UPDATED: "Miracle Man" Thanks Deputy Sheriffs For Saving His Life After Cardiac Failure

Bernie Tolliver, a tipstaff for Northampton County Courts, suffered a heart attack after arraignment court on September 7. It happened in the right place. Deputy sheriffs receive a great deal of training in first aid. Toliver's pulse stopped for 10 minutes while deputy sheriffs worked feverishly to revive him, administering CPR and oxygen. Tolliver told County Council last night that he was dead, but they refused to give up on him. 

When Tolliver was transported to St. Luke's, he had a weak pulse. But doctors worried about brain damage because his heart had stopped for so long. There was none. Medical professionals dubbed him Miracle Man. 

Miracle Man made it a point last night to thank the entire "Northampton County family" for their kindness and offers of help during his medical ordeal. This included bedside visits from Judges Michael Koury, Jennifer Sletvold and Paula Roscioli. But his biggest appreciation was for the eight deputy sheriffs who fought to keep him alive. 

All received commendations last night. Sheriff Richard Johnson thanked County Council for providing the funding that permits the training that deputies receive. 

The individuals commended are as follows: Tipstaff Youssef Melhem; Lieutenant George Volpe; Lieutenant Justin Washousky; Sergeant James Riley; Sergeant Ethan Segreaves; Sergeant Michael Weston; Deputy Sheriff Luis Adames; Deputy Sheriff Scott Kuehner; Deputy Sheriff Jesus Ortega; Deputy Sheriff Jason Urban; and Administrative Specialist Carol Dietrich-Soffera.

UPDATED 11:11 to include names of those commended.

NorCo Deputy Sheriff Saves Two Lives in Two Days

NorCo Deputy Sheriff Scott Kuehner

Experts caution that you should never write when you are tired, sick or angry. I find that's when I do my best work. Last night's NorCo Council meeting did all three to me. I was so upset that, at Ken Kraft's suggestion,  I hurled myself off the courthouse roof . Some bastard Deputy Sheriff caught me. We've both been hospitalized. I'm under observation for the next 48 hours. This will give me the opportunity to meet Presidents Lincoln and Jefferson, both of whom are in adjoining rooms. The poor deputy is less fortunate. It's touch and go, but I'm puling for him. My jump may also have cracked the sidewalk outside the courthouse.

I will tell you about the NorCo Council circus after I cool down in weekend posts, assuming that doctors allow it. But for now, I want to tell you about another Northampton County Deputy Sheriff. One who is uninjured.

His name is Scott Kuehner. His main duty is to serve civil papers in the Easton area. As The Express Times reported, he responded to an overdose call on Wednesday morning, and administered Narcan to a man who was slumped over in his car, saving his life.

All NorCo Deputy Sheriff vehicles contain supplies of Narcan, and Kuehner just happens to be the department's first aid instructor.

Believe it or not, he did the same thing again on Thursday.

Kuehner was in the 100 block of S.16th St in Wilson Borough or West Easton when he heard a 911 report that a female in a white SAAB was slumped over in her car. This area is like a no man's land that is covered by Pennsylvania State Police, who would take some time to respond. Kuehner raced to the scene and arrived at the same time as Wilson Borough police officers.

Officers and Kuehner could see that the woman was slumped over, with a tourniquet in her arm. He administered Narcan and was able to bring her back.

In plain view, officers also saw eight decks of what appeared to be heroin.

The woman was transported to a hospital by EMTs.

Whether she will be charged is unknown.

"This woman does not know how fortunate she is," said Sheriff David Dalrymple.

What I'd like to see is more police vehicles equipped with automated external defibrillators (AED). Drug overdoses killed 59,000 people in 2016, but sudden cardiac arrest killed 350,000. Unlike the addict, those people have done nothing illegal. But that's a story for another day.

In two days, Deputy Kuehner has saved two lives. In 2014, he and other deputies were able to use AEDs to resuscitate Bethlehem Attorney Rich Schaedler after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

Retired Deputy Sheriff Sues For ID Card

A retired Deputy Sheriff with a distinguished history in law enforcement has sued Northampton County Sheriff David Dalrymple. A Complaint filed today is asking a Judge to order Sheriff Dalrymple to provide retired Deputy Patrick Cubbage with a Retired Law Enforcement Identification Card. The complaint contends that the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act requires that these cards be issued upon request.

The complaint was filed by Attorney Jill Mancini, a former Assistant County Solicitor, and also seeks $2,000 in attorney's fees.

Before retiring in December, Cubbage served as a Deputy Sheriff for nine years.

He comes from Philly, where he started as a cop in 1970. He worked his way up to become a County Detective with the District Attorney’s Office, Chief Inspector in the Sheriff’s Office and Bail Commissioner with the Philadelphia Municipal Court.

When terror struck on September 11, 2001, Cubbage handled the emergency deployment of military aircraft and personnel from Philly into New York’s ground zero. He also signed on to a Faith Based team, which organized relief efforts and spiritual guidance to the law enforcement officers traumatized by the disaster. He is part of the Evangelistic Rapid Response Team and was a Police Chaplin.

A retired officer with this kind of identification may carry a concealed weapon. But is a Deputy Sheriff, as a matter of law, a law.enforcement officer?

Sheriff Dalrymple declined comment.

Former Wilson Borough Mayor Ken Dunn Visits NorCo Council

Peg Ferraro and former Mayor Ken Dunn

Former Wilson Borough Mayor Kenn Dunn, now a resident at Gracedale, paid a visit to Northampton County Council last night. Peg Ferraro picked him up at the nursing home and ferried him to the courthouse. "Gracedale saved my life!" he told me when I met him in the parking lot. He was there to let Council know what Gracedale had done for him.

He was in good spirits, as you can see in the photo above, and had no problem walking into the building  I had a pleasant conversation with him, as he told me stories about long-time public servants like Gerry Gross, who may be in his last term as Mayor in neighboring West Easton.

"I really respected Gerry," this Republican told me about a Democrat.

Unfortunately, when Dunn was invited to speak, he had some sort of episode. I called 811, which is actually the 911 center, and an ambulance was dispatched. In addition, three well-trained Deputy Sheriffs rendered assistance. I was concerned he might be experiencing a stroke.

Fortunately, after a few minutes, Dunn was fine. Paramedics from Easton Emergency Squad thoroughly examined Mayor Dunn and recommended that he go to the hospital because both his blood pressure and blood sugar were elevated. But as much as Hizzoner loves Gracedale, he hates hospitals. He declined, although he did allow Deputies to take him out in a wheelchair.

After that, Peg Ferraro took him back to Gracedale. I gave her an excused absence from last night's meeting, but I'm pretty sure her driving is what got to Mayor Dunn.

There's only three Republicans left in Wilson Borough, and she nearly killed one of them.

All kidding aside, Peg's decision to bring Mayor Dunn down for a meeting was quite thoughtful. She genuinely cares about people.

Five Deputy Sheriffs Honored by NorCo Council

From L to R: SGT George Volpe,Deputy Lori Neff, Sheriff David Dalrymple,
SGT Michael Orchulli, Deputy Greg Smith and Deputy Brian Budraitis  

When SGT George Volpe, a NorCo Deputy Sheriff, was honored last week by the Northampton County Police Chiefs' Association with the prestigious Nathan Ogden award, he was very modest about his work in tracking down Crips gang member, along with a suspected murderer, drugs and a machine gun. "It wasn't just me," he laconically stated, instead crediting others from his own and other law enforcement agencies.

SGT  Volpe and four other Deputy Sheriffs have now been honored by Northampton County Council for their role in locating and apprehending fugitives, including violent Crips gang members. In addition to SGT Volpe, the Deputy Sheriffs honored by Northampton County Council with a commendation include SGT Michael Orchulli, Brian Budraitis, Lori Neff and Greg Smith.

Mat Benol, who chairs the Courts and Corrections Committee, plans to invite Sheriff Dave Dalrymple to a future Council meeting to discuss exactly what his department does. "There's a lot more to the Sheriff's office than what the public realizes," he observed.

NorCo Deputies Save Another Life

Not all that long ago, Northampton County Deputy Sheriffs saved the life of one of my best friends, Attorney Richard Schaedler. He suddenly passed out before presenting a motion. His heart had stopped for seven minutes, but my old Hellertown buddy made a miraculous recovery.

They just did it again. I missed the event because I was in Ron Angle's secret underground lair at the time, drinking Espresso, but The Express Times reports that they were able to revive an 18 or 19 month-old toddler who had stopped breathing and was turning blue.

These folks are so self-effacing that not one of them mentioned it to me.

Congrats, ladies and gentleman. Again.

Deputies Honored For Saving Lawyer's Life

He was clinically dead. Last November, Bethlehem Attorney Richard Schaedler collapsed outside a Northampton County courtroom while waiting to present a motion. His doctor later called it sudden, cardiac death SCD), the leading cause of natural death in the United States. His heart stopped, and remained stopped, for seven minutes. But thanks to the training and dedication of ten Deputy Sheriffs who would not give up, a faint heartbeat eventually returned. Sill unconscious, Schaedler was rushed to Easton Hospital. But after weeks in a coma, he's made a full recovery and has returned to his law offices on Lehigh Street. He also made a special trip to the courthouse. At Council's April 3 meeting, Scaedler personally thanked each deputy. They were rewarded with a standing ovation, something Council has never done before for anyone. Each deputy also received a Letter of Commendation.

Atty Rich Schaedler

They were able to save Attorney Schaedler's life because they had the training and the right equipment. They belong to one of only two accredited Sheriff Departments in the state, are required to attend 19 weeks of academy training, and are also trained in "emergency care". This includes CPR, first aid, oxygen administration and the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).  

Certification is a process started years ago by Sheriff Jeff Hawbecker. It was carried to fruition by Sheriff Randy Miller in 2011 and has been continued by Acting Sheriff Chris Zieger. He told Council he was happy to be there, not to ask for money, but to honor his deputies.

The deputies recognized were Sergeants Jeffrey Heller and Timothy Hornbaker as well as Deputies Brian,

Gretchen Kraemer is a former Bethlehem police officer

Budraitis, Elaine Feliciano, Gretchen Kraemer, Scott Kuehner, Jeffrey Schuler, Ethan Segreaves, Mark Surber and James "Tommy" Underwood.

Schaedler, a prominent real estate expert, is a Hellertown resident and former Saucon School Board member. He is known best for his love of hockey and the Mets. He has practiced law since 1978.

Executive John Brown told Council, "I think it's important to acknowledge that, in the County,we have a great workforce."

Rich and I grew up together in Hellertown.

Atty Schaedler thanks each Deputy

I wonder if I would be so lucky. I bumped into Coroner Zach Lysek today, and what he tells me is not so promising.

"Bernie, we already have the toe tag filled out and a spot waiting for you. We're just waiting to fill in the date. How's your pulse?"

Controversial Deputy Leaves NorCo Employment

Northampton County Sgt Mark Keels, a Deputy Sheriff who supervises other Deputies, was either terminated or voluntarily resigned on Friday. His nickname at the courthouse was "little Napoleon".

My guess is he won't be missed.

Keels first gained notoriety when he sued DA John Morganelli for a civil rights violation. Morganelli was looking for a Detective, and Keels was one of the applicants. He felt he was looked over because he is black. Never mind that the successful applicant, and one who just happens to be Hispanic, outscored him on written tests. Never mind that Morganelli is the County's first to hire a black assistant DA. Rather than litigate the matter, the County's insurer threw money at Keels, and he went away.

But not far enough. The former prison guard became a Deputy Sheriff. Then he became a Sergeant.

During the Gracedale referendum lawsuit, Keels actually yanked me out of a courtroom while I was trying the case. He claimed that I was secretly filming the proceedings on my dumb phone, which had no camera. I produced it, and he was satisfied.  But then he returned and took my coffee thermos, which apparently is a breach of courtroom security. That nearly killed me, especially since I invert that and run it intravenously throughout the day.

I know Keels gained more friends by writing up other Deputies for not aggressively searching everyone who walks into the courthouse, even some more grandma' who is just there to be her tax bill.  One can never be too careful, I guess. He used to really love searching me. He'd start touching my legs and shit and would empty my belongings and inspect them carefully ... until I told him I loved it and blew him a kiss.

Actually, sometimes I do sneak a peck.

I smell another civil rights lawsuit.

Thanks To Deputies, Attorney To Make Full Recovery

A few weeks ago, I told you that my friend, Attorney Rich Schaedler, owes his life to Northampton County Deputy Sheriffs. While waiting to present a motion in Court, he was stricken by a severe heart attack, and had stopped breathing for over seven minutes. Deputies valiantly stayed with him, and fibrillated him until his heart started going.

I am pleased to report that Rich is expected to make a full recovery. He is currently in rehab. Sheriffs wondered if their efforts mattered. It turns out they made a difference.

Morganelli Ends Gun Permit Leak Investigation

NorCo DA John Morganelli

Northampton County DA John Morganelli, at a June 12 news conference, has announced the end of an  investigation into a the leak of a confidential concealed carry gun permit application. Criminal charges have been filed against one Deputy Sheriff. Two others have voluntarily resigned. No other charges will be filed.

This matter arose in late March, when someone anonymously provided Allentown Attorney Richard Orloski with a copy of the gun permit application, considered a confidential record under state law. This application was prepared by West Easton resident Tricia Mezzacappa, a former Republican County Council candidate who finished last in the May 21 Primary. She listed both Orloski and Executive John Stoffa as references, though she knew that neither would support her application.

When the application was leaked to Attorney Orloski, he objected strongly, as did Stoffa.

Neither listed reference had ever been contacted by the Sheriff's office because of the volume of applications.

A subsequent investigation into the leak revealed that Deputy Sheriff Darin Steward copied the application when he was at the Sheriff's Office for a Sunday morning union meeting in early March. He also showed it to Deputy Sheriffs Tom Bachik and Pat Crivellaro, both of whom were aware that Steward intended to leak the matter. Neither made any effort to stop him. According to Morganelli, their behavior was at a minimum a "malfeasance of public office."

The DA decided not to charge them because both have since resigned.

Steward provided the gun permit application to Kelly Gross, a long-time friend, on March 15. Gross, President of West Easton Borough Council, is no friend to Mezzacappa.. Last November, Mezzacappa was convicted of disorderly conduct after an obscenity-laced tirade at the Borough Hall, during which two witnesses testified that she had threatened to drag Gross to the Delaware River and drown her.

Morganelli called Gross a "civilian" and declined to charge her.

Morganelli acknowledged that there is no conclusive evidence establishing just how the application ended up with Attorney Orloski. Both Steward and Gross deny that they supplied the gun permit application to Orloski.

Finally, Morganelli considered charging Mezzacappa for supplying what might be false information on a gun permit application. But since she is herself a victim, he decided against charging her.

Steward has been charged with disseminating information on a gun permit application, a third degree felony, and obstructing justice, a second degree misdemeanor. He faces fines up to $30,000 and up to nine years in jail. He faces termination as a Deputy Sheriff, and has been suspended as a part-time police officer in Upper Nazareth.

Morgsanelli indicated he is willing to consider some form of nontrial diversion for Deputy Steward, under which charges could be dismissed after a period of probation. "Maybe his intentions were good, but the fact is that he is a Deputy Sheriff," the DA concluded.

Rogue Deputy: Where's Our OT For Hurricane Sandy?

Before I get started, I should tell you that, one-on-one, Northampton County Deputy Sheriff Tom Bachik is very personable. Just like me! He's a good father, and his son is a great shooter on his Nazareth Middle School basketball team. In a few years, you'll be seeing that name on the sports pages. But when it comes to public sector unions and the public image of Deputy Sheriffs, Bachik is a one-man wrecking crew. He makes them all look like greedy pigs. He proved that again at last Thursday's Council meeting.

Years ago, it was Bachik, along with a few other deputies, who had a hissy fit over payments for high school football coverage. After he had finished his rant, he and those same few deputies could be heard in the hallway outside, screaming like little kids.

Executive John Stoffa solved their problem. He banned deputies from providing coverage at any more high school games.

More recently, it is Bachik who managed to piss off the entire court - all nine judges - after accusing them of playing favorites. That's something even I have never been able to accomplish. They actually issued an order banning him from their courtrooms. When Sheriff Randy Miller refused to tell the judges to pound sand, Bachik started a movement to have him fired. In addition, he wants the Home Rule Charter changed to make the Sheriff an elected position. That way, he can install some of his public sector union buds. The hell with professionalism.

The Express Times awarded Bachik and his pile of monkey nuts a turkey for that little stunt. "[T]hey should remember who is working for whom."

The latest incident involved Hurricane Sandy, which by most accounts is the worst storm to hit this area since we began keeping records. Northampton County went into emergency overdrive, and people like Emergency Management Director Bob Mateff were working 'round the clock.

When the Red Cross activated a shelter for people without power, it had to be manned 24/7 by Deputy Sheriffs. Sheriff Miller asked his Deputies for help. They agreed and were there, but have not been paid the overtime they thought was promised.

So Bachik, who was relatively restrained for once, went before County Council to complain. He knows they can't do a damn thing about a labor dispute, and he said as much before he started. But he plowed on anyway, essentially calling Sheriff Miller a liar. He submitted a letter from their union, but admitted it was actually only signed by about five of them.

He threatens to sue unless he gets his money, damn it.

Sheriff Miller declined to respond to Bachik, but turned about 30 different shades of red, and I thought I saw steam coming out of his ears.

One thing Sheriff Miller wanted in next year's budget was two more part-time deputies.That request went down in flames, probably in no small part due to Bachik's embarrassing behavior.

Other deputies are embarrassed by the guy. "He makes us all look bad," one deputy told me Friday. "He's not representing the union," added another.