POUGHKEEPSIE – A request by Democratic County legislators and City of Poughkeepsie councilmembers to the police department has caused the PBA to cancel a “Santa Flyover” event scheduled for this Friday in the city.
The letter from the elected officials was sent to Police Chief Tom Pape and Mayor Rob Rolison in an email on Tuesday. The letter says in part, “We are compelled to share our concerns and those shared by our constituents in the City of Poughkeepsie about the use of an armored vehicle in Christmas-themed celebrations. We believe the use of this armored vehicle does not cultivate a tone of peace and warmth, which are characteristics of this season.”
The email asked the mayor and police chief to reconsider the use of the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) government surplus vehicle which the city police have had since 2016. The department has been using the vehicle in community events under the transparency directives set forth in President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
“There were members of the common council that felt the MRAP was not the appropriate vehicle to use in the holiday outreach and the decision was made to use other police vehicles. We are not going to let that dampen the holiday spirit and generosity of this popular event by our Officers,” said Mayor Rolison.
Detective Chris Libolt, the PBA Vice-president, announced on Wednesday that the union would not be escorting Santa through the city on Friday. “We understand the concerns expressed by the majority members of the common council. Members of the council said they received complaints about the appearance of the MRAP after the Fall Apple Festival in October but they only brought them to our attention last night. That is unfortunate,” said Libolt.
The PBA statement regarding the cancelation of Friday night’s event said, “The city’s annual parade of lights parade, in which the MRAP has been involved, was canceled this year and our intent was to bring a parade to the community. It is unfortunate that the voices of a few will put a damper on the holiday season for many. The members are scrambling to arrange for alternative equipment to be used so that the ‘Candy Cane Express’ can go on as scheduled for Saturday. We will spend the next few days organizing, decorating, and adjusting so we can bring our community the holiday event they deserve.”
The request was signed by County Legislators Craig Brendli, Randall Johnson, and Barrington Atkins. All of the Democrats on the city council, with the exception of Councilman Chris Petsas, signed the letter. It was also signed by Yvonne Flowers, the minority leader and member of the Independence Party.
Petsas told Mid Hudson News he did not agree with the decision to use the MRAP. “I don’t think in today’s environment that that military vehicle rolling through our streets bringing Santa Claus around is the appropriate choice,” adding “I hope that cooler heads will prevail and that the event will continue whether with what was initially proposed or a fire engine or other type of vehicle.”
Robert Pemberton, Co-founder of Stop The Violence Movement (STVM) spoke of the City of Poughkeepsie Police, saying “This police department is head and shoulders above most. They are constantly trying to change the narrative for the better and they need our help.” Pemberton was one of the primary organizers of a rally in June that brought 2,000 people together to denounce police violence in light of national events. The community activist is taking issue with members of the council over this latest dispute. “Salem, Menist, and Brannen are single-handedly using their political power for their own purposes rather the what is good for a city like Poughkeepsie, and the council members who don’t speak up are enablers.” Pemberton credits Mator Rolison and the police department, saying “They have made tremendous strides in changing the culture of the department but we as a community must be willing to change as well,” as he cited the lack of outrage by the council over recent murders yet they have directed their attention at a police vehicle.
