April 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 4
April 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 4 FEATURES/COVER 88 TOM RIZZO, GUEST HOST ON OPL, AUTHOR AND CREATOR OF “THE IVORY TOWER” DEPARTMENTS PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS EDITOR REX EVANS THOUGHTS GUEST COMMENTARY - DANIEL CARR GUEST COMMENTARY - ART WOOLERY GUEST COMMENTARY - CHIEF JOEL SHULTS GUEST COMMENTARY - DANIEL CARR GUEST COMMENTARY - DANIEL CARR NEWS AROUND THE US MIGRANT CRIME BREAKING NEWS CALENDAR OF EVENTS REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES WAR STORIES AFTERMATH HEALING OUR HEROES DARYL’S DELIBERATIONS BLUE MENTAL HEALTH DR. LIGHT BULB AWARD OPEN ROAD ADS BACK IN THE DAY PARTING SHOTS BUYERS GUIDE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES ISD PD JOB LISTINGS NOW HIRING BACK PAGE
April 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 4
FEATURES/COVER
88 TOM RIZZO,
GUEST HOST ON OPL,
AUTHOR AND CREATOR OF
“THE IVORY TOWER”
DEPARTMENTS
PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS
EDITOR REX EVANS THOUGHTS
GUEST COMMENTARY - DANIEL CARR
GUEST COMMENTARY - ART WOOLERY
GUEST COMMENTARY - CHIEF JOEL SHULTS
GUEST COMMENTARY - DANIEL CARR
GUEST COMMENTARY - DANIEL CARR
NEWS AROUND THE US
MIGRANT CRIME
BREAKING NEWS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES
WAR STORIES
AFTERMATH
HEALING OUR HEROES
DARYL’S DELIBERATIONS
BLUE MENTAL HEALTH DR.
LIGHT BULB AWARD
OPEN ROAD
ADS BACK IN THE DAY
PARTING SHOTS
BUYERS GUIDE
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
ISD PD JOB LISTINGS
NOW HIRING
BACK PAGE
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 1
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VOL. <strong>40</strong> NO. 4 APRIL 2024<br />
FEATURES/COVER<br />
DEPARTMENTS<br />
88 TOM RIZZO,<br />
GUEST HOST ON OPL,<br />
AUTHOR AND CREATOR OF<br />
“THE IVORY TOWER”<br />
PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS<br />
EDITOR REX EVANS THOUGHTS<br />
GUEST COMMENTARY - DANIEL CARR<br />
GUEST COMMENTARY - ART WOOLERY<br />
GUEST COMMENTARY - CHIEF JOEL SHULTS<br />
GUEST COMMENTARY - DANIEL CARR<br />
GUEST COMMENTARY - DANIEL CARR<br />
NEWS AROUND THE US<br />
MIGRANT CRIME<br />
BREAKING NEWS<br />
CALENDAR OF EVENTS<br />
REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES<br />
WAR STORIES<br />
AFTERMATH<br />
HEALING OUR HEROES<br />
DARYL’S DELIBERATIONS<br />
BLUE MENTAL HEALTH DR.<br />
LIGHT BULB AWARD<br />
OPEN ROAD<br />
ADS BACK IN THE DAY<br />
PARTING SHOTS<br />
BUYERS GUIDE<br />
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES<br />
ISD PD JOB LISTINGS<br />
NOW HIRING<br />
BACK PAGE<br />
06<br />
08<br />
12<br />
14<br />
18<br />
20<br />
24<br />
26<br />
58<br />
62<br />
102<br />
110<br />
118<br />
120<br />
122<br />
124<br />
126<br />
128<br />
130<br />
132<br />
136<br />
1<strong>40</strong><br />
144<br />
146<br />
150<br />
236<br />
12<br />
GUEST COMMENTARY<br />
DANIEL CARR<br />
182<br />
GUEST COMMENTARY<br />
CHIEF JOEL SHULTS<br />
118<br />
120<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 3
4 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
FOUNDER, PUBLISHER, EDITOR-N-CHIEF<br />
MICHAEL BARRON<br />
OUR TEAM<br />
OUR CONTRIBUTORS<br />
EDITOR-AT-LARGE<br />
Chief Rex Evans(Ret)<br />
SENIOR EDITOR<br />
Dr. Tina Jaeckle<br />
CREATIVE EDITOR<br />
Jessica Jones<br />
COPY EDITOR<br />
Lt. John King (Ret)<br />
OUTDOOR EDITOR<br />
Rusty Barron<br />
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR<br />
Lt. Daryl Lott (Ret)<br />
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS<br />
Sam Horwitz & Det. John Salerno (Ret)<br />
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR<br />
Doug Griffith<br />
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR<br />
Art Woolery<br />
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR<br />
Daniel Carr<br />
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR<br />
Bill King<br />
WARSTORY<br />
Michael Barron<br />
AFTERMATH<br />
Unnamed Widow<br />
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS<br />
Joanna Putman<br />
Chief Joel Shults<br />
Dr. Ron Brown<br />
Lia Lando<br />
Rosalio Ahumada<br />
John Lippman<br />
Luke Sprinkel<br />
Bethany Barnes<br />
Richard Winton<br />
Alexia Weisend<br />
Frank Heinz<br />
Mark Price<br />
Lucas Bell<br />
Associated Press<br />
The Law Officer & Police 1.com<br />
The BLUES is published monthly by Kress-Barr, LLC, PO Box 2733, League City Texas 77574. The opinions expressed in some articles,<br />
op-eds, and editorials are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of The BLUES or its parent company.<br />
Rebuttals or submission of news articles and editorials may be submitted to: The BLUES @ bluespdmag@gmail.com.<br />
The entire contents of The BLUES IS copyrighted© and may not be reprinted without the express permission of the publisher.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 5
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK<br />
First time I have nothing to say,<br />
well maybe that’s not true.<br />
6 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
For the first and only time<br />
in <strong>40</strong> years, I really don’t have<br />
much to say for this month’s<br />
column. Well, that’s not true.<br />
I have a lot I could say, but<br />
I’m close to selling my house<br />
and I’m trying to pack and<br />
go through what goes to the<br />
new house and what goes in<br />
the trash. When you’ve lived<br />
in your current residence for<br />
nearly 15 years, you have no<br />
idea how much crap you have<br />
accumulated until you start<br />
packing.<br />
There must be other retired<br />
officers out there that keep all<br />
kinds of junk with the mindset<br />
that “hey I’d better hang on to<br />
that in case I need it someday.”<br />
For instance, I found a huge<br />
box of cables and cords. Power<br />
cords, USB cables, audio cables,<br />
old coaxial cables, etc. I<br />
have no idea what the hell any<br />
of it goes to or why I would<br />
have saved any of it for 15<br />
years. Trash.<br />
In the garage I found a floor<br />
jack that leaks and won’t stay<br />
up. (<strong>No</strong> ED jokes please) Parts<br />
for various old cars I no longer<br />
own, such as a 2018 Dodge<br />
Charger. For that car I have: an<br />
upper grill; airbox and ram air;<br />
custom valve covers; a carbon<br />
fiber cover for the windshield<br />
washer tank; and a brandnew<br />
set of 3D Floor Mats.<br />
Speaking of floor mats, I<br />
have front mats for a Jeep<br />
Wrangler and a Cargo Mat<br />
to match.<br />
I have a couple bikes that<br />
haven’t been ridden since<br />
George Bush was president,<br />
dirt bikes that all have bad gas,<br />
a couple of electric scooters<br />
(who knows where the chargers<br />
are) a couple of old filing<br />
cabinets, and lots of cans of old<br />
paint, bug spray and God knows<br />
what else.<br />
If you live near me, I suggest<br />
you make late-night runs by<br />
my house on Thursday nights,<br />
just before Friday’s heavy trash<br />
day. There’s no telling what you<br />
might find at the curb.<br />
So, while I’m trying to sort<br />
out the logistics of moving to a<br />
temporary home while our new<br />
home is being built, there was a<br />
moment I thought there might<br />
not be an <strong>April</strong> 2024 Issue.<br />
(kinda like the non existent 1983<br />
Corvette.) Just skip a month!<br />
But in the <strong>40</strong>-year history of the<br />
<strong>Blues</strong>, some 483 issues to be<br />
exact, we have NEVER missed<br />
an issue. Every single month<br />
since 1984, we have always<br />
published something. <strong>No</strong>t every<br />
month was spectacular or contained<br />
award-winning material,<br />
and perhaps some were even<br />
boring. But nevertheless, a copy<br />
of The BLUES was delivered like<br />
clockwork to police departments<br />
all across Texas.<br />
I run into officers every week<br />
that say “I remember the BLUES<br />
arriving at the station the first<br />
of every month. They would<br />
be stacked up in the roll call<br />
room and every officer would<br />
grab one and totally ignore<br />
the sergeants briefing while<br />
they scanned the pages to see<br />
if someone they knew was<br />
the recipient of the Light Bulb<br />
Award.”<br />
So, skipping an issue was<br />
certainly not in the cards.<br />
Therefore, if this issue was a<br />
little late, now you know why.<br />
Finally let me close with this. If<br />
we haven’t thanked every one<br />
of you for reading this magazine,<br />
let me say THANK YOU.<br />
We wouldn’t be here today if<br />
it wasn’t for the thousands of<br />
officers that grew up with the<br />
BLUES. And if you are one of the<br />
nearly 1.5 million new readers<br />
that just discovered us, I say<br />
“welcome aboard.”
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 7
FROM THE EDITOR-AT-LARGE<br />
More than just a job.<br />
8 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
For me, law enforcement was<br />
always more than just a job. It<br />
was my career. My profession. I<br />
worked and studied diligently to<br />
be the best law enforcement officer,<br />
supervisor and administrator<br />
I could be.<br />
In an ever-changing world and<br />
environment for law enforcement,<br />
this was and continues to<br />
be a tremendous challenge. <strong>No</strong><br />
matter who you are or where you<br />
are geographically, the community<br />
you serve and its governing<br />
body, determines how you “Police.”<br />
Along this long and winding<br />
road of wins, losses and unbelievable<br />
moments, I have learned<br />
a few things about being a supervisor<br />
and ultimately a Chief of<br />
Police for over 13 years.<br />
Here’s my top ten list…I’d love<br />
to hear yours!!<br />
1. Stop. Just listen and take a<br />
deep breath. More often than not,<br />
especially as a Chief, a knee jerk<br />
reaction will cost you more later<br />
than the problem was ever worth.<br />
2. Don’t be a “Micro-Manager.” I<br />
know it’s cliché. But it’s so damn<br />
true. Get off your troop’s back<br />
and just let them do their job. You<br />
might just be surprised what a<br />
great job they are actually doing.<br />
3. Get off the damn radio. Stop<br />
yakking on that damn thing. Let<br />
them know you’re there. But to<br />
just stay on the radio all day or<br />
night. Just stop it already.<br />
4. Policy is, Policy. I completely<br />
understand this concept. I<br />
have directed and written three<br />
Department Manuals and two<br />
complete Emergency Operations<br />
Plans. That being said, being a<br />
decent, compassionate and understanding<br />
human being is far<br />
more integral to what we do than<br />
to just bury someone with policy.<br />
Have a heart. Give people the<br />
opportunity to survive a mistake<br />
and grow. You’ll be grateful for<br />
what you did, I can promise you<br />
that.<br />
5. Always stand up for your<br />
troops. Back your First Line Supervisors.<br />
As a Chief, I’ve seen<br />
Assistant Chiefs on down to<br />
Corporals, make good decisions.<br />
It was the delivery that was the<br />
problem. Stay on your people<br />
constantly is demoralizing and<br />
polarizing. Stop it. Be attentive<br />
and supportive to your subordinate<br />
staff and help them deliver<br />
the message the way you want or<br />
need it to be delivered.<br />
6. This one will cause a ruckus.<br />
You and your Command Staff, and<br />
every Supervisor in the department,<br />
do NOT NEED to have every<br />
new car, radio, MDT or toy that<br />
the Department gets. I’ll repeat it<br />
for those in the back. Don’t take<br />
all the BRAND-NEW STUFF for<br />
yourself. Let the worker bees, especially<br />
your swing shift or night<br />
shift guys and gals get a taste of<br />
a new car, new radio, new body<br />
armor, etc. You’ll be shocked at<br />
the skyrocketing moral this will<br />
cause. I’m just saying. Remember<br />
where you came from.<br />
7. Work with local agencies and<br />
department heads, not against<br />
them. One thing I can tell you<br />
working night shift as a Deputy,<br />
Sergeant, and a Lieutenant, (Yes,<br />
I can spell Lieutenant) is this, we<br />
all got along with each other.<br />
Chief’s and Command Staff need<br />
to do the same. Getting along<br />
with one another is the ONLY way<br />
we as a profession are ever going<br />
to survive this onslaught of anti-police<br />
ideologies.<br />
8. Provide a safe, sealed means<br />
for Mental Health for your Troops.<br />
This is critical. In my younger<br />
days, the most highly recommended<br />
Mental Health Professionals<br />
were Jack Daniels and<br />
Marlboro. As a profession, we<br />
have made great strides in providing<br />
our officers with the help<br />
they need, but we still have a<br />
way to go. Providing a place for<br />
your officers to get assistance<br />
for their mental health is criti-
cal to the overall mission of the<br />
department. <strong>No</strong>t to mention to<br />
the community we are sworn to<br />
protect. Give them the space and<br />
place to get help.<br />
9. Support your support staff.<br />
Telecommunicators, Administration,<br />
Assistants, IT, Fleet. You<br />
know the ones. They are rarely<br />
seen and always in the background<br />
getting the job done so<br />
that the front-line troops can do<br />
their job. These are the cogs that<br />
hold the entire operation together.<br />
We must stop forgetting them.<br />
10. Finally, police work isn’t<br />
always pretty. It’s not all balloons<br />
and stickers. Sometimes, you<br />
must employ force and be hard<br />
on people to stop or prevent a<br />
violent incident, injury or death<br />
from occurring. In this profession,<br />
it’s just a FACT. We cannot<br />
continue to be totally immersed<br />
in the art of Community Policing<br />
when the bullets start flying.<br />
We must act Immediately. When<br />
someone chooses to start shooting<br />
and killing innocent people,<br />
especially children, there is no<br />
time to talk, hand them a balloon<br />
or a sticker. It’s time to punch<br />
their ticket and send them down<br />
the road. Period.<br />
These are just some of the<br />
big-ticket items that come to<br />
my mind with regards to being a<br />
solid supervisor or administrator<br />
in law enforcement. If you have<br />
more to share, please write me<br />
at bluespdmag@gmail.com. I am<br />
open to hearing more from those<br />
whom we share our Calling with.<br />
Let’s be careful out there….<br />
START SHOPPING<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 9
10 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 11
GUEST COMENTARY<br />
police law news<br />
Daniel Carr<br />
This Month in Policing<br />
NMSP Officer Justin Hare, an interstate tragedy.<br />
As many of you know - New<br />
Mexico is my home state and<br />
I recently retired from the Albuquerque<br />
Police Department.<br />
This tragedy occurred approximately<br />
three hours east of Albuquerque<br />
on Interstate I-<strong>40</strong>. And<br />
ended this morning on the far<br />
West-side of Albuquerque.<br />
Every police officer that is<br />
murdered in the line of duty is<br />
a tragedy. But, it sadly happens<br />
so often that the news stories of<br />
cops being murdered thousands<br />
of miles away can blur together<br />
- stories stacked like a pile<br />
of books that are waiting to be<br />
read. I think it hits a little harder<br />
for all of us the closer to home<br />
this happens.<br />
NMSP OFFICER JUSTIN HARE<br />
WHAT HAPPENED<br />
On March 15, 2024 at approximately<br />
05<strong>40</strong> hrs a New Mexico<br />
State Police Officer (NMSP)<br />
named Justin Hare was murdered<br />
in the line of duty.<br />
According to the NMSP Chief,<br />
Officer Hare responded to a<br />
call where someone requested<br />
assistance for a flat tire on the<br />
side of the highway.<br />
Officer Hare responded and<br />
observed a white BMW stopped<br />
on the shoulder. A man named<br />
Jaremy Smith emerged from the<br />
driver’s seat, approached the<br />
12 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
front passenger window of the<br />
police vehicle, and made contact<br />
with Officer Hare. Officer<br />
Hare offered Mr. Smith assistance<br />
with his tire and asked if<br />
he needed a ride into town.<br />
That was the last conversation<br />
that Justin Hare would ever<br />
have.<br />
Without warning and in cold<br />
blood Mr. Smith produced a<br />
firearm and shot Officer Hare<br />
- as he sat in his police car.<br />
Ambushed. The coward then<br />
walked to the driver’s side of<br />
the vehicle and shot Officer Hare<br />
again.<br />
Mr. Smith then pushed Officer<br />
Hare into the passenger side of<br />
the vehicle and got into the drivers<br />
seat and fled the scene in the<br />
police vehicle. At some point Mr.<br />
Smith pushed Officer Hare out of<br />
the vehicle and onto the side of<br />
the frontage road - to die alone<br />
on the cold pavement.<br />
The “alert” tone went off from<br />
Officer Hare’s radio and another<br />
NMSP officer was dispatched to<br />
assist. Officer Hare was located,<br />
laying alone on the frontage<br />
road and the NMSP officer and<br />
a Quay County deputy rendered<br />
aid, called for rescue, and spent<br />
the last moments of life with<br />
Officer Hare. Officer Hare was<br />
transported to the hospital -<br />
where he died.<br />
There was a massive manhunt<br />
for Mr. Smith this night and he<br />
was able to successfully evade<br />
law enforcement.<br />
YOU NEVER KNOW<br />
The thing about police work<br />
is that you never know who<br />
you are dealing with. Officer<br />
Hare was just trying to help<br />
someone who was having car<br />
trouble. Likely a call that most<br />
cops would view as no big deal.<br />
There would be no way for any<br />
officer to predict this outcome.<br />
The investigation into this case<br />
revealed several things:<br />
Mr. Smith is from Marion,<br />
South Carolina but had ties to<br />
Albuquerque, NM.<br />
The vehicle that Mr. Smith had<br />
been driving was registered<br />
to Phonesia Machado-Fore - a<br />
medic in SC - that had been<br />
found dead on March 14, <strong>2024.</strong><br />
Mr. Smith has a lengthy and<br />
violent criminal history.
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 13
MORE SHOTS FIRED<br />
As the manhunt intensified<br />
and now involved local, county,<br />
state, and federal law enforcement<br />
- there was a “shots<br />
fired” call near Santa Rosa, NM.<br />
A rancher was checking on his<br />
livestock when a black male<br />
began shooting at him. This<br />
being a rural area and within 50<br />
miles of the site where Officer<br />
Hare was murdered - law enforcement<br />
personnel descended<br />
on the area and conducted an<br />
exhaustive search. But, Mr. Smith<br />
(who was the likely shooter)<br />
was able to escape. The rancher<br />
was not injured.<br />
CAUGHT!<br />
On March 17, 2024 just before<br />
0900 hrs it was reported that<br />
Mr. Smith had been taken into<br />
custody and shot by police on<br />
Albuquerque’s far West side.<br />
“At 9:30 AM, the New Mexico<br />
State Police confirmed our initial<br />
report, which stated that Jaremy<br />
Smith was taken into custody<br />
after a pursuit and a deputy-involved<br />
shooting with the Bernalillo<br />
County Sheriff’s Office.<br />
The Multi-Agency Task Force<br />
has initiated an investigation<br />
into the deputy-involved shooting.<br />
<strong>No</strong> deputies were injured.”<br />
REMEMBER<br />
A message to all officers who<br />
risk their lives and engage in<br />
these dangerous manhunts:<br />
These people have nothing to<br />
lose.<br />
Kill them - before they kill you.<br />
FINAL THOUGHTS<br />
I am often asked why the life<br />
of a police officer has “more<br />
value” than other people. They<br />
question why society briefly<br />
pauses and communities unite<br />
14 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
to grieve together when a police<br />
officer is murdered in the line of<br />
duty.<br />
And I have thought about this<br />
question a lot over the last few<br />
years. Because, clearly, all human<br />
lives have value and most<br />
everyone has made some positive<br />
impact on this world and<br />
will be missed by family and<br />
friends.<br />
I guess, simply, this hits different<br />
when it’s someone who is<br />
out there protecting us. Because<br />
the good guys are not supposed<br />
to CLICK die like TO this. TAP TO WATCH<br />
There are no words to express<br />
gratitude for those who make<br />
the ultimate sacrifice.<br />
OTHER NEWS<br />
PROGRESSIVE CRIME POLICY<br />
FAILURE<br />
If you take progressive crime<br />
policy to its logical resting place<br />
you will end up with Seattle,<br />
San Francisco, and New York<br />
City. Cities where violent and<br />
property crime expand, police<br />
officers are demoralized, and<br />
communities are destroyed.<br />
But, recently, the obvious consequences<br />
of these inane “soft<br />
on crime” policies are disliked<br />
- even by those who wanted to<br />
take the risk to give them a try.<br />
REALITY ALWAYS WINS<br />
THOUGH.<br />
Oregon had decriminalized<br />
small amounts of hard drugs in<br />
2020.<br />
Predictably, there were a shit<br />
ton of overdoses.<br />
Last week the Oregon House<br />
passed bill <strong>40</strong>02 - which will<br />
again make the possession of<br />
hard drugs a crime.<br />
Bad public policy has consequences<br />
and costs real lives. In<br />
2019 (per the CDC) Oregon had<br />
84 overdoses due to “synthetic<br />
opioids.” By 2023 that number<br />
was 1100.<br />
This is not that complicated:<br />
alcohol, caffeine, and marijuana<br />
may not be great - but we<br />
can still maintain a functioning<br />
society if they are present.<br />
The same is not true for heroin,<br />
meth, and fentanyl. Public<br />
policy should follow that logic.<br />
San Francisco voters just<br />
embraced conservative ballot<br />
measures. In part because 806<br />
people died from overdoses last<br />
year in SF.<br />
Prop E. More police surveillance,<br />
more leeway for police in<br />
pursuits with the use of drones,<br />
less documentation on low level<br />
use of force investigations, and<br />
limited oversight of civilian police<br />
commission.<br />
Prop F. Requires adults who<br />
receive cash assistance from the<br />
city to be screened for drugs. If<br />
positive - they have to enroll in<br />
treatment to keep benefits.<br />
It’s almost as if Ben Shapiro<br />
wrote those ballot initiatives.<br />
In New York, Governor Kathy<br />
Hochul deployed 750 National<br />
Guard members to the NYC subways<br />
and 250 State Police and<br />
transit officers to combat rising<br />
violent crime.<br />
Broken Windows1 (implemented<br />
the last half of the 1990s<br />
under Giulani and Chief Bratton)<br />
focused police efforts on<br />
addressing the signs of social<br />
decay.<br />
It worked.<br />
New York City murders:<br />
1990 - 2605 murders<br />
2000 - 952 murders
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 15
GUEST COMENTARY<br />
Det. Art Woolery, Ret.<br />
“The Armed Citizen” Be prepared.<br />
At the beginning of each<br />
month, I look forward to the<br />
delivery of my N.R.A. issue of<br />
the American Rifleman magazine.<br />
Within its contents is a<br />
section titled “The Armed Citizen.”<br />
It is usually seven short<br />
stories about people from all<br />
walks of life that have decided<br />
to exercise their second amendment<br />
rights to arm themselves,<br />
to protect themselves, family<br />
and property. Having read these<br />
stories every month for many,<br />
many years, I did a little math.<br />
Eighty-four stories a year, but<br />
that is just the ones published<br />
in one magazine each month. I<br />
wonder what the total number<br />
would be if the Uniform Crime<br />
Report (UCR) from every state<br />
were gathered. Maybe I’ll ask<br />
Google for the number. Wow,<br />
Google did not have a number.<br />
In the February issue, I gave<br />
my thoughts on what it is going<br />
to take to solve the crime<br />
problem in this country. In the<br />
meantime, I suspect there will<br />
be no shortage of material for<br />
“The Armed Citizen” staff.<br />
Regarding the constant call<br />
for more gun legislation, it is<br />
hard for me to understand how<br />
more laws are going to change<br />
anything. Any act is not a crime<br />
unless an existing law is violated,<br />
so why would anyone<br />
think that new laws would be<br />
obeyed with all the crime we<br />
16 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
see today? Gun owners are not<br />
the ones calling for more legislation,<br />
more restrictions and<br />
the like. It’s the non-gun owners<br />
most of whom have never<br />
held a firearm, don’t know the<br />
difference between auto and<br />
semi auto, single shot or 8<br />
round magazines. These are the<br />
very people wanting to impose<br />
more gun legislation on us. If<br />
you were to place a handgun<br />
on a table alongside a hammer,<br />
screwdriver, butcher knife, and<br />
chain saw, the handgun would<br />
be singled out as the villain.<br />
However, it’s a tool just like<br />
all the other items mentioned.<br />
That is until such time it’s in the<br />
hands of the wrong person and<br />
used to commit a crime. I wonder<br />
if the anti-gun people are<br />
raising all this hell because they<br />
truly believe all the BS that is<br />
being spread or, have they just<br />
found a “tool” they can use to<br />
draw support to their side for<br />
other political reasons. Society<br />
is going to have to take responsibility<br />
to change the mindset<br />
of future generations. We must<br />
change the way people think,<br />
how they feel about each other<br />
and themselves. Federal and<br />
State Governments can’t do it.<br />
The Laws only apply to those<br />
who want to obey them. Society<br />
will decide if we want our<br />
country to be a safe place to<br />
live the American Dream. Our<br />
country is only as strong as<br />
the citizens are as individuals.<br />
Strength in numbers only happens<br />
when singles come together<br />
as “one”.<br />
Recently, I had the occasion to<br />
be in a conversation with two<br />
friends of mine, one on one at<br />
different times and places. The<br />
conversation with both however<br />
was the same, crime and the<br />
condition of the country as it<br />
is today. The first friend said to<br />
me, “I have my CHL (concealed<br />
handgun license), but I don’t<br />
carry. I asked why not? and he<br />
replied, “All my friends carry so<br />
I don’t feel I need to.” Okay, so<br />
he can’t defend himself when<br />
he is alone, and with friends,<br />
he puts the burden on them<br />
not only to be ready to defend<br />
themselves but him as well. The<br />
second friend said “I am thankful<br />
for the police and citizens<br />
who carry because I really don’t<br />
want to have to shoot someone<br />
or have any of my family to have<br />
to shoot someone. So, number<br />
one at best is going to tell his<br />
assailant “Stop I have a CHL.”<br />
Number 2 is going to be held<br />
at gun point, while his wife or<br />
daughter are assaulted. Some<br />
people say I’m paranoid. I like<br />
to think I’m just alert and prepared.<br />
Until next time, stay safe my<br />
friends and God Bless
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 17
GUEST COMENTARY<br />
<strong>No</strong> Spring Break for the Police<br />
Chief Joel F. Shults,<br />
We aren’t yet a third of the<br />
way into <strong>2024.</strong> As Springtime<br />
provides its annual renewal of<br />
hope, the season of mayhem has<br />
not abated.<br />
As of March 12, 2024, 7 law<br />
enforcement officers had been<br />
murdered by gunfire, 1 by stabbing,<br />
1 has drowned, 4 were<br />
killed being struck by a vehicle, 1<br />
by beating, 7 in car crashes, and<br />
1 along with 2 National Guardsmen<br />
in a helicopter crash. Thousands<br />
more had been injured and<br />
assaulted in ways that are not<br />
uniformly measured. Five police<br />
K9s had also died.<br />
Heroism is in no short supply.<br />
Conroe, TX officers saved a<br />
woman being held with a knife<br />
to her throat in an attempted<br />
sexual assault. Officers’ attempts<br />
at de-escalation were to no<br />
avail. The incident ended with<br />
the hostage taker dead and the<br />
victim physically uninjured.<br />
A deputy in Alabama saved a<br />
fellow officer’s life whom he had<br />
never met by donating a kidney.<br />
“Somebody needed something to<br />
live, and I was very lucky to be<br />
able to help with that,” said Jefferson<br />
County Sheriff’s Lt. Mike<br />
House, who donated a kidney to<br />
Vestavia Hills Police Cpl. Jerry<br />
Hughes.<br />
Two NYPD officers faced a<br />
rain-slicked Brooklyn Bridge,<br />
climbing 25 feet to save a suicidal<br />
woman. After talking with the<br />
woman, they were able to lead<br />
18 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
her to safety. In Akron, OH officers<br />
rescued a 2-year-old boy<br />
from Larry Spence, 54, who stole<br />
a pickup truck with a sleeping<br />
child buckled in the back seat.<br />
The officers offered comfort to<br />
the child, including offering a<br />
story from a child’s book about<br />
dinosaurs. LAPD officers were attempting<br />
to stop a vehicle driving<br />
with no headlights when the<br />
driver crashed into a utility pole,<br />
causing the vehicle to catch fire.<br />
Officers broke into the vehicle to<br />
pull two teen occupants out of<br />
the flames but were unable to<br />
save a third.<br />
Broward County, FL, sheriff’s<br />
deputies fatally shot a transit<br />
worker in Pompano Beach after<br />
he allegedly killed a colleague<br />
and opened fire at law enforcement<br />
officers. Marana, AZ police<br />
attempted to stop a suspected<br />
drunk driver who led officers on<br />
a foot chase. The man was reportedly<br />
armed with a handgun<br />
and, when located, was killed in<br />
an exchange of gunfire.<br />
Arrests have been made in the<br />
January attack on two police<br />
officers at a migrant shelter in<br />
New York. The officers were<br />
kicked and beaten by multiple<br />
suspects after one of the officers<br />
was engaged in taking custody<br />
of a suspect. Manhattan District<br />
Attorney Bragg, typical of his<br />
reputation for being a friend of<br />
offenders, initially allowed four<br />
suspects released with no bail<br />
but then indicted them after<br />
protests.<br />
Officers in Phoenix protecting<br />
Vice President Harris’ motorcade<br />
were assaulted with red dye<br />
thrown by a protester. A Hamilton<br />
Township, NJ police officer<br />
underwent surgery after he was<br />
shot multiple times by a gunman<br />
who was subsequently shot and<br />
killed by police during a domestic<br />
violence call. Police in<br />
Sante Fe, NM were attempting to<br />
apprehend a fugitive when gunfire<br />
erupted. One officer and two<br />
suspects were hospitalized.<br />
While the stories of chaos and<br />
tragedy are too many to cite, police<br />
work never ceases to offer<br />
occasional amusement. Police<br />
in Colorado were searching for a<br />
burglary suspect when they discovered<br />
him answering nature’s<br />
call with his pants down on a<br />
toilet in the building. The Superintendent<br />
of the New Orleans<br />
Police Department is lobbying<br />
for new facilities, reporting that<br />
rats are eating marijuana held<br />
in evidence. A Weld County, CO<br />
deputy was successful in rounding<br />
up a runaway emu. Despite<br />
attempts to escape the deputy,<br />
the bird was wrangled back to<br />
its owner.<br />
The seasons may change, but<br />
the challenges of policing never<br />
do.<br />
This article originally appeared<br />
in the National Police Association<br />
and was reprinted with permission.
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 19
GUEST COMENTARY<br />
police law news<br />
Daniel Carr<br />
Officer Involved: Jaheim McMillian<br />
The race of a suspect and an<br />
officer are literally the least important<br />
part of any police interaction.<br />
If two humans treat each<br />
other with respect: the eye color,<br />
hair color, fingernail length, or<br />
skin color have no relevancy. That<br />
should not be controversial - that<br />
should be boring common sense.<br />
But it clearly isn’t.<br />
20 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
THE GRIFT<br />
There was an Officer-Involved-Shooting<br />
(OIS) on October<br />
6, 2022 in Gulfport, Mississippi.<br />
A police officer killed a<br />
teenager. The police dash camera<br />
footage of the incident was<br />
recently released.<br />
During the four months in between<br />
the incident and the video<br />
becoming public: the media<br />
“race-baited” for ratings, the<br />
family of the deceased tried to<br />
profit from the tragedy, people<br />
who don’t know any better (or<br />
who don’t care) protested in the<br />
streets, a police officer who was<br />
not involved in this incident received<br />
death threats, and the police<br />
officers who were involved<br />
were forced into bureaucratic<br />
silence.<br />
This story was covered by local<br />
and national news outlets and<br />
exploited by anti-police activists.<br />
Many of the headlines of the<br />
stories produced by The Guardian,<br />
Mother Jones, Daily Kos, The<br />
Huffington Post and others highlighted<br />
the race of the ‘victim’<br />
while conveniently leaving out<br />
that he was armed with a gun.<br />
Ever wonder why municipalities<br />
cannot recruit or retain<br />
decent cops?<br />
WHAT HAPPENED?<br />
Multiple individuals called into<br />
police dispatch to report that a<br />
car full of people were wearing<br />
masks and pointing guns at<br />
random drivers. A location and<br />
description of the vehicle was<br />
provided to police.<br />
Officers responded to the area<br />
and actually located the offender<br />
vehicle (good job!). A traffic stop<br />
was conducted and the vehicle<br />
stopped in the parking lot of a<br />
Family Dollar store.<br />
Once the vehicle stopped, two<br />
young men exited the vehicle.<br />
Both were armed with handguns.<br />
THE USE OF FORCE<br />
Jaheim McMillian exited the<br />
rear passenger door of the vehicle<br />
- while holding a handgun.<br />
He initially ran away from the<br />
officer and towards the front<br />
door of the store. Mr. McMillian<br />
ran left and then when he<br />
reached the end of the building<br />
he reversed course and ran to the<br />
right. During this time the handgun<br />
was visible and the officer<br />
did not utilize any force.<br />
Then (for some reason) Mr.<br />
McMillian ran around another<br />
parked car and turned towards<br />
the officer - while holding the<br />
gun. In this instant Mr. McMillian<br />
went from an armed fleeing felon<br />
to an armed felon who was<br />
rushing towards the police officer.<br />
It was at that point that the<br />
officer fired his weapon - killing<br />
Mr. McMillian.
This is an example of the<br />
involved police officer demonstrating<br />
great restraint. Two<br />
people who had reportedly committed<br />
felonies (by pointing guns<br />
at random drivers) and eluded<br />
police while armed with handguns.<br />
The officer did not use any<br />
level of force as the two young<br />
men ran away and the officer did<br />
not chase after either individual.<br />
The officer stood by his patrol<br />
car. However, once Mr. McMillian<br />
changed course and ran towards<br />
the officer with the handgun -<br />
only then did the officer fire his<br />
weapon. This indicates that the<br />
officer had no interest in using<br />
deadly force (or any force for<br />
that matter) until his life was in<br />
immediate danger.<br />
The other teenager who kept<br />
running away from the officer<br />
was arrested later, without incident,<br />
and no force was utilized<br />
against him - as he posed no immediate<br />
threat to police officers.<br />
According to a Grand Jury<br />
report - there was no criminal<br />
action by any police officer. The<br />
District Attorney will not be<br />
filing any charges against the<br />
officer.<br />
In essence, this OIS was found<br />
to have been within the law.<br />
MONTHS OF PROTESTS OVER<br />
THIS OIS CONTROVERSY<br />
The description of this incident<br />
that I provided is not simply<br />
my opinion, but objective fact<br />
as seen on police dash camera<br />
footage.<br />
The problem is that there was<br />
a four month gap in between the<br />
OIS and the release of the police<br />
video footage.<br />
During those four months,<br />
Mr. McMillian’s mother (Katrina<br />
Mateen) started a gofundme<br />
account with a stated goal to<br />
raise $200k. The fundraiser was<br />
started on October 7, 2022 (the<br />
day after her son died). The<br />
description of the gofundme<br />
states that Mr. McMillian was<br />
“unarmed” and had his “hands<br />
up” and was shot “in the back of<br />
the head” while holding a bag of<br />
“McDonald’s and keys.” The fundraiser<br />
states that the police had<br />
no reason to utilize force against<br />
him.<br />
The description of the fundraiser<br />
also names the officer<br />
who was supposedly the one<br />
who shot Mr. McMillian. The<br />
officer’s name and rank are in<br />
the description for the fundraiser.<br />
The officer subsequently<br />
received months of death threats<br />
to himself and his family. However,<br />
the officer listed was not<br />
involved in this case. In fact, he<br />
was not even on scene, he was<br />
not working that day, and was<br />
out of state on vacation on the<br />
day that the OIS occurred. The<br />
chief of police was forced to<br />
make a public statement about<br />
this issue.<br />
As of the writing of this article<br />
- the description still remains<br />
- despite the public video evidence.<br />
However, that dishonest<br />
description of this tragedy did<br />
help to raise over $90k for Ms.<br />
Mateen.<br />
BEN CRUMP DESCENDS ON<br />
THE COMMUNITY - RELEASE<br />
THE VIDEO<br />
Ben Crump was retained by Mr.<br />
McMillian’s family in this case. In<br />
a public statement on October<br />
13, 2022 Mr. Crump said, “This<br />
child had his whole life ahead<br />
of him, but bullets from those<br />
officers took all possibility of<br />
that away in an instant. While<br />
much remains unknown about<br />
this case, we fully intend to put<br />
pressure on officials in Mississippi<br />
until this family gets the answers<br />
they need and deserve. We<br />
are calling for officials to release<br />
any and all video footage of the<br />
incident so that we can see with<br />
our own eyes what transpired on<br />
that tragic night.”<br />
Here is how we know that<br />
there is overwhelming evidence<br />
that this was a lawful, justified,<br />
and objectively reasonable OIS.<br />
Mr. Crump demanded the release<br />
of the police video footage.<br />
The footage was released. Since<br />
the release - Mr. Crump has not<br />
commented, complained, or<br />
made any statement about the<br />
use of deadly force by police.<br />
We all know that if there was<br />
even the slightest whisper of the<br />
police officer making any error<br />
- Mr. Crump would not have<br />
been shy about creating a media<br />
carnival to expose the wrongdoing<br />
by police. The silence by Mr.<br />
Crump is blaring to those who<br />
pay attention to the playbook of<br />
anti-police activists.<br />
JAHEIM MCMILLIAN<br />
Mr. McMillian was only fifteenyears-old.<br />
We should all be angry<br />
about the end result. But who<br />
should we be mad at?<br />
The police officer who responded<br />
to a call in reference<br />
to a car full of people pointing<br />
guns at random citizens - who<br />
utilized deadly force only after<br />
an immediate deadly threat was<br />
posed? or,<br />
The parents, guardians, teachers,<br />
coaches, and/or other adults<br />
in his life who failed to provide<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 21
a good example for this young<br />
man and who also did not care<br />
enough to make sure that he<br />
was not running the streets with<br />
a gun?<br />
If we are going to assign blame<br />
- it seems dishonest to put the<br />
majority of the fault on the police<br />
officer who was forced into<br />
a dynamic and violent situation<br />
- through no fault of his own -<br />
while simultaneously not blaming<br />
the other adults who allowed<br />
this situation to deteriorate to<br />
the point that Mr. McMillian was<br />
out and about with a group of<br />
criminals terrorizing random<br />
citizens.<br />
THE DOUBLE STANDARD<br />
There is a double standard at<br />
gofundme. gofundme routinely<br />
shuts down fundraiser accounts<br />
established for police officers<br />
when they are charged with<br />
crimes and trying to raise money<br />
for a legal defense. However,<br />
during the 2020 riots, thousands<br />
of people who were arrested for<br />
vandalism, theft, and arson were<br />
allowed to establish gofundme<br />
accounts and raised funds for<br />
their various criminal defenses.<br />
Mr. McMillian’s family has been<br />
allowed to establish such a<br />
fundraiser on this platform - despite<br />
the fact that he committed<br />
multiple crimes (felonies) before<br />
he was shot by a police officer<br />
- including Aggravated Assault<br />
against a Police Officer.<br />
gofundme is a private company<br />
and can/should be allowed to<br />
set their own standards. As customers<br />
we should request that<br />
they apply the same standards to<br />
every fundraiser. That is not an<br />
unreasonable request.<br />
FINAL THOUGHTS<br />
If provided any reason (whether<br />
plausible or not) anti-police<br />
activists will exploit every situation<br />
to the maximum to promote<br />
their dishonest narrative. There<br />
are strategies and practices<br />
that can be employed to limit<br />
the damage that can be inflicted<br />
upon communities. There<br />
are misguided individuals who<br />
believe that it is their destiny to<br />
destroy and dismantle communities<br />
- while the rest of us are<br />
responsible for maintaining the<br />
thin blue line between order and<br />
chaos.<br />
For example, the reason that<br />
the Ma’Khia Bryant OIS in Columbus,<br />
OH is not associated<br />
with ‘police violence’ is because<br />
politicians made the good decision<br />
to release the police body<br />
cam footage almost immediately.<br />
The release of this footage<br />
depicted literally one of the<br />
most justifiable and reasonable<br />
OIS incidents ever captured on<br />
police body camera. There were<br />
no riots, no dishonest narratives,<br />
and no police officers received<br />
serious threats. (Listen to Officer<br />
Nate discuss this incident on the<br />
incredible podcast On Being a<br />
Police Officer).<br />
This is an honest playbook that<br />
politicians and police leaders in<br />
other communities should employ.<br />
The quick release of the<br />
footage in Mr. McMillian’s case<br />
could have stopped much of<br />
the chaos fueled by anti-police<br />
activists who only possess the<br />
goals to divide and destroy communities.<br />
The only way that we can fight<br />
against dishonesty is with the<br />
willingness to promote truth.<br />
We should all be allowed and<br />
encouraged to express, discuss,<br />
and debate opinions. We should<br />
do that in a reasonable and respectful<br />
manner. But, we should<br />
be more aggressive when it<br />
comes to objective truth.<br />
The time for silence is over.<br />
22 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 23
GUEST COMENTARY<br />
Daniel Carr<br />
Boots & Flashlights: The fog of Naivety<br />
I started the police academy in<br />
July 2005 - a few months after<br />
I graduated from college with<br />
an undergraduate degree in Law<br />
Enforcement and Justice Administration<br />
(an unnecessary way to<br />
say “Criminal Justice.”)<br />
Going away to college as a<br />
quasi-independent young adult<br />
and half-heartedly attending<br />
easy college courses prepared<br />
me exactly zero for the police<br />
academy and somehow less for<br />
the realities of policing in a violent<br />
city.<br />
It’s strange to look at a career<br />
on a timeline where norms and<br />
practices dramatically evolve<br />
but you exist as the same person.<br />
The official training that I<br />
received in the police academy<br />
was some (now unimaginable)<br />
version of “Ask, Tell, Make.”<br />
I sat through that “training”<br />
enamored, hanging on every<br />
word as though my police academy<br />
instructors were Socrates<br />
and nearly two decades later I<br />
was the detective investigating<br />
officers for not using enough<br />
“de-escalation” and the teaching<br />
the preferred police ethics<br />
course of the day.<br />
BOOTS AND FLASHLIGHTS<br />
As a rookie I was assigned to<br />
work graveyard shift in an area<br />
dubbed “the warzone.”<br />
It was 2006 and I was in a<br />
squad with my best friend. Policing<br />
as a new cop in a wild area<br />
24 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
is more satisfying when close<br />
calls, near misses, and successful<br />
foot chases are shared with a<br />
friend.<br />
My buddy and I were dispatched<br />
to a residential burglary<br />
call in the middle of a busy night<br />
on a specifically awful street.<br />
The victim scared the burglar<br />
and after forcing entry he ran<br />
from the scene. The caller provided<br />
surprisingly accurate information<br />
to dispatch that included:<br />
a description of the offender, the<br />
direction of travel, and an update<br />
of where the offender was<br />
in real time.<br />
As my partner and I approached<br />
the scene, to our absolute<br />
shock, we saw the offender<br />
near the scene of the crime.<br />
There was no one else on the<br />
street at this time of the night<br />
and the description provided was<br />
exactly what my mind imagined<br />
and now saw.<br />
We quickly exited the car (we<br />
were riding together as one of<br />
our cars was out of service)<br />
and approached the offender<br />
- shouting a barrage of verbal<br />
commands. As we approached<br />
I noticed that in between the<br />
offender and us - was a six-foot<br />
chain link fence. In the darkness,<br />
from a distance, I had not<br />
realized that a fence separated<br />
us. The offender was encased in<br />
another backyard.<br />
With the clarity of nearly 20<br />
years of 20/20 hindsight - we<br />
had multiple options. But, in the<br />
moment we gave the offender<br />
commands to climb over the<br />
fence - so that we could arrest<br />
him. He hesitated at first and<br />
said that he could not climb the<br />
fence. I responded that he surely<br />
did not want us to come and<br />
collect him. The offender meekly<br />
obliged and climbed over.<br />
He climbed over and was now<br />
on our side at the top of the<br />
fence and we put hands on him<br />
and guided him to the ground<br />
and got him in handcuffs. The<br />
explanation of “guided” is not an<br />
exaggeration. This guy was not<br />
armed, did not resist arrest, and<br />
we used zero force to get him<br />
into custody.<br />
As this was one of my first<br />
felony arrests I turned to my<br />
friend with the intent to give<br />
him a high-five, a chest bump<br />
and celebrate like Canseco and<br />
McGwire after a steroid fueled<br />
game-winning homer.<br />
For that brief second I was on<br />
top of the world. I just made a<br />
felony arrest without using force.<br />
I thought that this was the epitome<br />
of good police work.<br />
That brief second was corrupted<br />
by a squad of slightly more<br />
senior cops and their sergeant.<br />
Without knowing it they had<br />
pulled up on scene and starting<br />
approaching us as we guided the<br />
offender off of the fence and into
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handcuffs.<br />
I expected them to join our<br />
celebration or at minimum give<br />
us a “good job guys.” But, to my<br />
dismay, the first words spoken<br />
by our backup was criticism that<br />
the bad guy didn’t have any injuries.<br />
The sergeant condescended<br />
from on high that when cops<br />
catch someone who committed<br />
a felony that the drive to jail<br />
should be proceeded by a stop at<br />
the emergency room.<br />
There was then a sudden cloud<br />
of anonymous dust as a few<br />
seconds of boots and flashlights<br />
proceeded getting this guy to his<br />
feet.<br />
DARK<br />
Things after that were different<br />
for me. There was a cynicism<br />
and a darkness in policing that I<br />
had previously, naively not been<br />
aware of. This opened a new<br />
door and closed others in the<br />
structure that I had set up neatly<br />
in my mind.<br />
All these years later the fog of<br />
time clouds some of the details<br />
but the experience of disappointing<br />
eyes judging me in the<br />
moments after that arrest is still<br />
clear.<br />
I don’t know if the other officers<br />
on scene used force that<br />
day. I know that there was no<br />
stop at the hospital. I can’t even<br />
remember the names or the<br />
faces of the officers/sergeant.<br />
But, that isn’t the point. I am not<br />
griping about their possible unprofessionalism<br />
- but instead this<br />
is a vulnerable highlighting of<br />
my obscene naivety.<br />
FINAL THOUGHTS<br />
I had held this idea that police<br />
were always the good guys and<br />
that criminals were always the<br />
bad guys. Things after this incident<br />
were different for me.<br />
I questioned the paradigm of<br />
what “good guy” and “bad guy”<br />
really were. I explored the idea<br />
that maybe more aggressive<br />
policing is the answer. That if<br />
police were slightly more aggressive<br />
with criminals who<br />
victimize the innocent - that the<br />
community may be safer for everyone<br />
else.<br />
And, maybe the statistics<br />
reflect that. Between 2006 and<br />
2024 the city entered into a DOJ<br />
Consent Decree (2014).<br />
In 2006 the city had 36 homicides.<br />
In 2022 the city had 121<br />
homicides. Maybe aggressive<br />
policing saves innocent lives?<br />
Maybe aggressive policing<br />
further divides populations that<br />
already distrust police?<br />
I still don’t have the answer.<br />
That’s the reason I continue this<br />
project. Asking important questions<br />
at the intersection of morality,<br />
law, and reality.<br />
“Whoever fights monsters<br />
should see to it that in the process<br />
he does not become a monster”<br />
- Friedrich Nietzsche<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 25
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
KNOXVILLE, TN.<br />
Knoxville Police Officer Wisbens Antoine was in his first day at the<br />
academy when he collapsed during a 1.5 mile run and died.<br />
The law enforcement community<br />
across Tennessee, already<br />
reeling from the shooting death<br />
of a Blount County sheriff’s deputy<br />
and the drowning of a Meigs<br />
County sheriff’s deputy, is in<br />
mourning again after the death<br />
of a Knoxville Police Department<br />
recruit.<br />
Wisbens Antoine, a member of<br />
the 2023-B Basic Recruit Class,<br />
collapsed during a training session<br />
Feb. 23, Police Chief Paul<br />
<strong>No</strong>el said in a press release. Antoine<br />
was rushed to the hospital,<br />
but died Feb. 25, <strong>No</strong>el said.<br />
“I don’t have the words to express<br />
the magnitude of the grief<br />
and sadness that we are all feeling<br />
right now,” <strong>No</strong>el said during<br />
a press conference Feb. 25,<br />
wiping tears away as he mentioned<br />
Antoine’s wife and two<br />
daughters. “We are all beyond<br />
devastated.”<br />
A Knoxville Police Department<br />
patrol car memorial was set<br />
up outside of the Public Safety<br />
Complex in honor of Antoine on<br />
Monday, Feb. 26, <strong>2024.</strong><br />
Antoine, 32, joined the Knoxville<br />
Police Department in 2023<br />
as a Public Safety Recruit and<br />
started the basic recruit academy<br />
on Sept. 25, <strong>No</strong>el said.<br />
26 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
Antoine was set to be sworn in<br />
alongside of his 18 classmates<br />
on March 4.<br />
On Friday afternoon, Antoine<br />
collapsed during a routine physical<br />
training session at the end of<br />
a mile and a half run for reasons<br />
that remain unknown, <strong>No</strong>el said.<br />
Members of the police department<br />
training staff immediately<br />
provided CPR and other life-saving<br />
care, including using a mobile<br />
defibrillator, he said.<br />
Antoine was rushed to the<br />
University of Tennessee Medical<br />
Center and died at around 4 a.m.<br />
Sunday, <strong>No</strong>el said.<br />
As Antoine’s conditioned worsened<br />
Friday, <strong>No</strong>el made the decision<br />
to swear him in as a police<br />
officer.<br />
“There was no better way to to<br />
honor his service and his sacrifice<br />
to the department and the<br />
community than to make him a<br />
police officer at the hospital,”<br />
<strong>No</strong>el said during the press conference.<br />
The police department command<br />
and training staff, Antoine’s<br />
recruit class and Mayor<br />
Indya Kincannon were on hand<br />
as Knoxville Municipal Judge<br />
Tyler Caviness swore Antoine in,<br />
<strong>No</strong>el said. A fellow recruit took<br />
OFFICER WISBENS ANTOINE<br />
the oath on Antoine’s behalf and<br />
placed his new badge on his<br />
chest, <strong>No</strong>el added.<br />
Services for Antoine are pending,<br />
<strong>No</strong>el said Sunday, adding<br />
that details of a memorial service<br />
are still being worked out.<br />
A memorial fund account has<br />
been set up at the Knoxville<br />
Law Enforcement Federal Credit<br />
Union. Those wishing to donate<br />
money directly to the Antoine<br />
family can do so in person or<br />
by mailing a check to the credit<br />
union at 501 E. Summit Hill,<br />
Knoxville, TN, 37915. Checks<br />
should be made payable to the<br />
Wisbens Antoine Memorial Fund.
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 27
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
KANSAS CITY, MO.<br />
Independence Police Officer Cody Allen was shot and killed by a<br />
suspect while assisting a civil process server who had been shot.<br />
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - On<br />
Thursday Feb. 29th, the Independence<br />
Police Department lost<br />
one of its own.<br />
While responding to assist in<br />
the shooting of a civil process<br />
server, Officer. Cody Allen was<br />
fatally shot by a suspect at a<br />
home in the 1100 block of <strong>No</strong>rth<br />
Elsea Smith Road.<br />
The Independence Police Department<br />
and Jackson Co. Circuit<br />
Court have confirmed that one<br />
officer and one process server<br />
are dead while one is in custody.<br />
“He is a hero, and unfortunately<br />
he lost his life while serving<br />
this community,” IPD chief Adam<br />
Dustman said. “He did exactly<br />
what the men and women of law<br />
enforcement are called to do<br />
day-in and day-out, and I could<br />
not be more proud of him and<br />
his service to his community.”<br />
Allen was a two-time member<br />
of the Independence Police<br />
Department. He began his law<br />
enforcement career with the<br />
Grandview Police Department<br />
before joining the police force in<br />
Independence.<br />
He then took a job in the private<br />
sector to try something<br />
different, but came back to the<br />
Independence Police Department<br />
nearly two years ago.<br />
“He missed it,” Dustman said.<br />
“But that’s not lost on me (that<br />
he re-joined IPD.) I could not be<br />
more proud.”<br />
Dustman said he remembered<br />
Allen as always having a smile<br />
on his face and being able to diffuse<br />
things at a moment’s notice.<br />
“One of a kind,” Dustman added<br />
about Allen. “A human being<br />
among human beings.”<br />
The Grandview Police Department<br />
shared similar sentiments.<br />
“Our hearts are heavy at the<br />
Grandview Police Department<br />
and our condolences go out<br />
to all the family, friends and<br />
co-workers reeling from the<br />
effects of today’s tragedy in Independence,”<br />
Grandview police<br />
chief Charles Iseman said. “Officer<br />
Cody Allen worked with us<br />
OFFICER CODY ALLEN<br />
in Grandview for nearly six years<br />
before transferring to Independence.<br />
He was loved and respected<br />
by all those who worked<br />
with him. His death is a huge loss<br />
to the law enforcement community.”<br />
Allen was 35 years old, and he<br />
leaves behind a wife, two small<br />
children and his parents.<br />
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 29
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
EVERETTE, WA.<br />
Washington State Trooper Chris Gadd was killed when a DUI driver<br />
struck his patrol car parked on the shoulder of I-5.<br />
EVERETT, WA. — Trooper Chris<br />
Gadd was a man of action who<br />
loved deeply, was competitive to a<br />
fault and was passionate about arresting<br />
drunken drivers to keep the<br />
roads safe.<br />
Hundreds of police officers from<br />
across the country, along with a<br />
contingent from Canada, joined<br />
Gadd’s family, friends and members<br />
of the public in remembering the<br />
goofy, gregarious 27-year-old who<br />
was killed in the line of duty March<br />
2.<br />
Motorcycles from police departments<br />
from Spokane Valley to<br />
Auburn were parked outside Angel<br />
of the Winds Arena, while inside a<br />
sea of uniforms in shades of blue,<br />
green and brown — and at least one<br />
red uniform of the Royal Canadian<br />
Mounted Police — amassed for a<br />
somber service steeped in military<br />
tradition.<br />
An honor guard stood at attention<br />
and saluted as Gadd’s family was<br />
escorted to the front of the arena,<br />
where his casket was draped in an<br />
American flag. The Seattle Police<br />
Pipes & Drums, dressed in kilts and<br />
tartans, played “Going Home,” and a<br />
color guard bearing flags marched<br />
to the stage.<br />
Seven troopers who knew Gadd<br />
best huddled in a group hug before<br />
one of them attached a streamer<br />
bearing Gadd’s name to the<br />
State Patrol flag, where it joined<br />
streamers with the names of 32<br />
30 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
other troopers killed in the line of<br />
duty. Gadd, who was a volunteer<br />
firefighter and emergency medical<br />
technician before joining the Patrol<br />
2 years ago, was the 33rd trooper<br />
killed in the agency’s 103-year history.<br />
Pastor Matt Krachunis, who has<br />
known Gadd’s family for 20 years,<br />
said Gadd was proud to be a trooper,<br />
loved his job and did it well.<br />
The pastor remembered him as a<br />
“pudgy, round-faced kid” growing<br />
up in Covington who would show<br />
up on his bike with an airsoft rifle<br />
and his hair styled into a mohawk.<br />
Gadd and Krachunis’ son would<br />
raid the pantry to steal the pastor’s<br />
“premium snacks” — namely macadamia<br />
nuts and the good chocolate,<br />
he said.<br />
“Chris became a man when none<br />
of us were watching,” Krachunis<br />
said. “Chris took the world by the<br />
reins and just did it. … He made his<br />
decisions based on what he thought<br />
was important” and forged his own<br />
path.<br />
Gadd found his best friend in his<br />
wife Cammryn, and his favorite person<br />
was his young daughter, Kaelyn,<br />
who he’d hoped to rebuild a car<br />
with someday, Krachunis said. He<br />
was incredibly proud of his younger<br />
sister, Jackie, who became a Texas<br />
State trooper, and was a devoted<br />
son to his parents, Gillian and David,<br />
the latter a retired state trooper.<br />
“Chris and every single one of you<br />
TROOPER CHRIS GADD<br />
stand as society’s first and last line<br />
of defense,” Krachunis said to the<br />
crowd of law enforcement officers.<br />
“Please, remember who Chris was:<br />
an honorable man, a father, a husband,<br />
a son and a friend.”<br />
Robinson expressed anger and<br />
sadness over the senselessness of<br />
Gadd’s death, which investigators<br />
have said was caused by an intoxicated<br />
driver who struck the back<br />
of Gadd’s patrol vehicle while the<br />
trooper was parked on the shoulder<br />
of Interstate 5 near Marysville.<br />
“I would trade places with him in<br />
a second if I had the chance because<br />
he was there doing his job to<br />
keep others safe,” she said. “It’s not<br />
fair and it’s not right.”<br />
State Patrol Chief Batiste called<br />
Gadd’s death a devastating loss and<br />
said he served with excellency and<br />
humility.
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 31
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
RIO GRANDE CITY, TX.<br />
A U.S. Border Patrol agent and two N.Y. National Guard soldiers were killed in<br />
a helicopter crash near Rio Grande City in South Texas.<br />
Associated Press<br />
LA GRULLA, TX. — A National<br />
Guard soldier from New York<br />
who was seriously injured in the<br />
crash of a helicopter flying over<br />
the U.S.-Mexico border remained<br />
hospitalized Sunday while authorities<br />
released the names of the<br />
two National Guard soldiers and a<br />
Border Patrol agent on board who<br />
were killed.<br />
The three killed Friday in the<br />
crash in a field in Texas near Rio<br />
Grande City were: Chief Warrant<br />
Officer 2 Casey Frankoski, 28,<br />
and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John<br />
Grassia, 30, both with the New<br />
York National Guard; and Border<br />
Patrol Agent Chris Luna, 49. The<br />
cause of the crash remains under<br />
investigation.<br />
The UH-72 Lakota helicopter<br />
was assigned to the federal government’s<br />
border security mission<br />
when it went down while the<br />
helicopter was conducting aviation<br />
operations, according to a<br />
statement released by Joint Task<br />
Force <strong>No</strong>rth, a military unit that<br />
supports Customs and Border<br />
Protection. <strong>No</strong> other details were<br />
provided.<br />
The injured soldier was from the<br />
New York National Guard, according<br />
to the National Guard Bureau.<br />
The soldier, whose name isn’t<br />
32 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
being released, was the aircraft<br />
crew chief. The soldier remained<br />
hospitalized, according to a news<br />
release posted by the New York<br />
State Division of Military & Naval<br />
Affairs.<br />
Major General Ray Shields, the<br />
adjutant general of New York,<br />
said in the release that they are<br />
“shocked and devastated” by the<br />
deaths of Frankoski and Grassia,<br />
and are “praying for the quick recovery”<br />
of the injured crew chief.<br />
Troy Miller, acting commissioner<br />
of Customs and Border Protection,<br />
said in a statement that they were<br />
“heartbroken” by the death of<br />
Luna, who is survived by his wife<br />
and two children, parents and<br />
brother.<br />
Homeland Security Secretary<br />
Alejandro Mayorkas said in a<br />
statement that they are praying for<br />
the injured national guardsman’s<br />
“swift recovery,” and said his<br />
thoughts and the “deepest condolences”<br />
of the department were<br />
with the families of those killed.<br />
Grassia, who was a New York<br />
state trooper, was from Schenectady,<br />
New York, and he enlisted in<br />
the New York Army National Guard<br />
in 2013 as a UH-60 Black Hawk<br />
helicopter maintenance specialist,<br />
according to the New York State<br />
Division of Military & Naval Affairs.<br />
The release said that Frankoski, of<br />
DEPUTY CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON<br />
Rensselaer, New York, enlisted in<br />
the New York Army National Guard<br />
in 2016 and she trained to become<br />
a UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-72<br />
Lakota helicopter pilot.<br />
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul<br />
said in a statement that she was<br />
“deeply saddened” by the deaths<br />
of Grassia and Frankoski.<br />
“There is no greater calling than<br />
service to and defense of your<br />
country,” she said.<br />
Frankoski and Grassia were assigned<br />
to Detachment 2, Company<br />
A, 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation<br />
Regiment. Luna was assigned to<br />
the Border Patrol’s Rio Grande City<br />
Station.<br />
The helicopter that crashed was<br />
assigned to the District of Columbia<br />
Army National Guard, according<br />
to the New York State Division<br />
of Military & Naval Affairs release.
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 33
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
GENESEE COUNTY, NY.<br />
Genesee County Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello died after being attacked by a<br />
suspect in a bar in Batavia New York.<br />
By Lia Lando<br />
BATAVIA, N.Y. (WKBW) — There<br />
is an outpouring of support for<br />
a fallen member of local law<br />
enforcement and his family.<br />
Earlier this week the Genesee<br />
County Sheriff’s Office announced<br />
the line-of-duty death<br />
of Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello.<br />
The sheriff’s office said Sgt.<br />
Sanfratello was killed on March<br />
10 after an incident while working<br />
a special assignment detail<br />
at Batavia Downs.<br />
Two suspects in the case,<br />
33-year-old Michael Elmore and<br />
39-year-old Lyndsey Wilcox,<br />
appeared in Batavia Town Court<br />
Tuesday. At the sheriff’s office, a<br />
patrol car sits out front in honor<br />
of Sgt. Sanfratello and serves as<br />
a memorial.<br />
“Tommy should be remembered<br />
as a good all-around guy,”<br />
said Gordon Dibbles, a retired<br />
Chief Deputy who has fond<br />
memories of working with Sgt.<br />
Sanfratello. “You know it’s not<br />
real...these types of things for<br />
me...it’s something that doesn’t<br />
set in until quite a while later.”<br />
“The community that we all<br />
have, they come together immensely<br />
for things like this,” said<br />
Joshua Lathan who has lived in<br />
the area his entire life.<br />
He is proud to see his neighbors<br />
showing so much support<br />
for Sgt. Sanfratello and his family.<br />
“Just driving, especially at<br />
nighttime, seeing all the blue<br />
lights on everyone’s front porches,<br />
the flags being hung in all the<br />
towns, the yard signs that people<br />
are getting. Just recently a<br />
couple from Oakfield are getting<br />
together buying t-shirts with his<br />
name on them,” Lathan said.<br />
Other signs of support include<br />
posters in windows all over town<br />
along with artwork and signs<br />
honoring the Sergeant.<br />
“I noticed all the sheriff’s badges<br />
on all the businesses and it<br />
was nice to see,” said Leah Ford<br />
who came to town for lunch<br />
with her family.<br />
“He would be very appreciative<br />
SGT. THOMAS SANFRATELLO<br />
of all of this,” said Dibbles. “He<br />
also had a good sense of humor<br />
and I think he would be on more<br />
of the side of the ‘celebrate life<br />
type of thing’ but people are<br />
hurting so this is what you do.”<br />
Earlier this week an emotional<br />
Ian Sanfratello, the son of Sgt.<br />
Sanfratello, spoke alongside<br />
several Genesee County sheriff’s<br />
deputies and Batavia police officers<br />
during a news conference.<br />
“He will never be forgotten and<br />
he will be missed immensely by<br />
all that not only had the chance<br />
to know him, but talk to him.<br />
And he will always be loved,”<br />
Sanfratello said<br />
DON’T MISS THIS MONTH’S<br />
AFTERMATH ON PAGE 120<br />
34 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 35
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL.<br />
A motorcyclist with a fake plate that read ‘WILL RUN” was arrested after a<br />
chase involving six Florida agencies.<br />
By Law Officer<br />
VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL. – A motorcyclist<br />
in Florida with a fake<br />
personal license plate reading,<br />
“WILL RUN,” fled from police at<br />
speeds reaching 145 mph before<br />
he was safely tracked down and<br />
arrested, according to law enforcement<br />
authorities.<br />
The biker “taunted and fled”<br />
from six different law enforcement<br />
agencies prior to being<br />
captured. He was trailed by air<br />
support and finally taken into<br />
custody in Sanford.<br />
Ashtin Jarvis, 19, New Smyrna<br />
Beach, was arrested on several<br />
charges including fleeing at high<br />
speed, reckless driving, and possession<br />
of a counterfeit license<br />
plate, in addition to traffic violations.<br />
Thank you Seminole County<br />
Sheriff’s Office and Sanford Police<br />
Department for the assist!<br />
Jarvis taunted and fled from<br />
Port Orange PD, New Smyrna PD,<br />
Ormond Beach PD, Edgewater PD,<br />
South Daytona PD, and VSO deputies.<br />
Participating law enforcement<br />
agencies did not engage<br />
in any pursuits, instead calling in<br />
Air One to respond, follow and<br />
help protect the public from the<br />
reckless behavior on our roads.<br />
“Oh man, was that fun?” a<br />
deputy asked Jarvis as he approached<br />
him during the arrest.<br />
“<strong>No</strong>, not really,” the rider said.<br />
According to a probable cause<br />
arrest affidavit obtained by<br />
Law&Crime, a deputy was patrolling<br />
the area of Dunlawton<br />
Avenue in Port Orange when he<br />
saw a group of motorcycle riders<br />
popping wheelies. He saw one of<br />
the riders had the license plate<br />
“WILL RUN” on his bike, which<br />
the deputy recognized as a motorcycle<br />
that fled the week prior<br />
during “Bike Week.”<br />
The deputy noticed the license<br />
plate was invalid and started<br />
following the crew. He pulled up<br />
to them at a stop light, got out<br />
of his patrol unit, and walked up<br />
to them. That’s when the motorcyclist<br />
took off.<br />
Once he was arrested, deputies<br />
asked Jarvis about the fake<br />
plate. He reportedly said he saw<br />
it in a video and thought it was<br />
funny, so he decided to buy it,<br />
while saying his actual license<br />
plate was at home.<br />
36 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
DON’T MISS THIS MONTH’S<br />
WAR STORY ON PAGE 118
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 37
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
NEW MEXICO STATE POLICE<br />
New Mexico State Policeman Justin Hare was shot and<br />
killed while responding to a stranded motorist on I-<strong>40</strong>.<br />
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New<br />
Mexico State Police have identified<br />
the suspect in the shooting<br />
of Officer Justin Hare as<br />
32-year-old Jaremy Smith of<br />
Marion, South Carolina. In an update<br />
posted on Facebook, NMSP<br />
Chief Troy Weisler said around<br />
5 a.m. Friday, Officer Hare was<br />
sent to help a motorist with a<br />
flat tire on I-<strong>40</strong> near mile marker<br />
320, west of Tucumcari.<br />
Officer Hare parked behind the<br />
vehicle. Jaremy Smith, 32, then<br />
approached the officer’s passenger<br />
side window.<br />
“Officer Hare offered to give<br />
the suspect a ride to town, then,<br />
without warning, the suspect<br />
pulled out a firearm and shot<br />
Officer Hare. The suspect then<br />
walked to the driver’s side and<br />
shot Officer Hare again,” said<br />
Chief Weisler.<br />
The chief also said Smith then<br />
pushed Officer Hare to the passenger<br />
seat and took off in the<br />
officer’s patrol car which was<br />
later found abandoned. Police<br />
are still searching for Smith.<br />
NMSP has also issued an arrest<br />
warrant for the 32-year-old<br />
charging him with First Degree<br />
Murder, Armed Robbery, Shooting<br />
at or from a Motor Vehicle,<br />
Tampering with Evidence, Felon<br />
in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful<br />
Taking of a Motor Vehicle,<br />
and Criminal Damage to Property.<br />
“The last words Officer Hare<br />
uttered on this earth was an<br />
offer to help the man who was<br />
about to kill him. I am disgusted<br />
and sickened by the actions<br />
of this cold-blooded murderer.<br />
We are bringing every resource<br />
to bare to bring Officer Hare’s<br />
killer to justice and we will not<br />
rest until that is done,” said Chief<br />
Weisler.<br />
Officer Hare is the first New<br />
Mexico State Police Officer to be<br />
killed in the line of duty since<br />
Officer Darrian Jarrott in February<br />
of 2021.<br />
Officer Hare became a member<br />
of the NMSP in December<br />
2018, successfully completing the<br />
training program as part of the<br />
93rd graduating class for NMSP.<br />
He was born in Albuquerque and<br />
was raised in Logan and Moriarty,<br />
New Mexico. He attended CNM<br />
and Embry–Riddle Aeronautical<br />
University. He is survived by<br />
his parents, girlfriend, and two<br />
young children.<br />
OFFICER JUSTIN HARE<br />
UPDATE: The gunman believed<br />
to be responsible in the homicides<br />
of a patrolman with the<br />
New Mexico State Police as well<br />
as a paramedic in South Carolina<br />
was identified as Jaremy Smith,<br />
was taken into custody on Sunday<br />
March 17th, after an alert<br />
gas station clerk in Bernalillo<br />
County New Mexico, spotted the<br />
suspect and called 911, authorities<br />
said.<br />
Smith is being charged with<br />
murdering Officer Hare and<br />
off-duty paramedic Phonesia<br />
Machado-fore earlier in the<br />
month. At the time of publishing,<br />
Smith was held without bond.<br />
38 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 39<br />
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AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
NEW YORK CITY, NY.<br />
New York City Police Detective First Grade Jonathan Diller was<br />
shot and killed during a traffic stop near 1919 Mott Avenue in the<br />
Far Rockaway area of New York City.<br />
A New York Police Department<br />
officer was shot and<br />
killed in the line of duty Monday,<br />
March 25th in Queens, according<br />
to Mayor Eric Adams.<br />
The NYPD officer, identified<br />
as 31-year-old Jonathan<br />
Diller, was shot in the torso<br />
underneath his bullet-proof<br />
vest during a traffic stop in<br />
Far Rockaway. Diller was taken<br />
to Jamaica Hospital, where<br />
he later died.<br />
Police said two suspects<br />
were taken into custody and<br />
that the driver of the car has<br />
21 prior arrests, while the<br />
passenger, who was also the<br />
shooter, has four prior arrests.<br />
“It’s because of a senseless<br />
act of violence that we<br />
witness a person had a total<br />
disregard for the safety of<br />
this city,” Mayor Adams said<br />
at a news conference Monday<br />
evening. “It is the good<br />
guys against the bad guys<br />
and these bad guys are violent.<br />
They carry guns and the<br />
symbol of our public safety,<br />
which is police uniform, they<br />
<strong>40</strong> The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
have a total disregard for,”<br />
Adams said.<br />
“Tonight this city lost a hero,<br />
a wife lost her husband, and a<br />
young child lost their father,”<br />
Police Commissioner Edward<br />
Caban said on social media.<br />
“We struggle to find the words<br />
to express the tragedy of losing<br />
one of our own. The work<br />
that police officer Jonathan<br />
Diller did each day to make<br />
this city a safer place will<br />
NEVER be forgotten,” Caban<br />
said on X.<br />
“Our prayers are with his<br />
family, loved ones, and brothers<br />
and sisters in blue,” Caban<br />
concluded.<br />
According to NYPD, Diller<br />
and his partner conducted the<br />
traffic stop at 1919 Mott. Ave.,<br />
around 5:48 p.m. Monday. As<br />
they approached the vehicle,<br />
one of the suspects displayed<br />
a gun and pointed it at the<br />
officers. Shots were fired and<br />
Diller’s partner returned fire<br />
at the armed suspect, striking<br />
him.<br />
“He was given a lawful order<br />
DETECTIVE JONATHAN DILLER<br />
numerous times to step out of<br />
the car. He refused. When the<br />
officer took him out of the car,<br />
instead of stepping out of the<br />
car, he shot our officer,” NYPD<br />
Chief of Detectives Joseph<br />
Kenny said at a news conference<br />
Monday night.<br />
The NYPD said Diller made<br />
more than 70 arrests during<br />
his time on the force. Diller<br />
leaves behind his wife, Stephanie,<br />
and their child.<br />
Coverage of Detective Diller’s<br />
memorial service and his<br />
wife’s eulogy will be featured<br />
in next months issue.
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 41
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
DAVIS, CA.<br />
CHP Officers injured when a driver deliberately crashed head-on into their<br />
patrol vehicle while they were parked along Interstate 80 in Davis California.<br />
By Rosalio Ahumada,<br />
The Sacramento Bee<br />
DAVIS, CA. — California Highway<br />
Patrol shared video Thursday<br />
that officials say captured<br />
a driver who “deliberately”<br />
crashed head-on into a parked<br />
patrol vehicle, injuring two officers<br />
Wednesday along Interstate<br />
80 in Davis.<br />
The CHP on Thursday afternoon<br />
released video of the white vehicle<br />
slamming into the patrol vehicle<br />
parked on the right shoulder<br />
of the I-80 eastbound lanes,<br />
just west of Mace Boulevard.<br />
Ezery Beauchamp, a CHP assistant<br />
commissioner, said in a<br />
video news release that the officers<br />
working for the CHP Woodland<br />
office were “targeted” by<br />
the driver, who crashed head-on<br />
into their parked vehicle. He said<br />
the officers had just completed<br />
an unrelated traffic stop on another<br />
vehicle along the freeway.<br />
The driver, who has since been<br />
arrested and booked at the Yolo<br />
County Jail, drove his vehicle at<br />
a high rate of speed along the<br />
right shoulder of the freeway<br />
and “intentionally struck” the<br />
stopped CHP vehicle, Beauchamp<br />
said in the narrated CHP video,<br />
42 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
which includes footage from another<br />
driver who was in the area<br />
at the time of the crash.<br />
The video shows the force of<br />
the impact cased the white vehicle<br />
to become airborne before it<br />
rolled over and came to rest on<br />
its wheels on the right shoulder.<br />
The crash crushed the front end<br />
of the CHP patrol vehicle, and its<br />
airbags appeared to have deployed.<br />
At the time of the crash, both<br />
officers were seated in the patrol<br />
vehicle and wearing their seat<br />
belts. The CHP said the officers<br />
were taken by ambulance to a<br />
hospital and medically treated<br />
for minor to major injuries.<br />
“Acts of violence like this<br />
against our officers will not be<br />
tolerated,” Beauchamp said in<br />
the video. “Our CHP detectives<br />
and investigative personnel will<br />
work collaboratively with the<br />
Yolo County District Attorney’s<br />
Office to ensure this individual is<br />
held accountable for his actions.”
Police chief Anthony Anderson collapses<br />
watching college basketball game, later dies<br />
BOONEVILLE, MS. – A community in Mississippi is mourning after a police chief collapsed<br />
while watching a college basketball game and later died.<br />
The <strong>No</strong>rtheast Mississippi Community College announced the death of Police Chief<br />
Anthony Anderson, 61, who worked for the school for nearly 10 years. Officials said he<br />
collapsed at the basketball game Saturday evening and was rushed to Baptist Memorial<br />
Hospital where he was later pronounced dead from natural causes, WTVA reported.<br />
Anderson was a 24-year law enforcement veteran. He previously served the Union<br />
County Sheriff’s Office, and became the Verona Police Chief prior to being employed as<br />
the <strong>No</strong>rtheast Mississippi Community College’s police chief, according to WFSB.<br />
School officials noted “even the strongest among us are not immune” as they grieve his<br />
loss.<br />
“Chief Anthony Anderson’s untimely departure reminds us that even the strongest<br />
among us are not immune to life’s fragility,” said the community college president Dr.<br />
Ricky G. Ford in a post to social media. “His dedication to safety, service, and community<br />
will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those he protected and inspired.”<br />
Anderson leaves behind his wife and three children.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 43
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
BETHEL, VT.<br />
Vermont State Trooper Cpl. Eric Vitali was severally injured when he<br />
slammed into an unoccupied fire truck in Bethel Vermont.<br />
By JOHN LIPPMAN,<br />
Valley News Staff Writer<br />
The Vermont state trooper<br />
who sustained serious injuries<br />
when his vehicle collided into<br />
the back end of a fire truck near<br />
the Bethel exit on Interstate 89<br />
last week, remains hospitalized<br />
and the next several days “will<br />
be critical in determining the<br />
outcome of his recovery,” the<br />
Vermont Troopers Association<br />
said in an announcement of a<br />
fundraising campaign to assist<br />
the trooper’s family with medical<br />
and care costs.<br />
Cpl. Eric Vitali, a 19-year veteran<br />
of the Vermont State Police,<br />
“suffered life-threatening traumatic<br />
injuries and his condition<br />
44 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
is critical,” the trooper’s association<br />
reported late Monday evening.<br />
The VTA said Vitali’s injuries<br />
include “traumatic brain, spinal<br />
fractures and pelvis fracture.<br />
His doctors are indicating that<br />
the coming 72 hours” will be<br />
all-important in ascertaining the<br />
extent of the trooper’s recovery.<br />
Vitali was airlifted to Dartmouth<br />
Hitchcock Medical Center in<br />
Lebanon from the scene of the<br />
accident on Friday.<br />
A passionate family man and<br />
father of two young boys, Vitali<br />
is an avid outdoors man who<br />
enjoys camping, hunting, mountain<br />
biking, motorcycle riding,<br />
jeeping and scuba diving — he<br />
is a member of the state police’s<br />
Underwater Recovery Team — in<br />
addition to teaching and sharing<br />
his knowledge of jiu-jitsu with<br />
his family. He also had a hobby<br />
in blade smithing, the troopers<br />
association said.<br />
“Eric and his family are going<br />
to face enormous medical, personal,<br />
and financial challenges<br />
as a result of his injuries. This<br />
has been a life altering event for<br />
the entire Vitali family, and they<br />
are facing an uncertain future,”<br />
the VTA said. “The support they<br />
have received so far has been<br />
overwhelming and appreciated<br />
but that support is going to need<br />
to continue well into the future.”<br />
People interested in donating<br />
can go to https://helpahero.com/<br />
campaign/support.
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 45
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
MINNEAPOLIS, MN.<br />
Farmington Police Chief Gary Rutherford blasted the ‘sham’ prosecution<br />
of Trooper Londregan.<br />
By Luke Sprinkel<br />
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. – Farmington<br />
Police Chief Gary Rutherford released<br />
a statement on Monday defending<br />
State Trooper Ryan Londregan<br />
and urging other police chiefs<br />
to publicly speak out in support of<br />
law enforcement officers. Additionally,<br />
the police chief pointed to the<br />
Londregan case as a reason for the<br />
ongoing “recruiting and retention<br />
crisis in Minnesota law enforcement.”<br />
Trooper Londregan is currently<br />
facing felony charges for a July<br />
2023 incident in which the law<br />
enforcement officer shot and killed<br />
Ricky Cobb.<br />
Cobb, a convicted felon, attempted<br />
to flee law enforcement in a<br />
vehicle while another state trooper<br />
was half-inside, half-outside<br />
the vehicle. In response, Londregan<br />
shot Cobb as his fellow state<br />
trooper was dragged for a short<br />
distance by Cobb’s vehicle.<br />
“When Mr. Cobb chose to flee<br />
with another Trooper hanging part<br />
in and part out of the car, Trooper<br />
Londregan was not only justified<br />
in his decision to use deadly force,<br />
but some would also argue that he<br />
was obligated to do so in defense<br />
of his partner,” said Rutherford.<br />
The police chief added, “Trooper<br />
Londregan made a decision under<br />
Farmington Police Chief Gary Rutherford, left, released a statement on<br />
Monday defending State Trooper Ryan Londregan.<br />
the incredible stress of a dynamic<br />
and rapidly evolving use of force<br />
incident, a situation the Hennepin<br />
County Attorney obviously knows<br />
nothing about.”<br />
In particular, Chief Rutherford<br />
criticized Hennepin County Attorney<br />
Mary Moriarty for the current<br />
controversy surrounding a use-offorce<br />
expert that was hired by her<br />
office to examine the Londregan<br />
case.<br />
Alpha News previously reported<br />
that a court document filed by<br />
Londregan’s attorneys says Jeffrey<br />
<strong>No</strong>ble, the use-of-force expert<br />
selected by the Hennepin County<br />
Attorney’s Office (HCAO), told Moriarty<br />
that “a reasonable officer in<br />
Trooper Londregan’s position would<br />
have perceived that Trooper [Brett]<br />
Seide was in danger of death or<br />
great bodily harm, specifically from<br />
being dragged by the vehicle as it<br />
continued to accelerate.”<br />
In his statement, Chief Rutherford<br />
blasted Moriarty, saying, “she<br />
ignored her paid expert and criminally<br />
charged Trooper Londregan<br />
anyway.”<br />
“Cases like this are why so many<br />
cops have left the profession early<br />
and why so few young men and<br />
women are seeking to join our<br />
ranks. Who can blame them?” added<br />
the police chief.<br />
46 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 47
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
PASCO COUNTY, FL.<br />
A suspect attempted to flee with Pasco County Deputy<br />
Christopher Howell still inside the suspect’s vehicle. BWC<br />
shows the OIS that followed.<br />
By Bethany Barnes<br />
Tampa Bay Times<br />
PASCO COUNTY, FL. — A deputy<br />
fatally shot a <strong>40</strong>-year-old<br />
man after a fight inside a moving<br />
vehicle near Hudson on Saturday<br />
evening, according to the Pasco<br />
County Sheriff’s Office.<br />
Authorities identified the man<br />
Sunday morning as Paul Smith,<br />
<strong>40</strong>. The sheriff’s office identified<br />
the deputy as Christopher Howell.<br />
Authorities would not immediately<br />
release further information<br />
about Howell.<br />
Around 5:30 p.m., Howell, on<br />
duty, approached Smith outside<br />
a 7-Eleven gas station near U.S.<br />
19 and New York Avenue, according<br />
to the sheriff’s office. Howell<br />
believed Smith to be a suspect in<br />
a recent battery case, and asked<br />
him to speak with him.<br />
The sheriff’s office released<br />
body-worn camera footage of<br />
the incident, which the Times reviewed.<br />
The video shows Howell<br />
walked up to Smith, who was<br />
parked at a gas pump. The deputy<br />
said “Hey Paul” several times<br />
and told him to step out of his<br />
48 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
car.<br />
At that<br />
point, video<br />
shows<br />
Smith, who<br />
had been<br />
standing<br />
and leaning<br />
into his<br />
vehicle, sat<br />
down in the<br />
driver’s seat,<br />
gripped<br />
the wheel and asked “What’s<br />
the matter?” as Howell grabbed<br />
Smith’s forearm. The deputy<br />
repeatedly told Smith to get out<br />
of the car. Smith remained in<br />
the driver’s seat and kept asking<br />
what was going on, before starting<br />
the car.<br />
Footage then shows the deputy<br />
is inside the vehicle as Smith<br />
starts driving. It is unclear how<br />
Howell ended up inside the vehicle.<br />
Throughout the incident, the<br />
deputy repeatedly screamed at<br />
Smith to get out of the car, the<br />
footage shows. Howell can be<br />
seen using a Taser on the driver<br />
while tires are heard screeching.<br />
Eventually, Howell yelled,<br />
“Stop the car, you’re going to get<br />
shot.” Video shows Howell pointing<br />
his gun at Smith while he is<br />
behind the driver.<br />
At a news conference, Pasco<br />
spokesperson Col. Jeff Harrington<br />
defended Howell’s actions<br />
as necessary.<br />
Pasco records show several<br />
criminal convictions against a<br />
Paul Smith in that county, including<br />
battery and drug charges.<br />
Smith was convicted in 2019 of<br />
fleeing law enforcement by car,<br />
aggravated assault on a law enforcement<br />
officer and hit-andrun,<br />
and served three years in<br />
state prison.
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 49
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
HOUSTON, TX.<br />
The Houston Police Department is not only short 2,000 officers, but they<br />
have more than 260,000 open cases that have been suspended due to that<br />
shortage. Chief Finner and the Mayor have launched a full-scale investigation.<br />
50 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
HOUSTON, TX. – What began<br />
with a tweet has resulted in<br />
a Houston Police Department<br />
scandal now entering its second<br />
month.<br />
In the past eight years, HPD<br />
has suspended more than<br />
260,000 cases coding them<br />
with “Suspended - Lack of<br />
Personnel.” HPD Chief says his<br />
department is reviewing those<br />
cases and is focusing their<br />
attention on contacting the<br />
victims in nearly 4,000 alleged<br />
sexual assault cases.<br />
HPD Chief Troy Finner informed<br />
Houstonians last<br />
month, that sexual assault<br />
investigations along with thousands<br />
of other cases, had been<br />
“suspended” due to a lack of<br />
personnel to investigate them.<br />
Some time back, before Finner<br />
was appointed Chief, a<br />
code was created to temporary<br />
suspend cases due to personnel<br />
shortages plaguing the<br />
department. Finner says he first<br />
learned of the cases and the<br />
code back in 2022 and thought<br />
the practice had ended. Apparently<br />
not.<br />
Since the investigation was<br />
launched, two Assistant Chiefs<br />
have been demoted and now<br />
law enforcement sources tell<br />
say multiple HPD Commanders<br />
are being asked questions<br />
about the over 4,000 sexual<br />
assault investigations that were<br />
suspended.<br />
In a statement on X, formerly<br />
known as Twitter, Finner said<br />
this is unacceptable.<br />
I am addressing this matter<br />
and I have assigned a team of<br />
investigators to review those<br />
cases coded “Suspended - Lack<br />
of Personnel.” Furthermore,<br />
I am permanently assigning<br />
additional investigators to the<br />
Special Victims Division to<br />
prevent this from recurring,”<br />
Finner said.<br />
Finner said despite staffing<br />
challenges, this should have<br />
never happened and said it will<br />
not continue. “All victims and<br />
their families are important to
me and deserve to be treated<br />
as such,” Finner said.<br />
In the meantime, Ray Hunt,<br />
Director of the HPOU, expressed<br />
concerns Monday with Finner<br />
handing down disciplinary<br />
actions in an investigation the<br />
chief is at the center of, “Remember,<br />
the chief of police determines<br />
the final discipline on<br />
a case, is that fair if the chief is<br />
a part of the investigation that<br />
that person also makes the determination?<br />
That’s a question<br />
as to whether or not this mayor<br />
wants to dig into and say, ‘Do I<br />
think it’s fair to my officers, do<br />
I think it’s fair to my members<br />
to be investigated and the final<br />
discipline be issued by someone<br />
who also is being questioned<br />
on this case?’” said Hunt.<br />
On Tuesday, March 19th, The<br />
Houston Police Officers Union<br />
sent a letter to Mayor John<br />
Whitmire on Monday, requesting<br />
that Chief Finner be recused<br />
from the investigation<br />
and outcomes of the department’s<br />
suspended cases scandal.<br />
The letter comes after Mayor<br />
Whitmire last week officially<br />
launched an investigation into<br />
sexual assault and other criminal<br />
investigations that had been<br />
“suspended” dating back to<br />
2021. It also comes weeks after<br />
KPRC 2 Investigates first posed<br />
the question as to how IAD<br />
can properly investigate Chief<br />
Finner if the chief can direct<br />
IAD the way he wants to? Since<br />
the investigation was launched,<br />
two Assistant Chiefs have been<br />
demoted.<br />
(See letter, following pages)<br />
get your<br />
FREE SUBSCRIPTION<br />
to The BLUES, scan the<br />
QR code or click here.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 51
52 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 53
54 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 55
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
Spring Cleaning Protocol Tips to Protect<br />
Law Enforcement from Viral Threats<br />
By Dr. Ron Brown, M.D., CEO of<br />
AeroClave<br />
A healthy police department<br />
can mean the difference between<br />
a safe and crime-ridden<br />
community. Over the last four<br />
years, the U.S. has experienced<br />
a police staffing crisis that has<br />
significantly impacted the way<br />
police departments approach<br />
health and wellness.<br />
Police officers can face a<br />
multitude of health risks each<br />
time they wear the uniform, and<br />
department heads must help<br />
to mitigate these risks when or<br />
wherever possible. From mental<br />
health initiatives and workshops<br />
to supplying personal protective<br />
equipment in the wake of infectious<br />
diseases, departments<br />
can help to minimize the impact<br />
health risks can have on their<br />
respective communities. With an<br />
already dwindling staff of officers<br />
across the U.S., the prioritization<br />
of lowered unplanned sick<br />
leave through necessary infection<br />
control protocols can help<br />
to ensure communities are well<br />
protected and served.<br />
According to the National Law<br />
Enforcement Memorial Fund,<br />
police departments across the<br />
country saw a 39% decrease<br />
in line-of-duty deaths in 2023.<br />
This statistic also represents a<br />
56 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
52% decrease in deaths caused<br />
by falling objects, fire-related<br />
incidents, and medical-related<br />
illnesses or events, including<br />
COVID-19.<br />
While these numbers are<br />
encouraging, law enforcement<br />
agencies must continue to put<br />
the necessary time and energy<br />
into creating effective protocols<br />
to defend officers from avoidable<br />
health risks. COVID-19 and other<br />
communicable diseases remain<br />
a consistent threat. This year so<br />
far, there have been several viral<br />
outbreaks, including <strong>No</strong>rovirus,<br />
RSV, and measles.<br />
It is doubtful that these risks<br />
can be entirely eliminated; however,<br />
maintaining a clean workplace<br />
for first responders can<br />
help to reduce their impact. Here<br />
are some effective spring cleaning<br />
tips departments can carry<br />
out to help keep their officers<br />
safe from viral spread and other<br />
health hazards in <strong>2024.</strong><br />
Organize a Gear Cleaning<br />
Station<br />
Police departments with proactive<br />
approaches to infection<br />
control can help mitigate health<br />
risks before they have the opportunity<br />
to cause a threat. This<br />
can be as simple as organizing<br />
a cleaning station for any police<br />
gear that has come into contact<br />
with potential viruses or communicable<br />
diseases.<br />
Setting aside a designated<br />
area for officers to clean their<br />
gear and clothes within the<br />
department can help prevent<br />
them from bringing unwanted<br />
contaminants into department<br />
common areas or back to their<br />
homes and families. This protocol<br />
can also help to ensure<br />
potential contaminants are disposed<br />
of in a consolidated space.<br />
Officers don’t have the liberty<br />
of choosing who or what they<br />
come into contact with; therefore,<br />
these proactive measures<br />
can help prevent others from<br />
being exposed.<br />
Disinfect Surfaces and Vehicles<br />
Daily<br />
While gear and clothing can be<br />
the perfect surface for spreading<br />
certain contaminants, objects<br />
including countertops, chairs,<br />
desks, and others can pose the<br />
same threats. Investing in disinfectants<br />
that can be used daily is<br />
the easiest way for departments<br />
to encourage the safety of their<br />
officers. Officers should always<br />
use surface-safe disinfectants<br />
such as antibacterial soaps or<br />
EPA-registered disinfectant wipes.<br />
Departments can also invest<br />
in more advanced decontamination<br />
tools and technology. From<br />
electrostatic sprayers to UV light<br />
systems and even large-area
fogging systems, there are several<br />
techniques departments can<br />
use for surface and air decontamination.<br />
To maintain a clean environment,<br />
however, a routine is necessary.<br />
Implementing a cleaning<br />
schedule for officers on duty can<br />
help ensure surfaces are not going<br />
untouched and that the next<br />
shift is presented with a clean<br />
environment.<br />
Stock vehicles with PPE<br />
While an officer may spend<br />
a large part of their day within<br />
the department headquarters,<br />
vehicles also play an important<br />
role. Law enforcement vehicles<br />
can act as a nursery for germs<br />
and other contaminants like the<br />
flu due to their high volume of<br />
traffic, escorting detainees. This<br />
is where the need for personal<br />
protective equipment (PPE)<br />
increases.<br />
Departments should not only<br />
provide access to PPE such as<br />
masks and gloves within the<br />
station, but also stock vehicles<br />
with the proper essentials for<br />
encountering a civilian with a<br />
potential viral contagion.<br />
Police gear goes through an<br />
extensive oversight process<br />
to make sure they provide the<br />
protections listed in their materials<br />
and product specifications.<br />
However, with PPE, as we saw<br />
during the wake of COVID-19 and<br />
the years following the pandemic,<br />
the increased need for PPE<br />
caused shortages which posed<br />
a tremendous challenge to the<br />
U.S. healthcare system and other<br />
first responders. With the wavering<br />
supply of PPE, law enforcement<br />
agencies must also<br />
ensure the items they offer meet<br />
the current safety standards<br />
to protect against viral threats.<br />
Departments have the opportunity<br />
to consult with local health<br />
organizations and utilize online<br />
resources like those provided by<br />
the Centers for Disease Control<br />
and Prevention (CDC).<br />
By implementing some of<br />
these spring cleaning techniques<br />
and decontamination protocols,<br />
law enforcement agencies can<br />
assist in providing a clean and<br />
safe environment for their officers,<br />
ultimately protecting the<br />
communities they serve. Actions<br />
as simple as cleaning gear and<br />
equipment, wiping down surfaces,<br />
and stocking vehicles with<br />
prevention supplies can have a<br />
significantly positive impact on<br />
the health and wellness of officers<br />
to combat current staffing<br />
issues across the U.S.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 57
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
LOS ANGELES, CA.<br />
South American Gangs fly into LA to burglarize wealthy homes. “They don’t<br />
carry guns because they don’t want to get gun charges if caught.”<br />
By Richard Winton<br />
Los Angeles Times<br />
LOS ANGELES, CA. — In the desert<br />
around Scottsdale, Arizona,<br />
on Monday, police officers hunted<br />
for a member of an international<br />
heist ring suspected of<br />
swiping jewels and luxury goods<br />
from homes across Los Angeles.<br />
Using helicopters and drones,<br />
they eventually found him hiding<br />
under a tree.<br />
The wanted man, it turned out,<br />
was a 17-year-old from Chile.<br />
Authorities say the teenager<br />
and his two adult accomplices<br />
later admitted to breaking into<br />
multiple homes, part of a growing<br />
trend of “burglary tourism”<br />
from South America.<br />
The Los Angeles Police Department<br />
said the teenage fugitive<br />
was first arrested Feb. 29 in Pacific<br />
Palisades along with three<br />
other Chileans as they cased<br />
homes in the wealthy enclave.<br />
Police tracked down the crew<br />
after a security camera captured<br />
the license plate of their 2024<br />
Hyundai Tucson amid a series<br />
of burglaries across East Hollywood.<br />
Increasingly over the last five<br />
58 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
years, police officials say, thieves<br />
from South American nations<br />
have entered the U.S. for the purpose<br />
of committing robberies.<br />
In the case of Chile, authorities<br />
suspect some criminals are taking<br />
advantage of the tourist visa<br />
system, which does not require a<br />
background check for travelers.<br />
Once in the country, police say,<br />
they plan heist sprees and fence<br />
the loot before dispatching their<br />
earnings back home.<br />
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton<br />
told The Times that South<br />
American theft groups are not<br />
new in L.A., but they have become<br />
more active in recent<br />
months.<br />
Although crime statistics show<br />
burglaries are on the decline<br />
overall, Hamilton said: “The<br />
number of crimes tied to these<br />
kind of crews are way, way up.”<br />
He cautioned that it’s difficult<br />
to know for certain how many<br />
robberies can be attributed to<br />
foreign burglars, but said evidence<br />
indicates they are behind<br />
scores of break-ins. He estimated<br />
that north of the 118 Freeway<br />
in L.A. last year there were 94<br />
burglaries, many probably committed<br />
by these crews.<br />
“They often target homes often<br />
connected to open spaces, hiking<br />
trails and canyons that give<br />
them access,” Hamilton said.<br />
The groups mostly hit wealthy<br />
neighborhoods where homes<br />
have jewelry and high-value<br />
items that can be easily exchanged<br />
for cash, he said.<br />
“They tend to not carry guns.<br />
They don’t want to get gun<br />
charges,” Hamilton said. “They<br />
sometimes carry jamming devices<br />
to disable home security<br />
systems.”<br />
While Chileans are among the
most common members of these<br />
criminal enterprises, Hamilton<br />
said, they are seeing other South<br />
Americans including Peruvians,<br />
Ecuadoreans and Colombians as<br />
well. The LAPD and other local<br />
law enforcement agencies have<br />
formed a task force dedicated to<br />
the problem.<br />
“I can tell you that we have a<br />
significant increase in burglaries<br />
from organized groups that<br />
are outside this country, that are<br />
coming into the country, and<br />
they are targeting high-end residents,”<br />
LAPD Chief Dominic Choi<br />
said at Tuesday’s Police Commission<br />
meeting.<br />
In one case on Aug. 17 of last<br />
year, Burbank police officers arrested<br />
a man identified as Felipe<br />
Leiva Solis, a 33-year-old Chilean<br />
national, after a woman hiding<br />
in the bathroom of her home<br />
called to report that four men<br />
had broken in through a sliding<br />
door. Leiva Solis was found in a<br />
nearby yard on Burbank’s <strong>No</strong>rth<br />
Parish Place and is suspected of<br />
four other burglaries across the<br />
city, according to court documents.<br />
Leiva Solis was released on<br />
bail but picked up again on Dec.<br />
19 in Glendale by police officers<br />
who suspect he was behind a<br />
string of burglaries in the city.<br />
He was among a group of three<br />
men who tried to flee on foot<br />
when their vehicle was stopped,<br />
according to Glendale Police<br />
Investigator Jackie Nguy.<br />
In court papers asking for<br />
Leiva Solis to remain in custody,<br />
Nguy alleged the Chilean was<br />
part of “an organized burglary<br />
ring responsible for a minimum<br />
of ten residential burglaries in<br />
Glendale,” and also tied to other<br />
thefts in Beverly Hills and other<br />
counties.<br />
LAPD Det. Robert Hoebink said<br />
in a court declaration that Leiva<br />
Solis’ crew was tied to at least<br />
30 burglaries in West Los Angeles<br />
alone. Hoebink alleged the<br />
Chilean used a fake passport to<br />
open a Bank of America account<br />
and wired more than $23,000<br />
back home despite being here on<br />
a tourist visa.<br />
LAPD officers on Dec. 27<br />
nabbed three more of the crew<br />
allegedly tied to Leiva Solis near<br />
Coldwater Canyon Drive south of<br />
Mulholland when called to assist<br />
Beverly Hills on a manhunt for<br />
burglars. Inside a Ford Explorer,<br />
police said they found $1 million<br />
worth of stolen designer purses,<br />
clothing, watches and jewelry —<br />
all believed to be from a single<br />
heist.<br />
Three more arrests would<br />
come the next day as LAPD investigators<br />
recovered more highend<br />
items from the group’s base<br />
of operations.<br />
On Dec. 30, another West L.A.<br />
burglary led Beverly Hills police<br />
to identify a white Mercedes GLS<br />
as tied to the crime, arresting<br />
a female driver and four other<br />
suspects nearby.<br />
Leiva Solis is being held without<br />
bail and is slated to be back<br />
in court next week. He’s pleaded<br />
not guilty to three counts of burglary<br />
and one count of conspiracy<br />
to commit burglary.<br />
Investigators say Chilean or<br />
South American crews are also<br />
behind hundreds of break-ins in<br />
Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara<br />
and San Diego counties.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 59
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
EL PASO, TX.<br />
Hezabollah Terrorist apprehended at US-Mexico border.<br />
His reason for coming to America - “I’m going to try<br />
and make a bomb!”<br />
EL PASO, TX. – An illegal immigrant<br />
who originated from<br />
Lebanon was taken into custody<br />
by US Customs and Border Protection<br />
(CBP) agents on March 9<br />
in Texas. During questioning, he<br />
reportedly acknowledged being<br />
a member of the Hezbollah terrorist<br />
organization and planned<br />
to make a bomb with aspirations<br />
to travel to New York City.<br />
Basel Bassel Ebbadi, 22, told<br />
CBP, “I’m going try to make a<br />
bomb” when asked what he was<br />
doing in the US, according to a<br />
document obtained by the New<br />
York Post.<br />
ICE documents<br />
revealed the man<br />
also said in a separate<br />
interview that<br />
he trained with<br />
Hezbollah for seven<br />
years, and focused<br />
on “jihad” and killing<br />
non-muslims.<br />
Once his training<br />
was complete, he<br />
served four years<br />
with the organization<br />
as a guard at<br />
weapons locations.<br />
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 61
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
ACROSS THE US<br />
The Latest Breaking News as we go LIVE.<br />
BOEING WHISTLEBLOWER<br />
TOLD CLOSE FRIEND ‘IF ANY-<br />
THING HAPPENS, IT’S NOT<br />
SUICIDE’<br />
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Boeing<br />
whistleblower John Barnett was<br />
found dead on March 9 from<br />
what authorities initially called a<br />
“self-inflicted” gunshot wound,<br />
Law Officer reported earlier this<br />
week. A close friend says she<br />
does not believe he died by suicide<br />
based upon prior comments<br />
he made noting his potential<br />
demise.<br />
Barnett, 62, worked for Boeing<br />
for more than three decades<br />
before he retired in 2017. Beginning<br />
in 2010, he specialized as a<br />
quality control manager at the<br />
<strong>No</strong>rth Charleston plant making<br />
the 787 Dreamliner.<br />
Barnett raised safety concerns<br />
at the airline’s factories and<br />
provided his first deposition in a<br />
lawsuit against Boeing just days<br />
before he was found dead in a<br />
hotel parking lot. His body was<br />
discovered when he mysteriously<br />
failed to show up for a second<br />
session of testimony.<br />
A close family friend, who only<br />
wants to be identified as Jennifer,<br />
told ABC 4 that once he<br />
began speaking out about safety<br />
62 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
concerns with the airplane giant,<br />
he apparently feared for his own<br />
safety, saying, “if anything happens,<br />
it’s not suicide.”<br />
As a result, Jennifer said, “I<br />
know that he did not commit<br />
suicide. There’s no way.”<br />
Barnett’s attorney, Brian<br />
Knowles, is also highly suspicious.<br />
He told TMZ that he has<br />
serious doubts regarding the<br />
circumstances surrounding his<br />
client’s death, and called the<br />
self-inflicted gunshot “alleged.”<br />
“Today is a tragic day,”<br />
Knowles told Corporate Crime<br />
Reporter on Saturday, March 9.<br />
“John had been back and forth<br />
for quite some time getting<br />
prepared. The defense examined<br />
him for their allowed seven<br />
hours under the rules on Thursday.”<br />
Barnett had talked about this<br />
exact scenario playing out after<br />
he began making public allegations<br />
regarding compromises in<br />
Boeing-related safety concerns<br />
following his retirement, the Post<br />
Millennial reported.<br />
“He wasn’t concerned about<br />
[his own] safety because I asked<br />
him,” Jennifer said. “I said, ‘Aren’t<br />
you scared?’ And he said, ‘<strong>No</strong>, I<br />
ain’t scared, but if anything happens<br />
to me, it’s not suicide.’”<br />
Jennifer said the conversation<br />
included the former quality<br />
control manager discussing his<br />
upcoming deposition in Charles-
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 63
ton where he ultimately died.<br />
“I know that he did not commit<br />
suicide. There’s no way. He loved<br />
life too much. He loved his family<br />
too much. He loved his brothers<br />
too much to put them through<br />
what they’re going through right<br />
now,” Jennifer emphasized.<br />
Jennifer last saw Barnett at<br />
her father’s funeral in late February<br />
where served as one of the<br />
pallbearers. She believes someone<br />
“didn’t like what he had to<br />
say” and wanted to “shut him<br />
up.”<br />
“That’s why they made it look<br />
like a suicide,” Jennifer concluded.<br />
16 SWAT OFFICERS HOS-<br />
PITALIZED AFTER BLAST AT<br />
TRAINING FACILITY IN SOUTH-<br />
ERN CALIFORNIA<br />
Associated Press<br />
IRVINE, CA. — An explosion<br />
during an indoor training exercise<br />
Wednesday sent 16 members<br />
of Southern California’s<br />
64 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
Orange County Sheriff’s Department<br />
SWAT team to the hospital,<br />
with one person requiring surgery<br />
for a leg injury, the department<br />
said.<br />
Two others had superficial<br />
wounds while the remaining 13<br />
had dizziness and ringing in their<br />
ears.<br />
The blast occurred shortly before<br />
1 p.m. at the facility in a remote<br />
area of Irvine, said sheriff’s<br />
Sgt. Frank Gonzalez. It was not<br />
immediately clear what caused<br />
the explosion, but it happened<br />
during a training with the sheriff’s<br />
bomb squad, he said.<br />
The most severe injury was a<br />
non-life-threatening leg wound<br />
that will require surgery, Gonzalez<br />
said. The two other wounded<br />
deputies won’t require surgery,<br />
he said.<br />
DALLAS P.D. ESTABLISHES<br />
NEW CONSTITUTIONAL POLIC-<br />
ING UNIT<br />
The Dallas Police Department<br />
is rolling out a new Constitutional<br />
Policing Unit. According<br />
to area news reports, the new<br />
group is composed of three<br />
sworn officers and five civilians,<br />
with a criminal justice expert<br />
from Tarleton State University<br />
serving in an advisory role.<br />
Though local news outlets didn’t<br />
provide specific details about the<br />
unit’s day-to-day activities, it<br />
appears to be focused on training<br />
as well as police reform,<br />
transparency and accountability.<br />
During a meeting with the Dallas<br />
City Council’s Public Safety<br />
Committee in December, Chief<br />
Eddie Garcia gave one example<br />
of the unit’s responsibility:<br />
training officers to be “active<br />
bystanders.” This training would<br />
focus on encouraging officers to<br />
intervene when they witness inappropriate<br />
conduct from fellow<br />
officers or supervisors. The new<br />
unit will launch its own website<br />
sometime this year.<br />
The Constitutional Policing Unit
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 65
isn’t the only reform-minded<br />
initiative to come about during<br />
Garcia’s tenure. The department<br />
has also implemented a Tactical<br />
Training Group that brings<br />
together the most experienced<br />
officers in the agency to conduct<br />
best practices training for the<br />
department’s various special<br />
units. The department has also<br />
implemented body cameras for<br />
all street-level officers and an<br />
expedited process for misconduct<br />
complaints.<br />
Despite these numerous reform<br />
initiatives, some people aren’t<br />
convinced. Changa Higgins, an<br />
activist who has led protests<br />
against the Dallas P.D., is a member<br />
of the Community Police<br />
Oversight Board that reviews<br />
discipline and policy. Responding<br />
to the constitutional policing initiative,<br />
he stated, “This looks like<br />
a workaround of the Office of<br />
Police Oversight. We don’t want<br />
workarounds. We want a real<br />
empowered oversight board …”<br />
Higgins’ response makes clear<br />
the difficulty faced by reform-minded<br />
agencies like the<br />
Dallas P.D. While many activists<br />
view policing as a function that<br />
needs to be monitored and constantly<br />
improved, some seem to<br />
consider it inherently flawed and<br />
in need of control.<br />
CALIF. PD INCREASES<br />
CIVILIAN OFFICER PATROLS<br />
By Joanna Putman<br />
Police1<br />
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA. — A<br />
California police department<br />
that has had civilian community<br />
service officers since 1980 has<br />
changed their titles and upped<br />
their numbers in the past year,<br />
KSBY reported.<br />
66 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
The San Luis Obispo Police Department<br />
renamed its Field Service<br />
Technicians to Community<br />
Service Officers (CSOs) in 2023,<br />
according to the report. The officers<br />
patrol the downtown area,<br />
respond to low-level crimes and<br />
educate the public.<br />
The department has added<br />
four more CSOs in the past year,<br />
making them more visible to the<br />
community as they patrol special<br />
events, according to the report.<br />
They use a warning system that<br />
can lead to citations if violations<br />
persist.<br />
“People have felt easier to<br />
approach us because we’re very<br />
readily accessible to them,” CSO<br />
Samantha Corsaw told KSBY.<br />
“Whether it’s just from wanting<br />
to talk about the day and the<br />
weather to, ‘Hey, I noticed this<br />
problem, can you go find a solution<br />
for me?”<br />
NO CHARGES FOR SEATTLE<br />
SWAT OFFICER WHO SHOT<br />
MAN CARRYING INFANT WHILE<br />
FLEEING<br />
By Joanna Putman<br />
Police1<br />
SEATTLE — A SWAT officer<br />
will not be charged in the 2020<br />
shooting of a man who fled police<br />
while holding an infant, the<br />
Seattle Times reported.<br />
Officer <strong>No</strong>ah Zech, <strong>40</strong>, fired<br />
a single round from his patrol<br />
rifle, striking domestic violence<br />
and child abduction suspect<br />
Shaun Fuhr in the head as he<br />
fled, according to the report. The<br />
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney’s<br />
Office stated that given<br />
the information Zech had at the<br />
time of the shooting, his fear for<br />
the safety of the officers and the<br />
child were reasonable.<br />
At the time of the incident, 911<br />
callers included Fuhr’s partner,<br />
who said that Fuhr had beaten<br />
her, threatened her life and fired<br />
a gun, as well as a witness who<br />
said he saw Fuhr tucking a gun<br />
into his waistband and running<br />
away with the child.<br />
Officers, including the SWAT<br />
team, pursued Fuhr through a<br />
construction site, according to<br />
the report. Zech and Fuhr came<br />
into the open at the same time<br />
where Zech shot Fuhr. Senior<br />
Deputy Prosecuting attorney<br />
Joseph Marchesano said that<br />
because of the abduction of<br />
the child, officers had cause for<br />
alarm.<br />
“They had no idea what his intentions<br />
were,” Marchesano said.
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 67
ARIZ. DEPUTY RETURNS TO<br />
WORK 6 MONTHS AFTER FALL-<br />
ING 15 FEET OFF OVERPASS<br />
By Joanna Putman<br />
Police1<br />
COCHISE COUNTY, AZ. — Deputy<br />
Christopher Oletski, who fell<br />
15 feet off an overpass while in<br />
pursuit of fleeing, smuggled migrants<br />
has returned to light duty,<br />
ABC 15 reported.<br />
ABC 15 has obtained body<br />
camera footage from the night<br />
of September 28, 2023, when<br />
Cochise County Sheriff’s Office<br />
Deputy Oletski was severely injured<br />
in the fall, according to the<br />
report. Oletski was assigned to<br />
the Criminal Interdiction Team,<br />
which focuses on human smuggling<br />
and drug trafficking.<br />
The incident occurred while<br />
the team was pursuing a suspected<br />
human smuggler. Oletski<br />
was attempting to deploy spike<br />
strips when he tripped and fell<br />
off the bridge, landing on an<br />
embankment. Clips from the<br />
released body camera footage<br />
show other officers trying to<br />
figure out how to get Oletski to<br />
an ambulance without causing<br />
more pain.<br />
“We don’t want to move his<br />
back at all,” officials can be<br />
heard saying.<br />
Oletski told ABC 15 he sustained<br />
substantial brain injuries<br />
and broke his femur, pelvis, right<br />
elbow and wrist. He does not remember<br />
the fall or several days<br />
that followed, according to the<br />
report.<br />
“The reason why I am OK with<br />
getting hurt is because in my<br />
eyes, the way I look at it, if I<br />
didn’t try to stop that vehicle,<br />
it was going to go up the road<br />
and maybe kill a family,” Oletski<br />
68 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
told ABC 15. “If I didn’t try to stop<br />
that vehicle, the driver could<br />
have made a terrible decision<br />
and killed the passengers inside<br />
of that vehicle. If I didn’t stop<br />
that vehicle, the passenger could<br />
have gone up the road or the<br />
driver could have gone up the<br />
road and killed themselves,” he<br />
said.<br />
Oletski will be on light duty<br />
for at least 12 to 18 more months<br />
before fully returning to duty,<br />
according to the report.<br />
PITTSBURGH POLICE WILL<br />
ONLY RESPOND TO CALLS OF<br />
IN-PROGRESS EMERGENCIES<br />
AS PART OF NEW STAFFING<br />
PLAN<br />
By Joanna Putman<br />
Police1<br />
PITTSBURGH, PA. —The Pittsburgh<br />
Bureau of Police has<br />
implemented a new response<br />
policy. Beginning March 11, officers<br />
will only respond to calls of<br />
in-progress emergencies, WPXI<br />
reported.<br />
The policy is part of Chief<br />
Larry Scirotto’s efforts to reduce<br />
the bureau’s call volume from<br />
about 200,000 calls to about<br />
50,000 calls this year, according<br />
to the report. Calls for criminal<br />
mischief, theft, harassment and<br />
many others will be handled by<br />
the telephone reporting unit or<br />
by online reporting.<br />
“That allows our officers to be<br />
engaged in community in a way,<br />
now they’re at the YMCA instead<br />
of sitting on the 10th Street<br />
bypass with a bike complaint,”<br />
Scirotto stated.<br />
The bureau will offload most<br />
parking issues to the Pittsburgh<br />
Parking Authority, according to<br />
the report. It will remove desk<br />
officers from precincts between<br />
the hours of 3 a.m.-7 a.m., and<br />
reduce the number of officers on<br />
overnight shifts.<br />
“The staffing plan designed<br />
by police command is a direct<br />
response to a seriously understaffed<br />
police department,” said<br />
Bob Swartzwelder, FOP union<br />
President. “Only time will tell<br />
if the plan works or the Chief<br />
will need to pivot and modify<br />
his plan quickly. The FOP will
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 69
e watching carefully for any<br />
contract violations that develop<br />
especially when non-emergency<br />
events come up such as St. Patrick’s<br />
Day, parades, large concerts,<br />
July 4th etc. In short, the<br />
FOP believes that the police department<br />
is seriously over-committed<br />
and under-resourced.”<br />
RAT INFESTATION AT NEW<br />
ORLEANS POLICE HEAD-<br />
QUARTERS LEAVES RODENTS<br />
STONED AS MARIJUANA EVI-<br />
DENCE SHRINKS<br />
“The rats are eating our marijuana.<br />
They’re all high,” Superintendent<br />
Anne Kirkpatrick said.<br />
NEW ORLEANS, LA. – An infestation<br />
of rats at the headquarters<br />
of the New Orleans Police Department<br />
has apparently left the<br />
rodents stoned and the volume<br />
of marijuana booked as evidence<br />
is shrinking, according to the<br />
police superintendent.<br />
New Orleans Police Superintendent<br />
Anne Kirkpatrick is battling<br />
a new adversary: an army<br />
of rats that has begun feasting<br />
on drugs stored in the evidence<br />
room, the Daily Beast reported.<br />
On Monday, Kirkpatrick told<br />
the City Council’s Criminal Justice<br />
Committee that the police<br />
department needs to relocate<br />
its facilities to a downtown high<br />
rise in order to escape the unbearable<br />
conditions.<br />
“The rats are eating our marijuana.<br />
They’re all high,” Kirkpatrick<br />
was quoted as saying by<br />
local media.<br />
In addition to getting stoned,<br />
the superintendent noted the<br />
rodents have left feces on desks,<br />
and cockroaches have also<br />
moved in.<br />
“The uncleanliness is off the<br />
Stoned Rats are eating the marijuana booked as evidence at NOPD<br />
charts,” Kirkpatrick noted.<br />
Her comments regarding the<br />
conditions in the building that<br />
first opened in 1968 comes after<br />
the department spent years lobbying<br />
for a new location for its<br />
headquarters.<br />
On Monday, the City Council<br />
approved a motion to authorize<br />
a pending 10-year lease agreement<br />
that would see the department<br />
relocate to the upper two<br />
floors of 1615 Poydras Tower in<br />
the center of the city.<br />
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS - IN-<br />
DIANAPOLIS POLICE OFFICERS<br />
REMOVED A “BIG ASS RAC-<br />
COON” FROM HOME IN HILARI-<br />
OUS HOME INVASION<br />
Newly released body-camera<br />
footage from earlier this year<br />
has revealed a comical rescue<br />
mission undertaken by Indianapolis<br />
police officers as they<br />
attempted to capture a “big<br />
ass raccoon” that had invaded<br />
a man’s home on the southeast<br />
side of the city.<br />
CLICK TO TAP TO WATCH<br />
The incident, which occurred<br />
in the early morning hours of<br />
January 9, saw Officer Aaron<br />
Laird responding to a homeowner’s<br />
distress call reporting an<br />
“unusual guest” that had barged<br />
into his residence and caused<br />
chaos.<br />
Upon entering the home, Officer<br />
Laird was greeted by the<br />
homeowner’s account of the<br />
havoc wreaked by the raccoon,<br />
explaining that it had knocked<br />
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 71
down his TV and was now darting<br />
around the living room.<br />
In the bodycam footage released<br />
by the Indianapolis Metropolitan<br />
Police Department<br />
(IMPD), Officer Laird can be seen<br />
cautiously approaching the corner<br />
where the large raccoon was<br />
cowering amid scattered items.<br />
“He’s a big son of a bitch, easy<br />
partner,” Officer Laird can be<br />
heard saying in the video. “We<br />
got a big ass raccoon in here.”<br />
As the officers attempted to<br />
corner the elusive critter behind<br />
a refrigerator, the raccoon darted<br />
away, climbing on doors and<br />
doing “pull-ups” on the door<br />
moldings to evade capture.<br />
After a few failed attempts<br />
using a catch pole, Officer Laird<br />
eventually managed to safely<br />
capture the raccoon and release<br />
it back into the wild.<br />
In the aftermath of the chaotic<br />
encounter, officers apologized<br />
to the homeowner for the mess<br />
caused by the raccoon’s escapades<br />
within the house.<br />
“That’s fine, that’s the easy<br />
part,” the relieved homeowner<br />
responded as he began to clean<br />
up.<br />
“I just wanted him out of here.<br />
When I heard that big bang, I<br />
thought someone was robbing<br />
my house.”<br />
“He was a big boy,” Officer<br />
Laird added.<br />
The department later joked<br />
about the incident, stating on<br />
social media: “The raccoon was<br />
not charged with a crime.”<br />
ARIZONA POLICE SNIPER<br />
WOUNDS GUNMAN WHO FIRED<br />
ON OFFICERS<br />
MARANA, AZ. — A multi-agency<br />
law enforcement investigation<br />
72 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
team has released body camera<br />
and helicopter footage of an officer<br />
using a rifle to take down an<br />
armed suspect at long range, the<br />
Arizona Daily Star reported.<br />
The Feb. 10 incident began<br />
when officers from the Marana<br />
Police Department conducted<br />
a traffic stop. After conducting<br />
an CLICK investigation, TO TAP officers TO WATCH decided<br />
to arrest Tobin Pico, 29, for<br />
aggravated DUI, according to the<br />
report.<br />
When officers started trying to<br />
place Pico in handcuffs, he fled<br />
on foot, crossing multiple lanes<br />
of traffic. Body camera footage<br />
from one of the officers shows<br />
Pico dropping a handgun in the<br />
road’s median. He picked it up<br />
and continued to run from officers.<br />
Other officers were called to<br />
assist, and an air unit maintained<br />
a visual on the suspect<br />
as he started to walk toward a<br />
populous area, according to the<br />
report. Helicopter video shows<br />
the handgun on the ground next<br />
to him.<br />
An officer’s body camera then<br />
shows a team setting up a rifle.<br />
The officer with the rifle fired<br />
three shots. Helicopter video<br />
shows the suspect falling to the<br />
ground after the third shot. The<br />
distance between the officer and<br />
the suspect is unclear, but the<br />
officers cannot be seen on the<br />
thermal helicopter video that<br />
shows Pico being shot.<br />
After being struck by rifle fire,<br />
the suspect was able to get up<br />
and fire shots at officers, helicopter<br />
video shows. Officers<br />
returned fire, again bringing the<br />
suspect to the ground.<br />
Officers rendered aid, but the<br />
suspect was pronounced dead<br />
on the scene, according to the<br />
report.<br />
ANOTHER SMALL-TOWN<br />
POLICE DEPT TO CLOSE<br />
APB Team<br />
When most people think of<br />
American law enforcement,<br />
images of New York, Baltimore<br />
and the like come to mind. But<br />
the reality is that the vast majority<br />
of law enforcement agencies<br />
in the United States have 50 or<br />
fewer officers, with many well<br />
below that 50-officer mark.
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 73
Smaller agencies in smaller<br />
towns face unique challenges,<br />
and a tiny department in Minnesota<br />
is no exception.<br />
Moose Lake, Minnesota, has<br />
slightly more than 2,700 citizens<br />
and law enforcement was being<br />
provided by just one officer as of<br />
February, as a result of ongoing<br />
budget cuts and a rash of officer<br />
resignations. But at a recent<br />
meeting, the town decided that<br />
even that was too much. In a 3–2<br />
vote, the city council chose to<br />
disband the police department.<br />
Apparently, public safety costs<br />
make up the majority of the<br />
city’s budget. They plan to save<br />
money by contracting with the<br />
county sheriff’s office to provide<br />
coverage to the town. The details<br />
of the new arrangement will<br />
take some time to finalize, but<br />
the Moose Lake Police Department<br />
will soon be no more.<br />
Despite the obvious difficulty<br />
the City faced in reaching the<br />
contentious decision (the two<br />
council members who voted<br />
against the move felt strongly<br />
about keeping the department),<br />
they aren’t alone. Data from<br />
Minnesota POST indicates that<br />
Moose Lake will be the 36th<br />
department in the <strong>No</strong>rth Star<br />
State to disband in the last seven<br />
years.<br />
It’s not unheard of for budget-balancers<br />
to seek new ways<br />
to save money, and various<br />
consolidation or contract arrangements<br />
can often give the<br />
taxpayers more bang for their<br />
buck. That being said, the need<br />
for cops doesn’t go away. Moose<br />
Lake’s contract with the local<br />
sheriff’s office is expected to<br />
provide them with four deputies.<br />
And then there were none. Moose lake PD disbanded.<br />
TEEN RUNS AT CALIF. DEPU-<br />
TY WITH BLADED GARDENING<br />
TOOL BEFORE FATAL OIS<br />
APPLE VALLEY, CA — The San<br />
Bernardino County Sheriff’s<br />
Department has released body<br />
camera footage from the fatal<br />
officer-involved shooting of a<br />
15-year-old wielding a bladed<br />
gardening tool, KCAL reported.<br />
The March 9 incident occurred<br />
when 911 callers reported that<br />
Ryan Gainer, 15, was using the<br />
5-foot-long tool to assault family<br />
members and damage property,<br />
according to the report. Video<br />
shows that Gainer confronted<br />
deputies when they arrived at<br />
the home.<br />
In the video, one deputy can be<br />
seen approaching the front door<br />
of the residence. As he nears the<br />
door, Gainer can be seen running<br />
toward the deputy with the tool<br />
in hand, apparently unprovoked.<br />
The officer begins to back away.<br />
The video then includes body<br />
camera from the second deputy<br />
to arrive at the scene, who was<br />
standing several yards away<br />
from the door as the first deputy<br />
approached it. The footage<br />
shows Gainer emerging from<br />
the home and running at the first<br />
deputy, who then turned around<br />
and pointed his gun at Gainer.<br />
The second deputy then raised<br />
his weapon and pointed it at<br />
74 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 75
Gainer. At least one of the deputies<br />
fired shots, striking Gainer,<br />
after the provided body camera<br />
footage cut out, according to the<br />
report. The deputies rendered<br />
medical aid until an ambulance<br />
arrived to take Gainer to the hospital.<br />
He later succumbed to his<br />
injuries, according to the report.<br />
The incident is under investigation.<br />
FELON WITH VIOLENT HIS-<br />
TORY ARRESTED FOLLOWING<br />
SHOTS FIRED AT POLICE<br />
By Crime Watch MN<br />
OAKDALE, MN. – Just weeks<br />
after three first responders were<br />
shot and killed during a standoff<br />
while responding to a domestic<br />
situation in Burnsville, an eerily<br />
similar scene played out in Oakdale,<br />
MN., overnight Monday to<br />
Tuesday.<br />
Just before 10:00 p.m. on Monday,<br />
Oakdale officers were called<br />
to a domestic dispute near the<br />
100 block of Greystone Avenue.<br />
Police located the vehicle involved<br />
in the dispatch and began<br />
trailing it, according to dispatch<br />
audio.<br />
The vehicle took off from officers<br />
who aired that there was<br />
a female in the passenger seat<br />
with her hands up. The dispatcher<br />
relayed that information indicated<br />
that the female was being<br />
threatened by a party with a gun.<br />
Police continued to follow the<br />
vehicle until it pulled up to the<br />
apparent residence involved in<br />
the call. An officer then shouted<br />
over the air, “shots fired, shots<br />
fired, get us armor here dispatch,<br />
ASAP.”<br />
Another officer indicated that<br />
shots were being fired out of a<br />
window and yelled at others to<br />
76 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
take cover. Another officer ordered<br />
everyone to take cover<br />
behind their vehicles as police<br />
indicated that shots continued to<br />
be fired.<br />
Police then indicated that the<br />
female involved in the incident<br />
was in the backyard holding a<br />
baby. Police were able to get the<br />
female to safety as they called<br />
for overhead help from a State<br />
Patrol flight operator and requested<br />
a sniper to respond to<br />
the scene.<br />
Further dispatch audio indicated<br />
that the officers who were<br />
sheltering behind vehicles in<br />
the front of the residence were<br />
eventually able to get to safety<br />
with the assistance of armored<br />
equipment. A “Code Red” alert<br />
was requested by police to be<br />
sent to the surrounding neighborhood<br />
advising residents to<br />
shelter in place. Several responders<br />
from SWAT, a negotiator<br />
team, and other agencies<br />
began responding to the scene.<br />
Information was aired that the<br />
female victim told police that the<br />
suspect claimed he was “ready<br />
to die tonight, and he wouldn’t<br />
go back to prison.”<br />
The standoff continued as radio<br />
dispatches went to an encrypted<br />
channel at about 11:30<br />
p.m.<br />
The city of Oakdale posted a<br />
press release on Tuesday detailing<br />
what transpired during<br />
the ordeal and confirmed that a<br />
suspect had been arrested:<br />
“Just before 10:00 p.m. on<br />
March 11, 2024, Oakdale officers<br />
were called to a domestic<br />
dispute near the 100 block of<br />
Greystone Avenue. The 911 caller<br />
expressed concern that the<br />
male involved had a gun and had<br />
25-year-old Devione Leeante<br />
threatened the female with it in<br />
the past. While en route to the<br />
address, officers located a vehicle<br />
they believed to be occupied<br />
by the involved parties and attempted<br />
a traffic stop near 10th<br />
Street and Hadley Avenue. The<br />
driver fled from officers, leading<br />
them on a brief pursuit before<br />
stopping at a residence on the<br />
100 block of Greystone Avenue.<br />
Immediately upon exiting the<br />
vehicle, the male driver, later<br />
identified as 25-year-old Devione<br />
Leeante Malone of St. Paul,<br />
began shooting at officers. At<br />
least one Oakdale police officer<br />
exchanged gunfire as Malone fled<br />
into the home where he continued<br />
to fire at officers before<br />
barricading himself inside. Law<br />
enforcement immediately secured<br />
the area, evacuating nearby<br />
homes. A female passenger<br />
and infant inside the vehicle<br />
were located unharmed and ushered<br />
to safety by police.<br />
Resources from multiple jurisdictions<br />
responded to assist at<br />
the scene, where four Oakdale<br />
officers were unable to safely<br />
retreat due to incoming gunfire.
RACE DAY 05.11.2024<br />
Embrace the spirit of remembrance and solidarity during Police Week at<br />
the 18th Annual National Police Week 5K, being held on May 11, <strong>2024.</strong><br />
Whether you join us in Arlington, Virginia or virtually from anywhere,<br />
together we’ll Run to Remember, echoing the mission of The Officer Down<br />
Memorial Page (ODMP) and emphasizing our commitment to honoring the<br />
brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice.<br />
RegisteR Today at<br />
nationalpoliceweek5k.com<br />
national police week 2023 schedule of events<br />
National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community.<br />
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024<br />
• National Police K9 Memorial Service<br />
• ODMP 5K<br />
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024<br />
• Police Unity Tour Arrival<br />
MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024<br />
• Candlelight Vigil<br />
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024<br />
• The 30th Annual Pipeband Memorial March and<br />
Service, Organized by the National Conference of<br />
Law Enforcement Emerald Societies (NCLEES)<br />
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024<br />
• Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service<br />
• Ambassador Wreath Laying and Stand Watch<br />
for the Fallen<br />
• Ford Giveaway Drawing<br />
MULTI-DAY EVENTS<br />
MAY 9–18, 2024<br />
• National Law Enforcement Museum OPEN<br />
each day from May 9-20, 2024<br />
MAY 14–16, 2024<br />
• C.O.P.S. National Police Survivors’ Conference<br />
and C.O.P.S. Kids/Teens Program<br />
Beyond the events listed here, all are welcome at the Memorial which remains open to the public 24/7. If you are interested in attending the museum, you can get more<br />
information here: nleomf.org/museum/.<br />
2024_ODMP-NPW5K_COPS_PrintAd.indd 1<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 77<br />
2/27/24 2:05 PM
Law enforcement in armored<br />
vehicles responded to help safely<br />
extricate the officers, all of<br />
whom remain physically unharmed.<br />
After hours of attempted contact<br />
with the suspect, Malone<br />
surrendered to police just after<br />
12:30 a.m.<br />
Malone remains in custody at<br />
the Washington County Jail on<br />
multiple felony charges, including<br />
felony assault, possession of<br />
a firearm by person convicted<br />
with a crime or violence, and<br />
domestic abuse no contact order<br />
violation. Charges may be added<br />
as the investigation continues.<br />
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension<br />
(BCA) is handling the<br />
use of force investigation while<br />
the Washington County Sheriff’s<br />
Office is managing the criminal<br />
investigation. Oakdale Police<br />
Department is grateful for the<br />
assistance of the Washington<br />
County SWAT Team, Ramsey<br />
County Sheriff’s Office SWAT<br />
Team, St. Paul Police Department<br />
SWAT Team, Washington<br />
County Sheriff’s Office, Ramsey<br />
County Sheriff’s Office, Woodbury<br />
Police Department, Cottage<br />
Grove Police Department, and all<br />
other neighboring agencies who<br />
responded to assist.<br />
More information will be released<br />
when it becomes available.”<br />
Malone posted $1,000 bond and<br />
was released from custody on<br />
Jan. 5, records show.<br />
CELEBRATED DRAG QUEEN<br />
HONORED BY WHITE HOUSE<br />
ACCUSED OF MULTIPLE SEXUAL<br />
ASSAULTS<br />
Celebrity drag performer<br />
Shangela — born Darius Jeremy<br />
Celebrity drag performer Shangela & VP Harris<br />
Pierce — is being accused of several<br />
sexual assault encounters.<br />
The high profile individual was<br />
lavishly honored by the Biden<br />
Administration and became the<br />
first person to wear drag at an<br />
event at the official vice presidential<br />
residence, the New York<br />
Post reported.<br />
Shangela, 42, was the focus of<br />
a revealing Rolling Stone exposé<br />
this week involving five accusers<br />
alleging sexual abuse. The allegations<br />
come nearly a year after<br />
the deviant niche performer was<br />
also sued for rape, according to<br />
the news outlet.<br />
Vice President Kamala Harris<br />
has known Shangela since<br />
at least 2019 when they posed<br />
together for a selfie when the<br />
now-VP was running for president.<br />
Shangela praised Harris for<br />
being “a fierce ally” of the<br />
“LGBTQIA+ family,” saying, “I can<br />
for sure say I am proud to see<br />
a strong, intelligent, dedicated<br />
Black/Indian woman going after<br />
the Democratic nomination.”<br />
Harris invited Shangela to a<br />
Pride event at the Naval Observatory<br />
in 2022. As a result, the<br />
performer became the first ever<br />
to attend the official residence in<br />
drag, People magazine reported<br />
at the time.<br />
“I woke up today asking myself<br />
‘Did that really just happen?’”<br />
Shangela wrote on Instagram<br />
after “laughing and sobbing” at<br />
the exposure of being invited to<br />
speak at Harris’ event.<br />
“Last night I had the honor of<br />
becoming the first drag queen in<br />
drag to ever attend an event at<br />
the residence of the Vice President<br />
of America.”<br />
“Me — the lil country gay kid<br />
from Paris, TX just helped introduce<br />
the highest ranking female<br />
leader ever elected in our country.<br />
And I did it standing in my<br />
truth.”<br />
Several months later, the Biden<br />
Administration invited Shangela<br />
to the White House for the president’s<br />
ceremonial signing of The<br />
Respect for Marriage Act. During<br />
the appearance the performer<br />
dressed in drag and posed with<br />
Harris.<br />
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79
“What an honor to be invited<br />
to the White House by our @<br />
potus and @drbiden yesterday to<br />
witness the signing of the Respect<br />
for Marriage Act,” Shangela<br />
wrote on Instagram.”<br />
“The weather was chill but the<br />
emotions were warm and fuzzy<br />
… and as a drag queen whose<br />
community is specifically targeted<br />
right now, this type of inclusion<br />
meant A LOT.”<br />
Following recent revelations<br />
regarding the sexual assault<br />
allegations against Shangela, the<br />
Vice President’s Office did not<br />
immediately return a request for<br />
comment from The Post.<br />
Furthermore, Shangela’s attorney<br />
Andrew Brettler did not immediately<br />
respond to a request<br />
for comment Wednesday about<br />
the accusations of sex abuse or<br />
connections to Biden and Harris.<br />
According to Rolling Stone,<br />
Shangela, who only uses feminine<br />
pronouns while dressed in<br />
drag, has been accused of either<br />
sexually assaulting five people in<br />
the queer community, or trying<br />
to have sex with individuals after<br />
they were too intoxicated to give<br />
consent.<br />
The alleged crimes involve<br />
male and non-binary individuals<br />
between the ages of 18 and<br />
23. The accusations date back to<br />
2012, The Post reported.<br />
One of Shangela’s accusers<br />
was a teen at the time of the<br />
alleged encounter. He claimed<br />
the flamboyant performer tried<br />
to anally penetrate him after he<br />
had been prepped with alcohol<br />
and vomited all over a hotel bed,<br />
the Rolling Stone reported.<br />
Two additional accusers said<br />
they had blacked out and later<br />
awoke and led to believe they<br />
80 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
had participated in group sex<br />
with Shangela and another man.<br />
Brettler had reportedly denied<br />
the allegations against Shangela,<br />
saying he never had “nonconsensual<br />
sex of any kind with them,<br />
or anyone else.”<br />
The accusers told Rolling Stone<br />
they had been reluctant to speak<br />
out due to politics involving drag<br />
shows. Nevertheless, they felt<br />
empowered after a former HBO<br />
production assistant filed a lawsuit<br />
against Shangela for rape<br />
last year.<br />
FLORIDA PBA ENDORSES<br />
DONALD TRUMP FOR PRESI-<br />
DENT<br />
Restoring a semblance of order<br />
to the inner cities of America as<br />
well as preserving our nation’s<br />
borders and maintaining security<br />
in flyover country has rarely<br />
been more of a focal point than<br />
it has become in recent years. <strong>No</strong><br />
institution knows public safety<br />
better than law enforcement<br />
and its officers who are sworn to<br />
“bear true faith and allegiance”<br />
to the Constitution of the United<br />
States.<br />
Cops are also keenly aware<br />
that political office holders can<br />
empower or cripple their efforts<br />
as it relates to public safety. In<br />
the past four years the institution<br />
of law enforcement has<br />
taken a historic beating as the<br />
progressive movement seeks to<br />
cripple its ability to preserve the<br />
peace. Hence, community members<br />
should take note of political<br />
endorsements made by police<br />
organizations.<br />
In Florida, the largest police<br />
union announced on Thursday<br />
which candidate for president<br />
they will support in the <strong>No</strong>vember<br />
general election.<br />
Florida Police Benevolent Association<br />
(PBA) President John<br />
Kazanjian declared his organization<br />
will support former President<br />
Trump. In a letter shared<br />
with Fox News Digital, Florida<br />
PBA says Trump is the right person<br />
to handle the many crises<br />
facing the nation.<br />
“It’s no secret that over the<br />
past four years, under the current<br />
administration, America<br />
has regressed. Law enforcement<br />
officers are leaving their jobs in<br />
record numbers throughout this<br />
country, crime is rising in our<br />
major cities, and over 8 million<br />
migrants have entered this<br />
country, putting a heavy and<br />
untenable strain on the ability<br />
of local municipalities to effectively<br />
maintain public safety and<br />
provide essential services to the<br />
citizens of this country,” Kazanjian<br />
wrote.<br />
“This <strong>No</strong>vember, America is<br />
once again at a critical juncture.<br />
The choice we make in electing<br />
the next president of the United<br />
States will have a lasting impact<br />
on our nation for generations to<br />
come. And for us, the choice is<br />
crystal clear. On behalf of the<br />
30,000 members of Florida’s<br />
largest law enforcement union,<br />
the Florida PBA is proud to once<br />
again endorse you for president<br />
of the United States,” he added.<br />
“Moving forward, we will ask<br />
all of our 30,000 members, their<br />
friends and family, and all Floridians,<br />
who love and respect<br />
law enforcement, to cast their<br />
ballots in support of President<br />
Donald J. Trump. Together we’ll<br />
make America great again.”
‘HE’S GOT MY GUN, I’M SHOT’:<br />
BWC SHOWS SUSPECT TAKING<br />
FLORIDA OFFICER’S GUN AND<br />
SHOOTING HIM.<br />
By Joanna Putman<br />
Police1<br />
TALLAHASSEE, FL. — The Tallahassee<br />
Police Department has<br />
released body camera footage<br />
of a suspect shooting an officer<br />
with the officer’s service weapon.<br />
The March 8 incident began<br />
when officers ordered Willis Adams,<br />
36, to leave a hotel, according<br />
to the video release. Video<br />
shows an officer giving Adams a<br />
card.<br />
“They already refunded you,<br />
I made sure they did that,” the<br />
officer told Adams.<br />
The officer then informed Adams<br />
that he needed to remove<br />
his belongings from the hotel<br />
room and assisted him for more<br />
than an hour, according to the<br />
release. Adams, shirtless and<br />
speaking erratically, continually<br />
insisted that “the charges were<br />
dropped” and that he would return<br />
to the hotel.<br />
The officer repeatedly warned<br />
Adams that if he returned, he<br />
would be arrested. He tells Adams<br />
to lock up the car with his<br />
possessions and leave the property.<br />
About 10 minutes later, one of<br />
the initial responding officers<br />
spotted Adams trying to enter<br />
the property on foot. He approached<br />
Adams, who informed<br />
the officer he was on the phone<br />
with 911 dispatch and dared him<br />
to deploy his TASER “for no reason,”<br />
video shows.<br />
As Adams continued to run<br />
away, the officer deployed his<br />
TASER, which did not appear to<br />
have any effect on Adams. Adams<br />
then hit the officer twice<br />
with a metal can, according to<br />
the release.<br />
The officer then used a baton<br />
in an attempt to keep Adams at<br />
a distance. Adams was able to<br />
knock the baton from the officer’s<br />
grasp.<br />
“I will hurt you,” Adams can be<br />
heard yelling at the officer.<br />
The officer and Adams then<br />
get into a physical altercation.<br />
During the struggle, Adams was<br />
able to climb on top of the officer<br />
and lock his arm around his<br />
neck, according to the release.<br />
The officer then retrieved his<br />
firearm, which Adams grabbed<br />
and attempted to wrestle away<br />
from the officer.<br />
A bystander can be seen stopping<br />
and attempting to help<br />
the officer. The officer’s firearm<br />
discharges, striking the officer in<br />
the hand, according to the release.<br />
Adams then picked up the<br />
firearm and walked away with it.<br />
“Dispatch, he’s got my gun, he’s<br />
got my gun,” the officer said. “I’m<br />
shot.”<br />
The officer was treated for the<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 81
gunshot wound and is expected<br />
to recover. Adams was arrested<br />
and charged with attempted<br />
homicide of a law enforcement<br />
officer, according to the release.<br />
MAN ON TERROR WATCH<br />
LIST INVOLVED IN STANDOFF<br />
WITH SHERIFF’S OFFICE IN<br />
NORTH CAROLINA<br />
GATES COUNTY, N.C. – A man<br />
later identified as an illegal<br />
immigrant on a terror watch<br />
list was involved in a four-hour<br />
standoff with law enforcement<br />
authorities in <strong>No</strong>rth Carolina<br />
last week, according to multiple<br />
reports.<br />
Awet Hagos held deputies<br />
and troopers at bay for about<br />
four-hours last Monday. He is a<br />
citizen of the African nation of<br />
Eritrea who entered America illegally<br />
after a stay in Haiti, The<br />
Western Journal reported.<br />
Hagos, 32, was arrested on<br />
March 11. He has been in the<br />
<strong>No</strong>rth Carolina area for the past<br />
six months illegally, according<br />
to officials.<br />
Once Hagos’ fingerprints were<br />
checked, federal authorities<br />
reportedly discovered that he<br />
was on the terrorist watch list,<br />
reported Fox News.<br />
A representative for the U.S.<br />
Immigration and Customs<br />
Enforcement (ICE) said Hagos<br />
“entered the United States as<br />
a non immigrant in 2016 and<br />
violated terms of admission,”<br />
according to the News & Observer.<br />
On March 11 at about 6:<strong>40</strong><br />
p.m., deputies with the Gates<br />
County Sheriff’s Office were<br />
dispatched to a convenience<br />
store regarding a report of a<br />
part-time employee firing a gun<br />
Terror Watch Suspect & Illegal Immigrant, Awet Hagos<br />
outside the business, according<br />
to Sheriff Ray Campbell, the<br />
Roanoke-Chowan News Herald<br />
reported.<br />
“Upon arrival, the deputies and<br />
a Trooper with the <strong>No</strong>rth Carolina<br />
State Highway Patrol attempted<br />
to take the suspect into<br />
custody,” Sheriff Campbell said.<br />
“However, the suspect became<br />
extremely combative and at<br />
one point attempted to disarm<br />
a deputy of their firearm. The<br />
suspect then fled into a small<br />
camper located adjacent to the<br />
business,” the sheriff said.<br />
“At first we believed he was<br />
still inside the camper, but<br />
thanks to the Ahoskie Police,<br />
their drone, that has an infrared<br />
camera, spotted him attempting<br />
to crawl out from underneath<br />
a home next door,” Campbell<br />
said. “That allowed us to focus<br />
our attention there and we were<br />
able to get him to come out.”<br />
Nevertheless, the standoff lasted<br />
about four hours before the<br />
man surrendered, according to<br />
authorities.<br />
Following Hagos’ arrest, he<br />
was charged with three counts<br />
of assault on a government<br />
official, three counts of resisting<br />
a public officer and carrying<br />
a concealed weapon. He was<br />
booked into jail and held on a<br />
$100,000 bond.<br />
<strong>No</strong>rth Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark<br />
Robinson was unhappy that local<br />
law enforcement officials had<br />
to deal with a “violent illegal<br />
immigrant,” the Carolina Journal<br />
reported.<br />
As a result, the gubernatorial<br />
candidate sent a letter to President<br />
Joe Biden seeking answers<br />
and challenging the president’s<br />
border policy.<br />
“This incident raises a number<br />
of serious questions that deserve<br />
to be addressed urgently,”<br />
the letter read, according to Fox<br />
News.<br />
“I called on President Biden to<br />
give immediate answers,” Robinson<br />
said “How did Hagos enter<br />
the United States? How did Hagos<br />
get to <strong>No</strong>rth Carolina? Did he<br />
travel by air, interstate, or rail?<br />
Are there other places that he’s<br />
been in our state that he’s traveled<br />
to or through, and should<br />
those areas be on alert?”<br />
Robinson’s letter is largely<br />
symbolic since he notes that<br />
even elected officials in Washington,<br />
D.C. cannot get answers<br />
from the president.<br />
“The silence from the Biden<br />
administration on this situation is<br />
not an isolated incident,” he said.<br />
82 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
“<strong>No</strong>t even our elected officials<br />
in Congress or the Senate have<br />
been able to get any answers<br />
from him.”<br />
WASH. MAN SENTENCED FOR<br />
SELLING LOW-QUALITY BODY<br />
ARMOR TO LAW ENFORCEMENT<br />
AND THE MILITARY<br />
By Alexis Weisend<br />
The Columbian, Vancouver,<br />
Wash.<br />
VANCOUVER, WA. — A Vancouver<br />
man was sentenced Tuesday<br />
to a year and a day in federal<br />
prison for intentionally selling<br />
low-quality ballistic protective<br />
equipment produced in China to<br />
dozens of domestic law enforcement<br />
agencies and the U.S.<br />
military.<br />
Jeffrey Meining, 42, operated<br />
a ballistic equipment business<br />
from 2016 to 2022 called BulletProof-IT,<br />
according to a news<br />
release from the U.S. Attorney’s<br />
Office for the District of Oregon.<br />
He sold equipment, including<br />
helmets, body armor and shields<br />
to state, local and federal agencies<br />
that included law enforcement<br />
agencies, fire departments<br />
and the military.<br />
He told buyers the products<br />
were from the United States<br />
when they were actually from<br />
China. For instance, Meining<br />
purchased 600 helmets from<br />
a Chinese company in 2017 for<br />
about $50,000 and sold them<br />
for $90,000 to a reseller. That<br />
reseller sold them to the U.S.<br />
Department of State for $107,994,<br />
according to the news release.<br />
Meining also lied about safety<br />
testing, the news release said,<br />
claiming his products met certain<br />
safety standards. However,<br />
he did not test them to meet the<br />
Jeffrey Meining sold low-quality ballistic vest produced in China<br />
advertised levels, or he altered<br />
reports to reflect inaccurate results,<br />
court records show.<br />
Customers relied on Meining’s<br />
false statements and falsified<br />
product testing results when deciding<br />
to purchase his products,<br />
the news release said.<br />
Meining was charged with<br />
wire fraud in <strong>No</strong>vember 2022. On<br />
March 23, 2023, he pleaded guilty<br />
to the single charge.<br />
After serving time in prison,<br />
Meining will have three years of<br />
supervised release.<br />
“In the shadow of deceit,<br />
Jeffrey Meining orchestrated a<br />
scheme of betrayal, defrauding<br />
not only law enforcement agencies<br />
but the very fabric of trust<br />
woven into our nation’s armor,”<br />
said Robert Hammer, special<br />
agent in charge of Homeland Security<br />
Investigations Seattle Field<br />
Office.<br />
CHICAGO SUES GLOCK OVER<br />
CONVERSIONS TO MACHINE<br />
GUNS<br />
Associated Press<br />
CHICAGO, IL. — The city of Chicago<br />
sued Glock Inc. on Tuesday,<br />
alleging the handgun manufacturer<br />
is facilitating the proliferation<br />
of illegal machine guns that<br />
can fire as many as 1,200 rounds<br />
per minute on the streets of the<br />
city.<br />
The lawsuit alleges Glock<br />
unreasonably endangers Chicagoans<br />
by manufacturing and<br />
selling semiautomatic pistols<br />
that can easily be converted<br />
to illegal machine guns with<br />
an auto sear — a cheap, small<br />
device commonly known as a<br />
“Glock switch.” The switches<br />
are the size of a quarter and are<br />
easily purchased illegally online<br />
for around $20 or manufactured<br />
at home using a 3D printer.<br />
The complaint filed in Cook<br />
County Circuit Court is the first to<br />
use Illinois’s new Firearms Industry<br />
Responsibility Act, passed<br />
and signed into law in 2023 to<br />
hold gun companies accountable<br />
for conduct that endangers the<br />
public.<br />
The lawsuit states police in<br />
Chicago have recovered over<br />
1,100 Glocks that have been converted<br />
into illegal machine guns<br />
in the last two years in connection<br />
with homicides, assaults,<br />
kidnappings, carjackings and<br />
other crimes.<br />
The lawsuit alleges that Glock<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 83
knows it could fix the problem<br />
but refuses to do so and seeks a<br />
court order requiring the company<br />
to stop selling guns to people<br />
in Chicago. It also seeks unspecified<br />
damages.<br />
“The City of Chicago is encountering<br />
a deadly new frontier in<br />
the gun violence plaguing our<br />
communities because of the increase<br />
of fully automatic Glocks<br />
on our streets,” Mayor Brandon<br />
Johnson said in a news release.<br />
“Selling firearms that can so<br />
easily be converted into automatic<br />
weapons makes heinous<br />
acts even more deadly, so we<br />
are doing everything we can in<br />
collaboration with others committed<br />
to ending gun violence<br />
to hold Glock accountable for<br />
putting profits over public safety,”<br />
Johnson said.<br />
Joining the city in the lawsuit<br />
is Everytown Law, a Washington-based<br />
firm that seeks to<br />
advance gun safety laws in the<br />
courts.<br />
“Right now, anyone in the United<br />
States with $20 and a screwdriver<br />
can convert their Glock<br />
pistol into an illegal machine<br />
gun in just a few minutes,” said<br />
Eric Tirschwell, executive director<br />
of Everytown Law.<br />
84 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
RILEY STRAIN FOUND: NASH-<br />
VILLE POLICE LOCATE BODY<br />
OF COLLEGE STUDENT WHO<br />
WENT MISSING AFTER NIGHT<br />
OUT<br />
NASHVILLE, TN. – Nashville PD<br />
said on Friday they found the<br />
body of Riley Strain, a University<br />
of Missouri senior who went<br />
missing on March 8 after going<br />
out downtown.<br />
Authorities said Strain’s body<br />
was recovered from the Cumberland<br />
River in West Nashville<br />
on Friday morning, about 8 miles<br />
from downtown. Police said on X<br />
that no foul play-related trauma<br />
was observed, and an autopsy is<br />
pending.<br />
“This morning, around 7:28<br />
a.m., we received a call from a<br />
worker on 61st Avenue, at a company<br />
that adjoins the Cumberland<br />
River, that had been searching<br />
for anything that would pop<br />
up on the river, especially looking<br />
for Riley Strain,” Metro Nashville<br />
Police Department Chief<br />
John Drake said during a Friday<br />
morning press conference. “As<br />
they were removing an object<br />
from the river, they noticed what<br />
appeared to be Riley Strain.”<br />
The fire department retrieved<br />
Strain’s body from the river, and<br />
the medical examiner’s office<br />
reviewed his remains. Strain’s<br />
family has been contacted, Drake<br />
said.<br />
“There are no signs of foul play<br />
at this time, according to the examination<br />
here at the riverbank,”<br />
Drake said. “Mr. Strain still had<br />
the shirt on that he was wearing,<br />
had the watch and other identifying<br />
factors that helped us<br />
identify who he is.”<br />
The 22-year-old finance student<br />
was visiting Nashville for<br />
his fraternity’s spring formal trip<br />
when he vanished. He had been<br />
out on Broadway drinking with<br />
friends at Luke Bryan’s downtown<br />
bar, called Luke’s 32, when<br />
staff asked him to leave.<br />
Police say his phone pinged for<br />
the last time around Gay Street,<br />
part of which borders the Cumberland<br />
River.<br />
Nashville police released a<br />
video of Strain greeting a police<br />
officer on Gay Street while<br />
the officer was checking parked<br />
vehicles for signs of a reported<br />
vehicle burglary just before the<br />
college student disappeared.<br />
“Shown was Riley’s brief exchange<br />
of greetings w/ Officer<br />
Reginald Young on Gay St., south<br />
of the Woodland St. Bridge, on<br />
the night of 3/8. Riley did not
appear distressed. Officer Young<br />
was there on a vehicle burglary<br />
call & remained on that portion<br />
of Gay St. for 45 min,” police said<br />
on X. “<strong>No</strong> video has been discovered<br />
that shows Riley away from<br />
Gay St after the 9:52 p.m. timeframe.”<br />
Luke’s 32 said in a statement<br />
that bartenders served Strain<br />
one drink before staff asked him<br />
to leave.<br />
“At 9:35 p.m., our security team<br />
made a decision based on our<br />
conduct standards to escort<br />
him from the venue through our<br />
Broadway exit at the front of our<br />
building,” the bar said in a March<br />
15 statement. “He was followed<br />
down the stairs with one member<br />
of his party. The individual<br />
with Riley did not exit and returned<br />
upstairs.”<br />
TC Restaurant Group indicated<br />
that they were working closely<br />
with authorities in the search for<br />
the missing college student.<br />
After leaving the bar, Strain<br />
told his friends that he would<br />
head back to their accommodations<br />
at Tempo by Hilton, which<br />
is about five blocks away from<br />
Luke’s 32, as FOX 17 first reported.<br />
When his friends did not see<br />
him again at their hotel later<br />
that evening, they filed a missing<br />
persons report, Strain’s cousin,<br />
Chelsea Strain, previously told<br />
Fox News Digital.<br />
Police are still working to<br />
determine exactly how Strain<br />
ended up walking in the opposite<br />
direction of his hotel. It is<br />
possible that he could have entered<br />
the wrong destination into<br />
a map on his phone, according to<br />
family spokesperson Chris Dingman,<br />
but authorities continue to<br />
Arlington Texas Firefighter Brady Weaver<br />
investigate all possibilities.<br />
Strain’s family flew to Nashville<br />
and became involved in<br />
the search immediately after his<br />
friends reported him missing<br />
ARLINGTON TEXAS FIRE-<br />
FIGHTER SHOT IN THE CHEST<br />
WHILE ON A WELFARE CALL<br />
IDENTIFIED<br />
By Frank Heinz<br />
An Arlington Texas firefighter<br />
is in critical but stable condition<br />
after being shot in the chest<br />
while responding to a welfare<br />
call early Friday morning, Arlington<br />
Police say.<br />
Firefighters, police, and paramedics<br />
arrived at an apartment<br />
on the <strong>40</strong>0 block of Bardin<br />
Greene Drive at about 12:43 a.m.,<br />
police said, after someone called<br />
911 reporting hearing children<br />
crying in a neighboring apartment<br />
and pleading with their<br />
mother to wake up.<br />
Police said officers knocked<br />
on the door and identified themselves<br />
but no one answered.<br />
Police said that they knocked on<br />
the door for more than five minutes<br />
and heard children inside<br />
continuing to call for their mother<br />
to wake up.<br />
“Concerned that someone<br />
inside the apartment could be<br />
injured or in need of emergency<br />
medical attention, the first responders<br />
made the decision to<br />
force entry into the apartment,”<br />
police said.<br />
While a firefighter used a tool<br />
to open the door, police continued<br />
to identify themselves<br />
outside. Assistant Police Chief<br />
Tarrick McGuire said police identified<br />
them 17 times before they<br />
tried to enter the apartment and<br />
before the shot was fired. A short<br />
time later, police said, someone<br />
inside the apartment fired a gun<br />
through the door and the bullet<br />
struck firefighter Brady Weaver<br />
who was at the door.<br />
Hearing the gunshot, all first<br />
responders backed away from<br />
the door including Weaver who<br />
was able to retreat on his own<br />
before being taken to a nearby<br />
hospital.<br />
Arlington Fire Chief Bret<br />
Stidham confirmed Friday afternoon<br />
that Weaver was critically<br />
injured but was stable and alert<br />
and that his recovery was trending<br />
the right way. Stidham said<br />
Weaver is a six-year veteran of<br />
the Arlington Fire Department.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 85
After the gunfire, police ordered<br />
everyone inside the apartment<br />
to come out and they said<br />
a man, a woman, and two children<br />
complied. McGuire said they<br />
surrendered without incident<br />
and were cooperative.<br />
The man, who police said is<br />
the person who fired the shot, is<br />
being questioned by detectives.<br />
Arlington Police said investigators<br />
will consult with the Tarrant<br />
County District Attorney’s Office<br />
to determine whether criminal<br />
charges should be filed against<br />
the man.<br />
<strong>No</strong> additional shots were fired<br />
and there were no other injuries<br />
reported. Police said the woman<br />
who exited the apartment was<br />
the woman being called by the<br />
children and that she needed no<br />
medical attention.<br />
Arlington Police said the investigation<br />
into the shooting is<br />
ongoing.<br />
FLA. DEPUTY SAVES K-9<br />
PARTNER AFTER HE JUMPED<br />
OVER BRIDGE RAILING 75 FEET<br />
OVER WATER<br />
By Mark Price<br />
The Charlotte Observer<br />
BREVARD COUNTY, FL. — The<br />
K-9 partner of a Florida sheriff’s<br />
deputy did something horrifying<br />
— and potentially deadly — at<br />
a crime scene when it jumped<br />
without warning from a highrise<br />
bridge over the Indian River.<br />
It happened on the 528 Causeway<br />
in Brevard County, and dash<br />
camera video shows the deputy<br />
ended up in a tug of war as the<br />
dog dangled from its leash. Brevard<br />
County is east of Orlando,<br />
along Florida’s Atlantic Coast.<br />
“K-9 Deputy Lauren Donaldson<br />
got the scare of her life when<br />
“K-9 Deputy Lauren Donaldson got the scare of her life when her partner,<br />
K-9 ‘Zeppelin,’ decided to leap over the bridge’s guard rail and off the<br />
bridge that is approximately 75 feet above the surface of the water,” the<br />
sheriff’s office wrote in a March 21 Facebook post.<br />
her partner, K-9 ‘Zeppelin,’ decided<br />
to leap over the bridge’s<br />
guard rail and off the bridge that<br />
is approximately 75 feet above<br />
the surface of the water,” the<br />
sheriff’s office wrote in a March<br />
21 Facebook post.<br />
“Thankfully, Lauren responded<br />
quickly to ‘Zeppelin’s’ actions<br />
by tightly holding on to his lead,<br />
immediately bracing her feet<br />
against the railing, and then<br />
somehow, reaching over the<br />
guard rail and pulling ‘Zeppelin’<br />
back onto the bridge!”<br />
It happened as the partners<br />
were walking away from a felony<br />
arrest, and it appears the dog<br />
realized its mistake at the last<br />
second. Close inspection of the<br />
video shows Zeppelin desperately<br />
tried grabbing the top of the<br />
concrete wall before vanishing.<br />
Donaldson is heard saying only<br />
the word “<strong>No</strong>” as she holds the<br />
leash and pulls her partner from<br />
the abyss.<br />
The entire episode lasts just<br />
six seconds and the two are seen<br />
acting as if nothing happened as<br />
they walk away.<br />
“Lauren’s rescue of her beloved<br />
partner is even more amazing<br />
when you consider that ‘Zeppelin,<br />
a Belgian Malinois, weighs<br />
approximately 75 pounds and<br />
Lauren weighs 122 pounds when<br />
she is soaking wet and holding<br />
a bowling ball,” Brevard County<br />
Sheriff Sheriff Wayne Ivey said in<br />
the release.<br />
“Somehow she managed to not<br />
panic and pull ‘Zeppelin’ back<br />
to safety!! Without Lauren’s fast<br />
action there is no question that<br />
‘Zeppelin’ would have fallen ...<br />
most likely to his death!”<br />
Neither suffered injuries during<br />
the incident, officials said.<br />
86 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 87
TOM RIZ<br />
“THE IVORY TOWER”<br />
88 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
ZO<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 89
TOM RIZZO<br />
BY DR. TINA JAECKLE<br />
When I first connected with Thomas “Tom” Rizzo for this cover<br />
story, it felt as if we had known each other for years as we shared<br />
our experiences and goals in the policing field. His background and<br />
experience are impressive. However, what truly stands out is his<br />
genuine personality and desire to create positive change for law enforcement<br />
leaders and those with boots on the ground. There is no<br />
doubt he is making this happen.<br />
Rizzo is a proud father of four, currently serving as the Commander<br />
of the Investigations Division (Howell Township Police Department,<br />
New Jersey) and oversees both sworn officers and civilian<br />
staff. With over twenty-three years of law enforcement experience,<br />
he is currently responsible for the oversight and administration<br />
of advanced investigations, which incorporates many of the latest<br />
technological advantages, often exceeding the industry standard.<br />
Rizzo created the department’s first Criminal Suppression Unit,<br />
which has focused primarily on narcotics interdiction, substance<br />
abuse and prevention education, and the investigation of violent<br />
crimes. He has also instructed for intra/inter agency training in<br />
areas of leadership, public speaking, ethical dilemmas, case law<br />
application, and interdiction tactics. Rizzo received a B.S. from the<br />
University of Central Florida in Criminal Justice, and an M.A. from<br />
Seton Hall University in Human Resource Training & Development.<br />
Rizzo has successfully blended his law enforcement career with<br />
that of a military beginning and the role of the college professor<br />
(for more than twelve years) to now serve as a motivational<br />
speaker. After attending and graduating from the New Jersey State<br />
Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) Command & Leadership<br />
Program, he returned as an instructor, focusing on group leadership<br />
theories and resolution strategies. He is also an adjunct professor<br />
for New Jersey City University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and<br />
Rutgers School of Public Affairs & Administration (Results Driven<br />
Strategic Management) and has taught in numerous areas including<br />
School of Management, Criminal Justice, and Professional Security<br />
Studies. Rizzo regularly guest lectures for the annual Mid-Atlantic<br />
Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (MALEEDS) held<br />
at Princeton University and focuses on areas of ethical dilemmas<br />
and transformational leadership. He has authored an article on<br />
community engagement for the International Association of Chiefs<br />
of Police (IACP). As requested, Rizzo is a keynote speaker throughout<br />
the The nation <strong>Blues</strong> for - conferences <strong>April</strong> ‘24 reaching global 90 audiences.
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 91
“The Ivory Tower”<br />
Rizzo has presented nationally<br />
in over forty states through<br />
his organization Walk the Talk<br />
Consultants. LLC. The course<br />
titled “The Ivory Tower” provides<br />
a comprehensive analysis of<br />
leadership theories (regardless<br />
of rank) and how to practically<br />
apply them, to serve a benefit to<br />
both the prospective leader(s)<br />
and the agency as a whole.<br />
Rizzo explained that he is most<br />
proud of the fact that while<br />
much younger, he served as a<br />
caretaker for his mother who<br />
suffered from terminal cancer.<br />
Since her untimely death, he then<br />
found himself caring for a wife,<br />
who also suffered from medical<br />
disabilities, to include parenting<br />
four children. Rizzo also shared<br />
that he now finds himself estranged<br />
from the very relationship<br />
he swore to uphold. He provides<br />
this personal background<br />
as a means of understanding<br />
why he instructs on this subject<br />
matter, “Traditional supervisory<br />
courses, while valuable,<br />
seemingly always offer similar<br />
content in the “management” of<br />
the position, but not the leadership<br />
tenets which focus on the<br />
human component of connection.<br />
With no ill intention, as we<br />
promote and gain more years of<br />
experience, we tend to become<br />
further separated from who we<br />
were or where we came from,<br />
the operational level, and more<br />
importantly - our loved ones,<br />
who we are tasked to lead and<br />
care for (Ivory Tower theory)”.<br />
To counteract this, Rizzo found<br />
by learning transformational<br />
leadership strategies and viewing<br />
officers as “human beings”<br />
can influence personnel in such<br />
a way that allows them to expand<br />
their potential to heights<br />
never thought possible; while<br />
simultaneously learning various<br />
methods on how to properly address<br />
our personal wellness; so<br />
that it aligns with the obligations<br />
of our profession, which serves<br />
to achieve a profound effect -<br />
multi-dimensional wellness. We<br />
become the best total version of<br />
ourselves, which in turn allows<br />
us to perform at our best, while<br />
productively influencing others.<br />
Simply stated, this course is<br />
about leadership perspective. By<br />
having others realize that they<br />
too, can be transformational<br />
leaders, despite their current<br />
rank or designation, serves them<br />
on a personal basis, in addition<br />
to improving their respective<br />
agencies as becoming more<br />
effective officers. The confidence<br />
that this course will not only<br />
equip the officer-student with a<br />
newfound leadership mentality,<br />
but a work-life balance methodology,<br />
built to support wellness<br />
on both fronts.<br />
Additionally, the “Ivory Tower”<br />
course was constructed with the<br />
purpose of developing leadership<br />
in those who attend as a perspective,<br />
not a position. Attendees<br />
are tasked with analyzing their<br />
own inner circles and how they<br />
can impact their effectiveness as<br />
leaders and human beings alike.<br />
The ability to receive, interpret,<br />
and utilize constructive criticism<br />
has become rare amongst those in<br />
leadership positions. If circles are<br />
formed with healthy components,<br />
it can extend our reach and effectiveness.<br />
The empathetic understanding<br />
of the current difficulties<br />
must be seriously internalized by<br />
the leader if they are to be genuine<br />
in their efforts. The contents<br />
of this seminar can easily be<br />
adjusted to fit a diverse audience;<br />
spanning generations; positions<br />
regardless of hierarchy; from military<br />
to public servants to private<br />
industry.<br />
Attendees of Rizzo’s training<br />
are regularly sharing their testimonials<br />
and confirmation of the<br />
positive influence of this information<br />
and approach. “This class<br />
transformed my career and gave<br />
one hell of a leader and mentor<br />
to look up to. I’m going to try and<br />
get in this class again because it’s<br />
just that powerful.”<br />
92 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 93
“Improvement Seekers”<br />
Rizzo furthered shared that<br />
life has consistently shown that<br />
the best teachers are those who<br />
help others in terms of where to<br />
look, yet not what to see. Many<br />
“improvement seekers” are only<br />
missing guidance with the vital<br />
navigational equipment required<br />
for success, however they misinterpret<br />
this with what is perceived<br />
as the inability to reach<br />
the intended destination. This is<br />
guided by the following foundational<br />
principles: discipline<br />
vs. motivation; leadership as<br />
perspective; foundational relationships;<br />
conflict resolution and<br />
solutions; wellness and work<br />
life balance; personal investment<br />
for compounded results;<br />
and effective communication,<br />
to include written, verbal, and<br />
non-verbal. Rizzo’s speaking<br />
engagements are formulated to<br />
increase wellness and alignment<br />
of personal and professional<br />
lives. With career enhancement,<br />
morale improvement, and personal<br />
fulfillment at the forefront,<br />
leadership perspective will shift,<br />
and self-assessment will expand<br />
and readily translate into action..<br />
COPIKAZE: A CRUCIBLE TO<br />
MANAGE MISSION IMPOSSIBLE<br />
Rizzo has been fortunate to<br />
consistently check off the goals<br />
on his bucket list and one included<br />
the writing and publishing of<br />
his book titled “Copikaze: A Crucible<br />
to Manage Mission Impossible<br />
(2021)”. The summary explains,<br />
“With constant evolution<br />
being experienced in the policing<br />
profession, the odds of successfully<br />
navigating a career from its<br />
onset to completion have become<br />
increasingly slim. Whether<br />
attributed to the complexities of<br />
modern directives, the frustrations<br />
of contradicting legislation,<br />
or the overwhelming pressures<br />
felt due to the concerted efforts<br />
of reformists, the nobility of the<br />
calling has certainly been called<br />
to center-stage. Who, in their<br />
sane mind, would want this job<br />
given the current climate? Fear<br />
not, for the noble ones still do<br />
exist as the overwhelming majority,<br />
however, their existence<br />
is being threatened by the advent<br />
of enhanced scrutiny, while<br />
lacking the adequate tools to<br />
avoid the inevitable spoils along<br />
the way. Leadership in the very<br />
essence of the term has never<br />
been more of a necessity, yet we<br />
commonly find it to be more of<br />
an anomaly. Is this because our<br />
supervisory ranks are plagued by<br />
demonic patrons or could it be<br />
simply an expected outcome as<br />
numbness of the soul has begun<br />
to steer the ship. This crucible<br />
is meant to provide a series of<br />
lessons as the cliché rings, “If I<br />
only knew then, what I’ve come<br />
to know now.” For officers, this<br />
book provides a candid analysis<br />
of policing trials and tribulations,<br />
while offering a guide to<br />
navigate the treacherous path<br />
which has been paved. For officers’<br />
loved ones, it serves as a<br />
means to acceptance, forgiveness,<br />
and acknowledgment. For<br />
the oppositionist, it is offered<br />
as a path to understanding, not<br />
necessarily agreement. For all, a<br />
means to heal not hurt”.<br />
The reviews of the book have<br />
been consistently outstanding,<br />
“This is a great book for a<br />
newer officer to read so he or<br />
she knows how to best navigate<br />
this career, and how to be<br />
prepared for ups and downs no<br />
matter how skilled you think<br />
you are; Tom is a prime example<br />
of outstanding leadership. This<br />
book is a excellent road map to<br />
a successful career in law enforcement<br />
and how to navigate<br />
the pitfalls as well. This book<br />
is a must read from the bottom<br />
up, rookie to head of the department.”<br />
94 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 95
96 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
Rizzo’s Personal and Professional Philosophy<br />
Rizzo shared that he has been blessed to<br />
build a unique sense of empathy for the individual<br />
spirit of perseverance, which spans a<br />
myriad of cultures and diverse backgrounds.<br />
He found that by personally deploying this<br />
empathetic approach to human relations and<br />
interactions, one can foster a sense of disciplined<br />
morale which translates into high levels<br />
of achievement, while experiencing an internal<br />
motivation tending to be shared amongst others.<br />
While serving as a management consul-<br />
tant to a family-owned business for years and<br />
expanding that mentality to his current administrative<br />
position, he has established a standard<br />
of conduct, subject to self-assessment, to<br />
which he both abides by and strives to improve<br />
upon with daily goals. “Simply stated; I consistently<br />
focus on improving not just myself but<br />
also those around me. The philosophy rings<br />
true...you cannot see or realize the best in others<br />
until you are operating as the best version<br />
of yourself.”<br />
The Power of Mentorship<br />
“If only one had a mentor, free from ego and<br />
single dimension process...” Rizzo is a consummate<br />
proponent of the use of mentors<br />
to create sustainable health. This is key in his<br />
teaching philosophy, “The establishment of a<br />
mentorship program within any viable organization<br />
can be the key component to its survival<br />
and the internalization of the mission. With<br />
a unique approach, the individual mentor is<br />
equipped with the requisite skill set to then<br />
serve as the “train the trainers” for the rest of<br />
the organization. General operators then become<br />
skilled experts in a specific craft, only<br />
then pass the proverbial baton to the next in<br />
line, in a wholesome fashion, free from the<br />
temptation of false incentives, yet worthy of<br />
genuine emulation. This remains as a tenet of<br />
a healthy environment, capable of aiding the<br />
longevity of the system in which it exists.”<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 97
Rizzo and “On Patrol: Live”<br />
Most recently Rizzo has appeared as a guest host on the<br />
show “On Patrol: Live” and has become quite popular with the<br />
fans. “On Patrol: Live” is an American reality television and docuseries<br />
that airs on the cable and satellite television network<br />
Reelz. It follows camera crews going on a ride-along with U.S.<br />
law enforcement agencies. When asked how he was selected<br />
for this role, Rizzo explained “On Patrol: Live has been literally<br />
a dream come true. I was part of a national group selected to<br />
interview and then chemistry test in studio. When selected and<br />
given the opportunity to “guest host”, I was in a state of disbelief.<br />
To share a studio with such professionals and have the<br />
chance to express my interpretations of policing in America,<br />
it is my hope to enhance our connection with those we serve,<br />
support those who I call brother or sister. I’m forever grateful!<br />
The warm reception I’ve received is unbelievable and leaves me<br />
inspired beyond belief!”<br />
Future Goals<br />
Lastly, I asked Rizzo about his future goals. He graciously<br />
shared, “My future goals are certain, but my path is yet to be<br />
paved. I pray that if I’m “good” at my job it makes me “better”<br />
as a person, father, and friend. I genuinely feel that being<br />
“good” is just that…GOOD; yet being “successful” is by taking<br />
your “good” and using it to make OTHERS better. I firmly believe<br />
that if I continue to find the means to relay my passion into a<br />
purpose, I’ll be capable of achieving my ultimate goal, which is<br />
to leave not a thumbprint but a SOUL-PRINT on those who continue<br />
to serve. I believe the key to public safety is by connecting<br />
to those we intend to serve. The only way to truly connect is by<br />
showing up as the best version of ourselves, it’s the only way to<br />
see and realize the best in others”.<br />
Please visit https://www.thomasrizzo.com for contact information.<br />
His book, Copikaze: A Crucible to Manage Mission<br />
Impossible, is available on Amazon or his website.<br />
98 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 99
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 101
The following conferences represent only a few of the better<br />
police conferences you should attend in <strong>2024.</strong> A list of EVERY<br />
police conference will appear later this month in this section.<br />
If your group has a conference or training session scheduled<br />
for2024, please send the information to: bluespdmag@gmail.<br />
com.<br />
Court Security Specialist Training<br />
When: <strong>April</strong> 8-12, 2024<br />
Where: Conroe, Tx 77301<br />
This course is designed for Texas Law Enforcement personnel<br />
who want to achieve TCOLE certification as a Court Security<br />
Specialist through the approved TCOLE curriculum. Officers will<br />
learn the various aspects and operations of court security. This<br />
certification will meet the court security training mandate. This<br />
course is also eligible for Oklahoma CLEET credit.<br />
MA Chiefs of Police Annual Trade Show<br />
When: APRIL 10, 2024<br />
Where: Marlborough, MA<br />
UT FBINAA Chapter Spring Conference<br />
When: APRIL 14 - 17, 2024<br />
Where: Moab, UT<br />
MN Chiefs of Police Association Executive Training Institute <br />
When: APRIL 15 - 18, 2024<br />
Where: St. Cloud, MN<br />
South Dakota Spring Sheriff and Police Chiefs Conference<br />
When: APRIL 16 - 18, 2024<br />
Where: Deadwood, SD<br />
International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence<br />
Analysts<br />
When: <strong>April</strong> 21-26, 2024<br />
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana<br />
Why Attend: The IALEIA annual training event is designed to<br />
help set high standards for professionalism in law enforcement<br />
intelligence analysis at the local, state/provincial, national, and<br />
international levels and this is perhaps, the best event for those<br />
working in the analytical side of law enforcement.<br />
2024 National Cyber Crime Conference<br />
When: <strong>April</strong> 23-25, 2024<br />
Where: <strong>No</strong>rwood, MA<br />
The NCCC event will feature “three days of extensive training<br />
full of instructions and conversations on the most recent and<br />
challenging cyber crime concerns for law enforcement. This<br />
unique training event is sponsored by the National White Collar<br />
Crime Center (NW3C), SEARCH, the National Association of<br />
Attorneys General, the Fox Valley Technical College/National<br />
Criminal Justice Training Center, and Federal Law Enforcement<br />
Training Center<br />
IL Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Training Conference<br />
When: APRIL 24 - 26, 2024<br />
Where: Tinley Park, IL<br />
FBI-LEEDA the Annual Executive Education Conference<br />
When: <strong>April</strong> 28 - May 1, 2024<br />
Where: San Antonio, Texas<br />
Why Attend: This education-based event brings some of the<br />
top law enforcement thought-leaders in the profession and<br />
is open to law enforcement – sworn and civilian professional<br />
staff.<br />
OH Chiefs’ In-Service and Annual Conference<br />
When: APRIL 28 - 30, 2024<br />
Where: Columbus, OH<br />
Police Tech Conference and Expo<br />
Canada’s Hub for Police Technology Innovation and Procurement<br />
When: <strong>April</strong> 30 - May 1, 2024<br />
Where: Toronto, Canada<br />
https://www.canadianinstitute.com/police-tech/<br />
The Police Tech Conference and Expo is a leading Canadian<br />
event focused on police technology innovation.<br />
As an interactive two-day conference, it will enable in-depth<br />
discussions about real-world initiatives and strategies from<br />
leading law enforcement experts. The expo floor will showcase<br />
the latest technology solutions specifically designed for public<br />
safety applications.<br />
International Public Safety Association Annual Conference<br />
When: May 1-2, 2024<br />
Where: Mesa, Arizona<br />
Why You Should Go: The IPSA hosts an annual conference that<br />
brings together law enforcement, fire, EMS, telecommunications,<br />
emergency management and allied emergency responders<br />
from around the world and provides excellent networking<br />
and learning opportunities for the latest public safety best<br />
practices.<br />
IACP Technology Conference<br />
When: May 21-23, 2024<br />
Where: Charlotte, <strong>No</strong>rth Carolina<br />
Why Attend: The IACP Technology Conference is a professional<br />
law enforcement information technology event bringing together<br />
leaders in law enforcement to discuss the best ways to<br />
adopt and apply new technologies in policing to keep pace with<br />
sophisticated cyber crimes. The event hosts up to 750+ attendees,<br />
roughly 50 education sessions, and 75 industry exhibitors.<br />
102 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 103
National Sheriff’s Association Annual Education & Technology<br />
Conference 2024<br />
When: June 24-27, 2024<br />
Where: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma<br />
Why You Should Go: The NSA Annual Conference and Exhibition<br />
features vendor displays of products and equipment relevant<br />
to every aspect of law enforcement including; jails, prisoner<br />
transport, courtroom security, and police work.<br />
Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators<br />
When: June 24-27, 2024<br />
Where: New Orleans<br />
Why You Should Go: The IACLEA 2024 annual conference will<br />
provide campus law enforcement professionals with the best<br />
educational programming for university police, a vendor showcase,<br />
and training and tools to positively impact their jobs.<br />
FBI National Academy Associates Annual 2024 Conference<br />
When: July 20-23, 2024<br />
Where: Kansas City, Missouri<br />
Why Attend: FBINAA is one of the best networking events with<br />
more than 17,000 members from 170 countries. Training and<br />
learning sessions have been led by experts from the likes of FBI,<br />
NYPD, Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Defense,<br />
Homeland Security, US Army War College, Ontario Provincial<br />
Police, leading technology companies such as Microsoft, and<br />
major retailers.<br />
2024 Crimes Against Children Conference<br />
When: August 11-15, 2024<br />
Where: Dallas, TX2021 CACC<br />
The annual CACC event, typically held in Dallas, Texas, is organized<br />
by the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center and brings<br />
together up to 10,000 law enforcement and children advocates<br />
focused on preventing and addressing the repercussions of<br />
crimes against children.<br />
2024 National Interdiction Conference<br />
When: August 18-23, 2024<br />
Where: Anaheim, California<br />
Why Attend: This event focuses on training and influencing a<br />
pro-active “All Crimes” approach to criminal interdiction and is<br />
coordinated by the National Criminal Enforcement Association.<br />
Annual SMILE CONFERENCE 2024<br />
When: September 18-19, 2024<br />
Where: Palm Beach, FL.<br />
Why You Should Go: Hosted by the Scottsdale Police Department,<br />
the SMILE annual conference is the leading event devoted<br />
to Social Media, the Internet and Law Enforcement initiatives.<br />
The organization pioneered the adoption of social media by law<br />
enforcement agencies across the world for public outreach,<br />
crime prevention, and forensics.<br />
High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA)<br />
When: September 19-22, 2023<br />
Where: Phoenix, AZ<br />
Why You Should Go: HTCIA features some of the world’s top industry<br />
leaders and is one of the most respected high technology<br />
investigation conferences in the world. Current practitioners<br />
who engage in high technology daily serve as both presenters<br />
and attendees.<br />
National Association for Civilian Oversight in Law Enforcement<br />
Conference<br />
When: October 13-17, 2024<br />
Where: Tucson, Arizona<br />
Why Attend: NACOLE started with its first event in 1995, and<br />
continuously works to put together comprehensive, informative,<br />
and inclusive programs that address skills training and current<br />
or emerging topics. This conference is best suited for civilian<br />
oversight practitioners, law enforcement officials, journalists,<br />
elected officials, students, community members, and others.<br />
International Association of Chiefs of Police 2024 Conference<br />
When: October 19-22, 2024<br />
Where: Boston, Massachusetts<br />
Why You Should Go: The IACP annual conference provides law<br />
enforcement leaders with the new strategies, techniques, and<br />
resources they need to successfully navigate the ever-evolving<br />
policing environment.<br />
Ontario Gang Investigators Association 2024 Conference<br />
When: <strong>No</strong>vember 2024<br />
Where: TBD<br />
The ONGIA conference brings together members of the law enforcement<br />
community to learn the latest in gang trends, investigations,<br />
and intelligence while providing professional development<br />
for Police, Probation and Parole, Correctional Officers,<br />
Crowns Attorneys, CBSA Officers, Victim Witness Assistance<br />
Program (MAG) and others.<br />
Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association<br />
46th Annual Symposium<br />
When: TBD IN 2025<br />
Where: Los Angeles, CA<br />
Why Attend: The HAPCOA is the oldest and largest association<br />
in the U.S. of Hispanic-American command officers from law<br />
enforcement and criminal justice agencies at the municipal,<br />
county, state, and federal levels. This year’s national training<br />
symposium will also feature a career fair.<br />
National Law Enforcement Exploring Leadership Conference<br />
When: TBD<br />
Where: TBD<br />
Why Attend: This conference is designed to inspire and educate<br />
law enforcement explorers who will be future law enforcement<br />
professionals and leaders.<br />
Crimes Against Children Conference<br />
When: TBD<br />
Where: TBD<br />
The annual CACC event, typically held in Dallas, Texas, is organized<br />
by the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center and brings<br />
together up to 10,000 law enforcement and children advocates<br />
focused on preventing and addressing the repercussions of<br />
crimes against children.<br />
104 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
PROUDLY PRESENTS THE 2024<br />
ST ND RD<br />
1 / 2 / 3 PLACE PRIZES TO BE AWARDED IN THREE CATEGORIES:<br />
ISD Police Unit <strong>No</strong>n-ISD Police Unit Open Category<br />
FOR CONTESTANT HANDBOOK AND TO REGISTER, The <strong>Blues</strong> VISIT: - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 105<br />
txssc.txstate.edu/events/tss-conf
Cold Case/<strong>No</strong>-Body Homicide<br />
Investigation & Prosecution Course<br />
The IHIA, FBI and Kansas City Police Department will be<br />
holding our Cold Case/<strong>No</strong>-Body Homicide Investigation<br />
& Prosecution course in Kansas City, Missouri<br />
Topics Include:<br />
• Establishing a Cold Case<br />
Unit<br />
• Investigative First Steps<br />
• Complete Case Analysis<br />
• Case Strategy<br />
<strong>April</strong> 29-May 2, 2024<br />
Kansas City Police Training Academy<br />
6885 NE Pleasant Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64157<br />
$ 410<br />
<strong>No</strong>n Member<br />
Includes all training materials, IHIA membership, coffee each<br />
morning, and a networking event.<br />
REGISTER HERE<br />
$ 360<br />
IHIA Active Member<br />
BOOK HOTEL<br />
For questions, please contact:<br />
Lt. Steve Lewis (ret), (813) 299-9921, slewis@ihia.org<br />
Detective First Lieutenant Dave Eddy (ret), (517) 749-4167, deddy@ihia.org<br />
or visit IHIA.org<br />
Department credentials will be required at check-in. Individuals who do not have<br />
issued department credentials should contact us directly prior to arrival.<br />
• Laboratory Considerations<br />
• Evidence Considerations<br />
• Interview and Interrogation<br />
• False Confessions<br />
• Missing Persons<br />
• How to Build a <strong>No</strong>-Body<br />
Case<br />
• Case Presentation to<br />
Prosecution<br />
• Prosecution Considerations<br />
/Strategies<br />
106 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 107
Foundational Homicide<br />
Investigations Course<br />
The IHIA and the Tacoma Police Department<br />
will be holding our Foundational Homicide<br />
Investigations Course in Tacoma, Washington<br />
Topics Include:<br />
• Responsibilities of the<br />
Homicide Investigator<br />
• Investigative Considerations<br />
• Crime Scene Investigation<br />
• Evidence Processing<br />
• Lab Capabilities<br />
July 22-26, 2024<br />
Tacoma Police Department<br />
3701 S. Pine Street, Tacoma, WA 98<strong>40</strong>9<br />
$ 435<br />
<strong>No</strong>n Member<br />
Includes all training materials, IHIA membership, coffee each<br />
morning, and a networking event.<br />
The Buy 3, Get 1 Free promotion is eligible for this course.<br />
(For further info, email us here.)<br />
REGISTER HERE<br />
$ 385<br />
IHIA Active Member<br />
BOOK HOTEL<br />
For questions, please contact:<br />
Lt. Steve Lewis (ret), (813) 299-9921, slewis@ihia.org<br />
Sr. Investigator Ed Striedinger, (206) 992-5610, estriedinger@ihia.org<br />
or visit IHIA.org<br />
Department credentials will be required at check-in. Individuals who do not have<br />
issued department credentials should contact us directly prior to arrival.<br />
• Suspect Development &<br />
Elimination<br />
• Interview & Interrogation<br />
• Exploitation of Digital<br />
Evidence<br />
• Cellular Analysis<br />
• Media & Public Information<br />
Officer Relationship<br />
• Criminal Investigative<br />
Analysis<br />
• Role of the Medical<br />
Examiner/Coroner<br />
• Investigative Resources<br />
(FBI ViCAP)<br />
• Child Abductions/Death<br />
Investigations<br />
• Documentation/Report<br />
Writing<br />
• Defense Attorney/<br />
Prosecutor Relationship<br />
• Legal Matters<br />
• Courtroom Testimony<br />
108 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 109 17
HONORING OUR<br />
POLICE OFFICER WISBENS ANTOINE<br />
KNOXVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT, TENNESSEE<br />
END OF WATCH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2024<br />
AGE: 32 TOUR: 1 DAY BADGE: N/A<br />
Police Officer Wisbens Antoine passed away after collapsing at the completion of a 1.5-mile<br />
run during Basic Recruit Training at 1650 Huron Street in Knoxville on February 23, <strong>2024.</strong><br />
The training staff provided life-saving measures until he could be transported to UT Medical<br />
Center. His condition worsened, and he passed away on February 25, <strong>2024.</strong><br />
Officer Antoine had served with the Knoxville Police Department for one day. He was a<br />
member of the 2023-B Basic Recruit Class. He is survived by his wife and two children.<br />
110 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE<br />
110 The <strong>Blues</strong> -- <strong>April</strong> ‘24 ‘24
FALLEN HEROES<br />
OFFICER CODY ALLEN<br />
INDEPENDENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT, MISSOURI<br />
END OF WATCH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024<br />
AGE: 35 TOUR: 15 YEARS BADGE: 1598<br />
Officer Cody Allen was shot and killed at 1100 N Elsea Smith Road while responding to the<br />
shooting of Civil Process Server Drexel Mack, of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Jackson<br />
County, at about 1:00 pm.<br />
Officer Allen had served with the Independence Police Department for six years and had<br />
served in law enforcement for 15 years. He had previously served with the Grandview Police<br />
Department for six years and the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office for seven years. He is<br />
survived by his wife and two children.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 111
HONORING OUR<br />
TROOPER CHRISTOPHER M. GADD<br />
Trooper Christopher Gadd was killed when his patrol car was struck by another vehicle while he was parked<br />
on the shoulder of I-5, near 136th Street NE in Marysville, at about 3:00 am. He was conducting DUI enforcement<br />
patrols when the crash occurred. The vehicle that struck him was traveling at a high rate of speed<br />
when he drove into the back of his patrol car. Then, the vehicle ricocheted off his patrol vehicle and was hit by<br />
a van.<br />
Trooper Gadd had served with the Washington State Patrol for 2-1/2 years. He is survived by his wife, 2-yearold<br />
daughter, parents, and sister. His father also serves with the Washington State Patrol, and his sister serves<br />
with the Texas Highway Patrol.<br />
112 The <strong>Blues</strong> - - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 ‘24<br />
WASHINGTON STATE PATROL, WASHINGTON<br />
END OF WATCH SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2024<br />
AGE: 27 TOUR: 2 YEARS BADGE: 927
FALLEN HEROES<br />
BORDER PATROL AGENT CHRISTOPHER LUNA<br />
UNITED STATES BORDER PATROL<br />
END OF WATCH FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024<br />
AGE: 51 TOUR: N/A BADGE: N/A<br />
Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna was killed in a helicopter crash along with two members of the New York<br />
National Guard in Starr County, Texas. The New York National Guard UH-72 Lakota helicopter was supporting<br />
the Department of Homeland Security as part of Joint Task Force <strong>No</strong>rth. Agent Luna was onboard the military<br />
aircraft when it crashed just north of the Rio Grande River, approximately two miles southeast of La Grulla,<br />
Texas. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia were also killed in<br />
the crash, while a third service member was injured.<br />
Agent Luna was survived by his wife, two children, parents, and brother.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 113
HONORING OUR<br />
SERGEANT THOMAS A. SANFRATELLO<br />
GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, NEW YORK<br />
END OF WATCH SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2024<br />
AGE: 54 TOUR: 32 YEARS BADGE: G509<br />
Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello died after being attacked after responding to a dispute between two patrons at<br />
one of the Batavia Downs Casino’s bars at 8315 Park Road in Batavia. One of the patrons was arrested at<br />
about 12:30 am and was being escorted from the establishment by Sergeant Sanfratello and security when<br />
the second patron attacked him. A violent struggle ensued, during which Sergeant Sanfratello attempted to<br />
use his taser on the subject. Sergeant Sanfratello became unresponsive and died despite security personnel<br />
and bystanders administering CPR. Sergeant Sanfratello had served with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office<br />
for 32 years and had twice been recognized as Officer of the Year. He is survived by his son, two daughters,<br />
mother, two sisters, nieces, and nephews.<br />
114 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE<br />
114 The <strong>Blues</strong> - - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 ‘24
FALLEN HEROES<br />
PATROLMAN JUSTIN HARE<br />
NEW MEXICO STATE POLICE, NEW MEXICO<br />
END OF WATCH FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024<br />
AGE: 35 TOUR: 6 YEARS BADGE: N/A<br />
Patrolman Justin Hare was shot and killed at about 5:30 am while conducting a welfare check on a vehicle<br />
that was stopped near mile marker 320 on I-<strong>40</strong>, west of Tucumcari.<br />
A subject connected to the vehicle opened fire on him before fleeing on foot along a frontage road. The man<br />
remains at large.<br />
Officer Hernandez had served with the Las Cruces Police Department for two years. He was survived by his<br />
wife and two sons.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 115
HONORING OUR<br />
DETECTIVE FIRST GRADE JONATHAN DILLER<br />
116 The The BLUES <strong>Blues</strong> POLICE - <strong>April</strong> - MAGAZINE ‘24 ‘24<br />
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, NEW YORK<br />
END OF WATCH MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2024<br />
AGE: 31 TOUR: 3 YEARS BADGE: N/A<br />
Detective First Grade Jonathan Diller was shot and killed during a traffic stop near 19-19 Mott Avenue in the Far<br />
Rockaway area of New York City. At 5:50 p.m., Detective Diller and his partner approached a vehicle that was<br />
stopped in front of a bus stop. Despite being asked numerous times to exit the vehicle, the subject refused. He<br />
pulled out a gun and shot Detective Diller in the stomach, striking him under his vest. Detective Diller was able<br />
to get the gun away from the subject, and his partner wounded the suspect. Detective Diller was transported to<br />
Jamaica Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Detective Diller had served with the New York City Police<br />
Department for three years and was assigned to Patrol Borough Queens South Community Response Team. He<br />
is survived by his wife and one-year-old son. He was posthumously promoted to Detective First Grade and given<br />
a new shield number, 110, which is his son’s birthday.
FALLEN HEROES<br />
DEPUTY CHRISTINA MUSIL<br />
DEKALB COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, ILLINOIS<br />
END OF WATCH THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024<br />
AGE: 35 TOUR: 9 YEARS BADGE: N/A<br />
Deputy Sheriff Christina Musil was killed when her patrol car was struck by a commercial vehicle on Illinois 23<br />
south of Perry Road at about 10:<strong>40</strong> pm.<br />
She was parked on the shoulder of the roadway when the approaching vehicle struck the rear of the patrol<br />
car. She was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.<br />
Deputy Musil had served with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for five years and had served as a military<br />
police officer in the Illinois Army National Guard.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 117
BY MICHAEL BARRON<br />
100,000 words? Are you kidding me?<br />
Two years ago, I mentioned I<br />
was working on a book featuring<br />
over <strong>40</strong>-years of war stories.<br />
Some of my own and over a<br />
hundred from nearly <strong>40</strong> years of<br />
publishing The BLUES and telling<br />
your war stories.<br />
So, when the editor says, “send<br />
me what you got, and we’ll go<br />
from there.” I just gathered them<br />
all together. Put breaks between<br />
each story, saved it and hit send.<br />
Easy peasy right?<br />
<strong>No</strong>pe. He calls me back and says,<br />
“did you realize that you send me<br />
over 100,000 words?” Ah, well no.<br />
Is that a problem? You need to go<br />
through and prioritize the stories.<br />
Put the most important or significant<br />
ones in the beginning and the<br />
less interesting ones towards the<br />
back.<br />
OK, I’m on it.<br />
So, as I began this process, I<br />
realized they were all significant<br />
because they were in fact a part<br />
of someone’s life. The officer that<br />
wrote it and the people involved in<br />
the actual event itself. To everyone<br />
involved, regardless of how insignificant<br />
or boring it may seem, it<br />
wasn’t.<br />
So, if it were you that had to<br />
118 The The <strong>Blues</strong> - March - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
prioritize this forty years of storytelling,<br />
whose story would you<br />
send to the back?<br />
What would it be about? How<br />
a local woman fought with her<br />
boyfriend every weekend. Moved<br />
in and out of their apartment so<br />
many times that the officers responding<br />
to the disturbance calls<br />
knew all the players by first names<br />
until one night they arrived and<br />
found her dead on the sidewalk?<br />
Or the time I got into a chase<br />
that lasted so long, I had time to<br />
stop, get gas, go to the bathroom,<br />
get a coke and jump back on the<br />
freeway only to discover I was<br />
now the number one unit behind<br />
the suspect vehicle in a chase that<br />
had gone on for hours.<br />
Maybe the story about a young<br />
female that worked at an apartment<br />
complex that was harassed<br />
by a cop that refused to leave her<br />
alone. Who stalked her until one<br />
day she just disappeared? Vanished<br />
without a trace and to this<br />
day remains a missing person.<br />
Or the story about a girl who<br />
showed up at a Stop-n-Go at 6am<br />
in the morning, saw a cop drinking<br />
coffee and said she and her<br />
boyfriend had been kidnapped by<br />
drug dealers. She managed to escape<br />
but he was still tied to a bed<br />
frame and being tortured.<br />
Getting shot always makes a<br />
great story, and there are lots<br />
of them. Our editor Rex Evans<br />
recounts his brush with death –<br />
twice. My encounter with a truck<br />
driver that left me and the truck in<br />
the ER with gun shot wounds. My<br />
partners tragic death in the middle<br />
of I45. The minute-by-minute recollection<br />
of a cop’s efforts to save<br />
his partners life in the middle of a<br />
riot. There are literally four dozen<br />
or more just like these.<br />
Speaking of riots. The past few<br />
years, the streets of our cities<br />
have become war zones. One story,<br />
that actually became 4 stories,<br />
takes us along for the ride of a<br />
lifetime as officers get pinned<br />
down and manage to save their<br />
own lives as well as the citizens<br />
that relied on them to save them.<br />
Ordinary citizens, actually former<br />
marines, join the story to assist<br />
cops in the fight of their lives.<br />
And who can forget about<br />
the morons in city governments<br />
across the country that decided<br />
to “de-fund” their police departments.<br />
Several stories recount the
effects of such decisions, and the<br />
results are horrific and sometimes<br />
hilarious. A city council saved<br />
from a burning van by a cop that<br />
no idea these same individuals<br />
had just voted to end his job.<br />
Reading about a cop’s decision<br />
to take his own life is hard to read.<br />
But in a Christmas Eve story, a<br />
cop who lost his rookie partner<br />
to gunfire, ends up under a bridge<br />
with his gun in his hand. Suddenly<br />
a young family of three living<br />
under that same bridge, have an<br />
encounter with the officer that not<br />
only saves his life but changes the<br />
lives of hundreds more.<br />
Saving a life is the reward. When<br />
a mom flags you down to say<br />
her house is on fire and her kids<br />
are inside, what would you do?<br />
Of course, you call for Fire and<br />
tell the dispatcher you’re going in<br />
the house. Tell FD. In hindsight, I<br />
guess that’s stupid. After all we’re<br />
cops, and they are firemen trained<br />
to search for people in burning<br />
buildings. But try standing next to<br />
a mom while her kids are burning<br />
up in their house waiting on a fire<br />
truck that’s minutes away. <strong>No</strong>pe.<br />
You go in and get them. I coughed<br />
up black shit for days after that.<br />
Fire Chief said I was an idiot and<br />
NEVER do that again. Yes, I received<br />
a 100-club award. But the<br />
real reward was seeing those boys<br />
grow up and knowing that me<br />
being an ‘idiot’ made that happen.<br />
And my first time being on the<br />
front page of the local paper.<br />
MY second appearance on that<br />
local rag, was with an 18-month<br />
little girl named Rosa who had<br />
been sexually assaulted by her<br />
step uncle and thrown like a piece<br />
of garbage into a bayou. After<br />
hours of searching and some<br />
come to Jesus’ intervention by my<br />
lieutenant, the suspect gave up<br />
the location. My Lt. told me to go<br />
bring her home. I found her under<br />
a bridge and carried her lifeless<br />
body to a waiting life flight helicopter.<br />
I had no idea the news<br />
media were taking my picture and<br />
I didn’t care. I rode with her to the<br />
hospital and watched that flight<br />
crew bring her back to life. The<br />
second I felt her squeeze my hand<br />
and she opened her eyes; I knew<br />
God was on that helicopter with<br />
us. God choose to save Rosa and<br />
I was just his servant. That very<br />
event changed my life and hundreds<br />
more. It was heartbreaking<br />
and magical at the same time. I<br />
never knew what happened to<br />
that precious child. I heard she<br />
moved back to Mexico with her<br />
family. But one thing I do know is<br />
that God wanted her here on this<br />
earth and that for as long as she<br />
lived, He would be there watching<br />
over her.<br />
It’s these stories that move us<br />
and make us realize that being a<br />
cop, a fireman or first responder<br />
is more than a job, it’s a calling.<br />
It’s truly Gods work. Children of<br />
God & Peacemakers. So how can<br />
you rate one story over another.<br />
Every story is just as important<br />
and meaningful as the one before<br />
it and the one after it. There is no<br />
way to prioritize God’s work.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> -- March <strong>April</strong> ‘24 119 119
WORDS BY a SURVIVING WIDOW<br />
You’re gone! <strong>No</strong>w What?<br />
The pain for you is finally over.<br />
<strong>No</strong> more depression. <strong>No</strong> more<br />
night terrors. <strong>No</strong> more roll calls.<br />
<strong>No</strong> more blood on the sidewalks.<br />
<strong>No</strong> more innocent children dying<br />
in your arms. <strong>No</strong> more reports.<br />
<strong>No</strong> more “stupid” supervisors<br />
looking over your shoulder. <strong>No</strong><br />
more fireworks twice a year<br />
taking you back to Iraq. <strong>No</strong> more<br />
family reunions you hate. <strong>No</strong><br />
more family anything. <strong>No</strong> more<br />
kids’ baseball games to interrupt<br />
your never-ending naps. <strong>No</strong><br />
more runs to the grocery store.<br />
<strong>No</strong> more shopping for furniture<br />
you say we don’t need. <strong>No</strong> need<br />
to ever cut the grass again or do<br />
any lawn work. <strong>No</strong> more clothes<br />
to wash or put away. You never<br />
have to wash my car or change<br />
the oil or take it to the shop<br />
when it’s broken. You won’t have<br />
to take time to teach our son<br />
how to drive, or hunt or anything.<br />
<strong>No</strong> more daddy-daughter dances<br />
you have to make excuses not to<br />
go to. And you’ll never have to<br />
worry about walking her down<br />
the aisle. NOPE. You’re all good<br />
now.<br />
But what about us. All of those<br />
things are still happening. Just<br />
without you. I know you were<br />
in pain, but did you or the thousands<br />
before you, ever stop and<br />
think about the pain you left<br />
behind. When your partner was<br />
shot and killed, Mary Beth was<br />
surrounded by her blue family.<br />
They never left her side, not even<br />
10 years later. They stood by her<br />
from the minute they woke her<br />
up at 2am to say her husband<br />
was a hero and wasn’t coming<br />
home, until this very day when a<br />
dozen officers from your squad<br />
showed up to take her two boys<br />
to school. They do that every<br />
year.<br />
They didn’t have to tell me<br />
you were gone. Because I found<br />
you. Yeah, they came over when<br />
I made the call. To take a report<br />
and search our house. And yes,<br />
there was a military funeral, but<br />
I felt everyone staring at me,<br />
thinking OMG what’s she going<br />
to do now. There is a difference<br />
in dying in the line of duty and<br />
taking your own life. If you’re<br />
LOD you had no choice, you<br />
died a hero. Take your own life<br />
and you bear a stigma no one<br />
wants to share. Of course, they<br />
feel sorry for us and always say<br />
“anything we need.” But it’s not<br />
the same.<br />
Your brothers and sisters in<br />
Blue don’t understand. You never<br />
told them you were hurting. You<br />
refused to share with them your<br />
pain and suffering. You thought<br />
they wouldn’t understand. You<br />
didn’t trust them. But that’s what<br />
police work is all about. TRUST.<br />
You have to know your partner<br />
and your team has your back<br />
and you have theirs. But you hid<br />
it all from everyone. Everyone<br />
outside of our home anyway.<br />
One day you’re having a backyard<br />
cookout, being all buddy<br />
buddy and talking shop and the<br />
next day, they are gathered in<br />
our front yard waiting for the ME<br />
to come take your lifeless body<br />
away. <strong>No</strong>w what?<br />
What are they supposed to do<br />
with that? How are they supposed<br />
to process that? Live with<br />
that? The brother they trusted<br />
was suddenly gone and they had<br />
no idea why. But I guess that’s<br />
not your problem anymore.<br />
But I suppose it’s as much my<br />
120 120 The The <strong>Blues</strong> - March - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
fault as it is yours. I could have<br />
gotten you help. I could have<br />
gone to your supervisors and<br />
told them how bad it was. I<br />
could have forced you to get<br />
help. It would have destroyed<br />
your career, but maybe, just<br />
maybe you’d still be here for<br />
me and the kids. Who cares if<br />
you’re still a cop.? You’d still be<br />
an incredible dad and a wonderful<br />
husband.<br />
But I didn’t do that because<br />
you begged me not to. Said you<br />
would get help and get better.<br />
That it would be OK. Well,<br />
you lied. It didn’t get better for<br />
anyone but you. All of us are in<br />
more pain that you ever were.<br />
You can’t imagine what’s it<br />
been like for me and the kids.<br />
Your family. Your mom and<br />
dad. Your brothers and sisters.<br />
Your brothers and sisters in<br />
Blue. The whole damn city is<br />
suffering. You have NO idea<br />
how fucked up this is.<br />
But I know life must go on.<br />
My life must go on. Our kid’s<br />
life must go on. Your partner<br />
has to keep on saving lives and<br />
sometimes people will die in his<br />
arms and sometimes they are<br />
just kids. But GOD put us here<br />
to do our jobs and live our lives.<br />
You have to believe in his plan.<br />
You can’t change it. The minute<br />
you think you can, you start<br />
down a path that ends with you<br />
taking your own life and leaving<br />
the rest of us here to pick up the<br />
pieces.<br />
To everyone reading this, I<br />
want to speak to you now. <strong>No</strong><br />
matter how bad things may<br />
seem, there is a better life for<br />
you and your family. You just<br />
have to ask for help. You have<br />
to believe in GOD and his plan<br />
for you and your life. Don’t for a<br />
minute think you can deal with<br />
this on your own. You can’t! If<br />
you’re the spouse, get your wife<br />
or husband help. Screw the job.<br />
This is your life. His life. His kid’s<br />
life that is hanging in the balance.<br />
There are people out there<br />
that truly care about you and<br />
your situation. You just have to<br />
ask for help. Confide in them.<br />
Trust them. Go to them. Do it<br />
NOW.<br />
It’s too late for me and my<br />
family, but it’s never too late<br />
for yours. Please call one of the<br />
numbers below and let me help<br />
you save your family. May God<br />
Bless You and Your Family.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - - March <strong>April</strong> ‘24 121 121
A BADGE OF HONOR<br />
healing our heroes<br />
One More Move<br />
As First Responders, the physical<br />
and visual memories we<br />
store inside ourselves over our<br />
careers can lead to damaging<br />
impacts. These stored traumas<br />
below the surface can change<br />
the way we look and approach<br />
things. The way it changes our<br />
coping mechanisms can differ<br />
from person to person, but<br />
the dark road it leads us to is<br />
always the same.<br />
We have all come to the point<br />
where there is no hope, no escape,<br />
a place where we feel all<br />
is lost and the point of moving<br />
forward seems fruitless. Its<br />
Game Over…or CHECK MATE.<br />
Life is a like a game of Chess.<br />
We are placed into positions<br />
and roles, surrounded by<br />
Pawns, Knights, Bishops, Rooks<br />
and Kings. We have a strategy<br />
or outlook in life in which we<br />
hope takes us to a successful<br />
finish. Like Chess, one moment<br />
or movement in time can cause<br />
an extreme disruption in our<br />
path.<br />
When this occurs, we feel<br />
trapped, we can’t think logical,<br />
and all viable solution seems<br />
bleak.<br />
We are First Responders; we<br />
are never to be in a cornered<br />
position. It goes against all the<br />
training that has been ingrained<br />
into us. Our brains muscle<br />
memory begins or loses all<br />
122 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
hope. This is because we sometimes<br />
need to put the training<br />
aside and look at things from a<br />
different view.<br />
We are conditioned to make<br />
split second decisions and<br />
choices in a moment when we<br />
are under pressure. We need to<br />
learn to condition our minds to<br />
look at certain situations and<br />
objective in a more objective<br />
way.<br />
A painting in Paris depicting<br />
the Devil and a King playing<br />
Chess titled “Checkmate” has<br />
been the source of much controversy<br />
for over a century.<br />
The Stories surrounding the<br />
painting has been debated by<br />
some, but heartfelt by many. It<br />
pictures the Devil smiling in his<br />
triumph as the King holds his<br />
head in despair. He had lost to<br />
the demand. The moves he had<br />
made cost him his victory, or so<br />
he thought.<br />
It has been said, after much<br />
study of the pieces on the<br />
board, a chess scholar evaluated<br />
the painting, he took his<br />
time going over each move that<br />
was made, he looked at it from<br />
a different perspective then<br />
the King and found, there was<br />
ONE MORE MOVE. This move<br />
would release the King from his<br />
checkmate, and he would be<br />
able to continue the game and<br />
possibly onto a successful WIN.<br />
SAMANTHA HORWITZ &<br />
JOHN SALERNO<br />
The moral of the story when<br />
you break it down. Demons<br />
will always be the first to call<br />
checkmate to make you feel<br />
you have no other alternatives.<br />
Sometimes it takes outside<br />
forces to look at our situations<br />
from a different angle to show<br />
us there is always another path<br />
to a successful outcome.<br />
We spent most of our lives<br />
being the caregivers to others.<br />
Our strength displayed behind a<br />
suit of armor which is unbreakable.<br />
We do this to provide<br />
pain relief for those who have<br />
been impacted by trauma. We<br />
can’t forget to sometimes allow<br />
others to help relieve our pain<br />
which we have suffered.<br />
Accepting or asking for help<br />
is not a sign we have lost, but<br />
a sign that Checkmate has not<br />
been called.<br />
THERE IS ALWAYS ONE MORE<br />
MOVE<br />
John Salerno<br />
Ret. NYPD Detective<br />
A Badge of Honor
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 123
DARYL LOTT<br />
daryl’s deliberations<br />
Finding Honor Among<br />
Everyday People<br />
One of the things I like about<br />
cruises is that you meet new<br />
people. The last cruise I went on<br />
didn’t really have this option as<br />
everyone was kept in a bubble<br />
for social distancing purposes.<br />
However, some years ago, we<br />
met another couple with which<br />
we enjoyed spending a good<br />
deal of time.<br />
One evening I was walking on<br />
the deck of the cruise ship with<br />
a compass<br />
in my hand. I<br />
was conspicuously<br />
trying<br />
to figure out<br />
where we<br />
were and in<br />
what direction<br />
we were<br />
headed. I was<br />
imagining<br />
how people<br />
like the Vikings<br />
navigated<br />
themselves<br />
around<br />
using only a<br />
rudimentary<br />
compass and<br />
no charts. My<br />
new friend,<br />
Frank, saw me and asked what I<br />
was doing. I told him that I was<br />
trying to figure out the direction<br />
we were headed and exactly<br />
124 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
where we might be going. Frank<br />
said, “It doesn’t work like that.”<br />
Really?<br />
Frank told me that he was<br />
a retired navigator. He said he<br />
would be glad to show me how<br />
navigation works. Frank was a<br />
navigator before GPS satellites<br />
assumed those duties. He very<br />
patiently showed me how compasses,<br />
charts, and headings<br />
worked. He told me to meet him<br />
for lunch the next day and he’d<br />
show me something else.<br />
At noon the next day, a ship’s<br />
officer took a sextant reading<br />
DARYL LOTT<br />
to plot our location without the<br />
use of satellites. Frank told me<br />
that there<br />
was a noon<br />
position<br />
report done<br />
every day.<br />
The officers<br />
had to be<br />
able to find<br />
their way<br />
around in the<br />
old manner<br />
in case the<br />
electronics<br />
failed. They<br />
practiced<br />
“old school”<br />
navigation<br />
every day.<br />
The captain<br />
gave the<br />
“noon report”<br />
shortly thereafter.<br />
I asked Frank if he had been in<br />
the Navy. “<strong>No</strong>,” he said, “I was in<br />
the Air Force.” Interesting. I had
to hear more of his story. We sat<br />
down and Frank told me that he<br />
was a navigator in Vietnam. He<br />
was assigned to a squadron of<br />
F-4 Phantom jet fighters out of<br />
Udorn, Thailand. The Phantom<br />
is an old school fighter/bomber<br />
that has a crew of two officers.<br />
The Navy, Marines, and the Air<br />
Force used the versatile plane<br />
around the world years ago. Iran<br />
still uses the jets that were sold<br />
to the Shah back in the Seventies.<br />
The two-officer crew is situated<br />
in tandem seats. The pilot<br />
is in the front seat and, obviously,<br />
is responsible for flying the<br />
aircraft. The officer in the back<br />
seat is basically responsible for<br />
the radio, weapons, and navigation.<br />
Frank was a navigator on a<br />
Phantom. His partner was the pilot<br />
whom he referred to as Dick.<br />
Frank told me that he and Dick<br />
flew missions all over Southeast<br />
Asia constantly avoiding Surface<br />
to Air Missiles (SAM’s) and Russian<br />
MiG fighters that had shot<br />
down many of their colleagues.<br />
A Distinguished Flying Cross was<br />
awarded because of their aerial<br />
exploits against a determined<br />
enemy using the latest weapons<br />
from the Communist arsenal.<br />
Frank eventually retired from<br />
the Air Force and he and his wife,<br />
Lee, moved to Arizona. We kept<br />
in touch and Frank and Lee came<br />
to Houston to visit, but Becky<br />
wasn’t feeling well. I described<br />
her symptoms to Frank over<br />
the phone and he told me that I<br />
should take Becky to the ER and<br />
that he and Lee would catch their<br />
plane and wait until Becky felt<br />
better to visit. I took Becky to the<br />
ER where an emergency appendectomy<br />
was done. (Thanks for<br />
the advice, Frank!)<br />
We received a letter in the<br />
mail recently from Lee in which<br />
she relayed the sad news of<br />
Frank’s death. She said Frank<br />
was exposed to COVID and died<br />
in the first phases of the pandemic.<br />
Frank was a kind, patient,<br />
and humble man.<br />
Lee filled me in on Frank’s<br />
pilot/partner a couple of years<br />
ago. Dick is now the president of<br />
Kansas State University where<br />
he earned a bachelor’s degree in<br />
mechanical engineering before<br />
he was commissioned into the<br />
Air Force. His last posting in the<br />
Air Force before his military retirement<br />
was in the Pentagon as<br />
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of<br />
Staff. He was the highest-ranking<br />
officer in our military while<br />
serving President George W.<br />
Bush in the War on Terror.<br />
People like Frank that have a<br />
quiet kindly manner never go out<br />
of style. They are full of wisdom<br />
and should never be overlooked:<br />
it is too easy to ignore the unassuming<br />
older man in the corner.<br />
They are treasures that we so<br />
often take for granted and then<br />
they are gone. The next time you<br />
lift your glass to absent friends,<br />
could I ask you to remember<br />
Frank Brooks? He taught me a<br />
lot about finding my way through<br />
life’s dark oceans and I will miss<br />
him.<br />
Comments: DarylLott.Texas@<br />
gmail.com or faithfultexasfootprints.com<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 125
DR. TINA JAECKLE<br />
blue mental health<br />
Survivors of LODD:<br />
We Honor Your Journey to Healing<br />
We continue to honor our<br />
survivors by dedicating this<br />
monthly mental health column<br />
to sharing the first-person<br />
journey of those who have<br />
been deeply impacted by a line<br />
of duty death and will continue<br />
until Police Week <strong>2024.</strong> As<br />
we listen to their voices, I am<br />
hopeful you will gain powerful<br />
life lessons and perspective,<br />
appreciation, and respect for<br />
those who continue to serve<br />
every day, and for those who<br />
have made the ultimate sacrifice.<br />
We should also never<br />
forget those left behind in the<br />
aftermath. This is the fifth story<br />
in the series. Kirk Dinkheller,<br />
the father of Deputy Sheriff<br />
Kyle Dinkheller, graciously<br />
agreed to offer his insight and<br />
road to recovery in his own<br />
words below.<br />
“January 12th, 1998, started<br />
like any other day. By the end<br />
of that day my world would<br />
have been turned upside down<br />
when my son, Deputy Sheriff<br />
Kyle Dinkheller, was killed<br />
in the line of duty in Laurens<br />
County, Georgia, in what started<br />
as a routine traffic stop. I<br />
will never forget that day,<br />
because that was the day that<br />
everything changed forever, for<br />
me, my family, Kyle’s coworkers,<br />
and the entire community.<br />
I had lunch with Kyle that<br />
day, and later participated in<br />
a company bowling league. I<br />
received a phone call while at<br />
the bowling center from someone<br />
that had heard on a police<br />
scanner that Kyle had been<br />
shot. To this day I have no idea<br />
who called me.<br />
I rushed to the hospital<br />
where it was confirmed that<br />
Kyle had been shot. <strong>No</strong> other<br />
information was immediately<br />
provided until the Sheriff,<br />
DR. TINA JAECKLE<br />
the Major, and the Chaplain<br />
showed up. The news no father<br />
should ever have to hear:<br />
Kyle had passed away from his<br />
gunshot wounds, he had been<br />
brutally shot 10 times, the last<br />
shot through his right eye. The<br />
news no father should ever<br />
have to share: To notify Kyle’s<br />
mother and his brother and<br />
sister of the passing of our<br />
first born and of their brother.<br />
Kyle and his wife had a oneand-a-half-year-old<br />
daughter<br />
and his wife had just found out<br />
that she was pregnant with his<br />
son.<br />
That entire following week<br />
was spent with a lot of people<br />
from Kyle’s department and<br />
of course family and friends.<br />
I requested to see the dashcam<br />
video of the traffic stop.<br />
At first, they were reluctant<br />
to show me but eventually<br />
agreed, first with no sound,<br />
126 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
then later with sound. The<br />
video is horrific and disturbing<br />
for most people to see, but<br />
I needed to see it. These are<br />
sights and sounds I will never<br />
forget. To this day people ask<br />
me how I can show this video,<br />
but it plays in my head 24<br />
hours a day. In the months to<br />
come, as we ALL mourned the<br />
loss of Kyle, the community<br />
rallied around our family and<br />
the Sheriff’s Department with<br />
great respect, assistance, and<br />
appreciation. They went out<br />
of their way to ensure Kyle’s<br />
family and especially Kyle’s<br />
wife and children were looked<br />
after. To this day, 26 years<br />
later, the community and local<br />
law enforcement agencies still<br />
honor Kyle each year on January<br />
12th with a prayer vigil<br />
at his memorial. It’s amazing<br />
the people that still visit Kyle’s<br />
memorial to reflect and often<br />
leave coins, badges, or other<br />
mementos in Kyle’s memory.<br />
This means the world to our<br />
family. The memorial has also<br />
become a place where I go to<br />
reflect and talk to Kyle if I am<br />
having a bad day or if I just<br />
need to spend some time.<br />
A training video was developed<br />
using Kyle’s dash cam<br />
video as a training tool. For<br />
the last 25 years I have traveled<br />
around the country as a law<br />
enforcement advocate, utilizing<br />
this video while speaking<br />
to law enforcement agencies,<br />
academy classes, and anyone<br />
who will listen to my message.<br />
As the father of an officer<br />
killed in the line of duty, my<br />
message in showing the video<br />
where my son was killed and<br />
talking about it to help bring<br />
home the importance of safety,<br />
well-being, and going home at<br />
the end of the shift. I usually<br />
show the video before I introduce<br />
myself. This puts the<br />
video in perspective. I believe<br />
this helps show the other side,<br />
the family, the agency side of<br />
an unthinkable tragedy by seeing<br />
my face. They are hearing<br />
from someone that lives it and<br />
deals with it daily. It makes it<br />
real.<br />
So, I will keep doing this,<br />
keeping Kyle’s memory alive<br />
until I’m no longer here to do<br />
it. Hopefully somebody will<br />
pick up the torch and keep<br />
running with it when I’m gone.<br />
I know talking about Kyle and<br />
showing this video helps. The<br />
video has been shown all over<br />
the world and I still hear from<br />
people who tell me it helped<br />
them or even saved their lives.<br />
It’s all about law enforcement<br />
officers going home at the end<br />
of each shift.<br />
I have heard and I believe<br />
this: I believe you die twice,<br />
the day that you take your last<br />
breath and the day that someone<br />
says your name for the<br />
last time. My mission remains<br />
keeping Kyle’s name alive and<br />
his sacrifice, our sacrifice, saving<br />
lives”.<br />
For more information on the<br />
services and resources offered<br />
by Concerns of Police Survivors,<br />
please visit Concerns of<br />
Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 127
NOT SO BRIGHT AWARD<br />
Light Bulb Award<br />
CANADA’S WORST MASS<br />
SHOOTING .. WITH A KNIFE!<br />
Ottawa police admitted they screwed up last month when they claimed<br />
the worst mass shooting in the city was actually committed with a knife.<br />
Ottawa police admit they<br />
screwed up last month when<br />
communicating key information<br />
about the city’s worst mass killing<br />
in recent history.<br />
Six people including a mother,<br />
her four young children and a<br />
family acquaintance were found<br />
dead inside a townhouse in the<br />
south Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven<br />
on March 6. The woman’s<br />
husband and father of the children<br />
remains in hospital.<br />
A 19-year-old man who was<br />
living with the family is in custody<br />
facing six counts of first-degree<br />
murder and one count of<br />
attempted murder.<br />
A horrible crime for sure, but<br />
the suspect didn’t shoot anyone.<br />
He stabbed all the victims, yet<br />
the Ottawa police said it was the<br />
worst mass shooting in the city’s<br />
history.<br />
How do you confuse a knife<br />
with a gun shot?<br />
The day after the tragedy, the<br />
Ottawa Police Service (OPS)<br />
called the killings a “mass<br />
shooting” when no guns were<br />
involved, repeatedly misspelled<br />
the victims’ names and misiden-<br />
KNIFE VS GUN,<br />
SEE THE DIFFERENCE<br />
CHIEF STUBBS?<br />
CLICK TO TAP TO WATCH<br />
128 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
“You know you’re fired right?”<br />
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe looks on as Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs responds to a question<br />
during a news conference the day after six people, including a mother and her four children,<br />
were killed in Barrhaven. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press - image credit)<br />
tified the accused.<br />
Chief referred to ‘mass shooting’<br />
on Thursday morning during<br />
a live, nationally broadcast<br />
interview on CBC, OPS Chief Eric<br />
Stubbs mistakenly called the<br />
killings a “mass shooting.”<br />
During a news conference that<br />
afternoon, Stubbs misidentified<br />
the man in custody as “Frank<br />
D’Souza. (Francisco “Frank”<br />
D’Souza is actually an Indian-American<br />
entrepreneur and<br />
business and CEO of Cognizant,<br />
a fortune 200 company. Sorry<br />
Frank!<br />
Later that day Febrio De-Zoysa,<br />
a 19-year-old Sri Lankan<br />
national who had come to Canada<br />
as a student, was officially<br />
charged.<br />
After the news conference<br />
on Thursday, OPS issued five<br />
separate emails to correct the<br />
victims’ names they’d provided<br />
earlier that day.<br />
Their first attempt contained<br />
errors in three of the six names.<br />
The second email contained<br />
different errors in the same<br />
three names.<br />
A third email corrected two<br />
names and the age of a victim.<br />
After CBC flagged more errors,<br />
OPS replied with yet another<br />
correction. Then, at 3 p.m., they<br />
issued a final version.<br />
In a statement to CBC, OPS<br />
admitted the mistakes and said<br />
homicides are “very complex<br />
files to investigate and quickly<br />
evolving.”<br />
Yeah, it’s difficult to tell the<br />
difference between a gunshot<br />
victim and a stabbing victim<br />
what with no blood splatter<br />
and the knife found at the scene.<br />
Morons!<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 129
THE OPEN ROAD<br />
Dodge sees no future for V-8 and<br />
Hellcat engines.<br />
BY LUCAS BELL<br />
We’ve known for years at this<br />
point that the V-8-powered<br />
performance car was not long<br />
for this world. With the death of<br />
both the Dodge Challenger and<br />
Chevrolet Camaro nameplates<br />
last model year, choices for<br />
American buyers only continue<br />
to disappear. And while Dodge<br />
has announced that it hasn’t<br />
entirely given up on the internal<br />
combustion muscle car, it’s made<br />
it clear that the V-8 engine is not<br />
a part of its future aspirations.<br />
As rumors initially suggested,<br />
Dodge hasn’t let go of gasoline<br />
power with the introduction of<br />
the 2025 Charger lineup. While<br />
the Daytona-branded models<br />
are pure electric performance<br />
machines, the car’s STLA Large<br />
platform was designed with traditional<br />
power trains in mind. As<br />
such, a gasoline-powered variant<br />
of the model will arrive for<br />
2025 wearing just the Charger<br />
nameplate. This model is slated<br />
to come equipped with the<br />
automaker’s twin-turbocharged<br />
3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine,<br />
which currently does duty<br />
The Dodge Hemi is DOA<br />
in Jeep and Ram products. There<br />
are no V-8s on the menu, nor<br />
does it seem like they will come<br />
down the line.<br />
“We don’t have a V-8 in the<br />
plan,” Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis<br />
130 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
Dodge’s answer to muscle is its new 500hp High-Output in-linesix<br />
cylinder engine called the “Hurricane SixPack”<br />
told reporters during the debut<br />
of the Charger Daytona. “We love<br />
performance. We love to go fast.<br />
We just don’t have a V-8 in the<br />
plan.”<br />
What Dodge now has is it’s<br />
variant of the inline-six engine<br />
is known as the SixPack, a nod<br />
to the 4<strong>40</strong> SixPack engine option<br />
found on the original 1969 Dodge<br />
Charger R/T. Despite lacking a<br />
trio of Holley 2300 carbs, the<br />
inline-six engine compares quite<br />
favorably to the outgoing V-8s.<br />
In SixPack standard output<br />
trim, the engine provides the<br />
Charger with 420 hp. The outgoing<br />
5.7-liter Hemi V-8 was rated<br />
at 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque.<br />
Step up to the SixPack High Output<br />
and that figure jumps to 550<br />
hp, which dwarfs the 6.4-liter<br />
Apache V-8’s 485 hp and 475 lbft<br />
rating.<br />
“We looked at many different<br />
power trains,” said Kuniskis. “But<br />
I think you’ve probably driven<br />
many times the Hurricane, and it<br />
is a fantastic power train. If you<br />
want to count cylinders, sure, it’s<br />
different. But if you want to put<br />
a 550-horsepower Hurricane up<br />
against a 5.7 or even a 6.4 V-8,<br />
the numbers tell the story. It’s a<br />
pretty amazing package.”<br />
Kuniskis went on to ask the<br />
crowd how much horsepower<br />
Ford’s new Mustang Dark Horse<br />
makes with its 5.0-liter V-8. The<br />
answer is a healthy 500 hp, a<br />
figure that notably falls short of<br />
the SixPack High Output variant<br />
of the Hurricane. The Coyote V-8<br />
makes that power without the<br />
help of turbos, however.<br />
While the Hurricane will be<br />
able to bring the performance<br />
we’ve come to expect from our<br />
muscle cars, the attitude of the<br />
inline-six is inherently different<br />
from a V-8. Add to the fact<br />
that every Charger will come<br />
equipped with all-wheel drive,<br />
and it’s clear we’ll need to look<br />
at these models a bit differently<br />
than their predecessors. That<br />
doesn’t have to be a bad thing<br />
though. Especially if the alternative<br />
was a solely electric.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 131
ADS BACK IN THE DAY<br />
132 The <strong>Blues</strong> -- January <strong>April</strong> ‘24 ‘24
The The <strong>Blues</strong> <strong>Blues</strong> - January - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 133
ADS BACK IN THE DAY<br />
134 The <strong>Blues</strong> - January <strong>April</strong> ‘24 ‘24
The The <strong>Blues</strong> <strong>Blues</strong> - January - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 135 135
THERE ARE<br />
parting shots...<br />
136 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
NO WORDS<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 137
THERE ARE<br />
parting shots...<br />
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 139
1<strong>40</strong> 1<strong>40</strong> The The <strong>Blues</strong> - January - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
POLICE SUPPLIES<br />
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The <strong>Blues</strong> The <strong>Blues</strong> - January - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 141
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The The <strong>Blues</strong> <strong>Blues</strong> - January - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 143
NOW HIRING<br />
Training Opportunities<br />
Harris County Constable to Sponsor Cadets<br />
Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen has launched a new program to recruit younger<br />
non-sworn personnel and pay for their TCOLE training to become certified deputies.<br />
The profession of law enforcement<br />
is going through a difficult<br />
time, especially in the areas<br />
of recruiting and retention. A<br />
growing and alarming number<br />
of experienced law enforcement<br />
officers are leaving or retiring<br />
from the profession. And to<br />
say the numbers and quality of<br />
recruits has significantly diminished<br />
would be an understatement.<br />
Law enforcement agencies<br />
across the nation are struggling<br />
with this significant issue. Collectively,<br />
these problems are<br />
causing real fears for law enforcement<br />
agencies and community<br />
leaders who are worried<br />
about public safety and the risks<br />
officers face. And, fewer recruits<br />
and rising numbers of officers<br />
leaving translates into fewer<br />
officers on the streets. That also<br />
means more danger and complexity<br />
for officers who haven’t<br />
left our profession who are<br />
serving in communities that are<br />
growing more perilous.<br />
With all that said, there are<br />
some law enforcement leaders<br />
tackling the challenge methodically<br />
and strategically.<br />
Harris County Precinct One<br />
Constable Alan Rosen is one of<br />
those leaders. He, along with his<br />
seasoned Command Staff, have<br />
144 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
thought “outside”<br />
of the proverbial<br />
“box.” They have<br />
focused recruiting<br />
efforts on our<br />
younger community<br />
members, specifically<br />
those who<br />
already work for<br />
the office in a nonsworn<br />
capacity. For<br />
example, employees<br />
like telecommunications<br />
specialists, clerks,<br />
and screeners for our Downtown<br />
Courthouse Complex security<br />
division.<br />
While many of these great<br />
employees are younger, they<br />
offer a great asset to the department<br />
and the community.<br />
How so? Longevity. The Constable<br />
reasoned we can actively recruit<br />
some of our best and brightest<br />
non-sworn personnel, offer them<br />
an opportunity to be “sponsored”<br />
in a local law enforcement<br />
academy, and, upon graduation,<br />
commission them as an officer in<br />
one of our divisions.<br />
By “sponsoring” the Constable<br />
means “GETTING PAID!” It works<br />
like this: The employee transfers<br />
from their current position,<br />
while maintaining a salary and<br />
benefits, to their new position<br />
within the department. They are<br />
a police academy cadet. Upon<br />
graduation, with no loss in salary<br />
or benefits, the newly-minted<br />
Deputy Constables would begin<br />
their journey on a new career<br />
with one of the largest constable’s<br />
offices in the nation.<br />
Is this the fix for this problem?<br />
Time will tell.<br />
Constable Rosen has already<br />
initiated this program for a small<br />
number of non-sworn employees<br />
who have a great work record<br />
and high evaluations. Would<br />
such a program work for all law<br />
enforcement agencies? Probably<br />
not. There are no silver bullets<br />
in our profession that work for<br />
everyone or fit every agency.<br />
However, this is innovation and a<br />
positive step.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> received exclusive<br />
permission to visit with Natalie<br />
Spellman aptly considered as
Cadet <strong>No</strong>. 1 of Constable Rosen’s<br />
program. Here’s what she had to<br />
say:<br />
1. Natalie, what prompted you to<br />
become interested in a career in<br />
law enforcement?<br />
Previously working closely with<br />
Precinct One in a field I am passionate<br />
about put me in a position to<br />
see the difference being made daily<br />
due to the actions and involvement<br />
of Precinct One Deputies. Witnessing<br />
this made it hard to not want to<br />
be a part of it too.<br />
2. So, why Precinct One?<br />
I have previously worked<br />
closely with the Precinct<br />
One Animal Cruelty Unit<br />
and been impressed with<br />
their dedication to providing<br />
meaningful, professional,<br />
and efficient resources<br />
and enforcement<br />
to the community they<br />
serve. I have witnessed<br />
Precinct One take part in<br />
pet food and vaccination<br />
drives along with other<br />
events that filled a need in<br />
the community they serve.<br />
Being a resource to the<br />
people means a lot to me<br />
and made choosing Precinct<br />
One an easy choice.<br />
3. What are some of<br />
the things you like most<br />
about Precinct One?<br />
I respect Precinct One’s passion<br />
for both people and animals. This is<br />
shown through the various divisions,<br />
events, and opportunities<br />
that Precinct One. The potential for<br />
growth as I learn more about myself<br />
and law enforcement was a large<br />
factor in picking Precinct One.<br />
4. The program you’re in is new.<br />
Constable Rosen created this program<br />
especially for young adults,<br />
like you. What does that mean to<br />
you and how has this impacted<br />
your life?<br />
When considering a career shift,<br />
details such as family and other<br />
responsibilities are major factors in<br />
the decision. This program assisted<br />
me to make the decision based<br />
more on my personal goals and<br />
assisted with the management of<br />
stress as I made the transition. The<br />
program has made me feel like a<br />
part of Precinct One even as I am<br />
still enrolled in the police academy<br />
and has provided me with support<br />
and a resource to reach out to with<br />
any questions I have.<br />
5. What are some of your goals<br />
as you look ahead to a career in<br />
law enforcement?<br />
My current goal in law enforcement<br />
is to take this opportunity<br />
head on and learn as much as I can<br />
ensure I am the best officer I can be.<br />
As well as continuing the drive that<br />
others have started before me that<br />
have led Precinct One to be a great<br />
community driven law enforcement<br />
agency.<br />
6. So far, what would you think<br />
has been your biggest challenge?<br />
Your biggest success?<br />
My biggest challenge yet has<br />
been making the decision to make<br />
the shift into a new career. I am<br />
a strong believer that if you are<br />
comfortable, you are not challenging<br />
yourself. Making the shift was a<br />
choice with a lot of different factors<br />
but has been well worth. My<br />
biggest success is pushing myself<br />
mentally, emotionally, and physically<br />
throughout my time in the police<br />
academy and seeing what I am<br />
capable of.<br />
7. To everyone out there who<br />
might see this story, what would<br />
you like to tell them? Especially,<br />
any young lady such as yourself<br />
who, might be seriously thinking<br />
of such a career move as the one<br />
you’ve chosen?<br />
I would tell them that<br />
making the jump is scary,<br />
but rewarding. Put yourself<br />
in situations where you can<br />
surprise yourself and be<br />
proud of what you accomplish.<br />
If you are considering<br />
a career in law enforcement,<br />
educate yourself on<br />
what a career in this field<br />
means. The balance of<br />
what you can do for both<br />
yourself and others is a<br />
rewarding opportunity that<br />
is worth exploring.<br />
We will continue to<br />
monitor the success of this<br />
new program with excitement.<br />
It is with a hopeful<br />
mindset that we look<br />
for these initial cadets to<br />
successfully complete the academy,<br />
return to the office and start working<br />
productively.<br />
We’d like to applaud Constable<br />
Rosen on his dedication to trying to<br />
solve a serious problem. The fact<br />
that he and his Command Staff are<br />
trying new ideas is a huge step<br />
forward. Great idea and way to go,<br />
Constable Rosen!<br />
If you would like more information<br />
on this program or becoming a<br />
deputy with Harris County Constable’s<br />
Pct. 1, email them at: Pct1Recruiting@cn1.hctx.net<br />
or call their<br />
Recruiting office at 832-927-1533.<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 145
NOW HIRING<br />
PRIORITY BOLO<br />
ISD PD JOB LISTINGS<br />
IS YOUR ISD PD<br />
HIRING?<br />
YOUR DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITING AD<br />
CAN BE LISTED HERE FOR ONLY $250<br />
bluespdmag@gmail.com<br />
146 The <strong>Blues</strong> - March <strong>April</strong> ‘24
ALDINE ISD<br />
POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
JOIN OUR TEAM<br />
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS<br />
• Sick Leave<br />
• Paid Vacation<br />
• Paid Holidays<br />
• Personal Days<br />
• Teacher Retirement System<br />
TCOLE CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE<br />
• Intermediate PO: $2,<strong>40</strong>0<br />
• Advanced PO: $4,800<br />
• Master PO: $7,200<br />
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS<br />
• Must be 21 Years Of Age<br />
• Must Hold an Active Tcole Peace Officer License<br />
• Must Complete the Following:<br />
• Pass Physical Agility Test<br />
• Background Investigation<br />
• Psychological Evaluation<br />
• Drug Screening<br />
DEPARTMENT BENEFITS<br />
• Uniforms Provided, Including Duty Weapon<br />
• Department Provided Training<br />
• Starting Pay Depends on<br />
Qualifications / Experience<br />
• TCOLE Certification / Education Pay<br />
• Most Officers work Day Shift with Weekends Off<br />
(INCENTIVE PAY FOR DETECTIVES, K-9 HANDLERS, AND<br />
FIREARM INSTRUCTORS.)<br />
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT<br />
SGT. HALL AT 281.442.4923<br />
OR VISIT ALDINEISD.ORG<br />
APPLY AT<br />
ALDINEISD.ORG<br />
STARTING SALARY $55,000 WITH NO EXPERIENCE<br />
UP TO $85,000 DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE<br />
ALDINE ISD PD OFFERS<br />
SPECIALIZED DIVISIONS<br />
• Criminal Investigations<br />
• Emergency Response Team<br />
• Honor Guard<br />
• Gang Task Force<br />
• Community Outreach Division<br />
• K-9 Division<br />
• Firearm Instructor<br />
$1,000 SIGNING BONUS<br />
<br />
The The <strong>Blues</strong> <strong>Blues</strong> - March - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 ‘24 147
NOW HIRING<br />
PRIORITY BOLO<br />
ISD PD JOB LISTINGS<br />
FIND YOUR ISD<br />
POSITION HERE<br />
148 The The <strong>Blues</strong> - March <strong>April</strong> ‘24 ‘24
<strong>No</strong>w Hiring<br />
School District Police Officer<br />
Must be TCOLE Certified<br />
www.pfisd.net/police<br />
226 day work schedule with starting<br />
salary between $52,884 and $60,821<br />
depending on experience<br />
Overtime Opportunities Available<br />
Stipends for TCOLE Advanced & Master<br />
Licenses, MHO Certification, College<br />
Degrees, and Bilingual Proficiency<br />
Thanksgiving, Winter, &<br />
Spring Breaks off<br />
Take Home Vehicle Program<br />
Great Insurance & Benefits<br />
Package with TRS<br />
Retirement<br />
SPRING BRANCH ISD POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
WE’RE<br />
HIRING<br />
Patrol & Onsite Officers (HS/MS)<br />
Gang Officer<br />
Mental Health Officers<br />
Community Relations Officer<br />
Emergency Management<br />
Criminal Investigations<br />
K-9 programs<br />
*All equipment provided including duty weapon<br />
**Training opportunities available<br />
DEPARTMENT<br />
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
55 officer department<br />
44 square mile district<br />
47 schools<br />
35,000 population<br />
24/7 Patrol<br />
We want you to preserve, protect, and defend our future.<br />
Starting Pay $63,000 (TCOLE Basic Peace Officer certification with no experience)<br />
Language pay<br />
Shift differential pay<br />
Intermediate, Advanced and<br />
Master Peace Officer<br />
certificate pay<br />
Paid time off<br />
Ample overtime opportunities<br />
Apply online today. springbranchisd.com/join-our-team<br />
The The <strong>Blues</strong> <strong>Blues</strong> - March - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 ‘24 149
NOW HIRING<br />
LE job positions<br />
Dallas County Constable Precinct 2 Get Info Peace Officer 04/05/2024<br />
Harris County Constable’s Office Get Info Deputy 04/06/2024<br />
Alamo Colleges District Police Get Info Police Officer 04/06/2024<br />
Richardson Police Department Get Info Peace Officer 06/01/2024<br />
Port Aransas Police Department Get Info Peace Officer 04/08/2024<br />
Longview Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/06/2024<br />
Fannin County Sheriff’s Department Get Info Sheriff’s Deputy 04/05/2024<br />
Whitehouse Texas Police Depty. Get Info Patrol Officer 04/07/2024<br />
Lakeway Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/14/2024<br />
Kirby Police Department Get Info Patrol Officer 04/08/2024<br />
Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 04/14/2024<br />
University of Texas at Austin Police Get Info Police Officer(Cadet and Lateral) 04/01/2024<br />
Abilene Police Department Get Info Lateral Officer 04/14/2024<br />
Abilene Police Department Get Info Entry Level Cadet 04/21/2024<br />
Goose Creek CISD Police Department Get Info Campus Police Officer 04/01/2024<br />
Bandera County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 04/15/2024<br />
Briscoe County Sheriff Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 04/16/2024<br />
Frio County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Patrol Deputy | S.R.O 04/30/2024<br />
Travis County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Law Enforcement Deputy 04/14/2024<br />
Travis County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Facilities Court House Deputy 04/14/2024<br />
Travis County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Corrections Officer 04/14/2024<br />
Dallas Police Department Get Info Police Officer Trainee 04/20/2024<br />
Dallas Police Department Get Info Peace Officer (Lateral Transfer) 04/20/2024<br />
Wylie Police Department Get Info Lateral Police Officer 04/21/2024<br />
Saginaw Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/15/2024<br />
Sanger ISD Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/21/2024<br />
Baytown Police Department Get Info Patrol Officer 04/30/2024<br />
Lewisville Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/22/2024<br />
Forney ISD Get Info Chief of Police 04/23/2024<br />
Fort Worth City Marshals Office Get Info Deputy Marshals 04/22/2024<br />
Westover Hills Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/23/2024<br />
Sour Lake Police Department Get Info Patrol Officer 04/15/2024<br />
Dallas College Police Department Get Info Police Lieutenant- Training Coordinator 03/22/2024<br />
Meridian Police Department Get Info Certified Police Officer-Patrol/Code Enforcement 04/24/2024<br />
City of Selma Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/27/2024<br />
<strong>No</strong>lan County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 04/15/2024<br />
<strong>No</strong>lan County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Criminal Investigator 04/15/2024<br />
City of Bastrop Police Department Get Info Peace Officer 04/28/2024<br />
Pflugerville Police Department Get Info Police Office 04/28/2024<br />
Marble Falls Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/29/2024<br />
Burleson Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/29/2024<br />
Rollingwood Police Department Get Info Police Officer0 4/30/2024<br />
Hays County Constable Precinct 4 Get Info Deputy Constable 05/01/2024<br />
150 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
NOW HIRING<br />
LE job positions<br />
Ballinger Police Department Get Info Patrol Officer 04/30/2024<br />
Frisco Police Department Get Info Police Officers - Certified | Out of State Lateral | Recruits 04/29/2024<br />
Jones County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff 05/05/2024<br />
Mesquite Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/03/2024<br />
Groesbeck Police Department Get Info Police Officer 05/04/2024<br />
Hollywood Park Police Department Get Info Patrol Officer 05/05/2024<br />
Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 04/30/2024<br />
Stanton Police Department Get Info Patrol Officer 05/06/2024<br />
Tye Police Department Get Info Peace Officer 05/03/2024<br />
Tarrant Regional Water District Get Info Patrol Officer 04/08/2024<br />
Tahoka Police Department Get Info Patrol Officer 05/11/2024<br />
Jones County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff 05/13/2024<br />
Mathis Police Department Get Info Police Patrol Officer 05/13/2024<br />
Hays County Sheriff Office Get Info Deputy Law Enforcement 05/14/2024<br />
Missouri City Police Department Get Info Police Officer (Certified/Lateral) | Apply Here! 04/07/2024<br />
West University Place Police Dept Get Info Assistant Police Chief 04/12/2024<br />
Texas City Police Department Get Info Peace Officer 05/15/2024<br />
Pampa Police Department Get Info Police Officer 05/11/2024<br />
Corpus Christi Police Department Get Info Police Cadets 04/12/2024<br />
Mineola ISD Police Department Get Info District Police Officer 05/18/2024<br />
Hemphill Police Department Get Info Police Officer 05/18/2024<br />
West Lake Hills Police Department Get Info Police Officer 05/18/2024<br />
Bandera County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 05/17/2024<br />
Highland Park DPS Get Info Police Officer/Firefighter 03/31/2024<br />
Lake Jackson Police Department Get Info Police Officer 05/18/2024<br />
Kaufman ISD Police Department Get Info Police Officers (Certified) 05/20/2024<br />
Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Bailiff Deputy 04/03/2024<br />
Panola College Police Department Get Info Peace Officer 05/20/2024<br />
Stratford Police Department Get Info Patrol/Interdiction Office 05/20/2024<br />
City of Harker Heights Get Info Police Officer Trainee 04/01/2024<br />
Colorado County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Jailer 05/21/2024<br />
Grimes County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 05/21/2024<br />
Floydada Police Department Get Info Patrol Officer 05/20/2024<br />
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Criminal Investigator 05/21/2024<br />
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff (Transport) 05/21/2024<br />
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff (Mental Health) 05/21/2024<br />
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff (Livestock) 05/21/2024<br />
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Bailiff (Deputy Sheriff) 05/21/2024<br />
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Deputy 05/21/2024<br />
Stagecoach Police Department Get Info Reserve Police Officer 04/22/2024<br />
Stagecoach Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/22/2024<br />
San Marcos Police Department Get Info Lateral (certified) Police Officer 05/03/2024<br />
Lexington Police Department Get Info Police Officer 05/15/2024<br />
Lockhart Police Department Get Info Police Officer 04/17/2024<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 151
ADCRR is Hiring<br />
Correctional Officers<br />
1-888-545-RUSH<br />
152 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
This Is How We Serve<br />
Serve With Us<br />
Idaho State Police<br />
Apply now through<br />
March 3rd<br />
To Serve and protect<br />
the citizens<br />
of Idaho<br />
K9 Teams<br />
Commerical Vehicle Safety<br />
Investigations<br />
www.isp.idaho.gov<br />
Capitol Protective Services<br />
SWAT<br />
Crash Reconstruction<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 153
154 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 155
156 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
JOIN OUR TEAM!<br />
ARANSAS PASS POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
IS HIRING FOR<br />
TCOLE CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS<br />
The Aransas Pass Police Department is a progressive agency, employing some of the sharpest<br />
minds and equipping them with some of the best technology available. We continue to seek<br />
applications from those desiring to become part of our law enforcement family.<br />
Making a positive dierence in our community is what APPD is all about! Are you in?<br />
Opportunities<br />
Bike Patrol<br />
Crisis Intervention Team<br />
DEA Task Force<br />
Field Training Officer<br />
Gang/Narcotics Investigations<br />
Criminal Investigations Div.<br />
Marine Patrol & Dive Team<br />
Mental Health Officers<br />
School Resource Officer<br />
TCOLE Training Instructor<br />
Salary<br />
Annual Salary:<br />
$44,200.00 Base<br />
$6,600 Retention Stipend<br />
Hourly Incentives:<br />
$1.50 Max for College Degree<br />
$0.50 Per TCOLE License Step<br />
$0.50 Bi-Lingual<br />
$0.50 Special Assignment<br />
Benefits<br />
Paid Bereavement Leave<br />
Cell Phone<br />
Holiday Pay/Leave<br />
Longevity Pay<br />
Paid Personal Leave<br />
Sick Leave<br />
TMRS Retirement (2:1 at 6%)<br />
Tuition Reimbursement<br />
Vacation Leave<br />
Weapon Purchase Program<br />
Point of contact: Administrative Captain Troy Poe (361) 758-5224 ext. 2421 or tpoe@aptx.gov<br />
For an application or more information visit: police.aptx.gov/jobs<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 157<br />
The City of Aransas Pass is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability.
ALDINE ISD<br />
POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
JOIN OUR TEAMAPPLY AT<br />
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS<br />
• Sick Leave<br />
• Paid Vacation<br />
• Paid Holidays<br />
• Personal Days<br />
• Teacher Retirement System<br />
TCOLE CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE<br />
• Intermediate PO: $2,<strong>40</strong>0<br />
• Advanced PO: $4,800<br />
• Master PO: $7,200<br />
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS<br />
• Must be 21 Years Of Age<br />
• Must Hold an Active Tcole Peace Officer License<br />
• Must Complete the Following:<br />
• Pass Physical Agility Test<br />
• Background Investigation<br />
158 • Psychological The <strong>Blues</strong> Evaluation - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
• Drug Screening<br />
ALDINEISD.ORG<br />
STARTING SALARY $55,000 WITH NO EXPERIENCE<br />
UP TO $85,000 DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE<br />
ALDINE ISD PD OFFERS<br />
DEPARTMENT BENEFITS<br />
• Uniforms Provided, Including Duty Weapon<br />
• Department Provided Training<br />
• Starting Pay Depends on<br />
Qualifications / Experience<br />
• TCOLE Certification / Education Pay<br />
• Most Officers work Day Shift with Weekends Off<br />
(INCENTIVE PAY FOR DETECTIVES, K-9 HANDLERS, AND<br />
FIREARM INSTRUCTORS.)<br />
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT<br />
SGT. HALL AT 281.442.4923<br />
OR VISIT ALDINEISD.ORG<br />
SPECIALIZED DIVISIONS<br />
• Criminal Investigations<br />
• Emergency Response Team<br />
• Honor Guard<br />
• Gang Task Force<br />
• Community Outreach Division<br />
• K-9 Division<br />
• Firearm Instructor<br />
$1,000 SIGNING BONUS
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 159
160 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 161
162 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 163
NOW<br />
HIRING<br />
BIG SPRING PD IS NOW HIRING POLICE OFFICERS<br />
• 100% PAID ACADEMY TRAINING FOR<br />
NON-CERTIFIED CADETS<br />
• EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS ARE PROVIDED<br />
INCLUDING TAKE HOME VEHICLES<br />
• TMRS RETIREMENT (2:1 CITY MATCH)<br />
• 100% EMPLOYEE MEDICAL AND LIFE<br />
INSURANCE PREMIUM PAID BY THE CITY<br />
• PAID VACATION AND HOLIDAYS<br />
• PAID SICK LEAVE<br />
164 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
• LONGEVITY PAY FOR YEARS OF SERVICE<br />
• EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM<br />
• PROGRESSIVE ANNUAL IN-SERVICE<br />
TRAINING AND EXTERNAL TRAINING<br />
OPPORTUNITIES.<br />
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE<br />
EXPERIENCE IN ASSIGNMENTS SUCH AS<br />
SWAT, NARCOTICS, TRAFFIC, AND CRIMINAL<br />
INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION<br />
• $1500 ACADEMY REIMBURSEMENT AND<br />
$2<strong>40</strong>0 RELOCATION PAY FOR CERTIFIED<br />
OFFICERS<br />
$55,900 STARTING ANNUAL SALARY FOR CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS.<br />
ENTRY LEVEL TESTING ON AUGUST 1, 2023<br />
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 26, 2023<br />
APPLY NOW AT WWW.MYBIGSPRING.COM<br />
THE CITY OF BIG SPRING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 165
166 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 167
October 15<br />
WATCH FOR NEW TEST DATES<br />
168 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 169
Cuero Police Department<br />
<strong>No</strong>w Hiring for Patrol Officer Position<br />
Email TCOLE Personal History Statement to sellis@cityofcuero.com<br />
170 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
Department Benefits<br />
14 Paid Holidays<br />
2 Weeks Paid Vacation<br />
Certification Pay<br />
100% Insurance Paid for Employees<br />
Retirement 2 to 1 match (20yr Retirement)<br />
FSA for Employees<br />
Longevity Pay<br />
Equipment & Uniforms Provided Including Duty Weapon w/ Red Dot Sight<br />
Take Home Vehicle Within Surrounding Counties<br />
10 Hour Work Shifts<br />
Membership Paid to Local Gym<br />
Department Provided Training<br />
Off-duty Security Opportunities<br />
Cell Phone Stipend<br />
Starting Pay Depends on Qualifications<br />
Requirements: Must be TCOLE Certified or currently enrolled in an accredited Police<br />
Academy and pass a background investigation.
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 171
DALLAS POLICE department<br />
WE aRE HIRING<br />
Lateral Entry Police officers<br />
INCENTIVE PAYS<br />
Education Pay Up to $2,880/yearly<br />
Bachelor’s Degree $3,600/yearly<br />
Intermediate Cert. $600/yearly<br />
Advanced Cert. $4,800/yearly<br />
Master Peace Officer $7,200/yearly<br />
Shift Differential 3.5% - 6.5%<br />
FTO Pay<br />
$1,200/yearly<br />
Language Pay Up to $1,800/yearly<br />
3 years experience<br />
$80,431<br />
4 years experience<br />
$82,736<br />
5 years experience<br />
$85,109<br />
BENEFITS<br />
Assistance with state licensing<br />
endorsement<br />
15 paid vacation days/year (does<br />
not expire)<br />
Relocation assistance<br />
<strong>No</strong> residency requirement<br />
Wellness Unit and Peer Support<br />
6 Weeks maternity/paternity leave<br />
Health/Vision/Dental/Life<br />
Insurance<br />
Load Bearing Vests<br />
All Equipment provided at no cost<br />
Minimum Qualifications:<br />
Subject to same hiring process as all other police officer applicants<br />
Will have college credit hours substituted<br />
Must have 36 months certified, full-time, law enforcement experience<br />
Must not have any pending disciplinary actions or investigations<br />
Out of state applicants will complete state licensing process prior to entry into the lateral<br />
academy<br />
Apply now at<br />
172 www.dallaspolice.gov<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
DALLAS POLICE RECRUITING<br />
1<strong>40</strong>0 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215<br />
(214) 671-4<strong>40</strong>9
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 173
174 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 175
176 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 177
GALVESTON<br />
COUNTY<br />
SHERIFF’S OFFICE<br />
Seeking Individuals Who Are Interested in a Rewarding Career in Corrections<br />
Begin Your Career Today!<br />
GALVESTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ESTABLISHMENT OF ELIGIBILITY<br />
Position: Corrections Deputy I<br />
Bureau/Division: Corrections/Jail<br />
Title/Rank: Corrections Deputy/Deputy I<br />
Reports to: Sergeant - Corrections<br />
Starting Salary: $51,250.00<br />
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES<br />
Maintains the security of the facility by conducting security checks, settling disputes, and performing cell searches and<br />
inspections; conducts outside perimeter checks.<br />
Preparation and proper completion in the documentation of inmate records.<br />
Issues inmate meals, clothing, linens, and personal items.<br />
Supervise inmate programs (recreational, legal, health care, visitation and religious services)<br />
Prepares reports on jail and inmate activities, enforce inmate handbook rules.<br />
Supervises inmates performing such assignments as cleaning and maintaining the jail facility and continuously observe<br />
locations and activities of inmates.<br />
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS<br />
• High School / GED Certificate and must be at least 18 years of age.<br />
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and resident of the contiguous United States for a period of time sufficient to conduct a<br />
background investigation.<br />
• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, holidays and mandatory shifts when needed.<br />
• Must be able to work during natural disasters and or under declarations.<br />
• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the Galveston County<br />
Sheriff's Office in effect at the time of application.<br />
• Must have favorable employment history. All information given regarding past employment will be thoroughly checked.<br />
• Must have a stable credit history.<br />
• Must possess good computer skills and demonstrate comprehensive reading and comprehension skills.<br />
• <strong>No</strong> conviction above a Class B Misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years nor have been on or<br />
currently on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense and no Family Violence<br />
convictions of any level.<br />
• Applicant must pass all phases of the required testing.<br />
• Must be eligible for licensing by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for the position applied for, if not<br />
presently licensed.<br />
TO APPLY<br />
An applicant interested in any of GCSO position shall first download, complete and return<br />
the Application Packet, per the instructions on the downloadable form.<br />
The Application Packet can be found at SHERIFF.GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV<br />
JOIN US<br />
VISIT SHERIFF.GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV TO APPLY!<br />
178 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer<br />
CONTACT US<br />
<strong>40</strong>9.763.7585 : SO.EMPLOYMENT@GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 179
GOOSE CREEK CISD PD<br />
NOW RECRUITING<br />
POLICE OFFICERS !<br />
POSITION DETAILS:<br />
Provides law enforcement services to the school district to prevent and protect all students, personnel,<br />
and visitors from physical harm and prevent property loss due to theft or vandalism. Enforce all<br />
laws including municipal ordinances, county ordinances, and state laws.<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
2<strong>40</strong> or 202 Duty Day Schedule<br />
Competitive Salary - MTD9* Starting<br />
Stipends available for Intermediate, Advanced and Master TCOLE License<br />
Various opportunities including K9, Patrol, Investigations, FTO, Instructor and more<br />
REQUIREMENTS:<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
Current TCOLE Peace Officer License<br />
Ability to pass comprehensive background<br />
Ability to pass medical, drug and psychological<br />
exams<br />
HIRING PROCESS:<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
Online Application<br />
Complete preliminary interview<br />
Complete background investigation<br />
Complete Oral Board Interview<br />
Conditional Job Offer<br />
Complete Medical, Psychological and Drug Screen<br />
PREFERRED:<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
Intermediate TCOLE Peace Officer License<br />
Bilingual<br />
Previous ISD PD experience<br />
Background in law enforcement<br />
Contact us at 281-422-6461 to speak with a recruiter.<br />
Apply online @ https://www.gccisd.net/page/employment.home<br />
180 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
WELCOME ABOARD<br />
GOOSE CREEK CISD PD<br />
GOOSE CREEK CISD PD<br />
NOW RECRUITING<br />
POLICE OFFICERS !<br />
POSITION DETAILS:<br />
Provides law enforcement services to the school district to prevent and protect all students, personnel,<br />
and visitors from physical harm and prevent property loss due to theft or vandalism. Enforce all<br />
laws including municipal ordinances, county ordinances, and state laws.<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
2<strong>40</strong> or 202 Duty Day Schedule<br />
Competitive Salary - MTD9* Starting<br />
Stipends available for Intermediate, Advanced and Master TCOLE License<br />
Various opportunities including K9, Patrol, Investigations, FTO, Instructor and more<br />
REQUIREMENTS:<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
Current TCOLE Peace Officer License<br />
Ability to pass comprehensive background<br />
Ability to pass medical, drug and psychological<br />
exams<br />
HIRING PROCESS:<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
Online Application<br />
Complete preliminary interview<br />
Complete background investigation<br />
Complete Oral Board Interview<br />
Conditional Job Offer<br />
Complete Medical, Psychological and Drug Screen<br />
PREFERRED:<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
Intermediate TCOLE Peace Officer License<br />
Bilingual<br />
Previous ISD PD experience<br />
Background in law enforcement<br />
Contact us at 281-422-6461 to speak with a recruiter.<br />
Apply online @ https://www.gccisd.net/page/employment.home<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 181
ARE WE<br />
HIRING<br />
Criminal Background<br />
Pass<br />
proficiently<br />
Type<br />
Nights, Weekends & Holidays<br />
Work<br />
Speaking Preferred<br />
Spanish<br />
11th Street<br />
1015<br />
Texas<br />
Hempstead,<br />
Hour work schedule<br />
12-<br />
every other weekend<br />
off<br />
THE CITY OF<br />
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DIVISION<br />
HEMPSTEAD POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
Dispatchers<br />
QUALIFICATIONS<br />
18 years of age<br />
Minimum<br />
Starting Salary: $41,600<br />
B E N E F I T S<br />
BlueCross Blue Shield<br />
Vision & Dental Insurance<br />
Longevity Pay > 1 year<br />
Certificate Pay<br />
Uniform Shirts Provided<br />
77445<br />
182 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
www.hempsteadcitytx.gov (job opportunities)
JOIN OUR TEAM<br />
Place your department’s recruiting ad<br />
in The BLUES for only $250 for an<br />
BECOME entire A HEMPSTEAD year, only $20 a POLICE month. OFFICER<br />
Hempstead's Finest<br />
Starting Salary: $57,750<br />
- BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD<br />
- VISION & DENTAL INS<br />
- CERTIFICATE PAY<br />
- WEAPONS ISSUED<br />
- OFF EVERY OTHER WEEKEND<br />
- CONTINUING TRAINING<br />
NOW HIRING 3 POLICE OFFICERS<br />
HPD BOASTS:<br />
- Training Provider<br />
- Canine Program<br />
- Narcotics Investigation<br />
- Crash Investigators<br />
- Telecommunications<br />
Division<br />
1015 11th St Hempstead, TX<br />
hpdrecruing@hempsteadcitytx.gov<br />
Or call us at: (979) 826-3332<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 183
184 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
LATERAL DEPUTY<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 185
186 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 187
WE ARE<br />
HIRING!<br />
LATERAL DEPUTY<br />
REQUIREMENTS<br />
• Must be a licensed Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on<br />
Law Enforcement (TCOLE) in good standing<br />
• Must be currently employed as a Peace Officer (any break in<br />
service will be considered on a case-by-case basis)<br />
• Must have a minimum of 12 consecutive months experience as a<br />
Peace Office at any one agency<br />
• Must successfully pass the HCSO Physical Abilities Test (PAT)<br />
• Meet HCSO firearms qualification standard<br />
• Must pass a thorough background investigation (criminal<br />
background check, fingerprinting, personal interview, etc.) as<br />
required by TCOLE<br />
• Must pass a physical and psychological evaluation as required by<br />
TCOLE<br />
• Valid driver’s license and liability insurance (Texas by start date)<br />
• Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20, normal color, and<br />
peripheral vision<br />
• Correctable normal audible range in both ears<br />
• A two (2) year minimum commitment to Patrol before being<br />
eligible to transfer to other Bureaus<br />
For additional information contact<br />
Harris County Sheriff’s Office<br />
Recruitment Unit<br />
(713) 877-5250<br />
188 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
TO APPLY<br />
www.harriscountyso.org | www.hcsojobs.com<br />
SCAN<br />
THIS CODE Harris County<br />
@HCSOTexas<br />
Sheriff’s Office<br />
HCSOTexas HCSOTexas @HCSOTexas
WE ARE<br />
HIRING!<br />
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER<br />
REQUIREMENTS<br />
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.<br />
• A minimum of 6 months of work experience in emergency<br />
dispatch, call center, customer service, or a closely related field<br />
• Must successfully complete Telecommunicator training and pass<br />
all testing required to obtain TCOLE certification within a year<br />
of employment<br />
• At least 18 years of age (by start date)<br />
• Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20, normal color, and<br />
peripheral vision<br />
• Correctable normal audible range in both ears<br />
• Must pass a thorough background investigation (criminal<br />
background check, fingerprinting, personal interview, etc.) as<br />
required by TCOLE<br />
• Must pass a medical and psychological evaluation as required by<br />
TCOLE<br />
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer and related software,<br />
i.e., Word/Excel, writing correspondence, reports, and<br />
processing documents. (In-person testing required)<br />
For additional information contact<br />
Harris County Sheriff’s Office<br />
Recruitment Unit<br />
(713) 877-5250<br />
TO APPLY<br />
www.harriscountyso.org | www.hcsojobs.com<br />
SCAN<br />
THIS CODE Harris County<br />
@HCSOTexas<br />
Sheriff’s Office<br />
HCSOTexas HCSOTexas @HCSOTexas<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 189
WE ARE<br />
HIRING!<br />
DEPUTY CADET<br />
REQUIREMENTS<br />
• At least 60 college credit hours and/or 2 years of military<br />
experience with an honorable discharge<br />
• At least 21 years of age (by start date)<br />
• Valid driver’s license and liability insurance (Texas by start date)<br />
• Must successfully pass the HCSO Physical Abilities Test (PAT)<br />
• Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20, normal color, and<br />
peripheral vision<br />
• Correctable normal audible range in both ears<br />
• Must pass a thorough background investigation (criminal<br />
background check, fingerprinting, personal interview, etc.)<br />
• Must pass a medical and psychological evaluation as required by<br />
TCOLE<br />
• Must pass all required testing<br />
YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER<br />
STARTS HERE, JOIN OUR ACADEMY!<br />
• Must pass all required testing upon completion of the Basic<br />
Peace Officer Course (BPOC), sworn Deputies must successfully<br />
complete the Field Training Program (FTP) before receiving a<br />
Patrol assignment<br />
• A two (2) year minimum commitment to Patrol before being<br />
eligible for other Bureaus<br />
For additional information contact<br />
Harris County Sheriff’s Office<br />
Recruitment Unit<br />
(713) 877-5250<br />
190 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
TO APPLY<br />
www.harriscountyso.org | www.hcsojobs.com<br />
SCAN<br />
THIS CODE Harris County<br />
@HCSOTexas<br />
Sheriff’s Office<br />
HCSOTexas HCSOTexas @HCSOTexas
WE ARE<br />
HIRING!<br />
DETENTION OFFICER<br />
REQUIREMENTS<br />
Ask About Our Hiring Incentive<br />
• High School Diploma or G.E.D<br />
• U.S. Citizen<br />
• At least 18 years of age (by start date)<br />
• Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20, normal color,<br />
and peripheral vision<br />
• Correctable normal audible range in both ears<br />
• Must pass all pre-employment testing<br />
• Must pass a thorough background investigation (criminal<br />
background check, fingerprinting, personal interview, etc.)<br />
as required by TCOLE<br />
• Must pass a medical and psychological evaluation as required<br />
by TCOLE<br />
Lateral Detention Officer:<br />
If you have verifiable experience as a correctional officer or a<br />
jailer from any correctional facility, we will pay you up to 14<br />
years for your experience.<br />
For additional information contact<br />
Harris County Sheriff’s Office<br />
Recruitment Unit<br />
(713) 877-5250<br />
TO APPLY<br />
www.harriscountyso.org | www.hcsojobs.com<br />
SCAN<br />
THIS CODE Harris County<br />
@HCSOTexas<br />
Sheriff’s Office<br />
HCSOTexas HCSOTexas @HCSOTexas<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 191
192 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
WELCOME ABOARD PASADENA PD
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 193
194 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 195
THE KILLEEN POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
IS NOW<br />
Hiring<br />
FOR THE POSITION OF<br />
Police Officer<br />
Online Applications<br />
will open:<br />
July 31, 2023<br />
Application Deadline:<br />
September 15, 2023<br />
Civil Service Exam will<br />
be:<br />
September 24, 2023<br />
To apply, go to:<br />
www.killeentexas.gov/16<br />
8/Job-Opportunities<br />
Wear The Badge,<br />
Make a Difference<br />
D<br />
b<br />
th<br />
a<br />
Officer De'Vonte Johnson<br />
Recruiter<br />
254-200-7987<br />
DJohnson@killeentexas.gov<br />
The Killeen Police Department is an<br />
196<br />
Equal<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong><br />
Opportunity<br />
- <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
Employer
Starting pay - $57,889<br />
Paid: Vacation, Holiday & Sick Leave<br />
$15K Sign-on incentive for TCOLE<br />
certified Peace Officers<br />
College Degree pay incentive<br />
7% retirement plan through TMRS<br />
with a 2:1 match ratio<br />
Comprehensive Benefits Package<br />
Opportunity to work in various<br />
specialized units<br />
The Killeen Police<br />
epartment is dedicated to<br />
uilding a partnership with<br />
e community to fight crime<br />
nd improve every citizen's<br />
quality of life.<br />
Follow us at:<br />
KilleenPD<br />
KilleenPolice<br />
JoinKilleenPD<br />
Visit www.KilleenPD.com for further The <strong>Blues</strong> - details<br />
<strong>April</strong> ‘24 197
198 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 199
L A P O R T E<br />
P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T<br />
Lateral Police Officer<br />
Starting Pay $ 62,416. to $73,775.<br />
Effective October 1, 2022<br />
<strong>No</strong> prior experience required. High School diploma or GED required.<br />
Possession of Class C Texas Driver License.<br />
Must possess a TCOLE License or be enrolled in accredited Basic Peace Officer Academy.<br />
Certification Pay (bi-weekly):<br />
$46.15 - Intermediate Peace Officer<br />
$69.23 - Advanced Peace Officer<br />
$92.31 - Master Peace Officer<br />
Education Pay (bi-weekly):<br />
$46.15 - Associates Degree<br />
$69.23 - Bachelors Degree<br />
$92.31 - Masters Degree<br />
Employee Benefits:<br />
Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance<br />
Longevity Pay<br />
Tuition Reimbursement<br />
TMRS Retirement (2 to 1 match)<br />
ICMA Deferred Compensation/Roth IRA<br />
$1,000 Physical Fitness Program<br />
Weapon Purchase Program<br />
Take-home Vehicles<br />
Specialized Divisions:<br />
SWAT / Bomb Squad<br />
Bike Patrol<br />
Criminal Investigative Division<br />
Crime Scene Unit<br />
Drone Pilots<br />
School Resource Officers<br />
Traffic/DOT Officers<br />
Police Area Representatives<br />
Apply online at<br />
www.laportetx.gov/jobs<br />
Paid Leave Benefits<br />
15 days vacation (Civil Service)<br />
15 days sick leave<br />
Military Leave<br />
9 observed holidays per year<br />
2 employee holidays per year<br />
Bereavement Leave<br />
Comp Time<br />
200 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 201
BENEFITS:<br />
- 10 Paid Holidays a year<br />
- 15 Paid Sick Days a year<br />
- Paid Vacation<br />
- Take-Home Car Program<br />
- Duty Equipment and Weapon Provided<br />
- Tuition Reimbursement for College<br />
- Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)<br />
PATROL OFFICER<br />
ENTRANCE EXAM:<br />
MAY 18, 2024<br />
ADDITIONAL<br />
INCENTIVE PAY:<br />
RECRUITING<br />
- Associate's Degree - $100 monthly<br />
- Bachelor's Degree - $150 monthly<br />
- Master's Degree - $200 monthly<br />
- Bilingual Pay - $50 to $100 monthly<br />
NOW<br />
202 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
VISIT LCPDJOBS.COM<br />
FOR MORE INFO
LEWISVILL<br />
E<br />
Benefits and Additional Pay:<br />
• $2500 Sign - On Bonus<br />
• Lateral Entry Program<br />
• Take - Home Vehicle<br />
$77,314 - $97,679<br />
• Cross Fit G ym<br />
• 24 /7 Private Indoor/Outdoor Range<br />
• Load Bearing Vests<br />
• Tattoos and Beards<br />
• Tuition Reimbursement<br />
• 20 Year TMRS Retirement 7% , 2:1 match<br />
• 457 Deferred Compensation p lan with 3.76% city match<br />
• 3 Weeks Paid Vacation<br />
• 15 Days Paid Sick Leave<br />
• 9 Paid Holidays<br />
• Field Training Officer<br />
• Bilingual<br />
• Longevity<br />
• Education /Certification<br />
GET PAID FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A CERTIFIED OFFICER<br />
• 1 YEAR $83,566<br />
• 2 YEARS $86,877<br />
• 3 YEARS $90,373<br />
• 4 YEARS $93,677<br />
• 5 YEARS $97,679<br />
Specialized Units :<br />
• SWAT<br />
• Street Crimes<br />
• K - 9<br />
• Narcotics<br />
• UAS Drone<br />
• Bicycle Patrol<br />
• Criminal In vestigations<br />
• Traffic<br />
• DWI<br />
• Commercial Vehicle Enforcement<br />
• Training<br />
• School Resource Officer<br />
• Neighborhood Resource Officer<br />
• Co - Care Crisis Team<br />
www .PROTECTLEWISVILLE. com<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 203
community theatre, museums, shopping and much more, Lockhart has a community feel that can’t be beat. We have several<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<br />
• —<br />
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• <br />
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• <br />
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• <br />
• <br />
$75, master’s $100 per<br />
<br />
• <br />
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• <br />
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• <br />
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• <br />
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• <br />
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• <br />
• <br />
• <br />
• <br />
• <br />
• <br />
• <br />
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• <br />
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• <br />
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• ’<br />
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204<br />
<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 205
Start a career with<br />
Longview PD<br />
LongviewTexas.gov/LPDJOBS<br />
Providing<br />
Professional<br />
Policing<br />
We accept lateral transfers!<br />
Starting Salary<br />
$63,090-$71,070<br />
Two-Tier Hiring Incentive<br />
$3000<br />
206 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
Longview Police Department
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 207
Patrol Officer<br />
The City of Manvel Police Department is looking to find qualified candidates to fill the ranks of the patrol<br />
division.<br />
The City of Manvel is a rapidly growing and diverse community. The current population is estimated at a<br />
little over 16000 and is located in the northern part of Brazoria County along the State Highway 288<br />
corridor approximately 4 miles South of the City of Houston.<br />
The Manvel Police Department has a competitive pay structure for cities of the same size. Salary is based<br />
on experience and certification levels.<br />
Requirements:<br />
High school diploma or GED<br />
Valid Texas Driver’s License<br />
with good driving record<br />
TCOLE certified OR currently<br />
enrolled in Academy<br />
program<br />
Preference for LE experience<br />
Hiring Process Includes :<br />
Written test<br />
Oral board interview<br />
Physical agility test<br />
Thorough background<br />
investigation<br />
Accelerated Field Training<br />
Program for experienced officers<br />
One year probationary period<br />
Pay and Benefits:<br />
Competitive pay with an employment<br />
improvement step program<br />
TMRS retirement up to 7% with 2:1 match<br />
by city<br />
Retirement vested after 5 years of service<br />
Medical Insurance covered 100% for<br />
employees and 100% paid for employees<br />
and dependent by the city after 3 years<br />
12 hour shifts (DuPont Schedule)<br />
Personal time off - Vacation and Holiday<br />
accruals<br />
Paid sick time<br />
Lateral transfers<br />
For more information you can contact<br />
The City of Manvel Police Department at<br />
281-489-1212<br />
208 Rochelle The <strong>Blues</strong> Carr-Lacy - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
rcarrlacy@manvelpd.org
MEMORIAL VILLAGES POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
Serving the Villages of Bunker Hill, Piney Point and Hunters Creek<br />
POLICE OFFICER<br />
The Memorial Villages Police Department is currently looking for experienced officers who are<br />
self-motivated, innovative, enthusiastic and love working for a community that supports them.<br />
5+ Years Patrol Experience Required<br />
Hiring Bonus $1,500<br />
Night Shift Differential $3,600<br />
E.C.A $1300<br />
Bi-lingual Pay<br />
Education Pay<br />
Intermediate, Advanced, Master<br />
Peace Officer Certification Pay<br />
Healthcare, Dental and Vision Insurance<br />
100% paid for employee, 75% for<br />
spouse/dependents.<br />
Paid long-term disability and Life Insurance<br />
for employee, additional life insurance<br />
available for spouse/dependents.<br />
Health Savings Account with Department<br />
contributions up to $4,200 annually.<br />
TMRS Retirement 7% w/ 2:1 match (20 yr).<br />
457 Deferred Compensation Plan with<br />
employer contribution of 2.5% of annual<br />
salary.<br />
Tuition Reimbursement<br />
Longevity Pay up to a max of $2,<strong>40</strong>0<br />
annually at 10 years of service.<br />
12 Hour shifts with every other Friday,<br />
Starting at $83,459 up to $94,164<br />
Scan for more<br />
information<br />
W W W . M V P D T X . O R G<br />
11981 Memorial Drive – Houston, Tx 77024<br />
713.365.3700 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 209
WE’RE HIRING<br />
Join our team and receive:<br />
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance<br />
• Paid vacation, employee days, well days,<br />
sick days and holidays<br />
• Competitive pay (including bilingual pay incentive)<br />
AND MUCH MORE!<br />
APPLY NOW<br />
Scan here or visit<br />
RideMETRO.org/Careers<br />
Call 713-739-4953 or email JoinMPD@RideMETRO.org<br />
for additional information.<br />
210 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
METRO I S AN EQU A L O PPOR TUNIT Y E M P L O YER.
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212 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
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214 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 215
MAKE A<br />
DIFFERENCE<br />
IN YOUR<br />
COMMUNITY<br />
We are looking for outstanding individuals to<br />
join our team! As a Pearland Police Officer your<br />
mission will be to prevent crime and disorder, build<br />
partnerships within the community, and positively<br />
impact the quality of life for all our residents.<br />
CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS<br />
• Competitive Salary • Outstanding Training<br />
• Career Advancement • Exceptional Benefits<br />
The City of Pearland is one of the fastest growing<br />
communities within the region. Pearland is located<br />
approximately 20 minutes south of Downtown Houston<br />
and the current population is approximately 130,000<br />
residents.<br />
JOIN OUR TEAM<br />
HIRING POLICE OFFICERS AND CADETS<br />
$5,000 Hiring Incentive for T.C.O.L.E Certified Police<br />
Officers who qualify with at least 2 years of experience.<br />
TEST DATE:<br />
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 8:30 A.M.<br />
Register by: <strong>April</strong> 12.<br />
Pearland Recreation Center & Natatorium<br />
4141 Bailey Road, Pearland, TX 77584.<br />
Doors Open: 7:15 a.m. <strong>No</strong> admittance after 7:45 a.m.<br />
Candidates must park in the north parking lot.<br />
SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL APPLY<br />
• Attendance limited to first 150 arrivals<br />
• Mandatory temperature checks<br />
• Masks required, hand sanitizer available<br />
• Candidates seated 6 feet apart<br />
For additional information and to register for an upcoming Civil Service Exam, visit<br />
pearlandtx.gov/PDCareers<br />
216 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
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PORT HOUSTON<br />
POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
WE ARE<br />
HIRING<br />
SIGN UP TODAY!<br />
www.porthouston.com/careers-2<br />
STARTING PAY*<br />
$60,000 up to $71,000<br />
* Salary depends on experience<br />
Are you looking for a career with<br />
meaning? Do you want to make<br />
a difference in a highly supportive<br />
community? Join our team at<br />
Port Houston!<br />
REQUIREMENTS<br />
• Must be 21 years old<br />
• Must have 2+ years of po<br />
experience<br />
• Must have valid Texas Dr<br />
• Must be a U.S. Citizen<br />
• Must have an honorable<br />
from the military (if applic<br />
• Must never have been co<br />
Class A Misdemeanor or<br />
• <strong>No</strong>t been convicted of a C<br />
misdemeanor within the l<br />
• Must have a GED or high<br />
218 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
BENEFITS:<br />
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance<br />
eligible first day of employment<br />
• Wellness Program<br />
(can earn up to $600 credit per year if requirements met)<br />
• Enrollment with Calm App for Wellbeing<br />
• Defined contribution plan (<strong>40</strong>1a)<br />
– Employer Sponsored<br />
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan)<br />
– Employee Contributions<br />
• Vacation<br />
• Sick Leave<br />
• Paid Holiday 12 days/year<br />
• Life and Accidental Death and<br />
Dismemberment Insurance<br />
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits<br />
• Flexible spending account (FSA)<br />
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)<br />
• Pet Insurance<br />
• Legal and Identity Theft Protection<br />
• Tuition Reimbursement<br />
Up to the IRS annual limit and a maximum lifetime<br />
reimbursement of $25,000<br />
• Onsite Credit Union<br />
– Port of Houston Credit Union<br />
lice officer<br />
iver’s License<br />
discharge<br />
able)<br />
nvicted of a<br />
above<br />
lass B<br />
ast 10 years<br />
school diploma<br />
EMPLOYMENT<br />
TESTING<br />
Employment is contingent on passing<br />
any post-offer pre-employment<br />
screening as listed below:<br />
• Criminal background check<br />
• Motor Vehicle Record check<br />
• Drug screening<br />
• Physical exam<br />
• Psychological exam<br />
• Additional as required<br />
SCAN<br />
QR CODE<br />
TO APPLY<br />
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220 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
Provide Exceptional<br />
Service to All!<br />
CONTACT<br />
US NOW<br />
972-412-62<strong>40</strong><br />
Welcome Aboard<br />
Rowlett Police Department<br />
NOW HIRING<br />
kharrelson@rowlett.com<br />
4<strong>40</strong>1 Rowlett Rd.,<br />
Rowlett, TX 75088<br />
Accepting Lateral<br />
Police Officers.<br />
Get paid for your<br />
experience!<br />
CURRENT SALARY<br />
Starting salary is $65,554<br />
Top Out Police Officer salary is $90,861<br />
Lateral Transfer - May be eligible for a starting<br />
salary of up to $75,221<br />
UNITS/ DIVISIONS<br />
Containment Team<br />
SWAT<br />
Bike Unit<br />
Community Services<br />
School Resource Officer<br />
Field Training Officer<br />
Criminal Investigations Division<br />
Traffic<br />
Crisis Assistance Team<br />
Crisis Negotiation Team<br />
BENEFITS<br />
TMRS Pension 7/14<br />
Medical Insurance<br />
Dental Insurance<br />
Vision Insurance<br />
10 paid vacation days during<br />
first year & 10 Paid Holidays<br />
Paid Sick<br />
Beards and tattoos are<br />
authorized<br />
Longevity Pay<br />
Long Term Disability<br />
Life Insurance<br />
Dry cleaning<br />
Three department issued<br />
firearms<br />
The GROW <strong>Blues</strong> - WITH <strong>April</strong> US! ‘24 221
222 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
WELCOME ABOARD<br />
SAN ANTONIO ISD PD<br />
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 225
SPRING BRANCH ISD POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
WE’RE<br />
HIRING<br />
DEPARTMENT<br />
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
55 officer department<br />
44 square mile district<br />
47 schools<br />
35,000 population<br />
24/7 Patrol<br />
We want you to preserve, protect, and defend our future.<br />
Starting Pay $63,000 (TCOLE Basic Peace Officer certification with no experience)<br />
Patrol & Onsite Officers (HS/MS)<br />
Gang Officer<br />
Mental Health Officers<br />
Community Relations Officer<br />
Emergency Management<br />
Criminal Investigations<br />
K-9 programs<br />
Language pay<br />
Shift differential pay<br />
Intermediate, Advanced and<br />
Master Peace Officer<br />
certificate pay<br />
Paid time off<br />
Ample overtime opportunities<br />
*All equipment provided including duty weapon<br />
**Training opportunities available<br />
Apply online today. springbranchisd.com/join-our-team<br />
226 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
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The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 231
VAN ALSTYNE POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
JOIN OUR TEAM<br />
Van Alstyne Police is seeking motivated Certified Police Officers who are<br />
dedicated to making a difference in the community they serve! In exchange,<br />
VAPD offers a great opportunity for advancement in a fast-growing city! VAPD<br />
also offers the following incentives:<br />
▪ Excellent Salary $68,000 - $90,800 plus Certificate Pay<br />
▪ The City pays the employee’s Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance. The City also pays<br />
for 50% of dependent cost for medical insurance<br />
▪ TMRS 7% (City matches 2 to 1). Vested in five years<br />
▪ Twelve Paid Holidays<br />
▪ Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave<br />
▪ Twelve hours shifts<br />
▪ VAPD issues all uniforms, duty gear, body armor, duty weapon, patrol rifles, etc.<br />
▪ New state of the art Public Safety Complex currently in the design phase. Construction is slated<br />
to begin later Q4 2023<br />
For more information, contact Lt. Hayslip 903.482.5251 shayslip@vanalstynepolice.com<br />
Applications available at https://cityofvanalstyne.us/departments/human-resources/<br />
232 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
PLACE YOUR<br />
DEPARTMENT’S AD<br />
HERE FOR ONLY<br />
$250<br />
The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24 233
We are hiring<br />
Police<br />
Officers<br />
now.<br />
Join the Waco ISD<br />
Police Department team!<br />
Pay Grade: 310<br />
Days: 207 and 226<br />
Salary: $42,228 to $55,542*<br />
*Depending on workday calendar<br />
and years of experience.<br />
Sign-on Bonus: $5,000<br />
Qualifications:<br />
Education/Certification:<br />
• High School Diploma or GED<br />
• Texas Peace Officer License issued by TCOLE<br />
• Current valid Texas class “C” drivers license<br />
To learn more or<br />
apply, please visit<br />
Wacoisd.org/apply<br />
Waco ISD Police Department<br />
234 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24
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POS<br />
TAKE YOUR PICK<br />
236 The <strong>Blues</strong> - <strong>April</strong> ‘24<br />
HUNTER BIDEN