New York, New Jersey, Connecticut News

Friday, 30 December 2011

Fire Dept. releases recordings in Stamford tragedy

Web produced by Jennifer Matarese, Eyewitness NewsSTAMFORD, Conn. (WABC) -- The Stamford Fire Department has released dramatic recordings from the day a Connecticut home went up in flames, killing five people including three children.

For the firefighters, the stress must have been unbearable.

The searing heat, the choking smoke, and knowing children were trapped on the upper floors.

"We have victims trapped on the second floor, we're going to rescue mode with a ladder. We've got a report from one of the victims, there's people in that window," the Stamford Fire Department's radio transmission said.

The radio transmissions paint a picture of controlled chaos and desperation.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO PART ONE OF THE RADIO TRANSMISSIONS

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO PART TWO OF THE RADIO TRANSMISSIONS

The firefighters struggle to reach them, but are driven back, again and again.

"You have heavy fire right above your head-back out back out! All units on the interior, all units on the interior, back out. Back out! How you making out Tom? I got one over here," the radio transmissions said.

But it was all too late.

The deadly smoke had claimed the lives of all three little girls.

9-year-old Lily and 7-year-old twins, Gracie and Sarah.

A picture was taken by their father, just four days before the fire.

Family friend Abby Ballin released a statement on behalf of the childrens' father:

"Matthew was a truly one of a kind father, one that most don't come by frequently. He was kind, loving, on hand, extremely creative, and as the girls would say 'the funnest dad around!'

Matthew loved his darling daughters more than life itself and did anything and everything he could to make sure their life was filled with love, joy and adventure. The girls always knew when they were with their father that it would never be boring and a new and exciting adventure was always on its way.

He enjoyed and contributed to all their various activities such as drawing, painting, signing, acting and Lily's favorite the impersonations of accents!

Their home was always filled with music and colorful art could be seen everywhere.

These three special girls, Lily, Sarah & Gracie were a trio and could never be torn apart. Their spirits will live on forever and ever in the hearts of their family and loves ones. We couldn't have been blessed with three more truly unique girls, there are no words to express how marvelous they are.

You could not have found a pair of parents like Matthew and Madonna Badger that always put their children first and did everything in their power to give them the best lives conceivable. There will never be two people less deserving of this tragedy.

These were three of the happiest girls the world could find. Life will never be the same without them, but we all know that some where they are twirling and singing and painting the heavens...."

Also killed in the fire, were the children's grandparents.

Pauline and Lomer Johnson will be buried next week in Canada.

The cause of the fire was found to be ashes from the fireplace left unattended on a back porch.

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connecticut, stamford, fire, northern suburbs news, n.j. burkett
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Suspect arrested in Sunset Park sex assault

Web produced by Jennifer Matarese, Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK (WABC) -- A man authorities suspect of posing as a cop and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in the crime.

The incident happened in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, last week.

Steven Pappas was taken into custody Thursday morning, following a brief police pursuit through Sunset Park.

Pappas was charged with: Criminal Sex Act, Sex Abuse, Criminal Possession of Stolen property, Criminal Impersonation, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

"He looked at this individual, how close his picture was to the sketch. The sketch is a very good likeness. They saw that the individual rearrested was arrested essentially for the same act in 1999." said Commissioner Ray Kelly.

Detectives from the Special Victims Unit first spotted the suspect near Seventh Avenue and 53rd Street just after 8:15 a.m. Pappas was captured after the chase at 50th Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway.

Authorities took the suspect into custody in the general vicinity of the attack.

"He did have, in fact in his possession, a police badge, a police shield of an active duty police officer. That's under investigation," Kelly adds.

They were still searching for a white blue or gray minivan in the area of Fort Hamilton Parkway and 68th Street in Dyker Heights.

Police say Pappas is a career criminal whose checkered past is dotted with a burglary and sex crimes arrests.

In fact, he's on parole after a stint behind bars that began in '09.

A review of similar cases led detective to that case from February 4, 2009 case. In that case, the suspect approached the victim, a 12-year-old boy, on the 53 Street and 4 Avenue subway platform and displayed a gold shield.

The suspect identified himself as a Police Officer and escorted the victim into a blue sedan.

Once inside the sedan, the suspect drove to 97 Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway where he Sexually Assaulted the victim.

The suspect then drove the victim to 87 Street and 4 Avenue where he released him.

It has been determined that the suspect was also responsible for that incident. His charges are as follows: Criminal Sex Act, Sex Abuse, Criminal Impersonation, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Brooklyn State Senator Martin Golden says Pappas shouldn't have been on the streets in the first place, and at the very least, he believes the level 3 sex offender should have been monitored.

"Where were the parole officers who were supposed to be on top of him the day he left that prison," State Sen. Martin Golden said.

Golden says Pappas fell through the cracks of a corrections and parole system that has been shrinking under the weight of state budget cuts.

Taxpayer savings, he alleges, may be compromising public safety.

He says the suspect, a level 3 sex offender, was living within a thousand feet of a school and playground.

Police say his most recent victim had thrown an empty bag of chips on the subway platform at the 53 Street and 4th Avenue on December 23 when the suspect displayed what appeared to be a police shield and told the victim to come with him.

The suspect drove the victim to the intersection of 92 Street and Dahlgren Place, where he allegedly sexually assaulted the boy.

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Several rescued from fire in Bayonne

Adam Stephan, Eyewitness NewsBAYONNE, N.J. (WABC) -- First responders rescued several people from a fire at a four-story apartment building in Bayonne, New Jersey Thursday night.

The fire started on the third floor of 92 West 33rd Street at around 8:20 p.m.

When firefighters arrived, three people were on the fire escape.

Firefighters managed to rescue them with a tower ladder.

Three other people were rescued from the basement.

Nobody was seriously injured.

One officer was treated for smoke inhalation.

Police say the fire was caused by an electric heater that caught fire in a back closet.

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Thursday, 29 December 2011

Real Estate in New York City

Protest planned for interfaith breakfast

In this Monday April 20, 2009 file photo, Mayor Michael Bloomberg listens during a press conference in New York. (AP Photos/Bebeto Matthews)

Patrick Becker, Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK (WABC) -- Mayor Bloomberg's annual interfaith breakfast Friday is now threatened to be overshadowed by protests.

A group of Muslim clerics say they will boycott the breakfast because of the NYPD's controversial counter-terrorism surveillance programs in the city.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says the department's actions are within the law.

Friday's breakfast is still scheduled as planned at the Public Library in Midtown.

---
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'The Dapper Bandit' identified by FBI

John Antalek, Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK (WABC) -- The FBI released surveillance images of a bank robber they've dubbed "The Dapper Bandit" who is accused of hitting at least 10 banks.

Investigators are searching for Dana Connor, they say he's robbed several banks in New York City since September.

The suspect is called the Dapper Bandit because he wears a suit during his heists.

Authorities say Connor also has a "Moe Love" tattoo on his chest.

---
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Top breakout stars of 2011

2011: Top 11 Breakout Stars of Film, TV and Music - ABC News

Hot Topics: Rick Santorum?Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?Strait of Hormuz

HomeVideoBlogsNewsPoliticsInvestigativeHealthEntertainmentMoneyTechGood Morning America20/20This WeekNightlineWorld NewsMore Entertainment: Golden GlobesKate MiddletonJ. R. MartinezIn the SpotlightLindsay LohanLady GagaStar ScandalsCelebrity Photos Home> U.S.>USTop 11 Breakout Stars of 2011By KATIE MORISONDec. 15, 2011

Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty1. Ryan Gosling

Leading the charge among the breakout stars of the year was 31-year-old Ryan Gosling: leading man, musician, and major heartthrob. He looked buff in the buff in the comedy "Crazy Stupid Love," played a power-hungry press secretary in George Clooney's political thriller "Ides of March" and drove his Chevy to the levy in "Drive." Plus, he drives the ladies wild.

"Hot. Ryan Gosling is insanely hot!" said People Magazine's assistant managing editor Kate Coyne. "But he additionally has a red hot career."

Watch "The Year With Katie Couric" now and click here for more on "The Year" from People magazine.

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The Year: Breakout Stars PHOTO: Emma Stone attends the Museum of Modern Art's 4th Annual Film benefit

Eugene Gologursky/WireImage/Getty Images2. Emma Stone

Emma Stone emerged as a star in 2011 in "The Help," the film based on the sensational best-selling book that was the summer's sleeper hit. Stone, 23, starred as a white writer exposing the treatment of black maids in 1960's Mississippi.

"In 'The Help,' Emma Stone made the transition from that funny girl in the teen movies, like 'Easy A' and 'Superbad,' to a person you could actually take seriously in a real film," said Current TV host and writer Brett Erlich.

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The Year: Breakout StarsEmma Stone Feels 'The Help' Pressure PHOTO: Octavia Spencer attends the premiere of

Christopher Polk/WireImage/Getty Images3. Octavia Spencer

Emma Stone got some help in "The Help" from one of Hollywood's best kept secrets: Octavia Spencer, a breakout star at 41. Spencer's memorable performance as maid Minny Jackson is already generating awards show buzz.

"This was a huge year for Octavia Spencer, and really for the movie 'The Help,'" said Jen Garcia, People Magazine assistant editor."There is early Oscar talk for her, and I really think she has a chance to walk away with it."

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The Year: Breakout Stars'The Help,' Bestselling Book, Hits Big Screen PHOTO: Melissa McCarthy attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 3rd annual Governors Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center in this Nov. 12, 2011 file photo in Hollywood, Cali.

PHOTO: Melissa McCarthy attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 3rd annual Governors Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center in this Nov. 12, 2011 file photo in Hollywood, Cali.

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images4. Melissa McCarthy

Actress Melissa McCarthy was bold, brash and unabashed in this year's blockbuster comedy "Bridesmaids." The 41-year-old comedienne made a name for herself on the small screen this year as well, winning her first Emmy for outstanding lead actress on the sitcom "Mike and Molly."

"Triumphant!" said Coyne of the moment. "She literally was crowned the new queen of television. And finally, the nice girl finishes first."

"Here's the thing about Melissa McCarthy," said Peter Castro, deputy managing editor at People Magazine. "A lot of people compare her to Roseanne Barr. I think we should be comparing her to John Belushi. And I mean that in a good way. Because you know if you can belch, pass wind, have diarrhea in a sink, and be funny -- that's talent."

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The Year: Breakout Stars"Mike & Molly" Star on Her Emmy Win PHOTO: Kristen Wiig attends the 2011 American Museum of Natural History gala at the American Museum of Natural History in this Nov. 10, 2011 file photo in New York City.

PHOTO: Kristen Wiig attends the 2011 American Museum of Natural History gala at the American Museum of Natural History in this Nov. 10, 2011 file photo in New York City.

Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images5. Kristen Wiig

"Bridesmaids" was the brainchild of another breakout star -- 38-year-old Kristen Wiig -- who co-wrote the script about a sometimes rude and often crude, miserable maid of honor. Even before "Bridesmaids," Wiig was a standout on "Saturday Night Live," where for seven seasons she's poked fun at everyone from Nancy Pelosi to Kathie Lee Gifford. Next, she'll be getting in touch with her serious side, starring opposite Robert De Niro in a drama ironically called "The Comedian."

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The Year: Breakout StarsSeriously Funny: Kristen Wiig PHOTO: Zooey Deschanel attends the GQ

Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images6. Zooey Deschanel

From the "It Girl" to "The New Girl." On the quirky Fox comedy, Zooey Deschanel plays a woman who moves in with a trio of single guys she found on Craigslist. It's a modern take on "Three's Company," turned on its head.

"'The New Girl' is one of the most popular shows of the new primetime season," said Erlich. "So Zooey went from being the object of affection for a lot of nerdy guys in movies, to being the object of a lot of nerdy guys on television."

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The Year: Breakout StarsTop 11 Breakout Stars of 2011 PHOTO: Emily VanCamp arrives at the 16th Annual GQ

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images7. Emily VanCamp

"Revenge" might be a dish best served cold, but the star of this ABC drama is on this year's hot list. Emily VanCamp plays Emily Thorne, a vengeful vigilante out to seek retribution on the people who caused the destruction of her family and the death of her father. VanCamp, 25, previously starred on "Brothers and Sisters" and "Everwood."

"She popped up in this incredible show 'Revenge,' and it's been really a breakout hit of the year," said Garcia.

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The Year: Breakout Stars'Brothers and Sisters' Star Seeks 'Revenge' PHOTO: American Idol winner Scotty McCreery performs during the 2011

Janette Pellegrini/Getty Images8. Scotty McCreery

"American Idol" champ Scotty McCreery's debut album, "Clear As Day," has sold more than a half million copies and has been at the top of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart since its October release. In 2012, McCreery will head out on tour with Brad Paisley.

"You're going from reality TV star, and you have to cross that bridge to country music singer," McCreery told Robin Roberts earlier this year. "So I've gotta work hard and try to make that bridge and try to go across to being that country music singer and staying on the charts and staying around for awhile to make music."

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The Year: Breakout StarsScotty McCreery: 'I'm a Normal Dude' PHOTO: Nicki Minaj performs during the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Lexington Avenue Armory Nov. 9, 2011 in New York City.

PHOTO: Nicki Minaj performs during the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Lexington Avenue Armory Nov. 9, 2011 in New York City.

Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty9. Nicki Minaj

"Super Bass" hip hop artist Nicki Minaj's over the top get-ups were the most-Googled Halloween costumes this year, complete with YouTube tutorials on how to best resemble the 29-year-old rapper.

"If you put Katy Perry and 'Lil Kim into a blender, Nicki Minaj would come out of it," said Castro.

"She's the first artist to have seven singles in the hot 100, and the first female artist to have a number one song in the hot 100 rap list, since 2002," said Erlich.

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The Year: Breakout StarsHip-Hop Superwoman Nicki Minaj PHOTO: Rooney Mara poses during a photocall in Stockholm in this Nov. 21, 2011 file photo.

Claudio Bresciani/AFP/Getty Images10. Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara's breakout role is coming at the very end of 2011, but is sure to make the young actress a household name. Mara stars as Lisbeth Salandar in "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," the firm film based on Stieg Larsson's blockbuster "Millennium Trilogy" books.

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The Year: Breakout StarsTop 10 Holiday Season Movies PHOTO: Adele arrives for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2011 at Grosvenor House in this Sept. 6, 2011 file photo in London.

PHOTO: Adele arrives for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2011 at Grosvenor House in this Sept. 6, 2011 file photo in London.

Dave Hogan/Getty Images11. Adele

And British pop star Adele is rolling in dough thanks to her Grammy-nominated hit "Rolling in the Deeo" off the quadruple-platinum selling album "21."

"I think her record is one of those rare, rare records that hipsters and grandmothers both like and probably for the same reason," said Larry Hackett, People Magazine's managing editor. "I think the songs are incredibly well crafted, her voice is incredibly pure, and every single song is great."

But that pure voice might have been pushed too far during a grueling world tour, forcing the 23-year-old singer to undergo surgery last month for a vocal hemorrhage.

"It was terrible luck, because she was white hot, and then she got these throat problems, and had to cancel shows, and just when she was gaining this momentum, you know, this thing happened. But she's so young. We are going to see so much more of her," said Castro.

It's a safe bet we'll be seeing much more of all these fresh faces and breakout stars in 2012.

More on "The Year" from People magazine.

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The Year: Breakout StarsTop 11 Breakout Stars of 2011 More from ABC News Top 11 TV Moments of 2011 Year in Movies: Great Films of 2011Who Are 2011's Most Fascinating People?Top 11 Scandals of 2011The Year: Breakout StarsThe Year: Scandals and Meltdowns More Video » Comment & ContributeDo you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News. Watch Mornings on ABC VIDEO:The GOP Race to Iowa Intensifies.

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