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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSuffolk County Minute Men Organized / FOR IW,ffiDIATE RELEASE Pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Supervisors adopted on March 13th calling upon the Sheriff to organize a protective group in the various towns in the County the following were named as the executive officer or division commander in the various townships: Robert Spence John J. Caffery John Farr Otto L. Anrig Harry Tracy Harry Steele Frank A. Tafe Nugent M. George W. Royden Klein Milton C. Sherman Babylon Huntington Southampton Southold Islip Eas thamp ton Brookhaven Hiverhead Smithtown Shelter Island co~~anders, one representing each The name of this organization to be At a meeting of the division town, the following was adopted: the Suffolk County Minute Men. PREAMBLE We, the Citizens of Suffolk County, in order to provide immedi- ate protection against hostile forces from within or without, and in order to assist in any way possible, the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and other Authorities, do hereby organize, recruit, equip and train a body of men, in each community of Suffolk County for the purpose of aforesaid, and to operate witpin the limits of Act. No. 7702719, as passed by the New York State Legislature, February 2, 1942, effective May 1, 1942, and as per constitutional authority vested in the Sher- iff of Suffolk County, as per authority contained in resolutions as passed and recorded by the Suffolk County Board of Supervisors, March 13th, 1942. It shall be composed of one commanding officer, one Division Commander from each Township in the County of Suffolk, and a Unit Commander for each community in which a Unit shall be organized or required. It is to be organized and operate on a semi-military basis with the Sheriff as the Commanding Officer. DIVISION C01llilliNDEH It shall be the duty of each Division Commander to appoint in each village, hamlet or separate community, a Unit Commander with the number to depend upon the size of the community and its particu- lar location, and such other staff officers as shall be required, and the organization and training of a group of men for the purpose as previously set forth; and the commanding of such units under the dir- ection of superior authorities. The Unit Commander shall be charged with the responsibility of recruiting, training, and operation of the unit under his command. Each Unit shall depend upon the size and locality of the terri- tory to be covered and protected. Each member is to furnish his own firearms, ammunition, outdoor clothing and transportation if possible. Each member shall attend all meetings of this body, lectures, field exercises and practice~ firing at ranges unless physically incapacitated or by reason of being engaged at his place of employment or for other reasons requir- ing his actual attendance elsewhere. Each member must be willing to devote time and hard work to his training. Members who fail to report regularly for training; who refuse to wholeheartedly throw themselves into the training schedule; who, intentionally or unintentionally, persist in conducting them- selves in such fashion as to create dissension or interfere with training, must be eliminated regardless of who they are. Each member shall obey all orders, instructions or regulations that may be issued from time to time by the Commanding Officer, , , - 2 - Division Commander or Unit Commander, and otherwise conduct himself in such a manner as is becoming a good soldier and a loyal citizen. The training shall be that outlined and prescribed by the Com- manding Officer from time to time. MOBILIZATION Mobilization pQints in each Township shall be designated by the Division Commander, subject to the approval of the Commanding Officer. Minute Men shall stand by for all blackouts, but mobilization shall only be made upon direct orders of the Commanding Officer through such Division Commanders as may be affected. Mobilization orders shall be through channels separate and apart from blackout or air raid signals in order to avoid confusion; thus blackouts could occur without mobilization, or mobilization could be affected in the absence of a blackout. No member of the Minute Men shall operate in any official capa- city until he has been dUly appointed and sworn in as a Special Deputy Sheriff of Suffolk County. No member shall be permitted to carry a revolver unless he has in his possession a legal permit signed by competent authority. Each unit or portion thereof, shall affiliate with the National Rifle Association, or otherwise provide a legality for the bearing of arms. These articles to become effective when approved by the Sheriff as Commanding Officer and the ten Division Commanders. Above articles may be amended by a matqrity vote of the Division Commanders, if approved by Governing Authorities. Any articles contained herein which may be later deemed to con- flict with Federal, State, Military or County Laws.hall be considered null and void and stricken from the By Laws contained herein. Any by law~ adopted by any subdivision shall conform in prin- ciple to the Articles embodied and shall not conflict therewith. The ten Division Commanders shall constitute a General Staff and shall meet at the call of the Commanding Officer and formulate such broad policies as are deomed expedient. GENERAL This organization will be composed of those who are willing to devote their time to the protection of home communities. No public moneys will be available or will be requested by this organization. It is thought that there are enough public spirited citizens who are anxious to contribute their time and ability to the formation of a group of volunteers organized for this worthy purpose. It will be impossible to immediately secure uniform fire arms for this group. It will, therefore, be necessary to appeal to the general public to loan to the County whatever available fire arms they may have as their contribution to a very worthy cause. Anyone who possesses fire arms of any description that are suitable for use would be making a great contribution to the welfare of Suffolk County if they would volunteer to loan the same for duration. Please con- tact the Supervisor of your Town or the Sheriff's Office where pro- per recognition will be given, Side arms, shot guns or rifles will be most acceptable. # - 3 - The Divisioh Commanders in eacn town are now working Qut the details of organization. Those who are interested in the formation of this group may appeal directly to their .Supervisor or, the Divi- . sion Commander in their Town. \ ," " ."of 'i,"',I,' The underlying thought back ofth1s organization'i~t~ have small units whie!! can be quicltly alerhil and. verYfle.~bleto move in on any incident assisting in everY1(i1ly the Civil ~ '1tfntary- Authori ties <lnd 'in c.l.ose cooperation 'frith the SuffJ(.+K. County War Couricil, to protect life, and proJ)erty be1'~e MHltary' moblliza t19.n would be, p.osslble. ' ' ',' ", ,~ :' ; , ., Signed.1Id >>~R1L Wilham C.' McCollom. Sheriff, Suffolk County Ihf