: canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, dried beans, pasta, rice, tuna, coffee, teas, canned juices, powdered milk, jell-o, and soups.  No glass jars are acceptable except for baby food.

Some schools are also collecting one-dollar donations for the purchase of turkeys for needy families on Thanksgiving.

“Our annual food drive is always such a wonderful event, and I believe this year’s will be even better than the last,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “I am always encouraged to continue this event by the selfless actions of our community. We always see a huge swell of support for this, from buildings, to schools, to residents who drop off even a single can at my office. Every year this community donates an impressive amount of food for those in need, making me proud to represent such a generous community. I look forward to another great year of giving, and thank in advance everyone who participates through their donations.”   

Residents are encouraged to set up their own collection bins in their buildings as well, and a time for pick-up can be coordinated by contacting Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office.

Residents may donate their canned goods to Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office located at 3107 Kingsbridge Avenue; one block west of Broadway, just off of West 231st Street.  For more information, call (718) 796-5345.