So Citizen Joe Lepore discovers not one but two of them nodding off on the job. He warns one -- not once, but twice -- yet finds him snoozing again. After finding the other, he snaps the photos that this week appeared nationwide.
And for this he's catching flak?
I try to keep comments flowing freely on CLIFFVIEWPILOT.COM. I try to steer clear, let the vox populi opine, whine and wheedle.
To think that some are openly criticizing him for his photographs hits a raw nerve. A man who had nothing to gain personally now suffers the cheap slings and arrows, all for wanting to protect a national symbol that our government has declared vulnerable? (See: Asleep at the Bridge)
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Joe Lepore. You are my hero.
And thank you, thank you, thank you, all of Joey's friends, for writing in to support him.
"Not only did the 2 security guard(sic) lose their jobs, but the 50-70 guards that work there (sic) jobs are in jepoardy(sic) because Mr. Lepore could have kept this from going public," one poster writes.
Ah.... So perhaps the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which pays billions to protect open targets from harm, would have cancelled its contract with the firm that hires the laconic lookouts if Joey had gone to them on the QT?
Or maybe the agency would have decided to put its own uniformed police officers on the bridge, the same as you see at the tunnels -- all on one man's word?
Jerry DeMarco (Publisher/Editor)
We should be that lucky.
As a quasi-public agency, the authority answers to no one but itself and the governors of New York and New Jersey. Officials there didn't have to do anything if they didn't want to. But they stepped up, anyway.
I like this post: "How many times have we messed up on our jobs" and gotten warnings instead of pink slips? I don't know, Sparky. You tell me. Meanwhile, another writer actually seemed to be making sense -- until he referenced "Mall Cop."
If these guys were lookouts for the mob, they wouldn't be sleeping on the bridge. They'd be sleeping with whatever fish are still plumbing the Hudson.
Who knows? Maybe those taking the potshots have personal axes to grind. Joey Lepore doesn't. He's been a bicycling commuter for 25 years, runs his own business teaching people bicycle safety and dabbles in photography. Oh, and he's a professional magician who performs for free at psych centers throughout the metropolitan area.
The first time it happened, he talked to Snoozer No. 1 and pedaled off. When he found the same guy in Dreamland again, he wrapped on the window, and they spoke once more.
The third time brought the harm. I know Joey anguished after that one, because we discussed it several times (See: Cyclist Who Caught GWB Guards Napping).
Then came Monday morning. After finding a different guard sleeping TWICE during the same shift, Joey sent me the pics. And I published them.
You got a problem with that? I say: Being alert is the sole point of being there. Bring me one boss, one supervisor, one owner, who can justify any paid employee -- much less a lookout -- sleeping on the job.
Apparently, several drivers can: Check out the footage on some of the media websites, the ones where they interview motorists who say they've seen GWB guards napping "plenty" of times. If they're telling the truth, why didn't THEY ever say something?
You know what I would do if I owned a food business near the bridge? I'd start bringing the new guards coffee in the morning. I'd even contact CLIFFVIEWPILOT.COM's publisher and editor (that would be me) to come take a photo. Free java = free pub.
Go ahead: Call me an opportunist.
I haven't even started yet.
If I were a local lawmaker -- even, say, a freeholder board -- I'd declare a "Joey Lepore Day," complete with an honorary certificate (Sorry, Joe: funds are low everywhere; plaques are expensive).
If I were with the state or federal government, I'd invite my new hero to a meeting of lawmakers, then introduce him to the house so he could bathe in the applause.
If I were with the New York Stock Exchange, I'd find a way to have him ring the opening bell this Friday, or next Tuesday.
Better yet: How about the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey commending Joe for his selfless act as a human being and a citizen? What if an "authority figure" shakes his hand and pats him on the back -- as the cameras roll?
Didn't 9/11 teach anybody anything? Amid all the potential for calamity that exists in so densely populated an area, the only foolproof vigilance we each have is for one another. Do you know how many pedestrians or cyclists run into trouble on the bridge and need immediate help? Or how many morons try to climb the towers? The Port Authority does, and that's why it pays a security company to post lookouts.
I swear, I'd throw Joey his own parade if I could. I'd stand there, wave an American flag, and clap the loudest and longest. I'd even urge others to join me.
Together, we could show Joe Lepore the love he deserves.
At the same time, maybe we could drown out the pot-shooters.
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inescha
said:
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... Are you serious!!!. As you can see no one is responding to this article.. Yes two guards was fired.. yes maybe the company could lose the contract...reminder: If the company loses their contract yes many people will lose their jobs.....Why do you say "Joey is a hero"? What ever it is that the media is trying to hype up about Joey is useless.. Will all guards, nation wide stop sleep on the job??? Will this stop day terrorist attacks?? At the end of the day…Joey will go on to finish writing his book, the guards hopefully will find other jobs, and the guards that are currently there will continue to sleep.. due to poor work conditions.. And one would believe that we can talk or read about something worth while on this internet site.. People are lashing out because… no matter how it is said… the situation could have been handle differently.. A lot of people is more sensitive to the guards because…It is very hard to find a job in this failed society…People are killing their families because they feel as though they can not make ends meet…We all make mistakes …we all say or do things to destroy our reputation at times.. Have you?? Like media Icon who lose their jobs for saying the wrong thing….Joey point was made heard it loud and clear.. all I have to say is,---Next. And when will the book be out??? I will make sure to stay out of that aisle….Now that would be petty just like this article.. God Bless You |
Lorraine
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... We are thinking along the same lines Jerry! I was just saying to my husband last night that someone should honor him in some way, at least with a plaque, certificate or something along those lines. Who knows what he may have prevented by exposing this problem? Someone made a negative comment about the photo of him with the American flag in the background ads insinuated that it was done up in order to get him publicity as a hero. I know that photo and I remember Joey putting that up on or around July 4th. Joey LOVES this country and served in the U.S. Navy. He also loves this area and takes beautiful photos of New York and New Jersey that have made others appreciate where we live. I know that I have benefited greatly from his photos and enthusiasm about this area. He opened my eyes to all the beauty and history around me and made me proud to be a native of this area. Before that I had a very different opinion of this area. I am very thankful to Joey for the new perspective he has given me! I think Joe Lepore should be thanked/honored in some way. I know that isn't up to me, but it is my opinion. |
Tre
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Mr. lepore is not a GWB Hero Wow! Lorraine sounds like a "groupie." Once more Lorraine, to show that Joe Lepore is patriotic writes, "Joe LOVES this country and served in the U.S. Navy." And my reply would be "so what!" What does that have to do with taking pictures of 2 sleeping guards. We all know that Joe Lepore gave life to this website. Because to be honest with you, I never heard of it in the first place. Now to the Lame editor of this website, Jerry DeMarco who sings the praises of Lepore actions. DeMarco writes, "Did you also know that an amazing team of Port Authority police negotiators, when alerted immediately, have saved countless others from a similar fate? " Yes but it is the security guards that often times alert PA of a crisis like that. As a commuter of the GWB, I have first hand accounts and often experience these bicyclists having know regard for pedestrian safety, while walking the same walkways. Many times these bicyclist force the pedestrians to another side of the bridge, with their high rate of speed. I have seen and often laughed when i see bicyclist crash into one another. After reading this article and others alike on this website, one would think it would get more than 2100 hits, being that there are over 1 million people in the metropolitan area. Mr.Demarco writes, "The first time it happened, he talked to Snoozer No. 1 and pedaled off. When he found the same guy in Dreamland again, he wrapped on the window, and they spoke once more." Yes, we know Snoozer No.1 should not have been sleeping, but Mr. Lepore spoke to him. Isn't it funny how Lepore spoke to Snoozer No.1 and not Snoozer No. 2 this past Monday to inform the guard of his actions? If Mr. Lepore is such a hero, how come he did not report Snoozer No.1 the first time he saw him snoozing off? Why would Mr. Lepore wait until the third time to say something? And, if Mr. Lopore had sense enough to talk to Snoozer No.1, why not talk to Snoozer No.2? Mr. Demarco states, "I know Joey anguished after that one, because we discussed it several times." Sounds funny how a website editor and a photographer could talk about whether to go public with an incident like this, where Mr. Lepore is a hypocrite to his own cause. Finally, Mr.Demarco writes, "apparently, several drivers can: Check out the footage on some of the media websites, the ones where they interview motorists who say they've seen GWB guards napping "plenty" of times. If they're telling the truth, why didn't THEY ever say something." Well that's simple because Mr.Lepore, like the motorist brushed it off and thought that it was common occurrence. Port Authority has a slogan, "If you see something, say something." Mr. Lopore had that opportunity to say something when he saw Snoozer No.1 sleeping the first time but did not say anything and kept on riding his bike. It sounds like to me that Mr. Lepore who is a part-time magician and business owner needs the publicity to promote a book on bicycle safety to be a New York times bestseller! |
Billy Cook
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Message to Joe Lepore Hi Joe, After reading one of these posts , I need to put my two cents in. I've known you for quite a long time and we're not close friends but we're friends none the less. We see eah other every once and a while. When we do happen to run into each other we usually talk about all the fun we had growing up and how some of our old friends are doing. Those were good times! We have a long term friendship, and we know each other pretty well. I happen know that recently you have been kind of down on yourself because you feel responsible for these two guys losing their jobs and that's quite understandable. I also know for sure you are sincere with these feelings and that it's not just a "feel good" exercise . I know that's not how you're wired. You did the right thing. What if one of any of our families were riding across that bridge and something happened? Would you be able to live with yourself then? My family thanks you for what you did. We all love you for it! Maybe the PA will put some real police there instead of farming the job out to a security agency to save money. You absolutely, unequivocally did the right thing. Don't be down on yourself. Get on your bike and do what you love to do! In closing, I would like to comment on Tre's post. I see your opinion as just that, an opinion. I don't agree with your reasoning. You don't know this man, or maybe you do and to bash him has some value to you. When I get up in the morning to go to work, it's not to take a nap. Regardless the fact that you seem to think there is some other reason for Joey to come forward with these photos, the fact is, these guys were sleeping on the job. If that's OK with you, get in touch with them and hire them, then they can take a nap on your dime. In the meantime, maybe we can now have someone at there station, doing and important job, with their eyes open. |
Susan
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... "A selfless act as a human being and a citizen?" A "Joey Lepore Day"? My goodness! Such hyperbole. Let me start by saying I agree that Mr. Lepore did the right thing by reporting what he saw, but to laud him as a hero is going overboard. What exactly was selfless about what he did? Did he risk his own life and safety running into a burning building? Did he jump in front of a car to stop it from hitting a child? Those are selfless acts. Taking photos of sleeping guards on the GWB and then giving them to a website is *not* a selfless act. It's an act, yes, but it's neither selfless or heroic. Lepore did what he thought was right, two guys got fired, and a lot of noise was made about the story. He is a good citizen, not a demigod like this site is making him out to be. I imagine he must be mortified by the way he is being hyped up here. Personally, I think Mr. DeMarco is using him to promote his own agenda, namely getting publicity for himself and this website. DeMarco needs to cut back on the hyperbole. I think the incessant crowing and gloating is what is causing the backlash against Joey Lepore. One last thing...The bottom line? The two men should not be have been sleeping on the job, however they are not, as this site claims, "on the front lines of terror." (More hyperbole.) Our troops in Iraq are on the front lines of terror. Do you you really think the US government doesn't have its own "eyes" on our bridges? It's highly unlikely the government would entrust our safety to two guards--not police officers, not FBI agents, or anti-terrorist experts, mind you, but two unarmed guards who, at best, received three weeks of training. |
Lorraine
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... @Tre- First off, I am NOT and NEVER have been a "groupie" for anyone! I happen to be a friend of Mr. Lepore and I stick up for and defend my friends and family. I happen to also choose my friends wisely. if I didn't believe he was a good and loving person, Joey would not be my friend. You say "so what" to my comment about Joe Lepore loving this country and having served in the U.S. Navy? What does this country mean to you? Are you not thankful to live in this country and for all the brave military men and women who have protected us and kept us free? One of the worst sins is that of ingratitude! Joe Lepore agonized over this situation because he has a big heart and does not want to get anyone in trouble. All he wanted to do is keep all of us safe Tre, and that includes you! He is actually trying to help those men who were fired, but you wouldn't know that because you don't know him and are too busy being everyone's judge and critic! You have NO idea who Joe Lepore really is, who Jerry DeMarco is or who I am. You come off as a very negative, nasty person. I hope I never become the bitter cynic that you are. I always want to be someone who is honest , loving and caring toward others. It would be a good idea to know who and what you are talking about before you start feverishly typing away. |
inescha
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... @ Bill Cook are you serious?????? Do you really think the world or the Bridge is safe because of what Joey did???? LMBO... If I felt he had good intention...I would say good for Joey but something in my soul say he did not...The first article seen stated he had a book on the way… He had to find an angel…And he did with the snoozing guards…Way to go…Dog eat dog Mr. Joey L. @ Susan I agree with you about Joey being honored get real…Next month…Joey who???? When things are done out of greed….you will fall…God will expose you for who u really are. |
Billy Cook
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... @inescha, LYBO all you want, something on the bridge will change because of this. National press attention is much more influential than your cynical ranting. Maybe you want to hire these guys if @tre doesn't. I honestly don't feel sorry for anyone that loses their job over this. Alot more people than the two guys on the bridge knew this was going on. What were their superiors doing? They just turned a blind eye to it. That's even more unforgiveable. Joe has a bigger heart than I do. I'd clean house if I were in charge. |
inescha
said:
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... Excuse me Billy Cook Cynical ranting: call me what you like...Okay.. let see what happens because of Joey the Plummer-Joey the snitch who cares.. Actually I can not say that I would not hire these guys...Just because they feel asleep does not make them bad people.. They may have had more than one jobs.. and over work them selves.. I do not know...I mean ex-president bush built the economy into what it is today... hahaha Did that make him a bad president.. Will you hire him to run it again??? |
Tre
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Lorrrain is so naive!!! Wow, Lorraine you are so naive! First and foremost, just like you said you are friends with Joe Lepore, I am friends with one of the security guards. And, overall, he is a good man who made a mistake. But does one mistake, takes away from the good character that this person is? No. The question I would like to ask is, how much did Joe Lepore recieved for the photos? Because we all know that no one gets something for nothing this valuable. Lorraine, if you are truly friends with Mr. Lepore, than he should have told you that when he spoke to one of the security guards on the bridge, that he promised the guard he would not turn the photos over to PA. Mr. DeMarco writes, "In the end, the decision on how to handle the sleeping guards belonged to the Port Authority and its sub-contractor, FJC." Hello Lorraine wake-up. What did Mr. Lepore think would happen if he turned those photos over to clffviewpiolet.com? That Port Authourity would not get ahold of this "valuable situation? That the 2 security guards would not be teminated? Come on Lorraine? That, Mr. Lepore would not recieve national attention appearing on Fox. If Mr. Lepore has such a "big" heart can he help the guards find decent paying jobs to support their family? Can Mr. Lepore stop the media from plastering their faces on t.v. and websites? No. What's done is done. those guards were humiliated, can Mr. Lepore erase the shame? Morally, we know that Mr. Lepore did the right thing. But just as Mr. Lepore spoke to Snoozer No. 1 and the guard said that it would not happen again, he could just as well spoke to Snoozer No.2 and the guard could have been made of aware of his wrong. But in the end, Mr. Lepore got what he wanted, "leverage." He probably got compensated for those pictures and national exposure to help promote his forthcoming book on bicycle safety. That's what a part-time magician and business owner would. |
Lorraine
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... @Tre- Call me what you will, but Joe Lepore is not heartless, neither is he perfect, just like you, me and those guards. I actually feel sorry for those men. It bothers me that their faces were shown all over the place. Their faces should have been blocked out. I'm glad their names were not released. Those men made mistakes, just as we all do. No one, as far as I know is condemning them, especially me and Mr. Lepore! Joe Lepore did say he wouldn't show those pictures when the guard promised that he wouldn't sleep on the job anymore. It is wrong to be sleeping on a security job! It is not raping, pilaging and plundering, but it was still wrong and not a one time mistake. That does not make those guards horrible people. I don't want their reputaions to be ruined. One's reputation is very important! I believe, and so does Mr. Lepore, that these men should not have been fired. I wish them and their families well. From what I saw in one of the pics, one of the men appears to be a church going man. I saw his canvas bag hanging up with a church name on it. I have seen their church vans on the road. I never said Mr. Lepore is perfect. I know he isn't, but I also know he did not want to harm anyone. He only wanted these men to rightfully do their jobs and keep the bridge and everyone on it safe. You can believe what you want. It was wrong of you to refer to me as a "groupie". You don't know me, my beliefs, standards or morals. Yes, I admit I am somewhat naive, and that often gets me a good slap in the face because I love and trust people. I would much rather be naive than cynical, hateful, bitter and unforgiving. And God forbid I be a false accuser of anyone! I really do feel for those men and their families. But please don't impute evil to people that you don't know and know nothing about. Men judge by the seeing of the eyes and the hearing of the ears, but God looks upon the heart. And there are not PERFECT hearts among mankind. We all have faults and make mistakes. But God is merciful. |
Lorraine
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... @Tre- If it were in my power to erase the shame and humiliation thos men and their families have suffered I would! If it were in my power to give them other jobs, I would also, and gladly! I know for a fact that Mr. Lepore wants them to get their jobs back and has tried to do something about it. |
Lorraine
said:
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... @Tre- Joe Lepore received nothing for the photos. He refused to sell them or promote his business or the book he is soon to have published. This was not about him or making money. It was a security issue. |
Joe Lepore
said:
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... Please pray for me. The pain I feel is crushing me. But please understand where I'm coming from: - The first time (8/5) I took the pictures I spoke with the guard, he assured me it wouldn't happen again. - I was torn about what to do with the pictures, so I did nothing. - Between 8/5 and 8/31, I saw guards sleeping TWO more times. - On 8/31, I saw yet ANOTHER gurad sleeping. - WHAT was I to do??? - What if I kept them to myself? What if something DID happen and then afterward I said I had pictures, what if one of your family members...or even you, were on the bridge, how would you feel about me then? - I NEVER promoted my business, book, or web site. - I NEVER sold the pics or made ONE Penny from this. - Hero??? I told my friends if they called me that, I would delete them from my friends list. Calling me that diminishes the value of true heros'. I'm sorry we had to meet like this but I do love you and if YOU were on the bridge and it blew up, I would mourn and pray for you. Just as I do for ALL the souls of the faithfull departed. I was on the corner of 39th st & 5th Ave when the first plane flew over and hit the north tower. I lost a cousin and a co-worker/friend that day, and I STILL have tears in my eyes today. |
Joe Lepore
said:
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... Sorry, I forgot to mention; I called the security company TWICE last Thursday and made a personal plea for them to reinstate the guys job back. I have not heard back. |
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