Johnstown firefighter criticized at meeting
Chief defends employee in response to remarks from Mayfield residentBy MICHAEL ANICH, The Leader-Herald
JOHNSTOWN - City Fire Chief Bruce Heberer on Friday defended one of his firefighters who was criticized by a Mayfield man during Monday's Common Council meeting at City Hall.
Paul Czupryk of 9 Woodside Ave., Mayfield - a local public-access TV host - addressed the council during the public speaker portion of the meeting.
He said he wanted to speak about the work habits of a Johnstown Fire Department employee who lives in Mayfield and is a member of the Mayfield Town Board.
Usually, such discussions about employees' job performance are limited to discussions by council members during closed-door executive sessions.
Czupryk did not name the city employee he spoke of, but Mayfield Town Clerk Dorothy Hart confirmed Town Board member Shawn Humphrey is employed as a city of Johnstown firefighter.
Czupryk said the firefighter in question earns $35,000 to $38,000 annually and "seems to spend more time at his Mayfield home" than the Johnstown fire station. Czupryk claimed he has compiled some records of the firefighter's personal time habits based on what he's seen, and he presented them to Slingerland and Heberer.
He said he would be requesting a copy of the employee's work records from the city.
Czupryk said the taxpayers of the city of Johnstown should be aware of the employee's work habits and that the firefighter in question has allegedly been home on certain weekends he should be working.
"I believe he should consider moving into Johnstown," Czupryk said.
Earlier this year, Czupryk made an unsuccessful run for election to the Mayfield Village Board of Trustees. In a March 12 letter to the editor of The Leader-Herald, he criticized one of his opponents in that race, incumbent Paul Wilde, claiming Wilde had been absent from several board meetings. Wilde was re-elected.
After Czupryk's remarks Friday, Heberer defended the firefighter, though he did not confirm Humphrey is the person in question. He said the firefighter joined the department in October. The chief defended the employee's work habits.
"He's never missed a day of work," Heberer said. "He's an outstanding employee and we've never had any problems with him."
Humphrey couldn't be reached for comment.
Mayor Sarah J. Slingerland on Friday defended the city's policy of allowing members of the public to speak at the bimonthly Common Council sessions.
"I still think we should have a public speaker section at our meeting," the mayor said. "I would not like to limit that."
Slingerland said her administration encourages public comments and she tries to remind speakers that city officials may not always respond.
"Our employees and our department heads are in compliance with their work duties," Slingerland said. "We monitor it very closely."
She said she "supposes" she could have limited Czupryk's statements because he is from Mayfield, but that wouldn't be right. The mayor said anyone has the right to speak to the council on city issues, even if they don't live in the city.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com
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slash8572
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07-06-09 11:58 AM
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concerned neighbor, The problem can be solved very easily,but it seems like Mr. Humphrey is a bone head. If Mr. Humphrey ceased his outdoor activities at 11P.M. the problem would be solved. The other neighbors don't get the intensity of the noise that Mr. Czupryk and his Mother gets. I read your eariler comment about Mr. Czupryk "patrolling the neighborhood at night with minor children are around". That is completely false and if you signed your name could end you up in court for slander. If I were The Fire Chief, I would also worry about the threat from Firefighter 7 in these comments on this blog. It makes him look real good.
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Ron1960
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07-06-09 7:18 AM
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Concernedneighbor, As I understand it, it is the parties and that could be a bigger problem than Mr. Humphrey will want to deal with, I have heard from people and have heard Mr. C state on his television show that he has medical problems. Now that he must put up with Mr. Humphrey's parties and those preventing Mr. C from getting the proper rest that he needs for health reasons that could be cause for serious court action against Mr. Humphrey. Maybe Mr. C should speak with an attorney concerning this situation. If these parties are found to be causing Mr. C's medical problems to get worse that could be a major problem for Mr. Humphrey.
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Concernedneighbor
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07-05-09 9:11 PM
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What is Mr. C's problem?? Is it that Mr. Humphry doesn't live in Johnstown, or is it that Mr. Humphry has parties?? I guess I know the motive for Mr.C wanting Mr. Humphry to move. Funny!!
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slash8572
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07-04-09 11:24 AM
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I hope this may be the last word on the issue. I don't know what ADK12117 is taking issue with the specific complaint form that Mr. Czupryk filed with The New York State Police. Bottom line,it was valid! The complaint was supported by testimony sent into court by The law enforcement Officer at the scene. As far as Judge Jones, any comments made by Czupryk on WENT Talk of the Town show was after Judge Jones refused to take the case,not before. This is why the trial had to go to Johnstown Town Court.
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slash8572
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07-03-09 3:10 PM
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Ron 1960, I tried to explain this to ADK1960,but I can't seem to make him understand. He may be a nice person,but a little bone headed. I just wonder what Judge Jones had told him? I wonder if Judge Jones listened to The Talk of the Town or some of Mr. Czupryk's neighbor's had lied to her.
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Ron1960
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07-03-09 12:56 PM
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adk12117, After reading your comments on this subject I believe that you are, and know that you are way off base. Fact Mr. Humphrey did appear in court and was found guilty of disorderly conduct that was in the town of Johnstown. Fact Mayfield Justice refused to handle the case.So some where along the line some police officials had to issue an appearance ticket for Mr. Humphrey to appear in court. And if Mt. Humphrey was the decent neighbor you claim him to be and he had the brain of a gnat after he was found guilty and fined he would have understood that he was in the wrong having these parties as he was. If he was an intelligent person he would have stopped what he was doing to annoy his neighbor. Yes he holds his parties on his property and yes he should and is lawfully able to use his property for his entertainment as long as what he does on his property doesn't prevent any of his neighbors for enjoying their property. But you and Mr. Humphrey just can't seem to understan
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slash8572
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07-02-09 9:19 PM
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ADK12117, Shawn Humphrey works for The City of Johnstown and makes a substantial income with benefits. Mr. Czupryk works for several School Districts,with a central regional office. If you see the current pay scales for Substitute Teachers,this is pale in comparison to what Mr. Humprey is making. Mr. Humphrey owes his allegence to the taxpayers in Johnstown. Since he is paid,he should be near his Fire Station should an emergency arise.
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slash8572
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07-02-09 9:06 PM
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ADK12117, You make no sense. An appearance ticket had to be issued to get a conviction in Court. A conviction was secured in court and a fine given. It was held in another local court when Judge Jones refused to handle it. Judge Jones was the only Judge in Mayfield at that time, I was under the impression that she may have had other courts handle her extra workload. I don't know who you are,but you don't get your facts straight. I hope you aren't listening to Mr. Humphrey, Mr. Czupryk has a conviction on Mr. Humphrey,and has the Disposition form to prove it.
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ADK12117
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07-02-09 7:49 PM
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Sorry, I have to make a correction in my last post. I meant to say Did Mr. Czupryk live in all the school districts that he mentioned he substitute taught in?
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ADK12117
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07-02-09 7:47 PM
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I'm not surprised that Mr. Czupryk chose not to speak about any of my posts on here since he has no way to refute them. And what kind of a coward is he to sit there and say that if he had a problem with someone he would go talk to them? It's the typical pot calling the kettle black. Vintage Czupryk. He has never attempted to solve this problem directly with Mr. Humphrey. I know for a fact this would have all been over a long time ago. Was he quoted as saying that Mr. Humphrey should move to Johnstown? Did Mr. Czupryk live in all the different school districts that he lived in? Pot/Kettle/Black. Could this guy jump to any more conclusions?
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ADK12117
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07-02-09 7:41 PM
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Oh, no comment about ALL the other neighbors? Still a huge conspiracy I suppose.
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ADK12117
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07-02-09 7:40 PM
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slash8572: As usual, you dodged all the facts. All you guys do is dodge the facts. I personally spoke with Justice Jones. What part about that don't you understand? I'm not saying that any law enforcement officer is a fraud, I'm saying that according to the New York State Troopers that houses Troop G in Mayfield, NY, there was no ticket, infraction, etc. issued to Mr. Humphrey. Again, facts. You can believe whatever you want, or you can do what the rest of the real world does and actually ask questions before you spout off your ignorance. It really irritates me that you would actually respond with all that garble after I went to the sources and you have nothing to go on but "what you believe." That's where this whole problem began. Mr. Czupryk has an intricate way of painting a beautiful color picture for you all to marvel at when in fact everything is just black and white.
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slash8572
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07-02-09 9:15 AM
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ADK12117, You are misinformed by someone. Mr. Czupryk proved his case in Court and I have seen the papers to prove it. If you say That an active duty New York State Law Enforcement Officer is a fraud,and The Court we here the proceedings were held was a fraud, then will all do respect I will have to call you a fool. I'm sure that unless Judge Jones heard anything herself, I am sure that she was given false information. I believe Mr. Czupryk respects Judge Jones. He will respect anyone who respects him. I'm sure that he cares greatly for the people of Mayfield. It is just that he knows there is a need for improvement.
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ADK12117
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07-01-09 9:03 PM
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slash8572: I took the liberty to actually do some research on this character and get the lowdown. It seems like you might be slightly misinformed. According to the Mayfield Town Court, Mr. Humphrey was not ticketed by any law enforcement officer. He was given a citizens arrest for disorderly conduct. Any guesses as to why Judge Jones excused herself? It was because of derogatory comments made towards her by Mr. Czupryk himself on Talk of the Town, the local radio show. Moving on to the neighbor issue, it seems like there's a common denominator here. But what you are telling me ALL the neighbors are hostile towards Mr. Czupryk, the police aren't willing to do anything, and even the justice system refuses to deal with him. This must be a giant conspiracy. Mr. Czupryk should definitelly continue to call the cops, alienate all his neighbors, and throw insults at the justices.
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slash8572
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07-01-09 6:22 PM
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ADK12117, Mr. Czupryk's neighbors are hostile to him. This is why they do not cooperate. From what I understand,he signed a barkig dog complaint on the neighbor on the opposite side when he had left his dogs out all night long barking. I'm sure this guy is still bitter. One neighbor is The Mayfield fire Chief,and the other,his parents. They feel a comradery with Humphrey. Some may not want to get involved. Check my previous post as well.
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slash8572
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07-01-09 3:20 PM
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ADK12117, Something was done about it. A Police report was filed with details. A ticket was issued. Mr. Humphrey pleaded not guilty. Mayfield Judge Jones excused herself from the trial. The trial was postponed until November of that year, and Mr. Humphrey was found guilty of Disorderly Conduct. Apollo 2000 and Lizzie were the only bloggers speaking on solid grounds. Mr. Humphrey is a fool.
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ADK12117
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06-30-09 10:29 PM
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So finally I can put this to rest, no pun intended. I'm curious what protection being a volunteer fireman offers, in your opinion? There is no special treatment, and I wouldn't speculate that your local law enforcement acts this way. Gat ahold of yourself. Again I ask, if the police did in fact witness "all night parties going on," try to show that you are an educated person here and answer the questions that everyone seems to be dodging: Why didn't they do something about it? Why aren't the other neighbors complaining? Two simple questions, and not one intelligent answer yet.
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slash8572
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06-30-09 11:17 AM
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Now that most of all you misinformed bloggers have gotten your words of wisdom in, I thought I would make a comment. Most of the things that were expressed was the complete slander of a man's character with no basis in fact. The man has worked all his life and had just retired do to health problems. His condition requires him to get his proper sleep. Mr. Humphrey has held parties on weekends into the wee hours of the morning. He has protected himself by hiding under the protection of being a Mayfield Fire Man. I respect all Firemen and the service they do to the community, I just hope they don't all feel like Firefighter 7 who may be making threats by his comments. Mr. Humphrey was found guilty in a Court of Law on the charge of Disorderly Conduct,and The Police had witnessed his all night parties going on. Lately, Mr. Humphrey has used his power in the area to get away with anything and everything. Apollo 2000 is not Mr.Czupryk, I assure you that.
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RETAPDSGT
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06-25-09 2:07 PM
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Apollo2000...The reason you can't tell me about this law is because I know for a FACT that there is no such law in the Village of Mayfield. You want everyone to believe that this Law does exist so that you can play you silly game. Sorry, not going to work here. If you want a Party Law go through the legal steps. It did not pass the last time and I am sure the good people of Mayfiled can see throught you and what you are trying to do, supress the Freedom of the people of Mayfield to enjoy their life's witout being harassed and stalked by people like you. As far as sleeping, you were must not have ever been in the Military. If you were you could never make a statement about not being able to sleep around noise. What case you made was what you and Mr Czupryk believe to be a law and it is not. All I can say is it is time for both of you to grow up and move on to something else and someone else. Time for the harassment to stop.
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Concernedneighbor
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06-25-09 1:52 PM
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So all of this does explain why Mr. Czupryk had to make these statements... It is personal. It's not about his work habbits at all. It's about Mr. Czupryk having a problem with little get togethers. Give me a break.. Suing someone for sleep deprovation??? How could you prove that your neighbors are making noise, when obviousley your own police department doesn't agree with you? All people need to know is Mr. Czupryk's past behavoir and false reports with the police department to see that he is just causing trouble. As he does with everyone. I truley feel sorry for his elderly mother... Imagine what she has gone through dealing with him for so long. She is probably a nice lady and respected in the community. The only person who is causing her sleep deprovation is her own son. I'm sure she hears him creaping around all hours of the night video taping his neighbors. Some of which are minor children.
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Apollo2000
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06-25-09 1:29 PM
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The laws of various municipalities are out there. I'm not going to do the research for you. I take it that you assume everyone should just be able to sleep at night, regardless of what is going on outside around them. Please. And dude, I have plenty of friends. I've made my case. No need to repeat it. You can have the last word. I'm done with this thread.
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RETAPDSGT
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06-25-09 12:35 PM
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Then if that is true then please give us the referance of the law which Mr Czurpyk and you are refering to. I really would like to read it. Oh my god, you are one sick person if you want to blame a party on someone's sleep habits. You might want to check with the local police departments as to how many time Mr Czupryk and called the police about loud parties in the past 20yrs. It will amaze you. It did me. So I guess if something happens to Mr Czupryk's mother then I would assume from your statement that Mr Czupryk has the right to sue everyone whom he called the police over the past 20 yrs for loud parties. Good luck with that. You are obviously a very lonely person without any friends, and with out a life.
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Apollo2000
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06-25-09 11:19 AM
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Calm down dude. If Mr. Humphrey keeps up the partying, he may be the one getting sued when something happens to the elderly Mrs. Czupryk which can be tied back to sleep issues. Many localities have laws that DO NOT allow people to make noise outdoors after a certain hour. So Mr. Czupryk's desire for quiet is not uncommon. And please, your comments about lawsuits are frivolous. I can't be sued for something I had nothing to do with and for actions that I disagree with. For me, this is about the parties, period.
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RETAPDSGT
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06-25-09 10:09 AM
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Apollo2000...Who are you to tell me or anyone else it is wrong to have friends over for a party in MY back yard ? Last time I knew I have the right to have a party in MY back yard when ever I wish. What gives you the right to tell me I have to stop at 11PM. Is there a Law that says this? Oh, I forgot Mr Czupryk and you are not really US citizens and don't believe people have certain freedoms. Your views are that of a Communist Control where You tell people what they can and can't do. I am glad I don't live in Mayfield next to Mr Czupryk or next to you because I will tell you this .I would not put up with the Harassment and Stalking. You people are why we need Lawyers to Protect our Freedom from people like you. Mr Czupryk and You should better read the Penal Law.Both of you are in violation and if it were me I would have both of you charged and sued in civil court for Harassment and Stalking. Mr Humphrey should contact a lawyer and take the necessary legal actions agains both of you.
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Apollo2000
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06-25-09 9:33 AM
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My goodness. So now I am Mr. Czupryk. And all of the vitriol! I am not Mr. Czupryk. Nice try though. I have said that I don't agree with everything Mr. Czupryk has done, but I have also stated that it is wrong to have outdoor parties after 11 PM, and I have made the case why. You keep focusing the issue on Mr. Czupryk's response to the parties. My point is that the parties are the starting point, the issue of contention. That's where the root of the problem is.
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