02/23/10
A good model for public accountability
OUR POSITION: The state Legislature and public agencies can learn something from North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis' response to his agency's mistake.
Government agencies make mistakes. Businesses make mistakes. People make mistakes all the time. Everyone knows that.
When they make mistakes and when the mistakes have a public impact, the public can reasonably expect certain things occur: that there is some form of appropriate sanction or penalty, and that steps are taken to ensure the mistakes will not be repeated.
We call that accountability. We can't prevent mistakes, but we can put new procedures or systems in place that make the same mistakes less likely in the future. That's what happens, ideally, after a plane crash, when the brakes on automobiles don't work, after banks using unsound financial practices shake the economy or someone tampers with a bottle of Tylenol.
The critical points are to acknowledge the error, deal with the immediate impacts and take steps to prevent a repeat. It sounds pretty straightforward, but it's amazing how difficult that process can be in practice.
Public agencies looking for a good model of accountability in response to mistakes should pay attention to recent actions taken by North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis following a recent botched 911 emergency call. Lewis got it right.
On the night of Dec. 11 last year, a call came into the North Port police station alerting the dispatcher to a car off the road with a body nearby at a semi-isolated spot. The callers couldn't remember the exact name of the street, but got something close to it.
Rather than telling the caller to wait for an officer at the store where they had made the call, the dispatcher tried to locate a street with a similar name. Unable to find it, she simply gave up. No officer was contacted.
Some 16 hours later, another call came in and the body was located. The driver was dead, but no one knew if his life could have been saved if the police response had come quicker.
Lewis immediately took responsibility for the mistake -- caused by the dispatcher, not the 911 system. He apologized. He took time to review the incident and eventually fired the dispatcher, who is now appealing her dismissal.
Although he defended his call center system -- noting operators received far more training than is required by the state -- Lewis asked outside agencies from Lee and Marion counties to review the operations. Just over a week ago, they recommended another course be added to the basic training and a more-structured "quality assurance" system be set up to monitor ongoing operations. Lewis said these steps would be taken.
Just after the incident, Lewis acknowledged "the damage (it had) done to citizen's confidence in the department." By taking the right steps, he is restoring that confidence. He got it right.
That model of "what to do" is one we hope Florida legislators follow as they review bills sponsored by state Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, and Rep. Ken Roberson, R-Port Charlotte, that would improve emergency 911 call training throughout the state. Lawmakers sidestepped the issue last session. They need to get it right this year.
Mistakes happen. It's relatively easy to acknowledge and apologize for them. In the end, though, what matters most is that reasonable, intelligent, appropriate steps are taken to make sure the same mistakes don't happen again.
That's what accountability is all about.
http://www.sunnewspapers.net/articles/edStory.aspx?articleID=452980
Showing posts with label City of North Port. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City of North Port. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis
I commend Chief Lewis for having the strength, courage and wisdom to do the right thing.
And thank you, THANK YOU, Chief Lewis, for not hiding behind this with arrogant airs. Thank you for not sweeping this under the rug.
And especially thank you for showing compassion for the family.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Wood family. It's tragic enough to lose someone but to add this on top of it is....... There's no word for it.
Again, I commend you.
God bless you.
From the Charlotte Sun website
NORTH PORT — North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis has fired the dispatcher who failed to send officers to a crash scene where a man was found dead almost 19 hours later.
Lewis said Nadezhda Kashitskaya, who had been with the NPPD for about a year and a half, violated two city policies.
In a press conference Tuesday at the police department, Lewis apologized to the family of Brian Wood, 55, and said his heart goes out to Kashitskaya, whom he said "made a mistake."
About 11:30 p.m. Dec. 11, teens saw a man slumped over on the ground next to his truck in a dark, remote area of North Port Estates. Mark Mininci Jr., 19, called 911 from a convenience store about six miles away.
When Mininci called 911, he didn't know the exact street name — Lovering Avenue — of where the man and his pickup were located, calling it "Lovesong" or "Lovebird." However, he gave detailed directions on how to get to the area.
Around 6:30 p.m. the next day, a curious Mininci returned to the area and saw the man was still there. Mininci went to a nearby house and asked the residents to call police.
Officers arrived and found Wood, the longtime owner of Suncoast V-Twin motorcycle repair in North Port, dead. On the way to visiting his friend and business partner, Ricky "Railroad" Johnson, Wood had apparently crashed his pickup into a power pole. He managed to get out of the truck after the crash but could not get help before succumbing to his injuries.
In the 911 call, Kashitskaya explained to Mininci the system doesn't work without giving a specific street name.
But Lewis said earlier this month that other techniques could have been used to assist the caller.
"We use maps similar to Google Earth to find streets and locations," he said. "We should have gone to the area where the caller described, despite not having a proper street name."
The Sarasota County Medical Examiner has not yet completed Wood's autopsy report.
link: http://sunnewspapers.net/articles/llnews.aspx?articleID=15232&bnpg=0
And thank you, THANK YOU, Chief Lewis, for not hiding behind this with arrogant airs. Thank you for not sweeping this under the rug.
And especially thank you for showing compassion for the family.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Wood family. It's tragic enough to lose someone but to add this on top of it is....... There's no word for it.
Again, I commend you.
God bless you.
From the Charlotte Sun website
NORTH PORT — North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis has fired the dispatcher who failed to send officers to a crash scene where a man was found dead almost 19 hours later.
Lewis said Nadezhda Kashitskaya, who had been with the NPPD for about a year and a half, violated two city policies.
In a press conference Tuesday at the police department, Lewis apologized to the family of Brian Wood, 55, and said his heart goes out to Kashitskaya, whom he said "made a mistake."
About 11:30 p.m. Dec. 11, teens saw a man slumped over on the ground next to his truck in a dark, remote area of North Port Estates. Mark Mininci Jr., 19, called 911 from a convenience store about six miles away.
When Mininci called 911, he didn't know the exact street name — Lovering Avenue — of where the man and his pickup were located, calling it "Lovesong" or "Lovebird." However, he gave detailed directions on how to get to the area.
Around 6:30 p.m. the next day, a curious Mininci returned to the area and saw the man was still there. Mininci went to a nearby house and asked the residents to call police.
Officers arrived and found Wood, the longtime owner of Suncoast V-Twin motorcycle repair in North Port, dead. On the way to visiting his friend and business partner, Ricky "Railroad" Johnson, Wood had apparently crashed his pickup into a power pole. He managed to get out of the truck after the crash but could not get help before succumbing to his injuries.
In the 911 call, Kashitskaya explained to Mininci the system doesn't work without giving a specific street name.
But Lewis said earlier this month that other techniques could have been used to assist the caller.
"We use maps similar to Google Earth to find streets and locations," he said. "We should have gone to the area where the caller described, despite not having a proper street name."
The Sarasota County Medical Examiner has not yet completed Wood's autopsy report.
link: http://sunnewspapers.net/articles/llnews.aspx?articleID=15232&bnpg=0
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
North Port School Naming Update
Nathan talked to the principal of the new school in North Port this morning. He had concerns. He didn't want Denise to be remembered in a negative light. In other words as "the woman murdered in North Port" which is what was printed in the newspaper. He wants her remembered for all the positives she brought to us and continues to bring to us through the boys, the 9-1-1 reform and for the way the community came together. All were and are awesome.
Anyhow, the principal said that it's down to 5 names and Denise's name is not included. They didn't select any person's name but selected only geographical names.
We're a little let down but not a lot. It would've been such an honor! But then Joan Morgan deserves the honor too! And it may have taken away from the other tragedies etc..... Who would want to minimize someone else's pain and suffering?
So maybe it's a good thing!
Anyhow, the principal said that it's down to 5 names and Denise's name is not included. They didn't select any person's name but selected only geographical names.
We're a little let down but not a lot. It would've been such an honor! But then Joan Morgan deserves the honor too! And it may have taken away from the other tragedies etc..... Who would want to minimize someone else's pain and suffering?
So maybe it's a good thing!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Today's Sun Herald
Wouldn't this be something? We don't want Denise to always be remembered as the young mother murdered in North Port but we do want her remembered! And we want her remembered as the woman who brought about positive changes in the 9-1-1 system and who brought a community together so remarkably.
Okay, I'm crying.
North Port school in search of a name
By TERRY O'CONNOR Correspondent
Published: Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 12:53 a.m.
NORTH PORT - The new $19 million elementary school in North Port is still in search of a name and input from prospective parents and students.
SCHOOL TOWN-HALL MEETINGS
All meetings will be held at Toledo Blade Elementary School in North Port, 1201 Geranium Ave., portable room 846, unless otherwise noted. Spanish, Haitian Creole, Russian and Ukrainian interpreters will be available.
Times include:
March 24, family meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
April 2, family meeting, 9:30 to 11 a.m.
April 14, PTO meeting, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
April 15, family meeting, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
April 29, family meeting, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
April 29, Kindergarten Round-Up, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Woodland Middle School cafeteria, 2700Panacea Blvd.
May 4, family meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
PROPOSED SCHOOL NAMES
Principal Kirk Hutchinson’s naming committee is choosing two of the following name suggestions to recommend to the Sarasota County School Board this month. Proposals and the reason they
were selected:
Atwater Elementary — A reference to school’s location.
Calusa Elementary – Native American tribe from Southwest Florida.
Celebration Elementary – Denoting school opening in year of North Port’s 50th anniversary. Golden Elementary, North Celebration Elementary, North Port Elementary and North Port Celebration Elementary for same reason.
Coralrose/Coralrose Fullwood Elementary – Honors Coralrose Fullwood, a Toledo Blade Elementary student murdered in 2006.
Denise Amber Lee Elementary – Honors Denise Amber Lee, a North Port resident murdered in 2008.
Estuary Elementary – Refers to nearby Charlotte Harbor and other estuaries.
Hamilton Elementary – Honors former superintendent Wilma Hamilton.
Joan Morgan Elementary - Honors North Port activist and former City Commissioner Joan Morgan. Also, Morgan Elementary, honoring Joan Morgan and her husband, Ed.
Mangrove Elementary – For mangroves’ ability to provide shelter and stability.
New London Elementary – Denotes street and waterway next to school property.
North Port East Elementary – School is in easternmost North Port.
Pine Forest Elementary – Pine trees are prevalent in North Port.
River Crest Elementary – Refers to riverbanks and island habitats for local birds.
River Haven Elementary – Myakka/Peace rivers and Charlotte Harbor create one of the largest working estuaries in Florida.
Sandhill Elementary – Denotes sandhill cranes prevalent in North Port.
Sharon Christa McAuliffe Elementary – Honors McAuliffe, teacher who died in the 1986 Challenger shuttle accident.
Skyway Elementary – Refers to nearby street.
Spartan Elementary – A warrior up for any fight.
Whispering Pines Elementary – Area surrounding school has many tall pines.
The 124,000-square-foot school on Huntsville Avenue, now known only as Elementary I, is being built on 35 acres a block south of the East Price Boulevard-Atwater Street intersection.
The school will open in August for the 2009-10 school year with room for 970 students, although initial enrollment is estimated to be closer to 650, according to Principal Kirk Hutchinson.
Hutchinson's naming committee will recommend to the Sarasota County School Board two of the 24 school names suggested by the end of this month.
Hutchinson has also scheduled a series of five organizational town hall meetings for families of prospective students and community members beginning Tuesday. A Parent-Teacher Organization and a Kindergarten Round-Up meeting will be held later, too.
In the town hall meetings, Hutchinson will discuss construction progress, school policies and timelines. All meetings are open to the public.
Jon F. Swift General Contractors of Sarasota is building the school to withstand 180-mph winds. The design is by BRPH Architects/Engineers of Melbourne, which also helped create Lamarque and Cranberry elementary schools in North Port and Tatum Ridge Elementary in Sarasota.
Green features include use of regional building and recycled materials, energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning, minimized water usage and drought-tolerant landscaping.
Okay, I'm crying.
North Port school in search of a name
By TERRY O'CONNOR Correspondent
Published: Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 12:53 a.m.
NORTH PORT - The new $19 million elementary school in North Port is still in search of a name and input from prospective parents and students.
SCHOOL TOWN-HALL MEETINGS
All meetings will be held at Toledo Blade Elementary School in North Port, 1201 Geranium Ave., portable room 846, unless otherwise noted. Spanish, Haitian Creole, Russian and Ukrainian interpreters will be available.
Times include:
March 24, family meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
April 2, family meeting, 9:30 to 11 a.m.
April 14, PTO meeting, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
April 15, family meeting, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
April 29, family meeting, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
April 29, Kindergarten Round-Up, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Woodland Middle School cafeteria, 2700Panacea Blvd.
May 4, family meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
PROPOSED SCHOOL NAMES
Principal Kirk Hutchinson’s naming committee is choosing two of the following name suggestions to recommend to the Sarasota County School Board this month. Proposals and the reason they
were selected:
Atwater Elementary — A reference to school’s location.
Calusa Elementary – Native American tribe from Southwest Florida.
Celebration Elementary – Denoting school opening in year of North Port’s 50th anniversary. Golden Elementary, North Celebration Elementary, North Port Elementary and North Port Celebration Elementary for same reason.
Coralrose/Coralrose Fullwood Elementary – Honors Coralrose Fullwood, a Toledo Blade Elementary student murdered in 2006.
Denise Amber Lee Elementary – Honors Denise Amber Lee, a North Port resident murdered in 2008.
Estuary Elementary – Refers to nearby Charlotte Harbor and other estuaries.
Hamilton Elementary – Honors former superintendent Wilma Hamilton.
Joan Morgan Elementary - Honors North Port activist and former City Commissioner Joan Morgan. Also, Morgan Elementary, honoring Joan Morgan and her husband, Ed.
Mangrove Elementary – For mangroves’ ability to provide shelter and stability.
New London Elementary – Denotes street and waterway next to school property.
North Port East Elementary – School is in easternmost North Port.
Pine Forest Elementary – Pine trees are prevalent in North Port.
River Crest Elementary – Refers to riverbanks and island habitats for local birds.
River Haven Elementary – Myakka/Peace rivers and Charlotte Harbor create one of the largest working estuaries in Florida.
Sandhill Elementary – Denotes sandhill cranes prevalent in North Port.
Sharon Christa McAuliffe Elementary – Honors McAuliffe, teacher who died in the 1986 Challenger shuttle accident.
Skyway Elementary – Refers to nearby street.
Spartan Elementary – A warrior up for any fight.
Whispering Pines Elementary – Area surrounding school has many tall pines.
The 124,000-square-foot school on Huntsville Avenue, now known only as Elementary I, is being built on 35 acres a block south of the East Price Boulevard-Atwater Street intersection.
The school will open in August for the 2009-10 school year with room for 970 students, although initial enrollment is estimated to be closer to 650, according to Principal Kirk Hutchinson.
Hutchinson's naming committee will recommend to the Sarasota County School Board two of the 24 school names suggested by the end of this month.
Hutchinson has also scheduled a series of five organizational town hall meetings for families of prospective students and community members beginning Tuesday. A Parent-Teacher Organization and a Kindergarten Round-Up meeting will be held later, too.
In the town hall meetings, Hutchinson will discuss construction progress, school policies and timelines. All meetings are open to the public.
Jon F. Swift General Contractors of Sarasota is building the school to withstand 180-mph winds. The design is by BRPH Architects/Engineers of Melbourne, which also helped create Lamarque and Cranberry elementary schools in North Port and Tatum Ridge Elementary in Sarasota.
Green features include use of regional building and recycled materials, energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning, minimized water usage and drought-tolerant landscaping.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Internet access is back and we're all moved in
I'll blog more when I can. I just finished blogging in the other blog and I'm emotionally spent. But for now we're moved in. Everything is topsy turvy. We're in an emotional lala land!
Other news
We're going to Washington DC! Nathan, Mark, Sean Lowery and David Garofalo (City of North Port commissioner) will be representing the Denise Amber Lee Foundation. I'm going to try and sit in on meetings if it's not too many people. I'm pretty sure we are meeting with the head of NENA and other 9-1-1 industry peoples. I'm not sure what it's all about so I'll have to expand on that later. Mark is anxious to meet with people from the Center of Missing and Exploited Children. It seems they have 9-1-1 operators trained specifically for missing kids! That sounds very interesting. It's all exciting.
I just know Denise would be proud of how hard Nathan and Mark are working on all this. It's not easy. They're both missing a lot of work. And it takes Nathan's time away from the boys.
But! We believe it will all be worth it. We love you, Denise. And miss you more and more everyday. Noah was mssing you last night especially more than usual. I don't know why. While we were moving I came across some more pictures of you. Those are always a treasure to find. I still can't find that blue frame you made me for Christmas. I don't know where it is and it's driving me crazy. I took a picture out of it that Nathan wanted but now I can't find the frame. I love you sweetheart.
Other news
We're going to Washington DC! Nathan, Mark, Sean Lowery and David Garofalo (City of North Port commissioner) will be representing the Denise Amber Lee Foundation. I'm going to try and sit in on meetings if it's not too many people. I'm pretty sure we are meeting with the head of NENA and other 9-1-1 industry peoples. I'm not sure what it's all about so I'll have to expand on that later. Mark is anxious to meet with people from the Center of Missing and Exploited Children. It seems they have 9-1-1 operators trained specifically for missing kids! That sounds very interesting. It's all exciting.
I just know Denise would be proud of how hard Nathan and Mark are working on all this. It's not easy. They're both missing a lot of work. And it takes Nathan's time away from the boys.
But! We believe it will all be worth it. We love you, Denise. And miss you more and more everyday. Noah was mssing you last night especially more than usual. I don't know why. While we were moving I came across some more pictures of you. Those are always a treasure to find. I still can't find that blue frame you made me for Christmas. I don't know where it is and it's driving me crazy. I took a picture out of it that Nathan wanted but now I can't find the frame. I love you sweetheart.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Harold Muxlow
I'm deleting this post.
I have a lot of anger going on in my life and certainly do not want to incite more.
A lot of positive things have happened this past week.
I'm going to concentrate on those.
My apologies.
I have a lot of anger going on in my life and certainly do not want to incite more.
A lot of positive things have happened this past week.
I'm going to concentrate on those.
My apologies.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Denise Amber Lee Tribute 1/17/2009
Gosh, I hesitate to even write about the tribute. It was that moving.
My best memory of the day? Was feeling a solidarity with Sue (Denise's mom). We've been through a lot together this past year in jockeying the boys back and forth in an effort to help Nathan. But today was the first tribute, memorial, service (whatever you want to call it) where we actually got to sit next to each other. I got to hold Sue's hand briefly during the tribute. This will sound silly to her, I'm sure, but it was such an honor. I mean, here we are, two very different people but still bonded in such a way because of the grandbabies.
And, today, the Sun-Herald quoted Rick (Denise's dad) and I felt a certain solidarity with him. Because, I too, think of Denise when I wake up. I think of Denise when I go to bed. And I think of Denise when I drive around during the day whether it's going to the store and leaving work. I think of Denise 24/7.
Some people think we need to move on. It was said a little today. But, as I've posted before, it's just not that easy. Believe me! I wish it were! I know Denise wouldn't want us to be unhappy! Denise is the last person in this world or the next who would want us to be unhappy!
Today did mark many happy things. I couldn't believe the support of so many people. All the new friends, all the old friends, and family came out that we weren't expecting.
Bobbie and Donna, I can't tell you how very VERY much your presence there meant to Mark, Mom and me. You know I don't have any family down here and Mark and Mom are it for them. So, your presence brought such comfort and meant more than mere words in a blog can say.
Nancy! Geez, thank you. So many people. So much love.
I got to meet the Teehee family today. That, too, was an honor. I very much look forward to getting to know them better. I was emotionally only ready to talk to Carol and Tab. I wasn't able to embrace the children. I don't know why. It was just too much to take in for me. Meeting Carol and Tab was special. The pain mirrored. You just hate to see others experiencing such pain. I think it was there oldest boy, I'm not sure, but as I walked away from their family the last time (it was difficult to part from them) I looked into the eyes of the one boy and saw some of the pain I see in Nathan's eyes.
I got to meet Jane Kowalski for a second time. Gosh, she's quite a lady. I really like her. I love her and honor her for what she did for Denise. But I really like her, just as a person. She's seems to be the type of person I could be good friends with. She has character and strength. She has a grace about her. Plus, I really like her new haircut. It was cute and I think it's a haircut I could get away with. It didn't look like it was too much work but it was attractive. Hey! Now that's a good sign of healing. I'm thinking about hairdos! I feel like that Virginia Slims commercial (without the cigarette) "you've come a long way, baby!"
My friends from POMC. Gosh, yes, I promise to be there Wednesday. {{HUGS}} to Cathy. You, too, Dan.
Also, there were the many angels in blue. Okay, here I'm tearring up. And they are angels of blue. Denise would've have fit in perfectly with these ladies. Most of them are young North Port and Port Charlotte moms with gentle souls. They remind me of when I was a young Hampstead mom in Maryland. Their kids are mostly the ages Brian and Nathan were before we moved. So, I understand their kinship to each other and how dependent they are on one another for support. What a fun time. I've finally gotten to the point where I can remember ALL their names and some of their husbands names (Yes, Meri, I remember it's Tom, for how long I'll remember I don't know) but I can't even begin to remember all the kids names. I wish I could because those kids are out there wearing Denise's blue shirts with pride! They are really into this. How wonderful it that?
Oh, I could go on. We've met so many interesting, wonderful people. Nate has so much support. Gosh, I'm just Denise's mother-in-law and look at the support they give me! I honestly don't know where we would be without them, especially the angels in blue.
Nate, I was very proud of you today. I know it was difficult. I could see your struggle and your pain. I guess, being your mom, I feel it instinctively.
But! I could also see your passion and your drive. Gosh! I hadn't seen you like that since you were the catcher for Lemon Bay. You are super serious about this. You're driven. And, yes, you really should go into some kind of public service. You care! And people see it. People feel it! Yes, I definitely public office in your future. You've got the compassion and the integrity needed to do good things. And what better place than North Port! What a fantastic community.
I know, Nate how much you want to be happy. I know how much you want those babies to be happy. Dad and I promise to try and get out of this funk we're in. We promise to make that effort. Maybe once we're out of this house. It's a heavy weight on your dad's shoulders. And mine.
I wish Brian could've been here today. I missed him so much. You two, really do need to get together more often. I know he misses you and wants to help in anyway he can.
I loved the way you expressed your love to the Goffs. I know how much they mean to you and I know how much Rick has been like a father to you. Didn't Amanda look beautiful today? It was so good to see Alecia. And, Tyler, he's getting too big for me to hug but he puts up with me anyway.
Aside to Amy: I haven't forgotten you. But, I simply can't find the words to express how much your friendship has meant to me.
It's absolutely surreal, that it took losing Denise, to find all these wonderful people. We've learned truly how wonderful North Port and Port Charlotte are. We ALWAYS made fun of North Port and Port Charlotte but your two communities have been simply awesome.
Okay! I'm sure I missed a whole bunch of people (like Kim and Jerry). I tell you the turn out was awesome. Even the police departments, fire departments, etc.... Oddly, no one from the CCSO came and I don't know why.
Anyhow, to get on with the service. It was BEAUTIFUL! It was in front of city hall and just gorgeous weather. Not too hot and not too cold. Scott Smith from the North Port Police Department opened the ceremony by playing "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes! WOW! Pastor Dave from our church (Englewood United Methodist Church) said a prayer and introduced Nathan. Nathan spoke well. He always does. Dave Dignam, oh gosh, he spoke. He actually wrote a letter to Denise. It was beautiful. I know it sounds morbid but I find nothing wrong with writing letters to those who have passed before us. State Representatives Paige Kreegel and Ken Roberson spoke. I had met Paige before and he's been wonderful to Nate. But I hadn't met Ken Roberson. Was I impressed! He's definitely on our side and spoke very strongly about improving 9-1-1. He was very passionate. I meant to speak to him afterwards but wasn't able to. I wish I had. Thank you, Representatives Kreegel and Roberson.
A young man from South Biscayne Baptist Church sang "I Can Only Imagine". Oh my! I don't know what was more moving. That or the bagpipes. At the close, Kim Perkins, (I'm not sure where she's from but I believe she sang at the memorial a year ago, not sure, I was numb) sang the Lord's Prayer. All were extraordinarily moving. It's difficult to describe in words. I'm not a writer.
Sadly, Mr Witz, who I believe is an exceptional writer wasn't there. He was memorializing his grandmother who he lost over Christmas. He could write about this much better than I. I can only describe my thoughts.
Chief Terry Lewis spoke for a few minutes. You can feel his emotion when he speaks about Denise and our families. This has truly effected him. He's been phenomenally supportive of our family. He's always there to answer a question. He helped me seek a therapist. He's helped Nathan in countless ways. This man definitely takes his job to heart and has true compassion. It emanates from him.
I have to say Pastor Dave (Baldridge) was the same way. His compassion just emanated. You can see he loves the children.
I can't say enough about City Commissioner, David Garofalo. I will do him the honor of spelling his name right from now on. David, if you're reading this, please know how much I appreciate your confidence and devotion to the foundation. You are truly a person I would love my sons and grandsons to emulate. YOU have a wonderful heart.
Actually, having said that, I don't believe there's a person I haven't mentioned that I wouldn't be proud to have my children or grandchildren emulate. They are all truly good people.
Denise, look at the impact you've made on so many people. You were one very VERY special lady. I'll always love you and I'll always miss you.
My best memory of the day? Was feeling a solidarity with Sue (Denise's mom). We've been through a lot together this past year in jockeying the boys back and forth in an effort to help Nathan. But today was the first tribute, memorial, service (whatever you want to call it) where we actually got to sit next to each other. I got to hold Sue's hand briefly during the tribute. This will sound silly to her, I'm sure, but it was such an honor. I mean, here we are, two very different people but still bonded in such a way because of the grandbabies.
And, today, the Sun-Herald quoted Rick (Denise's dad) and I felt a certain solidarity with him. Because, I too, think of Denise when I wake up. I think of Denise when I go to bed. And I think of Denise when I drive around during the day whether it's going to the store and leaving work. I think of Denise 24/7.
Some people think we need to move on. It was said a little today. But, as I've posted before, it's just not that easy. Believe me! I wish it were! I know Denise wouldn't want us to be unhappy! Denise is the last person in this world or the next who would want us to be unhappy!
Today did mark many happy things. I couldn't believe the support of so many people. All the new friends, all the old friends, and family came out that we weren't expecting.
Bobbie and Donna, I can't tell you how very VERY much your presence there meant to Mark, Mom and me. You know I don't have any family down here and Mark and Mom are it for them. So, your presence brought such comfort and meant more than mere words in a blog can say.
Nancy! Geez, thank you. So many people. So much love.
I got to meet the Teehee family today. That, too, was an honor. I very much look forward to getting to know them better. I was emotionally only ready to talk to Carol and Tab. I wasn't able to embrace the children. I don't know why. It was just too much to take in for me. Meeting Carol and Tab was special. The pain mirrored. You just hate to see others experiencing such pain. I think it was there oldest boy, I'm not sure, but as I walked away from their family the last time (it was difficult to part from them) I looked into the eyes of the one boy and saw some of the pain I see in Nathan's eyes.
I got to meet Jane Kowalski for a second time. Gosh, she's quite a lady. I really like her. I love her and honor her for what she did for Denise. But I really like her, just as a person. She's seems to be the type of person I could be good friends with. She has character and strength. She has a grace about her. Plus, I really like her new haircut. It was cute and I think it's a haircut I could get away with. It didn't look like it was too much work but it was attractive. Hey! Now that's a good sign of healing. I'm thinking about hairdos! I feel like that Virginia Slims commercial (without the cigarette) "you've come a long way, baby!"
My friends from POMC. Gosh, yes, I promise to be there Wednesday. {{HUGS}} to Cathy. You, too, Dan.
Also, there were the many angels in blue. Okay, here I'm tearring up. And they are angels of blue. Denise would've have fit in perfectly with these ladies. Most of them are young North Port and Port Charlotte moms with gentle souls. They remind me of when I was a young Hampstead mom in Maryland. Their kids are mostly the ages Brian and Nathan were before we moved. So, I understand their kinship to each other and how dependent they are on one another for support. What a fun time. I've finally gotten to the point where I can remember ALL their names and some of their husbands names (Yes, Meri, I remember it's Tom, for how long I'll remember I don't know) but I can't even begin to remember all the kids names. I wish I could because those kids are out there wearing Denise's blue shirts with pride! They are really into this. How wonderful it that?
Oh, I could go on. We've met so many interesting, wonderful people. Nate has so much support. Gosh, I'm just Denise's mother-in-law and look at the support they give me! I honestly don't know where we would be without them, especially the angels in blue.
Nate, I was very proud of you today. I know it was difficult. I could see your struggle and your pain. I guess, being your mom, I feel it instinctively.
But! I could also see your passion and your drive. Gosh! I hadn't seen you like that since you were the catcher for Lemon Bay. You are super serious about this. You're driven. And, yes, you really should go into some kind of public service. You care! And people see it. People feel it! Yes, I definitely public office in your future. You've got the compassion and the integrity needed to do good things. And what better place than North Port! What a fantastic community.
I know, Nate how much you want to be happy. I know how much you want those babies to be happy. Dad and I promise to try and get out of this funk we're in. We promise to make that effort. Maybe once we're out of this house. It's a heavy weight on your dad's shoulders. And mine.
I wish Brian could've been here today. I missed him so much. You two, really do need to get together more often. I know he misses you and wants to help in anyway he can.
I loved the way you expressed your love to the Goffs. I know how much they mean to you and I know how much Rick has been like a father to you. Didn't Amanda look beautiful today? It was so good to see Alecia. And, Tyler, he's getting too big for me to hug but he puts up with me anyway.
Aside to Amy: I haven't forgotten you. But, I simply can't find the words to express how much your friendship has meant to me.
It's absolutely surreal, that it took losing Denise, to find all these wonderful people. We've learned truly how wonderful North Port and Port Charlotte are. We ALWAYS made fun of North Port and Port Charlotte but your two communities have been simply awesome.
Okay! I'm sure I missed a whole bunch of people (like Kim and Jerry). I tell you the turn out was awesome. Even the police departments, fire departments, etc.... Oddly, no one from the CCSO came and I don't know why.
Anyhow, to get on with the service. It was BEAUTIFUL! It was in front of city hall and just gorgeous weather. Not too hot and not too cold. Scott Smith from the North Port Police Department opened the ceremony by playing "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes! WOW! Pastor Dave from our church (Englewood United Methodist Church) said a prayer and introduced Nathan. Nathan spoke well. He always does. Dave Dignam, oh gosh, he spoke. He actually wrote a letter to Denise. It was beautiful. I know it sounds morbid but I find nothing wrong with writing letters to those who have passed before us. State Representatives Paige Kreegel and Ken Roberson spoke. I had met Paige before and he's been wonderful to Nate. But I hadn't met Ken Roberson. Was I impressed! He's definitely on our side and spoke very strongly about improving 9-1-1. He was very passionate. I meant to speak to him afterwards but wasn't able to. I wish I had. Thank you, Representatives Kreegel and Roberson.
A young man from South Biscayne Baptist Church sang "I Can Only Imagine". Oh my! I don't know what was more moving. That or the bagpipes. At the close, Kim Perkins, (I'm not sure where she's from but I believe she sang at the memorial a year ago, not sure, I was numb) sang the Lord's Prayer. All were extraordinarily moving. It's difficult to describe in words. I'm not a writer.
Sadly, Mr Witz, who I believe is an exceptional writer wasn't there. He was memorializing his grandmother who he lost over Christmas. He could write about this much better than I. I can only describe my thoughts.
Chief Terry Lewis spoke for a few minutes. You can feel his emotion when he speaks about Denise and our families. This has truly effected him. He's been phenomenally supportive of our family. He's always there to answer a question. He helped me seek a therapist. He's helped Nathan in countless ways. This man definitely takes his job to heart and has true compassion. It emanates from him.
I have to say Pastor Dave (Baldridge) was the same way. His compassion just emanated. You can see he loves the children.
I can't say enough about City Commissioner, David Garofalo. I will do him the honor of spelling his name right from now on. David, if you're reading this, please know how much I appreciate your confidence and devotion to the foundation. You are truly a person I would love my sons and grandsons to emulate. YOU have a wonderful heart.
Actually, having said that, I don't believe there's a person I haven't mentioned that I wouldn't be proud to have my children or grandchildren emulate. They are all truly good people.
Denise, look at the impact you've made on so many people. You were one very VERY special lady. I'll always love you and I'll always miss you.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Jane Kowalski and the Denise Amber Lee Tribute
I posted a few days ago that I was feeling as if I was getting over the "zombie phase". And all in all I am.
Today started out very well. Mark and I went over to North Port City Hall and attended a meeting for the city commissioners. They voted unaminously to give Jane Kowalski the key to the city. Thank you, David Garafolo, for all you've done. And thank you the City of North Port. It was Dave's idea and he wrote a touching letter to the commission expressing why Jane (who is not a native of the city) should get the key. Also, they had Nathan speak. Dave was right, and, yes, I was tearring up. I held back but I did tear up several times.
Here's the a copy of the letter he read to the commission:
On the evening of Jan. 17, 2008 Jane Kowalski did what several other people later told police they wish they did. Upon witnessing suspicious activity in the car behind her as she left North Port and entered Charlotte County, a very calm Jane called 911 to report a man pushing his passenger down in the seat. The passenger was screaming and banging on the window. Jane told the dispatcher the description of the car to the best of her ability. Without fail, the out-of-town resident provided valuable information about each intersection she passed and alerted them about the slow rate of speed she and the man who was later identified as Michael King were driving along U.S. 41. Not once did she raise her voice or become agitated during the nine minutes Jane was on the phone with the 911 center operator. In fact, she parked at the Toys R Us in Murdock for 15 more minutes once King turned onto Toledo Blade just in case a Charlotte County deputy wanted to take her statement in person. Hundreds believe it is because Jane followed King it caused him to feel uncomfortable and it sent him back into North Port where police were searching for his green Camaro. Although the outcome was horrific and surreal, if Jane had not carefully explained everything she saw, the massive man hunt for Denise Amber Lee might have spread into several counties and gone on for far longer than two days. Jane explained she last saw King turn onto Toledo Blade Boulevard heading back toward the interstate. Several hours later that is near where King was arrested and sadly Denise's body was later found. In memory of Denise and with the utmost respect for Jane, I'm requesting that we City Commissioners give a key to the city to Mrs. Kowalski. She should be publicly honored for her heroic actions, time, dedication and efforts to save someone she did not know but understood was in trouble. Jane is a true example of the type of person who cares for people no matter what. She didn't need a purpose or cause, she just instinctively knew she should help in any way she could on January 17 and again on January 18 when she called the North Port Police Department to double check that they received her information from Charlotte County. Her follow through attitude is extremely commendable. If more residents could be like Jane, North Port would be even a better place to live. However, she is a role model. She did her best to help instead of minding her own business and thinking the possible domestic dispute would correct itself. Jane has stayed involved with the foundation even flying to California for a recent taping of the Dr. Phil show. This all because she believes in the foundations goal of strengthening 911 and making us all safer. This small token is a way Jane can be thanked on behalf of the City Commission, the Lee and Goff families as well as the residents of North Port, Englewood and Charlotte County who were touched by this tragedy. Many people look forward to meeting Jane during the memorial celebration of Denise Amber Lee's life on Saturday. The Denise Amber Lee Foundation will be presenting Jane Kowalski with the first ever Denise Amber Lee Award on Saturday, this would be an excellent time for this presentation. Thank you for your consideration.
David Garafolo, Sr.
She'll be presented with the key on Saturday, the anniversary of Denise's abduction and death. The same day and event where we are going to have our Denise Amber Lee tribute. She deserves it too. She stayed calm throughout her 9 minute phone call to the CCSO 9-1-1. You could hear the compassion and concern in her voice. You could also hear the frustration with the 9-1-1 center. But she stayed on the phone and had Michael King behind her for nine minutes. Little did she know Michael King had a gun and her own life was at risk. But not thinking about her self she did what we all know we should do and that's get involved. And we need to care about fellow human beings. We all would like to think we would do the right thing but some of us don't. Obviously. At least, two other witnesses came forward and said they saw Denise's struggle, but they did nothing.
And then of course, Harold Muxlow. But that's for a different post.
Anyhow, when this first happened I used to wear my "Remember Denise, Fix 911" button everywhere. It was a badge that prompted much conversation. Conversation that I use to be eager to be engaged in. I haven't worn the button much lately. I've learned not everyone is as eager to talk about it as I am. But it used to be good therapy for me and I felt it was the least I could do to forward Denise's cause. I don't know. For some reason or another I've stopped wearing it. I think I even got tired of talking about it.
Today when I arrived at city hall, I saw another woman there wearing a Denise button. This woman has worked with us several times and had helped us with Denise's memorial. She's also helping with Saturday's presentation. Since, she was wearing her button I decided to put my on. I always wear my bracelet, but I hadn't worn that button in a long time.
I sat there through that meeting and I was doing quite well. It was very moving.
Later I stopped at the grocery store and debated whether I should take the button off. For some reason I decided to leave it on. It's not a big button. It's about 3" round. Maybe smaller. I'd measure it, but I took it off and I'm not sure where I laid it down. Well, at the grocery store deli department the deli man asked me about the button. He had never heard of Denise. That's surprising. Just about everybody down here knows about Denise, other than maybe snowbirds. But even the snowbirds know about Denise because they are always here in January. It really is the best month IMO weather wise in Florida. So, I had to start telling him about Denise. He was very kind and very understanding and said all the right things. Wow! Not only didn't he know about Denise, he was able to say all the right things! So, this was a somewhat new experience. Then I asked a fatal question. Why I asked it, I don't know. But I asked "Have you lost a loved one to murder?" and sadly his answer was "yes". He went on with his story about his girlfriend's son being murdered up in Tallahassee last year. I just wanted to cry. But he understood. And I understood him. All he later said was "I understand". And I said "I understand and God bless you". And he said "God bless you, too". But then he added "you keep wearing that pin! It means she's with you! I might get my girlfriend a pin. I think she'd be proud to wear a picture of her son." Denise's picture is on the button.
That's our roller coaster. I feel like a zombie again. I feel as if I brightened that man's day. I feel as if I helped him. I believe he's going to get a picture of his girlfriend's son and make a button for her. I believe he knows he helped me. The button brought two strangers together who have experienced tragedy and we were able to share a comfort.
In any case! Thank you, Dave, and the rest of the City of North Port Commissioners. And thank you, deli man, for being such a nice guy. I'm sorry you and your girlfriend are in pain.
I think I'll go hibernate for the afternoon. I'm not going to be much good for anything else.
I'm not sad. I'm happy. Happy for Jane! It's such an honor and she deserves it. I'm just tired. This murder business takes a lot of emotional energy.
Today started out very well. Mark and I went over to North Port City Hall and attended a meeting for the city commissioners. They voted unaminously to give Jane Kowalski the key to the city. Thank you, David Garafolo, for all you've done. And thank you the City of North Port. It was Dave's idea and he wrote a touching letter to the commission expressing why Jane (who is not a native of the city) should get the key. Also, they had Nathan speak. Dave was right, and, yes, I was tearring up. I held back but I did tear up several times.
Here's the a copy of the letter he read to the commission:
On the evening of Jan. 17, 2008 Jane Kowalski did what several other people later told police they wish they did. Upon witnessing suspicious activity in the car behind her as she left North Port and entered Charlotte County, a very calm Jane called 911 to report a man pushing his passenger down in the seat. The passenger was screaming and banging on the window. Jane told the dispatcher the description of the car to the best of her ability. Without fail, the out-of-town resident provided valuable information about each intersection she passed and alerted them about the slow rate of speed she and the man who was later identified as Michael King were driving along U.S. 41. Not once did she raise her voice or become agitated during the nine minutes Jane was on the phone with the 911 center operator. In fact, she parked at the Toys R Us in Murdock for 15 more minutes once King turned onto Toledo Blade just in case a Charlotte County deputy wanted to take her statement in person. Hundreds believe it is because Jane followed King it caused him to feel uncomfortable and it sent him back into North Port where police were searching for his green Camaro. Although the outcome was horrific and surreal, if Jane had not carefully explained everything she saw, the massive man hunt for Denise Amber Lee might have spread into several counties and gone on for far longer than two days. Jane explained she last saw King turn onto Toledo Blade Boulevard heading back toward the interstate. Several hours later that is near where King was arrested and sadly Denise's body was later found. In memory of Denise and with the utmost respect for Jane, I'm requesting that we City Commissioners give a key to the city to Mrs. Kowalski. She should be publicly honored for her heroic actions, time, dedication and efforts to save someone she did not know but understood was in trouble. Jane is a true example of the type of person who cares for people no matter what. She didn't need a purpose or cause, she just instinctively knew she should help in any way she could on January 17 and again on January 18 when she called the North Port Police Department to double check that they received her information from Charlotte County. Her follow through attitude is extremely commendable. If more residents could be like Jane, North Port would be even a better place to live. However, she is a role model. She did her best to help instead of minding her own business and thinking the possible domestic dispute would correct itself. Jane has stayed involved with the foundation even flying to California for a recent taping of the Dr. Phil show. This all because she believes in the foundations goal of strengthening 911 and making us all safer. This small token is a way Jane can be thanked on behalf of the City Commission, the Lee and Goff families as well as the residents of North Port, Englewood and Charlotte County who were touched by this tragedy. Many people look forward to meeting Jane during the memorial celebration of Denise Amber Lee's life on Saturday. The Denise Amber Lee Foundation will be presenting Jane Kowalski with the first ever Denise Amber Lee Award on Saturday, this would be an excellent time for this presentation. Thank you for your consideration.
David Garafolo, Sr.
She'll be presented with the key on Saturday, the anniversary of Denise's abduction and death. The same day and event where we are going to have our Denise Amber Lee tribute. She deserves it too. She stayed calm throughout her 9 minute phone call to the CCSO 9-1-1. You could hear the compassion and concern in her voice. You could also hear the frustration with the 9-1-1 center. But she stayed on the phone and had Michael King behind her for nine minutes. Little did she know Michael King had a gun and her own life was at risk. But not thinking about her self she did what we all know we should do and that's get involved. And we need to care about fellow human beings. We all would like to think we would do the right thing but some of us don't. Obviously. At least, two other witnesses came forward and said they saw Denise's struggle, but they did nothing.
And then of course, Harold Muxlow. But that's for a different post.
Anyhow, when this first happened I used to wear my "Remember Denise, Fix 911" button everywhere. It was a badge that prompted much conversation. Conversation that I use to be eager to be engaged in. I haven't worn the button much lately. I've learned not everyone is as eager to talk about it as I am. But it used to be good therapy for me and I felt it was the least I could do to forward Denise's cause. I don't know. For some reason or another I've stopped wearing it. I think I even got tired of talking about it.
Today when I arrived at city hall, I saw another woman there wearing a Denise button. This woman has worked with us several times and had helped us with Denise's memorial. She's also helping with Saturday's presentation. Since, she was wearing her button I decided to put my on. I always wear my bracelet, but I hadn't worn that button in a long time.
I sat there through that meeting and I was doing quite well. It was very moving.
Later I stopped at the grocery store and debated whether I should take the button off. For some reason I decided to leave it on. It's not a big button. It's about 3" round. Maybe smaller. I'd measure it, but I took it off and I'm not sure where I laid it down. Well, at the grocery store deli department the deli man asked me about the button. He had never heard of Denise. That's surprising. Just about everybody down here knows about Denise, other than maybe snowbirds. But even the snowbirds know about Denise because they are always here in January. It really is the best month IMO weather wise in Florida. So, I had to start telling him about Denise. He was very kind and very understanding and said all the right things. Wow! Not only didn't he know about Denise, he was able to say all the right things! So, this was a somewhat new experience. Then I asked a fatal question. Why I asked it, I don't know. But I asked "Have you lost a loved one to murder?" and sadly his answer was "yes". He went on with his story about his girlfriend's son being murdered up in Tallahassee last year. I just wanted to cry. But he understood. And I understood him. All he later said was "I understand". And I said "I understand and God bless you". And he said "God bless you, too". But then he added "you keep wearing that pin! It means she's with you! I might get my girlfriend a pin. I think she'd be proud to wear a picture of her son." Denise's picture is on the button.
That's our roller coaster. I feel like a zombie again. I feel as if I brightened that man's day. I feel as if I helped him. I believe he's going to get a picture of his girlfriend's son and make a button for her. I believe he knows he helped me. The button brought two strangers together who have experienced tragedy and we were able to share a comfort.
In any case! Thank you, Dave, and the rest of the City of North Port Commissioners. And thank you, deli man, for being such a nice guy. I'm sorry you and your girlfriend are in pain.
I think I'll go hibernate for the afternoon. I'm not going to be much good for anything else.
I'm not sad. I'm happy. Happy for Jane! It's such an honor and she deserves it. I'm just tired. This murder business takes a lot of emotional energy.
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