Sullivan County Unites to Fight Gangs

by: Bill Liblick

A gang is only as strong as a community allows it to be. That is the message that is sweeping all over Sullivan County.

It is encouraging to see that residents, civic organizations, educators, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies have united to combat the spread of street gangs. That was evident by the standing room only seminar sponsored by the Sullivan County United Way last week.

It is hard to imagine that common street gangs have spread to Sullivan County. But, then again, along with increased crime, decay of family structure, and illegal drug use and abuse comes with gangs. That is an unfortunate reality and fact. We are not even talking about gang wannabes here.

Sergeant Luis Alvarez of the Sheriff’s Office has been saying gangs were in Sullivan County for some time now, but no one took him seriously. Finally he is being heard. As the senior DARE Officer in Sullivan County, Alvarez has the pulse of what is happening on our streets.

Linda Cellini who heads Sullivan County’s United Way decided it is time Sullivan County residents become involved and educated on the matter. She must be applauded by all of us for stepping up to plate and organizing the seminar.

Those in attendance said they learned more than they ever imagined they would on gangs. First off, identifying potential gang members is essential. Also, it was learned that it is not illegal to be a gang member. What is illegal is their usual activity. That is why those suspected of being a gang member must be monitored.

Signs to look for are clothing and how behavior and interaction changes with traditional friends and family members.

Clothing such as sweatshirts, bandanas, and baseball caps are key. Color themes worn are factors that must also be watched.

What surprised me is that tattoos written in Asian can also be gang related. Most of us think they represent signs of peace, prosperity, health, and good fortune. Well, think again.

Of course strange behavior, graffiti and slang language are also symbolic of gangs.

One seminar will not remove the problem we are facing in Sullivan County with gangs. What it has done is bring the matter to the forefront and begin to educate us on what to look for.

Everyone is taking the matter very seriously, and ready to fight the growth of gang related activity in Sullivan County.

All of our law enforcement agencies have developed a plan of action to clean up our streets from gangs and their illegal activities. The Sheriff’s Office, State Police, Village of Monticello Police Department, Village of Liberty Police Department, and Fallsburg Police Department are working around the clock on the matter.

Monticello, considered the hotbed of gang related activity in Sullivan County, has witnessed an increased police presence. Village Police Chief Douglas Solomon recently received a $60,000 state grant to step up patrols and investigations. The Police Department has made over 150 arrests in recent weeks related to drugs and guns.

The Village of Liberty Police Department has also made sweeping drug and gun related arrests in recent weeks, as has Fallsburg.

District Attorney Stephen Lungen has openly said that his office will be tough on gang members arrested who are caught conducting illegal activity. Lungen further said that anyone arrested with an illegal gun in Sullivan County would face jail time. Gang members are known for carrying illegal guns and trafficking.

Our schools have also taken the matter very seriously and are working with our law enforcement agencies to educate our students on how joining a gang can be detrimental to them.

Everyone must support the work and dedication of the United Way of Sullivan County to keep our streets free from gang violence. Unlike other charitable organizations, all monies raised by the United Way of Sullivan County, stays here. That is why it is important that we support all of their efforts, and acknowledge all the good they continue to do for us.

Linda Cellini Chairperson of the United Way, just like her husband Tony, is a dedicated and committed public servant who strives for a safe secure Sullivan County. She will go above and beyond to help those in need.

Besides being there for us in times of emergencies, the United Way of Sullivan County has so many programs worthy of our attention.

I recently learned about 211, a partnership between all the United Ways in the Hudson Valley region. 211 is the National abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services information and referral.

Just by dialing 211 on your phone, you have access to help in times of a personal crisis that is not 911 related. These services include food banks, clothing, and shelters, rent assistance, physical and mental health resources, and all types of support.

Hopefully the word of 211 will sweep throughout Sullivan County.

Clearly the United Way of Sullivan County is a precious and special organization. We must contribute as much as we can to them.

Their commitment to stop the spread of gang activity in Sullivan County alone deserves a standing ovation from all of us.

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