Daily Archives: June 30, 2011

Insider’s Guide to the Perfect Hudson Valley Fourth and Fireworks – Bedford-Katonah, NY Patch for the Bedford NY real estate market

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New York City may have the annual Macy’s fireworks display, boasting 40,000 pyrotechnic shells and two full miles of ooh- and ahh-worthy explosions, but there’s plenty of fantastic Fourth of July color — and fun — to be found close to home.

So with Katy Perry’s voice going boom, boom, boom inside our heads, we’ve created an essential guide to fireworks displays and Fourth of July getaways to fit every mood and moment.

IT’S TRADITION

Port Chester is known for a vibrant restaurant scene that regularly draws visitors from near and far. But it also hosts one of the most impressive fireworks displays throughout the Hudson Valley. Join this longtime family tradition by coming to Ryan Stadium at Port Chester High School, 1 Tamarack Rd., on July 4, well in time for a 9 p.m. fireworks by the famed Grucci family.

The only other local display by the “first family of fireworks” this year will be at Spark the Sound in New Rochelle, which is rain or shine at 9:30 p.m. on the July 4 on the city’s waterfront. New Rochelle suggests the best views can be found at either Hudson and Five Islands Parks or among its waterfront restaurants. The Grucci tradition dates back to 1850 in Bari, Italy, and they count among their clients the Sultanate of Dubai and ABC’s The Bachelor.

PURE AMERICANA

For unadorned historic fun, Katonah’s John Jay Homestead is hosting with the Bedford-Armonk Rotary a July 4th Jamboree from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Homestead. Games, food, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, even a contest to see if your pet has what it takes to be a star. Proceeds from the event will help support the John Jay Homestead, SPCA of Westchester and local community organizations.

Larchmont is hosting races, games and free hot dogs at Flint Park, off Hommocks Rd., sponsored by the Larchmont Fire Department. Stop by at 10 a.m. on July 4.

SWEET SWING AND SOUSA

Speaking of music, Caramoor in Katonah is the place to be this holiday weekend for music lovers. On July 3, it hosts at 8 p.m. “Pops, Patriots and Fireworks” show, a mix of music and pageantry featuring the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, an ensemble called “gorgeously polished” by The Washington Post. Tickets range from $30-$70 with children under 16 half price. Fireworks are for Caramoor concert ticket holders only. Parking is free on-site on a first-come, first-serve basis. If that fills, more parking will be made available with a free shuttle bus. Fireworks begin 15-20 minutes after the concert concludes and picnicking is welcome. Boscobel Restoration in Garrison is another perfect destination for music lovers — a 22-piece band celebrating the Big Band sound will play on July 4. You can begin picnicking (food also available for purchase) at 6 p.m. For details and to purchase advance tickets (recommended) click here. Tickets are $16 adults, $14 seniors, $9 ages 6-14, free under 5.

SAIL AWAY

The picturesque village of Cold Spring in Putnam County offers an impressive family friendly fireworks display right on the Hudson River, regularly drawing thousands to its Dockside Park, and features a maritime visitor that elevates it above your average flash-boom pyrotechnics. Once settled you’ll find fantastic Hudson River views, face-painting, music and food.

The Sloop Clearwater docks at the park for two days this year, which is a great treat for kids and boating enthusiasts. The 106-foot wood replica of an old Dutch sailing sloop — which doubles as a floating clean water classroom — will return this year with free deck tours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and paid public sails from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on both July 3 and 4. Fees are $50 for adults, $35 for members and $15 for children 12 and under. Reserve spots online here. (The Clearwater will also dock in Beacon on July 2 with free deck tours from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and paid public sails from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) If you arrive early in Cold Spring, on-street parking can be found just a 5- to 10-minute walk from the riverfront taking you past some of the best preserved 19th century structures among all the Rivertowns. There is also a Metro-North stop just steps away from the water. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

ON THE WATERFRONT

The Hudson River continues to be the star of the local July Fourth show with these festivities and fireworks displays:

Ossining hosts fireworks at about 9:15 p.m. at Louis Engel Waterfront Park. Concert starting at 7:30 p.m. with music by “Channel One.”

Peekskill hosts a 10 a.m. parade on July 4 — the route is Highland Avenue, Division Street, South Street, Hudson Avenue, ending at Railroad Avenue — and a concert and fireworks at 7:30 p.m. at Riverfront Green, Route 9 and Hudson Avenue. Fireworks at dusk.

Dobbs Ferry will be sponsoring a fireworks display July 4 at the Waterfront Park. The celebration begins at 12 noon with official opening ceremonies and a flag raising by the American Legion Post # 1048 Honor Guard. Master of Ceremonies Joe Rooney will entertain the crowd with music. Then, from 2-5 p.m., a bouncy castle and slide for the kids. Fireworks after shortly after sunset.

Sleepy Hollow is hosting fireworks on the riverfront on July 4 at 9 p.m., Kingsland Point Park.

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BEYONCE

If you you are heading downtown for the city’s Hudson riverfront for the Macy’s display, it’s best to take public transit. Check Metro-North for details, but the railroad will operate on a Sunday schedule with extra service on the New Haven and Harlem Lines, including two “post-fireworks” trains from Grand Central. Macy’s recommends getting to locations along the West Side Highway from 22nd to 59th Streets by 5 p.m. for prime viewing real estate. There will be an FDNY Fireboat Water Show and a military flyover of four F-15’s from the Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing. NBC will also show the 26-minute long display live starting at 9 p.m. Entertainment includes Beyonce, Braid Paisley and more.

BY THE TZ’S LEE LIGHT

Nyack offers a Family Day Celebration and fireworks starting at 8 p.m. on July 4 at Memorial Park at 53 Piermont Ave.

Pearl River will host an Independence Day celebration July 4 at Central Avenue Field with the Rockland County Concert Band at 7 p.m. and then fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

FOURTH, 1800s STYLE

Modern stresses got you down? Curious about what it was like to experience Independence Day in 1851? Head to Tarrytown to find out. Sunnyside will host ice cream-making demonstrations, period sports and house tours. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. W. Sunnyside Lane.

If Mount Vernon is closer, head over to the Independence Day Celebration at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site at 10:30 a.m. Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon.

SOUNDING OFF

There are still plenty more options for those on the Sound Shore. Playland in Rye beefs up its usual summer-time fireworks with displays on July 1, July 3 and 4, then every Wednesday and Friday evening through Sept. 2 at the Westchester County-run park. All shows start at 9:15 p.m. Parking is $5 weekdays and $7 weekends and $10 on July 4. More details and admission prices here.

Mamaroneck’s fireworks off Harbor Island Park are another winner. Starts at dusk on July 4. Boston Post Road, at the intersection of Mamaroneck Avenue.

MILITARY MIGHT

West Point is a short hop for most in the area and a scenic drive to boot. Stop by the famed military academy for music and fireworks, starting at 8 p.m. on July 4 but security is tight, so come early and bring ID. There is plenty to see and do at West Point, so it’s natural to make the day of it. Exceptional river views from Trophy Point. The music is also notable. For northern Westchester-ites who don’t feel like trekking across the river, West Point’s fireworks can often be seen from Garrison, which is hosting its own Independence Day celebration. (See below for details.)

EARLY BIRDS

If you just can’t wait until July 4 to get your fireworks on, these communities get the jump on Independence Day:

—July 2, Lake Carmel, 9 p.m. Route 52 and Route 311 at Lake Carmel in Kent.
—July 3, Kensico Dam Music Fest and Fireworks 9:15 p.m. in Valhalla. Two free music shows: Wanderers at 6 p.m. and the Gerard Carelli Orchestra at 8 p.m. Fireworks in front of the dam at 9:15 p.m. The Kensico Dam Plaza is at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway in Valhalla and can be reached via Route 22 or the Taconic State Parkway.
—July 3, Southeast will offer food, music and fun at 6 p.m. at Scolpino Park, 115 Doansburg Road in Brewster.
—July 3 Scarsdale will host a 7:30 p.m. concert with $2 admission at the municipal pool at 311 Mamaroneck Rd. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

BY BOAT
Insiders know one of the best ways to experience fireworks in the Hudson Valley is to be right on the water, especially on the Hudson River, where the night sky will alight with colorful explosions from Manhattan all the way northward. The Macy’s display will feature two full miles of fireworks and around the Tappan Zee, boaters will be treated to displays on both sides of the river. Sound boaters will also have plenty to see around Rye, Mamaroneck and New Rochelle.

MINI-GETAWAY
Why not take advantage of gas prices that have plummeted all of about 5 cents a gallon in recent weeks — sadly even $3.99 a gallon seems ridiculously cheap these days — and pack the family up for an impromptu day trip or weekend getaway. New Paltz in Ulster County is offering an Independence celebration starting at 5 p.m. on July 2, with free admission, music and fireworks at dusk at Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Rd. Scheduling other things to do is easy — the village of New Paltz is full of welcoming bohemian vibes and you can easily find great food and while away an afternoon wandering among its many shops and bars. From there you can add whitewater tubing on the Esopus Creek, starting in nearby Phoenicia, NY. Into horses? The Pinegrove Ranch and Family Resort is offering day-only packages where you and the kids can get the dude ranch feel complete with trail rides without committing to an overnight stay. Ulster County tourism will have even more suggestions.

GOOD TO KNOW

— Fireworks are weather-permitting. If it’s raining, call ahead or check with Patch for cancellations.
— Leave Fido at home. Some dogs don’t mind booming explosions, big crowds and unpredictable flashes of light, but most do.
— Early always equals best view, so plan ahead. You know the type, the fireworks pro who snags the perfect spot, unveils the delicious tapas spread, pours the cold drinks and retires to a comfy portable chair or cushy weatherproof blanket. This year it’s your turn!

TRAIN-ING DAY

Metro-North Railroad is offering early “getaway” trains on Friday. Here’s the complete schedule. For more information specific to just the 4th, click here.

On the Hudson Line:
Extra “getaway” trains will depart from Grand Central at:
● 1:47 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street and Croton-Harmon.
● 2:40 p.m. , stopping at Harlem-125th Street and Beacon, New Hamburg and Poughkeepsie.
● 3:25 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street and Beacon, New Hamburg and Poughkeepsie.
● 4:05 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, and Beacon, New Hamburg and Poughkeepsie.
● 5:31 p.m. to Poughkeepsie and the 5:34 p.m. to Beacon are combined, departing at 5:34 p.m., making all stops between Croton-Harmon and Poughkeepsie.
The following trains departing Grand Central will not operate:
● The 5:57 p.m. to Croton-Harmon.
● The 6:20 p.m. to Croton-Harmon.

Hudson Line Connecting Services:
The Hudson Rail Link will begin a peak level of buses beginning with the 3:20 p.m. train from Grand Central.
The Tappan Zee Express will have extra buses available for any extra early passengers.
The Haverstraw – Ossining Ferry will have an early ferry trip to meet the 2:54 p.m. train from Grand Central, which arrives Ossining at 3:39 p.m.; The 5:57 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. trains will not operate. Instead a 6 p.m. train from Grand Central, which arrives Ossining at 6:51 p.m. will  be met by the ferry.
The Newburgh – Beacon Ferry will have three early trips meeting the 2:50 p.m., the 3:30 p.m. and 4:05 p.m. trains from Grand Central.
On the Harlem Line:
Extra “getaway” trains will depart from Grand Central at:
● 1:45 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stations between Chappaqua and Southeast.
● 3:12 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then White Plains and North White Plains only.
● 3:37 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, White Plains, then all stations from Goldens Bridge through Southeast.
● 4:07 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stations between Chappaqua and Southeast.
● The 6:02 p.m. to Wassaic will make additional stops at Bedford Hills and Katonah.
The following trains departing Grand Central will not operate:
● The 5:25 p.m. to Brewster.
● The 5:54 p.m. to Crestwood.
● The 6:09 p.m. to Brewster.
● The 7:04 p.m. to North White Plains.
On the New Haven Line:
The following extra “getaway” trains will depart from Grand Central at:
●1:04 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Westport, and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.
●2:04 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Westport then all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.
●2:31 p.m., making all stops between New Rochelle and Harrison.
●2:59 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stations between Stamford and South Norwalk.
●3:02 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stations between New Rochelle and Harrison.
●3:24 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Stamford, Westport and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.
●3:27 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stations between New Rochelle and Harrison.
●3:50 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.
The following trains usually departing Grand Central will be combined or canceled:
●The 5:17 p.m. to Harrison and the 5:20 p.m. to New Rochelle are combined, departing Grand Central at 5:20 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street and all stations between Mount Vernon East and Harrison.
●The 5:36 p.m. to Harrison will not operate.
●The 5:59 p.m. to Harrison and 6:02 p.m. to New Rochelle are combined, departing Grand Central at 6:02 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, and all stops between Mount Vernon East and Harrison.
●The 7:11 p.m. to Harrison will not operate.
●The 8:04 p.m. to New Haven will not operate.
Source: Metro-North Railroad

via bedford.patch.com

Law Allows Schools to Borrow Millions, but Cuomo Likely to Veto – Bedford-Katonah, NY Patch for The Katonah NY real estate market

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Amidst the passage of a slate of historic legislation, including the legalization of same-sex marriage, a property tax cap and expanded rent-control laws, lawmakers last week quietly approved a bill that would empower school districts to borrow up to $1 billion to cover increases in the costs of employee pensions.

In New York, shortfalls in the state pension fund are closed with taxpayer money. The perfect storm of the recession and a growing number of pensioners as Baby Boomers reach retirement age has significantly spiked the pension burden for school districts statewide.

The bill, which passed both houses, allows districts to sell 15-year bonds, the revenue from which could be used to offset skyrocketing retirement contributions over the next few years. Local governments already have the option, known as amortization or “smoothing.” Supporters say it’s a quick fix that can be paid off in better times.

“School districts have had to make painful choices over the past few years and this short-term option will help these districts navigate through the difficult economy,” said Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers).

Gov. Andrew Cuomo will likely veto the measure, a spokesman said, though he declined to explain further. The first-year governor closed a $10 billion budget gap without raising taxes or borrowing, and made a strict cap on property tax increases a top priority. He also repeatedly called on school districts — sometimes in harsh terms — to work harder to eliminate waste and corruption.

In Yonkers alone, Stewart-Cousins said, the bonding option could restore close to $5 million and avert hundreds of layoffs. The city was among the hardest hit by a $1.3 billion cut in state aid this year.

E.J. McMahon of the Empire Center, a conservative Albany-based think tank, called the proposal “an egregious fiscal abuse” that will bury school districts in debt for years to come and render useless a 2-percent cap on property tax increases that also passed last week.

“If passed, the bill will not only push higher pension costs well into the 2020s and compound them with high interest charges, but it will also represent a massive breach of the tax cap,” McMahon said.

But the measure would also allow school districts to capitalize on historically low interest rates. Carl Korn, a spokesman for New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), the state’s largest teachers’ union, said borrowing is a last resort for distressed school districts and the option should be made available before interest rates increase.

“Every good businessman knows the time to borrow money is when interest is low,” Korn said. “Borrowing will save programs and jobs now.”

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Here’s a look at what our local lawmakers were up to between June 17 and June 24. The legislative session ended in historic fashion, with the legalization of same-sex marriages, a 2-percent cap on property tax increases, expanded rent control laws and a number of smaller measures.

Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D-Greenburgh) introduced a bill that would limit annual growth in pension contributions for local governments and school districts to the lesser of 2 percent or the rate of inflation. Pension obligations that go beyond that cap would be picked up by the state. The bill, which is co-sponsored by Assembly members Bob Castelli, Ellen Jaffee, Steve Katz, George Latimer and Amy Paulin, came one day before legislative leaders announced an agreement to cap annual property tax increases at the same levels. The enacted cap includes an exemption for pension contributions.
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Assemblyman Bob Castelli (R-Goldens Bridge) recently penned an op-ed, along with Scarsdale Police Chief John Brogan, that frames greater investment in early childhood education as a key to fighting crime. “If we can reach young children with help through early intervention, we can set them on a better path that leads toward a law-abiding life, instead of a prison bunk,” the pair wrote. Castelli also used the opportunity to call for passage of a bill that would require daycare centers and pre-schools to implement a state-run evaluation system.

Harrison Patch Editor Zach Oliva looked at a bill, sponsored by Castelli and Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer, that would save the town and village of Harrison money by allowing non-police employees to have greater powers as court officers. Harrison’s police chief said the bill, if signed into law by the governor, would free up police resources as well.
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Assemblywoman Sandy Galef (D-Ossining) announced Assembly passage of a bill that would allow the legislature to go ‘paperless’ by amending the constitutional requirement that bills be printed and placed on lawmakers’ desks prior to a vote. Instead, legislators would be able to view the bills electronically.

Galef applauded the passage of a bill that allows the town and village of Ossining to merge their respective courts, which are currently housed in the same building. The measure, sponsored in the Senate by Suzi Oppenheimer, was requested by local officials in a bid to save money. Village Mayor Bill Hanauer said the merger would be effective Jan. 1, 2012.
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Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern) was among the speakers at a meeting in Cortlandt this month held to probe safety issues at the Indian Point nuclear power plant. Jaffee is a staunch opponent of the plant, and recently sponsored a resolution calling for federal regulators not to renew the plant’s license when it expires in 2013. The meeting reportedly became raucous at times, with Indian Point opponents shouting “Liars!” at representatives of the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
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Assemblyman Steve Katz (R-Yorktown), who has pushed for “green jobs” legislation throughout his first year in Albany, applauded the June 22 passage of the Power NY program, which will allow the state to grant home improvement loans. Homeowners will pay off the loans as part of their utility bills. The Power NY bill also includes the renewal of a law, which expired in 2003, that streamlines the process for building new power plants. Supporters, including Katz, say both provisions will help create jobs.
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Assemblyman George Latimer (D-Rye) won Assembly approval of a bill that would steepen the penalties for broadcasting on a “pirate” radio station. The measure has passed the Senate a number of times, including this year, but has never passed the Assembly. The bill would make operating a radio transmission on AM or FM frequencies a class A misdemeanor; subsequent infractions would be treated as felonies and punishable by incarceration and fines of at least $10,000.
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Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) applauded the Assembly’s passage of a bill that would prohibit any person convicted of misdemeanor or felony domestic violence from purchasing or owning a gun. Paulin pointed to an incident in Poughkeepsie earlier this year in which a man shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and a police officer. The man had previously been convicted of abusing the woman. The bill has already passed the Senate and is expected to be signed by the governor.
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Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-New City) announced Assembly passage of a bill he sponsored that would expand the state’s “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped police cars, ambulances or fire trucks on the highway. The bill would add all “hazard” vehicles, including snow plows, highway assistance trucks and letter carriers, to the law. The bill passed the Senate in March.
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Sen. Greg Ball (R-Patterson) introduced a bill that would require environmental officials in New York City and Albany to conduct a review and make recommendations to mitigate flooding in areas west of the Hudson River. In a bill memo, Ball cited a disastrous 2005 flood that destroyed homes and killed at least one person.

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins sent a letter to Ball last week accusing him of stalling a bill that would allow the board to appoint a non-voting member to the county’s Industrial Development Agency. The board wants some oversight at the IDA, a quasi-governmental agency that provides tax breaks and other sweeteners to businesses who create jobs in the area. Jenkins, a Democrat, went on to accuse County Executive Rob Astorino of working “behind the scenes” to convince Ball to stall the bill in his chamber. The Assembly passed the proposal on June 15.
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Sen. David Carlucci (D-Clarkstown) was featured in the latest installment of the Senate’s “Legislative Report” video series. The 15-minute clip touches on a number of issues, including ethics reform, the MTA payroll tax and a bid to rein in auto insurance fraud.

Carlucci was the latest state lawmaker to be ribbed by Daily Show host Jon Stewart. In a bit that aired June 23, Stewart criticized the Senate for taking up, among other things, a bill to designate an official state vegetable while putting off a vote on same-sex marriage. The segment featured a clip of Carlucci, who has lobbied for the onion to win the designation, talking on the Senate floor. The freshman took it in stride, tweeting on June 24 that he’s a “big Jon Stewart fan,” and adding that he agreed the Senate should vote on the marriage bill.

And speaking of gay marriage, Carlucci penned a June 20 op-ed on Nyack News & Views in support of the measure. Carlucci said it was a great honor as Clarkstown town supervisor to officiate over hundreds of weddings, and that gay New Yorkers – “our friends and neighbors, our colleagues, our family and our loved ones” – deserve the same right.
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Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Port Chester) introduced a local bill that would allow the town of Rye to expedite its review of property tax assessment grievances. The town recently reassessed all of its properties, and says it needs the measure in place in order to sort through a large number of grievances, known as certiorari cases.

The Senate on June 23 passed a bill, sponsored by Oppenheimer, that would allow New Rochelle to extend through 2013 an additional 1 percent sales tax. The bill has also passed the Assembly, where its sponsor was George Latimer.

A class of Purchase fifth graders were given the assignment of drawing portraits of the senator. The two best portraits were presented to Oppenheimer earlier this month.
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Both houses last week passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) that she said will save local governments money and local residents time by allowing land documents, such as deeds and mortgages, to be recorded electronically. The bill, sponsored in the Assembly by George Latimer, was originally requested by Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni.

via bedford.patch.com

Retiring Officer Now a ‘Regular Joe’ – Bedford-Katonah, NY Patch – Thank You Joe Liburdi

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Officer Joseph Liburdi retired yesterday from a law enforcement career that spanned 23 years and covered dog patrol, bike patrol, new officer training and emergency medical services.

He cleaned out his locker, took home his photos and mementos of inside jokes with his co-workers, and left behind his weapon and badge—no longer Officer Joe, but “now I’m a ‘Regular Joe,’” he said.

“This department is like family to me, and I’m going to miss everyone,” said Liburdi, who plans to spend more with his wife, Wendy, and their three boys, twins aged 10, and an 8-year-old.

Born and raised in Bedford, Liburdi, 47, attended Fox Lane High School—where he met his wife—and completed a two-year degree at Westchester Community College. He worked at some “odd jobs” and started his police career part-time with the Lewisboro Police Department. He was hired permanently by the Bedford PD in 1988.

“I’ve been around so long everyone calls me the mayor,” he joked.

Living in the community he served was a plus for Liburdi on the job, said Lt. Jeffrey Dickan, who supervised him for a number of years. “He’s a major part of the community, he knows everyone and everyone loves Joey,” he said. “He’s always upbeat, which helped him bring on new officers.”

Police Chief William Hayes said Liburdi’s service-oriented work ethic contributed to the success of the department. “In addition to his regular patrol duties, Joe has a number of special qualifications that contributed to the success of the department. He taught new hires in the classroom—he gave me my initial orientation back in 1988, in fact. He possesses a skill set that will be difficult to replace,” said Hayes.

Liburdi said his strong work ethic came from his parents, who died in a car accident when he was only 19. His father was a “hardworking man who never called in sick,” and passed along the same drive and sense of community to his four children. The elder Liburdi was a former chief and member of the Bedford Hills Fire Department, and Joe Liburdi and his brother are both ex-chiefs.

When he described his career highlights, Liburdi recalled some painful experiences including “some pretty bad accidents,”  but described joyful times when everything went as it should, like the time he assisted in delivering a baby at a home in Bedford Hills.

He said his training as an officer and emergency medical technician gave him the confidence to handle his duties without feeling anxious or nerve-wracked, even during some of his more exciting arrests, like the time he caught burglars breaking into a local car dealership and chased them down the Saw Mill Parkway until they were apprehended.

“That’s what we do—take the bad guys off the streets,” he said. “And you always have backup—it’s like a brotherhood.”

Though he said he already misses the camaraderie of the police department, he plans to maintain his close ties there, and with the fire department, where he now serves as assistant fire chief. After a 2007 bout with cancer, he is looking forward to spending weekends with his family.

“I see things a little differently now—I don’t let the little things bother me. I feel lucky to have had such a great job in a nice, safe area. But it’s time to move on.”

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via bedford.patch.com