Officer Frank Klimjack called out of service for the last time this afternoon, ending more than 20 years with Batavia PD and 28 and a half years total working in law enforcement in the state.
The Buffalo native served in the military before taking a job with the state parks police in New York City. From there he transferred to Long Island, then Western New York, and then decided Batavia was a good place in the middle of Western New York to settle in and call home.
"I've had a good long career and I'm leaving on a high note," Klimjack said. "I could have done a few more years but just the way things worked out, it’s a good time to go."
He's loved living and working in Batavia, he said.
"It’s a great place to work," Klimjack said. "It’s a great community. It’s got its up and downs just like any community but it’s a good solid community. A great place to raise kids."
Klimjack and his wife have bought a home in Tennessee and will relocate there soon and he told us with a smile, "I’ll be down in Tennessee spending my New York State pension and paying a lot less in taxes.”
Klimjack and his wife have
"Klimjack and his wife have bought a home in Tennessee and will relocate there soon and he told us with a smile, "I’ll be down in Tennessee spending my New York State pension and paying a lot less in taxes.”
Officer Klimjack's own "departing" words scream for the shelving of the unneeded jail. We are losing hundreds of people yearly to the same exact blueprint. Government is bloated and out of control. Can you electeds wrap your heads around reality? Hamstring the taxpayers who are left and you facilitate the exodus. Get the #u《 off our backs!
I'd like to see a poll of
I'd like to see a poll of those expecting to retire in the next 5-10 years as to whether or not they plan to move out of state.
"I’ll be down in Tennessee
"I’ll be down in Tennessee spending my New York State pension and paying a lot less in taxes.”
Seems like he didn't have any problems collecting a paycheck courtesy of other people's taxes.
For somebody who's been in public service his adult life, that was a pretty sh***y way to leave the folks who have provided for his retirement.
Do not take the above as a shot on all folks who have dedicated their lives protecting New Yorkers. I have a lot of respect for public servants, whether they be teachers, police officers, fire fighters, etc. My brother was a State Trooper for a quarter of a century. It's just against the way this one individual disrespected the people he's lived with his professional life.
Tim. "Seems like he didn't
Tim. "Seems like he didn't have any problems collecting a paycheck courtesy of other people's taxes"?
It's called WORK, Tim. He WORKED for 28 and a half years in law enforcement in the state. People who WORK for publicly-funded agencies, be it the police department, the DMV, or whatever, put their time in, hopefully do their job in an honorable manner, and, retire when they're able to.
As for "collecting a paycheck courtesy of other people's taxes", he ALSO had to contribute to the taxes that paid his salary.
Can you elaborate on what you meant by "the way this one individual disrespected the people he's lived with his professional life"?
I certainly hope it wasn't because he chose to let people know that they're moving out of NY. New York's fiscal policies/tax structures certainly don't do much to encourage people to stay. Do you have a problem with someone telling you WHY they're leaving? He doesn't owe any allegiance to NY, nor to the people he's served throughout his career.
I don't begrudge an
I don't begrudge an individual his pension after serving the public for many years. But don't rub dirt in the faces of those that retire and elect to stay in NYS despite it's many financial problems. I hope he has a fruitful and satisfying retirement in Butcher Hollow or where ever he decides to reestablish himself.
Daniel, your idea of taking
Daniel, your idea of taking poll is good, but I know so many who said they were going to move out, and are still here years after retiring. What I do see are many working age people moving out.
Mr. Klimjack spoke the truth.
Mr. Klimjack spoke the truth. My extended family moved south decades ago and many people are feeling the same way after a long and relentless winter. The fact that the Klimjack's will more than likely be paying HALF the property taxes for the same valued home is an enticement that created the blueprint they follow. A blueprint that is likely to snowball as the taxes rise. Government big and small needs to shink. Not keep taxes down CUT TAXES DOWN!!! Not stay within the cap! We need a mandatory CONTRACTION!!! According to the press releases regarding employment the local government is growing at an insane rate as we suffered a loss of 400 people in the county over just the last year. Can you politicos wrap your heads around reality? We are losing hundreds of people yearly! While you strangle the golden flock. You like to think your a catalyst for growth but the truth is your addicted to OUR money and spend it like a crack head who stole his mother's purse. Your not a life ring, your an anchor!
People shouldn't have to pay rent at all to the government for their home! And pay more if they fix it up. Addicted! Good luck to the Klimjacks. He's just the messenger. Those of us who stay and accept the status quo are the fools. Let's not accept it.
John, young people move away
John, young people move away from home as a right of passage. Many like to come back to their roots after a time. I did exactly that. I have regrets about leaving Alaska but in order to keep my family together I bit the bullet. I have a home that I love here now and I'm staying put. Many others don't have that type of mandate to come back and put up with the negatives that are the basis for this conversation.
Enjoy retirement!
Enjoy retirement!