Oft-Dissed TCOs Get a Little Respect in Sag Harbor

A group of Sag Harbor Village traffic control officers gathered Wednesday, June 4, at the Sag Harbor Cinema, where they were treated to dinner and a free screening of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”

The idea of the early-season shout-out to TCOs was the brainchild of Dan Shedrick, a village resident who said he was spurred into action after hearing stories about TCOs being subjected to verbal, and even occasionally physical, abuse as they try to enforce village parking rules.

“It’s a personal affront to me for people to be so impolite to young people who are just trying to do their jobs,” Shedrick said. “It’s upsetting to get a ticket, but you should be aggravated with yourself, not the person who is only doing their job.”

People who know Shedrick know that once he gets an idea in his head, he’s like a dog with a bone. After hearing about the recent travails of some TCOs, Shedrick spoke to Mayor Tom Gardella, who informed him that there was a plan to hold a thank-you dinner for the TCOs at the end of the season.

Shedrick said his response to the mayor was, “Why in the hell wait until the end of the season to let them know how appreciated they are? Do it now.”

Shedrick then roped in Ellen Dioguardi, the president of the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce, to see if she could round up some food donations. Michael Gluckman of Cluckman’s came through with pizza and chicken. The Sag Harbor Cinema offered free popcorn, and Shedrick sprang for the tickets and bouquets of fresh flowers from the Sag Harbor Florist.

“Most of our residents respect the TCOs,” said Gardella, who attended the event along with Trustee Ed Haye. But even when people give them a hard time for writing a ticket or not allowing a driver to hold up traffic while waiting for a parking space to open up, “to their credit, they are always polite,” he added.

Police Chief Rob Drake said he thought it was a well-deserved treat.

“I thought it was a great event,” he said. “I think our TCOs work very hard and are very dedicated.”

TCOs who attended the gathering said it was true that they sometimes encounter people who are not on their best behavior, but they said most people are courteous and they enjoy the camaraderie of working with a team of fellow TCOs.

Gardella read a statement from Shedrick. “Most village residents, visitors and businesses know how invaluable your hard work, your challenging responsibilities, compassion and discipline make Sag Harbor a great place to live and visit,” he said. “However, we are flawed, imperfect humans. Sometimes we forgot about RESPECT.”

He added that it was unacceptable for people to verbally or physically assault TCOs. “We understand how difficult at times your job can be. Continue your outstanding efforts. We’re with you always,” he concluded. “A million thanks and whale of love to you.”

Before the group entered the theater to watch the film, Gardella and Haye asked if there was anything they could do to make their jobs easier.

The answer, perhaps surprisingly, was for new uniform shirts that breathe better in the hot weather than their currents ones do.

“I think we can take care of that,” Gardella said.