Dragaev: “get the drug
dealers out”
Sliwa: “facilitating how you
can help yourselves”
HIGHLAND FALLS – Curtis Sliwa, founder of nonprofit organization The Guardian Angels, spoke to concerned Village of Highland Falls residents about the ongoing issue of drug-related crime in the area.
Sliwa fielded questions on Saturday from dozens of residents at the Weyant Green Community Center in an event that was organized by local resident Kathy Dagaev and her friends, who have crusaded for a long time to clean up the neighborhood that is most dear to them.
Dagaev talked about how inviting the Guardian Angels to visit Highland Falls came about.
“This has been something that’s a battle,” she said. “There are those of us in the community who stand up in the board meetings. We talk and decide and make decisions. One person mentioned bringing out the Guardian Angels. We need to do [what we can] to get our village back to where it should be and get the drug dealers out of here. In such a small, confined area, there is no reason why we should not be able to do this.”
Joined by two fellow Angels from the Guardian Angels’ Poughkeepsie chapter and a New York City-based Angel, Sliwa explained that while his mission to make communities safe started in the city, he is committed to providing a clean and crime-free environment in all communities regardless of population size.
“What we are facilitating is how you can help yourselves through any of our programs whether it is the Guardian Angel patrol itself, the Guardian Angel Watch or any other ancillary programs that we have developed over 38 years in operation, what started locally in New York is now a global organization, but it is all about self-help,” Sliwa said. “Those of you familiar with the Guardian Angels are probably wondering, why would the Guardian Angels be in a town like Highland Falls? We don’t discriminate. If people in a local town, village, borough, or city have a problem and reach out to the Guardian Angels, we are facilitating how you can help yourselves through each of our programs.”
Sharon, a disgruntled resident, explained to Sliwa how she has video of drug deals in her neighborhood that she has sent to police.
“My only conclusion is either they don’t care or they are involved in the things that are happening.” Sharon said. “I have just about had it and I don’t trust our police department.”
Sliwa quoted former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and said that every American needs a lobbying group.
“You’re out there as a lone warrior and it’s very difficult,” Sliwa said. “The powers that be are less intimidated by you than they would be an organization.”
The idea of starting a Guardian Angels chapter in Highland Falls was broached by many, including Assemblyman James Skoufis (D, Woodbury).
“It depends on local leadership,” said Sliwa. “Without strong leadership, it will all go asunder.”
The opioid crisis in Highland Falls has been especially problematic for both West Point cadets and middle-aged white men. A reported 30 cadets have been involved in court martial law because of this issue. In the area and across the U.S., the middle-aged white male population has decreased as many have claimed victim to this epidemic.
The Guardian Angels group was born in 1979 out of a need to protect the drug- and crime-addled neighborhoods of New York City to offer further protection outside of law enforcement. Since its inception, chapters have been created in over 130 cities in 13 countries.
