“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.”

Samuel Adams

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Chief Bernabei WLPO Radio Interview RE: Concerts for a Cause

WLPO Interview with Peru Police Chief Re: Uproar Concert

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

Disgusting. I have always supported the Peru Police Chief until today.

Anonymous said...

Has anyone heard yet what that last concert produced for I believe it was Lostant grade school?

Anonymous said...

As a concerned citizen I demand that the driver of every care exiting the parking log be given a breath test.
I know one thing for certain - I will be not be venturing outside of my house until all of these people leave town. My doors will be locked until the criminal element attracted by this mean spirited music is exercised from town!

Anonymous said...

Listened to this interview. First off, stereotyping people/groups, yes I absolutely do and pertaining to this concert venue one would be careless not to. You have ten bands, basically Hard Rock performing most of the whole day. I don't believe the city should have been involved in any of these concerts. That being said, the concert promoter should have been responsible for drug sniffing dogs and the expense of that service. If there are no dogs there it makes me believe that the city can say concert went on without any problems. If a dog is there, wow, imagine the arrests and the low attendance. A friend told me that their parents were across the street by the airport with law chairs and were told they had to leave regarding a concert they wanted to listen to. Why would the police department take it upon themselves to say that to people who were doing nothing wrong? How different is this then pulling over on the side of the road to watch fireworks? Let's say approximately 10,000 people attend this concert, 3,000 vehicles, gotta be 500 dui's/dwi's., if a safety plan is intact. This is my opinion. This is another reason the city shouldn't be involved in this type if concert.

Anonymous said...

Great interview, very professional. Sounds like PPD is on top of things just like always. Sounds like 1258 wants to find fault no matter what. That is disgusting IMO.

Anonymous said...

Hey, next time anybody gets pulled over for drunk driving by one of Bernies officers, make sure you point out how many times you have been just fine driving home drunk. Tell him you had been WAY drunker lots of other times and nothin happened, so you were really just hoping for the best.
And remind them you have insurance, so anybody who gets hurt or killed will get lots of money. Show him or her your safety plan too. Its good to see his logic.

Anonymous said...

Great interview, very professional. sounds like PPD is on top of things just like always.
I had my lobotomy yesterday.

Anonymous said...

Back in the day I would attend the concerts at World Music amphitheater in Tinley Park,
Rock Concerts, what an event those concerts were. The stories I could tell. There were so many people smoking pot one could get a contact high and all the underage drinking. I have kids who did and still do attend concerts in Tinley. Here is what happened a few years ago. One of my children went to a concert at Tinley, whereas my child wasn't of drinking age. A friend of my child's was of drinking age and they went to get alcohol and gave it to my child(late teens)who did consume it. A security person at Tinley went up to my child, and took my child to an area and called me to explain the situation and that
my child needed to be picked up. In which I complied. Who knows what type of negative outcome could have happened. Do we have this type of safety plan?

Anonymous said...

Wonder why the concert promotor hasn't had a venue such as Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Dolly? Might there not be enough money in Liquor Sales for personal financial gain?

Anonymous said...

Right on 151. I just listened to interview a few times. Agreed very professional. I think peru officers are some of the best and can handle it. After all they have a great track record.

Anonymous said...

What is it with people who think because there is a concert they attend that they should give up their rights? You can't just give everyone a breathalyzer! That doesn't happen anywhere else! If you don't like the concert, DON'T GO! Seriously, this is ridiculous!

Anonymous said...

I don't pretend to know how safety plans should be done. My guess is the very people who seem to have all the answers on this topic and many others are likewise not public safety professionals. My dollar in the pocket says that they are part of the small group of people who are not strong enough to offer positive comments or maybe someone who has lost an election or two.

Anonymous said...

2:21, what happened last year while a concert was going on? Wasn't it last year? A burglary? Fatality of a k-9? Memory loss?

Anonymous said...

I have a good friend who's son is a Peru officer. I just spoke to him and he assured me they have a very good plan in place. He told me it was offensive for these anonymous people to try an play cop. He also said it is common knowledge who is behind all the negative police and fire posts. I told him to keep his head up that most of us really do appreciate all they do.

Anonymous said...

2:21 They have a great track record? You have to actually have a record to have a great one. They have handled few of these. They did not have written safety plans (going by past FOIA requests as well).That alone is indictment.

Do you know that the police are the LAST line of defense in the safety plan, not the first. When they are involved it is already AN EPIC FAIL of the screening and health services.

NO police departments prepare the ERP and safety plan for private business ANYWHERE in the country. They are not qualified and not reimbursed for what they do prepare.

POLICE and FIRE are only one component of the Safety and Evac Plan. We dont know what it is because , YOUR CITY WILL NOT RELEASE IT!

Anonymous said...

The PPD, PFD, and PVAS should not have anything to do with a private event. The Pizza Lady should arrange and pay for private sector professional.
This is not meant to be derogatory to the PPD, PFD, or PVAS. I'm simply trying to express that they should not be involved in the PRIVATE event.

Anonymous said...

Very well said 3:38.

Anonymous said...

338 does that go for all private events that are not sponsored by the city. Be careful now.

Anonymous said...

3:19 I am glad its common knowledge who is behind wanting a real safety plan to be shared. It is truly a horrible abomination to care about that, isnt it? And of course, because I am appalled at the lack of public release and the chiefs attitude, it must mean I do not support our fine officers.
If something bad happens, do you think I wont be pulling for them all, hoping for the best. Do you think I do not think those officers will not do everything in their power to help everyone? They have helped me and my family plenty, as well as friends and family. I respect the hell out of them.
I do NOT respect the failure to release or the attitude of the Chief. Every other aspect, I do respect.
The failure to respect transparency and logical dissent is your issue, not mine.
Keep your head up? Really? What has anyone said that says the police should be ashamed?

Anonymous said...

3:26 the city SHOULD NOT RELEASE it. Police departments do safety plans for huge private events like concerts all of the time. You don't think the Chicago Police Department has a plan for after sporting events or concerts? Of course they do! Will they show you? Of course they won't!

Chicago hosts Lolapalooza. They have a plan. You are not alllowed to see it. This entire discussion take ALL credibility away from this blog and fools like you who have NO IDEA what they are talking about.

Lois this is just crazy.

Anonymous said...

4:04, absolutely. If we need to fall back on government services to hold an event such as this, then the event is flawed. It is obvious that the promoter does not have the wherewithal to adequately staff and fund the event. At the same time she wants to take the spoils in the form of alcohol sales while hiding under the vale of a "charity."
I know somebody is going to bring up the fact that the Chicago PD are at Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, etc. That is slightly different in that they pay a huge some of money to the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois.
Peru Illinois is not Chicago Illinois and the Concerts for a Cause are not the Chicago Bears.

Anonymous said...

409 sounds like you want it both ways. Sorry it does not work that way. I hope our city would not release safety plans. No city does. If they did and information ended up in the wrongs hands it could be harmful to a lot of people. Do I think bad people would take the information and do something with it. No I actually don't. That is not the point. If police had to disclose all their safety plans can you imagine if someone did use the information and someone got hurt or worse. Maybee you want to take the chance but not me. Are you an ex cop or fireman by chance.

Anonymous said...

Regarding insurance for these concerts, I wonder if the promotor had these concerts as a rider on her regular business insurance? Wonder what the policy reads as far as all the coverage. Worst case senerio would be many people severely injured or fatalities occur. Enough coverage on promotors policy? Could a lawsuit happen to the the city because of the city's involvement? I worked for a city in another state where a person got an injury on city's property and tried to sue the city for 1.5 million dollars. I was subpoened for a deposition that lasted 7 1/2 hours. This was just one person filing a suit. This is reality and happens. Who in actuality would be paying if this were to happen? taxpayers?' Does the city have another policy for these concerts only? Hope all goes well this weekend,

Anonymous said...

The airport was built to be a airport and in no way a concert location. This was expressed by many before the 1st concert was held at the airport. General feeling also was that a government funded site should not be loaned out to a private business to compete with similar businesses who are 100% self supporting.
The Mayor being the CEO of the city should confine himself to managing the city as the Ch,PPD should manage the PPD.
Dalzell didn't accept the concert, Cedar Point Sportmans Club didn't want it back and the majority of citizens of Peru wish it was held elsewhere. Truthfully the small group of people the Chief is speaking of appears to be the Mayor, himself, City Clerk and a few aldermen.
Most people spoken to say that Mayor Baker founded a multi million dollar airport which the present Mayor turned into a low grade concert site which is attracting those Peru does not need or want thus creating a poor image of Peru. Elected city officials should concern themselves in directing the City of Peru towards positive progress. These concerts have not fulfilled this goal. A government which represents itself rather than the people it represents is short lived even though when in existence it seems such a long time.




































Anonymous said...

Who is paying for all this?

Anonymous said...

To Voice of the Concert, Didn't this country start with a vocal minority? Don't you like it that this country started with a vocal minority? If you don't it is a big world out there. Maybe you would enjoy exploring it as it appears that you have always been in the U.S.A. and have become spoiled. Go as many others have and upon returning you'll enjoy the silent minority!

Anonymous said...

6:02 - the taxpayers are paying for all of this.

Anonymous said...

HERE IS A QUESTION FOR THE MAYOR AND THE ALDERPERSONS. WHAT DO THESE CONCERTS REALLY DO FOR THE CITY OF PERU AND ITS TAXPAYERS?

Anonymous said...

7:34 - I will answer for them. They make us look ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

Anon 4:32 Scary, very scary and possible that if city was sued that it would have to raise property taxes to cover the suit! For what a $ a ticket and parking fees. One answer: DAM STUPID
The risk alone is not worth the gain. Oh well next election is not that many months away.

Anonymous said...

Why doesn't the Mayor and the promoter take their act along with the suicide girls to somewhere where they are wanted and I don't mean Peru, Illinois. The longer this goes on the more convincing it is that all were aware of the Suicide Girls Act and what it enTAILed.
Remember and watch these people belong under the magnifying glass. Need a rooster to tell who is the politicians, cops and robbers.
Will one of the volunteers from the school be hearing confession?

Peru Town Forum said...

I have been informed that the first concert for a cause to be held at the airport was in 2011, this was the third and fourth years of the first Mayor Harl term. Nothing prior to that during the many Mayor Baker terms of office. And in 2012, people began to take more interest and wonder about why they were allowed at the airport.

In 2013, the concerts began to undergo more scrutiny by the general public, more questions were asked and more foia's were done. This was the year that money producing farmland was taken totally out of production for parking. It was also the year that Mayor Harl said we could consider the 20,000 plus that the city had put into work so that the concert could take place. a donation. Off hand I don't remember the charity but the information should be in the blog archives for that time period.

Anonymous said...

The Chief of Peru Police Department made a comment that "a few people out there stereotype" are making too big a deal out of "Uproar". Few meaning not many, a small number. Do you agree with this or do you believe there are a lot of people out there with concern. I myself know that I will not go anywhere near Shooting Park Road or further north on the day of the concert. This is my normal shopping day in Peru - grocery, school and household shopping. Most likely will go out of town to shop Thank You Concert Day for us.

Anonymous said...

I think it is a VERY small number of very small minded people.

Anonymous said...

8:29, I don't think it makes a difference. It is just as dangerous with the crowd and with any crowd attending these concerts. A person is rational. Crowds are irrational. I make it a point to stay away from the north side for every one of these events.
I don't like the fact that we are inviting thousands of people to an all day kegger. I don't like the fact that we do this two or three times a year. We are asking for trouble. It is only a matter of time and I guarantee there is going to be a tragedy. The odds will eventually play out, some poor guy will get killed either at the event or driving home from it. That will be when they finally say enough is enough and put an end to the "Keg Parties for a Cause."

Anonymous said...

Anon 8:29, Oh Boy, you can't be that paranoid I hope. I guarantee it's a small group worrying about this versus a large group. This concert will have very little effect on the community as a whole. The fear factor about raising property taxes due to law suits is a farce. The city takes in all the possibilities, law suits, emergency situations, etc. As a doomsday group you try to stir the pot to the point you think the worlds coming to an end. Relax, 48 hrs from now it will all be over, and you can get back to your next fear that will arise. I hope the stores are locked up tight downtown, I see there is a Maud Powell concert taking place Sat. night!

Anonymous said...

I would have no problem with the city hosting these events if they where alcohol free.
But, the event would be a bust because the people don't necessarily come for the music. They come to get drunk and party. That is fine with 30 people in a tavern. But, put well over 1,000 in a field with inexperienced crowd control - you are asking for trouble. Why should we invite this type of trouble to the city? What benefit does it bring? For the amount of money that the school is going to get, why not just give them a check and avoid all the trouble?

All rhetorical questions aside. The truth is this is a giant ego trip for the Mayor, some members of the council, and the promoter. This is also a substantial money maker for the promoter. It is as simple as that. This is not a charity event, never has been. It is an ego trip.

Lois said...

9:55 AM

I do agree.

Anonymous said...

I've been following this town forum for some time now. This morning my wife and I were at the shell gas station I. 251. There was an old RV with a trailer . I saw several males(ages 20-30). I asked if they were one of the bands that were going to be performing at the ajrport. Their answer was yes. Mind you, I'm going to stereotype. I wouldn't let these band members step onto my property. I personally know from visually looking at some people as to them having a drug problem. To the city of Peru, you have stooped to an all time low.

Anonymous said...

Let me be blunt. The customers are willing to stand in a field (no chairs allowed) with thousands of other people. They will be drinking copious amounts of alcohol and listening to second tier musical performances. These customers, in my opinion, are not the sharpest tools in the shed. I agree - why are we inviting this to our city?
Why doesn't the promoter set up a nice temporary seating area, hire bands to match the demographics of our city (40 - 60 years old)? Maybe a nice symphony, or the Beach Boys or any number of other performers that play the county fair circuit? Why not limit alcohol sales to a specific area with beer and wine?

Anonymous said...

Nothing more than a vocal minority.

Anonymous said...

What is the cutoff as to how many people are allowed into this concert? I can pretty much say this age group of attendees will come in groves. Was talking to some people who are in there 20's and asked them about concerts like this. Two of the people I spoke with have been to concerts like this, they said it's not a safe environment, a lot of pot smoking will be going on and other illegal drugs. The mosh pit(?) will definitely occur. One person said that they think this will be the last of the concerts at the airport after all is said and done. Remind you these are residents of peru who are in their 20's. They have more sense then our city officials.

Unknown said...

Ms. Noonan previously hosted these concerts at her privately owned restaurant Lou's Lagrotto. I live approximately 4 blocks from the events and never once complained. This was no different than when Concerts for a Cause were held at the privately owned Cedar Point Sportsman's Club. A privately owned business should be allowed to make decisions which best suit their business needs.

Unfortunately, Ms. Noonan decision was to utilize a large publicly owned taxpayer funded facility. She invited the scrutiny from the "small vocal minority" when she made the business decision to change venues from private to public.

I reiterate from my perspective; it is NOT about the event it is the about the venue.

Ambassador of Cowbell Appreciation said...

This is what Peru should be doing:

http://www.napervilleparks.org/concertsinyourpark

Follow the link. I bet you we could get a Cowbell Band to perform!

Anonymous said...

Someone should attend this concert and videotape activities and have the video posted on here. This would prove people posts.

Anonymous said...

Kristy, the city has no business being involved! The airport should not be allowed to hold any venue such as this.

Unknown said...

11:01 perhaps you misunderstood my comment or not knowledged in my almost 3 year journey regarding my staunch opposition of concerts being unofficiially sponsored on the back of taxpayers.

As always I will gladly provide details or documents to support my opposition and suggest you follow whoisadamil16.blogspot.com

If you wish to discuss my views please feel to contact me via email. As always ALL citizen concerns and correspondence are kept in the strictest of confidence.

Thank you.

Kristy

Anonymous said...

Cities are involved with outdoor concerts all of the time. I love the comment about the person who saw an RV at the gas station. Real classy buddy. Take a look at them and you know they are druggies.

The more I read these comments the more I am in favor of the concerts. The comments are awful. Let some people have some fun.

And the Beach Boys? Lol

Anonymous said...

These posts are insane. Did people criticize Rahm Chicago Mayor for hosting the 3 day event LaLapoooza in a Chicago ParK? The event had heavy metal and acts that were less than tame? It was held on public property. These posts are about political agendas, people you have been baited by those looking for negative responses to fulfill their political aspirations. And those aspirations are not to benefit Peru residents.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of Peru subsidizing personal entertainment, when are they going to open up that new Police shooting range to the public? Didn't they talk about doing that in order to get the money to build it? I'm tired of paying for range time - the city should give us free access!

And movie tickets! When are they going to start passing out movie tickets? I'm also tired of paying for cable. The city should provide this or at least pay the majority of the cost.

Anonymous said...

I'm going to see the Beach Boys next week in Princeton! Can't wait!!

Anonymous said...

How is the city and citizen of Peru gain by having these concerts at the airport. I am speaking of those besides the promoter, mayor and other city officials.

Anonymous said...

12:13 - I criticize everything Comrade Mayor Emanuel and the Northern Alliance does.

Anonymous said...

People are also advised not to let their pets roam free this weekend either.

Unknown said...

12:13 a park is NOT an airport. Parks are for recreation and airports are for aviation. Hmm. Great chant.

Anonymous said...

Anon 12:36 PM Good questions! I pay taxes and think I should get a equal share of freebies as others are by misuse of my tax money. I don't want it all but would enjoy my piece. Finally I know what that business saying "Have you had a piece lately " means.
Code name for "Concert for as Cause"

Anonymous said...

Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!

Anonymous said...

50% Chance of rain tomorrow almost guarantees a mosh pit. Who will pay to have the field repaired, or will they just leave it?

Anonymous said...

this sounds fun:

"Moshing, also known as “slamdancing”, is a style of dance where participants push or slam into each other. It is usually associated with “aggressive” music genres, such as hardcore punk and numerous styles of heavy metal. It is primarily done to live music, although it can be done to recorded music.[1]

Variations of moshing exist, and can be done alone as well as in groups. Moshing usually happens in a "pit" (sometimes called a "mosh pit") and is intended to be energetic and full of body contact. Variations on the traditional mosh include "pogoing", "circle pits" and the more extreme "wall of death", and are typically done in an area in the center of the crowd, generally closer to the stage.[citation needed]

While moshing is seen as a form of positive feedback or expression of enjoyment,[1][2] it has also drawn criticism over dangerous excesses occurring in offshoots. Injuries have been reported in mosh pits, and a few deaths have occurred in a "Wall of Death", an offshoot that developed when slamdancing was adopted at metal shows from its origin at punk shows."

Anonymous said...

There seems to be some confusion about City sponsored events and private events. Also, there is some confusion about Police Security plans that are primarily tactical and strategic plans for and in case of crowd riots, shooters, etc. They are there when the main measures break down.
Police departments do NOT release confidential tactical plans. However, riot response has nothing to do with the OVERALL Emergency response plans and traffic control plans. they are readily available for citizen review for public events. Discussions about required security measures, medical facilities needed, emergency chains of command, weather protocols, Evacuation routes, emergency shelters are hardly sensitive information. It is not a military base, not D Day. It is a large gathering.

You could easily redact any sensitive information, and a vast majority of the plan would only show the degree of pre planning and what if thinking the organizers went through. Should anyone be injured, their attorneys would have no trouble requesting a copy of the plan and all safety meeting notes.

The whole issue shows how backward and defensive the thinking is. A person could be in FAVOR of these great events and request a copy of the Event Emergency response planning. They might only be concerned with seeing which engineering firm came up with evacuation routes and a maximum capacity. Or who was responsible for what specifically (usually after concert accidents it is a massive finger pointing exercise).

If it were fourth of July, all fingers point to the City. But this is a very murky and unnecessarily secretive argument. No one is asking to see the booze receipts , count the money, or see the promoters taxes. they just want to see and comment on the logic and thoroughness of the plan. Every event should have more of a review than a backslapping council meeting. There have been incidents. I think there have been improvements. Record and discuss them. Its SOP, not a vocal minority calling for impeachment.

Anonymous said...

It is a fact and psychologists have confirmed that listeners of so-called "Heavy Metal Music" suffer from rage, loneliness, and cynicism which at times manifests itself in violent behavior. When you combine this with alcohol and illicit drugs, bad things often happen - more so in when Herd or Mob mentality sets in. Herd mentality is dangerous and can turn normally rational persons violent.

Anonymous said...

If you look at youtube to see mosh pits or wall of death, you will be more than hoping that the police are ready for tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Is the city still standing?

Anonymous said...

!2:31 Nope. Still kneeling to a pizza house.

Anonymous said...

Anon 12:31 & 12:54, very intelligent, must make many people proud.