FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com NOVEMBER 27, 2014 • The queens Courier 21 SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUENS Joseph Thompson President Howard Beach Civilian Observation Patrol WINNER 3 YEARS Background: Born and raised in Brooklyn, Joseph Thompson joined his first Civilian Observation Patrol (COP) at the age of 16. He was an auxiliary police officer for the NYPD for 10 years. He moved to Howard Beach 19 years ago, where he lives with his wife and children. This summer, he noticed that the crime rate in his neighborhood was very high, but it was something his 9-year-old daughter said that compelled him to “get up off the couch and do something” about it, he said. He was watching the news with his daughter when they saw a story about their 72-year-old neighbor who had been punched in the face and robbed of her purse. The young girl told him, “That could have been grandma.” It motivated Thompson to put his experience in the field of security to use and start a civilian observation patrol. Community Involvement: Thompson met with the local police officers and elected officials to discuss the idea. He incorporated the Howard Beach COP on June 26, 2014, and formed its structure over the next two months. The nonprofit, volunteer organization deals with quality-of-life issues such as potholes and graffiti. It went on its first patrol in August. In 68 days, they dealt with 148 incidents and had to call 911 only twice. They helped a neighbor find her daughter who had been missing for 38 hours. The organization runs on donations that are used to pay for gas for their two patrol cars, insurance, uniforms and other equipment. Greatest Achievement: “Our motto is ‘We are neighbors helping neighbors,’” said Thompson. “My greatest achievement is getting neighbors together for the first time and create something that will bring about change, working together and helping each other. I am not doing this alone: it’s all the volunteers who work hard and help out even when it is 20 degrees outside.” Biggest Challenge: “Trying to get volunteers and donations to keep the organization going is the biggest challenge,” said Thompson. “We have 22 volunteers now and need 40 to qualify for the NYPD Civilian Patrol. We are working on signing up more people.” Inspiration: “My inspiration is Frank Kotnik, president of the 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol. It is a nonprofit, and a sanctioned group with the NYPD. He started it 38 years ago. I often call him for advice and inspiration.” By Asha Mahadevan brought to you by SCOTT BARON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1-866-WAS-HURT (866) 927-4878 718.738.9800 star OF queens IN A ROW Legally Speaking By: Scott Baron, Attorney at Law THE TOP OF HEAVEN Advertorial Q: On the sixth floor, my co-worker and I entered the elevator. We pushed the button for the lobby. The elevator moved up and down. It shook and stopped. We were trapped! Over the intercom, the building’s fire-safety director told us to stay calm. “Mechanics are on the way.” We sat on the floor of the elevator, and waited. Sometimes, I do not remember things too well. The other day, I went to a movie called “The Runaway Elevator.” In the movie, the elevator made an upward movement and then continued moving up and down the elevator shaftway at twice its normal speed for approximately one hour before stopping. The occupants were really shook up, and they recovered millions. My son-in-law says maybe that’s what happened with me. A: From what you do remember, it does not appear that you suffered physical injuries. Moreover, it does not appear that the conduct of management was so outrageous in character, and extreme in degree, as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency; thus, you cannot prevail on a claim of negligent infliction of emotional distress. In addition, it does not appear that management had exhibited malice or a wanton disregard for public safety; so, you cannot obtain punitive damages. As for the ‘movie’ version, bear in mind that 99% of the time that scenario is mechanically, scientifically and physically impossible – because of multiple redundant safety features that will stop the elevator instantly in case of excessive speed. You should always tell your attorney the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Your movie has nothing to do with this. Even if you go to the bottom of the barrel, and find an attorney who does not care about the truth, count on your opponents to go to the top of heaven – in order to expose you both. The law responds to changed conditions; exceptions and variations abound. Here, the information is general; always seek out competent counsel This article shall not be construed as legal advice. Copyright © 2014 Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. 159-49 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York 11414 1750 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710 718-738-9800, 914-337-9800, 1-866-927-4878
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