I have been following the ongoing saga of the City of Beacon Police Department since my retirement in August of 2003. The accusations, the lawsuits, the investigations and so on. While it is my opinion that the department and its officers have been cast aside for the sake of politics and personal agendas I find it most disturbing that it has been over a month and there has not been one statement by the City Council in regard to the shooting of Police Officer Anthony Hopper. I worked with Officer Hopper and know him to be a fine man and an excellent police officer. Although I do not know Officer Jose Martinez (Hopper's partner) I have met him and he appears to be a fine young man. In any event it is obvious that these two heroes put their lives on the line for the people of the City of Beacon. Answering a call as simple as a suspicious person in a parking lot in the middle of the day almost cost them their lives. And because of the selfish act of an 18 year old thug these two men and their families will have to live with the effects of his reckless actions for the rest of their lives. And the only statement I have seen from the city is a quote in the local newspaper about how the Council approved money for vests just prior to this incident, never miss an opportunity to blow your own horn. As usual all talk, no action. While I appreciate the problems between the City and the Chief of Police I feel it unfortunate that the administration would treat their police officers, who they say they support, in such a way. I have also talked to both Officers Hopper and Martinez and can not believe that not one of you has reached out to them to see how they and their families are doing since the shooting. It is unfortunate that the relationship between the city and the police department has been allowed to continue in such a way as common decency is not even recognized.
"Regretfully" Submitted,
Paul J. Schettino (Retired Lieutenant)
City of Beacon Police Department 1981 - 2003