Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Officer Down Alert! Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Inspector Robert Pitcher
Inspector Robert Pitcher a 22 year veteran departed our ranks to join an eternal brotherhood of warriors in heaven, standing at the site of God; he and thousands of our brothers and sisters are watching over all of us who continue to do our part to keep our streets safer for future generations.
Motor Carrier Inspector Robert Pitcher
Indiana State Police
Indiana
End of Watch: Sunday, September 26, 2010
Biographical Info
Age: 64
Tour of Duty: 22 years
Badge Number: Not available
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Automobile accident
Date of Incident: Sunday, September 26, 2010
Incident Location: Indiana
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Motor Carrier Inspector Pitcher was en route to a special detail in the northwestern area of the state from his home in Pershing. He was on-duty driving an I.S.P. Ford F-250 pulling trailer carrying brake testing equipment.
While traveling westbound on Interstate-70 in Wayne County, he lost control of his vehicle. He struck the guardrail on the right side of the roadway and then traveled back across the westbound lanes, across the median, and into the eastbound lanes. His vehicle struck an eastbound semi car carrier. Both vehicles burst into flames and the fire spread to the new vehicles being transported on the carrier.
Motor Carrier Inspector Pitcher was killed instantly. The driver of the semi was airlifted in critical condition to an Indianapolis hospital.
Inspector Pitcher is survived by his daughter, son, and two grandchildren.
Agency Contact Information:
Captain Wayne Andrew
Phone: 1-866-849-1368
VISITATION:
Friday, October 1st
2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. (Eastern)
FUNERAL:
Saturday, October 2nd
1:00 P.M. (Eastern)
LOCATION:
Cambridge City Elementary School Gymnasium
801 E. Delaware Street
Cambridge City, Indiana
Indiana State Police
Indiana
End of Watch: Sunday, September 26, 2010
Biographical Info
Age: 64
Tour of Duty: 22 years
Badge Number: Not available
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Automobile accident
Date of Incident: Sunday, September 26, 2010
Incident Location: Indiana
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Motor Carrier Inspector Pitcher was en route to a special detail in the northwestern area of the state from his home in Pershing. He was on-duty driving an I.S.P. Ford F-250 pulling trailer carrying brake testing equipment.
While traveling westbound on Interstate-70 in Wayne County, he lost control of his vehicle. He struck the guardrail on the right side of the roadway and then traveled back across the westbound lanes, across the median, and into the eastbound lanes. His vehicle struck an eastbound semi car carrier. Both vehicles burst into flames and the fire spread to the new vehicles being transported on the carrier.
Motor Carrier Inspector Pitcher was killed instantly. The driver of the semi was airlifted in critical condition to an Indianapolis hospital.
Inspector Pitcher is survived by his daughter, son, and two grandchildren.
Agency Contact Information:
Indiana State Police
Captain Wayne Andrew
5252 Decatur Blvd. Suite J
Indianapolis, IN 46241
Phone: 1-866-849-1368
Memorial Schedule
VISITATION:
Friday, October 1st
2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. (Eastern)
FUNERAL:
Saturday, October 2nd
1:00 P.M. (Eastern)
LOCATION:
Cambridge City Elementary School Gymnasium
801 E. Delaware Street
Cambridge City, Indiana
Additional information: I have just spoken with Captain Edwards and we will be sending a plaque to honor Inspector Pitcher that will be placed in the office Inspector Pitcher worked out of. If anyone would like us to include a personal note please email that to brotherhoodofthebadge@yahoo.com as soon as possible. Thank you
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Fremont police officer shot in Oakland
A Fremont police officer was critically wounded in a shootout Friday with an alleged gang member in East Oakland, who then stole a car at gunpoint and fled, authorities say.
The officer, a six-year veteran of the force whose name has not been released, suffered gunshot wounds to the pelvis and groin during the exchange at 2:38 p.m. near the corner of Auseon and Bancroft avenues. He underwent surgery at Highland Hospital late Friday.
"We're all on pins and needles - he's hour to hour," Fremont Police Chief Craig Steckler said.
Dr. Javid Sadjadi said the officer had lost a significant amount of blood. He said the officer was in critical but stable condition and had suffered "rather extreme injuries - it's really touch and go."
Wave of violence
The shooting was the latest in a string of violent crimes in Oakland in the past few days. Six people were killed in a one-week span, including 13-year-old Jimon Clark, a recent middle school graduate who was shot to death Wednesday night on a street near his East Oakland home.
Jimon was killed on Bancroft Avenue near 61st Avenue, about a mile and a half northwest of where the officer was shot Friday.
Witnesses and police described a wild scene Friday after the officer and a colleague from Fremont tried to arrest Andrew Barrientos, 20, who was wanted for a string of crimes including attempted carjacking, resisting arrest and an alleged attack on the mother of his young child on Aug. 12.
'Gangster' tattoos
The officers spotted Barrientos, who police said has "Decoto Gangster" tattooed on his forearms, outside a residence on Auseon Avenue.
Barrientos fled through the neighborhood of 1920s-era bungalows, exchanging shots with the officers as he ran, until he got to a mini-market about a block away, at 86th and Bancroft avenues, police said.
The fugitive tried to carjack a man's Acura in the store's parking lot and shot at the driver when he sped away, shattering the car's glass, police said. The driver was cut by the glass but wasn't shot.
Then the gunman carjacked another motorist and drove off in a dark-green, four-door Mazda 626, with a California license plate of 4MJE548.
Police described Barrientos as Latino, 5-foot-7 and 240 pounds, with close-cropped hair. He has ties to Union City, San Leandro, San Jose and Oakland. In addition to the tattoos on his arms, the word "Decoto" is tattooed on the back of his neck.
Chief Steckler said both his officers had fired on the gunman but apparently did not hit him.
Market has video
The carjackings were captured on surveillance video taken at the mini-market, said Sayez Aldahmi, 18, whose family runs the Arrwa 1 Stop Market. The man whose Mazda was stolen had just walked out of the store.
"The guy was OK," Aldahmi said.
A nearby resident, Tarente Randler, 21, said he had been inside his home when he heard eight or nine shots, followed by the sound of sirens.
"The next thing, about 20 cops came," he said. "They picked the (wounded) cop up and put him in a car."
He said the officer had been in plainclothes.
Steckler said the officer is in his 30s and has young children. Friends and family were at the hospital, he said.
"This is unusual for my department," Steckler said. "I have never seen an officer shot in the 19 years I have been chief."
The officer was in East Oakland working as part of the southern Alameda County major crimes task force, which targets local gangs. Fremont police had alerted Oakland that they were going to be looking for Barrientos in the city but had said they did not need any assistance, Oakland officials said.
Chronicle staff writer Peter Fimrite contributed to this report. E-mail the writers at nasimov@sfchronicle.com, jberton@sfchronicle.com and jvanderbeken@sfchronicle.com.
This article appeared on page A - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Monday, August 23, 2010
Retired Pa. Officers Could Work Part Time
BY JOE SMYDO
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
When Lakewood, Colo., police Detective Alex Jameson decided to come out of retirement and rejoin the force on a part-time basis about two years ago, the arrangement suited everybody.
Detective Jameson got back into a game he missed. The department got eyes it otherwise would have done without. And the people of Lakewood got an old hand to take a new look at cold cases.
"There's no learning curve with him," department spokesman Steve Davis said. "He's familiar with the cases. He's familiar with the people. He's familiar with the geography of the city. There's no ramp-up time."
Pittsburgh police Cmdr. Catherine McNeilly says departments nationwide have rehired retirees on a part-time basis, and she'd like Pittsburgh to consider doing the same. At her suggestion, state Rep. Chelsa Wagner, D-Brookline, has introduced a bill to let retired officers across Pennsylvania return to work 800 hours annually without jeopardizing their pension benefits.
Currently, Ms. Wagner said, a full-time officer cannot retire and go back to work part-time for the same department. She said the law is silent on whether a retired officer may work in another department.
Ms. Wagner said her proposal would be a boon to financially strapped municipalities, which wouldn't have to provide health benefits to retirees. She said it's too bad Pittsburgh couldn't tap some of its own retirees in September when it hired hundreds of out-of-town officers on a temporary basis for the G-20 summit.
Cmdr. McNeilly has documented other departments' efforts to deploy retired officers because of budget cuts -- financial problems so severe in some cities that they've had to sell off police horses and helicopters, curtail minor investigations or disband special units. One city, Mesa, Ariz., has hired civilians to perform minor investigations because they're paid less than police officers.
Despite its own financial problems, Pittsburgh hasn't had to take such drastic steps. But Cmdr. McNeilly, who heads the Zone 3 station in Allentown and the department's planning and intelligence unit, said there's no reason to let retirees' talent go to waste.
Cmdr. McNeilly said some officers, after a few years of retirement, decide they aren't ready to give up work or need a part-time job to supplement their pensions. She said it makes sense to capitalize on the retirees' experience and expertise, while giving them an opportunity to make extra money.
"To me, it seems like a can't-lose proposition all the way around," she said.
Cmdr. McNeilly isn't suggesting that retired officers be put back on regular street duty.
Rather, she's suggesting they be assigned to monitor surveillance cameras, man the front desks at police stations, staff the property room, perform confidential clerical work, take reports over the telephone, transport mail from station to station, work missing-person cases, run background checks on police recruits, teach courses at the police academy, operate the citizens police academy, help with traffic control and serve as community liaisons. If retirees filled those roles, she said, more full-time officers could be freed for street duty.
Cmdr. McNeilly said retirees also could be deployed for special events, such as the Pittsburgh Marathon, First Night and major athletic events.
City Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, who chairs the public-safety committee, said she'd like to consider Ms. Wagner's proposal if it becomes law. She said she's always interested in bolstering the city's force of about 900.
Cmdr. McNeilly, estimating the average officer's age to be about 45, said a possible spate of retirements also might spark the city's interest in the idea.
City officials didn't respond to a request for information about possible retirements. But in its most recent annual report, the police department said the average length of service for a commander was 26.9 years; for a sergeant, 17.7 years; for a detective, 16.1 years; for a regular officer, 11 years.
In Lakewood, Detective Jameson didn't take the place of another full-time officer. If he hadn't returned to duty, the cold-case unit would have operated without additional help, Mr. Davis, the department spokesman, said.
Mr. Davis said Detective Jameson has indicated that he's interested in returning to retirement. The search is on, Mr. Davis said, for another retiree to replace him.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
When Lakewood, Colo., police Detective Alex Jameson decided to come out of retirement and rejoin the force on a part-time basis about two years ago, the arrangement suited everybody.
Detective Jameson got back into a game he missed. The department got eyes it otherwise would have done without. And the people of Lakewood got an old hand to take a new look at cold cases.
"There's no learning curve with him," department spokesman Steve Davis said. "He's familiar with the cases. He's familiar with the people. He's familiar with the geography of the city. There's no ramp-up time."
Pittsburgh police Cmdr. Catherine McNeilly says departments nationwide have rehired retirees on a part-time basis, and she'd like Pittsburgh to consider doing the same. At her suggestion, state Rep. Chelsa Wagner, D-Brookline, has introduced a bill to let retired officers across Pennsylvania return to work 800 hours annually without jeopardizing their pension benefits.
Currently, Ms. Wagner said, a full-time officer cannot retire and go back to work part-time for the same department. She said the law is silent on whether a retired officer may work in another department.
Ms. Wagner said her proposal would be a boon to financially strapped municipalities, which wouldn't have to provide health benefits to retirees. She said it's too bad Pittsburgh couldn't tap some of its own retirees in September when it hired hundreds of out-of-town officers on a temporary basis for the G-20 summit.
Cmdr. McNeilly has documented other departments' efforts to deploy retired officers because of budget cuts -- financial problems so severe in some cities that they've had to sell off police horses and helicopters, curtail minor investigations or disband special units. One city, Mesa, Ariz., has hired civilians to perform minor investigations because they're paid less than police officers.
Despite its own financial problems, Pittsburgh hasn't had to take such drastic steps. But Cmdr. McNeilly, who heads the Zone 3 station in Allentown and the department's planning and intelligence unit, said there's no reason to let retirees' talent go to waste.
Cmdr. McNeilly said some officers, after a few years of retirement, decide they aren't ready to give up work or need a part-time job to supplement their pensions. She said it makes sense to capitalize on the retirees' experience and expertise, while giving them an opportunity to make extra money.
"To me, it seems like a can't-lose proposition all the way around," she said.
Cmdr. McNeilly isn't suggesting that retired officers be put back on regular street duty.
Rather, she's suggesting they be assigned to monitor surveillance cameras, man the front desks at police stations, staff the property room, perform confidential clerical work, take reports over the telephone, transport mail from station to station, work missing-person cases, run background checks on police recruits, teach courses at the police academy, operate the citizens police academy, help with traffic control and serve as community liaisons. If retirees filled those roles, she said, more full-time officers could be freed for street duty.
Cmdr. McNeilly said retirees also could be deployed for special events, such as the Pittsburgh Marathon, First Night and major athletic events.
City Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, who chairs the public-safety committee, said she'd like to consider Ms. Wagner's proposal if it becomes law. She said she's always interested in bolstering the city's force of about 900.
Cmdr. McNeilly, estimating the average officer's age to be about 45, said a possible spate of retirements also might spark the city's interest in the idea.
City officials didn't respond to a request for information about possible retirements. But in its most recent annual report, the police department said the average length of service for a commander was 26.9 years; for a sergeant, 17.7 years; for a detective, 16.1 years; for a regular officer, 11 years.
In Lakewood, Detective Jameson didn't take the place of another full-time officer. If he hadn't returned to duty, the cold-case unit would have operated without additional help, Mr. Davis, the department spokesman, said.
Mr. Davis said Detective Jameson has indicated that he's interested in returning to retirement. The search is on, Mr. Davis said, for another retiree to replace him.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Police shoot, kill armed man outside Maine VA hospital Shooting followed reports of gunfire in the nearby woods
Police shoot, kill armed man outside Maine VA hospitalShooting followed reports of gunfire in the nearby woods
AUGUSTA, Maine — Officials say Maine law enforcement officers have shot and killed an armed military veteran within sight of the entrance of a VA hospital outside Augusta.
The Maine attorney general's office says the confrontation Thursday morning in Togus involved the victim, a member of the local police department and two game wardens.
The shooting followed reports of gunfire in the woods. Witness Paul Stevens says officers fired on a man armed with what looked like a rifle.
He says about eight shots were fired, and the man fell to the ground in the woods off Route 17.
| |
But officials say the victim was not a resident or member of the VA hospital staff.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Heart of Courageous
Four men, one calling: To serve and protect.
As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners are confident and focused. They willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood.
While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they're quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.
They know that God desires to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, but their children are beginning to drift further and further away from them. Will they be able to find a way to serve and protect those that are most dear to them?
When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children?
Courageous is the fourth release of Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking ministry of Sherwood Church in Albany, Georgia. Their first release since FIREPROOF, the No. 1 independent film of 2008, Courageous joins Facing the Giants and Flywheel in touching and impacting lives through heartfelt stories of faith and hope.
Moviegoers will again find themselves crying, laughing, and cheering—sometimes simultaneously—as they are inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children.
Protecting the streets is second nature to these law enforcement officers. Raising their children? That will take courage.
Courageous ... honor begins at home.
Click here to watch clips from the movie
Fatherhood is the heartbeat of Courageous, the new movie from the creators of FIREPROOF that is currently in production in Albany, Georgia. Join us from the set as Sherwood Pictures films its next life-affirming movie!
Courageous ... honor begins at home!
Coming to theaters 2011.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Officer Down Alert! Sergeant Doug Weddleton EOW: June 18, 2010
Massachusetts State Police
Massachusetts
End of Watch: Friday, June 18, 2010
Biographical Info
Age: 52
Tour of Duty: 28 years
Badge Number: Not available
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: Friday, June 18, 2010
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Sergeant Doug Weddleton was struck and killed by two drunk drivers while working a construction detail on I-95 in Attleboro.
Sergeant Weddleton had positioned his patrol car to block an exit ramp from I-95 to I-495 so a construction crew could perform roadwork. At approximately 1:25 am a drunk driver attempted to drive around his patrol car.
As he exited his vehicle to stop the car a second drunk driver crashed into the back of the first car, pushing it into Sergeant Weddleton, seriously injuring him. He was transported to Sturdy Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Both drunk drivers were arrested and charged with numerous charges. The drunk driver in the second vehicle was charged with negligent motor vehicle homicide.
Sergeant Weddleton had served with the Massachusetts State Police for 28 years. He is survived by his wife and four sons.
Agency Contact Information
Massachusetts State Police
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 820-2300
Please contact the Massachusetts State Police for funeral arrangements or for survivor benefit fund information.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Recieve TEXT Notifications: breaking news and information directly to your phone
Brotherhood of the Badge is now on AIM! Not only are we now on AIM so you can receive breaking news right to your AIM account but NOW you can receive breaking news and information directly to your phone as a text! JOIN NOW!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Police Officer Joshua Yazzie - EOW: June 7, 2010
Police Officer Joshua Yazzie
United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs - Division of Law Enforcement
U.S. Government
End of Watch: Monday, June 7, 2010
Biographical Info
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Incident DetailsCause of Death: Automobile accident
Date of Incident: Monday, June 7, 2010
Incident Location: Utah
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Police Officer Joshua Yazzie was killed in an automobile accident while responding to a call in Uintah County, Utah.
Officer Yazzie was driving near the Bottle Hollow Reservoir on the Ute Indian Reservation. He was responding to assist an ambulance crew that was treating an intoxicated person who was behaving violently. While enroute, Officer Yazzie lost control of his patrol car, causing it to roll off a 200-foot embankment. Officer Yazzie was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.
Officer Yazzie is survived by his wife and two children.
Agency Contact Information
United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs - Division of Law Enforcement
1849 C Street, NW
MS-4551-MIB
Washington, DC 20240
Phone: (202) 208-3710
Please contact the United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs - Division of Law Enforcement for funeral arrangements or for survivor benefit fund information.
Friday, June 4, 2010
U.S. Law Enforcement Deaths Up 42 Percent
BY MIKE SAKAL
The Tribune, Mesa, Ariz.
As another Memorial Day weekend begins to fade, the memories of police officers who died in the line of duty remain during a year that has turned into one of the most tragic years for law enforcement on record.
Nationally, law enforcement deaths are up 42 percent compared to last year, and of the 68 officer fatalities in 2009, 80 percent, or 27 deaths, were from gun fire, according to statistics released by the Mesa Police Association and National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
A mixture of crime scenarios have led to the officer deaths, said Stacey Dillon, a spokeswoman for the Mesa Police Association and the Arizona Highway Patrol Association.
"No one really knows why," Dillon said of the increase. "It's just across the board. People are just fighting back, and the bad guys just don't want to go to jail."
Since December, three Arizona law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty: Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer Chris Marano, Gilbert police Lt. Eric Shuhandler, and Phoenix police Officer Travis Murphy.
On Dec. 18, Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer Chris Marano, 28, was struck and killed by another DPS officer while he was laying down stop sticks on Loop 101 in north Phoenix during a high-speed chase.
Georgia Baker, 43, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Marano's death.
Although Baker did not kill Marano, a unique Arizona law allows prosecutors to charge a person with murder if they flee law enforcement and the pursuit of the suspect results in an officer's death.
On Jan. 28, Gilbert police Lt. Eric Shuhandler, 42, was killed during a traffic stop at the corner of Val Vista Drive and Baseline Road. Police say Christopher Redondo, 35, of Globe, shot and killed Shuhandler after the veteran officer pulled over the vehicle Redondo was a passenger in for having an obstructed license plate.
The driver of the car, Daiman Irizarry, 30, then led police on a 50-mile high-speed chase along the US 60 before stopping near Superior and exchanging gunfire with dozens of officers in pursuit.
Redondo was charged with first-degree murder, and Irizarry was charged with aggravated assault, felony flight and drive-by shooting-related offenses.
On Monday, as part of the Gilbert's Memorial Day festivities, a number of items that belonged to Shuhandler, such as his police uniform, a pair of skis and an Arizona Diamondbacks jersey, were dedicated as part of a permanent exhibit at the Gilbert Historical Museum, 10 S. Gilbert Road.
On May 26, Murphy was shot several times and killed by a convicted felon about 1:30 a.m. while responding to a hit-and-run on Fairmount Avenue.
Murphy, 29, who was married with two young children, will be laid to rest today. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. at Christ Church of the Valley, 7007 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria, with burial following at Phoenix Memorial Park, 200 W. Beardsley Road.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Murphy's honor to the 100 Club of Arizona, which benefits the families of fallen officers.
A memorial fund for Murphy's children has been set up in his name at Wells Fargo Bank.
A Tip-a-Cop fundraiser also will be held at the Famous Dave's barbecue restaurant at Mesa Riverview, 1011 N. Dobson Road, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to benefit Murphy's family.
For more information about the Officer Assistance Fund, go to www.mesapolice.org or call Stacey Dillon at (480) 225-4809 "Losing three officers in about six months is chilling," said Sgt. Fabian Cota, president of the Mesa Police Association. "These losses have reminded all officers how important their training is and how fast one could lose their life."
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Mexico Favors Scrapping Local Police Depts.
By DANICA COTO
Associated Press Writer
MEXICO CITY --
Mexico's president is urging approval of a plan to replace local police departments with state forces so the government can better fight unrelenting drug violence that has claimed nearly 23,000 lives.
Part of the goal is to root out corruption by replacing generally low-paid, poorly educated local police, who are seen as more susceptible to bribery and intimidation by the powerful cartels.
It also aims to streamline operations and improve communication between police, President Felipe Calderon told a public safety commission Thursday before it approved the plan at the end of a three-hour session.
"We want a safe Mexico in which there is no room for the fear, violence and impunity that we suffer today," Calderon said.
Pending a cost analysis, Calderon intends to present it to Congress when it resumes session in September.
Mexico's Public Safety secretary first floated the idea last year, but it received a lukewarm response because some officials worried that it would be hard to police many of Mexico's 2,439 municipalities if local departments were eliminated. Only 12 of Mexico's 31 states even have their own police forces.
Some of the officials who voiced those concerns have since stepped down or been voted out of office. It's still unclear how it will fare in Congress.
So far, the military and federal police have led the war against drug cartels launched shortly after Calderon took office in December 2006.
Yet some states have already moved to consolidate municipal forces into regional departments - such as Morelos, which has seen dozens of killings as gangs battle for control of a cartel once led by Arturo Beltran Leyva.
The government is also proposing to create a national crime database that would include information on kidnappings, stolen cars and prisoners. A separate database would contain photos of all police officers, their fingerprints and other identifying details.
A recent high-profile campaign to fight extortion and kidnapping by compiling a registry of cell phone users around the country ended up going awry, however, after the users' personal data turned up for sale on two websites.
Prosecutors are investigating, Interior Department spokesman Luis Estrada said Thursday.
The mayor of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico's deadliest city with 2,601 drug-related killings reported last year, backed Calderon's proposal and said municipal police are often easy prey in small, close-knit towns.
"The more (a police officer) knows, the more he becomes known," Jose Reyes Ferriz said. "All this makes him more vulnerable to criminals."
Nuevo Leon Mayor Rodrigo Medina urged the government to create more jobs and education opportunities if it wants to see a drop in crime.
"There is no public safety model that will resolve the situation we face right now," he said, a day after two federal police officers were killed and one wounded in the nearby town of Garcia.
Three alleged members of the Zetas cartel have been charged in the attack, said Luis Cardenas Palomino, regional security chief of the federal police.
Nuevo Leon state prosecutors said the officers had stopped a car for a search when gunmen in several SUVs pulled up and opened fire.
Hours later, police found the bodies of a local traffic officer and a trainee inside a car in the nearby town of Santiago.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Associated Press Writer
MEXICO CITY --
Mexico's president is urging approval of a plan to replace local police departments with state forces so the government can better fight unrelenting drug violence that has claimed nearly 23,000 lives.
Part of the goal is to root out corruption by replacing generally low-paid, poorly educated local police, who are seen as more susceptible to bribery and intimidation by the powerful cartels.
It also aims to streamline operations and improve communication between police, President Felipe Calderon told a public safety commission Thursday before it approved the plan at the end of a three-hour session.
"We want a safe Mexico in which there is no room for the fear, violence and impunity that we suffer today," Calderon said.
Pending a cost analysis, Calderon intends to present it to Congress when it resumes session in September.
Mexico's Public Safety secretary first floated the idea last year, but it received a lukewarm response because some officials worried that it would be hard to police many of Mexico's 2,439 municipalities if local departments were eliminated. Only 12 of Mexico's 31 states even have their own police forces.
Some of the officials who voiced those concerns have since stepped down or been voted out of office. It's still unclear how it will fare in Congress.
So far, the military and federal police have led the war against drug cartels launched shortly after Calderon took office in December 2006.
Yet some states have already moved to consolidate municipal forces into regional departments - such as Morelos, which has seen dozens of killings as gangs battle for control of a cartel once led by Arturo Beltran Leyva.
The government is also proposing to create a national crime database that would include information on kidnappings, stolen cars and prisoners. A separate database would contain photos of all police officers, their fingerprints and other identifying details.
A recent high-profile campaign to fight extortion and kidnapping by compiling a registry of cell phone users around the country ended up going awry, however, after the users' personal data turned up for sale on two websites.
Prosecutors are investigating, Interior Department spokesman Luis Estrada said Thursday.
The mayor of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico's deadliest city with 2,601 drug-related killings reported last year, backed Calderon's proposal and said municipal police are often easy prey in small, close-knit towns.
"The more (a police officer) knows, the more he becomes known," Jose Reyes Ferriz said. "All this makes him more vulnerable to criminals."
Nuevo Leon Mayor Rodrigo Medina urged the government to create more jobs and education opportunities if it wants to see a drop in crime.
"There is no public safety model that will resolve the situation we face right now," he said, a day after two federal police officers were killed and one wounded in the nearby town of Garcia.
Three alleged members of the Zetas cartel have been charged in the attack, said Luis Cardenas Palomino, regional security chief of the federal police.
Nuevo Leon state prosecutors said the officers had stopped a car for a search when gunmen in several SUVs pulled up and opened fire.
Hours later, police found the bodies of a local traffic officer and a trainee inside a car in the nearby town of Santiago.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Conn. Officer Killed Riding Bike to Work
BY DIRK PERREFORT
The News-Times, Danbury, Conn.
DANBURY, Conn. -- Flags in the city were flying at half-staff Friday morning and firefighters placed bunting on the entrance of the police station in honor of officer Donald Hassiak, who was killed Thursday while riding his bicycle to work.
"This is a sad day for his family, for the city and for the police department," said City Council president Joseph Cavo. "This is a horrible tragedy."
Police said Hassiak, 41, a 16-year veteran of the department, was struck and killed as a result of a hit and run accident at around 10:30 p.m. on Route 7 near the Brookfield town line.
According to a press release issued early Friday morning, Hassiak, who lived in New Milford, was hit by a vehicle traveling southbound along the roadway. The officer was transported to Danbury Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Hassiak is survived by a wife and three sons, according to the release.
Authorities say they've recovered the vehicle believed to have hit Hassiak and identified the suspected driver, but officers are still looking for the person.
Mayor Mark Boughton said many people are still in shock Friday over the officer's death.
"The entire city of Danbury shares in the grief with his family and we will stand ready to assist them in any way possible," Boughton said. "Hassiak was an outstanding family man and a terrific officer. This is a tremendous loss for the department."
New Milford Police Chief Colin McCormack released a statement calling the accident a "terrible and needless tragedy."
"I cannot comprehend the anguish that such an event has caused officer Hassiak's family, friends and fellow law enforcement personnel, particularly for the Danbury Police Department where officer Hassiak was held in such high regard," McCormack said. "The New Milford Police Department is committed to solving this offense and bringing the responsible party to justice."
Rich Groski, a member of the Brookfield Lions Club with the officer's father, "Donnie," said Hassiak's father was always very proud of his son and talked about him all the time.
"He always talked about how athletic his son was and how he would ride his bike to work," Groski said. "He would ride his bike all the time."
He added that Lions Club members will do what they can to support the family through this crisis.
Officials with the Danbury Police Department have scheduled a press conference that will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Main Street headquarters in the community room.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
The News-Times, Danbury, Conn.
DANBURY, Conn. -- Flags in the city were flying at half-staff Friday morning and firefighters placed bunting on the entrance of the police station in honor of officer Donald Hassiak, who was killed Thursday while riding his bicycle to work.
"This is a sad day for his family, for the city and for the police department," said City Council president Joseph Cavo. "This is a horrible tragedy."
Police said Hassiak, 41, a 16-year veteran of the department, was struck and killed as a result of a hit and run accident at around 10:30 p.m. on Route 7 near the Brookfield town line.
According to a press release issued early Friday morning, Hassiak, who lived in New Milford, was hit by a vehicle traveling southbound along the roadway. The officer was transported to Danbury Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Hassiak is survived by a wife and three sons, according to the release.
Authorities say they've recovered the vehicle believed to have hit Hassiak and identified the suspected driver, but officers are still looking for the person.
Mayor Mark Boughton said many people are still in shock Friday over the officer's death.
"The entire city of Danbury shares in the grief with his family and we will stand ready to assist them in any way possible," Boughton said. "Hassiak was an outstanding family man and a terrific officer. This is a tremendous loss for the department."
New Milford Police Chief Colin McCormack released a statement calling the accident a "terrible and needless tragedy."
"I cannot comprehend the anguish that such an event has caused officer Hassiak's family, friends and fellow law enforcement personnel, particularly for the Danbury Police Department where officer Hassiak was held in such high regard," McCormack said. "The New Milford Police Department is committed to solving this offense and bringing the responsible party to justice."
Rich Groski, a member of the Brookfield Lions Club with the officer's father, "Donnie," said Hassiak's father was always very proud of his son and talked about him all the time.
"He always talked about how athletic his son was and how he would ride his bike to work," Groski said. "He would ride his bike all the time."
He added that Lions Club members will do what they can to support the family through this crisis.
Officials with the Danbury Police Department have scheduled a press conference that will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Main Street headquarters in the community room.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Wounded Oregon Officer Recalls Shootout
A Portland police officer shot in the line of duty recapped a terrifying day on the job Thursday and said he remains saddened by the death of the man who shot him.
Officer Chris Burley was one of several officers who responded May 12 to a traffic stop in northeast Portland involving 25-year-old Keaton Otis.
Otis refused to cooperate during the traffic stop and shot Burley once in each thigh, police said. Burley's fellow officers returned fire and killed Otis at the scene.
Burley said he clearly remembers Otis' demeanor on that day.
"The look that he gave me showed me he was very, very upset," Burley said.
Burley said he tried to pull Otis out of his car. He thought Otis could have been under the influence of drugs, but he said he didn't think he was armed until another officer yelled that Otis was reaching for something.
The 31-year-old officer then heard two gunshots.
"Automatically felt the burning in my legs and I thought, this is what it feels like to be shot," Burley said. "And as I fell to the ground, I thought, 'Do I have the use of my legs?'"
Burley said he tried to push himself away from the scene and out of the line of fire. Sgt. Don Livingston, who was near the back of Otis' car and saw Burley go down, said events appeared to be happening in slow motion.
"Realistically when I look back, I probably only ran 30 feet to get to him, but it seemed like a football field and it took me forever to get to him," Livingston said. "I couldn't get there fast enough."
Livingston and Officer Ryan Foote pulled Burley to safety and put him in the back of a patrol car. Foote sat in the driver's seat and drove directly to Legacy Emanuel Hospital. He knew every second counted.
"I remember driving into oncoming traffic and thinking, 'You've got to do this safely,' but, still, Chris is in my mind the whole time," Foote said.
The bullets hit muscle tissue, but did not hit any major arteries. Burley said he is sore and waddled slightly when he walks. Bu three weeks after the shooting, Burley was not only back on his feet, but also back at work at the police bureau where he is on administrative duty.
"I think the first time I get out of the car, I'm going to be nervous," Burley said.
He said returning to the city's streets won't be easy, but he wants to continue his police work and help the mentally ill get more resources. Otis' parents said he had a mood disorder.
"It saddens me that Otis died and it's sad that he made the decision he did," Burley said.
Copyright 2010 by KPTV.com. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Oregon Officer Shot by Suicidal Patient
A Hillsboro police officer was shot in the shoulder after police were called to a report of a suicidal person Thursday evening.
Lt. Mike Rouches, a spokesman for the Hillsboro Police Department, said a therapist called police and said a patient was suicidal and despondent at a duplex near 661 North First Street.
When officers showed up at the duplex, they immediately knew there was a threat involved, Rouches said. The person opened fire and a bullet struck the officer in the shoulder, police said, and other officers returned fire and shot the man in the leg.
The injured officer was rushed to Legacy Emanuel Hospital to be treated. His or her condition is unknown.
The condition of the person who shot the officer is also unknown. Its not clear which hospital the shooter was taken to by paramedics.
Police remain at the scene on First Street.
Copyright 2010 by KPTV.com. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Fallen Phoenix Police Officer Remembered
June 4, 2010by botbglobal
.PHOENIX –
Hundreds of mourners packed a Peoria church Wednesday to pay their respects to slain Phoenix police Officer Travis Murphy.
Fellows officers described 29-year-old Murphy as the definition of a hero during the funeral service at the Christ Church of the Valley.
“Today we say goodbye to Officer Travis Murphy,” said Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris. “But this is not the last day we will remember his service and his sacrifice.”
Murphy was fatally shot May 26 during an early-morning confrontation with a suspect. Police arrested 30-year-old Danny Ledezma Martinez of Tucson on charges of first-degree murder and weapons violations in connection to the case.
Harris said Murphy loved being a police officer and he showed the same level of dedication to his job as he did to his family.
Murphy’s sergeant described him as a leader, a man with no fear and great compassion. “Travis is an incredible man with a heart of gold, sense of purpose, and sense of humor,” said Sgt. Jacque Wagaman.
Murphy was a four-year veteran of the police force. He was married with two young children, a 2-year-old daughter and a 1-month-old son.
Murphy’s lifelong friend Luke Underwood shared stories about their childhood antics and Murphy’s competitive nature. “I’m thankful for the 18 years I had with you, Travis,” said Underwood, who met Murphy when they were both in sixth grade. “I pray that everyone could have a friend as fun and charismatic as you.”
Murphy’s mother referred to her son as her hero. “It breaks my heart that I will never hear his voice again, or reach up to give him a hug, or eat one of his amazing home-cooked meals, or compete in our Christmas cookie bake-off,” said Mary Rhodes, as her voice cracked.
“So I say goodbye for now, son. Because I know our goodbye is not the end. Because, Travis, I will see your face again,” said Rhodes.
Danielle Murphy, Travis’ wife, thanked his mother for raising such an amazing man. And through tears said that her husband was her best friend.
“I’m everything I am today because of him. And those babies are going to be a constant reminder of the love that we made and that we shared,” said Danielle Murphy.
A photo presentation showed Murphy as a child, with his mom, growing up and during various achievements in his life. As music played, mourners viewed pictures of Murphy at play, at work and with his two young kids.
Tacked onto the end of the photo presentation was a short video showing Murphy’s 2-year-old daughter, Kaylie, talking into the camera. “I love you, Daddy. I miss you,” she said. She then blew the camera a kiss.
Copyright 2010 by KPHO.com. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Sunday, May 30, 2010
Memorial Day
As we all relax and enjoy our families this memorial weekend please remember that right now there is an Airman, a Soldier, a Marine, a Seaman, a Guardian and a Police Officer guarding and protecting the front line. Some thousands of miles away from their loved ones across the big blue sea fighting to protect the very freedom we enjoy.
There are Grandpas, Dads, Sons, Brothers, Uncles, Grandmas, Moms, Daughters, Sisters, Aunts, Cousins, Friends, Neighbors that have traded their life to ensure our Freedom.
Take a moment this Memorial Day to stop and just say ''Thank You'' to a Veteran and a Police Officer.
Thank you all for your service.
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
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''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
Brotherhood of the Badges' sole purpose is to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and to assist the families and Dept's left behind any way we can.
Collectively BOTB has over 5000 members in over 50 countries around the world. Here you have the unique opportunity to meet, train and share stories with fellow officers and supporters across the world.
Please visit the groups page and sign up for as many groups as you like. Remember the more active our members are the better the groups are.
If collecting is your thing check out Sgt. Joe Borda's many wonderful groups dedicated to law enforcement memorabilia collecting.
Officer Down is the most important group on our site. We feel that one of the ways we can make sure that the memory of our fallen officers lives on is by not only visiting the officers’ memorial initially but go back from time to time and post something. Doesn't have to be long winded just a word shows we have not forgot.
If you would like to receive our bi-weekly newsletter, updates, etc... please be sure to send us an email. (brotherhoodofthebadge@yahoo.com) Please also be sure to add us to your safe sender list to avoid emails being sent to your spam folder.
Also check out the great new resources for up to date info offered by BOTB.
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God Bless and Stay Safe.
Fraternally,
Paul Bodenhamer - Founder BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.''
~John 15:13~
Thursday, May 27, 2010
DEATH OF A HERO: PREPARING YOUR AGENCY FOR THE UNTHINKABLE
Classes are now scheduled in Indiana and additional classes set for Kentucky!
Geared toward chiefs and chief officers, this training covers information leaders need to know before tragedy strikes.
It is not a funeral planning class and not an Honor Guard class. It is a class for public safety leaders to prepare themselves and their agencies for what we all hope never happens -- as well as to assist neighboring agencies should tragedy strike there.
INDIANA: Anderson ♦ Fort Wayne ♦ Indianapolis ♦ Lafayette ♦
Mitchell ♦ Terre Haute
KENTUCKY: Flatwoods ♦ Louisville ♦ Richmond ♦
Shepherdsville
A complete schedule is available at:
www.SupportingHeroes.org
Click on CLASSES
Topics covered:
Policy Development and Advance Planning
Family Support Considerations: Immediate and Long-Term
LODD Effects on Co-Workers and Their Families
Chiefs: Emotional Readiness
Ego, Politics, and Special Interests in Funeral Planning
Levels of Honor: LODD, Active, Retiree, etc.
Honor Guards: Important Considerations
Protocol: What it is -- What it is Not
Maintaining Perspective and Values
Death Notification Procedures
Support Mechanisms
Special Honors, Tributes, and Memorials
Media Considerations Following Line of Duty Death
The REAL Story: "How He Died" vs. "How He Lived"
Dealing with Special Circumstances:"Friendly Fire," Suicide, and More
Public Safety Officers' Benefits
Classes in Indiana are presented in conjunction with Indiana Firefighters Association and will include additional topics pertaining to chaplains, their role and importance.
Go to www.SupportingHeroes.org to register.
NOTE: Registration is open to all public safety personnel and chaplains. However, all seats will be held for chiefs and chief officers until 28 days prior to date of class. Other registration requests will be held until that time and then approved in the order received.
Questions? Write us at: Classes@SupportingHeroes.org or call (502) 585-2282.
"It was excellent! I have been through two LODDs in my department and with many other departments in their time of need. I would recommend this class to anyone who really cares about their people and has a desire to take care of their families." -- Lieutenant Stewart Dawson - Chaplain, Lexington (KY) Fire and Rescue
"As a mid-level manager, I had never received any specific training for line of duty deaths. The training and commentary was very beneficial. The tragic real world experiences shared serve to ensure we are better prepared to properly honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the most appropriate and hearfelt ways." -- Captain Brian Krueger, Paducah (KY) Police Department
"Every chief owes it to their personnel to attend this class." -- Battalion Chief Ernie Barnes, Clark County (KY) Fire Department
"It was an excellent class... opened my eyes to what it means to be prepared for the unthinkable... I hope I never have to put your training into action, but I know if I follow your recommendations..." -- Sergeant Marc Schworer, Fort Wright (KY) Police Department
"(It was) an AWESOME presentation and I highly recommend it... You provided great insights that will help us better prepare in the unforseen event of the death of an officer... I commend your team for their compassion and humility. I was blessed by your intense focus." -- Sergeant Scott Paul, Independence (KY) Police Department
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
Geared toward chiefs and chief officers, this training covers information leaders need to know before tragedy strikes.
It is not a funeral planning class and not an Honor Guard class. It is a class for public safety leaders to prepare themselves and their agencies for what we all hope never happens -- as well as to assist neighboring agencies should tragedy strike there.
INDIANA: Anderson ♦ Fort Wayne ♦ Indianapolis ♦ Lafayette ♦
Mitchell ♦ Terre Haute
KENTUCKY: Flatwoods ♦ Louisville ♦ Richmond ♦
Shepherdsville
A complete schedule is available at:
www.SupportingHeroes.org
Click on CLASSES
Topics covered:
Policy Development and Advance Planning
Family Support Considerations: Immediate and Long-Term
LODD Effects on Co-Workers and Their Families
Chiefs: Emotional Readiness
Ego, Politics, and Special Interests in Funeral Planning
Levels of Honor: LODD, Active, Retiree, etc.
Honor Guards: Important Considerations
Protocol: What it is -- What it is Not
Maintaining Perspective and Values
Death Notification Procedures
Support Mechanisms
Special Honors, Tributes, and Memorials
Media Considerations Following Line of Duty Death
The REAL Story: "How He Died" vs. "How He Lived"
Dealing with Special Circumstances:"Friendly Fire," Suicide, and More
Public Safety Officers' Benefits
Classes in Indiana are presented in conjunction with Indiana Firefighters Association and will include additional topics pertaining to chaplains, their role and importance.
Go to www.SupportingHeroes.org to register.
NOTE: Registration is open to all public safety personnel and chaplains. However, all seats will be held for chiefs and chief officers until 28 days prior to date of class. Other registration requests will be held until that time and then approved in the order received.
Questions? Write us at: Classes@SupportingHeroes.org or call (502) 585-2282.
"It was excellent! I have been through two LODDs in my department and with many other departments in their time of need. I would recommend this class to anyone who really cares about their people and has a desire to take care of their families." -- Lieutenant Stewart Dawson - Chaplain, Lexington (KY) Fire and Rescue
"As a mid-level manager, I had never received any specific training for line of duty deaths. The training and commentary was very beneficial. The tragic real world experiences shared serve to ensure we are better prepared to properly honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the most appropriate and hearfelt ways." -- Captain Brian Krueger, Paducah (KY) Police Department
"Every chief owes it to their personnel to attend this class." -- Battalion Chief Ernie Barnes, Clark County (KY) Fire Department
"It was an excellent class... opened my eyes to what it means to be prepared for the unthinkable... I hope I never have to put your training into action, but I know if I follow your recommendations..." -- Sergeant Marc Schworer, Fort Wright (KY) Police Department
"(It was) an AWESOME presentation and I highly recommend it... You provided great insights that will help us better prepare in the unforseen event of the death of an officer... I commend your team for their compassion and humility. I was blessed by your intense focus." -- Sergeant Scott Paul, Independence (KY) Police Department
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
Responding Boston Motorcycle Officer Crashes
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Story by thebostonchannel.com
BOSTON --
Two Boston motorcycle police officers were injured in separate crashes in Roxbury Wednesday morning.
Police said an off-duty officer was riding his personal motorcycle when he went down on Warren Street.
A second police officer responding to the accident also crashed his bike.
The officers' names and extent of their injuries were not released.
Copyright 2010 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
SUV Crashes into Three S.C. Cruisers
Thursday, May 27, 2010
BY BO PERTERSON
The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. -- The late-night police stop was eerie enough. Then it became blood-curdling.
Two patrol cars, with blue and amber lights flashing, stood right in the middle of U.S. Highway 17 at 2 a.m., and a third patrol car was lit up in the median. The officers prepared to do a field sobriety test on driver who had been stopped.
"I heard a slight 'chirp' of brakes locking up followed by a large impact," Mount Pleasant officer Jason Brandon wrote in a police report.
He looked up to see his patrol car skid into the cruiser in front of it, while an Isuzu Rodeo that had struck it veered into a Sullivan's Island squad car in the median.
The Isuzu, with two men inside, had smacked into two town squad cars in the road and caromed into the Sullivan's Island car.
A suspected driving-under-the-influence stop last Saturday by two Mount Pleasant officers at the request of a Sullivan's Island officer turned into the thing the officers were trying to avert - a wreck involving a driver who might be impaired.
Sullivan's Island Lt. Chris Griffin clambered out of his car, apparently OK.
Mount Pleasant officer Joseph Zeitner was up ahead off the road with the driver who been pulled over. Brandon went to check on the men in the Isuzu.
"While speaking with them, they repeatedly stated that they did not see any of our vehicles and did not know how it happened," Brandon wrote in the report.
The S.C. Highway Patrol responded to the wreck and Christopher Paul Koski, 33, of Mount Pleasant, was charged with driving while impaired, according to Cpl. Bob Beres.
Koski and a passenger were taken by ambulance to East Cooper Hospital.
Brandon's patrol car was towed away, and the outcome of the original traffic stop was unknown.
Copyright 2008 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
BY BO PERTERSON
The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. -- The late-night police stop was eerie enough. Then it became blood-curdling.
Two patrol cars, with blue and amber lights flashing, stood right in the middle of U.S. Highway 17 at 2 a.m., and a third patrol car was lit up in the median. The officers prepared to do a field sobriety test on driver who had been stopped.
"I heard a slight 'chirp' of brakes locking up followed by a large impact," Mount Pleasant officer Jason Brandon wrote in a police report.
He looked up to see his patrol car skid into the cruiser in front of it, while an Isuzu Rodeo that had struck it veered into a Sullivan's Island squad car in the median.
The Isuzu, with two men inside, had smacked into two town squad cars in the road and caromed into the Sullivan's Island car.
A suspected driving-under-the-influence stop last Saturday by two Mount Pleasant officers at the request of a Sullivan's Island officer turned into the thing the officers were trying to avert - a wreck involving a driver who might be impaired.
Sullivan's Island Lt. Chris Griffin clambered out of his car, apparently OK.
Mount Pleasant officer Joseph Zeitner was up ahead off the road with the driver who been pulled over. Brandon went to check on the men in the Isuzu.
"While speaking with them, they repeatedly stated that they did not see any of our vehicles and did not know how it happened," Brandon wrote in the report.
The S.C. Highway Patrol responded to the wreck and Christopher Paul Koski, 33, of Mount Pleasant, was charged with driving while impaired, according to Cpl. Bob Beres.
Koski and a passenger were taken by ambulance to East Cooper Hospital.
Brandon's patrol car was towed away, and the outcome of the original traffic stop was unknown.
Copyright 2008 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
LAPD Officer Reinstated, Awarded $2M in Suit
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Daily News of Los Angeles
An LAPD motorcycle officer whose ongoing dispute with his superior snowballed after he was punished for clocking out five minutes early one day has been awarded $2 million from a jury who believed his subsequent firing was unfair.
Officer Richard Joaquin has been reinstated with back pay and is now stationed at the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division.
Joaquin's jury award on May 20 surpassed the $1.5 million settlement the city paid in 2007 to black firefighter Tennie Pierce, who sued for racial discrimination when colleagues put dog food in his spaghetti as a prank.
The jury awarded Joaquin the money even after a police Internal Affairs investigation and a high level review board sided with the superior and upheld Joaquin's dismissal.
City officials said they would consider appealing the award, the latest in a series of multimillion-dollar payouts to city employees who have complained about mistreatment or discrimination.
Joaquin, of Corona, argued that the LAPD had retaliated against him when he filed complaints against the supervisor, who cited Joaquin in 2005 for insubordination for leaving work early.
"For the supervisor, it was a blatant act of disobedience," said Supervising Deputy City Attorney Daniel Aguilera.
That incident triggered a series of exchanges that eventually led to Joaquin's dismissal.
But Joaquin's attorney, Jeff Lipow, said his client saw the disciplinary action for leaving early as another example of the harassment that he had been experiencing for more than a year.
"My guy felt this was unfair and filed a complaint with Internal Affairs against his superior," Lipow said. "He felt he had been harassed for an 18-24 month period and this was the last straw."
Lipow said Joaquin, who was working as a motor officer at the Central Division when the incident took place, did not want to be interviewed.
Aguilera said the city has an aggressive zero-tolerance policy for harassment and was surprised it took Joaquin so long to file a complaint. A subsequent investigation cleared the supervisor of any wrongdoing.
Internal Affairs recommended that Joaquin be dismissed - a finding upheld by the Board of Rights, an LAPD tribunal of two command officers and one civilian who review disciplinary actions.
Joaquin appealed his dismissal in the courts and won the unanimous jury verdict against the city, which included back pay.
City Attorney Carmen Trutanich said the city is looking into appealing the verdict. While he said the verdict is more than he wanted to pay out, it was about half of what had been sought in negotiations.
He also said the verdict is directly related to budget cuts in his office.
"We are down so many bodies, at some point we are going to be at the point where we're walking into court and trying a case without any preparation at all," Trutanich said. "If we had the budget we had two or three years ago, this wouldn't be happening."
Still, the city has been shelling out big money - in the form of settlements or jury awards - for years. In the dog food case, not only did Pierce get a hefty sum, two white Los Angeles Fire Department captains who took part in the prank won a separate judgment totaling $1.6 million, arguing they were more severely punished than a Latino firefighter in the case.
In addition, the LAFD cost the city $6.2 million for mistreatment of a lesbian firefighter, Brenda Lee, in 2007. In 2009, three black workers were awarded a total of $1.2 million after failing to get promotions.
Councilman Dennis Zine, who sits on both the Budget and Finance and Public Safety committees, agreed with Trutanich, saying the Joaquin case can be blamed on staff cuts at City Hall.
"If the city attorney had the investigators he wants and had more time to prepare for cases, maybe we wouldn't have lost this case," Zine said. "It's $2 million that comes directly out of the public safety in the city."
Trutanich has had to take a 10 percent cut in his budget this year, resulting in reduced hiring and an inability to fully staff his Bureau of Investigations.
"It's an expensive retaliation," Lipow said. "The city never should have gone after him. What's expensive is the department chose to file charges and convict him. That's where the damage was. It was retaliation against him for making a complaint."
Copyright 2008 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
Mich. Officer Critical Following Pursuit Crash
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Story by clickondetroit.com
PONTIAC, Mich. --
A Pontiac police officer is in critical condition after being injured Tuesday night when a chase ended in a crash.
Pontiac police said two of their officers were assisting the Bloomfield Township Police Department in the pursuit of a wanted motorcycle just before midnight as it traveled northbound on Woodward Avenue.
Police said the motorcycle turned onto eastbound M-59 and entered a construction zone near Martin Luther King Boulevard -- where the roadway was only dirt and loose gravel.
The motorcycle's presence on the loose gravel kicked up a dust cloud that obstructing the pursing officer's view, which police said resulted in the one of the officer's vehicles to crash into some concrete just after the Martin Luther King Boulevard overpass bridge.
Police said the 14-year-old veteran suffered several serious injuries, such as a broken right hand, bruised lungs, internal bleeding and a foot injury.
He remains in an undisclosed area hospital.
Police said they arrested the 27-year-old Detroit man on the motorcycle after a short foot chase. He was treated for minor injuries before being released and taken to the Oakland County Jail.
The motorcycle driver is facing charges that include fleeing and eluding police, resisting and obstructing police and driving with a suspended license causing serious injury.
Eastbound M-59 at Martin Luther King Drive was closed until about 6 a.m. Wednesday for officers to complete their investigation.
Copyright 2010 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
Story by clickondetroit.com
PONTIAC, Mich. --
A Pontiac police officer is in critical condition after being injured Tuesday night when a chase ended in a crash.
Pontiac police said two of their officers were assisting the Bloomfield Township Police Department in the pursuit of a wanted motorcycle just before midnight as it traveled northbound on Woodward Avenue.
Police said the motorcycle turned onto eastbound M-59 and entered a construction zone near Martin Luther King Boulevard -- where the roadway was only dirt and loose gravel.
The motorcycle's presence on the loose gravel kicked up a dust cloud that obstructing the pursing officer's view, which police said resulted in the one of the officer's vehicles to crash into some concrete just after the Martin Luther King Boulevard overpass bridge.
Police said the 14-year-old veteran suffered several serious injuries, such as a broken right hand, bruised lungs, internal bleeding and a foot injury.
He remains in an undisclosed area hospital.
Police said they arrested the 27-year-old Detroit man on the motorcycle after a short foot chase. He was treated for minor injuries before being released and taken to the Oakland County Jail.
The motorcycle driver is facing charges that include fleeing and eluding police, resisting and obstructing police and driving with a suspended license causing serious injury.
Eastbound M-59 at Martin Luther King Drive was closed until about 6 a.m. Wednesday for officers to complete their investigation.
Copyright 2010 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
Pa. Troopers Shoot, Kill Man Who Hit Cruiser
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Story by wgal.com
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. --
State police in Schuylkill County shot and killed a man after he repeatedly rammed a truck into a police cruiser.
Scott MacKelvey, 41, stole a tractor-trailer cab and led police on a chase along Whitetail Crossing Drive near Tamaqua, police said.
He is accused of nearly hitting police officers with the truck and repeatedly ramming it into a police car. That is when police said they shot MacKelvey.
Copyright 2010 by WGAL.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Phoenix Officer Killed Investigating Suspicious Car
May 26, 2010
PHOENIX - Police have arrested
a suspect in the shooting death of an officer at a gas station convenience store in west Phoenix.
Police had responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle around 19th Avenue and Indian School Road when the officer was shot around 1 a.m. Wednesday.
Police spokesman Sgt. Trent Crump says the officer died at St. Joseph's Hospital.
Police have a suspect in custody and have taken him to police headquarters in downtown Phoenix.
Authorities have not identified the slain officer. Other officers are gathered at the hospital to show support.
Detectives are investigating. Traffic is restricted on 19th Avenue.
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
God Bless and Stay Safe
BOTB
''Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
Friday, May 21, 2010
DCSO deputies train on tactics, driving skills
DCSO deputies train on tactics, driving skills
The four deputies got a call about a domestic disturbance. They hopped in their patrol cars and headed to the scene. As they drove, their patrol cars skidded on icy roads.
When they arrived at the home, they heard a slap and then a woman's scream. As they entered, a man and woman were yelling at each other. “Sheriff's office,” announced one of the deputies as the man turned to confront the deputy and his partner.
That was the scene that played out Wednesday during a Douglas County Sheriff's Office training session at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
In reality, the four deputies were driving what's called a skid car, especially designed to help them improve their pursuit driving skills. And the domestic disturbance they confronted was actually a video projected on a large screen by a use-of-force training machine.
The four deputies were among about 60 deputies — including patrol deputies, detectives and investigators — who are taking part in the training this week, said Deputy Dwes Hutson, spokesman for the sheriff's office.
He said the department tries to the do the training annually to help deputies brush up on use-of-force decisions, emergency driving skills and defensive tactics.
“Pursuit driving and use of force are probably a couple of the highest-liability issues we have in law enforcement,” Hutson added. “We like to make sure deputies are prepared when they have to use these skills in real-world situations.”
The training is a way for deputies to comply with regulations that require they receive a certain number of hours of ongoing training, Hutson said.
Elsewhere at the fairgrounds, other deputies practiced defensive techniques by punching and kicking a rubber mannequin. And in one area of the parking lot, deputies were practicing backing up patrol vehicles.
Jerry Johnson, a retired sheriff's office deputy, was training deputies in the skid car. He sat next to deputies in the vehicle, turning levers on a box that reduced the traction on either the front or the rear wheels of the car, leading to either front-wheel or rear-wheel skids.
He teaches deputies that the best way to respond is to make any changes smoothly, whether it's hitting the brake or gas pedal or turning the steering wheel, he said.
He said he trains deputies to only go as fast as is safe. “We tell them to drive safely,” he said. “If they don't make it to the call, they can't help.”
Back inside a fairgrounds building, Deputy Ken Berry explained how the Milo firearms simulator works, used to train deputies on use-of-force decisions.
He said people get a brief description of the situation facing them and then they have to respond. Deputies hold simulated guns and Tasers. When they use them, red dots on the screen show where the weapons deployed.
Berry said he can choose from about 100 different scenarios to display on the video screen. They include “domestic disturbances, suspicious vehicle activity and shooters,” he said.
“The biggest advantage is we can go back and play it over and see where the guys are at in terms of decision-making,” Berry said, “ ... how their judgment is working, to make sure they're making the proper decisions and proper use of force.
“I think it's terrific,” said Patrol Sgt. Tim Robeson of the use-of-force training equipment. “It gives you a lot more realism.”
Robeson said he'd found training on driving skills and defensive tactics useful as well.
“It's all important,” he said. “It's all a package.”
• You can reach reporter Kathy Korengel at 541-957-4218 or by e-mail at kkorengel@newsreview.info.
God Bless and Stay Safe.
Brotherhood of the Badge
Thursday, May 20, 2010
2 police fatally shot in West Memphis, Arkansas
2 police fatally shot in West Memphis, Arkansas
By Tom Watkins, CNN
(CNN) -- Two police officers were fatally shot and another two were wounded Thursday in two separate shootings allegedly by the same suspects in West Memphis, Arkansas, police said.
The suspects, who were using an assault weapon, were themselves fatally shot.
The incident began around 11:40 a.m. (12:40 p.m. ET), when police made a traffic stop on a white minivan traveling eastbound on I-40 at Airport Road, said Inspector Bert Shelton, who is assigned to city hall for the West Memphis Police Department.
The occupant or occupants of the van shot two police officers and sped off, he said. One of the victims died at the scene; the other was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died, Shelton said.
One of the two fatalities was the son of the city's chief of police, he added.
A short time later and about a mile away, in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart, two deputies searching for the suspects came across a white minivan and were shot and wounded as they approached the vehicle, Shelton said.
"The suspects were using an assault rifle," he said.
The suspects themselves were then fatally shot by other responding officers, he said.
Leave a reflection for Police Officer Brandon Paudert
http://brotherhoodofthebadge.ning.com/group/officerdown/forum/topics/officer-brandon-paudert-eow-1
Leave a reflection for Police Officer Bill Evans
http://brotherhoodofthebadge.ning.com/group/officerdown/forum/topics/officer-bill-evans-eow-may-20-1
God Bless and Stay Safe.
Brotherhood of the Badge
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Officer Down
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Patrick Ambroise's was killed Saturday night after his Crown Vic was hit and burst into flames trapping Trooper Ambroise in his vehicle. Trooper Ambroise a 4 year veteran on thr dept leaves behind a wife and two young daughters; ages 5 years old and 3 months old.
Please keep Trooper Ambroise's family as well as his FHP and LE family in your prayers.
''Greater love has no one than this, that of a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
http://cbs4.com/local/florida.highway.patrol.2.1696896.html
God Bless and Stay Safe.
Brotherhood of the Badge
Please keep Trooper Ambroise's family as well as his FHP and LE family in your prayers.
''Greater love has no one than this, that of a man lay down his life for that of a friend'' ~John 15:13~
http://cbs4.com/local/florida.highway.patrol.2.1696896.html
God Bless and Stay Safe.
Brotherhood of the Badge
Friday, May 14, 2010
Televise the Annual Candlelight Vigil in honor of our fallen Peace Officers'
Televise the Annual Candlelight Vigil in honor of our fallen Peace Officers'
Televise the Annual Candlelight Vigil in honor of our fallen Peace Officers' facebook page was born on the eve of the 22nd annual Candlelight Vigil by several LEO's and supporters across the U.S..
Thanks to officer.com and the NLEOMF thousands of people across the globe were able to watch the 22nd Annual Candlelight Vigil via live webcast.
It is our sincerest hope that with some work we will be able to one day see this wonderful event honoring our fallen officers' broadcast live on television for all to witness as well as give the general public a little better understanding of who we are (Peace Officers). But more importantly to give those who cannot attend the event in Washington DC the oppurtunity to honor our fallen hero's.
Please join us by becoming our fan and help us with this very noble task. If you are interested in helping us please let us know.
http://www.facebook.com/televiseannualcandlelightvigil
God Bless and Stay Safe
Thursday, May 13, 2010
USA Today (paper) honors our 2009 fallen Hero's
Thank You, USA Today, for Honoring our Fallen Heroes
When it comes to honoring the memory of our nation’s fallen law enforcement heroes, the Gannett Co. gets it.
For the second year in a row, the company’s flagship newspaper, USA Today, has donated a quarter-page ad paying tribute to officers killed in the line of duty.
The ad, which appears on page 3D of today's edition (May 13), lists the names of all 116 officers who died in law enforcement service during 2009. And it reminds the family members, loved ones and colleagues of the fallen that a grateful nation will always remember these brave men and women.
Thank you, Gannett and USA Today, for honoring our heroes during National Police Week.
Quick reference for National Police Week
Quick reference for National Police Week
•Final Roll Call
http://cruzanbadges.com/
•History of Police Week plus facts and figures
http://cruzanbadges.com/History_of_Police_Week.html
•Schedule of Events
http://cruzanbadges.com/Schedule_of_Events.html
http://cruzanbadges.com/2010_Police_Week_UORQ.html
•Greater Cleveland Peace Officer Memorial Society Calender of Events
http://cruzanbadges.com/GCPOMS_GGLT.html
•Officer Down
http://brotherhoodofthebadge.ning.com/group/officerdown
Brotherhood of the Badge
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
History of Police Week
As many of you know this week marks the 28th anniversary of National Police Week in Washington D.C. as well as the 22nd Annual Candlelight Vigil. Do you know the history of Police Week? We thought in honor of those who have gone before us we would take a moment and give you a little history for this week that is now known worldwide.
In October of 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 proclaiming May 15th of each year as a day to honor all of law enforcement and remember those who have died in service to their country (National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day). In 1994 President William Clinton would amend that law to direct all flags on the US Capital and all federal government buildings be flown at half-staff to remember fallen law enforcement officers.
Little did anyone know that it would actually take 20 years for any organization to actually celebrate or commemorate National Police Week. It wasn’t until August, 1981 that newly-elected National Secretary of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Auxiliary, Suzie Sawyer, would make a motion at the FOP Auxiliary National Post-Conference Meeting to sponsor a National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Service. The organization would vote in favor of organizing and sponsoring what we now know as National Police Officers’ Week.
The first National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Service was held in Washington DC on May 15, 1982 on Capitol Hill in the small, beautiful Senate Park. Though only 125 people attended, the FOP saw a lot of promise for future events. It was then that FOP National President Leo Marchetti would vow the FOP’s support in increasing attendance for the activity.
On the eve of the second National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Service on May 14, 1983, much to the surprise of Police Officers and Auxiliary members who planned to attend, ten young widows came to Washington DC to attend that Memorial Day Service. As you can probably imagine once the survivors met and started sharing stories with them the Police Officers’ emotions started to flow.
After the survivors met a few times with each other they realized a need for a national, peer-supported organization. Concerns of Police Survivors Inc. was then born in 1984.
Later in 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed into law the legislation that allowed the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) to begin raising money for an appropriate monument in Washington DC to honor the fallen law enforcement officers of America. That effort would be spearheaded by Congressman Mario Biaggi, a Democrat from New York who also happened to be the most highly-decorated Police Officer in the history of the New York Police Department.
In 1989, the first annual Candlelight Vigil was held at the site of the soon-to-be constructed National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Judiciary Square located in Washington DC. In October, 1991, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was dedicated by President George Bush. Today that memorial carries the names of over 16,600 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty which now includes 116 from the past year, 2009.
Did you know; Concerns of Police Survivors each year distributes a half million ribbons for law enforcement agencies to tie to their car antennas to call national attention to this day; the US Congress has passed legislation that allows the U.S. Flag to be flown at half staff on May 15; numerous police organizations hold memorial services locally, regionally, and on a statewide level during that week; police departments may have open houses, SWAT team demonstrations, etc. to promote what is know now across the globe as National Police Week?
Facts and Figures:
There are approximately 740,000 sworn law enforcement officers serving in our nation. On average, 150-165 officers are killed in the line of duty each year. Approximately 1 officer is killed every 53-57 hours. Statistics supported by the FBI Behavioral Unit and Center for Disease Control indicate that number to be three times higher in officer suicides each year. About 12% of those figures are female.
1974 would stake claim thus far as the deadliest year in law enforcement (271) and not one incident accounted for multiple deaths. The 1970’s would also claim to be the deadliest decade in our nation’s history; 2,231 or 223 each year.
The deadliest day in law enforcement thus far, also one of the most traumatic days in our Nation’s history is September 11, 2001 when 72 officers were killed in the line of duty protecting you and me. That year would also claim stake to 230 officers killed in the line of duty, an increase of 49% from the 154 officers who died in 2000.
On average 60,000 law enforcement officers are assaulted each year resulting in some 19,000 injuries.
The National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial is located at 4th & E Street in Washington DC and was dedicated in 1991 by President George Bush.
There are approximately 853 federal officers on the Memorial as well as 402 correctional officers and 43 military law enforcement officers; 173 female officers are listed on the Memorial, only 9 of whom were killed prior to 1970.
There are numerous memorials located across our nation honoring our fallen brothers and sisters. To locate these please contact your local law enforcement agency.
One of the greatest ways to honor those who died is to respect those who are working. Respect the law, the people who enforce it, and ask all young people to do the same thing. Lower your flag on May 15th, fly a blue ribbon from your antennae and if possible take the time to attend a ceremony or ceremonies honoring our fallen officers. As always help spread the word so that no officer is ever forgotten. If not throughout the year please take this day to pray for our men and women who put their life on the line day in and day out serving and protecting our families, communities and our beautiful Nation. Take a moment to thank a local Police Officer. I promise we don’t bite.
God Bless you all and may God continue to bless the men and women in uniform.
By Paul H. Bodenhamer III
Sample Proclamation…
Whereas, The Congress and President of the United States have designated May 15 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day, and the week in which May 15 falls as National Police week; and
Whereas, the members of the law enforcement agency of (municipality) play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of (municipality); and
Whereas, it is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of their law enforcement agency, and that members of our law enforcement agency recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression; and
Whereas, the men and women of the law enforcement agency of (municipality) unceasingly provide a vital public service;
Now, therefore, I, (title) of (municipality), call upon all citizens of (municipality) and upon all patriotic, civic and educational organizations to observe the week of May (date) - (date), (year), as Police Week with appropriate ceremonies and observances in which all of our people may join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, have rendered a dedicated service to their communities and, in so doing, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens.
I further call upon all citizens of (municipality) to observe (day), May (date), as Peace Officers' Memorial Day in honor of those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty, and let us recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes.
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the (municipality) to be affixed.
Ofc. Paul H. Bodenhamer III - Founder
Brotherhood of the Badge
''We Will Never Forget''
''Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.''
John 15:13
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Free live webcast of the 22nd Annual Candlelight Vigil
We would like to remind you that there is still time to register for the free live webcast of the 22nd Annual Candlelight Vigil.
22nd Annual Candlelight Vigil for
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
Beginning at 8 PM (EDT) on Thursday, May 13. To register in advance for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
Honoring all of America’s fallen law enforcement heroes.
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 – 8 pm EDT
Presented by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
In partnership with Officer.com.
Brotherhood of the Badge
22nd Annual Candlelight Vigil for
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
Beginning at 8 PM (EDT) on Thursday, May 13. To register in advance for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
Honoring all of America’s fallen law enforcement heroes.
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 – 8 pm EDT
Presented by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
In partnership with Officer.com.
Brotherhood of the Badge
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Drinking and Driving (Or as I call it the ultimate act of selfishness)
Each year about 16000 lives are taken due to alcohol related accidents. Every half hour someone is killed due to an alcohol related accident. Alcohol is a factor in almost 50% of all accidents. Every other minute someone is seriously injured in an alcohol related crash.
Think about those numbers in the time it took me to write this article 1 person was killed due to an alcohol related accident. In the time it took me to write those facts above 1 person was seriously injured in an alcohol related crash. Based on those statistics think about this right now it is 12:30pm EST, what time is now while you read this? Now how many half hours have passed between those times? That number (based on the US Dept of Transportation) is the number of people killed due to alcohol related accidents. Bet you never realized that did you.
I have been in LE work for close to 9 years and during that span I have seen many families ruined by the selfish act of one individual who makes the conscientious decision to get in a car a drive while under the influence of alcohol. I say conscientious because before you decided to go out that night/day while completely sober you were completely aware of the consequences associated with your actions should you choose to drink and drive (operate under the influence of an intoxicant).
Let’s look at one situation… and see what exactly this gets you. For starters you’re down a vehicle and out a bunch of money, which is actually the least of your worries (or should be). Take for example last night’s scenario…
You one male individual (maybe a successful and good person) went out with a group of friends thinking that was a good way to have a good time. Shortly after supposedly having this good time you make a decision (a conscientious decision) to turn that car on and drive to wherever. Most surely thinking “it will never happen to me”.
Ok now you are driving down the road and because you are so plastered you fail to see a red light at the intersection. You pile through that intersection and just at that time is another car that is also driving through the intersection and is occupied by three females (maybe they are friends of yours or even family who knows). BOOM! In the blink of an eye YOU have just taken the life of one person and seriously injured two others!
Four families will now live with the decision you made. Yes I said four because unfortunately now your family to must live with the burden that YOU KILLED SOMEONE!
Lights and sirens… emergency personnel are responding in the middle of the night,
only to end of having a Police Officer visit three families in the middle of the night one of which he or she will have tell that their daughter/mother is dead. Owe and yes they are also coming to help you.
Now after finally getting you out of your mangled vehicle you are rushed off to the hospital where the doctor is paged and now has to leave her family and spend the entire night trying to fix you! She then after hours and hours of putting you back together so that another life is not taken ends up having to take a strong medication to cure her migraine that she know has from getting no sleep.
Every one of those emergency responders, doctors and medical staff that treated you and tried to revive the three girls will also forever live with that decision you made.
So how cool was that night?! Bet you wished you had learned from the thousands of other selfish individuals who made that same decision.
We can only pray for the families of those three girls and yes we will pray for your family as well.
My personal opinion is that is that you spend the rest of your life behind bars or a good chunk of it contemplating that decision you made.
While I don’t know you I only hope that you did not have children or a wife that to would have to forever live with your decision and possibly without their dad.
God will forgive you and people do change BUT that decision you made is forever etched in stone. One person will never have another day here and you did that!
If you are reading this and have made the same decision this guy did but have by the grace of God not killed anyone please learn from this guy... if you are reading this and now someone who drinks and drives forward this to them.
By Paul Bodenhamer (LE Officer and husband of ER Physician)
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