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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, September 28, 2009

Will New Sheriff Rein In Renegade Northampton County Deputies?

There are at least thirty-six detailed applications for the Northampton County Sheriff's slot being vacated by Jeff Hawbecker. Whoever gets this job will have his or her hands full. Sheriff Hawbecker has done a fine job - establishing efficient systems for concealed permit applications, transporting prisoners and PFA. But there will still be a major problem re-establishing control over some renegade deputies who think we work for them. Last Thursday, I briefly mentioned some of my past criticism of the Northampton County Sheriff's Department. It's time to open up.

They react poorly when anyone looks at them too closely. So as critical as I can get, even I hesitate when it comes to deputies. Let me give you some examples of this vindictiveness.

Last February
, I published a complaint from Exec John Stoffa about deputies who were propping open side doors and disabling alarms. They would leave and enter the government center through these side doors because it was convenient. They could grab a slice of pizza across the street. Depending on where they parked, they could get to their cars more quickly. But then members of the public started entering the courthouse through these side doors, too. Stoffa decided it was time to act, and complained to the judges. Amazingly, deputies entrusted with the lives of judges would risk that for a slice of pizza. When Stoffa's criticism was published here, deputies were furious. They did batten down the hatches. But as punishment for what really was their own haphazard approach to security, they decided to force everyone entering the building to undergo third degree searches. Searchers were specifically told they could thank me.

In years past, I've been pulled over by them, too. One deputy who worked part-time as a Palmer Township cop ticketed me for a burnt out tail light instead of providing the written warning he would give to anyone else. I fought that in court ... and lost.

When I arrive at the courthouse today, who knows what wonders will be in store? But it's time to tell you about these prima donnas.

For one thing, there's far too many of them. $5.2 million in county tax dollars was poured into that bloated department this year, well in excess the $3.6 million paid to operate the District Attorney's office. It has become a retirement home for state troopers and Allentown cops looking for a second public pension.

They milk taxpayers at every opportunity. Want some examples? Unfortunately, I have a few.

They love to don SWAT team uniforms, but one of their few real jobs is to transport prisoners. When they drive fifty or sixty miles, they can get lunch free on the county. So what these guys were doing is running up to Monroe or Carbon, making sure they have fifty miles, and then sticking the County for their lunch at some restaurant in Easton. Stoffa stopped that.

They hate Stoffa. When he became county executive, he also stopped the practice of allowing most deputies to drive county cruisers home every night. At one point, he even had to count cruisers in the lot every night to make sure they were listening to him. Deputies shrieked this would lead to all kinds of increased criminal activity and hamper their ability to respond quickly to emergencies. Time has taught us that these concerns, like their budget, is overblown.

They've tried to play County Council off on the Executive. On several occasions, they've marched en masse before the county's legislature to whine about Stoffa's refusal to pay them time and a half or whatever for providing security at Easton football games, something Stoffa had no idea they were even doing. Instead of getting their time and a half, they may have blown their gig. Stoffa may have stopped all this moonlighting.

Council member Ron Angle, who bluntly told this crew that the legislative branch has nothing to do with administrative matters, was rewarded with a letter from the deputies' union, telling him they don't consider the Northampton County Bulldog "law enforcement friendly."

I'm sure you've all seen and grumbled about cops who park cruisers in fire lanes while they rush into some restaurant for their caffeine fix. Imagine what it's like at the courthouse. In Northampton County, deputies regularly parked cruisers up and down the metered parking spots outside the courthouse. In fact, they'd even drive right up onto the sidewalk so they would only have to walk about ten feet to one of the side doors. This would force members of the public to walk for blocks while depriving Easton of the parking money that deputies never put in meters. Stoffa and Sheriff Hawbecker have tried to end that, too. To set an example, John Stoffa gave up his reserved parking spot even though his hip was replaced. Sheriff Hawbecker purposely parks at the lot located farthest from the courthouse. Now, I see deputies' personal cars parked along side streets with signs like "official business."

For whatever reason, too many deputies believe we exist to serve them. Perhaps they developed that attitude in their previous careers elsewhere, but it's a flop in Northampton County. Workers in other departments see what is going on.

My criticism of deputies on Thursday was much milder than what you're reading today. In fairness, I mentioned that I've seen them save lives when someone collapses at the courthouse and provide comfort to many of the distraught people who visit that building. I should also add that this criticism is only directed at a handful. Most take their work seriously, despite a corrupting atmosphere. But my criticism last week was still apparently too much. On Friday morning, courthouse bulletin boards were decorated with diatribes aimed at me. When I asked the Sheriff's office to investigate something they very well may have done themselves, I was repeatedly disconnected and misdirected to Human Relations.

For folks who like to brag they are really cops, they seem particularly uninterested in looking into criminal harassment that may come from one of their own.

64 comments:

Anonymous said...

I miss Jackie Gleason.

Anonymous said...

This blog is mostly lies. Just another pro-Stoffa anti-truth, anti-Sheriff rant.

The public knows who wears the white hats. The Sheriffs do a great job. We prefer your professionalism over that of Stoffa, Angle and Ohare.

No contest. Keep up the good work lawmen. We know you were lied to.

Anonymous said...

What they are doing to you Bernie is just plain criminal.

Anonymous said...

Be prepared for a full cavity search whenever you visit the courthouse O'Hare! You're messin' with the wrong group pardner. YeeHah!!

Anonymous said...

I had the joy of having to attend court hearings and while waiting for the proceedings to begin, had the additional joy of overhearing all the conversations of the many many sherrifs coming in and out of the hearing. I was amazed at how many there were. They were all coming in and visiting each other and chatting. All the conversation was complaining and gossiping and bitching about how far they had to drive for this or that. They were all so out of shape and slow that they did look like Jackie Gleason. More and more just came in and visiting each other bitching about their jobs. Can't we cut some of the fat? Both in their waistlines and in their numbers? They didn't look busy at all.

Anonymous said...

You're still going easy on them, O'Hare. What about the black sergeant who is suing the county all the time? He harassed one secretary until she left for the prison. What about the deputy who chased after another all the way home, driving his cruiser along side her on the wrong side of the road? They'e in their own little world.

LVCI said...

The tribal 'Blue Code of Silence' comes with perks. Sometimes we all forget there is a reason why we were hired.

That said, I had a co-worker who was part of the vigilante... oops, I meant The Vigilant Fire Company in XXXX. If you thinking pissing off the local deputies is a problem... this guy blew town with only the torn shirt on his back!

Rule #1- Never Piss Off A "Public Servant".
:-)

Anonymous said...

If Stoffa really wants to crack down on them he should bring in Rossi from Lehigh County. That would stir things up for sure..

Anonymous said...

good article on the over-grown department that only has to serve court related papers, provide security for the courts and transport prisoners. that department has outgrown every other department in county government. they are trying to create a county police department, a service that we need about as much as a county health department.

Bernie O'Hare said...

It is all too easy for a sheriff's department like Northampton County to spin completely out of control, even when the sheriff tries to keep on top of things. Diomedo tried to inject some professionlism. But he was still embarrassed by a top deputy whose specialty was performing anal probes of deputy candidates. Whoever is hired is going to have to take a close look at his deputies and get rid of the ones who exalt a slice of pizza over a judge's personal safety.

I'd actually agree with a countywide police department, at least in theory. It would result in increased efficiency, and many suburban townships will soon be forced to pay for state police. But why would a township pay for security from a retired Allentown cop when it can have the state police? I don't see it happening.

Anonymous said...

In an era when government sector jobs have increased by 25 million, and SEIU goons are encouraged at the highest levels to disrupt and demand, the trend is not in favor of Stoffa's brand of discipline and control.

Anonymous said...

and in Lehigh County news, Scott Ott is doing negative robo calls claiming that cunningham has spent all the county's reserves and is going to raise taxes in 2011. the phone number of origin is 610-515-1458.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Actually, Cunningham spent only the money set aside specificallyy to balance the budget. The $20 MM or so that is in the tax stabilization fund, is untouched. If Ott claims Cunningham has spent all of the reserve, he is unfortunately being disingenuous. I have no problem with an appeal to limited government, but I hope that Ott is being honest. He strikes me as an honest guy, so this surprises me.

Anonymous said...

That Cunningham spent every reserve dollar he could to hold taxes in an election year is fact.

That everyone agrees there will be a large tax increase next year is fact.

Sounds like a fact-based campaign to me.

Anonymous said...

Dear 12:48,

Were you watching Limbaugh and Beck again today?? SEIU goons??
Disrupt and demand?? Any smattering of evidence to back these idiotic claims up or is this the usual teabagging McCarthyite crap we can always expect from the far right wingnuts..Appears to be..

Bernie O'Hare said...

I've seen these deputies in front of council. I've heard them shouting in the hall when done speaking. I don't think it's a stretch at all to call this crowd a bunch of goons.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I've seen these deputies in front of council. I've heard them shouting in the hall when done speaking. I don't think it's a stretch at all to call this crowd a bunch of goons.

Anonymous said...

Anon 4:25 - what, and YOU havn't been brainwashed by Oberman and all of the other wing-nut liberals on MSNBC, CNN and the other DNC media outlets? Get real! SEIU and most unions can only exist when there is conflict. So it is in their best interests to create controversy where none exists. And to file grievances for every petty complaint by workers who think they should be running the asylum. Public employees work for the taxpayer. Many of whom work 2 jobs at minimum wage or are seniors barely able to pay their property taxes. You are well paid with excellent benefits and a pension plan that 90% of the Northampton Co. labor force could only dream of. You are lucky to have good jobs and a decent boss to work for. Stop whining and just do your jobs!

Anonymous said...

I'm a resident of the forgotten part of Northampton County the Northern Regions. Up here we have to rely on PSP to answer our calls for help. They (PSP) do the best they can,but they should not be in the business of local law enforcement they belong on our interstates. Mr Reibman the previous County Executive used he resources wisely. When the floodwaters were rising it was not Trooper that pulles me out it was a Sheriff's Deputy. The present County Executive Mr. Stoffa has has decided that the residents up here are not worthy of protecting. Mr Stoffa feels that we should rely on the PSP and wait until a Trooper can drive from the interstate. I lived in another County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania an the Sheriff's Department were our Law Enforcement Agency. It was a very good thing,and I heard that County Council is looking at doing this here. Good idea. I know others up here would embrace this idea.I think Mr Stoffa needs to start using those resources available to him and stop having you publish all this negitive crap. I also understand Northampton County is the only County in the Commonwealth were the County Executive appoints the Sheriff. How screwed up is that. How could anyone be the top LEO and have someone with zero law enforcement training tell them how to run things. Mr. oHare I don;t know you but you need to stop your ass kissing for Mr Stoffa This "Leader" is back in the 1950's. Both him and Ronny "TROOPER" Rossi should just get a clue and let someone who is more progressive take care of the County

Anonymous said...

First Ron Rossi can get elected for life and would never give that up to come to the appointed job pit of Nortahmpton County.

Second the problems with the Sheriffs are intertwined with the incompetence of John Stoffa. This guy has been in office fout years and is still discussing options on how to buy paper clips. He is the worst County Executive in the Counties history. He does have a great PR department though, both newspapaers and ohare and a group of wacko apostles.

He promised all the unions big things to beat Reibman. Even ohare who then defended all things union, would cheer on ANY union or employee demonstration in front of County Council. The Grand Puffmaster Angle would even encourage it and always wanted an investigation or a performance audit of everything, Now his boy is in office, he cut his deals and he is neutered.
Stoffa promised binding arbitration, quick contract resolution. He took the cars away, not because he thought it would save money but because that was the deal he cut with the late Wayne Grube who took Stoffa to every nook and cranny in the County to get him votes. Wayne always wanted the cars to stay at the County and finally got a pol who was willing to cut a deal.

I hear you Northern region. The sheriffs and the presence of their cars was a great thing in the County for minimal costs. They would always pitch in to help in their neighborhoods.

So this is complete ohare nonsense again. Of course he and the Stoffa choir will tear into these good and hardworking sheriffs. Just remember guys, most people thank you for putting our saftey first, unlike Stoffa and this former lawyer who has been on the wrong side of the law most of the time.

He wants special treatment when he drives his unsafe crap, keep ticketing the idiot. Hell he is so nuts he shouldn't even be driving.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Actually, when the floodwaters were rising, Reibman had a pool party. He conducted a fundraiser as homes and cars floated away. The County is now in much more capable hands because it has emergency management personnel trained to meet precisel what you encountered. A few moths ago, durung a chemical spill that incidentally was in the slate belt, we got to see them work first hand and it was magnificent.

I also find it simply amazing that some poor innocent soul from the slate belt would know all about Trooper Rossi. Care to expound?

Bernie O'Hare said...

In response to Anon 6:42,

The problems in the sheriff's office are directly related to the greed of the deputies who work there. They try to take advantage of the county at every opportunity, and I've already listed just a few examples.

Deputies have NOTHING to do with emergency management. There actually is a department handling that, and it does an exceptional job. That's what happens when someone really cars about public safety.

I have always supported the principle that people, especially thise who work in the public sector, be paid a living wage. But I do not support lynch mobs or gangs demanding time and a half for security at football games. That's just greed.

The notion that Stoffa cut some sort of deal w. Grube is ridiculous and insults both of them. The reality is that it was a perk that greedy deputies hated to see taken away. Too bad.

Run McHale. Oh, that's right, you did and she was trounced.

Anonymous said...

McHale was a terrible candidate, probably the worst many have seen. There were better candidates who decided not to run. It also shows how incompetent the County Democrat leadership is since they were focused on her but that does not make Stoffa great. He ran against a weak do nothing candidate who did not hit him on his poor record. Also with no no real issue and both the Press and Angle in the bag for him, Stoffa was a sure bet to win.

Point is the Sheriifs are right on, and you are wrong. Get off the Reibman stuff it has been four years. Stoffa has done more to screww this County up in four years than all the other Executives combined. We are broke and the big tax increase is acoming in 2011.

He is in over his head and he and his administration are clueless. Not all, some of his directors will tell us off the record that he is awful to work for, he can't make a decision and if he does, he can never adapt to new facts. Very poor leadership skills.

Your analysiis of Reibman is as always warped. As people in the Courthouse like to say, "Don't confuse ohare with the facts". The other saying is that if Stoffa stop short,"Ohares head will be lodged in Stoffa's Ass".

I like that one the best.

Hang in their professional sheriffs, these goofs will one day pass as well. Wear your gas masks when you cavity search ohare.

Anonymous said...

The cops and the fire companies generally are the strongest forces in the community. People resent them for their power and, oddly enough, for their receiving living wages. We elect their leaders, we ask these folks, who are selected by their leaders, to protect us, and then, again oddly enough, we resent when they do what we ask.

What evil have these particular strong forces done besides give BOH a ticket (that was upheld in court), insult his sensibilities (strangely he is objecting to their language when BOH is as foulmouthed as I've read online) and offend his sense of fairness (as in: "Why are they getting paid more then me?" - a common claim of the lower middle class).

White hats are hard to accept by the guys who once wore black ones and who wish they could don white ones legitimately.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Where the hell have I objected to their use of profanity? What I've objected to is the following: (1) a department that regularly propped open side doors so they could grab a slice of pizza, endangering the security of the judges they are sworn to protect; (2) deputies who reacted vindictively when called to task for that failure; (3) deputies who are so greedy that they whine to county council about not getting OT for security at a football game; (4) deputies who are so disrespectful they can be heard shouting in the halls after they appear in front of Council; (5) deputies who milk the system by trying to charge the county for lunches in Easton; (6) deputies who milk the system by demanding two deputies at all times when one inamte is in the hospital; (7) deputies who are unwilling to pursuea complaint of criminal harassment bc it probably originates with them; and (8) deputies who endanger the public by driving on the wrong side of the road, in a cruiser, while chasing after a woman.

Believe it or not, I could tick off several more items.

These are the guys wearing white hats? Bullshit. I'll gladly wear black.

Despite your condescending remarks about the "lower middle class," my objections have nothing to do with a fair wage for a good job. They have everything to do with greed and arrogance. You've got plenty of both.

Anonymous said...

What's this "white hats/black hats" BS? The deputies are sworn to uphold the law and to protect the innocent. They are prepared to do that, and do it well. No one questions why they got into law enforcement. However, the toxic environment in the NorCo Sheriff's Dept. has caused some deputies to lose perspective. There is enough blame to go around. But the citizens of the county deserve better. The DS's should be objects of respect, not scorn. They have compromised their valued status with petty vendettas and public grandstanding. It is time they return to what motivated to serve as law enforcement officials in the first place and end their schoolyard tactics.

Bernie O'Hare said...

With that, I'd agree. I'd even agree that I should try to be more respectful in my discuission of that office, expecially since they do put their lives on the line.

But I've lost a lot of that respect. Anon 9:54 wrote intelligently, but condescendingly and with preconceived notions about the "lower middle class." It is precisely this kind of hubris that leads to problems in that department.

Anonymous said...

Bernie,

Myself and my partner Rich Seeds work very closely with the Sheriff's Department in Northampton County, almost on a daily basis.

I know alot of these guys and gals and they have always acted professionally and haved helped me on several occasions whenever I've requested it and vice versa.

I am sorry that you have had bad experiences with them just as you might have had bad experiences with us constables. There is no need to treat anyone badly despite comments that one may not agree with.

They do serve a very important role in the county as do us. The Sheriff has not cut any corners in building and maintaining a fine department, the flip side to this is cost but also be aware that by hiring retired or ex police officers he is saving the county money almost immediately.

That being training and experience. It costs the taxpayers thousands just to certify a new sheriff's deputy. These guys already have the training and experience. They are ready right away to work.

Again, these ex-cops are some of the best guys you could want working for the county tax payers.

Again, IMO it is a well run and professional department...I wouldn't change a thing.

Fred Schoenenberger
State Constable,
Wilson Borough

Bernie O'Hare said...

Fred,

I appreciate your comments and perspective, which adds some balance to this discussion. Even I find most of the deputies are very professional. But there have to be some changes because there is a poison infecting the entire department. Most of this comes from a few young guys, not the retired cops who just laugh at the silliness.

I also have the employment figures, which I will post, and I think the department is bloated.

Anonymous said...

FINALLY A VOICE OF REASON! Thank you Fred for your sincere comments. And you make some good points. But even you would agree that union grandstanding in the field of law enforcement is not a good thing. Individually the SD's act professionally. However in a group they can be petty and disrespectful of their superiors. That harms their image and compromises their stature. They are your "brothers in blue" and I fully understand your support. You both have a tough job to do and we shouldn't lose sight of that.

Anonymous said...

HEY BERNIE WHY DONT STOFFA MAKE THOSE TWO PHILLY BOYS THE SHERIFF AND CHIEF, MAYBE THEN WE ALL CAN GET FREE PRETZELS EVERY DAY. THEY THINK THEY CAN DO EVERYBODY ELSES JOB BUT THEIR OWN. JUST WASTE SOME MORE OF MY TAX PAYER DOLLARS WERE ALWAYS IN THE MARKET FOR A COUPLE OF WASHED UP DEPUTIES SAFE GUARDING OUR COUNTY RIGHT...

Bernie O'Hare said...

Regardless what you may think of these Philly boys, they are deputies just like you. Do you think you help your cause by anonymously slamming them? All you do is make yourself look petty, as you've already been labeled.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Bernie O'Hare said...

I know this person. I knew her when she was in Civil. She is a sweetie. To my knowledge, she never accused any deputy of criminal activity, but did object to being harassed by a sergeant who likes to sue the county every five minutes. When you try to demean her and get personal, your fairy godfather goes away. Be nice.

Anonymous said...

Ohare, "Believe it or not". We vote, Not.

You are such an assclown ohare. This bromance you have with Stoffa is amazing. If people don't kiss your ample ass you attack them. So they don't drop everything and look into one of your many annonying complaints, good. My tax dollare, which you don't pay into, should go for worthwhile matters, not investigating every little perceived snit you have.

Between you and Angle the County has already wasted thousands of dollars chasing smoke to stroke your ample egos.

You hate these guys because they stand up for themselves against Stoffa. Just like the residual unit and other people who dare to question Stoffa you go on the attack.

You have zero credibility with employees in the County. In fact most of the pol's you think like you just play along to keep your vicious slurs off their backs. Privately they pity you and the miserable life you have created for yourself.

If you think the Sheriffs are going to roll over and play dead for you you are dreaming. They have the same rights you and Stoffa have.

Maybe your mancrush Stoffa should come up with a plan for the overcrowed prison, since he has been warming a seat for four years, no need to rush. By the way he parked in the deck the other day and quite a few days, not nearly the hike you go on about.

You failed in life and you hate men and women who are heroes and exemplify all that is good, honest and noble, things you are not.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Just when we were having a civil conversation, one of the hacks drops by. Hi! Did you take your valium yet?

Anonymous said...

Fred,

If I were you, I find a new partner. Your buddy Richard Seeds, Dick Seeds is far more fitting, is in many ways like the deputies Bernie is exposing.

THANK YOU BERNIE! Not many people have the courage to take on the big guys.......Or in this case the guys that think they are bigger than they are. While abuses by law enforcement are a small fraction, when thugs acting as lawmen are out of control they need to be exposed and stopped. It takes courage to take them on and you have it O'Hare.

Keep an eye in your rear view mirror and keep up the good work!

Bernie O'Hare said...

I have deleted two personal attacks and direct everyone's attention to my comments policy. "I welcome your thoughts and love to argue. Feel free to disagree. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks."

Anonymous said...

How about deleting 4:08, oh I forgot you allow personal attacks you agree with.

Anonymous said...

bernie; kiss my ass and thank god you dont matter in the grand scheme of things. you can know some one all your life and when they screw up you of all people cover for them. you know that person in question is an ass. you do know that she is nothing but problems, and you also know that one day this blog thing of yours will be deleted from the internet all together. get a real life and stop hating asshole

Anonymous said...

oh and bernie... god dont like ugly you should do your home work on the people you talk shit about. blog this asshole

Anonymous said...

bernie...maybe with all of these hits on your blog, you can get some air time on the jerry springer show. and by the way pick up my laundry tomorrow asshole.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Anon 4:08 is not an anonymous attack directed at any specific indivual inside the county.

When a new Sheriff is appointed and confirmed, I will print out this blog and all the comments and give them to him as a gift.

What these comments unfortunately establish is that my complaints are correct and there is a band of unprofessional, petty back-stabbers who are in dire need of some lessons in basic respect.

I might add that the last three comments are so poorly written as to be practically incomprehensible. What little I can make out is juvenile. You should write before taking your evening meds.

Anonymous said...

I CAN'T BELIEVE IN YOUR CRITICISM OF THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT YOU FAILED TO MENTION THE DEPUTY WHO ALLOWED A PRISONER TO ESCAPE FROM THE HOSPITAL. BUT WHY WOULD YOU SINCE THIS PERSON NOW HEADS "THE GREAT CONKLIN" EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT. OR HOW ABOUT ONE OF CONKLIN'S GOLDEN BOYS WHO HELD THE CHARLIE CHIP GUY AT GUNPOINT. A PROFESSIONAL ASSHOLE LIKE YOURSELF SHOULD GIVE ALL THE DEPARTMENT ALL THE CREDIT IT DESERVES. PLEASE DON'T DISCRIMINATE AGAINST THE GREAT LEADERS IN STOFFA'S REGIME.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Moral equivalence, even if your allegations are true, is no defense to your own shortcomings. And I doubt they are true. Conklin's emergency management reorganization has actually saved lives in the county while you try to charge the county for lunches in Easton. That's a department of dedicated professionals ... like you used to be.

Anonymous said...

Name the specific lives Conklins deck chair moving saved. Please be specific and don't just say the , "chemical spill".

This administration hasn't saved a nickel much less a life. Good Grief.

Anonymous said...

PROFESSIONALISM LEFT THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT WHEN A $5000 CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION IS ALL IT TOOK TO BECOME SHERIFF. COINCIDENTLY, THIS IS THE SAME FIGURE IT COST TO BECOME PROTHONOTARY I RECALL.

Bernie O'Hare said...

The prompt and professional reaction to the chemical spill certainly saved lives. The mobilization that occurred during the onset of the swine flu scare was something that would also have saved lives. Reverse 911 has saved lives. So has the emergency notifications that come regularly from EM's web page.

You probably haven't noticed bc you've been busy eating funnel cake while providing security at football games.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Anon 12:42, Hawbecker gave Stoffa nothing for his job, nor did Stoffa ask for anything. Reibman's another story.

But I understand Angle has applied, wanting to prove just how law enforcement friendly he is.

Anonymous said...

Stoffa was given his orders by Jack Bradt and the other Republicans that funded his campaign and worked to get him elected.

Hawbecker was on the Stoffa chopping block but the Courts told Stoffa to back off, good for the courts.

Anonymous said...

Great, but do you know if Emergency Management saved the life of the Charlie Chip guy?

Anonymous said...

opefully the Seriffs won't be impeded by the lifetime bureaucrats and politicans like stoffa and Angle.

It is shameful the lies that ohare writes to prop up his boy.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Yeah, let's have the leeches who demand OT for security during football games, or who try to stick taxpayers for lunches in Easton. That's much better.

Quit while you're behind. You're just embarrassing yourself now, and the entire department.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Yeah, let's have the leeches who demand OT for security during football games, or who try to stick taxpayers for lunches in Easton. That's much better.

Quit while you're behind. You're just embarrassing yourself now, and the entire department.

Anonymous said...

Neither charge is true and ohare knows it. The only expenses charges are legal and legitimate. Stoffa stoped nothing since he doesn't have a clue what the sheriffs even do in their jobs. Hell half the time Stoffa isn't even at the Courthouse.
Ohare you are this administrations court jester but fortunately most people know you are just an insane egomaniac. Why don't you and Angle go back to the Tic-Toc with Givens and plan another revolution over your endless cup of coffee.

Anonymous said...

YOU ARE THE BIGGEST FRAUD OUT THERE OFAIRY. WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO ACCESS THE COURTHOUSE AFTER HOURS FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL GAIN WHEN THE REST OF THE PUBLIC WAS EXCLUDE. YOUR TALK AS IF YOU ARE THE PATRON SAINT OF RIGHTENOUS, BUT YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN THE SHERIFFS YOU CRITICIZE. DENY USING THE EQUIPEMENT IN THE DEEDS OFFICE WHEN THE COURTHOUSE WAS NO LONGER OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. THE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WHO SAW YOUR FAT ASS IN THERE UNCOUNTABLE TIMES STEALING FROM THE TAXPAPERS OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY MUST BE SEEING THINGS. AND SINCE STOFFA SEEMS TO APPOINT INCOMPETENT, RENEGADE FORMER SHERIFFS TO HIGH RANKING POSITIOINS IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, LOOKS LIKE SOME OF THOSE YOU SPEAK OF SHOULD BE RECEIVING PROMOTIONS TO THIS DEPARTMENT SOON.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Whether someone stays after hours or leaves is up to each department head. In Northampton County, the Recorder of Deeds did allow title searchers and members of the public to use the books after hours, a tradition that has existed for many years. I am only one of many people who did this. In April of this year, after a Deputy Sheriff complained to the executive, I decided to leave the building at 4:30 PM, so that no one could accuse anyone of showing favoritism to me. Other searchers and members of the public remained. A few weeks ago, the Recorder decided to close the office to everyone at 4:30 PM, making several searchers very angry. But I had voluntarily stopped using the office after hours months before. So once again, you don't know what you're talking about.

As far as Bob Mateff is concerned, he was moved into EM by Reibman. Once again, your facts are all wrong.

In addition to being wrong, your attacks on me and others are just an attempt to deflect attention away from your own shortcomings. People see through that sort of thing.

Anonymous said...

What people see is the fact that Stoffa lets you use the Courthouse like a squatter. You have no office so you abuse the area for the public by using County facilities to the extreme. From your own public provided office space to toilet and shower facilities, hell you probably have a cot in there as well.

Honest citizens can't use a computer because your fat azz is parked there all day. You have all your calls routed through the County switchbord.

Look up parasite, that is you. You are not a noble citizen exerciszing the right of the people you are a leech who sponges off those who pay taxes.

County Council should pass a law limiting the number of hours any one person can tie up a County resource for their own personal profit.
You are a parasite and that is what everyone sees. They would speak openly but they know Stoffa and Angle protects you and are fearful for their jobs.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I am probably on a county computer a maximum of 20 minutes per day. I take no liberties that are not available to the public at large. Your statement is a bald-faced lie, but you have to do something to cover up your own shortcomings.

Anonymous said...

You are a leech on society.

Bernie O'Hare said...

The Sunday ET makes pretty clear that greedy deputies are the real leeches, trying to cost taxpayers more and more every day.

Anonymous said...

You mean the Easton Excess Turds. Stoffa is their boy they print whatever he wants. They have been carrying him for four years why stop now.

ET = Zero credibility in local governemnt.

Anonymous said...

And whining, greedy deputies that demand OT pay for eating funnel cakes while providing "security" at football games = zero tolerance from cash strapped taxpayers!

Get in the bread line like the rest of us.

Anonymous said...

I have to agree that the sheriff's department is out of control I had such a tramatic experience with them when they served a PFA that was filed against me, I had to file a complaint with the department of justice. I complained to the higher ups in the sheriff's department , but that went nowere.

Every lawyer in the Lehigh Valley know that anyone can get a PFA in Northampton County if you sneeze wrong. Koury is one of the worst violaters for issuing PFA final orders not based on the law as it is written. Alleged verbal abuse and emotional abuse are not protected under the law. It is also not appropraite to issue a PFA as a means of evicted someone from your house so you can sell it either as I know happened to one person in the past year in Nortampton County.

The PFA service the County sheriff's department provides is unacceptable. They come in an d bully those who are being served even threatening to dischagre a friearm into family pets if they are not brought under control. They chase people around and break things. AT least that is my experience. Of course the whole PFA process should be canned. Too many people who have been served with PFA papers, which is a civil matter, get marred for life if a final order of buse is issued. Abuse is consideerd by many as a criminal act and a background check many times will reveal a PFA order which keeps people with no criminal record from not getting a job because of the civil conviction. PFA's should only be issued when a crimnal act has occurred.