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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RETAPDSGT
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06-25-09 7:16 AM
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If I were the local cable company and I knew Mr Czupryk was stalking and video taping persons for his Want To Be Show, and If I knew this is very disrespectful and invasion of their privacy which may reflect on the Local cable company's I might think very seriously of canceling Mr Czupryk's Want To Be Show, before any law suits are filed.
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555444
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06-24-09 9:36 PM
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Mr. Apollo2000.. No I don't think that you have to be a communist to be considerate of your neighbors. But, are you being considerate to your neighbors? Video taping them? Calling the police when their dogs bark? Throwing stones at dogs to make them bark just so you can call the police? I do understand that property rights are not unlimited, but is it fair or legal that you video tape people without them knowing and then air it on your show??? I think not. And I think that it's sad that you couldn't get what you wanted by involving the police, so now you have to sink to the level of attacking the man's work ethic. I don't beleive that you work.. Do you? I live near you, and I have never heard any loud parties going on in the wee hours of the night. Woodside Ave is one of the quietest streets in Mayfield. I honestly don't know if you could get any lower. I feel that maybe the police should be called on you, and maybe take a look at all of your videos... hmmm???
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RETAPDSGT
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06-24-09 8:59 PM
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Hey everyone if you read all the post here you can see that the loser Mr Czupryk is Apollo2000...He is the person who can be a man and stand up...What a loser he is
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RETAPDSGT
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06-24-09 8:56 PM
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Apollo200-....Mr Czupryk ...You loser....Read the law...Stop harassing your neighbors...Stop video taping all your neighbors...They have a right to privacy...Get A Life you Loser... Oh by the way change your Apollo2000..Those Men you can never come any where near Apollo missions They were REAL MEN not like you go crawl behind a camera Your TV Want to be Show I hope everyone knows now Who you are...Get a Life
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Nicole9427
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06-24-09 4:56 PM
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It seems to me that Mr. Czupryk is the only neighbor around Mr. Humphrey who is bothered by these "late night parties". Maybe if he stopped sitting at his window 24/7 watching Mr. Humphrey's every move I bet he would never even know the parties were going on. The other neighbors don't seem to notice because they mind their own business! Mr. Czupryk needs some friends and a social life outside of his video camera then maybe he won't be so disturbed by Mr. Humphrey's personal life because he would have one of his own.
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555444
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06-24-09 4:21 PM
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This article says nothing about parties late at night. The man is doing whatever possible to drive his neigbors crazy in the hopes that they will move to Johnstown like he wishes. He's obviously an unstable person, who has nothing better to do with his time than to complain. You know what, Dogs bark, kids play, and people laugh, deal with it! And if you can't then move!
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555444
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06-24-09 4:10 PM
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Also, Mr. Czupryk is a teacher and I'm sure wonders why he does not have a job with our local school. It's simple to see that He is not the kind of person one would want around their children, nor is he someone that our community would want to represent us in any way. I think that Mr. Czupryk has burned his bridges with many in the community through bogus complaints, harrassment, and obviously stalking. If I were anyone that live near him, I would be afraid to leave my blinds open at night.
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Apollo2000
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06-24-09 3:59 PM
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I didn't realize that one had to be a communist to be considerate of neighbors. And you want me to believe that Mr. Humphrey and his friends are tea teetotalers? Why do you think some municipalities pass laws requiring quiet after a certain hour? I don't need to assume anything when it comes to outdoor gatherings during normal sleep time. Just occasional bursts of laughter is enough to keep some people from sleeping. And please, property rights are not unlimited. You know that.
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555444
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06-24-09 3:52 PM
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I think this is absolutley discusting.. Mr. Czupryk seems to be stalking and if any of you watch his public show, you will know that he also video tapes members of the community without their knowledge and uses it on his show. I do beleive that this is illegal. Seems to me that Mr. Czupryk should go live in the middle of the woods away from civilization. I don't suppose there would be too much to complain about out there... No dogs barking, no kids playing, and no fire fighters staying home too much. I think Mr. Czupryk is a bitter old man, and that anyone and everyone he has video taped, harrassed or stalked should consider getting an attorney. As for Mr. Humphrey... Keep up the good work.. It's outstanding people like you (who risk their lives everyday) that we need in our communities.
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RETAPDSGT
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06-24-09 12:36 PM
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Apollo2000 said...ADK12117, Mr. Humphrey has no business having an outdoor gathering after 11 PM. Who the*****died and left you in charge....We don't live in a Communist State...We have the right to live our life's with out being harassed by you and your communist friend Mr Czupryk. If you wish to Dictate who does what and where go to China...Please do us all that big favor.
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Firefighter7
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06-24-09 12:25 PM
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How does he account for Mr. Humphrey's whereabouts 24 hours a day without stalking him? He says Mr. Humphrey is at home when he should be at work, how can he possibly know Mr. Humphrey's work schedule? I think it is appalling that this man can be allowed to slander the name of a good man that works for his community. I think Mr. Czupryk needs to take a good look in the mirror, he is a non-productive citizen who shouldn't be allowed to live in the community. I hope you don't need the fire department's assistance....I wouldn't respond to your house.
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ADK12117
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06-24-09 11:55 AM
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Apollo2000, I think I understand now why I disagree with you. You have many assumptions, like there's alcohol involved, and that noise levels immediatelly rise. You are right in saying that elevated noise levels "disturb some people," however it seems to be only disturbing one individual. Fortunatelly, we live in a society where Mr. Humphrey does not need to convince you that something isn't happening. Our justice system assumes innocence until PROVEN guilty. That's the mark you seem to be missing. Mr. Humphrey doesn't have to prove his innocense to you, or anyone for that matter. Just like Mr. Czupryk does, you seem to jump to too many conclusions, and this leaves your opinion subject to scrutiny.
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RETAPDSGT
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06-24-09 11:30 AM
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Apollo2000...So what you are saying is there is a 11PM crufew ? When did that go into effect ? Your saying people are not allowed to gather and socialize ? Your saying prohibition is in effect again after 11PM ? You have to really get a life and maybe become a US citizen, because from all that you have written you have to be a person who does not want people to enjoy their GOD given Rights to Freedom and Privacy from people like you. Oh...I thought the Issue was Mr Humphrey's work ethics..Now I see the real reason for all this is to complain about someone having a life after 11PM ( which you and Mr Czupryk don't have ). Oh this will be last responce. There are specialist out there that can help you and Mr Czupryk understand the Laws of our Country and help you get a life. God Bless those who Serve our Country so Apollo2000 and Mr Czupryk can someday find their life and stop harassing honest people.
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Apollo2000
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06-24-09 10:53 AM
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Oh, such angst! Seriously, the issue is QUIET time. You need to convince me that a gathering of people drinking beer and having a good time will be QUIET for the duration. If a person wants to have parties at night after 11 PM, they should do so where there are no close neighbors. That's just common courtesy.
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RETAPDSGT
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06-24-09 9:39 AM
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Apollo2000...Mr Czupryk has proof that there has not been any loud parties. That is why he has change gears and try to discredit Mr Humphrey in some other way. Remember Mr Czupryk has been video tapying all his neighbor events for years. If you know him that well why don't you ask him if you can see all the video's? Ask him why he invades others privacy by doing this. If I were one of his neighbors I would have real concern. Also I don't know that the Village has a Party Ordinance? Last I knew the Closing time at most bars was 4AM. So what you are saying is that people are not allowed to sit in their back yard with a small fire in a fire pit and enjoy some quiet time to THEMSELF'S without being video taped by their neighbor? Again I can't believe I am even sending this on, I really need to get a life. I can't believe I am stooping to your low life level. I need a life, and now I am going on with mine..I hope you and Mr Czupryk do the same.
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Apollo2000
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06-24-09 9:02 AM
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ADK12117, Mr. Humphrey has no business having an outdoor gathering after 11 PM. All you need is beer and a good time to raise db levels enough to disturb some people AT THAT HOUR. I think it would be best if Mr. Czupryk had some witnesses to the parties. I'm sure that can be arranged. Unfortunately, this legitimate concern has been overshadowed by Mr. Czupryk's approach to the problem, such as the meeting in Johnstown. That has only been a distraction to the real issue, the parties after 11 PM.
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RETAPDSGT
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06-24-09 8:27 AM
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Apollo2000...Mr Czupryk really needs to mind his own buisness. What buisness is it of his what any public employees does in the City of Johnstown or any other City. Mr Czupryk lives in the Village of Mayfield. He should be concerned with what happens where he lives. I am sure that if a employee of the City of Johnstown was misusing their time that the respective Supervisor would be aware of it. Mr Czupryk should get the faxts before he runs off at the mouth. Maybe he should get a full time job himself and then he would know what it is like to have a day off. Once again I agree with WATCHDOG 413, I can't believe I am waisting my time trying to explain this to people who only wish to harass honest hard working people. OH...and Please get a life of you own and Please keep out of others.
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xyz123
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06-24-09 5:39 AM
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Can you say creep? I HOPE NO ONE WATCHES ME AS MUCH.
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ADK12117
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06-23-09 10:12 PM
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Isn't this supposed to be about Mr. Humphrey's work ethics? It's amazing how so easily this got spun into something else. Now that's vintage Czupryk. Is he really quoted for saying that Mr. Humphrey seems to spend more time at home that at work? Don't we all? The last I knew, the average full time job produces a 40 hour work schedule. I would expect that if Mr. Humphrey gets the recommended 8 hours of sleep, 7 nights a week, then he's home for 56 hours a week just to rest. I don't suppose Mr. Czupryk is recommending that he doesn't stay home to care for it, mow the lawn, and do other maintenance to help indirectly increase the value of both his house and those surrounding him. Why would he bother? Furthermore, is Mr. Czupryk seriously recommending being present over 50% of the 168 hours available in a 7 day week? When did he ever have a full time, permanant job that produced 84 hours a week? I personally don't know where Mr. Czupryk gets off.
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resident69
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06-23-09 10:04 PM
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Apollo you buddy has lost his marbles: "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." How did he come to this conclusion that the firefighter should have been at work? He doesn't know his work schedule, Maybe he traded shifts (if the department permits that) with another Fire Fighter. These are the nutcases you need to watch closely. They seemed to have gotten off their med's and can become dangerous.
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ADK12117
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06-23-09 10:02 PM
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...sorry, I was cut off. My eyes and mind are open to suggestions, how about yours?
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ADK12117
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06-23-09 10:00 PM
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Apollo2000, you are missing my point here. I don't have any doubts that Mr. Humphrey has guests over at his house, has fires in his back yard and enjoys his right of the freedom to do so, even into the wee hours of the morning. My doubts begin at our misinterpretation of "parties." This is why I asked what your perception of these parties are. This play on words is obviously subject to interpretation, so make of it what you will. The clever Mr. Czupryk has us all envisioning that some type of rave or loud obnoxious gathering is occuring. I have faith in our law enforcement officials and a pretty firm belief that others in the surrounding area would rally behind Mr. Czypryk in support if this was occuring in their neighborhood. Wouldn't you? In fact, this is not the case. Not an ounce of support shown, nor criminal offenses charged. So again I ask you, could this possibly just be a case of over-reaction and misportrayal? My eyes and mind are open to suggestions, how a
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Apollo2000
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06-23-09 8:54 PM
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I have known the Czupryk's for a long time and don't know them to be liars. So when Mr. Czupryk and his mother both tell me that there are parties going on until 3 AM, I believe them. Now, if this is indeed a lie, and Mr. Humphrey ends his parties at 11 PM, then the problem is with the Czupryks.
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RETAPDSGT
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06-23-09 8:33 PM
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APOLLO2000 To answer your questions why don't you ask Mr Czupryk if you can see the videos he takes of his neighbors. He does this on a regular basis. Again, in case you did not understand what I wrote. I have been there when someone has called the police about a loud party. Read what I wrote, if you need more proof call the police yourself and ask to see the complaints filed and the police findings. That is all the proof you should need. If you believe there are these Loud parties then you must have witnessed them because if not then you have no knowledge of the truth. And like WATCHDOG413 STATED you people need to get a life.
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ADK12117
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06-23-09 6:48 PM
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Apollo2000, you seem to be familiar with this situation and don't seem to mind talking about it and making it known where you stand. So am I to understand that you have seen these parties happen for yourself? If you have, can you please describe them? If not, then how do you perceive them? I'm curious as why law enforcement hasn't done anything about these so called parties yet. I'm curious why the other neighbors haven't complained or chimmed in as well. Is this perhaps a case of over-reaction and misportrayal?
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