NorCo Sheriffs Bag Bobko

Northampton County Sheriff’s Department Criminal and Field Operations Units have apprehended Christopher Michael Bobko, 41, for failing to return to West Easton's Work-release facility on Saturday, November 17th. He was at-large until Wednesday, when he was picked up without incident at Fulmer Rd in the Nazareth area.

Last year, Bobko was charged and eventually entered a negotiated plea to receiving payment in advance from three different people for work he never performed. He also faces a trial for drunk driving and related summary offenses.

“We would like to thank the law enforcement professionals in the Sheriff’s department for their work in apprehending Mr. Bobko,” said Executive Lamont McClure. “Our Work Release programs are an important part of reducing recidivism, but the public has every right to expect that those enrolled follow the rules.”

Bobko now faces charges of Failure to Return and most likely, state prison.

One of the summary charges he faces is driving under suspension. I wonder how he got to Fulmer Road from West Easton.

NorCo Sheriff Warrant Sweeps, 9/21-9/28

Northampton County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Warrant Unit, along with PA Board of Probation and Parole agents, made five arrests during warrant sweeps Sep.21-28.

Jarred Croll, 22, was taken into custody without incident in the 200 block of Broadway in Bangor Borough. He was wanted by Northampton County Adult Probation for violating conditions of his supervision. His original charges are 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is lodged in NCP awaiting disposition on his case. From his Facebook page, Croll appears to be a member or veteran of the US Army's 82d Airborne, one of our best military units.

Amber Stanmets, 27, was taken into custody without incident in the 100 block of Dewey Street in East Bangor Borough. Stanmets was wanted by the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department for failing to appear for Criminal Court for the offense of Driving Under the Influence. She is lodged in NCP awaiting disposition on her case. Her Facebook page indicates she is a mother.

Miguel Vazquez-Pedraza, 50, was taken into custody in the 700 block of North 12TH Sreet in Allentown. Vazquez-Pedraza was wanted by the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department for failing to appear at a bail revocation hearing on charges of stalking, defiant trespass, loitering and prowling at night time and harassment. He was found hiding in a bedroom. Vazquez-Pedraza is lodged in NCP awaiting disposition on his csse.

Victor Sokoloski, 55, was taken into custody without incident in the 1000 block of Maple Street in Bethlehem. Sokoloski was wanted by Northampton County Adult Probation for violating conditions of his supervision. His original charges are DUI. He is lodged in NCP awaiting disposition on his case.

Terrell Brunson, 43, was apprehended in the 200 block of Crest Avenue in Bethlehem City. Brunson was wanted by the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department for failing to self-commit on felony charges of possession with intent to deliver cocaine. Brunson had to be removed from a vehicle that he was allegedly living in. A 3 month old infant was present with him. Northampton County Children and Youth were called to the scene and the infant was turned over to a family member. Brunson is lodged in NCP awaiting disposition on his case.

NorCo Deputy Sheriffs Snare Fugitives

Northampton County's Deputy Sheriffs have conducted a recent warrant sweep, and have snared the following fugitives:

Zachery Dugan, 22, was taken into custody without incident in the 1500 block of Butler Street in Easton. He was wanted by Northampton County Adult Probation for violating his conditions of supervision. His original charges are unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, accident involving damage to an unattended vehicle and D.U.I. He is lodged in NCP awaiting disposition on his case.

Natasha Freed, 32, was taken into custody in the 300 block of South 3rd Street in Coopersburg Lehigh County. She was wanted by Northampton County Adult Probation for violating her conditions of supervision. Her original charges are felony forgery. Marijuana and drug paraphernalia were recovered from her during arrest. A search warrant obtained after her arrest resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and the arrest of three other individuals who were taken into custody by the Drug Task Force. Freed was also wanted by Penn Ridge Regional Police for two counts of identity theft, two counts of access device fraud and receiving stolen property. She is lodged in NCP awaiting disposition on her case.

Raekwon Washington, 20, was taken into custody without incident in the 90 Block of Freedom Terrace in Palmer Township. He was wanted by Northampton County Adult Probation for violating his conditions of supervision on the original charges of simple assault. Washington violated his conditions of supervision when Easton Police filed new charges September 3 of felony kidnapping to inflict injury or terror, false imprisonment, simple assault and harassment. That arose from his abduction of a woman who already had obtained a Protection from Abuse Order against him.

He was arraigned before Judge Yetter on the Easton case. Bail was set at $100,000 and he is lodged in NCP awaiting disposition on his case.

Robert Boehm, 37, was taken into custody without incident in the 2500 block of Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem. He was wanted by State Parole for violating his conditions of supervision on original charges of felony robbery. Boehm was transported back to a PA State Correctional Institution by State Parole for disposition.

In 2010, Boehm robbed the Embassy Bank in Lower Saucon Tp, and pointed a gun at a teller. Judge Baratta imposed a three to seven year sentence in 2011.

Resny Colon, 29, was taken into custody without incident in the 600 block of Fawn Street in Allentown. He was wanted by State Parole for violating his conditions of supervision on original charges are possession with intent to deliver and illegal firearms possession. He was transported back to a PA SCI by State Parole for disposition.

Stephanie Porter, 36, was taken into custody in the 1200 block of Minnesota Drive in Whitehall Lehigh County. She was wanted by Lehigh County Adult Probation for violating her conditions of supervision on original charges of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. She was discovered while attempting to arrest another fugitive. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were found at the scene, leading to a search warrant, discovery of more drug related items and new charges. She is lodged in LCP awaiting disposition on her case.

NorCo Sheriff Will Seek More Personnel

Sheriff Miller with department accreditation

Both this blog and The Express Times have disclosed that the Northampton County Sheriff's office, which has been overwhelmed by concealed carry permit applications, has stopped checking references. And at yesterday's Personnel Committee hearing, Council President John Cusick accepted at least some of the responsibility.

He pointed out that Sheriff Randy Miller had asked for additional staff last year, but his request was shelved by Council because of a pending contract with the Deputy Sheriffs' union. Although that contract was approved several months ago, no requests for additional staff have come from the Stoffa administration, noted Cusick.

They're coming.

Director of Administration Tom Harp told Cusick that he and Sheriff Miller have had several meetings concerning the staffing, and a proposal will be forwarded next month with a budget amendment.

Banned Deputy Gets ET Turkey

Late last week, I told you that all nine judges signed a Court Order banning Deputy Thomas Bachik, a known troublemaker, from their courtrooms.

Well nobody, and I mean NOBODY, makes Deputy Sheriff Thomas Bachik look like a possum's pecker

So since that time, his union buds have been doing their best to demean the judges on this blog. They're also demanding a Home Rule Charter change so they can elect a Sheriff and install a union bud. They even have Lamont McClure, aka Junior, making a pitch for them.

That sombitch.

Well, that pile a' monkey nuts at The Express Times has just given Deputy Sheriff Thomas Bachik a turkey, saying this:

"Northampton County sheriff’s deputy Tom Bachik and other members of the deputies’ union sent letters to county judges and County Executive John Stoffa, grumbling that some judges are playing favorites with assignments of deputies, and that in at least one case, a judge compromised security by ordering a high-risk prisoner be transferred to state custody on a specific day. There must be better ways for deputies to address their grievances — through appropriate channels — than calling out the judges. And they should remember who is working for whom."

What we're dealing with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.

Union Deputies Want an Elected (Union) Sheriff

On Tuesday, I made more than a few of you angry when I told you that public sector unions have more in common with the 1%ers than the rest of us. Too bad. We're the ones who have to pay their exorbitant pensions and benefits, which in many cases is 70% of the salaries being paid. No business could survive with that kind of  personnel cost, and now many municipalities are now going broke, too. They simply can't pay the bills.

But what bothers me most is the greed and sense of entitlement.

In 2009, for example, an SEIU union Prez whined to Allentown City Council when some poor boy scout took it upon himself to clear a pathway through a local park.

Now it's a few hotheads in the Northampton County Deputy Sheriffs' union, who seem to think that they, and not Executive John Stoffa or the judges, are in charge.

Recently, after sentencing a violent offender, President Judge H.P. Kimberly McFadden told deputies to transport the guy to some state prison. Unfortunately, the instructions went to the union hotheads, who decided that the judge had just compromised their own security. They let her know, too, in a letter that basically holds her in contempt (I've filed a RTKL request for a copy).

Judge McFadden responded by summoning Sheriff Randy Miller and reaming him out in the presence of several other severe-looking judges. Miller, in turn, reamed out the union hotheads. The transport went as scheduled. No incidents.

Some judges now refuse to allow the union hothead ringleader into their courtrooms. He now gets to send more time searching people as they enter the building, including bottom-feeding bloggers.

Lucky me!

As recently as yesterday, the ringleader got into a shouting match with one of the judicial tipstaffs, who are about ninety years old.

In addition to complaining about the judges, these hotheads want to replace Sheriff Randy Miller. They were at the elections office this week to gather information for a referendum drive to make the Sheriff an elected position.

That'll fix everything.

They can just install a union hack instead of a law enforcement professional like Bethlehem's former police commissioner.

So if you wonder why I detest public sector unions, this is why.

Sheriff Randy Miller Wants Deputy at Wolf Building

Sheriff Randy Miller has proposed eliminating two vacant part-time security officer positions in favor of a full-time deputy at the Wolf Building.

During yesterday's budget hearing, Council Prez John Cusick grilled the Sheriff about the need for 2 deputies for hospital duty when a jail inmate is sent there. Miller responded that matter is in arbitration right now.

NorCo Sheriff's Department Gets Accredited Where Credit is Due

Of approximately 1,600 law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania, only 76 of them are accredited. The Northampton County Sheriff's Department joined those ranks on November 9, when the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police voted unanimously to certify Northampton County as an accredited agency. Aside from Montgomery County, Northampton is the only Sheriff's Department to get a state accreditation.

This recognition follows two years of hard work, meeting 134 standards. The process was started under former Sheriff Jeff Hawbecker, and was finished by Sheriff Randy Miller, who as Police Commissioner in Bethlehem guided his department through the accreditation process there.

Miller declined to take any credit, choosing instead to point to the hard work put in by his deputies. He also credited Excutive John Stoffa, former Director of Administration John Conklin and County Council, who had to budget the money. "I'm kind of like the orchestra leader, waving the baton," Miller stated.

But Stoffa set the record straight. "They worked hard for two years and really deserve this."

Ron Rossi Will Announce Re-Election Campaign From His Publicly Funded Office

Lehigh County Sheriff Ron Rossi will hold a news conference to announce his candidacy for sheriff at 11:30 AM on Thursday, February 10 in the Sheriff’s Office at the Lehigh County Courthouse.

Should a candidate for public office announce his candidacy from inside his publicly funded office?

His announcement claims someone will escort visitors to his office. I sure hope that someone is not a Deputy Sheriff.

Northampton County is the only Pennsylvania County that appoints its Sheriff.

Updated 4:40 PM: Sheriff Rossi will make his re-election announcement at 11:30 AM on Thursday, February 10 in the lobby of the Lehigh County Courthouse on Hamilton Street in Allentown instead of in his office.

Northampton County Promotes Four Deputy Sheriffs

Over the years, long before I ever started blogging, I've been highly critical of our Deputy Sheriffs. They've kicked me around, too. So I was shocked when I received an email last week, inviting me to a Sheriff Department's first-ever promotional ceremony, conducted in stately Courtroom 1. It was perhaps one of the nicest things I've ever seen at the Courthouse.

Lt. Christopher Zieger was promoted to Chief Deputy. Sergeant Darlene Coia, whose husband is a Captain in Lehigh County Sheriff's department, is now a Lieutenant. Deputies Michael Orchulli and Jeffrey Heller are now Sergeants.

This was Sheriff Randy Miller's idea. Noting that there has been a Northampton County Sheriff's Department for the past 258 years, he wanted a ceremony to honor those whose "experience and devotion to duty" merits advancement in the ranks.

Asked to say a few words, Executive John Stoffa claims Deputy Sheriffs are now "terrific ambassadors" for the County. "I've seen you stop and help people. I've see you stop when somebody looks bewildered in the hall." Then, speaking directly to the twenty or so uniformed deputies on hand, Stoffa said, "You've got a thankless job. Too few people understand what you do. I know it is sometimes dangerous. We read about people being shot across the country, and yet you go out every day knowing what could happen, and I very much appreciate that."

Deputy Patrick Cubbage, the Sheriff's Chaplain, started and ended the ceremony with a prayer.

In addition to Stoffa, Judge Edward Smith sat quietly in the jury box. Two of the deputies who provided security for his courtroom were being promoted, and he wanted to be there.

Lehigh County Sheriff Ron Rossi came in from Allentown. Administrator James Onembo stopped by. Two of Stoffa's cabinet officers - John Conklin and Archie Disidore - sat in the peanut gallery like Defendants waiting for the hangman.

But the real dignitaries were the families. Margaret Orchulli, who works in the Civil Division, gave her husband a big fat kiss. I missed it on my flip cam, so I made her do it again. ... And again. ... And again. I then told her twin, 4 year-old grandchildren that she says "bad words." One started laughing, but the other one got really mad and was ready to pile drive me until I admitted I was just teasing.

Above is a video of the color guard, and below is Margaret laying a liplock on the Sarge. My thanks to Sheriff Randy Miller, who was kind enough to invite Lehigh Valley Ramblings.

Who Opposes Police Powers for Sheriffs? The Police

Would You Like One Dip or Two?

Despite the headline, this story is about law enforcement. Honest!

It's a foregone conclusion that Bethlehem Police Commissioner Randy Miller will be easily confirmed this Thursday as Northampton County's new Sheriff by County Council. After all, he was the unanimous choice of President Judge Kimberly McFadden, Court Administrator Jim Onembo, County Executive John Stoffa and Director of Administration John Conklin. Even Miller's boss, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, penned a letter of recommendation. Most would agree that Randy is the First Spear at the Lehigh Valley's finest police department, and that presumably has something to do with him. Who could possibly object to this appointment?

Northampton County Bulldog Ron Angle, of course.

Ron's a little miffed to find out about this appointment from the newspaper. Once word leaked out, apparently in Bethlehem, Angle believes Stoffa owed Council members the courtesy of a call. He's also concerned that no insider was chosen. "What kind of message are we sending to people who already work hard in that department?" he asks. But what really bothers Angle is that Miller will be yet another in a long line of government double dippers.

Who doesn't like a double dip? The private sector.

Sarah Cassi, in her Express Times report, notes that Miller, age 53, will collecting a $64,000 per year public pension on top of the $76,997 public salary proposed by Stoffa. His annual income for managing a less stressful and smaller department will skyrocket from $92,000 to $140,000. That's a great deal for Miller, but what about the taxpayer? "Couldn't he be asked to accept a smaller salary?" asks Angle.

Miller's situation is nothing new. His predecessor, Jeff Hawbecker, was a retired state trooper collecting a pension. Now he's collecting two. In fact, the entire Sheriff's Department is really little more than a retirement home for retired state troopers and ex-Allentown cops. It's very common among teachers, cops and others able to retire young after twenty years on the job.

They will tell you they contributed to their pensions during most of their careers, but neglect to mention that these defined benefit plans require the taxpayer to make up any shortfall.

Now there are those rare employees who actually wait to retire until they're 65, like Executive John Stoffa. I even know one County row office worker in her 70's, who would be nearly impossible to replace. They've earned their pensions. But for tens of thousands of younger state and local workers who retire, this is a scam.

This, along with defined benefit pension plans, need serious reform.

There's a New Sheriff in Town!

There's a new Sheriff in town, so you better watch out! He's Bethlehem Police Commissioner Randy Miller, who was introduced by Northampton County Exec John Stoffa and Court Administrator James Onembo during a news conference yesterday. Miller's unanimous selection is the result of unprecedented cooperation between the executive and judicial branches.

"I'm very honored to have been selected," said Sheriff Miller. "I'm very excited about it."

Miller is the final choice of nearly forty applicants. Ten of them went through for an initial round of interviews, after which the list was whittled down to a final four.

During the second round of interviews, President Judge Kim McFadden joined Stoffa, Onembo and Director of Administration John Conklin in talking to the candidates. According to Stoffa, "Randy was our unanimous choice out of those four folks who were interviewed. And if I might say, they were all excellent ... excellent candidates." Noting there were even candidates from other states, Stoffa joked, "I don't know why everybody wants to be Sheriff."

It's the badge. And those cool hats.

Court Administrator Onembo agreed with Stoffa that "all the candidates are top notch."

Miller's starting salary is $76,977. That's not as much as a corrections officer, but it's still pretty good.

Stoffa and Judge McFadden's joint recommendation will now go to County Council, which will consider confirmation on November 20th. "I'm hoping they'll go along with it," noted Stoffa.

What about Chief Deputy? That's a career service position, and will be posted for internal application on November 23. Stoffa indicated that since the new Sheriff comes from the outside, he'd prefer an insider to take over as Chief Deputy. "I know there's more than one person who can do that." The interview team for that position will consist of Director of Administration John Conklin, Sheriff Miller and Court Administrator Onembo.

Blogger's Note: I have four video clips of this news conferece. 1) There's a New Sheriff in Town; 2) Courts & Exec Play Nice; 3) Onembo Discusses How New Sheriff Was Selected; and 4) John Stoffa: Everybody Wants to be Sheriff.

Northampton County Inching Towards New Sheriff

Northampton County Exec John Stoffa told County Council last night that the list of Sheriff applicants has been whittled down to five, and he'll be meeting with President Judge Kim McFadden to determine which of these candidates is the best fit for the job.

Northampton County Sheriffs Sitting on 2000 Firearms

During yesterday's budget hearing, it became very clear that the Sheriff's office has a lot of firepower. They're sitting on somewhere around 2,000 firearms seized over the years. Sandy Templeton, a deputy who has been employed there for twenty years, told Northampton County Council they've never sold any and she's not really sure what happens to them.

"You've managed to pile up 2,000 weapons and have done nothing?" asked an incredulous Ron Angle.

The Sheriff's office is scheduled to undergo an audit of its seized firearms. The sooner the better.

Stoffa Whittles Down List of Sheriff Prospects

Northampton County Exec John Stoffa told the Personnel Committee yesterday that he has whittled down an initial list of 36 Sheriff applicants to 10, and will interview those people. His top three selections will also be reviewed by President Judge McFadden.

Stoffa also told the Committee that, notwithstanding their wishes that his selection be someone who resides in Northampton County, he feels it is more important to appoint "the best possible person we can get."

Sheriff Jeff Hawbecker and Chief Deputy Tom Marchetti will be retiring on October 30. Northampton County is the only county in the Commonwealth that appoints, instead of electing, its Sheriff.

Is Northampton County Sheriff's Department Bloated?

Just how big is Northampton County Sheriff's Department?

Sheriff - 1

Chief Deputy Sheriff - 1

Executive Secretary - 1

Administrative Specialist - 1

Clerical Specialist -1

Clerical Technician - 1

Criminal Supervisor (Lt) - 1

Admin Supervisor (Lt) -1

Security Supervisor (Lt) - 1

Deputy Sheriff - Sergeant - 6

Deputy Sheriffs - 42

Part Time Deputy Sheriffs - 12

Part Time Court Security Officers - 2

Part Time Security Screening Officers - 5

That's 76 people. Northampton County poured $5.2 million into that department this year, which translates to $72 thousand per person. Of course, some of that money is spent on bullets and gas masks.

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.

Northampton County Deputy Sheriff Gets Valor Award

I'm fairly unpopular among Northampton County Deputy Sheriffs. Most of them shake their heads or just look the other way when I'm coming down the hall, even when my fly is up.

Over the years, I've been pretty tough on them. I've claimed we have too man of them, for one thing. The Northampton County Sheriff's Department is little more than a retirement home for Allentown cops and state troopers already collecting a pension. I've criticized them for driving county cruisers home every night, a real waste of taxpayers' money ended by John Stoffa. Some of them have milked the system, demanding two deputies to guard a single hospitalized inmate. A gaggle of them recently insisted that Northampton County Council get them overtime for security at Easton football games. Many of them have forgotten they work for the taxpayers. They seem to think their uniform and gun somehow elevates them above the people who pay their salaries.

But that's only part of the story. I've also watched them save lives when people collapse in the courthouse. I've seen them provide comfort to abused women. Today, I'd like to focus on Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Cubbage. 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 a Police Chaplin.

On Saturday, Cubbage was honored for his work with a Valor Award from Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. Over two hundred people witnessed the award ceremony in downtown Philly. Cubbage, like most deputies and law enforcement types, has spent a lifetime dedicated to community service while putting up with assholes like me.

This awards ceremony also honored two Philadelphia Police Explorer Cadets - Harvey J. Lewis (15 years old) and Dominique R. Smith (17 years old) - who were senselessly murdered in April when mistaken as gang rivals.

Seyfried's Gotta' Go

You think I like writing about Allentown?

Listen, I live in Nazareth, and it takes me at least an hour to get to Hamilton Street. I have to feed my aging Jeep oil every two miles. But the way things are going in Northampton County, I may soon have to relocate there. Yes, I may soon be blogging from one of King Edwin's KOZ condos in Peanutville. Maybe I'll join the Life Church and apply for one of those Queen City grants, too. I'll ride LANTA and go to art shows. Reason? Northampton County Council. Commonly recognized as the most dysfunctional legislative body in the Lehigh Valley, they are really letting me down. Yeah, I'm a big advocate of good government, but I never expected to see it here. It's really boring. For the third meeting in a row, Northampton County Council is far too damn civil.

It's all Jerry Seyfried's fault.

Every time they get ready to start blowing oil, Jerry Seyfried pulls his tie tight around his neck, kinda' like Rodney Dangerfield, and then starts making sense. He even pulls out his tattered copy of the Home Rule Charter and starts reading the damn law.

Isn't that cheating?

Let me give you an example. Two weeks ago, council members were all set to appoint members to one of the county's many board for terms of a gazillion years. But Jerry ruined everything. He quietly pulled out his worn Charter and told them it prohibits appointments that exceed two years. Instead of ignoring him or just telling him to go &^%$ himself, like they usually do, they actually modified the terms of appointment.

It happened again last night. Council member John Cusick wants to see a new Sheriff soon, and they all started talking about the goofy procedure for appointing a new Sheriff. Apparently the Exec submits three names to the President Judge, the President Judge can add another two, and Council has the last word. Or maybe Council submits seven names and the judges have the final say. No one is sure.

But that bastard Jerry Seyfried cheated and brought up our County Constitution again, declaring that only the Exec has sole power to appoint the next Sheriff, subject to confirmation by County Council. As he explained things, a previous County Council thumbed its nose at the Charter and adopted an ordinance giving the President Judge some say in the selection of a member of Stoffa's cabinet.

According to Jerry, that's wrong. "When that happened, I was one of the first guys who said, 'Are you nutz? Do you think the courts are going to come to you and ask you to approve the Court Administrator?' If this Sheriff messes up, and he gets in trouble, do you think the President Judge is going to answer for that? Of course not. I think you ought to repeal that ordinance. If he[Stoffa] is responsible for him, he ought to have the right to appoint him."

So now, Angle and Stoffa will introduce a new ordinance that removes the bench from the Sheriff selection process. It appears to have nearly unanimous support, too. Lamont McClure, believe it or not, thinks this is a good idea. Cusick would prefer to stick to the old process for the current replacement, but agrees that the ordinance must be repealed.

Rancor, name-calling and petty squabbles have been replaced by ... bipartisanship. It's very sad.

After the meeting was over, Seyfried approached Angle in the parking lot and thanked him for his input, telling him Council can get a lot more done when it works together. Ron loves it. Personally, I think Jerry is slipping ludes in Ron's "spring water." They do sit next to each other. Whatever the explanation, it's killing me. Who the hell wants to read about a government that is actually working?

At this rate, I'll be in Allentown before they have a new Sheriff. I hope I can find those pics of Jerry in bed with three underage nuns, but for now, all I have is this picture of a harmless giraffe that Jerry senselessly murdered. I'll be forewarding it to PETA.

As everyone left the meeting room, the weirdness continued. Charles Dertinger walked up to me. I assumed my tae kwon do stance, but he actually smiled. "I hear you've been saying nice things about me," he said, referring to a post praising Dertinger's integrity for refusing to allow a disgruntled bidder to sway him over the casino assessment contract. I denied writing it.

"Please stop saying nice things about me. It hurts my fundraising efforts."

Then he actually patted me on the back.

It can't last.