Nov 2025. Blues Vol 41 No.11

The BLUES - NOVEMBER ‘25 1

:

Firearms and Tactical Equipment for Law Enforcement Professionals

800-367-5855

Supplying Equipment and Accessories

to Law Enforcement Agencies!

SPOTLIGHT ON

PROFORCE is a distributor for

L3 HARRIS and their range of

next generation lightweight and

compact night vision equipment.

In a fast moving and increasingly

complex world L3 HARRIS is

providing regional, state and local

agencies with trusted, reliable and

resilient systems and equipment.

CALL US TODAY FOR PRICING!

800-367-5855 OR SCAN THE QR CODE

>> PRODUCTS & SERVICES <<

Duty Gear

Training

Optics

Armor

Firearms

Less Lethal

Trades

Ammo

Agency demonstrations, test and evaluation

of products is available upon request. Ask us

about trade-ins! We will buy your agency duty or

confiscated firearms, any model and condition!

First class customer support, quality service

makes PROFORCE the number one choice for first

responder equipment and accessories!

Support Center: 2625 Stearman Road, Prescott AZ, 86301 Tel: 800-367-5855

2 The

e-mail:

BLUES

sales@proforceonline.com

NOVEMBER ‘25

| www.proforceonline.com

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT

MANUFACTURERS

AXON • AIMPOINT • BERETTA

COLT • BIANCHI • TASER • BENELLI

SMITH & WESSON • CZ USA

DANIEL DEFENSE • HUXWRX

SIG SAUER • SHADOW SYSTEMS

DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY • AGUILA

EOTECH • BURRIS • OTIS

MOSSBERG • PROTECH • RUGER

STREAMLIGHT • MAGPUL • H&K

SAFARILAND • SPRINGFIELD

BLACKHAWK • HOLOSUN

TRIJICON • SUREFIRE • BOLA WRAP

US PEACEKEEPER • REMINGTON

NIGHTSTICK • FNH AMERICA

NOTE TERRITORY RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY

Visit our website today for up to date

information pricing and products!

www.proforceonline.com

:

VOL. 41 NO. 11 NOVEMBER 2025

FEATURES/COVER

DEPARTMENTS

28 OPERATION BLUE SANTA

100 HISTORY OF THE TEXAS CONSTABLE

106 HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLE

ALAN ROSEN

116 TWO WORLDS OF LOSS

PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS

EDITOR REX EVANS THOUGHTS

WORDS OF FAITH - JOHN KING

GUEST COMMENTARY - MICHAEL BARRON

GUEST COMMENTARY - DANIEL CARR

OFFICER INVOLVED - DANIEL CARR

GUEST COMMENTARY - CHIEF TOM WEITZEL

GUEST COMMENTARY - PAULA FITZSIMMONS

NEWS AROUND THE US

BREAKING NEWS

FEATURED PRODUCT - URBAN SDK

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES

WAR STORIES

AFTERMATH

HEALING OUR HEROES

DARYL’S DELIBERATIONS

BLUE MENTAL HEALTH DR.

LIGHT BULB AWARD

POLICE PRODUCTS GUIDE

ADS BACK IN THE DAY

PARTING SHOTS

ISD PD JOB LISTINGS

NOW HIRING

BACK PAGE

06

08

12

14

16

18

24

26

32

66

96

124

128

138

142

144

146

148

150

152

158

162

166

170

238

138

148

142

BLUE MENTAL HEALTH


4 The BLUES NOVEMBER ‘25

FOUNDER, PUBLISHER, EDITOR-N-CHIEF

MICHAEL BARRON

OUR TEAM

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Chief Rex Evans(Ret)

SENIOR EDITOR

Dr. Tina Jaeckle

CREATIVE EDITOR

Jessica "JJ" Jones

COPY EDITOR

Lt. John King (Ret)

OUTDOOR EDITOR

Rusty Barron

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Lt. Daryl Lott (Ret)

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Sam Horwitz & Det. John Salerno (Ret)

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Doug Griffith

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Art Woolery

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Daniel Carr

FEATURE STORY

Chief Rex Evans

Sgt. Michael Barron

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

WAR STORY

Sgt. Michael Barron (Ret)

AFTERMATH

Sgt. Michael Barron (Ret)

CONTRIBUTING COMMENTARY

Daniel Carr, Chief Tom Weitzel

Paula Fitzsimmons

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenna Curren, Law Enforcement Today

Joanna Putman, Police 1

Greg Hoyt, Law Enforcement Today

John Ory Dupont

Emma Bussey

Cliff Pinckard

Clara Harter

David Goodhue

Taylor Herzlich

John Boyle

Steve Hartma

Tim Darnell

Ryan Macasero

Angie DiMichele

Juan Lozano

Rosallo Ahumada

Cayla Cawley

jaimie Ding

Ron Fonger

Greg Hoyt

Piper Hansen

Our Thanks to:

Fox News, Associated Press,

Police Magazine

The Law Officer, Police 1.com

& Law Enforcement Today

The BLUES is published monthly by Kress-Barr, LLC, PO Box 2733, League City Texas 77574. The opinions expressed in some

articles, op-eds, and editorials are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of The BLUES or its parent company.

Rebuttals or submission of news articles and editorials may be submitted to: The BLUES @ bluespdmag@gmail.com.

The entire contents of The BLUES IS copyrighted© and may not be reprinted without the express permission of the publish-


FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

ICE AGENTS

Under Attack — For Doing Their Jobs

In every corner of America,

from small-town departments

to big-city agencies, men and

women in uniform wake up each

day with one mission: protect

and serve. Whether that uniform

says Police, Sheriff, Trooper, or

ICE, the oath is the same—to

uphold the law of the United

States and safeguard the people

who depend on us. Yet in today’s

political climate, few federal

officers have faced more undeserved

hostility than the men and

women of Immigration and Customs

Enforcement. They’re being

demonized not for misconduct,

not for corruption, but simply for

doing their jobs.

Over the past several years,

ICE agents have become the

convenient political punching

bag for activists, pundits, and

Democrats who should know

better. Their duties—identifying,

detaining, and removing individuals

who violate U.S. immigration

laws—have been distorted

into something sinister. Protests

outside ICE offices, harassment

of agents’ families, “Abolish

ICE” chants on the streets and in

Congress—this is what law enforcement

officers are enduring

for enforcing the laws our own

government enacted.

Let’s be clear: ICE agents are

not the problem. They’re the ones

standing between order and

chaos. They are the ones tracking

human traffickers, intercepting

fentanyl shipments, stopping

gang members who cross the

border to prey on American

communities. They rescue children

from exploitation, dismantle

smuggling networks, and

enforce the very immigration

laws that Congress itself wrote.

Every arrest they make, every

raid they conduct, is backed by

the authority of the United States

government. And yet, when they

do their duty, they’re vilified as if

they were the criminals.

For those of us in law enforcement,

that double standard cuts

deep. We’ve all seen what happens

when politics overrides

public safety. Officers become

scapegoats. The rule of law becomes

optional. And the communities

we swore to protect are

left more vulnerable. ICE agents

are living that reality every day—

accused of cruelty for upholding

laws that others don’t have the

courage to change or enforce.

The truth is that ICE’s mission

is far bigger than immigration

enforcement. It’s about national

security. ICE’s Homeland Security

Investigations division (HSI) is

one of the most effective federal

forces against drug cartels,

cybercriminals, and international

money launderers. When a

major fentanyl pipeline is shut

down, odds are ICE agents were

there. When a child exploitation

ring is broken, ICE investigators

are often leading the charge. But

those stories rarely make headlines.

The media prefers outrage

to reality.

Meanwhile, agents are working

in increasingly hostile environments.

Many can’t wear identifying

gear in public without fear

of being targeted. Some have

had their personal information

leaked online. Families are

threatened. Children bullied in

schools because a parent enforces

immigration law. That’s

not activism—that’s harassment.

And it’s an outrage that such

behavior is tolerated, much less

encouraged, in a nation built on

respect for the rule of law.

We’ve all been there doing a


hard job under public scrutiny.

Every cop knows the feeling of

being judged by people who

have never walked a beat, never

made a split-second decision

that could save or end a life. ICE

agents feel that same pressure

daily, only amplified on a national

scale. They’re caught between

politics and principle, yet they

continue to show up, enforce the

law, and protect this country.

The men and women of ICE

deserve the same respect and

support we give any officer

who risks their life in service to

others. When they put on that

badge, they’re not thinking about

politics—they’re thinking about

keeping Americans safe. They’re

thinking about stopping the next

human trafficking operation,

preventing another overdose, and

making sure violent offenders

don’t walk free simply because

someone decided immigration

laws no longer matter.

The law enforcement community

understands what’s at stake.

When you strip legitimacy from

one branch of enforcement, you

weaken them all. If ICE can be

targeted and undermined for

doing its job, what’s to stop the

same from happening to local

police, sheriffs, or federal marshals?

The foundation of American

justice depends on unity

among those who uphold it—and

on public trust that our officers

are enforcing laws fairly and

faithfully.

As a nation, we should be

thanking ICE agents, not threatening

them. We should be demanding

better border policy

from lawmakers, not punishing

the officers tasked with enforcing

it. Accountability belongs

at the top—with the politicians

who write the laws and refuse

to fix what’s broken—not with

the agents who keep the system

functioning despite the politics.

The badge means duty, courage,

and service. ICE agents

wear that badge with the same

pride every law enforcement

officer feels. They deserve our

respect, our backing, and our

protection. Because when they’re

under attack, so is every officer

who believes in the simple

principle that laws mean something—and

that enforcing them

is not a crime, but a calling.

And for those calling for ICE

to stand down and go away?

I say take the bad guys off the

street and deliver them to the

homes of the protesters. Handcuff

them to their front door or

better yet to their refrigerator.

Let them see first hand how evil

these monsters are and then,

just maybe, they’ll appreciate the

job the ICE Agents do every single

day.


FROM THE EDITOR-AT-LARGE

The Supervisor You Don’t Want to Be

Have you ever had a supervisor

who, when you heard their voice

on the radio, you literally cringed

or made some contorted face?

Or maybe whenever you saw that

supervisor, you turned the other

way or avoided whatever street or

block they were on?

Let’s be honest — some supervisors

are genuinely good people

who try to be fair and do a solid

job. But every now and then…

whew. Along comes one who

makes your heart sink and your

blood pressure rise.

You know the type — loud,

obnoxious, overbearing, micromanaging,

and at times just plain

mean or hostile. As if the job itself

isn’t tough enough, now you’ve

got to deal with that. Having a

supervisor you might need to ask

a question of someday, but you’d

rather face a grizzly bear fresh

out of hibernation — well, that’s

not all that uncommon at some

point in a career.

Now, to be fair, some employees

bring the wrath of a supervisor

upon themselves. Those aren’t the

folks I’m talking about. Not even

close. I’m talking about the ones

who, with great calculation and

intent, seem to make everyone

around them miserable. Why? Because

that’s how they were treated.

And now, they’re just repeating

the cycle.

It’s a learned behavior. Some

people get promoted, and the

only examples they’ve ever had

were terrible ones. So, they carry

that same behavior forward, and

everyone else pays the price. You

can send new supervisors to every

leadership school in the country,

but if the only examples they’ve

had are bad ones, guess what?

That’s the kind of supervisor

they’ll become.

Being a supervisor isn’t easy.

There’s always a problem to solve

— and rarely enough support,

money, or equipment to solve it

the right way. But that doesn’t

give you a free pass to be an a$$

to the people who work for you.

“Lead by example” might not have

been the example you got, and I

understand that. But you can stop

that pattern by refusing to carry it

on. Be the kind of supervisor you

wish you’d had. Lead by example,

because now, you are the example.

Sure, it’s always easier to pass

the buck or kick the can down the

road. But is that being a good supervisor?

Absolutely not. That kind

of lazy or indifferent behavior

only makes things worse. If you

don’t care — or can’t care — don’t

become a supervisor. If you think

you’re better than everyone else,

don’t become a supervisor. And if

you think you’re God’s gift to law

enforcement and you’re going to

solve every problem ever faced by

a supervisor — please, for the love

of God — don’t become a supervisor.

It won’t end well for your

troops or for you.

Nearly two decades as a supervisor

and Chief of Police taught

me plenty of lessons — some

good, some not so good. But one

stands out: if your heart’s not in

it, and you’re not doing the job to

make life a little better for the

people who work for you, then

you have no business being a supervisor.

None at all.

Lastly, look — no one likes a

jerk. And we all know when we’re

being one. Male or female, new

or old supervisor, you know when

you’re just being difficult and

when you’re trying to teach a lesson

for a reason. Choose the higher

road. Treat your people right.

Stand up for them. Ask them once

in a while if they’re okay. Hell, ask

them if they want a day off — really

send them into a frenzy.

There’s no such thing as a

“Perfect Supervisor” or a “Perfect

Chief.” There just isn’t. Don’t try to

be one. You’ll only wear yourself

down with a broken body, heart,

and soul. Just do your best. Give

your best. The rest will follow.

And who knows — maybe next

time, your troops won’t cringe

when they hear your voice on the

radio.

Stay sharp. Stay safe. God bless.


START SHOPPING




Chaplain's Corner

Lt. John King, Ret

True Meaning of 'Thankful'

Greetings fellow Blues readers

and welcome to the second

edition of the Chaplain’s Corner.

Since we’ll be celebrating

Thanksgiving this month I

thought it would be appropriate

to look at what the Scriptures

tell us about being thankful. But

first let’s look at the definition of

“thankful”:

1: conscious of benefit received

and kindly disposed toward the

benefactor

2: expressive of thanks or gratitude

3: well pleased

(“Thankful.” Merriam-Webster's

Unabridged Dictionary,

Merriam-Webster, https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/

unabridged/thankful. Accessed 18

Oct. 2025.)

If we move those definitions

around a bit, we can construct a

sentence that tells us that to be

thankful is to be well pleased

and conscious of benefit received

and kindly disposed toward the

benefactor (the person who gave

us the benefit) and we are expressive

of thanks and gratitude

towards them. Let’s be honest,

there’s no one who is always

thankful for the many blessings,

benefits, etc., we receive

from our fellow man, let alone

from God. I know I’m not, and

it’s not that I don’t want to be, I

just allow the distractions of life

to rob me of the opportunity to

be thankful and express thanks,

whether to another person or to

God or to both.

Let’s turn to the Scriptures now

and see what God tells us about

being thankful. In at least two

places in the New Testament

Apostle Paul is moved to write

about being thankful in a general

sense:

Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks

always and for everything to God

the Father in the name of our

Lord Jesus Christ, (ESV)

1Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks

in all circumstances; for this is

the will of God in Christ Jesus for

you. (ESV)

So we see that when combined,

these two scriptures tell us to

always be thankful for everything

and in all circumstances. Now,

you may very well reply that is

not easy to do and sometimes

that seems impossible. And you

would be correct. Interestingly,

the verse immediately preceding

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads: “ pray

without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians

5:17 ESV)

You may say, I can’t always

run to church to pray, or get on

my knees, or close my eyes and

fold my hands to pray, and that’s

ok. You don’t have to do any of

those things to pray, just pray!

The point is that prayer makes us

take our minds off of ourselves

and causes us to focus on God,

if even for just a few moments.

Continuously focusing on ourselves

is one of the greatest impediments

to being thankful. Our

thankfulness must be focused

on God and other people in our

lives. If we are only thankful for

and to ourselves that’s not true

thankfulness, it’s self-aggrandizement!

So as we enter this holiday

season filled with family, friends,

food, and fun let’s be conscientious

about being thankful to,

and for God and his Son Jesus

Christ as well as all the people

He has placed in our lives and

that includes the folks you’d rather

choke than be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and

yours!

The LORD bless you, and keep

you: the LORD make his face

shine upon you, and be gracious

unto you: the LORD lift up his

countenance upon you, and give

you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26

UKJV)

If you are a Chaplain for your

department, or know a Chaplain

who would like to contribute an

article for The Chaplain’s Corner

please contact our office at:

bluespdmag@gmail.com



WORDS OF FAITH

GUEST COMENTARY

Michael Barron

Considering Retirement?

Consider what your future looks like or it may be shorter than you think.

I recently read a great article

in Police1 from Sergeant Sean

Fuerstenberg who’s in his 28th

of service at his department and

considering retiring. But Fuerstenberg

knows once he walks

out that door, they will barely

remember his name.

“I’m staring down retirement,

and I’m not expecting a parade.

I’ll likely get the popular cake

and coffee send-off, and then

it’s done. And that’s OK. Cake

and coffee are how it should

be, because not every department

or municipality can give

extravagant goodbyes due to

ever-tightening budgets. What I

am expecting, because I’ve seen

it repeatedly, is to be forgotten.

Quickly.”

“I’ve watched it happen to

good people, respected people,

officers who gave everything,

who bled for their agency, who

mentored generations of cops.

Not one of them got the long

memory they expected. Six

months out, their names rarely

come up. A year later, it’s like

they were never there. That’s

the truth no one tells you when

you’re gearing up to walk away.

The silence is real, and no one is

immune to it.”

“There’s a common saying that

gets passed around: ‘Forty-five

minutes out the door and you

don’t matter anymore.’ I don’t

know who created that quote,

but whoever it was really nailed

it.”

Sgt. Fuerstenberg is correct,

‘Forty-five minutes out the door

and you won't matter anymore.’

You may have been the greatest

cop of all time at your department,

but to all the young cops

walking in the door, you are yesterday’s

news.

Retirement for most people in

the civilian world, is the rainbow

at the end of long road of 40+

hour work weeks, endless overtime

hours, and the daily grind

that just wears you down.

But when you retire, you get to

sleep in, go fishing, take a cruise,

spend time with your spouse

and your grandkids. All the great

things that retired people do,

right?

But for first responders and

even more so for veterans that

have served multiple tours,

retirement takes on an entirely

new direction of your life.

From day one, your number

one job is to protect & serve.

The old saying ‘you’re running

into danger while others are

running away’ is ingrained into

your everyday way of life. You

are always ‘on-duty’ even when

you’re not. If you see someone in

trouble, you aren’t standing there

filming it on your phone, you're

the one saving their life.

Shots ring out in a crowded

shopping mall, and while everyone

heads for the exits, you are

running towards the suspect to

take him out.

Firemen see a fire; it’s their

instinct is rescue anyone trapped

inside. It’s what we do and for

some it’s an adrenaline high. We

live for it. It’s what keeps us alive

and ready for the whatever God

throws at us next.

But when you retire, all that

goes away – instantly. No longer

are you the one running into

the fire or towards gunfire, you

are running with everyone else

towards the exits. Suddenly everything

you’ve learned as a first

responder is supposed to just

change and now, you’re just an

everyday citizen.

Maybe for some that’s OK.

You’ve done your part and now

you’re ready to just be an average

Joe while someone else

does the heavy lifting. But for

others, it’s not that easy. What

is supposed to be their rainbow,

turns into a life seemly without

purpose and an overwhelming

since of failure.

After years of missing birthdays,

anniversaries, holidays, and

ball games with your kids, all

for the sake of your all-import-


ant job that had to come first.

Now that you’re retired, it will all

be different. Except now you’re

divorced, the kids are all grown

and moved away, and it’s just

you. Plenty of time now and no

one to spend it with.

But it doesn’t have to end that

way. Yes, your job is important

and giving 110% is what’s expected

of you. But picking up extra

shifts, working one extra job after

another while your kids grow

up without you, will come back

to haunt you.

If you are just getting started

in your law enforcement career,

starting a family with your new

bride, take a moment to look

30 years down the road and ask

yourself – do I want to retire

with the love of my live cruising

around the world, or end up all

alone at the old folks home, telling

war stories to anyone who

will listen.

Pick the future you want to

have and work towards those

goals, not being the top cop

today that will be forgotten

45-minutes after you retire.

For those of you with dozens

of years on the job and about to

retire, consider this. You aren’t

going to live long after retirement

if you stop being who you

are – the one helping others and

running towards danger.

Police officers have a life expectancy

that is as much as 22

years shorter than their civilian

counterparts.

Some reports suggest the average

police officer dies within five

years of retirement.

You don’t have to start a new

career at another department or

become a security cop at a mall.

There are dozens of ways to stay

involved and remain active in

law enforcement.

• Consider a career as an SRO

– Schools in Texas are severally

understaffed and our kids are

our future, and they need your

protection.

• Volunteer with police groups

like TMPA, CLEAT to mentor

young officers as they begin their

LE careers

• Sponsor a group of retired

officers at the old-folks home

to a monthly breakfast. I do

this occasionally, and not only

does it brighten the lives of

those that feel forgotten, but

it makes you feel young to see

officers that retired when you

were in grade school.

• If you are firearms instructor,

local gun ranges would

love to have you on staff to

share your skills with fellow

gun owners.

• Every law enforcement supplier

we work with here at the

BLUES has retired officers on

their staff. If travel and meeting

new people is your thing, ask

to work the trade show circuit,

There are literally hundreds

of ways to stay active and

relevant in the law enforcement

world. Being active and

involved in something that

makes you happy and needed,

will ensure you live a long and

prosperous life after you make

that last radio call.


GUEST COMENTARY

police law news

Daniel Carr

AWFUL BEHAVIOR:

Erika McGriff bites a cop

No matter what unfolds…an

adult human should NEVER bite a

police officer.

Sadly, this form of common

decency was not recognized as

part of the basic social contract by

Erika McGriff.

The following incident occurred

in Jacksonville, FL on October 7th,

2025 outside of a charter school.

A short cell phone clip of the

incident went viral, anti-police activists

(including lead race-grifter

Ben Crump) alleged “police brutality”,

the Sheriff responded, and

the entire body cam footage was

released.

Now that we know what really

happened - it is essential that decent

people everywhere share the

truth and combat the disgusting

and dishonest narrative spun by

BLM and their minions.

WHAT HAPPENED

Erika McGriff left her car - running

and unattended in an intersection

- and she walked to pick

up her daughter from school.

A police officer assigned to the

school district observed this and

made contact with Erika. Erika

denied that it was her car in the

intersection and claimed that she

was a “passenger” in the car.

However: The cop saw her exit

the driver’s door.

The vehicle was otherwise unattended.

The officer then requested Erika’s

identification and she refused. The

officer did have a legal basis to

detain and ID Erika.

Erika refused to provide her identification

and started to walk away

from the officer. The privilege that

exists to believe that one can just

walk away in a situation like this

is astounding and unimaginable to

most humans.

The officer then grabbed Erika’s

arm and escorted her to his police

vehicle.

As the officer attempted to handcuff

Erika - she violently resisted

arrest.

Reasonable force was used by the

officer to affect the lawful arrest.

During the altercation Erika

punched and bit the officer. All

while screaming that she “can’t

breathe”…amongst other overplayed

cliches.

WHY?

Why would Erika act like this?

Well, Erika is a habitual traffic

offender and had a revoked driver’s

CLICK TO WATCH

license. That offense is a mandatory

arrest in Florida. So, she acted in

this disgusting manner to avoid an

arrest.

*Erika does not believe that she

has to follow traffic laws or the

tenets of basic human decency.

BEN CRUMP GETS INVOLVED

Ben Crump has already posted

about this case. He is attempting to

cement the narrative early - as he

knows that his low IQ audience will

not seek any additional information.

THE SHERIFF RESPONDS

Sheriff T.K. Waters summed up

his thoughts in a few sentences;

The Sheriff reviewed the evidence

and gave his honest opinion on this

incident. Sheriff T.K. Waters is a police

leader that supports his officers

if they act reasonably - even if the

activist class is applying pressure.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The cop did nothing wrong.



GUEST COMENTARY

police law news

Daniel Carr

OFFICER INVOLVED:

Daniel Scott Burch

WHAT HAPPENED

A Charlotte County, Florida

deputy was escorting a “victim”

back to their apartment. There

was an allegation that a neighbor

(Daniel Scott Burge) had

assaulted the victim.

During the escort Burch followed

the deputy and victim.

Burch was visibly upset and

complained that deputies had

been called to his residence numerous

times. Burch then made

allegations against the victim

being an “alcoholic” but did not

make physical contact with anyone

during this interaction. The

deputy told Burch to return to his

apartment and he refused.

Burch then repeated the phrase

to the victim, “Do it, or not do

it” multiple times and motioned

with his hands for the victim to

approach.

USE OF FORCE

The deputy then un-holstered

the Taser and Burch stated, “Do

it”.

The deputy deployed the Taser

two times. Neither deployment

achieved the desired result as

Burch walked backward and

swatted the probes away. Burch

also smacked the Taser device

while it was in the deputy’s

hands two separate times.

Burch balled his fists, took

a fighting stance, and stated,

“Come on motherfucker”.

The deputy then transitioned

to his handgun and gave Burch

commands to “Get on your

knees”. Burch smiled at the deputy

and pulled out his cell phone

to record.

Burch then swiped at and

reached for the handgun. Burch

did make contact with the

weapon while it was in the deputy’s

hand.

The deputy then fired multiple

rounds. Burch was struck died

from the injuries two days later.

THE SHERIFF SPEAKS

Charlotte County Sheriff Bill

CLICK TO WATCH

Prummell issued this public

statement after the OIS.

*When a Sheriff that has a

long history of supporting the

deputies that work for him issues

a statement like this…there

is a problem.

Law/Policy

The Florida statute (776.012(2))

that governs the use of deadly

force states, “A person is justified

in using or threatening to use

deadly force if he or she reasonably

believes that using or

threatening to use such force is

necessary to prevent imminent

death or great bodily harm to

himself or herself or another or

to prevent the imminent commission

of a forcible felony.”


The use of force policy

(11.19(B)(4)) for the Charlotte

County Sheriff’s Office states,

“Deputies are authorized to use

deadly force when a subject/

inmate makes overt, hostile,

attacking movements, with or

without a weapon, with the

intent to cause death or great

bodily harm to the Deputy or

others.”

Analysis

Based on the applicable law,

the deputy is only lawfully allowed

to utilize deadly force if

he reasonably believed that doing

so would prevent imminent

death or great bodily injury.

Therefore, the question is…did

the deputy have a reasonable

belief that death or great bodily

injury was imminent at the moment

the trigger was pulled?

Occurring at that exact moment:

• Burch was challenging the

deputy to a physical fight.

• Burch had defeated two Taser

deployments.

• Burch was not following

commands.

• Burch was swiping at and

attempting to grab the gun from

the deputy.

Based on a totality of the

circumstances - the deputy did

have a reasonable belief that

death or great bodily injury was

imminent at the time that deadly

force was utilized. The use of

deadly force was legal under

Florida law.

The main reason for this

conclusion is that - any law

enforcement officer would reasonably

perceive a deadly threat

if a suspect reached for/swiped

at their firearm.

ISSUES

Even though the

OIS did not technically

break the law

- there are multiple

issues with this case

that must be discussed.

There was NO

Hurry

The deputy knew

that Burch lived at

the complex and

was aware of his

personal information.

So, there

was no real fear of

flight. The deputy

should have called

for backup and

waited. There was

no hurry. If Burch

retreated into his

apartment…great!

Then deputies could

have written a warrant

and effected

the arrest on their

terms - not his.

TASER/SHOW OF FORCE

Burch was antagonizing the

deputy and the ‘victim’, but he

did not attempt to initiate a

physical altercation. The deputy

deployed the Taser while

Burch was standing there…just

being annoying and not to stop

an attack. Burch had not even

been advised that he was under

arrest before force was used.

Before the Taser was deployed

the deputy stated, “Go back to

your apartment”. That was not a

legal order. And, Burch’s refusal

to comply does not warrant a

tasing. The use of the Taser was

unreasonable.

After Burch swatted away the

Taser probes the deputy escalated

to drawing his firearm in a

show of force. Burch still had not

physically attacked anyone and

there was no objective reason

that a firearm should have been

pulled. However, once the deputy

made that decision - the next

prudent step would be to create

some distance, give commands,

and request backup. Instead, the

deputy moved closer to Burch

and closed the distance. The

deputy appeared to try and go

“hands on” with Burch while

holding firearm in the other hand.

This is tactically, just, awful.

The deputy should never have


been close enough so that Burch

had the easy ability to touch the

firearm. The show of force was

unreasonable.

OFFICER-INDUCED JEOPARDY

If the deployment of the Taser

and show of force with the

firearm were unreasonable - a

compelling argument could be

made that the eventual use of

deadly force was caused by the

deputy.

The argument is that - But-for

the actions of the deputy, unnecessarily

escalating the incident,

deadly force would not have

been necessary.

Think of an officer that jumps

in front of a moving vehicle,

then shoots the driver, and later

claims that they had to use

deadly force as the vehicle was

bearing down on them.

Officer-Induced jeopardy is a

real concept that courts and the

administration of the Sheriff’s

Office will consider.

What was he thinking?

While the deputy was deploying

the Taser and approaching

Burch with a drawn firearm -

Burch, just smiled and stated,

“Come on motherfucker”. He

appeared to be enjoying this

altercation.

Swiping at and reaching for

the deputy’s gun…

What did he think was going

to happen?

RETIREMENT

While writing this article I

learned that the deputy has

retired. That is probably a good

idea. The retirement will not

affect the criminal or administrative

investigation.

And, for those who will undoubtedly

wonder why he was

“allowed to retire”. Retirement

for government employees is a

math problem - nothing more.

Once an employee has met the

“years in service” requirement

- they are eligible to retire and

collect a predetermined pension.

The regulations around this are

often governed by state law and

an otherwise eligible employee

cannot be discriminated against

due to a violation of policy or

an imperfect reaction during an

intense incident.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I do believe that the jeopardy

the deputy ultimately found

himself in was “officer-induced”.

The evidence supports the notion

that the tactical errors of

the deputy, in combination with

the creepy defiance of Burch

- caused this to unnecessarily

escalate.

The deputy likely violated

department policy and training

standards.

However, the deputy is not

obligated to allow Burch to take

possession of his firearm - just

because he made tactical errors.

The deputy made several tactical

errors. But, attempting to disarm

a law enforcement officer

is a felony. There is a stark legal

and moral difference between

committing a tactical error and

committing a violent felony.

OPERATION BLUE SANTA

DONATE TODAY TO BLUE SANTA

FUNDRAISER IN GALVESTON COUNTY

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION


FROM

STAND-OFF

TO

STAND-DOWN

PEPPERBALL ® FOR CROWD CONTROL

AND DAILY PATROL

For over 25 years, the PepperBall system of launchers, projectiles

and expert training has been effectively deployed around the world

as an alternative to lethal force – saving countless lives and

improving officer and community safety.

Explore what PepperBall can do for your agency with a FREE

non-lethal evaluation - just scan the code below.

SCAN TO SCHEDULE A

NON-LETHAL EVALUATION

CHECK OUT OUR NEW PRODUCTS AT PEPPERBALL.COM


GUEST COMENTARY

police law news

Daniel Carr

OFFICER INVOLVED:

Elijah Wilks

THIS. NEVER. HAPPENS.

This fatal Officer-Involved-Shooting

(OIS) consists

of a set of circumstances that I

am confident will NEVER happen

again in American policing.

*You’ll want to remember this

one.

WHAT HAPPENED

On 10/9/25 an off-duty Milwaukee

police officer was driving

into work when he was involved

in a minor fender-bender. The

officer was in an unmarked vehicle

and plain clothes.

The collision occurred when

the other driver (Elijah Wilks)

merged into the officer’s lane in

a unsafe manner - causing the

crash.

The officer and Elijah pulled

over and Elijah immediately exited

his vehicle and approached

the officer’s car - pointing at the

damage. Two men discussed the

incident and the officer walked

in front of his vehicle, to the

passenger side, and stood on the

curb. Elijah followed behind the

officer.

USE OF FORCE

After a few moments Elijah

brandished a handgun and without

warning pistol-whipped the

officer - striking him in the face.

Elijah then took a few steps back

and pointed the weapon at the

officer.

The officer responded by firing

multiple rounds at Elijah.

Elijah dove for cover behind

his car and the two men exchanged

gunfire on the street.

Thankfully, the officer won the

gunfight.

The officer was uninjured and

Elijah sustained fatal injuries.

The Wilks Family Response

In the aftermath of the (officer-involved

shooting) OIS the

Wilks family was told that:

• Elijah was involved in a minor

vehicle collision.

• With an off-duty police officer.

CLICK TO WATCH

• Elijah “pistol-whipped” the

officer.

• The officer fired his weapon in

self-defense.

The Wilks family was skeptical

about this “police narrative” and

could not believe that these were

the real series of events that led

to the death of Elijah. The family

expressed their concerns during

a series of media interviews.

However, within a few days of

the OIS, the family (and their attorney)

was allowed to view the

dash cam video…which depicted

exactly what the police officials

had said. Later that day the family

publicly admitted that it was

a “justified” use of deadly force


and proclaimed that the officer

“followed his training”.

That never happens. No matter

how justified.

Think about this…

The realization that…if this

wasn’t a trained off-duty police

officer. Elijah would have been

completely good with murdering

a random person over a

minor traffic crash.

The surprise for Elijah was

that he was not terrorizing just

anyone. Not only was this a police

officer…but, a twenty-year

law enforcement veteran who

also is also a Firearms Instructor.

*Elijah thought he was threatening

Paul Blart and instead got

Jason Bourne.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is what we need more of:

transparency from the police

department and honesty from

the involved family.






GUEST COMENTARY

Chief Tom Weitzel

Badges Aren't Red or Blue

Police leaders must stand firm against political interference

By Chief Tom Weitzel (RET)

Reprinted from Police1.com

A troubling trend has infiltrated

American law enforcement:

political interference that undermines

police leadership and

jeopardizes officer safety. While

many exceptional police chiefs,

superintendents and sheriffs

across the country serve their

communities with honor, a

growing threat cannot be ignored.

Even here in the Chicago metro

area, we are fortunate to have

outstanding police leadership.

The Chicago Police Department

has a capable superintendent,

and many suburban

departments in Cook County

and neighboring counties are

led by professionals committed

to public safety. But leadership

today must do more than manage

operations — it must resist

inappropriate political pressure

from mayors, village presidents

and city managers who seek to

control police departments for

ideological gain.

Since the death of George

Floyd in Minneapolis, political

influence has increasingly targeted

police leadership. One of

the most dangerous examples is

the directive — often issued be-

hind closed doors — not to assist

ICE agents when they are under

attack.

Let me be clear: ICE agents

are federal law enforcement

officers. When they are injured

in the line of duty and call for

help, it is unconscionable for

local police to be ordered not to

respond. This is not just a breach

of professional conduct — it is a

betrayal of the core law enforcement

principle that we assist

fellow officers in need. Tragically,

such refusals have already

led to preventable injuries and

deaths.

In Chicago, ICE agents involved

in a collision while apprehending

a suspect were falsely accused

of misconduct after viral photos

distorted the truth. The media

ran with the narrative without

fact-checking, and the Chicago

Police Department reportedly

sent a commander to ensure officers

followed the directive not

to assist.

Such incidents are part of a

broader problem that extends

beyond any single agency.

THE RISE OF POLITICIZED

POLICING

One of the most corrosive

trends in modern policing is the

appointment of law enforcement

leaders based on political

loyalty rather than experience or

merit. When chiefs and sheriffs

are selected to serve political

agendas instead of public safety,

the consequences are immediate

and damaging.

Political pressure often interferes

with the independence

of investigations, especially in

high-profile cases. It’s not uncommon

to see elected officials

conducting press briefings

about major arrests or incidents

— briefings that should be led

by the chief or sheriff. These

appearances are rarely about informing

the public; they’re about

optics, reelection and political

gain.

This practice not only sidelines

professional policing — it erodes

public trust. When law enforcement

is seen as an extension of

political machinery, communities

begin to question the motives

behind every decision, every

arrest and every policy. That’s a

dangerous place to be.

Police leaders must reclaim

their voice. They must insist on

operational independence and

resist being used as props in political

theater. The badge is not

a campaign tool — it’s a public

trust.

It is official misconduct to order

officers to ignore fellow law

enforcement agents in distress.


Chiefs must have the courage to

defy such orders. Patrol officers

and detectives are often caught

in a political crossfire, but police

leadership bears responsibility. If

we allow this to continue, it will

cost lives.

Policing must remain rooted in

service, not politics. The badge is

not red or blue — it’s gold. And it

must never be for sale.

WHAT POLICE LEADERS CAN

DO TO KEEP POLITICS OUT OF

POLICING

In today’s hyper-partisan

climate, the line between governance

and interference is

blurring — and that should alarm

every police leader in America.

Policing is not a political tool.

It is a public service grounded

in constitutional authority, community

trust and professional

standards. Yet too often, law enforcement

decisions are shaped

not by data or operational need

but by political pressure, media

optics or campaign agendas.

That’s not just dangerous — it’s

unsustainable.

So what can police leaders do?

Draw the line — publicly and

internally. Chiefs and sheriffs

must clearly define the boundary

between political oversight

and operational independence.

Elected officials have a role in

budgets and policy priorities, but

they should never dictate tactical

decisions — such as who gets

arrested, what charges are filed

or how officers are deployed.

When that line is crossed, leaders

must speak up, even when

it’s uncomfortable.

Refuse to be a prop. Law

enforcement leaders should

not appear at campaign rallies,

endorse candidates or allow

their departments to be used as

political backdrops. Wearing the

badge means serving all people,

not just those in power. Neutrality

is not weakness — it’s integrity.

Make data the driver. Decisions

about crime trends, resource

allocation and community

engagement should be based

on data — not headlines or polling.

Every agency should have a

full-time data analyst. When you

lead with facts, you leave less

room for political spin.

Train for ethical courage.

Leadership training must include

how to navigate political pressure.

Officers and command staff

need tools to recognize when

influence becomes interference

— and the courage to push back.

Silence is complicity.

Engage the public before politicians

do. Build trust directly

with your community. Hold town

halls, publish use-of-force data

and explain your policies. When

the public hears from you first,

political narratives lose their

grip.

Support oversight — with

guardrails. Civilian oversight

can enhance transparency, but it

must respect operational boundaries.

Review is not command.

Police leaders should help shape

these boards, not resist them.

FINAL THOUGHT

Policing must remain rooted

in service, not politics. That

requires courage, clarity and a

commitment to principle over

popularity. The badge is not red

or blue — it’s gold. And it must

never be for sale.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Weitzel is the retired chief

of police of Riverside, Illinois,

where he served for 37 years,

including 13 as chief. A survivor

of a line-of-duty shooting early

in his career, he has become

a national advocate for officer

safety, responsible media coverage

and legislative reform. Chief

Weitzel serves as an ambassador

for the National Law Enforcement

Officers Memorial Fund and

frequently contributes columns

and op-eds on policing, leadership

and public safety. He can be

reached at tqweitzel@outlook.

com and followed on X @chiefweitzel

and TikTok @chiefweitzel.




GUEST COMENTARY

Paula Fitzsimmons

Disparaging Fellow LE Officers?

A regional story surfaced

earlier this week about a police

captain who allegedly equated

ICE officers with Nazis. The

department is reportedly investigating

the incident and as far

as I know, it hasn’t denied the

post’s existence. So for now at

least, I will assume this egregious

claim is legitimate.

I’ve never met this captain,

and have no idea how well she

performs at her job or what

compelled her to publish that

post.

And it’s true that police officers

have a First Amendment

right to speak freely as private

citizens, provided it doesn’t

interfere with official duties

and is done while on their

own time. That doesn’t mean

their words and actions aren’t

subject to consequences.

Command has an obligation

to weigh an employee’s right

to peaceful expression with

what’s in the best interest of

their agency. Of course, any

investigation that does commence

needs to be fair and

thorough.

While I haven’t met this captain,

I have perplexedly encountered

police officers -albeit a

small number- who have said

things about ICE agents that I

believe need to clarified.

There are distinct differences

between ICE agents and Nazis.

The term Nazi is used so gratuitously

these days that I question

whether schools are still

teaching about the atrocities of

that period. Every time someone

accuses a political foe of

being a Nazi, they’re discounting

the real horrors that millions

of Jews and other groups

including Christian Poles and

other Slavic groups (some of

my relatives were victims), disabled

people, and the Romani

endured.

It’s also intellectually lazy to

indiscriminately use this term.

To be clear, the Nazis were

psychopaths. They abducted

people (including children!),

tossed them into concentration

camps, performed gruesome

experiments on them, and

tortured and killed them in the

most horrific ways for no other

reason that they found them to

be inferior. While disturbing, it

needed to be said.

In stark contrast, ICE agents

are enforcing immigration laws

enacted by Congress. They’re

removing alleged murderers,

rapists, terrorists, human and

drug traffickers, gang bangers,

and those who violate children,

from our streets. They’re also

focused on those who have

disrespected our laws by failing

to appear for detainer notices

and who have faked genuine

asylum claims.

We can feel compassion for

those seeking a better life, and

yes we are indeed a nation of

immigrants that has welcomed

people from all over the world.

As a native-born Chicagoan,

I value the life experiences

gained by having been introduced

to a wide range of cultures

and ethnicities.

We’re still, however, a sovereign

nation. (See my post from

last year).

How can police officers not

relate to the plight of federal

agents?

How does someone who

works in a profession that people

consistently told lies about

for years, not question whether

perhaps these same lies are being

told about federal agents.

Someone who has been a

police officer, especially over

the past decade is aware of

the loud calls to defund, the

unfair criticisms, the distorted

amateur videos, the fascist!

accusations, the false narratives,

the rogue prosecutions of

officers, and the record number

of assaults on their colleagues;

all of which have devastated

policing, perhaps irreversibly.


These distortions are now

being leveled against ICE

agents.

We hear claims that ICE

agents are kidnapping innocents

off the streets; only to

learn later that those “innocent”

people are suspected of, or

have been convicted of horrific

crimes.

We see curated videos of ICE

agents pinning journalists to

the ground, then find out that

these “journalists” had been

hauling projectiles at the car

just seconds ago.

We read reports that agents

are arresting “peaceful protesters”

when in reality, these

protesters were blocking in ICE

vehicles or throwing munitions

at them.

Or we see agents arresting

what appears, from the back,

to be a child, and turns out to

be an adult.

If you work in local law

enforcement, does any of this

sound familiar? At least be

willing to extend the same assumption

of innocence to your

fellow officers that some of

us extended to you when you

were being attacked.

The tables can turn at any

time.

Federal law enforcement is

now absorbing all the hatred

that was reserved for you not

too long ago.

Remember 2020 and the subsequent

years? One highly-publicized

incident or change in the

political winds, and your profession

is subject to that same

scenario. Though your situation

is still fragile, it’s not as intense

as it has been. That’s because,

in part, the object of hostility

has pivoted, just as it can pivot

again at some point.

Perhaps some introspection?

As local police departments

continue to struggle with staffing,

ICE has received 175,000

applications for 10,000 positions,

since this past summer

alone.

Anecdotally, I’ve spoken to retired

officers from legacy police

families who are encouraging

their children to focus on a

career in federal law enforcement.

This juxtaposition can be

attributed, in part, to internal

politics. As federal agents are

being encouraged to enforce

the law as they were constitutionally

trained (as assaults on

them surge and bounties are

placed on them) local police

agencies are neutering their

officers and capitulating to

politics.

When leaders can’t, or are

unwilling to even differentiate

between savage Nazis and

fellow law enforcement officers,

how will this landscape

change.


OPERATION B


FUNDRAISER IN GALVESTON CO

CLICK HERE TO DONATE


LUE SANTA

UNTY



OPERATION B

It’s hard to believe Christmas is just two months away.

For many, it’s a season of joy —filled with laughter, family,

and the warmth of giving. But for too many children, it’s a

time of worry and want. But you can make sure these kids

have a joyous Christmas.

This year, The BLUES Police Magazine is partnering with

local law enforcement agencies to support their Blue

Santa Programs — bringing toys, smiles, and hope to children

who might otherwise go without a Christmas gift.

Your donation can make all the difference. Every dollar

helps us put a toy in a child’s hands and joy in a family’s

heart. Please, take a moment to give today. Together,

we can make sure no child is forgotten this Christmas.

Because every child deserves to believe in the magic of

Christmas.

CLICK OR SCAN THE LINK BELOW TO MAKE A DONATION

TODAY


LUE SANTA

Please reach out to these

businesses and thank them

for their donation.

Firearms and Tactical Equipment for Law Enforcement Professionals

800-367-5855



SPOTLIGHT ON

The Safariland Group, a company with a rich

heritage in the law enforcement and sporting

markets, encompasses a group of recognized

and well-respected brands known for their

innovation and quality.

Committed to focusing on the customer

first in all they do. Innovation. Performance.

Excellence. Legacy. The Safariland Group lives

by these values every day. They live them

by empowering over two thousand people

to design, engineer, research and deliver

protective equipment products to those that

keep us safe.


CALL US TODAY FOR PRICING!

Let's thank these Individuals 800-367-5855 who donated MANUFACTURERS

as well.




Ammo DANIEL DEFENSE • HUXWRX

Firearms

Optics


Duty Gear

Armor

Trades


Training

Less Lethal








about trade-ins! We will buy your agency duty or TRIJICON • SUREFIRE • BOLA WRAP

confiscated firearms, any model and condition! US PEACEKEEPER • REMINGTON

• Jeanette Richardson


First class customer support, quality service

NOTE TERRITORY RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY




information pricing and products!

• Daryl Lott

• Jocelyn Walter

>> PRODUCTS & SERVICES <<

• Michael Barron

Support Center: 2625 Stearman Road, Prescott AZ, 86301 Tel: 800-367-5855

e-mail: sales@proforceonline.com | www.proforceonline.com


• Amanda Nguyen

• Alan Helfman



AROUND THE COUNTRY

CHOWCHILLA, CA

Police Officer Ray Barrantes was killed when his patrol car struck the rear end of

a semi-trailer in Madera County California.

Officer Ray Barrantes of the

Chowchilla Police Department

was killed in a crash Friday night

while on duty, leaving behind

a legacy of service and family

dedication.

According to the California

Highway Patrol, Officer Ray

Barrantes was driving eastbound

on Highway 152 when his vehicle

collided with the right side of a

semi-truck crossing Road 13. He

died at the scene.

Barrantes spent a decade protecting

and serving West Sacramento

before joining the Chowchilla

Police Department.

One of Barrantes' colleagues

remembered him as "a great example

of what it was like to be

a police officer and also a great

father."

His death shocked those who

knew him.

"You're never prepared for

something like this. We all know

OFFICER RAY BARRANTES

that in this line of work, it can

come at any moment. However,

you always pray and hope that

it's not yourself or anyone that

you know," said Hector Torres,

an officer with the West Sacramento

Police Department who

worked with Barrantes for several

years.

"He was very skilled at what he

did. He served in many areas at

West SAC PD," said a colleague.

Another officer added, "He was

a great investigator and great

cop. You know, I personally did

learn from watching him, watching

him work out on the streets.

So it's unfortunate that we're

losing such an asset like that."

Torres remembered Barrantes

as a big family man.

"He was a great father. He was

very involved. So I know that

they're feeling it," Torres said.

In speaking of Barrantes' family,

Torres said, "I'm sorry. Barrantes

was a great man while

he was here. He definitely talked

about you guys a lot."

"We have to ensure that we go

and support the family and give

them all the resources that they

need and make sure that they

know that we're here for anything

that they need," he said.

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

PURCHASE A FIRST CARD TODAY FOR

$25 & RECEIVE OVER $2000 IN

DISCOUNT COUPONS

JUST SCAN THE QR CODE

OR TAP THE LINK


There really is no way to put into

words the devastation left behind

by the floods in the Texas Hill

County. The loss of life, especially

those lost from the camps along

what was the peaceful Guadalupe

River, is just incomprehensible. If

you’re the sheriff or police chief

of the town in the center of the

disaster, you are obligated to hold

daily press conferences. You share

what you know and when you

knew it. That’s what Kerr County

Sheriff Larry L. Leitha tried to do.

But each time he stood in front of

the cameras, the idiots from the

mainstream media, launched into

their blame-game questions.

Owning a police magazine

means you must wear two hats,

one of a First Responder and

another as a representative of the

media. While I am proud to be a

member of the first, I am embarrassed

to admit I have anything

to do with the latter. The outright

disrespect I witnessed from the

media towards the officials in Kerrville,

just trying to do their jobs

in unimaginable circumstances,

was unbelievable.

Sheriff Leitha showed great

restraint in dealing with these

lowlife reporters. Most I assume

were not from Texas. His job was

hard enough without Monday

Morning Quarterbacks criticizing

him for his every move. I wish my

good friend Sheriff Grady Judd

from Florida could spend a day

SPECIAL MEMORIAL ON PAGE 229


AROUND THE COUNTRY

TALLAHASSEE, FL.

Senior Trooper Craig Gaines passed away from complications

related to a leg fracture he received while providing lead security

detail for the head coach of the Florida A&M Football Team

Tragedy struck in Florida last

month when a Florida Highway

Patrol trooper died following a

sideline hit while working a college

football game.

Trooper Craig Gaines died Sept.

19 at his home in the Tallahassee

area, less than two weeks after he

was accidentally run into while

serving as lead security for Florida

A&M head coach James Colzie

during a road game against Florida

Atlantic University on Sept. 6 in

Boca Raton.

"During the game, while on the

FAMU sideline, Trooper Gaines

was unintentionally struck by

players at the conclusion of a

play," said a post from the Fraternal

Order of Police Florida State

Lodge Facebook page. "Trooper

Gaines initially 'shook off' the impact,

but after experiencing pain

and following an evaluation it was

concluded Trooper Gaines suffered

a fractured leg."

The post goes on to say Gaines

was at home on Sept. 19 when

he began feeling ill and called

for medical assistance. Despite

life-saving measures, he "rapidly

deteriorated" and eventually

passed away.

Gaines died from medical

complications stemming from his

broken leg.

Gaines was only 58 years old,

leaving behind a wife and three

children. A law enforcement

officer since 2008, he previously

served in the Navy.

After news of Gaines' death

spread, tributes poured in from

the law enforcement and football

worlds.

"Rest Easy my FRIEND!!" wrote

FAMU head coach Colzie on X/

Twitter.

“Florida Atlantic University Athletics

is deeply saddened to learn

of the passing of Florida Highway

Patrol Trooper Craig Gaines," a

spokesperson for FAU's athletic

department said in a statement,

via the Palm Beach Post.

"We extend our condolences to

the Gaines family, Florida A&M

University, FHP, and to all those

that knew and loved him.”

"For 6 years you went everywhere

I went on away trips. You

escorted me on and off the field

for 58 straight games!" said FIU

head coach Willie Simmons, who

previously led the FAMU program

from 2018-23. "I wasn't prepared

to get the news Friday of your

passing. Rest in Heaven brother!"

TROOPER CRAIG GAINES

"Today, we honor the life and

service of Senior Trooper Craig

Gaines, a dedicated member of

the Florida Highway Patrol," said

Anastasios Kamoutsas, the Florida

Commissioner of Education. "My

thoughts and prayers are with his

family, fellow troopers, and all the

lives he touched. May his memory

and his service never be forgotten."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also

ordered flags throughout the state

to be deployed at half-staff on

Monday in memory of Gaines.


There is a reason why 1000’s of first-responder agencies and nonprofits only choose

Relentless Defender for their gear. Screen printing, embroidery, sublimation, direct-tofilm,

patches, coins, decals, you name it, we do it, all under one roof. From design to

finish, we make your gear RELENTLESS.

Other companies say they care, while we show it.


AROUND THE COUNTRY

PLAQUEMINE, LA.

Deputy Sheriff Charles Riley was shot and killed while interviewing a

suspect at the Iberville Parish Courthouse in Plaquemine.

BY John Ory Dupont

GONZALES — Hundreds packed

the PACE Center in Gonzales to

honor an Iberville Parish sheriff’s

deputy who gave his life to serve

and save the lives of others.

Law enforcement officer and

friends paid their final respects

to Deputy Charles Riley, who died

Oct. 6 from a gunshot wound while

trying to stop suspect Latrell Clark

from disarming Deputy Brett Stassi

Jr.

Clark also died in the shooting.

Stassi remains hospitalized.

Riley was the epitome of a great

law enforcement officer, Sheriff

Brett Stassi said.

“In a moment that will forever be

etched in our hearts, he didn’t just

wear a badge — he embodied everything

it stands for,” he said. “His

actions save lives, including my son

Brett, and others who were there

that day.

“Because of his bravery, others

were able to go home that night to

their families. He didn’t just give his

life in vain — Charlie is and always

will as be a hero.”

Maj. Monty Migliacio struggled to

hold back tears as he paid tribute

to Riley, whom he described as

“a steady presence who loved his

community and his entire Iberville

Parish family.”

He said he will remember Riley

DEPUTY WILL MAY

DEPUTY CHARLES RILEY

as a proud U.S. Navy veteran and

outstanding Iberville Parish deputy

who served with integrity, honor

and passion. Migliacio also described

him as a man who “served

with honor, integrity and compassion.”

“He was so much to so many — a

loving husband, a devoted father, a

proud and beautiful son, a beloved

brother and a hero,” Migliiacio said.

“He brought comfort to the streets

of Iberville Parish, kindness to

everyday conversations and, most

of all, laughter with his latest jokes

and pranks. We will forever be

grateful for his service, his sacrifice

and heroic actions.”

Capt. Will Danielfield worked with

Riley six years and six months. Riley

was not just a coworker, he said.

“He was family,” Danielfield said.

“He was the kind of man you could

count on in any situation — steady,

humble and always willing to lend

a hand."

“Charles was the kind of man

who would show up even before

you had to ask, whether it was a

late-night call or just a call to get

on my nerves. Charles was there

… excited, dependable and full of

strength. I can’t count the number

of late nights, long talks and laughs

we shared … moments that made

me realize this job was more than a

career.”

Riley, a Navy veteran, was survived

by his wife and two daughters.

Stassi had a message for

Riley’s wife and kids.

“Carlye, Ella and Cassie … Look

around you. You’re not just part of

the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office

and you’re not just part of our

department, but part of our community,”

he said. “But more than

that, we will remember a man who

left behind a legacy that will never

face.”

The service ended with a 21-gun

salute, the sounding of “Taps.”

It also included the final call for

Riley: “Rest in peace, Deputy Charles

Riley. We have the watch from

here."



AROUND THE COUNTRY

SIKESTON, MS.

Police Officer Henry Franklin was shot and killed while serving a warrant with

his tactical team on County Road 408 in Mississippi County.

By Emma Bussey

A Missouri police officer was

killed while assisting in a mutual

aid operation in Mississippi

County, according to officials.

Officer Henry Franklin, 41, was

fatally shot on Oct. 6, while

helping the Mississippi County

Sheriff’s Office serve a warrant

at a residence, per the Sikeston

Department of Public Safety

(SDPS).

The Missouri State Highway

Patrol reported that the warrant

was for Nathan B. Peters, 36,

who was wanted in connection

with a homicide that occurred

earlier that day.

In a statement released on the

SDPS Facebook page, the department

said Franklin, a member

of the SDPS Tactical Team,

had responded as part of a

mutual aid request to locate and

apprehend Peters.

Authorities allege Peters barricaded

himself inside the resi-

dence and opened fire on officers

shortly after 7:35 p.m. and that

Franklin was struck by gunfire

during the exchange.

The Missouri State Highway

Patrol’s Troop C SWAT Team was

later called to assist.

When law enforcement entered

the home around 12:35

a.m. Tuesday, Peters was found

deceased from an apparent

self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Franklin had been with the

SDPS since June 2013, and had

previously served in the Army

National Guard.

He was also well known

throughout the community as

the handler for K-9 Odin, his loyal

partner in service.

"Our department has suffered

an unimaginable loss," SDPS

Director James McMillen said

in the Facebook post. "Officer

Franklin was not only a dedicated

public servant but also a

husband, father, son, and brother.

We ask that you keep Franklin’s

OFFICER HENRY FRANKLIN

family and our department in

your prayers as we navigate this

difficult time."

Franklin was born and raised

in Charleston, Missouri. He leaves

behind his wife and four children.

In honor of Franklin’s service

and sacrifice, Sikeston Mayor

Greg Turnbow ordered all flags

within the city to be flown at

half-staff until the conclusion of

Franklin’s funeral.






Honoring the Fallen, Telling the Story

of American Law Enforcement, and

Making it Safer for Those Who Serve.

Memorial

Museum

Officer Safety

and Wellness

The National Law Enforcement

Officers Memorial, located in

Washington DC, honors federal, tribal,

state, and local law enforcement

officers who have made the ultimate

sacrifice for the safety and protection

of our nation and its people.

The National Law Enforcement

Museum, across the street from the

Memorial, expands and enriches

the relationship shared by law

enforcement and the communities

they serve through educational

journeys, immersive exhibitions,

and insightful programs.

Officer safety and wellness

programs, partnerships, and

initiatives deliver best practices for

preventing line-of-duty deaths.

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

Your Support Makes a Difference

By Respecting, Honoring, and Remembering Law Enforcement

Thanks to donors like you, nothing will stand in our way to honor the fallen, tell the story

of American Law Enforcement, and make it safer for those who serve.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a non-profit and non-partisan

organization. Although both the Memorial and Museum are on federal land by acts of Congress,

we do not receive taxpayer dollars but rely on your charitable, tax-deductible contributions.

DONATE

Visit NLEOMF.org for more information and to purchase The museum BLUES tickets. - NOVEMBER ‘25 39

AROUND THE COUNTRY

CANFIELD, OH.

Trooper Nicholas Cayton was struck and killed by the driver of a Mack truck

on the northbound lane of Route 11in Canfield, Ohio.

By Cliff Pinckard

cleveland.com

CANFIELD, Ohio — A State

Highway Patrol trooper was

killed Thursday when his cruiser

was struck by a semi while he

was assisting a disabled tractor-trailer

on an Ohio highway.

The patrol announced in a

news release that Trooper Nicholas

Cayton, 40, was assisting a

disabled tractor-trailer on Ohio

11 south of U.S. 224 in Canfield

when the crash occurred.

“Today, the patrol lost a

member of our family,” Patrol

Superintendent Col. Charles

Jones said in a statement. “This

is a tragedy for the Ohio State

Highway Patrol and the Ohio

Department of Public Safety.

Our prayers go out to the Cayton

family during this difficult time.”

The patrol tells WKYC Channel

3 that Cayton responded to the

call of a disabled tractor-trailer

just before noon. The 65-yearold

driver told Cayton he had hit

some debris in the road.

Cayton was sitting in his cruiser

with the emergency lights

on when it was hit from behind

by a 2007 Mack Granite, WKYC

reports. The impact pushed the

cruiser forward, causing it to hit

the tractor-trailer’s driver, who

was standing beside his vehicle.

Cayton was pronounced dead

at the scene, WKYC reports. “In

service and sacrifice, Trooper

Cayton honored the badge and

fulfilled his sacred oath to the

community,” Ohio Attorney General

Dave Yost said in a statement.

“My deepest condolences

are with the family, friends and

colleagues of this fallen hero.”

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has

ordered U.S. and state flags be

flown at half-staff on all public

buildings and grounds throughout

Mahoning County, the Statehouse,

the Vern Riffe Center and

TROOPER NICHOLAS CAYTON

the Rhodes State Office Tower

until sunset on the day of Cayton’s

funeral.

The driver of the tractor-trailer

was flown to a hospital for

treatment but no information

was released on his condition.

The 35-year-old driver of the

Mack Granite was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.



AROUND THE COUNTRY

SAN DIEGO, CA.

Police Officer Lauren Craven was struck and killed while helping at the scene of a

vehicle collision on Interstate 8 near Waring Road.

Joanna Putman, Police1

SAN DIEGO — A La Mesa Police

Department officer died after

being struck by a car while responding

to another crash, CBS

8 reported.

The Oct. 20 incident began

when a vehicle traveling eastbound

on I-8 lost control, overturned

and came to rest in the

freeway lanes, according to the

report. The disabled vehicle was

then struck by another car.

La Mesa Police Officer Lauren

Craven, 25, encountered the

crash while returning to the city

from the San Diego Central Jail.

According to police, she stopped

to assist with the accident and

began taking a report when she

was struck by a separate oncoming

vehicle.

Craven and the driver involved

in the initial rollover were both

pronounced dead at the scene,

according to CHP Captain Reggie

Williams.

Craven had been with the La

Mesa Police Department since

February 2024 and was assigned

to the Patrol Division. In a statement,

the department expressed

its gratitude for the support of

regional law enforcement and

asked the community to keep

Craven’s family and colleagues in

their thoughts.

La Mesa Lt. Travis Higgins said

in a release.

"We ask that the La Mesa community

keep Officer Craven, her

family, and the La Mesa Police

Department in their thoughts

and prayers,"

The California Highway Patrol

OFFICER LAUREN CRAVEN

is leading the investigation. No

further details have been released

about the other drivers

involved.

Now open for walk-ins

https://youtu.be/l3eagb2w8kwWed-Sat 12pm - 8pm

“Let us bring your art to life!”

5306 Washington Ave

Houston, TX 77007

832-627-3729



AROUND THE COUNTRY

JACKSON CNTY, MS.

Deputy Sheriff Joshua Brashears was killed in a single-vehicle crash

on Highway 15 when his patrol car collided with horses.

STONE COUNTY, MS. (WLOX/

Gray News) - A Mississippi deputy

died from his injuries after

his cruiser collided with horses

early Friday morning, according

to authorities.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s

Department identified the deputy

as Joshua Brashears, 45. He had

been part of the Patrol Division

since joining the department in

2023.

Officials say Brashears was

driving home at 5:25 a.m. Friday

on Highway 15 when he came

upon several horses in the roadway

and hit them. The deputy

was taken to Biloxi Memorial

following the wreck, but he later

died from his injuries.

Jackson County Sheriff John

Ledbetter said it was a tragic

day for the department.

“This is definitely an unexpected

and tragic event for the

community and for the Jackson

County Sheriff’s Office and

especially the family of Deputy

Brashears,” Ledbetter said. “Our

condolences, our thoughts and

our prayers go out from the

sheriff’s office to their family.”

The sheriff’s department also

released the following statement

about the incident:

Deputy Brashears faithfully

served the residents of Jackson

County since joining the Sheriff’s

Office in 2023. He was assigned

to the Patrol Division where he

was respected by his peers and

the community for his professionalism,

dedication, and compassion.

Deputy Brashears was a valued

member of our law enforcement

family and a friend to many. We

are heartbroken by this sudden

loss and extend our deepest condolences,

thoughts and prayers

DEPUTY JOSHUA BRASHEARS

to his family. His commitment to

serving and protecting Jackson

County will never be forgotten.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol

is leading the investigation.

They have not yet said where the

horses came from.


By Jenna Curren

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A statement

sent to U.S. Border Patrol

agents that was obtained by

NewsNation states that border

patrol agents will stop using

body-worn cameras immediately

By

in

Matthew

all field operations.

Holloway,

Law

The announcement

Enforcement Today

comes

after

REVERE,

social

MA.

media

- An

posts

illegal

revealed

immigrant

how to identify

from

border

the Dominican

patrol

Republic

agents as

was

well

arrested

as Customs

for possession

and

Enforcement

of over

(ICE)

$1 million

agents.

worth

The

of

memo

fentanyl

stated,

and

"All

an

U.S.

AR-15

Border

rifle

on

Patrol

December

Agents

27

will

in

cease

a state

the

taxpayer-subsidized

use

of body-worn cameras

hotel room

(BWC)

of

Massachusetts’

in all operational

emergency

environments."

housing

The

program.

directive follows notification

"regarding

Leonardo

a

Andujar

potential

Sanchez,

security

28,

as

risk."

reported by Fox News, was

arrested

The statement

by the Revere

read, "Pending

completion

Police

Department and

of

was

investigation

arrested

on

and

firearm

risk mitigation,

charges, including

all Agents

an

alien

will stand

in possession

down the

of

use

a firearm,

of their

and

BWCs

for

[body-worn

possession of

cameras]

about 10

pounds

until further

of the

notice.

lethal

Additional

guidance and information

synthetic

drug.

will

According

be disseminated

to a press

as

release

it is

from

received."

Immigration

On the social

and Customs

media

platform Reddit,

Enforcement (ICE) Andujar

one user

Sanchez

claimed

is currently

that agents

in state

could

custody

be

identified

and is under

by using

an immigration

BLE Radar by

detainer.

F-Dorid. BLE Radar is a mobile

application

Enforcement

that

and

functions

Removal

by

Operations

scanning for

Boston

Bluetooth

acting

low-energy

devices

Field

Office Director

like

Patricia

phones,

H.

smartwatches,

Hyde

told reporters,

and speakers.

“Mr. Andujar

has

Other

been

social

accused

media

of serious

posts

crimes, and ERO Boston takes

stated that the devices can be

tracked from a distance of 100

yards or more and can trigger

improvised explosive device attacks.

Fox News reported that the

cameras used by border patrol

agents are Avon body cameras,

which the social media post

claims are devices BLE Radar and

can be detected.


AROUND THE COUNTRY

EL RINO, OK.

Sergeant Thomas Duran succumbed to his injuries in a hit-and-run

while at a traffic stop on Watts Street near Wilson Street in El Reno.

EL RINO, OK – Sergeant Thomas

Duran of the El Rino Police

Department, has succumbed

to his injuries in a hit-and-run

while at a traffic stop on Watts

Street near Wilson Street in El

Reno.

Shortly before 2:00 a.m. on

October 17, Sergeant Duran was

flagged down by a pedestrian.

While Sergeant Duran was on

the side of the road, talking to

the man, a car struck him and

kept driving. The man called for

assistance after moving Sergeant

Duran to safety.

Sergeant Duran was flown

to the University of Oklahoma

Health Center, and after several

days of intensive care, he

succumbed to his injuries. His

organs were donated after his

death.

The driver was arrested the

next day and charged with failure

to stop at an accident resulting

in great bodily injury and

assault and battery with a deadly

weapon.

Sergeant Duran had served

with the El Reno Police Department

for 14 years and previously

served with the Edmond Police

Department as a detention officer.

He is survived by his wife

and children.

The El Reno Police Department

said that funeral services for

Duran will be announced once

arrangements are finalized.

To donate to Sgt. Duran’s family,

cash, checks and gift cards

can be dropped off at the El

Reno Police Department (116 N.

Evans Avenue) or mailed to: PO

Box 1174 El Reno, OK 73036

In a statement, the Mayor of El

Reno, Steve Jensen said,

"It is with great sadness and

profound gratitude that we

honor the life and service of Sgt.

Thomas Duran. He was a man of

great faith and integrity—a powerful

example of what it means

to work heartily for the Lord.

Sgt. Duran made a tremendous

impact on the officers he served

alongside, as well as those he

SERGEANT THOMAS DURAN

encountered throughout our

community. El Reno was truly

blessed to have him serve our

city for 14 years."

"Please continue to pray for his

wife, Kirsten, his children, and

his family, as well as the officers

of the El Reno Police Department

and all those who have been impacted

by Sgt. Duran’s life."






AVAILABLE IN THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA

REMEMBER THE GOLD C COUPON BOOKS?

Those Are Long Gone, But Now There’s a New Way to Save...

THE FIRST RESPONDER DISCOUNT CARD

FIRST RESPONDERS SAVE MONEY EVERY DAY

RESTAURANTS • ENTERTAINMENT

SHOPPING • ASTROS TICKETS

* A Portion of the Profits from the sale of FIRST Cards are

donated to Texas Based Organizations that provide

assistance to families of fallen first responders

and first responders in need.

PURCHASE YOUR FIRST CARD

TODAY AT FRDCARD.COM

OR TAP, The CLICK BLUES OR SCAN- NOVEMBER ‘25 47

THE QR CODE.

AROUND THE COUNTRY

SAN BERNARDINO, CA.

Deputy Sheriff Andrew Nunez was shot and killed near a residence in

Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday, October 27th.

By Clara Harter

Los Angeles Times

SAN BERNARDINO, CA. — A person

suspected of fatally shooting

a San Bernardino County sheriff’s

deputy was deliberately knocked

off of his motorcycle by another

deputy while he was leading authorities

on a high-speed pursuit

on the 210 Freeway in Upland.

The deputy who was killed

Monday was identified as Andrew

Nunez, a six-year employee

of the department. He leaves

behind a 2-year-old daughter

and a pregnant wife, according

to Sheriff Shannon Dicus. The

suspect, who has not been identified,

is in stable condition at an

area hospital.

“We’re embedded in sorrow.

Unfortunately for our department,

this has happened way

too often,” Dicus said at a Monday

afternoon news conference.

“We’re going to do our very best

to do the most important thing

at this point, and that’s to make

sure that we bring the suspect

to justice and take good care of

that family.”

Nunez was shot while responding

to call of an armed

man threatening a woman in

Rancho Cucamonga. The incident

occurred in the 12300 block

of Hollyhock Drive at 12:37 p.m.,

according to the Sheriff’s Department.

He was airlifted to Arrowhead

Regional Medical Center

in Colton, where he was later

pronounced dead.

San Bernardino County Dist.

Atty. Jason Anderson said his

office planned to file charges

within the next two days.

Charges under consideration include

murder of a police officer

and domestic violence. Anderson

emphasized, however, that

this is a fluid situation and much

information still needs to be

reviewed.

Around 1:20 p.m. Monday ,

authorities began pursuing the

fleeing suspect as he barreled

down the 210 Freeway.

Dicus said the suspect was

traveling at speeds in excess of

150 mph and sometimes almost

200 mph. “You can imagine what

that could have done to unsuspecting

motorists on our freeway,”

he said.

At one point, the suspect nearly

collided with a pursuing California

Highway Patrol motorcycle

officer, according to helicopter

DEPUTY ANDREW NUNEZ

footage captured by KTLA.

At 1:35 p.m., an off-duty sheriff’s

deputy put himself on duty

and conducted a legal intervention,

hitting the suspect and

causing the motorcycle to crash,

Dicus said.

Helicopter footage shows

the man colliding with a black

sedan while traveling 70 miles

per hour, soaring over the handlebars

and landing on his back.

The injured suspect was loaded

onto a stretcher and transported

from the crash site on the 210 to

a hospital via helicopter.


The eastbound lanes of the

210 Freeway between Mountain

Avenue and Campus Avenue are

currently closed as a result of

the accident, according to the

California Highway Patrol.

Dicus said that the department

was working to identify and interview

the suspect and that he

anticipated releasing his name

to the public within the next 24

hours.

The Sheriff’s Department

released a statement Monday

evening honoring Nunez’s service

and extending condolences

to his family, friends and fellow

deputies.

“Deputy Nunez served with

unwavering commitment, courage,

and deep compassion for

the community he vowed to

protect,” stated the department.

“His bravery and sacrifice reflect

a life dedicated to safeguarding

others, even at the greatest cost.

Such devotion will remain forever

etched in our hearts.”

Nunez’s death was met with an

outpouring of grief from elected

officials and first responders.

“My prayers are with his wife,

young daughter, and family,” said

Assemblymember Tom Lackey

(R- Palmdale ) in a statement.

“His courage and dedication to

protecting others will never be

forgotten.”

A memorial procession for the

slain deputy began around 6:30

p.m. as scores of law enforcement

personnel gathered outside

Arrowhead Regional Medical

Center to salute Nunez’s body

as it was carried outside of the

building. A motorcade then escorted

the body from the medical

center to the San Bernardino

County coroner’s office.














OR TAP, CLICK OR SCAN

THE QR CODE.


AROUND THE COUNTRY

MIAMI BEACH, FL.

Police Officer David Cajuso was killed in a motorcycle crash on

Interstate 75 near Miami on October 28th.

By David Goodhue and Devoun

Cetoute, Miami Herald

MIAMI BEACH, FL. — A Miami

Beach officer died after police

say he crashed his motorcycle

on the Interstate 75 extension

near Hialeah late Tuesday

morning.

The crash happened around

11:30 a.m. near the Northwest

138th Street exit, the Miami

Beach Police Department said.

Miami Beach Police Chief

Wayne Jones identified the

officer at a press conference

Tuesday afternoon as

33-year-old David Cajuso. The

10-year-veteran leaves behind

three young children, ages

2, 3 and 5 and a wife, Jones

said.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told

the Herald that paramedics

airlifted Cajuso to Ryder Trauma

Center at Jackson Memorial

Hospital.

Hundreds of police officers

and firefighters from different

South Florida law-enforcement

agencies flanked the

entrance to Ryder Trauma

Center on Tuesday afternoon.

“I am humbled by all the

other officers who came here

from other organizations who

came here to show support

for David and his family and

for the Miami Beach Police Department,”

Jones said.

OFFICER DAVID CAJUSO

The Florida Highway Patrol

is investigating the crash.















OR TAP, The CLICK BLUES OR SCAN- NOVEMBER ‘25 51

THE QR CODE.

AROUND THE COUNTRY

BOSTON, MA.

ICE arrested more than 1,400 illegal aliens in Massachusetts during

Patriot 2.0, including murderers, rapists, drug traffickers, child sex

predators and members of violent transnational criminal gangs.

BOSTON — ICE and federal law

enforcement partners apprehended

more than 1,400 illegal

aliens during a weeks-long immigration

enforcement operation

focusing on transnational organized

crime, gangs and egregious

illegal alien offenders throughout

the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

During the surge operation

Patriot 2.0, officers from

ICE Enforcement and Removal

Operations Boston and ICE Homeland

Security Investigations New

England joined forces with partners

from the FBI; U.S. Customs

and Border Protection; the Bureau

of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms

and Explosives; the DEA; the U.S.

Department of State’s Diplomatic

Security Service and the U.S.

Marshals Service to arrest an

astounding 1,406 illegal alien offenders

from Sept. 4 to Sept. 30.

“Patriot 2.0 exposed the grave

consequences of sanctuary policies

and the urgent need for local

leaders to prioritize their constituents’

safety over politics,” said

acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons.

“Every illegal alien we arrested

during the operation was breaking

U.S. immigration law, and

hundreds were violent criminals

who should

never have

been allowed

to roam freely

in our communities.

Local

law enforcement

agencies

released

them instead

of handing

them over to

us in a secure

environment,

and this puts

neighborhoods,

law

enforcement

officers and

illegal aliens at

risk. Local politicians are responsible

for protecting their constituents,

so they need to step up

and end irresponsible sanctuary

policies.”

More than 600 illegal aliens

arrested had significant criminal

convictions or pending criminal

charges for crimes committed in

the United States or were known

foreign fugitives. Throughout

the duration of Operation Patriot

2.0, ICE and its federal law

enforcement partners targeted

egregious criminal alien offenders,

including transnational

criminal organizations known

to operate in and around Boston

and throughout Massachusetts.

These organizations include the

notorious MS-13, Tren de Aragua,

Trinitarios and 18th Street gangs.

Six of those arrested were documented

members of transnational

criminal gangs while several

others were gang associates.

ICE and its federal law enforcement

partners prosecuted


numerous targets who had

foreign arrest warrants and

Interpol Red Notices, apprehending

criminal alien offenders

wanted by authorities

in several foreign countries.

Three of those arrested were

known or suspected terrorists.

"The results of Operation

Patriot 2.0 make one thing

clear: Violent criminals who

threaten the safety of our

communities will be held

accountable. In close partnership

with our federal law

enforcement colleagues, we

have helped arrest dangerous

criminals — including

murderers, gang members,

rapists, sex offenders and

drug traffickers — who have

no place in our communities.

The U.S. Marshals Service

will continue to enforce the

law to protect the people

of Massachusetts and our

nation, said District of Mas-






AROUND THE COUNTRY

SAG HARBOR, NY.

Former CNN host Don Lemon is urging “black and brown people”

to buy guns and arm themselves as the Trump administration cracks

down on illegal immigration.

By Taylor Herzlich

NEW YORK POST

Former CNN host Don Lemon is

urging “black and brown people”

to buy guns and arm themselves

as the Trump administration

cracks down on illegal immigration.

During a recent podcast appearance,

he advised “people

who are here legally” to invoke

their Second Amendment right.

“Get a license to carry legally

because when you have people

knocking on your door and taking

you away without due process

as a citizen, isn’t that what

the Second Amendment was

written for?” Lemon said last

week on writer Wajahat Ali’s

“The Left Hook.”

“I’m tired of all the mealy

mouth. I’m tired of playing nice.

I’m tired of people saying turn

the other cheek. That’s what got

us into this position in the first

place,” he continued.

Lemon pushed “black households”

and “brown people of

all stripes, whether you’re an

Indian-American or a Mexican-American”

to buy a gun,

keep it in a safe place and teach

their kids about gun safety.

“I am not condoning or promoting

violence,” Lemon opined.

“Here’s what I’m saying to black

and brown people, to Mexican

people, to people who are here

legally and who can go and buy

a gun legally and have a license

to carry legally. Go do it. Why

not?”

He also accused right-wingers

of hypocrisy when it comes to

their Second Amendment rights.

The former CNN host – who

was fired after 17 years at the

network following accusations

of workplace misogyny said

“The folks on the right say it all

the time … ‘Second Amendment,

I get to carry my gun!’” Lemon

said. “But the moment you [Ali]

and I say it, because, you know, a

black and a brown brother – it’s

like, ‘Oh my gosh! What are they

saying?'”

Lemon also argued that immigrants

who cross the border

illegally are “nowhere near”

the highest level of criminality,

pointing instead to President

Trump’s 2024 conviction for

falsifying business records in the

historic Manhattan hush-money

case.

“We have degrees of criminality

in this country, and what

Donald Trump did is at the highest

level of criminality, except

for taking someone’s life,” Lemon

said. “Someone who is crossing

the border is nowhere near that.”



AROUND THE COUNTRY

HANOVER PARK, IL.

ICE arrests Hanover Park Police Officer Radule Bojovic accused of

living in the U.S. illegally for 10 years.

By Joanna Putman, Police1

HANOVER PARK, Ill. — An Illinois

police officer was arrested

by U.S. Immigration and Customs

Enforcement officers, accused of

living in the United States unlawfully

for nearly a decade, CNN

reported.

Radule Bojovic, a Hanover Park

police officer and native of Montenegro,

was taken into custody

during a targeted immigration

enforcement operation on Oct.

16, according to the Department

of Homeland Security. Officials

allege Bojovic overstayed a tourist

visa that expired in 2015.

“Radule Bojovic violated our

nation’s laws and was living

illegally in the United States for

10 years — what kind of police

department gives criminal

illegal aliens badges and guns?”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia

McLaughlin stated.

McLaughlin added that it is a

felony for undocumented immigrants

to possess firearms,

and called Bojovic “a law enforcement

officer who is actively

breaking the law.”

Bojovic recently graduated

from the Suburban Law Enforcement

Academy and had started a

15-week field training program,

according to a Hanover Park Police

Department Facebook post

in August.

Village officials defended the

hiring process. At a municipal

meeting Thursday evening, Hanover

Park Mayor Rodney Craig

said Bojovic was legally authorized

to work in the U.S. at the

time of his hiring and passed

background checks conducted by

the FBI and Illinois State Police.

“If Officer Bojovic did not hold

federal work authorization, he

would not have been hired,”

Craig said.

Craig added that the village

will monitor Bojovic’s immigration

proceedings and that, if he

is ultimately allowed to remain

in the U.S. and retain legal work

status, he will be reinstated to

full duty.

Neither Bojovic nor his attorney,

if he has one, has publicly

commented on the arrest. ICE

has not disclosed whether formal

removal proceedings have

begun.



AROUND THE COUNTRY

ASHEVILLE, N.C.

Is 65 too old to be a police recruit? Not for former TV actor Jerry

O'Donnell and future North Carolina cop.

By John Boyle

The Asheville Watchdog

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — At an age

when most men are pondering

Medicare options and recliner

choices, Jerry O’Donnell is navigating

uphill garage runs filled

with gut-busting push-ups and

burpee breaks.

Hey, he’s got to hang with the

kids, who happen to mostly be

about four decades his junior.

You see, at age 65, O’Donnell has

decided to become an Asheville

Police Department cop, and the

physical training, or PT, is no

joke.

“When we do PT, we go on

these runs in the parking garage

— you run up, run down, run the

parking garage,” O’Donnell said.

“And then you do exercises — 15

air squats, run up another level.

Do 50 push ups, run up another

level. Do 50 burpees.”

You get the picture. It’s not

what most 65-year-olds are doing

in retirement.

But O’Donnell, who has had a

successful 40-year acting career,

is just built different. He’s played

a lot of cops over that four-decade

acting career, but soon he’ll

be doing it for real, assuming he

passes all the tests, both physical

and on paper.

“I always think when you slide

into home at the end of your

life, you want to be all used up,”

O’Donnell said, sitting in a training

room at APD’s downtown

headquarters. “You know — dirty,

scarred up, a little bloody, and

spent.”

O’Donnell moved from Los Angeles

to Asheville five years ago

with his wife, Alison Crowley, 61.

A native of Brooklyn who spent

four years in the U.S. Army’s 82nd

Airborne Division, O’Donnell has

had guest starring spots and

recurring roles in dozens of television

shows, including “Dexter,”

“Mad Men,” “Bosch,” “Seal Team,”

“Without a Trace,” “N.Y.P.D.

Blue,” and “JAG.”

“I feel blessed and grateful

to still have some ability, so

you know, that’s like a sense of

purpose — to be of service,” he

said.

O’Donnell and his fellow cadets

are about halfway through

Basic Law Enforcement Training

(BLET). They take their state test

in mid-January and, assuming

they pass, will graduate on Jan.

30 and be sworn in sometime in

March.

But after that comes a month

of post-BLET training and three

rounds of field training. In all, it

takes about a year to become a

full-fledged APD officer.



AROUND THE COUNTRY

KEMAH, TX.

At 7-foot-3, Kemah PD's newest recruit Jordan Wilmore left his

pro basketball career behind to pursue his true passion, policing.

By Steve Hartma, CBS News

Kemah, Texas — At 7-foot-3,

Jordan Wilmore has always had

lofty goals, but ones that he kept

mostly to himself.

"It was hard for me to share,

like, my dreams or, you know,

the stuff I wanted to do growing

up because it was, 'Well, you

just got to focus on basketball

because it can make you millions,'"

the 24-year-old Wilmore

explained to CBS News.

So for years, he did focus on

basketball, like his friends and

family insisted.

A Memphis, Tennessee, native,

he played college basketball at

Missouri, Northwestern State and

Austin Peay State University. He

then played professionally overseas,

with his last stop in the

Philippines last year.

Ever since he first hit his head

on a door jamb, people have

been telling Wilmore he should

play professional basketball. But

other people can't dictate your

dreams — and basketball was

never his passion.

"I've always liked to help other

people," Wilmore said. "That's

just who I am. I would do anything

to help out whoever I can.

There is nothing really else I

want to do."

Which is why Wilmore is now,

almost certainly, America's

tallest police recruit. Once he

graduates from the police academy,

he'll go to work in Kemah,

Texas, located just southeast of

Houston, where Kemah Police

Chief Raymond Garivey is already

preparing for his arrival.

Garivey has been scouring

the country for a uniform big

enough, and a cruiser that won't

crush him.

"Knees are touching the dash,"

Garivey said after Wilmore

climbed into one particular police

cruiser. "It's very, very tight."

But Garivey says he's willing to

make any accommodation necessary

for an officer this dedicated.

"He wants to serve," Garivey

said. "He truly wants to make

a difference. I'm proud that he

chose the thin, blue line."

Wilmore says that if he received

a phone call from an

NBA team, he'd turn it down, he

wouldn't even think about it.

Said Wilmore, "No, I stay here."



AROUND THE COUNTRY

HIAWASSEE, GA.

A north Georgia sheriff has been suspended for 60 days by Gov.

Brian Kemp over a physical confrontation with a local police officer.

By Tim Darnell

HIAWASSEE, GA. - A north

Georgia sheriff has been suspended

for 60 days by Gov.

Brian Kemp over a physical

confrontation with a local police

officer.

Towns County Sheriff Kenneth

Henderson’s suspension

stems from an incident between

him and Hiawassee

Police Officer José Carvajal.

The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association

sent a letter to Kemp, requesting

the governor appoint

a committee “of two sheriffs

and the Attorney General to

investigate” Henderson’s “apparent

misconduct,” a “high

degree of unprofessionalism

and possible criminal behavior

which occurred in December

of 2024.”

State records are shedding

light on a Richmond County

deputy who was terminated

and charged in connection

with a criminal investigation.

A special prosecutor has

also been appointed to investigate

Henderson. The Prosecuting

Attorney’s Council

of Georgia appointed Frank

Wood, district attorney for the

Appalachian Judicial Circuit,

to lead the investigation into

Henderson.

Carvajal, a combat veteran

who served in both the U.S.

Navy and Army, was responding

to a shooting outside his

jurisdiction to help Deputy

Austin Bradburn, who had

been shot in the leg.

The teenager accused of

killing two teachers and two

students at Apalachee High

School is set for a court hearing

Wednesday.

Carvajal used his military

training to direct the use of a

tourniquet to stop the bleeding

and called in a description

of the suspect.

The confrontation began

when Henderson arrived at the

scene and questioned Carvajal

about handling the deputy’s

gun.

In the chaos of providing aid,

Carvajal accidentally picked

up the deputy’s weapon instead

of his own. Carvajal can

be seen on video putting the

gun back in the holster, but

other emergency personnel

on scene told him to take the


gun.

Carvajal then secured it in

his waistband once he realized

it was evidence.

When Carvajal said he

wouldn’t touch the gun again

until the Georgia Bureau of

Investigation arrived, Henderson

became increasingly

agitated. The situation escalated

when Carvajal walked

away, telling the sheriff to

“get away from me.”

Multiple deputies captured

on body camera expressed

shock and dismay at their

sheriff’s actions. Some held

their boss back during the

altercation.

Georgia law allows the

governor to call for an investigation

that could lead to a

sheriff’s suspension, removal,

or prosecution. Kemp has

appointed Attorney General

Chris Carr, Coweta County

Sheriff Lenn Wood, and Newton

County Sheriff Ezell Brown

to Henderson’s investigative

committee.


AROUND THE COUNTRY

HIGHWAYS ACROSS AMERICA

Another illegal immigrant trucker has killed 3 people in Southern

California. Earlier this year an Illegal immigrant killed 3 people in

Florida, all thanks to the Biden administration.

By Jasmine Baehr,

Bill Melugin Fox News

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

A 21-year-old illegal immigrant

from India who crossed

the southern border in 2022

and was released by the Biden

administration is now accused

of causing a fiery semi-truck

crash that killed three people

in Southern California, multiple

federal law enforcement sources

tell Fox News.

According to federal sources,

the suspect, identified as

Jashanpreet Singh, was first

encountered by Border Patrol

agents in California's El Centro

Sector in March 2022 and released

into the interior of the

country pending an immigration

hearing.

Singh has now been arrested

on suspicion of gross vehicular

manslaughter while intoxicated

after plowing his big rig

into slow-moving traffic on the

I-10 Freeway in San Bernardino

County.

The crash, caught on dashcam

video, left at least three people

dead and several injured.

Police say Singh never hit the

brakes before slamming into

the traffic jam, citing toxicology

tests that confirmed impairment.

DHS sources confirm he is not

in lawful immigration status and

that ICE has lodged an immigration

detainer following his

arrest.

Singh was released under the

Biden administration’s 2022

"alternatives to detention" policy,

one of several instances Fox

CLICK TO WATCH

News has documented where

illegal immigrants released

pending hearings went on to

commit a crime.

The incident is the latest involving

illegal immigrant truck

drivers in the U.S.

Harjinder Singh, who crossed

the southern border illegally in

2018, obtained a commercial

driver's license in California and

is accused of causing a crash in

August in Fort Pierce, Florida,

that killed three people.


CLICK TO WATCH

FORT PIERCE FLORIDA

An illegal immigrant truck

driver who caused a crash in

Fort Pierce, Florida, that killed

three people failed English and

road sign tests, officials investigating

the wreck said.

Harjinder Singh, who crossed

into the United States illegally

in 2018 via the southern border,

obtained a commercial driver's

license in California. He attempted

to obtain work authorization,

but it was rejected by

the first Trump administration

on Sept. 14, 2020, according to

Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland

Security assistant secretary for

public affairs.

"During [Federal Motor Carrier

Safety Administration's] interview

with the driver, investigators

administered an English

Language Proficiency (ELP)

assessment in accordance with

FMCSA guidance," the Department

of Transportation said in a

statement. "The driver failed the

assessment, providing correct

responses to just 2 of 12 verbal

questions and only accurately

identifying 1 of 4 highway traffic

signs."

Singh was charged with three

counts of vehicular homicide.

and arrested in Stockton, California.

According to the DOT, Singh

was issued a regular full-term

commercial driver’s license in

the state of Washington in July

2023, but illegal immigrants are

not allowed to obtain this type

of license.

A year later, Singh was issued

a limited-term/non-domiciled

commercial driver's license in

California. The DOT is investigating

further whether the issuance

of that license followed

federal regulations.

On July 3, the New Mexico

State Police pulled Singh over

and conducted a roadside inspection

of him. He was given a

speeding ticket, but not subjected

to an English language proficiency

test, which was required

by law beginning on June 25.

Singh allegedly made a U-turn

in an unauthorized area on the

Florida Turnpike, causing his

truck to jackknife and collide

with a minivan. The three occupants

of the minivan died in the

crash.

The crash sparked a bitter

spat between the office of California

Democratic Gov. Gavin

Newsom and McLaughlin, as

Newsom's office tried to wriggle

its way out of responsibility

for Singh's work permit.

Singh was in the United States

illegally and his work authorization

was rejected under the

Trump Administration on September

14, 2020. It was later

approved under the Biden Administration

June 9, 2021. The

state of California issues Commercial

Drivers Licenses. There

is no national CDL."


AROUND THE COUNTRY

ACROSS THE US

The Latest Breaking News as we go LIVE.

MAN STRIKES OFF-DUTY

WIS. OFFICER WITH GUN,

POINTS IT AT HIM BEFORE FA-

TAL OIS


MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee

Police Department released

video footage showing a man

pistol-whipping an officer who

was driving to work, prompting

a fatal officer-involved shooting,

the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

reported.

The incident occurred the

morning of Oct. 9 when the officer

and the man were involved

in a traffic dispute, according to

the report. While approaching a

construction zone that required

merging into a single lane, the

man maneuvered his vehicle

into the officer’s lane without

signaling, the officer’s personal

dashcam footage shows. Neither

driver yields, and the vehicles

collide.

The footage then shows both

vehicles pulling over several

yards ahead. The man exits his

car with his hand in his jacket

pocket. The officer, not in uniform,

also steps out. They meet

at the front of the vehicles,

where the man appears to accuse

the officer of hitting his car.

CLICK TO WATCH

Moments later, the man is seen

pulling a firearm from his pocket

and striking the officer in the

face before pointing the weapon

at him. The officer responds

by firing several shots from his

duty weapon, according to the

department. The man stumbles

to the front of his vehicle, briefly

reemerges, and the officer fires

again before identifying himself

as law enforcement. The man

died at the scene.

It is unclear in the video if the

suspect fired any shots. Police

Chief Jeffrey Norman previously

said there was an exchange of

gunfire.

Per department policy, footage

of police shootings is typically

shown to the family of those

involved within 48 hours and

released to the public within

15 days. However, officials opted

to release the video early in

response to widespread misinformation

on social media, according

to the report. The man’s

family and their attorney supported

the decision, stating the

video showed the officer acted in

self-defense.

“The [family] has seen the

truth for themselves …” Attorney

B’Ivory LaMarr said in a statement.

“They are choosing truth

over rumor — transparency over

division.”

The West Allis Police Department

is leading the investigation.


CARTELS OFFERING UP TO

$50K BOUNTIES TO HARM OR

KILL ICE, CBP OFFICERS


WASHINGTON — Mexican drug

cartels have reportedly launched

a structured bounty system

targeting U.S. Immigration and

Customs Enforcement (ICE) and

Customs and Border Protection

(CBP) personnel, according to

the Department of Homeland

Security (DHS).

DHS said criminal networks are

offering payments ranging from

$2,000 for intelligence gathering

to as much as $50,000 for the

assassination of senior federal

officials. The announcement

follows federal charges filed

two weeks ago against a member

of the Chicago-based Latin

Kings gang, accused of placing

a bounty on a CBP commander

overseeing operations in Los Angeles,

Chicago and Portland.

“These criminal networks are

not just resisting the rule of law,

they are waging an organized

campaign of terror against the

brave men and women who protect

our borders and communities,”

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

stated.

According to DHS, cartels have

disseminated a “structured

bounty program” offering:

• $2,000 for doxing and surveillance

of ICE/CBP officers,

• $5,000 to $10,000 for non-lethal

assaults or kidnappings, and

• Up to $50,000 for assassinations

of high-ranking officials.

Cartel-affiliated gangs, including

the Latin Kings, are said

to have deployed armed “spotters”

with radios to monitor and

report the movements of federal

agents in real time, according to

DHS.

DHS maintains that threats

against federal officers are

escalating in both scale and

sophistication, with incidents

including drone surveillance,

ambush attempts and explicit

death threats. The agency has

not disclosed operational changes

but said it remains committed

to protecting its personnel and

enforcing federal immigration

laws.

TEXAS NURSE FIRED AF-

TER TELLING OFFICERS ‘I’LL

LET YOU DIE’ IF THEY WERE

TREATED AT HER HOSPITAL


MAGNOLIA, TX — A Houston

ICU nurse has been fired following

a DWI arrest in which she

told Magnolia police officers she

would let them die if they ever

became patients at her hospital,

KTRK reported.

The woman was terminated

by Memorial Hermann Greater

Heights Hospital shortly after her

Oct. 11 arrest, according to the

report. The hospital said she was

suspended immediately pending

an investigation and then fired.

In-car video released to Police1

by Magnolia police shows the

woman, seated in the back of a

patrol car, identifying herself as

a nurse and threatening officers.

“I’m a [expletive] nurse, and

when you come through my hospital,

don’t worry, I’ll let you die.”

She later added, “All your

family members,” before asking

if she was being recorded.

When asked the reason for her

animosity toward him, the woman

told the officer he “you’re not

that great of a person.”

Officers say the woman was

pulled over just after midnight

speeding. According to the police

report, she took 40 seconds to

stop, ran a red light and hit a

piece of concrete. Officers noted

signs of intoxication, including

bloodshot eyes, slurred speech

and difficulty maintaining balance

during a sobriety test. She

admitted to having two drinks

at a concert and blamed her

unsteadiness on a recent eye

injection.

“This is so dumb,” the woman

can be heard saying. “This is

hilarious because I’m literally

going to get out of this because

I literally have a health condition

and it’s f***ing funny. You’re gonna

be so embarrassed. And I’m

also white.”


When the officer asked about

the last point, she accused him

of being racist.

“Can you please explain that

to me?” the officer said.

While en route to the Montgomery

County Jail, the woman

made further inappropriate

comments, including targeting

one officer’s accent and referencing

immigration enforcement.

“You can’t speak straight

because you have an accent

from another country,” she said,

later adding, “That’s because ICE

hasn’t picked you up yet.”

She also stated she had “family”

that worked for Montgomery

County when she learned

that was the jail she was being

transported to.

The woman told officers she

had worked in the ICU for seven

years.

“The safety and privacy of our

patients, visitors and workforce

are our top priority, and we take

such matters very seriously,”

Memorial Hermann stated.

The woman was charged with

DWI and has since been released

on bond.

PIERCE COUNTY DEPUTIES

USE PIT MANEUVERS TO STOP

STOLEN BOX TRUCK, RESCUE

SUSPECTS AFTER CRASH


BONNEY LAKE, WA. — A highspeed

pursuit involving a stolen

box truck ended with deputies

rescuing two trapped suspects

from the smoking vehicle after

it crashed off the road following

a successful PIT maneuver,

according to the Pierce County

Sheriff’s Department.

CLICK TO WATCH

According to the department,

the incident began on Oct. 12

when deputies from the Foothills

Detachment attempted a traffic

stop on a stolen box truck.

The driver fled, leading deputies

on a pursuit through the

Bonney Lake area. Deputies used

multiple PIT maneuvers to bring

the truck to a stop. After the

truck left the roadway, deputies

found both male suspects

trapped inside the cab and called

the fire department for assistance.

As smoke began to rise from

the vehicle, deputies acted

quickly, breaking through the

front windshield to create an

escape route. The suspects

crawled through the opening

and were taken into custody

without further incident. Both

were moved to a safe distance

from the truck, and fire crews

responded to provide medical

treatment, the department said.

The 42-year-old driver was

transported to a hospital,

cleared for minor injuries and

booked into the Pierce County

Jail on charges of possession

of stolen property, attempting

to elude law enforcement and

assault on police officers. The

38-year-old passenger was also

treated for non-life-threatening

injuries and released for follow-up

medical care.

The truck was towed from the

scene, and no deputies were reported

injured.

CALIFORNIA SHERIFF RE-

MOVED FROM OFFICE AFTER

CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION

By Ryan Macasero

Bay Area News Group

SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. —

Capping nearly a year of turmoil

over allegations of corruption,

retaliation and abuse of power,

the San Mateo County Board of

Supervisors voted unanimously

Tuesday morning to remove

Sheriff Christina Corpus from

office effective immediately. Undersheriff

Dan Perea will carry

out Corpus’ duties until a replacement

is named or voted on.

Corpus, elected in 2022 as the

county’s first Latina sheriff, is

now the first sheriff in California

to be removed by a county board

of supervisors. The removal was

made possible by Measure A, a

voter-approved charter amendment

passed in March that allows

supervisors to oust a sheriff

for cause with a four-fifths vote

through 2028, the end of Corpus’

elected term.


The vote followed months of

investigations, a special election,

and escalating tensions between

Corpus and county officials. It

came after retired Santa Clara

County Superior Court Judge

James Emerson released his

42-page advisory opinion last

week, finding that Corpus violated

conflict-of-interest laws and

retaliated against deputies who

challenged her authority.

“This has been a transparent

process that has been fair to the

sheriff,” Board President David

Canepa said prior to Tuesday’s

vote. “This is what the voters

have asked us to do and the

decision they have been waiting

for.”

In his advisory opinion, Emerson

sustained four charges on

three issues while dismissing

more than a dozen others, most

tied to retaliation complaints

from employees who opposed

her leadership.

One charge involved Corpus’

relationship — whether romantic

or not — with former chief

of staff Victor Aenlle. Emerson

said it constituted a conflict of

interest because she reportedly

created a position for him and

sought a pay increase for which

he was allegedly unqualified.

The other two charges involved

personnel actions. Emerson

found the reassignment of Capt.

Brian Philip from the Professional

Standards Bureau to corrections

retaliatory. He also found

that the arrest and reported

retaliation against Deputy Sheriffs

Association President Carlos

Tapia lacked probable cause.

Corpus has disputed the findings,

saying her decisions were

lawful, her transfers were routine

staffing rotations based on

office policy, and not retaliatory.

She denied any romantic relationship

with Aenlle, defended

hiring him as a trusted adviser,

and said Tapia’s arrest was justified

by a timecard-fraud complaint.

In a statement at Tuesday’s

meeting, Corpus denounced the

proceedings as “unconstitutional,

corrupt and fundamentally

unfair,” saying the board “wrote

the rules, conducted the investigation

and will now act as

judge, jury and executioner.” She

warned that allowing the process

to stand could expose other

sheriffs to political retaliation.


Wed-Sat 12pm - 8pm

https://youtu.be/l3eagb2w8kw

5306 Washington Ave

Houston, TX 77007

832-627-3729



HAMMER-WIELDING MAN

APPROACHES N.M. OFFICER IN

CHILI’S PARKING LOT BEFORE

FATAL OIS


LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Las Cruces

police released body camera

footage from a fatal officer-involved

shooting of a man who

advanced toward an officer

while armed with a hammer

outside a Chili’s, KFOX 14 reported.

The Oct. 9 incident began

around in the restaurant parking

lot, according to the report.

Multiple 911 callers reported a

man with a hammer and a knife

threatening customers.

In the bodycam video, the

responding officer initially approaches

the restaurant but redirects

upon locating the suspect

in the parked car. The suspect is

seen sitting behind the wheel,

music playing, with his car windows

down.

When asked to exit the vehicle,

the suspect retrieves a

claw hammer and steps out.

The officer draws his firearm

and repeatedly commands the

suspect to stop and raise his

hands. The suspect continues to

walk toward the officer despite

the warnings. After the suspect

closes a distance of roughly 60

feet, the officer fires three shots,

striking him in the chest.

After the man collapses, the

officer calls for help and begins

administering medical aid.

Additional officers arrive soon

after, but the suspect was pronounced

dead at the scene. No

other injuries were reported.

Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy

Story, who presented the video

at a press conference, said the

man had a documented history

of mental illness and prior

non-criminal encounters with

police, including welfare checks

and reports of erratic behavior.

On the day of the shooting, he

reportedly visited a local gun

store asking for the cheapest

firearm available, though he

made no purchase.

After the shooting, officers recovered

a knife in addition to the

hammer.

An investigation into the incident

is ongoing, according to the

report.

WEST PALM BEACH OFFI-

CER SHOT BY FRIENDLY FIRE

DURING SHOOTOUT WITH

SUSPECT

By Angie DiMichele

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. — A

West Palm Beach Police officer

accidentally shot another officer

while responding to a 911 call

that ended up with a shootout

between them and a suspect, a

police department review has

found.

Officer Cristian Caraballo and

a second officer identified in a

probable cause affidavit only

as Officer Ballard arrived at a

CLICK TO WATCH

home in the 300 block of Baker

Drive about 2 a.m. Oct. 7 after a

woman called about two men —

one armed — fighting inside the

home.

Caraballo took out his rifle as

he approached the home, with

Ballard following behind him,

and shouted for anyone outside

to show themselves, according to

the affidavit. Emmanuel Keevon

Dashan McRae, 22, one of the

men who had been fighting, then

shot toward the officers at least

10 times, the affidavit said.

Ballard and Caraballo both

then shot back toward McRae,

according to the affidavit. A total

of 22 gunshots in two separate

rounds were recorded by the

gunshot-detection technology

ShotSpotter, the affidavit said.

Moments later, Caraballo told

Ballard and dispatchers that he

was shot and could feel he was

bleeding, the affidavit said. He

was shot in the lower back area

of his ballistic vest.

McRae ran away from the

scene but turned himself in later

the same night.

A day after the shooting, the

police department in a statement

said it was “premature” to

determine who shot the officer.



The vest was examined and the

bullet was submitted to a crime

lab for analysis.

Rachel Leitao, a spokesperson

for the police department, said

in a statement Tuesday afternoon

that the forensic review

determined Caraballo was unintentionally

shot by an officer.

The statement did not identify

the officer who shot him, provide

the officer’s current status or say

whether an internal investigation

is underway.

The two charges McRae is

facing, attempted first-degree

murder with a firearm of a law

enforcement officer, have not

changed, court records show.

Caraballo was taken to a hospital

after the shooting and had

been released later the same

day, the police department previously

said.

MISSOURI EXECUTES MAN

WHO FATALLY AMBUSHED

TROOPER OUTSIDE HIS HOME

IN 2005

By Juan A. Lozano and John

O’Connor, Associated Press

BONNE TERRE, Mo. — A Missouri

man was executed Tuesday

for the fatal shooting of a state

trooper more than 20 years ago.

Lance Shockley, 48, was pronounced

dead at 6:13 p.m. following

a lethal injection at the

state prison in Bonne Terre.

Shockley was convicted of killing

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham Jr. in

March 2005. Prosecutors said he

waited for hours near Graham’s

home in Van Buren, in southeast

Missouri, and shot him with a rifle

and shotgun after the trooper

exited his patrol vehicle.

Shockley’s execution was one

of two in the country Tuesday.

Samuel Lee Smithers, 72, died by

lethal injection in Florida for the

killings of two women whose

bodies were found in a rural

pond in 1996.

In the death chamber, Shockley’s

head was elevated on a

pillow, and he raised his head off

the pillow and communicated

with loved ones in the witness

room to his left. A woman there

appeared to try to carry on a

detailed conversation with him

from his soundproof room.

After about 90 seconds, he laid

his head back on the pillow and

appeared to stop talking.

There were seven witnesses

present for Shockley, 12 for

Graham and 13 for the state. The

woman who was communicating

with him dropped her head

and stopped motioning after he

laid his head back. At least two

women wiped tears from the

eyes, and other witnesses largely

sat stoic and expressionless.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE RESPOND

TO WORKPLACE SAFETY CITA-

TIONS AFTER LEO’S DEATH

By Rosalio Ahumada

The Sacramento Bee

MARYSVILLE, Calif. — City and

sheriff’s officials responded after

California’s workplace safety

agency issued citations in regard

to the shooting death of

Marysville Police Officer Osmar

Rodarte, who was killed seven

months ago while serving

search warrants as part of a

multi-agency investigation into a

drug trafficking ring.

The city of Marysville, which

will appeal the state citations,

said its police officers undergo

training to maximize effectiveness

and safety. The Yuba County

Sheriff’s Office had a more

strongly worded response, calling

the state citations “unprecedented

and unfounded.”

“Following this tragic incident,

many very experienced, highly

trained Law Enforcement investigators

spent countless hours

looking into all facets of the

incident, including tactics, equipment,

planning and training,”

the Sheriff’s Office news release

said, in part. “California Law Enforcement

agencies should take

notice of this case as it sets a

dangerous precedent for unfocused

oversight by a state entity

that has little to no knowledge in

regard to public safety and law

enforcement.”

The California Division of Occupational

Safety and Health, or

Cal-OSHA, issued the citations in

regard to the law enforcement

operation in which Rodarte was

killed in an exchange of gunfire

with suspect Rick David Oliver,

who also died in the March 26

shootout at his Olivehurst home

in the 1700 block of Kestrel

Court.

The Sacramento Bee on Friday

obtained copies of the citations

from the California Department

of Industrial Relations, which

oversees Cal-OSHA. The citations

proposed a total of more than

$153,000 in penalties against the

Marysville Police Department.

The Cal-OSHA citations included

inappropriate body armor

that didn’t fit correctly and didn’t

protect against gunshot wounds

to the abdomen; failure to establish

effective SWAT entry

training; failure to provide ballistic

shields; failure to react to

concerns raised by officers about


how the operation was being

conducted; and failure to arrange

proper rescue or medical

response.

CLICK TO WATCH

DRIVER ACCELERATES VEHI-

CLE DURING STRUGGLE WITH

LA. TROOPER BEFORE FATAL OIS


ASCENSION PARISH, La. — Louisiana

State Police have released

video footage and new information

about a Sept. 30 traffic stop

that led to a fatal officer-involved

shooting, WAFB reported.

The incident occurred after a

state trooper initiated a traffic

stop on an SUV for a burned-out

taillight, according to the report.

In the body camera and dashcam

footage, released on Oct.

10, the driver can be seen getting

out of the car and walking

to speak with the trooper. The

trooper informs the driver of the

broken taillight.

The driver, who appeared to

be cooperative and respectful

during the initial exchange, told

the trooper the light had been

damaged at a car wash and that

he was on his way to pick up his

wife from work.

The trooper then asked the

man if there were any weapons

in the vehicle before instructing

him to get his license and registration.

The man stated that

there were not.

When the trooper followed

him to the driver’s side door,

he spotted a firearm inside the

vehicle, according to the Louisiana

State Police. The trooper

informed the driver he was being

detained, at which point a struggle

began inside the vehicle.

“Knowing there was a firearm

inside and observing [the suspect]

reaching for it, the trooper

continued trying to gain control

of [the suspect’s] hands inside

the vehicle,” State Police said in

a statement.

The suspect then began accelerating

the vehicle during

the struggle, which caused the

trooper’s body camera to become

dislodged, according to

officials.

Dashcam footage then shows

the trooper firing multiple shots

at the vehicle as the suspect

drives away.

The trooper pursued the SUV

and later located it with the

suspect inside, suffering from

critical gunshot injuries, according

to the report. EMS crews

attempted life-saving measures,

but the suspect died at the

scene.

A handgun was recovered

nearby, and LSP says the crime

lab confirmed the weapon

belonged to the suspect. Police

noted that the suspect was

legally barred from owning a

firearm due to previous felony

convictions.

The case remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police

say they will turn over the full

report to the District Attorney’s

Office for further review.


PILOT IN CALIF. MEDICAL HE-

LICOPTER CRASH IS RETIRED

CHP OFFICER WHO ONCE

SAVED 15 LIVES IN WILDFIRE

Sarah Roebuck

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A retired

California Highway Patrol

officer celebrated for his bravery

during one of California’s deadliest

wildfires is now fighting to

recover after a helicopter crash

near Sacramento.

Retired CHP Officer Chad Millward,

who spent nearly 28 years

with the agency, was piloting

a REACH Air Medical helicopter

that went down on Oct. 6

along Highway 50. Millward

and paramedic Margaret “Dede”

Davis survived the crash and are

recovering. Flight nurse Susan

“Suzie” Smith was pulled from

the wreckage in critical condition

but has since died from her

injuries, REACH Air Medical Services

announced on Oct. 11.

Millward’s service with the CHP

was marked by acts of courage

and compassion. In 2017, he and

three fellow officers from the

Golden Gate Division rescued

41 people trapped by the Atlas

Fire in Napa County, including a

woman who was eight months

pregnant, ABC 10 reports. The

officers received the Governor’s

Public Safety Medal of Valor.

“During his nearly 28-year distinguished

career with the CHP,

Officer Millward demonstrated

courage and selflessness, earning

the Governor’s Public Safety

Medal of Valor for his heroic

life-saving actions during the

2017 Atlas Fire,” the CHP said in

a statement obtained by ABC 10.

“His service and commitment

to protecting others serve as a

testament to the highest ideals

of this department.”

In a 2018 interview with KRCR,

Millward reflected on that harrowing

night, recalling how he

and his partner saved 15 of the 41

people rescued.

“Most of the people were

trapped on Atlas Peak and they

couldn’t get out,” he said. “One

person that really stands out is

a lady who was eight months

pregnant, and we were able to

get her out. We’ve since learned

that she delivered a healthy

baby.”

He said the recognition that

followed wasn’t what motivated

him to serve.

“We are grateful that we received

the award and that is a

nice honor, but that’s not why we

do the job,” Millward said.

Millward, who spent much of

his career saving others, is now

among those recovering.

The helicopter crashed shortly

after departing a hospital, following

what officials described

as an “in-air emergency,” the Associated

Press reported. It came

to rest in the center of the highway

around 7 p.m. on Oct. 6.

Sacramento Fire Capt. Peter

Vandersluis told the Associated

Press that about 15 motorists

stopped to help firefighters

raise part of the aircraft to

rescue a trapped crew member.

Vandersluis said he directed the

bystanders to “lift” and “hold”

while firefighters worked to free

the person.

“Just out of instinct — the

people were there willing to

help, and they didn’t hesitate and

followed my exact commands,”

Vandersluis told the AP. “And we

were able to lift it up with ease.”

Pilot Millward, Paramedic

Davis and Nurse Smith were all

transported to area hospitals in

critical condition following the

crash. No one on the highway

was injured.

“It’s mind-blowing that no one

on the highway was injured.”


MAN FATALLY SHOT AFTER

TRYING TO ATTACK CALIF. OF-

FICER WITH SHOVEL


ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim

Police Department released

body-worn camera video

showing a fatal officer-involved

shooting of a man who attempted

to attack an officer with a

shovel, KABC reported.

The incident took place Sept.

15 near John Marshall Elementary

School, according to the

report. Officers responded to a

report of a man behaving erratically,

possibly under the influence,

and carrying a brick and a

shovel.

Dash camera footage shows

the officer coming to a stop at

an intersection. The man can be

seen running at the cruiser from

one of the side streets. As he

approached, the officer got out

of the cruiser and issued instructions

for the man to drop the

shovel.

Body camera footage shows

the man raising the shovel over

his head as he came closer. He

swung the shovel twice, striking

the cruiser. Then he turned and

started to approach the officer,

who had backed away from the

vehicle. As the man approached,

the officer fired several shots,

striking the suspect.

The officer provided medical

aid before paramedics transported

the man to a hospital,

where he was pronounced dead

about 30 minutes later, according

to the report. The officer was

not injured.

The shooting prompted a temporary

lockdown at John Marshall

Elementary School, though

CLICK TO WATCH

police said students were not

exposed to the incident. The Anaheim

Elementary School District

confirmed the lockdown was a

precaution and that there was no

direct threat to students or staff.

ARIZ. OFFICERS SHOOT MA-

CHETE-WIELDING MAN HOLD-

ING CHILD HOSTAGE


PHOENIX, AR. — Newly released

body camera footage shows the

tense and dangerous moments

when a machete-wielding suspect

held his toddler son hostage,

WLBT reported.

According to Phoenix Police,

officers arrived at the scene after

the suspect’s brother-in-law

discreetly texted 911 to report

that the suspect was threatening

family members and wielding

a machete while holding

his child. Officials credited the

brother-in-law’s quick and quiet

communication with police,

potentially preventing a deadly

outcome.

“Please hurry, he’s threatening

me with a machete if I take the

baby,” the man texted dispatchers,

according to court documents.

When officers arrived, they

found the suspect inside the

home with the machete in one

hand and his son in the other

arm. They repeatedly ordered

him to drop the weapon and

release the child

The suspect ignored commands,

prompting officers to

fire two foam (less-lethal)

CLICK TO WATCH


rounds. The man still refused to

release the child.

Officers then moved in after

hearing the toddler crying. The

bodycam video shows the child

sitting on the suspect’s lap while

he still held the machete.

Police then shot the suspect

with live rounds, allowing them

to disarm him, take him into

custody and rescue the child.

The suspect was hospitalized

and later booked into jail, facing

multiple felony charges including

kidnapping, child abuse,

endangerment and aggravated

assault, according to the report.

The young boy, though suffering

bruises and scrapes, is now safe

and in the care of his mother,

police said. The investigation

remains ongoing.

CLICK TO WATCH

‘I CAN HURT YOU’: SUSPECT

GRABS UTAH OFFICER’S GUN,

KICKS ANOTHER DURING AR-

REST


SYRACUSE, Utah — Body camera

footage released by the Syracuse

Police Department shows

a man grabbing one officer’s gun

and kicking another officer while

being taken into custody, KSLTV

reported.

Officers responded to a domestic

disturbance on June 2

involving a man, identified as

Cole Hammon, who was found

outside a home where the victim,

the mother of his child, was

inside a vehicle, according to the

report. The two had argued after

the victim returned home to

find the suspect intoxicated and

locked inside the house.

The victim, who owns the

home, told officers she had left

after seeing Hammon drinking

again. She returned after a

basement tenant reported being

locked out. Inside, she discovered

Hammon passed out with an

empty whiskey bottle, identified

as the tenant’s, next to him. The

situation escalated when Hammon

allegedly slammed a garage

door on the victim’s arm as

she tried to leave, according to

the report.

Police bodycam video shows

Hammon refusing to comply

with officers, claiming they had

no right to be in “his home.”

“It’s my house. You came into

my house. I can hurt you,” Hammon

can be heard saying

After retreating into the garage,

he attempted to lock officers out.

When told he was under arrest,

Hammon resisted, forcing three

officers to physically restrain him

to place him in handcuffs.

As officers tried to place him in

a patrol car, the suspect grabbed

one officer’s gun, saying, “Look,

I got your gun,” before officers

removed his grip. He then turned

and kicked another officer in the

knee and groin.

Hammon was charged with

disarming a police officer, assault

on a police officer, domestic

violence-related assault,

theft, interference with a police

officer and public intoxication,

according to the report.

As part of a later plea deal, the

interference, theft and intoxication

charges were dismissed.

On Sept. 29, Hammon was sentenced

to 1 to 15 years in Utah

State Prison and two years in the

Davis County Jail. However, prison

time and one year of jail were

suspended, and Hammon was

ordered to serve 60 days in jail,


SUSPECT TASED AFTER

FLEEING WRONG WAY ON

MICH. HIGHWAY


FOWLERVILLE, MI. — The Livingston

County Sheriff’s Office

released dash camera footage

showing officers pursuing and

arresting a man who drove the

wrong way on a highway, WILX

reported.

The pursuit began around noon

on Oct. 6 when Bath Township

police began pursuing a man

suspected of domestic violence,

according to the report. Officers

believed the man may have been

armed with a handgun.



Livingston County Sheriff’s

Office deputies joined the pursuit

when the suspect, driving

a small, silver car, fled the right

way down the highway. As the

deputy continued to pursue, the

vehicle slowed down. The driver

can be seen swerving across

lanes and making hand gestures

out the window.

After speeding up again, the

suspect suddenly turned into an

official turnaround before continuing

to travel the same direction

on the wrong side of the

road. Video shows the suspect

driving directly down the center

of the highway, straight through

moderate traffic.

As the suspect approached

an exit, he veered off the road

into a grassy area, where deputies

executed a PIT maneuver

that brought the vehicle to a

stop. The man exited the car and

began walking toward a nearby

gas station. Deputies deployed a

TASER to subdue him.

He was taken into custody

at the scene, according to the

report. Authorities have not released

his identity, and no formal

charges have been announced.

The investigation remains ongoing.

13 ARRESTED, 4 OFFICERS

INJURED IN BOSTON PROTEST

By Gayla Cawley

Boston Herald

BOSTON — Thirteen people

were arrested Tuesday night in

connection with a pro-Palestinian

protest that turned violent on

the Boston Common and left four

police officers injured, including

some with broken bones, according

to officials.

Protesters “turned on police”

at approximately 6:50 p.m. when

they began to move from the

Common to the area of Tremont

and Winter streets, Boston

Police said.

“At that time, protesters turned

on police, kicking a marked

cruiser, assaulting officers,

blocking traffic, and setting off

devices causing red smoke in the

air,” Boston Police spokesman

Sgt. Det. John Boyle said in a

Tuesday night statement.

Eight men and five women

were placed under arrest. No one

had been booked as of shortly

before 9 p.m. The names of those

arrested, their ages and charges

won’t be released until Wednesday,

Boyle said.

Four police officers were

injured in connection with the

incident. Two officers were taken

to local hospitals for treatment.

Police have preliminary reports

of officers with broken bones,

but all injuries are considered

non-life-threatening, Boyle said.

“Another night of violence

against police officers in Boston

tonight,” said Larry Calderone,

CLICK TO WATCH

president of the Boston Police

Patrolmen’s Association.

“Our officers were attacked,

assaulted and sent to the hospital

with injuries. Completely

despicable and totally unacceptable.

We were outnumbered and

understaffed for the event,” he

continued.

“We need to put more officers

out on the street at these events

and help protect ourselves from

these ruthless attacks. It’s happening

far too often lately with

no repercussions,” Calderone

told the Herald.

The protesters appeared to be

tied to the pro-Palestinian movement.

A flyer distributed ahead

of the event urged protesters to

“Flood Downtown for Palestine.”

The demonstration occurred on

the two-year anniversary of the

Hamas terror attack on Israel

that sparked war in the region.

Those charged in the incident

would likely be arraigned at

Boston Municipal Court on New

Chardon Street, which, according

to police, has jurisdiction for

where the arrests occurred.

The eruption of chaos and



assault on police is the second

such incident that occurred

in the past two days. A police

cruiser was torched and officers

were assaulted early Sunday

morning when a street-racing

takeover with over 100 participants

turned violent at the intersection

of Tremont Street and

Massachusetts Avenue.

Two men from Rhode Island

were arrested so far in that incident,

and police have vowed to

bring charges against more.

VIDEO SHOWS IND. OFFICER

RETURNING FIRE, WOUNDING

SUSPECT WHO SHOT HIM 4

TIMES


INDIANAPOLIS — Newly released

body camera footage

shows vehicle theft suspects

shooting and wounding an Indianapolis

Metropolitan Police

Department (IMPD) officer who

was working to take them into

custody, FOX 59 reported.

The officer, identified as Officer

Renteria, who was outnumbered

four-to-one, was attempting to

CLICK TO WATCH

detain suspects connected to a

stolen vehicle on July 29.

Dash camera footage shows

the officer following a vehicle

through an apartment complex

before it was pulled into a parking

lot. As Renteria got out of his

vehicle, one suspect can be seen

fleeing the scene on foot as two

others got out of the car.

Renteria, now raising his gun,

instructed the two other suspects

to raise their hands. Both

initially complied, leading him to

begin taking one of the suspects

into custody.

As Renteria worked to get one

suspect onto the ground, another

suspect climbed out of the vehicle.

As he did, he appeared to

hand a gun to another suspect.

That suspect then raised the gun

and began firing shots at Renteria.

Renteria returned fire from

the ground as all three remaining

suspects fled.

Renteria was struck three

times, with a fourth bullet hitting

his ballistic vest, which prevented

a potentially fatal injury,

SEND YOUR NEWS

STORIES TO

THE BLUES AT:

BLUESPDMAG@

GMAIL.COM



Body camera video shows Renteria

applying a tourniquet to his

leg. Bystanders also approached

Renteria to offer aid, according

to the video release.

The shooter was hit during

the exchange of gunfire and

found moments later in a nearby

parking lot, unresponsive

with a handgun beside him,

according to the report. Officers

approached behind a ballistic

shield and rendered aid. The

shooter was hospitalized but

succumbed to his injuries nearly

a month later.

The remaining three suspects

were also arrested and charged.

Renteria was transported to

the hospital in stable condition

and released a few days later,

according to the report. IMPD

credited his ballistic vest, tactical

response and ability to

self-administer aid with helping

save his life.

The investigation remains ongoing.

ICE AGENTS SHOOT MAN

WHO RAMMED THEIR VEHICLE

DURING L.A. STOP

By Jaimie Ding

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Federal officers

shot a man in the elbow

after he rammed his car into

law enforcement vehicles while

trying to evade arrest Tuesday

morning in Los Angeles, authorities

said.

A deputy U.S. Marshal assisting

with the arrest was hit in

the hand with a ricochet bullet,

authorities said.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

agents fired defensive

shots as the man rammed into

their vehicles, Homeland Security

Department Assistant Secretary

Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli

identified the man as Carlitos

Ricardo Parias, 44, from

Mexico and said he was charged

with assault on a federal officer.

Parias is due in court Wednesday,

Essayli said in a statement.

He is living in the country illegally,

Essayli said.

Essayli said officers had an

administrative immigration arrest

warrant for Parias, who had

“avoided capture before.” Mc-

Laughlin earlier said he had “previously

escaped from custody.”

It wasn’t immediately clear if he

had previously been arrested.

Parias runs a TikTok account

under the name Richard Noticias

LA where he posts as a citizen

journalist, including sharing videos

and information about immigration

enforcement activities.

During the traffic stop Tuesday,

authorities boxed Parias in

with their vehicles as they tried

to arrest him, Essayli said. Parias

then rammed into the vehicles

in front of and behind him. An

agent attempted to break the

driver’s side window of the car,

but that did not subdue Parias,

Essayli said.

As Parias spun the tires, the

back of the car began to fishtail,

eventually prompting an agent to

open fire, Essayli said.

“Vehicles are deadly weapons.

Anyone who uses them against

federal agents risks arrest, imprisonment,

and life-threatening

injuries,” Essayli wrote.

U.S. Marshals Service office

spokesperson Tlaloc Olvera

confirmed one of their officers

sustained a non-life-threatening

injury and was in stable condition.

“These are the consequences of

conduct and rhetoric by sanctuary

politicians and activists

who urge illegal aliens to resist

arrest,” McLaughlin said.

Los Angeles police said they

were providing traffic control

and were not involved directly in

the federal operation.

CLICK HERE FOR

FREE SUBSCRIPTION


‘CYCLE OF CATCH AND RE-

LEASE’: N.C. PD CALLS OUT RE-

PEAT OFFENDERS, INCLUDING

JUVENILE ARRESTED 111 TIMES


CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Repeat offenders

are playing a significant

role in Mecklenburg County’s

violent crime trends, exemplified

by one juvenile who has been

arrested more than 100 times in

the past two years, WSOC reported.

Data released by the department

in its third quarter report

shows that 60% of those arrested

for violent offenses this year had

previous charges.

“We continue to see a troubling

pattern: a disproportionate

number of violent incidents and

property crimes are being committed

by individuals with extensive

criminal histories — many of

whom continue to cycle through

Delivered to your

inbox every month.

the justice system without facing

meaningful consequences,” Sergeant

Todd Martin stated in the

report. “The cycle of catch and

release does not reduce crime in

our community.”

One example cited by police

during a news conference addressing

the report involves a

15-year-old arrested 111 times

since August 2023, including

55 car thefts and 45 counts of

breaking into vehicles. Officers

say they also discovered multiple

firearms in his possession

and a phone containing internet

searches related to killing a

police officer and capital murder.

The teen was most recently

released in September.

“You’ve got a court system

that is letting everybody out as

soon as they lock them up,” a

resident told WSOC. “So what’s

the point of having a court system

if you’re just going to let

everybody go?”

CMPD officials are now calling

for a broader discussion around

pre-trial release standards,

pointing to judicial and magistrate

decisions as a key factor in

what they describe as a revolving

door for repeat offenders.

Despite the high incidence of

repeat offenders, the report also

shows overall drops in crime and

increases in enforcement.

Homicides in the county are

down 24% since 2024, aggravated

assaults dropped by 19% and

robberies are down 22%. Overall

crime dropped by 8%, including

a 20% reduction in violent crime

and a 5% dip in property crime,

according to CMPD data.

Firearm seizures by officers

have increased 25%, and arrests

have gone up 15%.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR

FREE SUBSCRIPTION


LE AGENCIES

CALL FOR

PRICING

Tel: 800-367-5855




M&P DDM4 2.0 V7 S

ACRO

OPTIC

PRODIGY

1911

14087

9MM

CALIBER: 9MM

CAPACITY: 17+1

SIGHTS: NIGHT SIGHTS

BARREL LENGTH: 4.25”

OPTIC READY

PH9119AOS-FL

9MM

CALIBER: 9MM

CAPACITY: 17+1|20+1

SIGHTS: FIBER OPTIC NIGHT

BARREL LENGTH: 5”

OPTIC READY

W365F-9-BXR3P

P365

FUSE

DDM4 V7 S

HD P4

9MM

CALIBER: 9MM

CAPACITY: 17+1



OPTIC READY

20-2300-000106

9MM

CALIBER: 9MM

CAPACITY: 18+1



CR920X

ELITE

RM06-C-700800

RMR

TYPE 2

CALL OR EMAIL US FOR PRICING OR ASK US ABOUT DEMOS OR TRADE-INS

OPTIC READY

ML-5012

9MM

CALIBER: 9MM

CAPACITY: 15+1



GREEN

DOT NOW

AVAILABLE

3.25 MOA

LED GREEN DOT SIGHT

NIGHT VISION COMPATIBLE


MANUFACTURERS




DANIEL DEFENSE • HUXWRX








TRIJICON • SUREFIRE • BOLA WRAP

US PEACEKEEPER • REMINGTON


NOTE: TERRITORY RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY


information, pricing and products!

PROMOTION ENDS 11/30/25

Support Center: 2625 Stearman Road, Prescott AZ, 86301 Tel: (800) 367-5855

e-mail: sales@proforceonline.com | www.proforceonline.com


AROUND

HE COUNTRY

DALLAS MAYOR QUESTIONS

PD CHIEF’S DECISION TO DE-

CLINE $25M TIED TO ICE’S

287(G) PROGRAM


DALLAS — Mayor Eric L. Johnson

is asking for a public evaluation

of Dallas Police Chief Daniel

Comeaux’s decision to decline

a $25 million federal offer from

U.S. Immigration and Customs

Enforcement, CBS News reported.

Comeaux recently revealed to

the Community Police Oversight

Board that he personally rejected

the offer tied to the 287(g)

program, citing concerns that it

would draw unwanted attention

to the city. The program authorizes

local law enforcement to

assist ICE in certain immigration-related

duties.

“There’s nothing happening

in Dallas, but every time we do

something like this, we’re bringing

more attention to Dallas,”

Comeaux said during the meeting.

“We don’t need that attention.

We don’t want to deal with

that smoke.”

In response, Johnson issued a

memo Friday requesting a joint

meeting of the City Council’s

Public Safety and Government

Efficiency committees to assess

the decision and whether the

city should reconsider joining

the program. He also called for

public input, briefings from ICE

representatives, and a full presentation

from Comeaux.

While 287(g) participation in

the program is voluntary for cities,

a new Texas law mandates

that all county sheriff’s departments

participate in at least one

model.

Johnson emphasized that the

ICE proposal could bring meaningful

financial support without

affecting the city’s general

fund, according to the report. ICE

reportedly offered to cover full

salaries, benefits and overtime

for trained officers.

“Declining ICE’s offer may

mean forfeiting significant financial

resources,” Johnson wrote.

Johnson framed the proposal

as a potential “force multiplier”

to remove violent repeat offenders

and boost public safety,


MICH. PD CHIEF RESCINDS

ICE PARTNERSHIP, CITING

STAFF SHORTAGE

By Ron Fonger

mlive.com

GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. — A

mid- Michigan police chief says

he will rescind a cooperation

agreement with U.S. Immigration

and Customs Enforcement — not

because of backlash against it

but because of staffing issues he

can’t otherwise resolve.

Metro Police Authority Chief

Matt Bade told MLive-The Flint

Journal of his decision on


Wed-Sat 12pm - 8pm

5306 Washington Ave

Houston, TX 77007

832-627-3729



By Jenna Curren

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A statement

sent to U.S. Border Patrol

agents that was obtained by

NewsNation states that border

patrol agents will stop using

body-worn cameras immediately

By

in

Matthew

all field operations.

Holloway,

Law

The announcement

Enforcement Today

comes

after

REVERE,

social

MA.

media

- An

posts

illegal

revealed

immigrant

how to identify

from

border

the Dominican

patrol

Republic

agents as

was

well

arrested

as Customs

for possession

and

Enforcement

of over

(ICE)

$1 million

agents.

worth

The

of

memo

fentanyl

stated,

and

"All

an

U.S.

AR-15

Border

rifle

on

Patrol

December

Agents

27

will

in

cease

a state

the

taxpayer-subsidized

use

of body-worn cameras

hotel room

(BWC)

of

Massachusetts’

in all operational

emergency

environments."

housing

The

program.

directive follows notification

"regarding

Leonardo

a

Andujar

potential

Sanchez,

security

28,

as

risk."

reported by Fox News, was

arrested

The statement

by the Revere

read, "Pending

completion

Police

Department and

of

was

investigation

arrested

on

and

firearm

risk mitigation,

charges, including

all Agents

an

alien

will stand

in possession

down the

of

use

a firearm,

of their

and

BWCs

for

[body-worn

possession of

cameras]

about 10

pounds

until further

of the

notice.

lethal

Additional

guidance and information

synthetic

drug.

will

According

be disseminated

to a press

as

release

it is

from

received."

Immigration

On the social

and Customs

media

platform Reddit,

Enforcement (ICE) Andujar

one user

Sanchez

claimed

is currently

that agents

in state

could

custody

be

identified

and is under

by using

an immigration

BLE Radar by

detainer.

F-Dorid. BLE Radar is a mobile

application

Enforcement

that

and

functions

Removal

by

Operations

scanning for

Boston

Bluetooth

acting

low-energy

devices

Field

Office Director

like

Patricia

phones,

H.

smartwatches,

Hyde

told reporters,

and speakers.

“Mr. Andujar

has

Other

been

social

accused

media

of serious

posts

crimes, and ERO Boston takes

stated that the devices can be

tracked from a distance of 100

yards or more and can trigger

improvised explosive device attacks.

Fox News reported that the

cameras used by border patrol

agents are Avon body cameras,

which the social media post

claims are devices BLE Radar and

can be detected.


Wednesday, Oct. 22, just hours

after advising his department’s

oversight board of his plans.

Metro was created when

Mundy Township and the city of

Swartz Creek merged their police

departments in 2017.

Bade signed the agreement

with ICE, the federal agency

responsible for immigration

enforcement, in June, becoming

just the sixth police department

in Michigan with a deal to aid in

deportation efforts.

Under the 287(g) program,

police officers can interrogate

immigrants in their custody and

detain them for potential deportation.

Bade has said his agreement

with ICE would have enabled five

officers within the department to

hold individuals until they could

be taken into custody by the Department

of Homeland Security.

But the chief said Wednesday

that those officers haven’t completed

the required 40 hours of

training to participate and won’t

be able to because of other duties.

“In the last couple of weeks ...

three of those (five) officers have

been reassigned to other duties,”

Bade said. My command staff

and I decided it’s best for now to

pause this.”

Although Bade said the decision

to rescind the ICE agreement

could be reversed, it won’t

be “in the foreseeable future”

because of the “operational capacities”

of the department.

Bade said his decision wasn’t

influenced by demands that the

agreement be terminated, calling

the pacts between ICE and

local police departments “a

good program (that could have

been) beneficial to our community.”

The Flint Alliance for Immigrant

Rights, which has organized

opposition to the agreement,

said in a statement on

Wednesday that it celebrates

Bade’s announcement but not

the reasoning behind it, saying

it “is not aligned with the wider

Genesee County community’s

demands for transparency, accountability,

and ensuring immigrant

safety.”

“We must continue to hold the

Metro Police Authority, all local

enforcement, and elected officials

accountable,” the group

said in a statement. “Those in

power want us to believe it’s

hopeless to fight back. Let today’s

victory serve as a clear

rejection of that belief and as

proof that when we organize, we

win.”

Mundy Township Supervisor

Jennifer Stainton said she was

at Wednesday’s meeting when

Bade told the police department’s

board of his decision.

“The chief reported he had to

rescind the agreement because

he doesn’t have the staff ...,” said

Stainton, who is a member of

the police board. “His comment

was that they don’t have the

staffing personnel to be in the

agreement at this time.”

Stainton said she supports

whatever decision Bade makes

and has mixed feelings about the

ICE agreement.

“This wasn’t a board decision,”

the supervisor said. “This was a

Chief Bade decision.”

Metro’s agreement with ICE

is classified as a “task force

model,” giving local officers the

ability to investigate someone’s

immigration status during their

routine police duties.

ICE has also signed “jail services

model” agreements that

allow police to screen people

detained in jails for immigration

violations, and “warrant service

officer” model agreements that

authorize state and local police

to comply with ICE warrants or

requests on immigrants while

they are at their agency’s jails.

Nationwide, the number of

signed agreements between ICE

and local police has ballooned

under President Trump, increasing

from 135 last December to

1,098 as of Wednesday.



HOW CALIFORNIA DEMS

ARE PLANNING TO TRACK ICE

AGENTS

By Greg Hoyt,

Law Enforcement Today

LOS ANGELES, CA – Democrat

officials in California are reportedly

on the cusp of releasing a

new website dedicated to tracking

Immigration and Customs

Enforcement (ICE) agents amid

a climate where said agents

and their loved ones are facing

increased threats and acts of

violence. Homeland Security,

aware of the effort underway in

California, has condemned the

ostensibly dangerous move by

Democrat officials.

On October 20th, Los Angeles

Mayor Karen Bass held a press

conference alongside Democrat

Congressman Robert Garcia,

who serves as a ranking member

of the House Oversight and

Government Reform Committee.

During the press conference,

Rep. Garcia revealed intentions

to create a new online interface

that will serve as an ICE

tracking platform along with an

investigation the congressman

announced he’s conducting into

Homeland Security.

Rep. Garcia’s motivations for

the investigation into Homeland

Security relies heavily on the

allegations made in an ProPublica

article which claims “more

than 170” American citizens were

“detained at raids and protests”

aimed at immigration authorities,

which Rep. Garcia’s press

release on the investigation

incorrectly conflates these detentions

as citizens having “been

arrested.”

While approximately 130

arrests of American citizens

were documented seemingly

accurately by the ProPublica

piece, those arrests related to

allegations of assaults on officers

and obstruction charges,

which contrast heavily from

Rep. Garcia’s sensationalized

claims that, “American citizens

are being dragged off the streets

by masked men and thrown into

detention cells.”

As for the plans regarding

a new ICE tracking interface,

Rep. Garcia stated during the

press conference, “the Oversight

Committee will be launching

on their website a master ICE

tracker where we’re going to be

essentially tracking every single

instance that we can verify that

the community will send…It’ll be

all available in one central place,

and you’ll be able to look up that

information as it relates to Los

Angeles as well.”

The Trump administration has

already had contentious dealings

with the creation of rogue

ICE tracking apps, which Apple

recently removed from their app

store following requests from

the Justice Department.

As reports have recently surfaced

about Mexican cartels offering

bounties for anything from

information on ICE agents and

their families to outright attacks

and murders of high-ranking ICE

officials, Rep. Garcia seems to be

fueling the exact kind of tactics

that would behoove these criminal

outfits by telling citizens to

“record” ICE agents and to share

that information “to local groups

on the ground.”

Given the current political

climate and stakes at play with

elected officials promoting the

tracking of ICE agents, Homeland

Security issued a statement

regarding the announced plans

by Rep. Garcia to launch a digital

doxxing hub of sorts, with

Homeland Security warning that

bad actors “will face consequences.”

“ICE tracking apps and websites

directly put the lives of

ICE law enforcement and their

families in danger,” the statement

reads, adding, “Less than a

month after a deranged gunman

- who used an ICE tracking app

to plan his attack - opened fire

at the Dallas ICE facility, California

politicians are pushing

to publicize information would

further jeopardize officer safety.”

Homeland Security made it


LAW ENFORCEMENT PRODUCTS

BYRNA MISSION 4

BYRNA TCR

BYRNA/FOX ARRAY OF DEFENSE SPRAY

BYRNA PEPPER

PROJECTILES

BYRNA MAX

PROJECTILES

BYRNA SD PEPPER KIT

10% OFF ALL BYRNA

PRODUCTS

USE CODE “BLUES10”

AT CHECKOUT

* Valid thru 11/30/2025

BYRNA 12-GAUGE LESS-LETHAL AMMO

AVAILABLE AT COP STOP / CLICK HERE TO SAVE 10% OFF ALL BYRNA PRODUCTS

6831 Broadway, STE F • Pearland, TX 77581

(281) 412-7358


clear with the conclusion of their

statement on the matter, emphasizing,

“Anyone who actively

obstructs law enforcement in

the performance of their sworn

duties or assaults law enforcement,

including U.S. citizens, will

face consequences.”

N.J. SUES SIG SAUER, SEEKS

RECALL OF P320S OVER ALLEGED

UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGES

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey

Attorney General Matthew

J. Platkin has filed a lawsuit

against firearm manufacturer Sig

Sauer, Inc., alleging the company

violated state consumer protection

and public safety laws by

continuing to sell its P320 handgun

despite a “well-documented

propensity to fire unintentionally,”

Platkin’s office stated.

Filed in New Jersey Superior

Court on Oct. 16, the suit seeks

a mandatory recall of the P320

and a halt to what officials say

are deceptive safety claims in the

company’s marketing, according

to the statement. State officials

say the pistol has caused numerous

unintentional shootings in

the state, including one that Platkin

alleges caused the death of a

law enforcement officer.

According to the suit, Detective

Lt. Walter Imbert, a 20-year law

enforcement veteran and U.S.

Army veteran, was fatally shot

on April 8, 2023, when his P320

discharged while he was cleaning

it.

The suit alleges that the

weapon has unintentionally

discharged during routine law

enforcement activities, such as

walking, sitting, bending down,

removing a holster or cleaning

the gun.

“We ask law enforcement officers

to put their life on the line

every single day to protect the

public. Gun manufacturers have

a moral duty to ensure that those

brave officers are not put in

harm’s way because of defective

weapons,” said Platkin.

According to the lawsuit, Sig

Sauer continues to market the

P320 as safe and has initiated

a public relations campaign in

support of the pistol. The state’s

complaint alleges the company

has misled buyers by claiming

the weapon “won’t fire unless

you want it to.”

The suit also notes that in the

U.S. military’s procurement of the

weapon, it required Sig Sauer

to add a manual, external safety,

alleging that failures of the

weapons’ internal safety lock

caused unintentional discharges.

It also claims that the company

is misleading customers by

marketing the P320 as “chosen

by the U.S. Military” and the “official

sidearm of the U.S. Military”

without disclosing that the M17

and M18 military versions have

an external safety.

The suit calls for Sig Sauer to

fund a full recall of P320s sold

in New Jersey, stop making safety

claims the state deems false,

and pay damages, restitution and

enforcement costs, according to

the statement.

Delivered to your

inbox every month.

Sig Sauer issued a statement

in response to the suit, firmly

denying “numerous false and

unsubstantiated claims,” and

calling the suit an “attack on the

firearms industry.”

In its rebuttal, Sig Sauer rejected

claims that the U.S. Army

considered the P320 unsafe

before requiring the addition of

a manual safety. The company

emphasized that the military

required all submitted firearms

to feature manual safeties and

that Sig Sauer was ultimately

awarded the contract, leading to

the adoption of the M17 and M18

variants as the official U.S. military

sidearms.

The manufacturer further

disputed the notion that the

P320 can discharge without a

trigger pull, calling it “incorrect.”

It pointed to the dismissal

of nearly 20 lawsuits related to

the handgun, as well as judicial

rulings that excluded expert

testimony that failed to replicate

unintentional discharges under

controlled testing conditions,

according to the statements.

Calling the P320 “one of the

safest, most advanced pistols

in the world,” Sig Sauer said the

platform meets or exceeds all

industry safety standards and

has been extensively vetted by

military and law enforcement

agencies globally.

The company says it will move

to dismiss the lawsuit, characterizing

the complaint as politically

motivated and unsupported

by technical evidence.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR

FREE SUBSCRIPTION



BYSTANDERS RUSH TO AID

WOUNDED KENTUCKY TROOPER

By Piper Hansen and Christopher

Leach, Lexington Herald-Leader

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Police body

camera footage released Thursday

shows bystanders helping

a Kentucky State Police trooper

who was shot during a July 13

traffic stop outside Blue Grass

Airport in Lexington.

In the video, a group of people

are shown running across a field

to aid trooper Jude Remilien,

who had just been shot in the

leg on Terminal Drive.

The shooter, Guy House, left the

scene and shot and killed two

people and injured two others at

Richmond Road Baptist Church.

He was eventually shot and

killed by police.

Jimmy Alexander, Jessica Alexander,

Taylor Hall and Adam

Arnold — the four good Samaritans

who helped the trooper —

received citations for meritorious

achievement Oct. 23 during a

news conference in Frankfort.

“To be nominated, an individual

must have performed

an incredible act of service or

heroism in the direct support of

an agency officer that resulted

in the saving of a human life or

halted a major crime in progress,”

Sgt. Matt Sudduth said

Thursday. “The nominee must

have acted voluntarily and at

great personal risk or sacrifice.”

KSP Post 12 Capt. Doug Carter

nominated the quartet for the

award.

He said the Alexanders and Hall

were at the airport about to depart

for vacation when they saw

Remilien in need of help.

Jimmy Alexander used a belt

as a makeshift tourniquet while

Jessica Alexander and Taylor Hall

applied pressure to the wound.

The three offered Remilien water,

checked his pulse and talked

with him to keep him from passing

out, Remilien’s body-worn

camera footage shows.

Arnold arrived at the scene,

applied a proper tourniquet to

Remilien’s injured leg and called

for more help. The four stayed

with the trooper until EMS arrived.

“Had it not been for the quick

reaction and training of Trooper

Remilien during that traffic stop,

coupled with the four individuals

who rendered aid to him, I firmly

believe the outcome could have

been entirely different,” said

State Police Commissioner Phillip

Burnett Jr. Thursday. “There is

no doubt that Trooper Remilien

is here with us today because of

all those actions.”

House shot and killed mother

and daughter Beverly Gumm, 72,

and Christina Combs, 32 at the

church about 16 miles from the

airport before he was killed by

police.

Thursday’s news conference,

Jimmy Alexander said he was

CLICK TO WATCH

ecstatic to meet Remilien and

see him walking.

“If it was my son or me, I’d

want somebody to do the same

thing,” he said. “That’s just how I

was raised, take care of people,

don’t think twice.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

attended the award presentation,

too.

“Today’s guests of honor remind

us that even during what

seems like chaotic and divisive

times, that there are still

so many good Kentuckians out

there willing to do good in the

world,” he said. “Trooper Jude

Remilien, Jimmy Alexander,

Jessica Alexander, Taylor Hall

and Adam Arnold exemplify this

goodness.”

MAN RAMS MICH. CRUISER

OUTSIDE STATION, APPROACHES

COPS WITH KNIFE BEFORE OIS

Joanna Putman

ROSEVILLE, Mich. — The Macomb

County Sheriff’s Office

released body camera and

surveillance footage showing a

man ramming a Roseville Police

cruiser and getting out of his

car armed with a knife, WXYZ

reported.


LARGEST POLICE MAGAZINE

IN THE WORLD

9.5 Million Views – 6 Million Readers – 22 Countries


Surveillance footage shows a

vehicle pulling up to the curb

behind an unoccupied cruiser.

The suspect appeared to practice

ramming the car, pulling up

to it and lightly tapping it before

backing away at least 40 feet.

Two minutes later, multiple

officers can be seen exiting the

police station, including one who

climbed into the cruiser. Moments

later, the video shows the

suspect vehicle gaining speed

and ramming into the back of

the cruiser.

“Guys, this guy just rammed

me,” the officer is captured saying

on body camera footage.

Other officers in cruisers then

blocked in the vehicle.

“Stay right there, put the car

in park,” officers can be heard

telling the man.

Video then shows the man

pulling out a knife. Officers

backed away from the vehicle

and instructed the suspect to

drop the knife.

The suspect then opened the

car door and stepped out of the

vehicle, still holding the knife.

Video then shows him approaching

officers behind the

vehicle, prompting them to fire

shots.

The suspect remains hospitalized

in critical condition and is

under guard by deputies, according

to the report. His identity has

not been publicly released, and

he has not yet been arraigned.

Felony charges have been authorized

by the Macomb County

Prosecutor’s Office.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony

Wickersham said the officers

were justified in the shooting.

“They acted within their training,

within their policies and

procedures, and they all went

home that night,” he said.

DOJ SLAMS CALIF. OFFICIALS

FOR SUGGESTING LOCAL COPS

CAN ARREST ICE AGENTS


WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department

of Justice issued a

warning on Thursday to top

California officials, including

Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Gov. Gavin

Newsom, over what it described

as an “apparent criminal conspiracy”

to interfere with federal

immigration enforcement, the

New York Post reported.

In a letter addressed to Pelosi,

Newsom, state Attorney General

Rob Bonta and San Francisco D.A.

Brooke Jenkins, Deputy Attorney

General Todd Blanche accused

the officials of encouraging

efforts to detain federal agents,

specifically those working with

U.S. Immigration and Customs

Enforcement (ICE), if they violate

state law during operations.

Blanche’s letter came in response

to recent remarks by

Pelosi, who suggested that local

law enforcement in California

could arrest ICE agents if

they break state laws. In a joint

CLICK TO WATCH

statement with Rep. Kevin Mullin

(D-Calif.), Pelosi cited California’s

legal protections and said

that while the president may

have immunity from prosecution,

“those who operate under his

orders do not.”

“California law prevents federal

agents from taking certain

actions,” the statement read.

“Our state and local authorities

may arrest federal agents if they

break California law — and if

they are convicted, the president

cannot pardon them.”

In response, Blanche called

such statements “illegal and futile,”

warning that any attempts

to arrest federal law enforcement

officers in the performance

of their duties would be met

with legal consequences.

“Stand down or face prosecution,”

Blanche wrote on X. “No

one threatens our agents. No one

will stop us from Making America

Safe Again.”

He also directed the officials to

preserve all written and electronic

communications related to

any such plans.



FEATURED PRODUCTS

Urban SDK

From Data to Deployment

How Agencies Are Approaching School Zone Safety

By Jonathan Bass

As the father of two elementary-aged

children, every

school year brings an avalanche

of excitement. For the

kids, it’s new teachers and

classrooms; seeing friends

old and new; and a daily

stream of fresh adventures,

projects, and activities. For

us parents, it’s experiencing

all this joy secondhand while

embracing our return to a

normal routine. We made it

through another long summer.

And yet, despite all this,

there is always a tiny, nagging

feeling when sending the kids

out the door each morning.

Every parent knows the

feeling. The things we cannot

control.

Especially when it comes to

them just getting to school.

New traffic patterns, parents

and teen drivers in a hurry to

beat the clock, and an increase

of cars on the road —

plus kids being kids with their

lack of situational awareness

— provide a perfect storm

that puts our most vulnerable

members of society at risk

twice a day, five times a week.

And while always a point

of focus, the concern about

school zone safety has really

heightened over the past

half-decade.

In the immediate aftermath

of COVID, driver behavior was

so bad — with deaths rising

to 16-year highs — that the

federal government deemed

it a national crisis. Fortunately,

after cresting in 2021-22,

roadway fatalities have declined

for 11 quarters in a row,

reaching their lowest number

since 2019.

A major reason for this decline

has been the concerted

effort by community leaders

— from elected officials to the

law enforcement community

— to proactively enforce dangerous

roadways and mitigate

any situations that could lead

to death or serious injuries.

At Urban SDK, we work with

over 250 agencies across the

country. And though their

populations range from 800

people to 5 million, every

agency with whom we partner

shares the same goal of

using new technologies to

help them be more proactive

whenever possible.

Here are a few methods

we’ve seen our partners successfully

employ to keep

school zones safe.

INCREASED VISIBILITY

AND COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Donald Rumsfeld once said:

“there are known knowns …

there are known unknowns …

but there are also unknown

unknowns.” In our experience,

agencies that have made

the most positive, systemic

changes focus on their unknown

unknowns.

One of the ways they’ve done

this is by investing in roadway

data to better understand

trends for speeding and serious

incidents.

Prior to having this data, our

partner organizations relied

heavily on tribal knowledge

(the known knowns). They

focused on areas where they

knew speeding occurred.

They also strongly suspected

that many of the speeding

complaints they fielded were


outliers.

After adding a clear ground

truth of data, they’ve been

able to validate those suspicions

— with most organizations

finding that 80-85% of

the speeding complaints in

their districts are, in fact, perception

issues. The ability to

quickly understand where and

when roads are safe — and to

quickly relay this information

back to concerned citizens —

has enabled departments to

more efficiently deploy their

resources.

They can move the 1-2 officers

away from a residential

road where speeding is

an outlier, and position them

along busier roadways leading

into the Parent Responsibility

Zone (PRZ). Some have moved

officers over to help with

crosswalks on the perimeter

of the PRZ in order to provide

an extra layer of support

to children moving to/from

school.

SETTING AUTOMATIC

ALERTS

Another successful tactic

we’ve seen is the setting of

automatic alerts to keep officials

abreast of any school

zone that sees an increase of

speeding or dangerous driving.

These agencies use interactive

maps that filter out all

roads except for the school

zones in their districts. From

there they set time-based

alerts — usually 1-2 hours

before dropoff and 1-2 hours

after dismissal — to send an

alert anytime average speeds

climb beyond their enforcement

threshold.

The granularity in reporting

provides an extra layer

of operational support. They

may see, for example, that the

local middle school is great

every day except for when

there’s early release.

This enables officers to,

again, very tactically deploy

their resources. Rather than

taking a blanket approach to

keeping school zones safe,

they can shift resources on

an as-needed basis. The results

are not only safer roads

around the school, but a

greater ability to service the

community as a whole —

knowing that traffic is being

enforced only where there is a

known issue.

This also leads us to the next

success strategy we’ve seen.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL

COLLABORATION

School zone safety is a

community-wide effort that

extends beyond the law enforcement

community. From

elected officials to public

works and maintenance teams

to parents and citizens them-


selves — keeping the roads

safe for our children is a

full-throated effort

Our partners have found

great success in sharing their

knowledge of the roadways —

speeding data, travel trends,

school zone notifications —

with departments across their

community. By leveraging

their ground truth of roadway

data, they are able to have

very informed, data-driven,

solution-oriented conversations

with other community

stakeholders.

For example, we’ve seen

many agencies work

cross-functionally with public

works departments to get

more signage. Some have even

partnered with public works

teams on safety grants that

will fund speeding cameras

and/or speed tables on select

roads within a school zone.

Other departments have

used the data to report to city

leaders to advocate for more

resources — safety patrols,

additional officers, even

equipment.

And nearly all leverage their

roadway data to communicate

with concerned citizens.

They share all the great work

they’re doing — where speeding

has reduced (or never

been a factor). They also

share areas they’re focused

on — which has resulted in

an expedited rate of calming.

This level of transparency

lets parents and community

members in on, not only, the

results, but also the process of

everything being done to keep

kids safe as they travel to and

from school.

By leveraging new technologies

to identify and prioritize

safety concerns, improving

operations, and better involving

stakeholders, agencies

nationwide are ensuring that

our next generation arrives

safely on time to school, ready

for their adventure.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jonathan Bass is the Director

of Marketing at Urban SDK, a

leading provider of geospatial

AI solutions, equipping

public leaders with actionable

insights and automation

for mission-critical decisions.

Established in 2018 and headquartered

in Jacksonville, Florida,

Urban SDK is dedicated to

building a future where every

city is a model of precision,

safety and efficiency, driven by

data and innovation and shaping

what’s possible for local

government leaders. To date,

the company has enabled over

250 local government customers

to transform their operations,

improve traffic safety,

and manage their cities more

effectively.



HISTORY OF

THE TEXAS

CONSTABLE

WORDS BY MICHAEL BARRON



The office of constable dates back at

least to 1066 and the Norman Conquest of

England. William the Conqueror appointed

constables to supervise individual communities,

or boroughs. A constable's duties

varied considerably in different circumstances

and times. They were often similar

to those of a sheriff, who supervised

a shire (the equivalent of a county). Over

time, however, as sheriffs were given increasing

administrative duties, constables

assumed primary responsibility for local

law enforcement. The office of constable

had been transplanted to the British colonies

in North America by the mid-seventeenth

century, and with it continued the

divergence between constable and sheriff.

In America as in England, the main qualification

for the office of sheriff was "that

he be of sufficient estate." This limited the

choices for sheriff to a relatively small and

elite group of planters in each county. As a

result, few sheriffs had either the ability or

desire to serve warrants or bring offenders

to justice. Consequently, the constable and

justice of the peace were about the only

law and order most rural American settlers

ever saw.

On March 5, 1823, John Tumlinson, the

newly elected alcalde of the Colorado

District in Stephen F. Austin' first colony

in Texas, wrote to the Baron de Bastrop

in San Antonio that he had "appointed

but one officer who acts in the capacity

of constable to summon witnesses and

bring offenders to justice." That appointee,

Thomas V. Alley, thus became the first

Anglo law enforcement officer in the future

republic and state of Texas. Other prominent

colonists who served as constable

included John Austin and James Strange.

The Constitution of the Republic of Texas

(1836) provided for the election in each

county of a sheriff and "a sufficient number

of constables." During the ten years of the

republic's existence, thirty-eight constables

were elected in twelve counties, the first in

Nacogdoches County and the largest number

(thirteen) in Harrisburg (later Harris)

County. Court records indicate that violent

crime was rare in the republic, except

when horse or cattle thieves entered Texas

from Arkansas or Louisiana; most indictments

were for nonlethal crimes such as

illegal gambling or assaults resulting from

fights or scuffles. Juan N. Seguín and Elliott

M. Millican both served as constables

during the republic.

Shortly after Texas became a state, an

act passed by the legislature specified that

the constable should be "the conservator

of the peace throughout the county," adding

that "it shall be his duty to suppress all

riots, routs, affrays, fighting, and unlawful

assemblies, and he shall keep the peace,

and shall cause all offenders to be arrested,

and taken before some justice of the

peace." Constables were the most active

law-enforcement officials in many counties

during the early statehood of Texas.

After Texas seceded from the United

States in 1861, many county offices, including

that of constable, remained unfilled or

were filled by men less competent than

their predecessors. During the military occupation

of Texas after the Civil War, the

election of county officials all but ceased,

as the Union military appointed more than

200 individuals to state and county offices.

A number of these appointees refused



to serve; from 1865 to 1869, over one-third

of the county offices in Texas were vacant.

Many counties had no appointed or elected

constables during this period. Austin,

DeWitt, Fayette, McLennan, and Navarro

counties had but a single constable each,

appointed by Gen. Edward R. S. Canby, head

of the Fifth Military District, in 1868-69.

Under the Constitution of 1869, a Reconstruction

document that centralized many

governmental functions, no constables

were elected in Texas from 1869 to 1872,

though some were appointed by justices of

the peace. Many of these appointees lacked

experience in handling violent offenders

and access to secure jail facilities and had

few deputies to call upon for assistance.

They were no match for the poor, embittered,

and heavily armed former soldiers

from both sides who roamed the state,

often turning to crime. As a result, the office

of constable began to diminish in importance,

and the better-equipped county

sheriffs began to assume a leading role in

law enforcement. Still, a number of prominent

peace officers of the late nineteenth

and twentieth centuries began their careers

as constables or deputy constables, including

Thomas R. Hickman, George A. Scarborough,

and Jess Sweeten. In 1896, while

serving as a United States deputy marshal,

Scarborough shot and killed the controversial

El Paso constable John Selman, who

had himself gunned down the notorious

John Wesley Hardin in 1895.

The Constitution of 1876, designed to decentralize

control of the state government,

reduced the power of many state officials

and mandated that constables would once

again be elected at the precinct level. A

1954 constitutional amendment extended

their term of office from two years to four.

Today, constables numbering approximately

780 are elected from precincts in most

Texas counties. Their law-enforcement

roles vary widely, but in general their police

powers are no different from those of

other peace officers in the state. Complete

records do not exist, but the most recent

estimate is that at least ninety-three Tex-


as constables have died in the line of duty,

including sixty-seven in the twentieth century.

The first known Constable of Harris County’s

Precinct 1 was John H. McKinne who

served from 1883-1887 followed by C.W

Cambell who held the office from 1887-

1891. In more modern times, Walter H.

Rankin held the office held the office for 24

years from 1966 to 1990. Jack Abercia was

appointed in 1991 and elected in 1992 and

served until his retirement in 2012. Which

brings us to the current Constable Alan

Rosen, who has held the office for the past

12 years.

The Constables in Harris County today

have a much different role than their predecessors

in the late 1970s and 1980s. Today’s

Constables have expanded their role

significantly, with ever expanding patrol

units, investigative operations, and specialized

community contracts.


HARRIS COUNTY

CONSTABLE

PRECINCT ONE

WORDS BY REX EVANS

The Harris County Precinct One

Constable’s Office is a prime example

of this evolution of Constables

in Texas. Under the leadership of

Constable Alan Rosen for more than

twelve years, the office has grown

into one of Texas’s premier law enforcement

agencies—not only in

size, but also in the breadth of services

provided to the community.

Precinct One covers roughly 365

square miles and serves approximately

1.17 million residents. It is

among the most concentrated and

culturally diverse regions in Harris

County and the state. The community

includes 38% Latino, 33% African

American, 21% Anglo, 6% Asian,

and other groups that add to its

diversity. Dozens of languages are

spoken, countless faith traditions

are practiced, and the area is home

to a remarkable array of cultures

and cuisines. From underprivileged

neighborhoods to affluent communities

such as River Oaks and Highland

Village, Precinct One reflects the full

spectrum of socio-economic diversity

in Texas.

Adding to its unique profile, Precinct

One houses several foreign embassies,

including those of Great Britain,

France, and Israel, requiring specialized

cooperation between local law

enforcement and international partners.

Few local agencies anywhere

in the United States handle such a

unique mix of responsibilities.


CONSTABLE ALAN ROSEN


STRUCTURE AND DIVISIONS

Today, Constable Rosen leads nearly 1,000

employees, including Deputy Constables,

Emergency Communications Specialists,

Technicians, Administrative Staff, and

more. The office is organized into a wide

range of divisions, including:

• Patrol Operations

• Courthouse Complex Security and Patrol

• Toll Road Patrol

• Human Trafficking Unit

• Internet Crimes Against Children

(ICAC) Unit

• Illegal Gaming Unit

• High Water/Swift Water Rescue Unit

• K-9 Division

• UAV Unit

• Mental Health Division

• SPCA/Animal Cruelty Investigations

• Environmental Protection Unit

This diversity of operations makes Precinct

One an attractive destination for

those seeking a challenging and rewarding

career in law enforcement. From advanced

investigative work to life-saving rescue

missions, the opportunities reflect both the

complexity and the responsibility of serving

in one of the nation’s largest constable

precincts.

CONSTABLE ALAN ROSEN’S

LEADERSHIP

Constable Rosen isn’t one to just sit

around the office and talk about fighting

crime, he continues to put bad guys away

especially when they commit crimes in

front of him. As we were preparing this

story, Rosen stopped at a local Starbucks

for his morning coffee. While standing in

line, a suspect who obviously wasn’t paying

attention or paying period, grabbed

two large, insulated mugs and ran out the

door. The manager alerted Rosen who

chased the suspect across the parking lot

and into a hotel just across the street. A

passing Houston Police Officer assisted the

Constable in locating and arresting the suspect

on the 6th floor. Like I said, still fighting

crime and putting bad guys away.

Rosen began his law enforcement career

in the early 1990s with the Galveston County

Sheriff’s Office before moving to Harris

County Precinct One. Over the years, he

worked in divisions ranging from Patrol to

Mental Health to Criminal Warrants. After

a period with the Harris County Sheriff’s

Office, Rosen successfully ran for Constable

of Precinct One in 2012 and has since transformed

the office.

His leadership philosophy is built on

continuous improvement, teamwork, and

service over politics. “We may not be perfect—no

law enforcement agency is—but

if we remain committed to improving every

day, the results for our community will

follow,” Rosen has said. His focus is not on

building the biggest agency, but the best

one.

Rosen is particularly passionate about

creating a culture of accountability, innovation,

and compassion. He emphasizes the

importance of community trust, knowing

that law enforcement must be seen as a

partner, not just an authority figure. From

implementing mental health programs to

ensuring deputies receive advanced training,

Rosen’s priorities consistently reflect

the needs of the community.

A FAMILY-ORIENTED CULTURE

OF SERVICE

What stands out most is Rosen’s commit-



ment to building an organization that functions

like a family. From command staff to

front-line deputies, all personnel are united

in one mission: delivering the highest

quality service to the residents of Precinct

One.

Unlike many agencies where “family” is

little more than a slogan, Rosen’s approach

has fostered a true sense of unity. Employees

often describe the agency as a place

where people support one another both

professionally and personally. This culture

of shared responsibility and mutual respect

is one of the reasons the office has grown

into one of the most respected agencies in

Texas.

LOOKING FORWARD

As Harris County continues to grow and

diversify, the demands on Precinct One will

only increase. Yet under Rosen’s steady

leadership, the office has shown the ability

to adapt, expand, and excel. Whether

responding to the challenges of crime, the

complexities of cultural diversity, or the

emergencies brought by natural disasters,

the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s

Office stands as a modern embodiment

of a centuries-old institution—one that

remains dedicated to justice, service, and

community trust.

Q & A WITH THE CONSTABLE

I had the chance to sit down with the

Constable early one morning and asked him

a few questions about his early years in

law enforcement and serving as Constable

in Harris County. Here is just some of that

interview:

1. When and where did you start your

Law Enforcement Career?

--I began my career in 1990 at the Galveston

County Sheriff’s Office. I was assigned

as a Deputy Sheriff in the Housing / Detention

Bureau.

2. Various jobs / assignments throughout

your career?

--I’ve worked multiple assignments

throughout my career. Beginning in Housing

/ Detention, Patrol, Warrants, Mental

Health, and whatever other assignments

came my way. As you remember Rex, in the

early days we did what we were told, when

we were told. Period.

3. Education?

--I attended University of Houston.

Throughout my career, I have attended

multiple leadership courses covering

leadership ideas, objectives and the like. I

always enjoyed all the contacts made in

those courses and the timeless relationships

I developed over the years.

4. What convinced you to run for Constable

Pct. 1?

--So, my family has a long history of Public

Service through Political Positions and

Assignments. From local offices of public

service to appointments as Ambassadors

to other Countries, I have watched and

learned from and been around politics my

entire life. And of course, having worked at

Precinct One 1 in multiple divisions, I knew

the agency could be so much better than it

was. I just knew with the right leadership

in place throughout the department, Precinct

One could easily be, one of the best

law enforcement agencies in Harris County.

And I believe we’ve accomplished that.



5. What were your primary objectives

going into the Office after you won?

Times and missions change. What are

your objectives today?

--Rex, you’ve been a Chief. You know

every agency can be different. The common

denominator is, we want to make the

department operate more efficiently and

better WORDS serve BY the MICHAEL community. For BARRON me, I also

wanted to take the “internal politics” out of

the “operations” of the department. In other

words, let the men and women who work

here, do their job. Don’t worry about the

politics. That’s my job. Your job (personnel)

is to be the best public servant you can for

the community we serve. That was paramount

to me, actually.

6. What advice would you offer to a

new graduating Cadet just beginning

their career?

--Hook your wagon up to the best agency

you can, for the long term. Not just the

short term. Listen and watch. Get with the

smart people. The good people. Get with

the people you want to model yourself after

in your career. Always, always remember,

you are a peace officer so you are always

under a microscope. On and off duty.

7. Retention and Recruitment remain

at the forefront of every leader in law

enforcement today. How have you guided

or led your staff in those areas to

meet the ever-increasing demand with a

smaller supply of qualified personnel?

--I believe word of mouth from those who

work here is the best seller for the department.

Look you provide everything you can

for your personnel, treat them with dignity

and respect, provide them with the tools to

safely and effectively do their job, and they

will let people know. And I believe as they

describe their work environment to others,

it is those others who will say “Well, I want

to be a part of that…” and they’ll apply.

8. Pct. 1 may not be the largest Constable’s

Office in the United States, but it is

however, a very diverse Agency in personnel

and operations. There are multiple

divisions within this large agency.

What are some of those divisions and

their missions?

---Precinct One is without a doubt the

most diverse, dynamic and eclectic geographical

area of Harris County. It is by

design that our Office directly reflects that

same sense of community. The kind of

community whereby we may be different in

some ways. but we want the same things.

A safe place to live, worship and work. We

want our kids to have good schools. We

want to thrive in life. Not just live life. That

being said, our Office has many employees

of numerous races, religions, backgrounds

and languages. Also, our agency isn’t just

Civil and Justice of the Peace Courts. We

have Patrol, Mental Health, Warrants, ICAC,

Human Trafficking, Animal Cruelty Investigations,

Motors, Downtown Courthouse

Complex Operations, Environmental Crimes

Investigations, High Water / Swift Water

Rescue Operations and more. We aren’t

just diverse in people. We are diverse in

our resources and abilities for service to

the citizens of Precinct One.

9. Best days as Constable. Worst Day

as Constable. How did you go forward

from each?

--There have been many of both, actually.

However, if I had to pick one, getting Texas

Senate Bill 23 was definitely a high point.


AMERICA


That was no easy political task. By working

with people and never giving up, the Bill

was passed and is the Law in Texas today.

As for the worst, it is always frustrating to

have allegations of abuse or misconduct

out there. And as you know from your many

years as a Chief, you cannot always immediately

publicly respond as you must wait

for a thorough investigation to be completed.

Those don’t complete themselves over

night. They take time. And as the Elected

Official, it is that time which is most agonizing.

far beyond what most people know. He is

tenacious in his efforts to help officers and

their families in need. He has always encouraged

me as I have him. We never once

looked at our friendship in any other way

than lift one another up when needed and

lets both do all we can for everyone we

can. He is and shall always be my friend.

10. In closing, what would you like

to say to our nearly 6.5 million readers

about Precinct One? (The Department

and the Community which it serves)

--Precinct One Constable’s Office is so

much more than just me. It is really all

about the great people who work here and

the amazing community which we have the

privilege to serve and protect. From some

of the poorest of communities to the absolute

wealthiest, our team serves and protects

everyone, equally. I am very proud of

that fact.

EXTRA CREDIT QUESTION: How

long have you and Alan Helfman been

friends? How have you two encouraged

each other throughout your friendship

and law enforcement careers?

--Ah Yes. (laughing) Alan Helfman and

I have known each other for over thirty

years. In our Faith and Community, we call

Alan “The Mench”. Which translates into: A

person of honor, integrity, kindness and responsibility.

Alan Helfman is the epitome of

all those things. What he has done and will

always do for fallen and injured law enforcement

officers and their families goes



Two World

GAZA


s of Loss

LA


What's Next for

Palisades Fire Victims?

By Michael Barron

EDITORS NOTE: The following story recounts

the total destruction of the Gaza strip. It is in

no way support for Hamas or the Palestinians

that supported Hamas and allowed them to

use their communities as cover for their war

against Israel. It is however about the innocent

citizens that had their lives and their entire

communities destroyed by the war.

Ten months ago, a California wildfire ripped

through the hills of Los Angeles and nearly

killed one of our own, Jessica Jones. Afterwards,

Jessica shared with our readers

how she barely escaped the raging fires and

the total devastation of a place she called

home. Entire neighborhoods, homes, schools,

churches, businesses— all completely destroyed

and reduced to ash. To all those living

in the Palisades, it was terrifying moment in

their lives that most will never forget.

But as I watched the news surrounding the

peace deal play out in Israel, I thank God the

remaining hostages have been released and

a cease fire was in place at the time we went

live. But looking at what’s left of the Gaza

strip, the hundreds of thousands of people

walking back into Gaza, I couldn’t help but

think, where are they going. The entire area

looks like a city after a 9.7 earthquake. Total

and complete devastation.

As police officers, firefighters, medics, and

first responders, we’ve all seen tragedy up

close. We’ve walked through burned-out

homes, consoled families standing in the

ashes, and watched people’s lives change in a

matter of minutes. But sometimes, looking beyond

our borders helps remind us how differently

tragedy plays out depending on where

you live — and what kind of safety net you

have when disaster strikes.

When the fires tore through the Palisades —

thousands were forced to evacuate. News helicopters

and drones captured walls of flame

climbing into the sky and multi million-dollar

homes turning to ash. For the families who

lost everything, it was devastating. But even in

the middle of that devastation, help was already

on the way.

Fire crews were battling the smoldering

homes. The Red Cross was setting up shelters.

Law enforcement managed evacuations with

precision and calm. Within days, relief centers

opened, insurance adjusters arrived, and some

federal disaster funds were being processed.

President Trump visited the area and promised

the government and FEMA would be on the

ground to help all the victims of the horrible

tragedy.

For most victims, it was a painful interruption

of life — not the end of it. That’s not to

minimize their loss. Losing your home is one of

the hardest things a person can face. It shatters

your sense of safety and identity. But for

most Californians, even those who lost everything,

there’s still a system ready to catch

them when they fall. There’s structure. There’s

order. There’s help.

Now, imagine losing your home in a place

where none of that exists.


LA FIRES


A World Without Escape

In the Gaza Strip, where war has reduced entire

neighborhoods to rubble, more than a million

people have been left homeless. Families who

once lived in small apartments or simple concrete

houses are now sleeping in tents, schools, or the

open air. They’re not waiting for insurance checks

or disaster aid — they’re waiting for clean water,

for medicine, and for the killing of their families

and friends to stop.

There are no moving trucks, no rental listings,

no temporary hotels. There’s nowhere to go. The

roads are broken. The borders are closed. The air

smells of smoke and dust.

For many of us who have seen loss up close here

in the States, it’s hard to comprehend that level

of destruction. In California, when a wildfire hits,

people evacuate in SUVs, pickup trucks, or with a

police escort. In Gaza, when homes burn or collapse,

people walk — sometimes for miles — carrying

what little they can. Some have burros pulling

wagons piled high with what little possessions

they could find in the rubble that was once their

home. Others pushing wheelchairs, while leading

children barefoot across the debris.

When California burns, the news calls it natural

disaster caused by rising temperatures. But when

they show images of a flattened city that once

was home to 2-million people, they don’t call it

anything. They completely ignore the tragedy their

cameras are capturing in Gaza.

TWO VERSIONS OF RECOVERY

In California, rebuilding begins the moment the

flames are out. Neighbors show up with food,

local charities raise funds, and construction crews

get to work. FEMA, state agencies, and countless

nonprofits pour in to help. The process is exhausting,

but it’s possible. The systems work.

In Gaza, rebuilding doesn’t begin — because

there’s nothing to rebuild with. Cement and steel

can’t enter freely. Power is out across most of

the region. Even if a family could find materials,

there’s no guarantee they’ll survive long enough to

use them. Their daily life isn’t about rebuilding —

it’s about surviving until tomorrow.

And that’s the difference that hits hardest. Both

Californians and Gazans have lost their homes, but

only one group has the means to start again.

WEALTH AND THE WEIGHT OF LOSS

In the Palisades Fire, many of the burned homes

belonged to the wealthy — celebrities, executives,

retirees. Their loss was real, but most had options.

They moved into second homes, rented apartments,

or stayed with family while contractors

rebuilt. Within months, many will move back into

brand-new houses on the same lots.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, the idea of “relocation”

doesn’t exist. People can’t simply pack up and

move to another city or state. Their entire world —

25 miles long and sealed off — is the disaster zone.

There are no insurance payouts, no real estate

listings, no escape routes.

It’s a haunting reminder that “homeless” doesn’t

mean the same thing everywhere. In California, it’s

a temporary condition. In Gaza, it’s a way of life

that no one chose and few can change.

RESILIENCE, REDEFINED

As first responders, we talk a lot about resilience.

We’ve seen it in our own ranks — the firefighter

who goes back to the line after losing his own

house, the officer who keeps showing up after

working 18-hour shifts during a disaster.

But what we see in Gaza is a different kind of resilience

altogether. It’s not about bouncing back —

it’s about refusing to give up when there’s nowhere

to bounce back to.

A mother baking bread over an open fire with aid

flour. Kids playing soccer in the dust where their

school once stood. Families sleeping on concrete

slabs that used to be their living rooms. That’s resilience

without resources — survival powered by

sheer will.


GAZA


The idea of “home” may be gone

for years, maybe generations.

THE HUMANITY BETWEEN THE

HEADLINES

In today’s world, disasters strip away everything

but humanity. Whether you’re a homeowner in

Malibu or a child in Gaza, the moment your home

disappears, you’re left with the same sense of

shock and disbelief. The same need for comfort.

The same hope for safety.

The difference is in what happens next. In one

place, recovery starts with a phone call to an insurance

company. In the other, it starts with finding

a piece of tarp to keep the rain off.

The world often measures tragedy in dollars —

how much damage, how much property lost. But

the real cost is in dignity, in the sense of belonging

that a home gives you. Californians will rebuild.

Many already have. But for over a million people

in Gaza, the idea of “home” may be gone for years,

maybe generations.

ONE SIMPLE LESSON

For those of us who wear a uniform, we know

how fragile life really is. We know how quickly a

normal day can turn into chaos and the worst day

of someone’s life. We also know how lucky we

are to live in a country where help comes when

you call. First Responders there within minutes to

save lives and comfort the families of those that

couldn’t be saved.

But in Gaza, there is no 911, no first responders,

no emergency shelters, no Red Cross truck around

the corner.

At the end of the day, loss is loss. But the difference

between the fires of California and the ruin

of Gaza isn’t just in the destruction — it’s in what

comes after. One side rebuilds. The other endures

and prays they can survive just another day.

And that’s something the world should never

forget.



The remaining police events for 2025 include several conferences, training

sessions, and annual meetings happening in November and December. Major

events already took place earlier in the year, such as the International Association

of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in Denver in October and the

National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) winter and annual conferences in February

and June.

NOVEMBER 3

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOM-

EN POLICE (IAWP) ANNUAL CONFER-

ENCE: This one-day conference will be

held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

NOVEMBER 12 & 17

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

CHIEFS OF POLICE (IACP) EVENTS: The

IACP has two events scheduled for November:

• A course on "Planning, Designing, and

Constructing Police Training Facilities" on

November 12.

• A First-Line Leadership (FLL) course in

Lakewood, Colorado, on November 17.

NOVEMBER 17-18

ADVANCED FINANCIAL CRIMES INVES-

TIGATIONS: The Pearland Police Department

is hosting a two-day training course

to cover current trends and investigative

techniques for financial crimes.

NOVEMBER 19

LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERSHIP SUM-

MIT: Held in Texas, this summit for law

enforcement professionals will cover leadership,

growth, and the call to serve.

NOVEMBER 24

ADVANCED FINANCIAL CRIMES INVESTI-

GATIONS: The Pearland Police Department

is hosting a two-day training course to

cover current trends and investigative techniques

for financial crimes.

NOVEMBER 25

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON

POLICE STUDIES AND CRIMINOLOGY

(ICPOSC-25): Taking place on November

24, this will be held in-person and online.

ANZPAA Police Conference (PC) 2025: The

Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory

Agency (ANZPAA) conference will be held

on November 25 and will address policing

for the future.

DECEMBER 1-2

LAW ENFORCEMENT SEMINARS: THESE

CONTINUING EDUCATION SESSIONS WILL

BE HELD IN GALVESTON, TEXAS

First Responder Mental Health & Wellness

Conference: This two-day conference in

Galveston, Texas, from December 11–12,

will focus on strategies and support to

strengthen the mental health of first responders.


JOIN US IN

New orleans!

1 Advanced Traffic Stops by Blue to Gold Anna, TX

1 Body Language for Law Enforcement Meredith, NH

1 Crypto Investigations 101 by Dirigo Safety Webinar

1 Detecting Armed Individuals and Firearms Identification Blacksburg, VA

1 Leading as a Patrol Officer Brownsville, TX

1 Mastering Search and Seizure by Blue to Gold Newport News, VA

1-2 Advanced Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Investigations Bozeman, MT

november

1-2 ADVANCED TACTICAL

13-16,

HANDGUN FOR PATROL

2025

GERMANTOWN, WI

1-3 LexisNexis® Investigative Training and Innovation (ITI) Summit Nashville, TN

2 Advanced Patrol Tactics by Calibre Press Bloomington, MN

2 Recognizing Pre-Attack Indicators Meredith, NH

u2 Top-rated Search Warrant Keynote Case Law Speakers

by Blue to Gold Anna, TX

2 Seconds for Survival by Blue to Gold Richland, WA

u

2-3 Impactful Highway and Interdiction Engaging & Rural Patrol Presenters

State College, PA

Empowered by

u2-3 Life-changing

Leadership for Front-Line

Sessions

Supervisors Course Brownsville, TX

2-3 SLR15 Law Enforcement Shotgun Armorer Course Binghamton , NY

u2-3 Networking Social Media with and Open-Source the Law Investigations Enforcement (B) Community

Miami, FL

3 Criminal Level II Advanced Workshop by WZ Fort Smith, AR

u3-13 Easygoing Basic Training and at festive Connecticut Police spirit Academy of new orleans Meriden, CT

6 Fatal Dose: Overdose Investigations Boulder, CO

6 C.O.P.S. High Performance invites all Leadership active - By and Leading retired Blue law enforcement Chambersburg, PA officers, peer support, counselors, police chaplains, correctional

6 Mastering Proactive Policing for Patrol by Blue to Gold Texas City, TX

officers, dispatchers, and spouses/significant others, to attend this weekend of education, networking, healing and

6 Sexual Assault Investigations with Dirigo Safety, LLC Skowhegan, ME

6 entertainment.

S ocial Media and Open-Source Investigations by Blue to Gold Lawrenceville, GA

6-7 Crime Scene Staging San Antonio, TX

6-7 This conference Leadership for Front-Line focuses Supervisors on trauma Course and wellness, Tavares, FL proactively addressing the cumulative stressors that can occur

6-7 throughout Mexican Drug an officer’s Cartel Investigations career. When you attend Mckinney this , TX conference, you not only get three days of over 25 incredible

6-7 speakers, Overdose you Investigations also get Course the peer support and networking Clemson, SC with your fellow law enforcement community members and

6-7 Proactive Social Media Investigations Fort Pierce, FL

supporters!

6-7 SLR15 AR15 / M16 / M4 / AR308 Armorer Course Plymouth Meeting, PA

6-7 Verbal De-escalation by PATC Sterling , CO

6-7 Conference Women in Command and Hotel by Calibre Location:

Press Cleveland, OH

6-8 New Orleans Calming The Marriott

Fire: Principles for De-escalation by PATC Pittsburgh, PA

$175 for Spouses/Significant Other

6-8555 Canal Detecting St., Deception- New 2.5 Orleans, Days by PATC LA

Denver, CO

if attending with paid participant.

6-8 Room Digital Rate Data is & $162.00/night Cellular Record Analysis (+ with tax) Nighthawk (Single/Double) Suffolk, VA

6-8 Field Training Officer by IPTM Jacksonville, FL

Fee includes access to all classes, general

6-8 A link to Field book Training a Officer hotel by Penn room State is available on the Folcroft, C.O.P.S. PA website.

sessions, law enforcement appreciation night

6-8 A link will Field Training also Officer be included School by Dirigo in Safety the confirmation AUBURN, email MEonce a

6-8 Force Encounters Analysis: Understanding Human Performance Corona, CA

reception/dinner, and 2 lunches.

registration is submitted.

6-8 Leadership for Women in Policing by PATC Murray, UT

6-8 Pat McCarthy's Street Crimes - Real World Arkansas City, KS

featuring:

6-8 Police Pistol Optics Instructor Course Mt Olive, NJ

6-8 UAS / Drone Training - 3 - Day Search and Rescue Fort Worth, TX

6-8 Virtual - Field Training Officer by Penn State University Park, PA

6-10 21st Annual East Tennessee K9 Workshop and Certification Jacksboro, TN

6-10 Basic Narcotic/Specialized Unit Investigator Course San Diego, CA

6-10 Basic Narcotic/Specialized Unit Investigator Course San Diego, CA

6-10 Criminal Investigations Using Cellular Technologies Basic Course Noblesville, IN

6-10 Criminal Investigations Using Cellular Technologies Basic Course Roseville, MN

6-10 FBI-LEEDA Managing & Conducting Internal Affairs Investigations Crestview, FL

6-10 Fundamentals of Traffic Crash Dynamics by IPTM Buckeye, AZ

6-10 New Detective and Criminal Investigator by PATC Humble, TX

6-10 NRA Law Enforcement Handgun Instructor Development School Shelbyville, IN

6-10 NRA Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor Development School Reno, NV

6-10 Pedestrian/Bicycle Crash Investigation - Level I Colorado Springs, CO

6-10 Penn State - Counterterrorism and Intelligence Allison Park, PA

6-10 Keynote Penn State Speaker - Police Supervisory In-Service Training Keynote (POSIT) Speaker Allentown, PA

6-10 Police Traffic Laser/RADAR Instructor Jacksonville, FL

Allyn Goodrich

Author/Las vegas SWAT

David Black, Ph.d.

cordico ceo/Founder

Conference FEE ONLY $350 per person!

Keynote Speaker

Sam glenn

author/inspirational speaker

Entertainment

kevin jordan

Comedian/author/former LAPD

Putting the focus on YOU, , to bring you home to THEM!

www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.orG


Registration deadline is October 30, 2025



HONORING OUR

POLICE OFFICER RAY BARRANTES

CHOWCHILLA POLICE DEPARTMENT, CALIFORNIA

END OF WATCH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025

AGE: 37 TOUR: 2 YEARS BADGE: N/A

Police Officer Ray Barrantes was killed when his patrol car struck the rear end of a semi-trailer in Madera County at the

intersection of State Route 152 and Road 13 at 10:30 P.M. Officer Barrantes was driving his patrol car eastbound on

the 152 when a semi-trailer hauling tomatoes southbound on Road 13 crossed the 152. Officer Barrantes’ patrol car

collided with the right rear end of the semi-trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Barrantes had served with the City of Chowchilla Police Department for nearly two years and previously served

with the West Sacramento Police Department. He is survived by his wife and three children.

128 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE

128 The BLUES - NOVEMBER ‘25 ‘25

FALLEN HEROES

SENIOR TROOPER CRAIG ANTONY GAINES

FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL, FLORIDA

END OF WATCH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

AGE: 58 TOUR: 27 YEARS BADGE 743

Senior Trooper Craig Gaines passed away from complications related to a leg fracture he received while providing lead

security detail for the head coach of the Florida A&M Football Team on September 9, 2025. During the game against

Florida Atlantic University at the FAU Stadium, located at 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton, a player unintentionally ran

into Trooper Gaines at the end of a play, fracturing his leg. While recovering from his injury, he began to feel ill and

called for assistance. On September 19, 2025, despite life-saving measures, Trooper Gaines succumbed to medical

complications stemming from his leg injury. Trooper Gaines was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the

Florida Highway Patrol for 17 years. He previously served with the Havana Police Department and the Gadsden County

Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, two brothers, and grandchildren.

The The BLUES BLUES - NOVEMBER - ‘25 ‘25129129

HONORING OUR

DEPUTY SHERIFF CHARLES RILEY



IBERVILLE PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE, LOUISIANA

END OF WATCH MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2025

AGE: 33 TOUR: 6 YEARS BADGE: 503

Deputy Sheriff Charles Riley was shot and killed while interviewing a suspect at the Iberville Parish

Courthouse at 58050 Merram Street in Plaquemine. Around 8:00 p.m., Deputy Riley and a detective

were interrogating a man as part of a sexual assault investigation. When they attempted to place

the man under arrest, a struggle ensued. The suspect grabbed a gun and began firing. He shot both

deputies before one of the deputies returned fire. Both deputies were transported to a hospital, where

Deputy Riley succumbed to his wounds. The other deputy is in critical condition.

Deputy Riley was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Department

for six years. He previously served with the Gonzales Police Department. He is survived by his

wife and two daughters.

FALLEN HEROES

POLICE OFFICER HENRY FRANKLIN

SIKESTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, MISSOURI



Police Officer Henry Franklin was shot and killed while serving a warrant with his tactical team on County Road 408 in

Mississippi County at approximately 7:30 p.m. On Monday evening, Officer Franklin and his tactical team were called to

assist with serving a warrant linked to a homicide investigation from earlier that day. When the team arrived at the home

of the suspect and attempted to make contact, the man fired at the officers from inside the house, killing Officer Franklin,

and continued to fire. The suspect remained barricaded in the home for five hours and was found dead from a self-inflicted

gunshot wound.

Officer Franklin was a United States National Guard veteran and had served with the Sikeston Department of Public

Safety for over 12 years. He is survived by his wife and four children.


HONORING OUR

TROOPER NICHOLAS P. CAYTON



OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL, OHIO

END OF WATCH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025


Trooper Nicholas Cayton was struck and killed by the driver of a Mack truck on the northbound lane of Route 11 in

Canfield around noon.

Trooper Cayton responded to a disabled tractor-trailer and was in his patrol cruiser with lights activated when the truck

hit him. His vehicle was pushed into the disabled tractor-trailer. Trooper Cayton was killed at the scene. The driver of the

disabled tractor-trailer was transported to the hospital.

The driver of the Mack truck was not injured.

FALLEN HEROES

POLICE OFFICER LAUREN CRAVEN

LA MESA POLICE DEPARTMENT, CALIFORNIA



Police Officer Lauren Craven was struck and killed while helping at the scene of a vehicle collision on Interstate 8 near

Waring Road. Around 10:20 p.m., a car traveling eastbound on I-8 struck another vehicle, flipped, and was then hit by

another oncoming car. Officer Craven stopped at the scene to render aid when she was struck by another vehicle.

Despite performing life-saving measures, Officer Craven died at the scene. The driver of the initial crash was also killed.

Officer Craven had served with the La Mesa Police Department for almost two years.


HONORING OUR

DEPUTY SHERIFF JOSHUA AARON BRASHEARS

134 The The BLUES BLUES POLICE - NOVEMBER MAGAZINE ‘25 ‘25

JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, MISSISSIPPIAS

END OF WATCH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025


Deputy Sheriff Joshua Brashears was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 15 around 5:30 a.m.

While driving on Highway 15, south of East McHenry Road, his patrol vehicle struck two horses on the dark road. He

was transported to Memorial Hospital Biloxi, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Deputy Brashears had served with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for two years and previously served with the

Greenville County (South Carolina) Sheriff's Office for 13 years, the Rangely (Colorado) Police Department for one year,

and the Garfield County (Colorado) Sheriff's Office for five years. He is survived by his son, daughter, mother, father, and

four siblings.

FALLEN HEROES

SERGEANT THOMAS DURAN

EL RENO POLICE DEPARTMENT, OKLAHOMA

END OF WATCH: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025


Sergeant Thomas Duran succumbed to his injuries in a hit-and-run while at a traffic stop on Watts Street near Wilson

Street in El Reno. Shortly before 2:00 a.m., Sergeant Duran was flagged down by a pedestrian. While Sergeant Duran

was on the side of the road, talking to the man, a car struck him and kept driving. The man called for assistance after

moving Sergeant Duran to safety. Sergeant Duran was flown to the University of Oklahoma Health Center, where he succumbed

to his injuries. His organs were donated after his death. The driver was arrested the next day and charged with

failure to stop at an accident resulting in great bodily injury and assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

Sergeant Duran had served with the El Reno Police Department for 14 years and previously served with the Edmond

Police Department as a detention officer. He is survived by his wife and children.


HONORING OUR

DEPUTY SHERIFF ANDREW NUNEZ



SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF, CALIFORNIA

END OF WATCH: MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025


Deputy Sheriff Andrew Nunez was shot and killed near a residence in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive in Rancho

Cucamonga at approximately 12:37 p.m. Deputy Nunez was responding to a call of a woman being threatened by an

armed man in Rancho Cucamonga. When Deputy Nunez arrived, the armed man shot him in the head and then fled

on a motorcycle. Deputy Nunez was immediately transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where,

despite lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. Local law enforcement tracked the suspect on his motorcycle

along the 210 highway, where he led them on a high-speed pursuit until he was knocked off his motorcycle by a sedan

that swerved into his lane. He was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Deputy Nunez had served with the

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for six years. He is survived by his expectant wife, two-year-old daughter, his

mother, and four siblings.

FALLEN HEROES

POLICE OFFICER DAVID CAJUSO

MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT, FLORIDA

END OF WATCH: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025


Police Officer David Cajuso was killed in a motorcycle crash on Interstate 75 in Hialeah.

Around 11:35 a.m., Officer Cajuso was driving on Interstate 75 near NW 138th Street when he struck a median.

He was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Officer Cajuso had served with the Miami Beach Police Department for ten years. He is survived by his wife, three

children, mother, and father.


WORDS BY SGT. MICHAEL BARRON, RET

"You Have to Save my Babies"

Some time ago, I announced

that I was in the final stages

of completing a book that

has been in the works for 41

years — The Thin Blue Line,

Life behind the Badge. It’s a

collection of War Stories as

told by dozens of officers and

published in The BLUES over

the past 4 decades. While

most of these heartbreaking

stories are from officers all

over the country, a handful are

from my own experiences. The

following is just one of those

that recounts what I’d consider

the single most important

accomplishment I had in my

law enforcement career.

My first few years on patrol

with the Sheriff’s Department,

I was assigned to the day shift

out of the Humble substation.

Every single officer on that

shift was at least 10-20 years

older than I was and my sergeant

nicknamed me “junior.”

Back then I didn’t care much

for the nickname at all. Today,

you call me Junior all day

long. The sad fact is, that other

than my sergeant, almost

all the officers I worked with

have all passed away. I guess

being younger back then has

its advantages today.

This story takes us back to

the early 80’s when FM1960

West of Humble was just

a 4-lane highway between

Humble and Spring. There

weren’t many businesses to

speak of and only two residential

subdivisions had been

built, Kenswick being one of

them. This story takes place

on crystal clear morning in

October. I had just left the

Humble substation when the

dispatcher put out a disturbance

call involving an irate

woman and her neighbor.

“Any unit clear District 2A to

check for a disturbance at a

residence in Kenswick?”

Unit 4209 Houston give me

the address, I’m just leaving

Humble and I’ll check it.

“Unit 4209 the Reportee just

said it’s near the corner of

Kenswick and Old Maple Lane

and says a woman is screaming

at neighbors at that location."

Unit 4209 clear.

It took less than 5 minutes

to get to the subdivision

entrance and Old Maple was

just a few streets in. As soon

as I headed North on Kenswick

Drive, I saw thick black

smoke filling the bright blue

shy ahead.

4209, do you have any reports

of a fire in this area?

“Unit 4209, negative”

4209 put me out in 8600

block of Old Maple Lane, start

Fire this way, I have smoke

coming from a 2-story residence

at that location. I’m out

with a white female in the

driveway.

“Unit 4209, I’ll dispatch FD


and EMS to your location”

I was barely out of my car,

when a woman came up

waving her arms, screaming

“oh my God you have to save

them, please dear God you

have to save my babies.”

Ma’am is this your house.

Where are your kids? Are they

inside the house?

“Yes, you have to hurry”

Where are the kids exactly?

“I just went next door to

borrow some milk. I was only

gone a minute”

Ma’am, where were the kids

when you left?

Unit 4209 I have two juveniles

still inside the residence,

I need an ETA on the fire department.

“Unit 4209, they advised they

are 5 out.”

Ma’am where were your

kids?

“At the top of the stairs, in

the playroom.”

By this time smoke was

pouring out of the front of the

house, so I ran around to the

rear to see if I could go in thru

a back door. With the woman

on my heals, I turned around

asked her where the stairs

were.

“In the middle of the den,

straight through the kitchen

to the right, please you have

to hurry.”

As she was talking, I noticed

a wet quilt hanging on a

clothesline next to the house. I

grabbed it, wrapped it around

my shoulders and my face,

said, Ma’am, go stand by the

front curb. When the fire department

gets here, tell them

I went inside to get your kids.

Tell them I’m going upstairs.

Do you understand?

“Yes…. please dear God, you

have to save my babies.”

What are their names and

how old are they?

“Ryan and Robert, they’re

only 3 and 5.”

Ok. Unit 4209, Fire Department

isn’t here. I’m making

entry into the rear of the

residence to locate the two

kids. Tell FD I’m headed to the

upstairs playroom.

“4209, Unit 421…

()*&)*^$*&.”

Whatever the hell she said, I

didn’t understand and I didn’t

have time to ask. I went inside

and the smoke in the

kitchen wasn’t as thick as it

was in the front of the house.

I hugged the floor until I got

to the stairs that were in the

middle of the den and then

bellied crawled up the stairs.

I couldn’t see shit, and I was

coughing so bad I could barely

breathe, but when I reached

the top of the stairs I called

out to the boys and only by

the Grace of God, were they

both laying right in front of

me. Both were unconscious

and limp. I wrapped them

both in the blanket, held them


close to my chest and made

my way back down the stairs.

I could only see one step at a

time. When I got to the bottom,

the front door was open,

and two firemen were about

to start up the stairs. One

grabbed the two boys, and

another grabbed me around

the waist and pretty much

carried me out. I was coughing

up black shit and barely

able to breathe, but as well

made it to the front lawn, I

saw two ambulances at the

curb and firemen everywhere.

One of the EMTs grabbed me

by the arm and led me to one

of the ambulances. My eyes

burned so bad, it hurt like hell

to keep them open. The EMT’s

put on an oxygen mask and

washed my eyes with saline,

and I was finally able to keep

them open. I pulled the mask

off and asked about the two

boys. All they said was “we

are working on them…put the

damn mask back on.”

About that time, a fireman

in a white helmet, their chief

I suppose, came up to the

ambulance and said “so you’re

the dumbass that ran into a

burning house? What the hell

is wrong with you?”

I wanted to punch the asshole

in the face, but I said.

“Where the hell were you

guys?” He said something and

stepped down and walked off.

For the next 30 minutes, the

EMTs checked all my vitals

and made sure I didn’t have

any burns. As soon as I could

breathe, I took the mask off

and said, “I need to check on

those boys.”

“Deputy sit back down.”

Too late I was already out

and walking to the other

ambulance. I opened the side

door, and their mom grabbed

me around the neck and

kissed me on the cheek.

“You saved my boys; you are

God’s Angel.”

I asked the EMT how they

were doing, and he said they

were about to transport them,

but they were both breathing

and vitals were good. I heard

a voice behind me say “another

couple of minutes and

they wouldn’t be here. You did

good brother. You’re fucking

stupid, but you did good.”

I turned around it was the

Chief. He chewed my ass out

for the next 20 minutes and

said I had to take a ride to

make sure I was OK. About

that time my sergeant walked

up and looked at my smokey

uniform, soot all over my face

and said “Barron, you will do

anything for a day off.”

Thanks, sarge.

“I guess you didn’t hear me

say not to go in that fucking

house?”

Nope.

“Give me your keys, I’ll get

your patrol car back to the

station, but you need to get

your ass in that ambulance

and go to the fucking hospital.”

Yes Sir. They transported me

and the boys to NE Memorial,

and they ended up keeping

me overnight and the boys for

2-3 more days. Both the boys

had severe smoke inhalation,

and they put them both on

breathing treatments. I seriously

coughed up black slimy

shit for a week. When my Sgt.

came to pick me up the next

day, he chewed my ass out

again and then hugged me

when we got to the station.

“You’re a dumbass for sure,

but you’re a hero dumbass

and if it weren’t for your

quick thinking, those two boys

would be dead. So great job.

Just don’t do that shit again.”

I received a 100 Club Award

and a Living Saving Award

from the Lyons Club and the

local newspaper put my picture

on the front page and

said I was a HERO. I didn’t feel

like a hero, I was just doing

my job and what God put

me on this earth to do. But

the real reward was seeing

those boys grow up and play

sports. I never missed one of

their games and every Christmas,

their mom brought me

a cheesecake to the station

along with a hug and a kiss.

To this day, I think that was

the single most important

thing I’ve ever done in my

life. It was however, the one

and only time I ever ran into

a burning building. From that

point forward, I had a renewed

respect for Fire Fighters

and what they do to save

lives.


ALL FIRST RESPONDERS & VETERANS

10% OFF A NEW INTERIOR

FOR YOUR CAR,TRUCK OR SUV

12722 Hwy. 3 Webster, Texas • 281-486-9739

CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE


WORDS BY SGT. MICHAEL BARRON, RET

FENTANYL'S DEADLY DECEPTION:

How it's Stealing our Kids' Lives.

There was a time when a teenager

experimenting with drugs

might have faced the risk of

addiction, arrest, or a long road to

recovery. Today, that same experiment

can be fatal—instantly. The

difference is one word: fentanyl.

Across America, law enforcement

officers, school resource

officers, and grieving parents are

confronting the terrifying new

face of drug abuse—where even

a single pill, unknowingly laced

with fentanyl, can end a young

life in seconds.

THE INVISIBLE KILLER

Fentanyl is not new. It was developed

in the 1960s as a powerful

painkiller used in hospitals, often

for cancer patients or severe trauma

cases. It is 50 times stronger

than heroin and about 100 times

more potent than morphine. In

the medical world, it’s measured

in micrograms. But on the street,

there are no labels, no dosage,

and no second chances.

Dealers use fentanyl because it’s

cheap to make, easy to transport,

and incredibly addictive. It gives

a fast, intense high—and for the

criminal networks that push it,

that means more customers. The

problem is that users, especially

teenagers and young adults, rarely

know they’re taking it. Pills that

look like Xanax, OxyContin, or Adderall—complete

with professional-looking

logos and shapes—are

often counterfeit, pressed with a

lethal amount of fentanyl mixed

in.

Just two milligrams—about the

size of a few grains of salt—can

be enough to kill.

A DEADLY TRICK

Imagine being sixteen and thinking

you’re taking a pill to help you

study or relax. You found it on

social media, got it from a friend,

or bought it from someone you

trust. Within minutes, your breathing

slows. Your lips turn blue. By

the time someone realizes what’s

happening, it’s too late.

That’s the horrifying reality for

thousands of American families

every year. The DEA reports that

seven out of ten pills seized on the

street now contain a potentially

lethal dose of fentanyl. These aren’t

hardened addicts or habitual

drug users. Many are first-time users—high

school athletes, college

students, even kids who just made

a single bad decision.

Law enforcement officers across

the nation are responding to more

and more overdose calls involving

teenagers—kids found slumped in

their bedrooms, in their cars, or on

the bathroom floor. For many first

responders, these are among the

hardest calls to handle. Because

the victim isn’t a stranger—they

could just as easily be their own

child, niece, or nephew.

THE FACES BEHIND THE NUMBERS

Behind every statistic is a story.

A 17-year-old honors student in

Texas took what she thought was

a pain pill after soccer practice; it

was laced with fentanyl, and she

never woke up. A college freshman

in California died after taking

what he believed was Adderall

to help him study. In Ohio, two

friends split a single pill they

bought online—both died before

paramedics could arrive.

142 The BLUES - - NOVEMBER APRIL ‘25 ‘25 ‘25

These stories are everywhere,

and they share a tragic common

thread: none of these young people

knew what they were taking.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ON THE

FRONT LINES

Police officers, deputies, and

federal agents are doing everything

they can to stop the flow of

fentanyl into our communities.

Border interdiction, undercover

operations, and community education

have all intensified. The

majority of fentanyl in the U.S.

originates from illegal labs in

Mexico, using precursor chemicals

from China. It is smuggled across

the border in powder form or

pressed into fake pills.

But for every batch seized, another

seems to make it through.

The truth is, we can’t arrest our

way out of this crisis. The battle

has to be fought on multiple

fronts: enforcement, education,

and empathy.

Officers and educators are stepping

into schools to teach students

about the dangers of fentanyl,

showing them that “one pill

can kill” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a

life-saving warning. Police departments

across the country are

also carrying Narcan (naloxone),

a medication that can reverse an

opioid overdose if given in time.

Many departments have saved

dozens of lives because they had

Narcan on hand.

Still, as every officer knows,

prevention will always save more

lives than response.

A COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Parents, teachers, and community

leaders must be part of the

solution. We need honest conversations

about drugs—not scare

tactics, but truth. Kids must understand

that buying or sharing

pills online, through Snapchat or

Instagram, is like playing Russian

roulette. They’re not “experimenting”—they’re

gambling with their

lives.

Local law enforcement can play

a key role by hosting community

events, distributing educational

materials, and working with

schools to identify at-risk youth

before tragedy strikes. Many

departments are partnering with

nonprofits and local health organizations

to raise awareness and

distribute Narcan to families.

Every police officer who speaks

to a group of students, every

parent who checks in with their

teen, every school that invites law

enforcement to talk about fentanyl—that’s

one more potential life

saved.

ONE PILL, ONE CHOICE, ONE

CHANCE

Fentanyl has changed the landscape

of drug abuse in America.

It’s no longer a problem that

belongs to “someone else.” It’s in

every community, every school,

every neighborhood. The victims

are not criminals—they’re our

kids.

Law enforcement can’t do it

alone. This fight will take all of

us—officers, parents, teachers,

faith leaders, and friends—standing

together to protect our youth.

If you take one message from

this, let it be this: talk to your kids

before fentanyl does. Because one

pill, one moment of curiosity, can

be the difference between life and

death.

The The BLUES BLUES The - BLUES NOVEMBER - - APRIL ‘25 ‘25 ‘25143

143

A BADGE OF HONOR

healing our heroes

Leadership

Starts With You

“We have the lowest morale ever,”

said a commander from a police

department in a large city.

“There’s no accountability. Officers

are afraid to act because they are

now the target of our city’s politicians,”

he continued.

What do we do when it all seems

to be falling apart? The once coveted

job as a police officer is taking

more from us than ever before. With

our police chiefs caught up doing

battle with local officials, and training

budgets slashed, we are left to

fend for ourselves, relying on supportive

police associations, and the

public to champion our cause.

When it seems that there is no

place to turn, how can we help

ourselves? First, make the choice to

lead. By our nature, we operate with

excellence at our core. Our training

helps build it. Once trained in our

police duties, we sometimes only

rely on that training to solve everything.

There is a famous quote that

says, “You will always fall to the

level of your training.” By making

the choice to lead, you choose to do

more, to be more than what your

training has provided to you.

Next, create a plan to lead yourself.

After all, if we simply try to

be an excellent mom/dad, partner,

spouse, supervisor, wearing lots of

hats every day all the time, overwhelm

and stress are typically the

result because leaders want to be

the best. When we try to wear a lot

of hats all the time, typically we are

not “engaged” or “present” in it. It

becomes rote and robotic. So, what

can you do to build a leadership

plan for yourself so you can serve in

all your roles effectively while also

being “present?”

First, go back to the beginning and

define your why. Specifically, why

did you decide to be a police officer?

Author Simon Sinek says it best,

“Your why is the one constant that

will guide you toward fulfillment in

your work and life.” Once you define

it, write it down and put it in all the

places you find yourself each day.

Your office, your patrol car, your

locker, your personal vehicle, and

in a pocket in your uniform. When

times get tough, and they will, you

have your why as reminder of your

excellence and why you chose to

become an officer.

Second, write out what is important

to you right now, in the place

you find yourself. Perhaps you are a

new shift supervisor, and the most

important thing right now is to be

a good listener. Or maybe you are

a veteran officer who has sought

out some help because you cannot

seem to separate job life from home

life. For you, the most important

thing may be to learn how to be dad

or mom again when you walk in the

door from work.

Third, learn a strategy to delegate.

We use control or the feeling of it to

alleviate stress. Control can sometimes

backfire however, often causing

more stress in the end. While

“in the moment” control makes us

feel good, when things get quiet

SAMANTHA HORWITZ &

JOHN SALERNO

and we cannot turn off the control,

however, we often find ourselves

wound tighter than a rubber band,

ready to “snap” at the next person

who asks for something, or worse

at our own family. Ask others to do

certain things at work and at home

which can help alleviate the feeling

that you need to do everything and

be everything to everyone.

Another strategy is, take time for

yourself. Make YOU a priority. This

is one of the most self-LESS and

important things you can do. Whether

it is setting a specific gym time

each day or making time for your

favorite hobby. The more purposeful

you are with things away from your

job the better your brain’s function.

You can “turn off” and be in moment.

A note of caution here. Should you

find yourself unable to “turn off” it

may be a sign of hyper vigilance and

uncontrolled “fight or flight.” Please

reach out for help.

Make the choice to lead yourself

first, so you can lead others more

effectively. When things go sideways,

or you get stressed remember

your why. Be more effective at work

and at home by putting yourself first,

and delegate. By implementing these

strategies, you will be able to be

engaged with everything.



DARYL LOTT

daryl’s deliberations

Voices of Texas Independence

After years of planning and

a $50-million transformation,

Washington on the Brazos, the

very place where 59 delegates

declared Texas an independent

nation in 1836, has reopened its

doors with a fresh vision. The

new visitor center, debuting this

month, isn’t just a museum, it’s a

living dialogue between Texas’s

storied past and its place in a

complex present.

Through interactive exhibits,

reconstructed town streets, and

a soundscape of historical voices,

visitors can once again stand

where history was written in

candlelight and courage.

MARCH 1836

The little frontier town

became the heart of a

revolution. For years, the

delegates had walked the

tightrope between independence

and staying

under the sovereignty of

Mexico. Many had taken

loyalty oaths to Mexico.

However, the ever-changing

Mexican government

disallowed the Constitution

of 1824 and most

delegates saw their oaths

depart along with the

constitution they swore

to. What was different

this time?

A letter. Lieutenant

Colonel William B. Travis

penned a letter from

the besieged walls of the Alamo

that finally inspired the delegates

to act. Travis never knew of the

declaration of independence, but

it’s hoped that he imagined the

effects his letter would have.

NATIONHOOD

Washington once bustled as

the Republic’s capital before the

railroads bypassed it. The Texas

Centennial in 1936 rescued the

site from obscurity, and decades

of preservation followed. Now,

with the 2025 reopening, the

story expands beyond politics

to include the enslaved laborers,

Tejano allies, Texan women, and

DARYL LOTT

Indians of Texas who all shared

the frontier’s brutal hardships.

STATEHOOD

A multimedia installation

titled Voices of Independence

immerses visitors in

diary excerpts, letters, and

speeches—offering not just

facts but feeling. Outside the

visitor center, new walking

trails trace the footprint

of the original town.

At Barrington Plantation,

living historians (reenactors)

portray the daily rigors

of frontier farm life in the

1850’s, connecting the ideals

of freedom to the endurance

of ordinary Texans.

RENOVATED CAMPUS

Of course, the facility

welcomes schools, church

groups, and history lovers


with accessible spaces, updated

programs, and the simple serenity

of the Brazos River flowing

beside it. The full name of the

river was originally Los Brazos

de Dios, the Arms of God. It truly

was the beating heart of Texas.

Washington on the Brazos

endures because it is more than

a museum—it is a meeting place

for every generation to hear the

same question the delegates

once faced: What does liberty

demand of us today?

Every generation of Texans

knows that we are all only one

generation from bondage. Freedom

doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

With new technology and

an ever-present “Big Brother”

looking over our every action

or keystroke, we

must be especially

vigilant.

In the hush

between exhibits

and the river

wind, the answer

still seems to

whisper through

the oaks: Texas

speaks here. Always

has. Always

will.

Questions?

Comments? DarylLott.Texas@

gmail.com


DR. TINA JAECKLE

blue mental health

Police Suicide: Tips and Resources

Much has been written on the

topic and how to assist but it

is imperative that we keep the

discussion in the forefront as the

numbers continue to tragically

rise. This month’s article will

provide several tips and resources

to help officers in times of darkness

and struggle. According to

renowned police psychologist,

Dr. Ellen Kirschman, in an article

published Psychology Today on

September 9 2022, here are seventeen

tips on how to effectively

approach an officer who may be

suicidal.

17 Tips to Help Prevent Police

Suicide (Kirschman, 2022):

Know a cop who may be suicidal?

Here’s what you should

know to help them.

• Police officers are twice as

likely to kill themselves as to be

killed in the line of duty.

• To prevent someone from

killing themselves, don’t mince

words.

• Two crucial ways to intervene

with a suicidal officer are to separate

them from their weapons

and to buy time.

• If you are dealing with a suicidal

officer, take steps to protect

yourself physically and emotionally.

Do you know someone you

believe is suicidal? I offer the

following tips in the hopes of

preventing one more tragic police

suicide:

1. Speak up. Don’t hesitate to

talk openly about suicide. You

can’t put the idea in anyone’s

head if it isn’t already there. It can

clear the air to raise the issue and

call it for what it is without using

euphemisms. Ask directly, “Are

you thinking of killing yourself?”

2. Be assertive about your concerns.

Find out what is causing

so much pain that the suicidal

person wants to stop living.

Communicate your understanding

that they are in great emotional

pain, but clearly say that pain can

be managed and that there are

other ways to solve these problems

besides suicide. Let your law

enforcement officer (LEO) know

that getting help is a sign of

strength, not weakness, and that

it takes guts to face your problems

and yourself.

3. If you’ve struggled with

depression or hopelessness or

had suicidal thoughts, be honest

in describing your own experience.

Talk about what specifically

helped you get through troubled

times.

4. Assess the level of danger—

the more specific the plan, the

more imminent and potentially

fatal. For example, John (not his

real name) told his partner he

had picked out a motel, written

a note warning the motel staff

to call the police before entering

his room, written to his family,

bought a tarp to keep his brains

from splattering and bought a

rifle because he didn’t want to

use his duty gun. This was a dire

emergency, requiring immediate

DR. TINA JAECKLE

intervention and hospitalization.

Sandy (not her real name) who

was on disability leave, confessed

to her wife that she was

thinking about suicide but didn’t

want to kill herself impulsively.

She had locked her weapons

in a friend’s gun locker and put

the key in a safe deposit box at a

bank. Her wife was able to verify

this. She alerted Sandy’s therapist

immediately, and the therapist

arranged to see Sandy the next

day, increased their sessions, and

arranged for a medication appointment.

5. Separate the officer from

his or her weapons. Remember,

many officers have several weapons

in addition to their duty gun.

6. Do what you can to delay.

Many suicidal individuals who

recover from a suicide attempt or

were stopped before completing

it do not make another attempt.

Rather, they are grateful for a

second chance at life.

7. Be prepared. If you are going


to confront a troubled cop, plan

in advance—have phone numbers

available, take another friend

along, or have someone standing

by a telephone. Pick an appropriate

time and place to raise

your concerns—one that is private,

comfortable, and unhurried.

Unless the situation is urgent, it’s

better not to talk to someone

who has been drinking. Don’t

leave them alone. Wait until they

sober up.

8. Prepare yourself for angry

denial. In their muddled thinking,

your LEO may believe it’s better

to be dead than to have people

think they were weak.

9. Be direct, yet tactful. Avoid

backing people into a corner by

threatening them or delivering

ultimatums. Suicidal people already

feel as if their lives are out

of control, and are not thinking

clearly. In their despair, they may

mistakenly believe suicide is the

only way to get back into control.

10. Give hope. Find out if this

person has survived some past

crisis. Sometimes, remembering

they have been through tough

times before helps people regain

confidence and hope for

the future. People are generally

suicidal only for a limited time. If

they can avoid self-destruction,

they can go on to lead productive

lives. Hope is the awareness that

one has options.

11. Create ambivalence. Bust

the bubble that killing yourself is

an okay thing to do. Make it hard

to see suicide as a “victimless

crime.” Name the people who

will be affected by this person’s

suicide. Children especially may

be deeply damaged by losing a

parent to suicide.

12. Don’t try to cheer them

up. Have you ever seen the

bumper sticker that says, “Cheer

up, things could be worse. So

I cheered up, and sure enough

things got worse?” Cheering up

is different from giving hope.

Attempting to cheer someone up

may be well-intentioned, but it

is almost guaranteed to backfire.

The listener may feel that you

simply don’t understand the depth

of his or her despair.

13. Intervention is the key to

preventing suicide. The consequences

of getting help to someone

are never as permanent as

the consequences of suicide.

Having meaningful, supportive

relationships and a therapeutic

alliance with a mental health

professional greatly reduces a

person’s risk for suicide.

14. Don’t argue, sermonize, or

lecture a suicidal person. Try to

see, in concrete terms, how and

why this person has come to see

things as they do—remember,

rarely has a suicidal individual

arrived at this point overnight.

15. Respect your limitations.

Sometimes there is no way to

stop people from killing themselves.

You cannot read another

person’s mind. Cops are especially

good at masking their feelings

and intentions. It’s a professional

tool.

16. Do not make offers of help

you cannot reasonably support.

If you are troubled, overburdened

with your own problems, or

simply don’t care enough about

this person, find someone who

does. Refer this person to a police

chaplain, a peer supporter, and/

or a culturally competent mental

health professional.

17. People who kill themselves

are responsible for their choices.

One person cannot drive another

to suicide except under the most

extreme circumstances.

ADDITIONAL POLICE SUICIDE

RESOURCES

National Suicide and Crisis Hotline

988

Safe Call Now

Safe Call Now is a 24-hour crisis

referral service for those in public

safety and their family members.

CONTACT: https://www.safecallnow.org/

or call 206-459-3020

A Badge of Honor

Helping First Responders build

their wellness & resiliency toolbox,

learning tactical strategies to combat

stress.

www,ABadgeofHonor.com

Serve & Protect

Serve & Protect helps connect

public safety professionals with

trauma services.

CONTACT: https://serveprotect.

org/ or call 615-373-8000 for the

crisis line.

Cops Alive

Cops Alive provides resources and

strategies to help cops live happy

and successful lives.

CONTACT: http://www.copsalive.

com/

CopLine

CopLine is a 24/7 service that will

connect you to a peer support counselor.

CONTACT: http://www.copline.

org/ or call 800-267-5463

References

Kirschman, E. (2018) I Love a Cop:

What Police Families Need to Know.

New York. Guilford Press.

Kirschman, E. (2022, August 23) Is

New Federal Legislation Encouraging

Cops to Commit Suicide? https://

www.psychologytoday.com/us/

node/1179167/preview.


NOT SO BRIGHT AWARD

Light Bulb Award

Chicago Chief Jon Hein

This is the man who ordered Chicago Police Department officers NOT

to assist ICE Agents when they called for backup after being surrounded

by a violent mob.

Chicago Patrol Chief Jon Hein

ordered his officers to ignore

Border Patrol agents’ plea for

help while surrounded by an

angry mob of protesters

Chicago police officers en

route to help federal agents

who were being surrounded and

menaced by an angry mob of

ICE protesters were seemingly

ordered by their chief of patrol

to stand down and not provide

assistance, stunning dispatch

audio and internal messages

reveal.

The group of agents was

conducting a routine patrol on

the city’s South Side on Saturday

“when they were attacked and

rammed by vehicles and boxed

in by 10 cars,” the Department of

Homeland Security said.

The agents were on patrol

about 15 miles from the anti-ICE

protests that had been simmering

for several days outside the

ICE processing center in the Chicago

suburb of Broadview when

the attack began.

Once they attempted to flee

their trapped vehicle, a woman

— later found to be toting a

semi-automatic weapon — attempted

to run the officers

down, but was

shot by police.

Local cops were

initially prepared to

help the agents, but

were ordered to stand

down by the chief of

patrol, according to

shocking dispatch audio

transmissions.

“Younger male

Hispanic wearing all

black … wanted for a

hit-and-run, this guy

fled from the scene,”

a female dispatcher

blares in response to

a call for help from

the surrounded ICE

agents on audio shared by Exx-

Alerts.

“When the offending vehicle

crashed, they ran the federal

agent off the road, they fled on

foot westbound.”

A male voice then comes on

the radio channel, telling the dispatcher

to direct officers to head

to the scene and “stay put” a few

blocks away and await further

instruction, which she relays.

A few seconds later, the male

voice is heard again, saying

tersely: “Per the chief of patrol:

Clear everybody out, we’re not

responding over there.”

The female dispatcher then

tells officers on the way to the

distress call, “per the chief of

patrol, all units clear out from

there, we’re not sending anybody

out to that location.”

A male officer responds over

the sound of sirens wailing in

the background, saying, “We’re


going to clear out as soon as we is under the threat of physical

can, we’re like blocked in over harm,” the department added.

here so we’re going to do the “For incidents involving federal

immigration enforcement,

best we can to get out of here as

soon as we can.”

CPD supervisors will respond

An internal department memo to the scene and determine the

sent to Chicago cops and obtained

by Fox News confirms the accordance with City law.”

appropriate course of action in

shocking reversal.

Ten cars had surrounded the

“PLEASE CHIEF OF PATROL federal agents, Trump officials

NO UNITS WILL RESPOND TO said.

THIS AS RELATED FROM 04- “Today in Chicago, members

Oc5-2025/12:34:44…CALLER IS of our brave law enforcement

1 OF APPROX 30 ARMED PATROL were attacked — rammed and

AGENTS (ICE) WHO ARE BE- boxed in by ten vehicles, including

an attacker with a semi-au-

ING SURROUNDED BY A LARGE

CROWD OF PEOPLE REQUESTING tomatic weapon,” Homeland

CPD,” the dispatch message read. Security Secretary Kristi Noem


disputed the claims, saying attack, pledging to send more

wrote on X in response to the

its officers were on the scene. resources to the crime-ravaged

“To clarify misinformation city.

currently circulating, CPD officers

did in fact respond to the area near 39th Place and South

The mob had gathered in the

shooting scene involving federal Kedzie Avenue to protest the

authorities on Saturday to maintain

public safety and traffic an and was met with tear gas

shooting of the armed wom-

control,” the department said in deployed by federal agents,

a statement to Fox.

according to the Chicago Sun-

“The Chicago Police Department

My will eyebrows? always respond I paid a to lot of money The for latest them. spate of violence

Times.

anyone who is being attacked or in the Windy City comes after

US Immigrations and Customs

Enforcement (ICE) last month

launched “Operation Midway

Blitz,” an initiative to “target

the criminal illegal aliens who

flocked to Chicago and Illinois

because they knew Governor [JB]

Pritzker and his sanctuary policies

would protect them and allow

them to roam free on American

streets,” the department announced

in an X post.

Protesters have increasingly

used vehicles to attack ICE agents

in the Chicago area in recent days,

according to DHS, which said

agents were targeted twice in

such a manner in one day earlier

this week.

No officers were injured in the

mob attack, and the woman shot

defensively by police reportedly

drove herself to the hospital to be

treated for her wounds.

More than a dozen protesters

have been arrested near the ICE

facility since Friday, according to

Fox News.


didn’t respond to a message from

The BLUES seeking comment.

Of course not !



FROM

STAND-OFF

TO

STAND-DOWN

PEPPERBALL ® FOR CROWD CONTROL

AND DAILY PATROL

For over 25 years, the PepperBall system of launchers, projectiles

and expert training has been effectively deployed around the world

as an alternative to lethal force – saving countless lives and

improving officer and community safety.

Explore what PepperBall can do for your agency with a FREE

non-lethal evaluation - just scan the code below.

SCAN TO SCHEDULE A

NON-LETHAL EVALUATION

CHECK OUT OUR NEW PRODUCTS AT PEPPERBALL.COM


PRODUCTS &

SERVICES

4807 KIRBY DRIVE • HOUSTON, TEXAS • 713-524-3801

RIVER OAKS CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP & RAM

Alan & Blake Helfman are the named

and primary sponsor of The BLUES. For

over 65 years the Helfman’s have supported

local area law enforcement and

supported The BLUES since our first issue.

There is simply no better dealership

in Houston to purchase your Chrysler,

Dodge, Jeep, Ram or Ford product.

The sales team provide honest, no BS

pricing and their service department

ranks among the top in the nation.

Call Alan or Blake Helfman at 713-524-

3801 when you are ready to purchase

your next vehicle. It will be the best

car buying experience you’ve ever had.

NEW CAR SALES

the ground up to provide a superior

customer experience. Planet offers over

30 acres of new Ford inventory, Certified

Pre-Owned Fords, pre-owned vehicles

of all makes and models, as well

as aftermarket and performance parts,

service, commercial truck services, and

collision repair. Beyond automotive services,

the Randall Reed family and Planet

team support and gives back to the

community, from local charity events

to sponsoring schools and veteran programs.

Learn more at PlanetFord.com.

APPAREL

line apparel, bringing you custom ‘soft

ink’ designs that aren’t found anywhere

else in the world. While our company

is young, our staff has decades of combined

Law Enforcement experience, careers

that have successfully traversed

every facet of our police culture.

Giving Back: At ReLEntless Defender,

we make it a priority to donate a

portion of all sales to various police

charities. We pride ourselves in always

having at least one item in stock,

where we’ve made the commitment

to donate 100% of the proceeds to a

police charity of our choosing. Moving

forward, ReLEntless Defender has

initiated a program with your assistance,

where a sales portion of all Thin

Blue Line flags sold, will go towards

providing a Fallen Officer’s family an

embroidered Thin Blue Line flag, at no

cost to them. A final gesture of remembrance

to honor their ultimate sacrifice.

We’re always looking for ways to help,

but we can’t do it alone. We need your

eyes, ears and open-hearts to better

assist those in need.

Public Safety Software

PLANET FORD IN SPRING, 20403

I45 NORTH, SPRING TEXAS

Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring, Texas

has been the No. 1 Ford Dealer in

the greater-Houston area for over 20

years.* Our Ford dealership earns this

distinction year after year because our

team makes our clients and their vehicle

needs our top priority. Planet Ford is

part of the award-winning World Class

Automotive Group. The dealership has

earned many top honors, including multiple

Triple Crowns, which is bestowed

upon only the best. In order to be recognized,

a dealership must receive

all of Ford’s top awards, including The

President’s Award for customer service.

Planet Ford has been redesigned from

154 The BLUES - NOVEMBER ‘25

ReLEntless Defender, the brand, was

established as a Thin Blue clothing Line,

built on a platform of support for our

brothers and sisters in blue. Whether

you’re a retired peace officer or just

getting started, we understand the obstacles

officers face each day. Many are

spit at, threatened, abused, hated and

killed, all by those we selflessly serve.

In defiance of these obstacles we gear

up and face them head on, becoming an

unbreakable Thin Blue Line that separates

the predator and its prey.

In 2014, ReLEntless Defender set out

to design clothing apparel that officers

could wear with pride. We discovered

the available market to be saturated

with clip art designs printed on cheap

shirts, hats, hoodies and more, most

from companies that purported themselves

to be ‘police owned’. At ReLEntless

Defender, we only sell top of the

Every community deals with contemporary

problems concerning officer and

public safety, such as homelessness,

mental issues, family disputes, and outright

crime. There is the added burden

of reporting to various state and federal

agencies. For over 35 years, the Cardinal

Tracking Suite of Public Safety products

has offered agencies a cost-effective

solution to gather essential information

that increases operational efficiency, policing

effectiveness, and citizen safety.

With Cardinal Tracking, agencies gain

access to software, hardware, and

services that streamline management

report generation, as well as prompt and

knowledgeable customer service with

real people. Our comprehensive product

lineup includes:

MobileCite – eCitation issuance

MobileLink - Field Reporting

POLICE SUPPLIES

GUNS/AMMO

Starting in 2003, Cop Stop Inc.

Opened with a vision and goal to

service first responders; “Our everyday

heroes.” Catering mainly to Police,

Fire, Military and EMS, but also open to

the public, Cop Stop offers a variety of

products, gear and apparel. Open and

operated by Rick Fernandez, a former

officer of 10 years, he prides himself

on maintaining the highest standards

of customer service. Cop Stop understands

its our customers who drive

our success, and we strive to offer the

best service to everyone who walks

through our doors. At Cop Stop we

offer quality products at great low

prices. With access to over hundreds

of brands and products, and constantly

adding more, we are confident we can

fulfill your needs.

“If you provide good service and

a fair price, customers will talk

about you and come back. It’s that

simple!” Rick Fernandez

Supporting Law

Enforcement in

TEXAS

ProForce’s commitment to providing excellent customer

service is a key element in the company’s success

throughout the western United States. As a relative newcomer

in the state of TEXAS ProForce has been welcomed with open

arms by the law enforcement community.

ProForce’s relationships with top industry manufacturers

and vendors, as well as their sales volume, allows them

to negotiate better pricing to meet the budgetary needs

of law enforcement agencies. While some vendors may

not always have product availability in a timely manner.

ProForce’s industry relationships and direct contact through

vendor representatives, the sales team is able to suggest

and provide alternatives to meet specific requirements of

agencies, ensuring that the agency’s needs are always met.

“

Working with PROFORCE through the

bidding and purchasing of the M&P 2.0’s was

very easy and simple. We added the ACRO red

dot along with the holster and the light. This

purchase was simple and easy.

The troops love the improvement to the 2.0

and the red dot.

Lt. Socha. Austin PD.

“

#X300U-A #13353 #200691

customer service and quality products.

CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY is

located at 1410 Washington Ave, near

downtown Houston, but you can

purchase everything you need online

at: https://www.centralpolice.com/

Inset: Dan Rooney ProForce President

The company features an excellent selection of high demand

law enforcement firearms, equipment and accessories from

great manufacturers such as:

Axon/Taser, Aimpoint, Beretta, Colt, H&K, Bola Wrap,

Bianchi, Smith & Wesson, Eotech, Daniel Defense,

NightStick, Sig Sauer, Kimber, Otis, Defense Technology,

Shadow Systems, Magpul, L3 Harris, Burris, Mossberg,

Ruger, Streamlight, Safariland, Springfield, Blackhawk,

Holosun, Trijicon, Vortex, Surefire, Us Peacekeeper ,OSS,

Nightstick, FNH USA and UTM.

Proforce takes great pride in distributing high quality public

safety products from top tier manufacturers and this

transaction has set a trend for many other law enforcement

agencies in the State of Texas.



about trade-ins! We will buy your agency duty or

confiscated firearms, any model and condition!

First class customer support and quality service



Call (800) 367-5855

Email: sales@proforceonline.com or

visit our website


SEND US AN EMAIL

SCAN THE QR CODE

CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY is

your source for the best in police

equipment. Based in Houston,

we supply law enforcement

with the equipment they need.”

CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY has been

serving Houston law enforcement for

nearly 50 years with the absolute best


PRODUCTS &

SERVICES

INSURANCE

PERSONAL SERVICES

NEW # 832.627.3729

AUTO DETAILING/TINT/ALARMS

“Now open for walk-ins

Wed-Sat 12pm - 8pm”

PLACE

YOUR

BUSINESS

AD

FOR ONLY

$75

156 The BLUES - NOVEMBER ‘25

PHOTOGRAPHERS

MEDALS, BADGES, VALOR BOARDS

PLACE

YOUR

BUSINESS

AD

FOR ONLY

$75

The BLUES The BLUES - NOVEMBER - ‘25 ‘25157157

ADS BACK IN THE DAY

158 The Blues BLUES - January - NOVEMBER ‘24 ‘25 ‘25

The The BLUES Blues BLUES - NOVEMBER - January - ‘24 ‘25 ‘25159

159

ADS BACK IN THE DAY



THERE ARE

parting shots...


NO WORDS


THERE ARE

parting shots...


NO WORDS


PRIORITY BOLO

NOW HIRING

ISD PD JOB LISTINGS

IS YOUR ISD PD

HIRING?

YOUR DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITING AD

CAN BE LISTED HERE FOR ONLY $250



ALDINE ISD

POLICE DEPARTMENT

JOIN OUR TEAM

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

• Sick Leave

• Paid Vacation

• Paid Holidays

• Personal Days

• Teacher Retirement System

TCOLE CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE

• Intermediate PO: $2,400

• Advanced PO: $4,800

• Master PO: $7,200

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 Years Of Age

• Must Hold an Active Tcole Peace Officer License

• Must Complete the Following:

• Pass Physical Agility Test

• Background Investigation

• Psychological Evaluation

• Drug Screening

DEPARTMENT BENEFITS

• Uniforms Provided, Including Duty Weapon

• Department Provided Training

• Starting Pay Depends on

Qualifications / Experience

• TCOLE Certification / Education Pay

• Most Officers work Day Shift with Weekends Off

(INCENTIVE PAY FOR DETECTIVES, K-9 HANDLERS, AND

FIREARM INSTRUCTORS.)

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT

SGT. HALL AT 281.442.4923

OR VISIT ALDINEISD.ORG

APPLY AT

ALDINEISD.ORG

STARTING SALARY $55,000 WITH NO EXPERIENCE

UP TO $85,000 DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE

ALDINE ISD PD OFFERS

SPECIALIZED DIVISIONS

• Criminal Investigations

• Emergency Response Team

• Honor Guard

• Gang Task Force

• Community Outreach Division

• K-9 Division

• Firearm Instructor

$1,000 SIGNING BONUS


PRIORITY BOLO

NOW HIRING

ISD PD JOB LISTINGS

FIND YOUR ISD

POSITION HERE


Now Hiring

School District Police Officer

Must be TCOLE Certified

www.pfisd.net/police

226 day work schedule with starting

salary between $52,884 and $60,821

depending on experience

Overtime Opportunities Available

Stipends for TCOLE Advanced & Master

Licenses, MHO Certification, College

Degrees, and Bilingual Proficiency

Thanksgiving, Winter, &

Spring Breaks off

Take Home Vehicle Program

Great Insurance & Benefits

Package with TRS

Retirement

SPRING BRANCH ISD POLICE DEPARTMENT

WE’RE

HIRING

Patrol & Onsite Officers (HS/MS)

Gang Officer

Mental Health Officers

Community Relations Officer

Emergency Management

Criminal Investigations

K-9 programs

*All equipment provided including duty weapon

**Training opportunities available

DEPARTMENT

HIGHLIGHTS

55 officer department

44 square mile district

47 schools

35,000 population

24/7 Patrol

We want you to preserve, protect, and defend our future.

Starting Pay $63,000 (TCOLE Basic Peace Officer certification with no experience)

Language pay

Shift differential pay

Intermediate, Advanced and

Master Peace Officer

certificate pay

Paid time off

Ample overtime opportunities

Apply online today. springbranchisd.com/join-our-team


NOW HIRING

LE job positions

Venus ISD Police Peace Officer 11/15/2025

Baylor County Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputy 11/02/2025

Buffalo Police Department Peace Officer 11/02/20255

Trophy Club Police Department Police Cadet 11/02/2025

Jack County Sheriff's Office Deputy 11/03/2025

Jarrell Independent School District Police Police Officer 11/08/2025

City of Bryan Police Department Deputy City Marshal 11/14/2025

Amarillo Police Department Police Recruit 11/08/2025

Amarillo Police Department Police Officer 11/08/2025

Hutto Police Department Police Officers 11/08/2025

Horseshoe Bay Police Dept Police Officer 11/09/2025

Rockport Police Department Police Officer 11/11/2025

Lubbock County W.C.I.D. #1 Police Police Officer 11/11/2025

Paris Junior College Police Department Peace Officer 11/12/2025

CapMetro Police Department Police Officer 11/16/2025

Blanco County Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputy (3 positions) 11/15/2025

Howe Police Department Police Officer & Recruit 11/14/2025

El Paso Police Department Police Trainee 11/16/2025

Saginaw Police Department Police Officer 11/10/2025

Farmers Branch Police Department Police Officer 11/17/2025

Lewisville Police Department Certified Police Officer 11/21/2025

Harris County Constable's Office Pct. 8 Deputy 11/21/2025

Texas Department of Insurance - Fraud Unit TDI Sergeant 11/24/2025

Enchanted Oaks Police Department Chief of Police 11/23/2025

Texas Department of Insurance Sergeant (Investigator) 11/24/2025

Round Rock ISD Police Department Peace Officer 11/25/2025

Conroe ISD Police Department Police Officer 11/25/2025

Collin College Police Department Peace Officer 11/25/2025

Chandler Police Department Police Officer 12/30/2025

Stagecoach Police Department Reserve Officer(s) 11/01/2025

South San Antonio ISD Police Department Peace Officer 12/02/2025

Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Investigator 12/03/2025

Tarrant County Hospital District Police Officer 12/02/2025

Jacksboro Police Department Patrol Officer | Detective 11/30/2025

Ellis County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Cadet 11/25/2025

Holland Police Department Patrol Officer 11/03/2025

Brown County Water Improvement District #1 Patrol Officer 12/04/2025

Corsicana Police Department Police Officer 12/05/2025

Port Aransas Police Department Patrol Officers 11/30/2025

Floyd County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff 12/01/2025

Pilot Point Police Department Peace Officer 12/07/2025

Taylor Police Department Police Officer 11/12/2025

Saint Jo Police Department Peace Officer 12/01/2025

Grimes County Sheriff's Office Investigator 12/08/2025

Grimes County Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputy 12/08/2025

City of Carrollton Bailiff 11/11/2025

La Grange Police Department Patrol Officer 11/10/2025

Stanton Police Department Peace Officer 12/10/2025

Coleman Police Department Peace Officer 12/12/2025

Coleman Police Department Peace Officer 12/05/2025

Ranger Police Department Peace Officer 12/14/2025

Bastrop Police Department Peace Officer 11/14/2025

Texas State University Police Department Police Officer 11/18/2025

San Saba County Sheriff’s Office Deputy 12/14/2025

Tahoka Police Department Patrol Officer 12/13/2025

Overton Police Department Police Officer 11/28/2025

Hempstead Police Department Police Officer 12/15/2025


NOW HIRING

WELCOME OUR NEWEST DEPARTMENT

LE job positions

WELCOME ABOARD PASADENA PD



NOW HIRING


job positions

LEAGUE CITY POLICE

D E P A R T M E N T

RECRUITING

LATERAL OFFICERS

LATERAL INCENTIVES:

Salary Equal to Years of Service (3 - 7 yrs)

$5,000 Hiring Bonus

REQUIREMENTS:

To be Considered as a Lateral Applicant, You Must Meet the Following Qualifications:

Lateral Pay Credit Will be Granted Only for Whole Years of Qualified Experience.

Cannot Have a Break of Service More Than 180 Days to Qualify for Experience Credit.

Must Have at Least Three Years of Qualified Law Enforcement Experience (Commissioned,

Full-time, Paid).

TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer or Equivalent Out-of-State Certification Accepted by TCOLE

will Qualify.

3 YEAR PAY --

4 YEAR PAY --

5 YEAR PAY --

6 YEAR PAY --

7 YEAR PAY --

VISIT LCPDJOBS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION!



JOIN MPD

TEXT "JOINMPD" TO

TO APPLY OR SPEAK

WITH A RECRUITER

SALARY

Up to $20,000 lateral officer signing bonus

Police officer entry-level: $6,883 monthly

Custody officer salary range: $5,970–$7,132 monthly

EDUCATION INCENTIVE

90 quarter credits/ 60 semester credits/ AA: 6%

BA/ BS: 8%

RETIREMENT PENSION

Police officers: LEOFF 2

Custody officers: PERS 2

VACATION

Police officer range: 200 hours annually, up to 320

hours annually depending on years of service

Custody officer range: 192 hours annually, up to 312

hours annually depending on years of service

SPECIALIZED UNITS

Police officer: Investigations, Traffic, Pro-Act

(N.I.T.E.) and K9

Custody Officer: Court Security Unit


HEALTH COVERAGE

Medical, Dental and Vision covered 100% for

employees and 90% for dependents


Ready for a career change?

Join our team at

Spring Creek Correctional Center

in Seward today!

Located in the stunning city of Seward,

surrounded by glaciers and forests in

southern Alaska, Spring Creek

Correctional Center spans 328 acres.

This facility houses up to 535 sentenced

male inmates and serves communities

across Alaska. Join us in making a

difference!


WE ARE

Hiring!

Scan the QR code

to join the DOC

team today!

ADCRR is Hiring

Correctional Officers

1-888-545-RUSH





ALDINE ISD

POLICE DEPARTMENT

JOIN OUR TEAMAPPLY AT

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

• Sick Leave

• Paid Vacation

• Paid Holidays

• Personal Days

• Teacher Retirement System

TCOLE CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE

• Intermediate PO: $2,400

• Advanced PO: $4,800

• Master PO: $7,200


• Must be 21 Years Of Age

• Must Hold an Active Tcole Peace Officer License

• Must Complete the Following:

• Pass Physical Agility Test

• Background Investigation

• Psychological Evaluation

• Drug Screening

ALDINEISD.ORG

STARTING SALARY $55,000 WITH NO EXPERIENCE

UP TO $85,000 DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE

ALDINE ISD PD OFFERS

DEPARTMENT BENEFITS

• Uniforms Provided, Including Duty Weapon


• Starting Pay Depends on

Qualifications / Experience

• TCOLE Certification / Education Pay

• Most Officers work Day Shift with Weekends Off

(INCENTIVE PAY FOR DETECTIVES, K-9 HANDLERS, AND

FIREARM INSTRUCTORS.)

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT

SGT. HALL AT 281.442.4923

OR VISIT ALDINEISD.ORG

SPECIALIZED DIVISIONS

• Criminal Investigations

• Emergency Response Team

• Honor Guard

• Gang Task Force

• Community Outreach Division

• K-9 Division

• Firearm Instructor

$1,000 SIGNING BONUS


WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO

Make a DIFFERENCE

Provide SERVICE to YOUR community!

MEANINGFUL careers

Growing Organization

Career DEVELOPMENT

*Our agency is a certified OJT training agency for qualified Veterans


BUDA POLICE DEPARTMENT

NOW HIRING - POLICE OFFICER

Starting Salary

$64.5K to $74.8K

*TCOLE Licensed Only

We are proud to be one of the safest cities in the State of Texas

and have tremendous support from our community.

Benefits

Retirement

2-1 City Match with TMRS

Medical/Dental/Vision

100% Medical Coverage

Offsetting Copays

Educational Pay

$50- $150 Per Month

Incentive Pay

$75-$150(max) per Month for

assignments such as:

FTO, Bike Patrol, SWAT

Annual Leave Accruals

15 Paid Holidays

80 Hours Vacation

120 Hours Sick Leave

Bilingual Pay

Shift Differential Pay

Lateral Entry Program

On-site Gym

Officer Wellness Program

www.budatx.gov/92/Employment




NOW

HIRING

BIG SPRING PD IS NOW HIRING POLICE OFFICERS

• 100% PAID ACADEMY TRAINING FOR

NON-CERTIFIED CADETS

• EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS ARE PROVIDED

INCLUDING TAKE HOME VEHICLES

• TMRS RETIREMENT (2:1 CITY MATCH)

• 100% EMPLOYEE MEDICAL AND LIFE

INSURANCE PREMIUM PAID BY THE CITY

• PAID VACATION AND HOLIDAYS

• PAID SICK LEAVE


• LONGEVITY PAY FOR YEARS OF SERVICE

• EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM

• PROGRESSIVE ANNUAL IN-SERVICE

TRAINING AND EXTERNAL TRAINING

OPPORTUNITIES.

• OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE

EXPERIENCE IN ASSIGNMENTS SUCH AS

SWAT, NARCOTICS, TRAFFIC, AND CRIMINAL

INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

• $1500 ACADEMY REIMBURSEMENT AND

$2400 RELOCATION PAY FOR CERTIFIED

OFFICERS

$55,900 STARTING ANNUAL SALARY FOR CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS.

ENTRY LEVEL TESTING ON AUGUST 1, 2023

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 26, 2023

APPLY NOW AT WWW.MYBIGSPRING.COM

THE CITY OF BIG SPRING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

BRAZORIA COUNTY

CONSTABLE PCT 3

2436 S. GRAND BLVD. PEARLAND TEXAS 77581

Recruiting

deputy constables

Full & Part Time Positions


Must be 21 years of age

Must hold an active TCOLE Peace Officer License

Pass Background Investigation

Psychological Evaluation

Drug Screen

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Pension & Retirement Benefits (401k)

County Alternate Retirement (SSN Alternate)

TCDRS Transfer

Healthcare, Dental, Vision and other Benefits (+ AFLAC)

Take Home Vehicle Program (If within Brazoria County)

Uniform Allowance

Certification Pay

A Career that Gives You

a lot of Pride & Benefits



Hiring

Police Officers

Annual Salary $57,592 - $62,899 range + Benefits | Certification Pay | Longevity Pay | Bilingual

Certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

Pay 12 Hour Shift Schedule - Alternating weekends off and good life/work balance

All equipment/uniform provided | Take home patrol car program | Visible tattoo & beard policy

Benefits at NO COST TO EMPLOYEE:

• Education Reimbursement Program

• 80 hours of Vacation (accrued annually)

• 96 hours of sick leave annually (accrued annually)

• 14 Paid Holidays

• Life Insurance 2x annual base salary

• Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Training Opportunities

Additional Benefits

• TMRS retirement system - 5% employee

contribution - City matches 2:1 at retirement

• Medical Insurance: - United Health Care

† Ask about our Lateral Transfer Program

requirements

Questions? Contact Lt. Kelvin Raven at kraven@cityofbrenham.org | 979-337-7363

jobs.cityofbrenham.org



NOW NOW

HIRING HIRING

CERTIFIED OFFICERS

OFFICERS

CERTIFIED

JOIN A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING COMMUNITY

OPPORTUNITIES

BENEFITS

TRAFFIC UNIT

CRASH RECONSTRUCTION

TEAM

DETECTIVE

SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM

(SRT)

BICYCLE TEAM

DRONE TEAM

FIELD TRAINING OFFICER

INSTRUCTOR

COMMUNITY SERVICES UNIT

STARTING PAY

up to $67,721

Established Pay Scale

PAID VACATION, SICK,

HOLIDAY

HEALTH, DENTAL, LIFE INS.

TATTOOS ALLOWED

BEARDS ALLOWED

DUTY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

DUTY WEAPON PROVIDED

PATROL RIFE PROVIDED

TAKE HOME CAR

12 HR SHIFTS

(OFF every other weekend)

BRAND NEW POLCE STATION

COMMUNITY FIRST

Inquire at: EPDRECRUITING@ELGINTEXAS.GOV

The City of Elgin is an EEO Employer

The City of Elgin is an EEO Employer The BLUES - NOVEMBER ‘25 191


$

U

T

S

v

e

b

o

w

FRIENDSWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRIDE DEDICATION PROFESSIONALISM

UP

TO

$ 15,000

* FOR QUALIFIED TCOLE-CERTIFIED OFFICERS

HIRING

INCENTIVE

C

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

• Special Weapons & Tactics Team

• Crisis Negotiation Team

• K-9 Program

• Drone Pilot Program

• D.O.T. & Traffic Safety Unit

• School Resource Officers

• Bicycle Patrol

• Marine Patrol

• Honor Guard



GARDEN RIDGE

POLICE DEPARTMENT

NOW HIRING!

Garden Ridge Police Department

9400 Municipal Parkway · Garden Ridge · Texas · 78266

Office: 210-651-6441· Fax: 210-651-1639


NOW HIRING

Lateral Police Officers

QUALIFICATIONS

• MUST BE A CERTIFIED TEXAS PEACE

OFFICER

• MUST PASS DRUG SCREEN AND PHYSICAL

• MUST POSSESS A VALID TEXAS DRIVER

LICENSE WITH A GOOD DRIVING RECORD

• MUST PASS ALL INTERVIEWS

• MUST PASS CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

CHECK

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• PATROL OFFICER ANNUAL SALARY

5,000

HIRING PROCESS

• PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING

• SCENARIO TESTING

• CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

• FORMAL ORAL BOARD

• CHIEF’S INTERVIEW

$67,045

• STEP/LATERAL PAY

• HIRING INCENTIVE LUMP SUM PAY $________________

• INSURANCE: COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION PAID BY CITY

• SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE PAID BY CITY

• OVERTIME & COMPTIME OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

• RETIREMENT: TMRS 2:1 CONTRIBUTIONS, WITH 20-YEAR RETIREMENT

• LONGEVITY: $120 ANNUALLY FOR EACH FULL YEAR OF SERVICE

• PAID TIME OFF (PTO) ACCRUAL BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AT 4.50 HRS. PER PAY PERIOD

• 15 CITY HOLDAYS PER YEAR

• LICENSE PAY (MONTHLY): INTERMEDIATE - $25, ADVANCED - $50, MASTER - $100

• WEAPONS: DEPARTMENT FURNISHES ALL OFFICERS WITH A GLOCK HANDGUN & AR-15

RIFLE W/SUPPRESSOR, WEAPON LIGHTS, TASER AND LESS-LETHAL IMPACT WEAPON

• UNIFORMS: DEPARTMENT FURNISHES ALL OFFICERS WITH CLASS B, CLASS A AND

TRAINING UNIFORMS, RAIN GEAR, BOOTS AND WINTER APPAREL

• EQUIPMENT: DEPARTMENT FURNISHES ALL OFFICERS WITH BALLISTIC HELMET & SHIELD,

SOFT ARMOR, RIFLE PLATE ARMOR, DUTY BELTS, AND BODY CAMERAS

• PATROL VEHICLES: THE DEPARTMENT SUPPLIES OFFICERS WITH SUV PATROL UNITS

EQUIPPED WITH LAPTOP, IN-CAR VIDEO, AND RADARS

• SHIFT SCHEDULE: PATROL OFFICERS WORK A PANAMA STYLE 12-HOUR SHIFT

• EXTENSIVE ANNUAL TRAINING BUDGET ALLOWS THE DEPARTMENT TO SUPPLY ADVANCED

TRAINING CLASSES TO OFFICERS INCLUDING A POLICEONE ONLINE TRAINING ACCOUNT

• BEARD AND VISIBLE TATTOOS ARE ALLOWED

• ENVIRONMENT WITH STRONG COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND PROFESSIONAL, GROWTH-

MINDED COMMAND STAFF





GOOSE CREEK CISD PD

NOW RECRUITING

POLICE OFFICERS !

POSITION DETAILS:

Provides law enforcement services to the school district to prevent and protect all students, personnel,

and visitors from physical harm and prevent property loss due to theft or vandalism. Enforce all

laws including municipal ordinances, county ordinances, and state laws.

●

●

●

●

240 or 202 Duty Day Schedule

Competitive Salary - MTD9* Starting

Stipends available for Intermediate, Advanced and Master TCOLE License

Various opportunities including K9, Patrol, Investigations, FTO, Instructor and more

REQUIREMENTS:

●

●

●

Current TCOLE Peace Officer License

Ability to pass comprehensive background

Ability to pass medical, drug and psychological

exams

HIRING PROCESS:

●

●

●

●

●

●

Online Application

Complete preliminary interview

Complete background investigation

Complete Oral Board Interview

Conditional Job Offer

Complete Medical, Psychological and Drug Screen

PREFERRED:

●

●

●

●

Intermediate TCOLE Peace Officer License

Bilingual

Previous ISD PD experience

Background in law enforcement

Contact us at 281-422-6461 to speak with a recruiter.

Apply online @ https://www.gccisd.net/page/employment.home




NOW NOW

HIRING HIRING

CERTIFIED OFFICERS

OFFICERS

CERTIFIED

JOIN A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING COMMUNITY

OPPORTUNITIES

BENEFITS

TRAFFIC UNIT

CRASH RECONSTRUCTION

TEAM

DETECTIVE

SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM

(SRT)

BICYCLE TEAM

DRONE TEAM


INSTRUCTOR

COMMUNITY SERVICES UNIT

STARTING PAY

up to $67,721

Established Pay Scale

PAID VACATION, SICK,

HOLIDAY

HEALTH, DENTAL, LIFE INS.

TATTOOS ALLOWED

BEARDS ALLOWED

DUTY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

DUTY WEAPON PROVIDED

PATROL RIFE PROVIDED

TAKE HOME CAR

12 HR SHIFTS

(OFF every other weekend)

BRAND NEW POLCE STATION

COMMUNITY FIRST


at: EPDRECRUITING@ELGINTEXAS.GOV

Inquire





Place your department’s recruiting ad

in The BLUES for only $250 for an

entire year, only $20 a month.



LATERAL DEPUTY


WE ARE

HIRING!

LATERAL DEPUTY

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a licensed Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on

Law Enforcement (TCOLE) in good standing

• Must be currently employed as a Peace Officer (any break in

service will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

• Must have a minimum of 12 consecutive months experience as a

Peace Office at any one agency

• Must successfully pass the HCSO Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

• Meet HCSO firearms qualification standard

• Must pass a thorough background investigation (criminal

background check, fingerprinting, personal interview, etc.) as

required by TCOLE

• Must pass a physical and psychological evaluation as required by

TCOLE

• Valid driver’s license and liability insurance (Texas by start date)

• Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20, normal color, and

peripheral vision

• Correctable normal audible range in both ears

• A two (2) year minimum commitment to Patrol before being

eligible to transfer to other Bureaus

For additional information contact

Harris County Sheriff’s Office

Recruitment Unit

(713) 877-5250


TO APPLY

www.harriscountyso.org | www.hcsojobs.com

SCAN

THIS CODE Harris County

@HCSOTexas

Sheriff’s Office

HCSOTexas HCSOTexas @HCSOTexas




THE KILLEEN POLICE DEPARTMENT

IS NOW

Hiring

FOR THE POSITION OF

Police Officer

Online Applications

will open:

July 31, 2023

Application Deadline:

September 15, 2023

Civil Service Exam will

be:

September 24, 2023

To apply, go to:

www.killeentexas.gov/16

8/Job-Opportunities

Wear The Badge,

Make a Difference

D

b

th

a

Officer De'Vonte Johnson

Recruiter

254-200-7987

DJohnson@killeentexas.gov

The Killeen Police Department is an

210 Equal The BLUES Opportunity NOVEMBER Employer ‘25

Starting pay - $57,889

Paid: Vacation, Holiday & Sick Leave

$15K Sign-on incentive for TCOLE

certified Peace Officers

College Degree pay incentive

7% retirement plan through TMRS

with a 2:1 match ratio

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Opportunity to work in various

specialized units

The Killeen Police

epartment is dedicated to

uilding a partnership with

e community to fight crime

nd improve every citizen's

quality of life.

Follow us at:

KilleenPD

KilleenPolice

JoinKilleenPD

Visit www.KilleenPD.com for The further BLUES - NOVEMBER details ‘25 211


NOW HIRING

LEAGUE CITY POLICE

ositions

D E P A R T M E N T

RECRUITING

LATERAL OFFICERS

LATERAL INCENTIVES:

Salary Equal to Years of Service (3 - 7 yrs)

$5,000 Hiring Bonus

REQUIREMENTS:

To be Considered as a Lateral Applicant, You Must Meet the Following Qualifications:

Lateral Pay Credit Will be Granted Only for Whole Years of Qualified Experience.

Cannot Have a Break of Service More Than 180 Days to Qualify for Experience Credit.

Must Have at Least Three Years of Qualified Law Enforcement Experience (Commissioned,

Full-time, Paid).

TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer or Equivalent Out-of-State Certification Accepted by TCOLE

will Qualify.

3 YEAR PAY --

4 YEAR PAY --

5 YEAR PAY --

6 YEAR PAY --

7 YEAR PAY --

VISIT LCPDJOBS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION!



Patrol Officer

The City of Manvel Police Department is looking to find qualified candidates to fill the ranks of the patrol

division.

The City of Manvel is a rapidly growing and diverse community. The current population is estimated at a

little over 16000 and is located in the northern part of Brazoria County along the State Highway 288

corridor approximately 4 miles South of the City of Houston.

The Manvel Police Department has a competitive pay structure for cities of the same size. Salary is based

on experience and certification levels.

Requirements:

High school diploma or GED

Valid Texas Driver’s License

with good driving record

TCOLE certified OR currently

enrolled in Academy

program

Preference for LE experience

Hiring Process Includes :

Written test

Oral board interview

Physical agility test

Thorough background

investigation

Accelerated Field Training

Program for experienced officers

One year probationary period

Pay and Benefits:

Competitive pay with an employment

improvement step program

TMRS retirement up to 7% with 2:1 match

by city

Retirement vested after 5 years of service

Medical Insurance covered 100% for

employees and 100% paid for employees

and dependent by the city after 3 years

12 hour shifts (DuPont Schedule)

Personal time off - Vacation and Holiday

accruals

Paid sick time

Lateral transfers

For more information you can contact

The City of Manvel Police Department at

281-489-1212

Rochelle Carr-Lacy

rcarrlacy@manvelpd.org




Serving Bunker Hill, Piney Point, and Hunters Creek Villages

Opportunity for Experienced Police

Officers

Benefits:

$89,432 - $108,585

Starting Salary Range DOQ

Requirements:

Strong Community and Department Support

5 Years Patrol Experience

Hiring Bonus $1500

(Night Shift Differential $12,000)

Bi-Lingual Pay

Educational / Certification / Longevity Pay

Health care Insurance 100% for Employee, 75%

for Spouse/Dependents

TMRS Retirement 7% 2:1 match, 20-year

retirement. COLA 50% of retirement

TCOLE Certified

Valid TX Driver’s License

US Citizen

Positive Attitude

Strong Work Ethic

Problem Solver

Desire to Succeed

Department Funded 457 Deferred Compensation

Plan with employer contribution of 2.5% annual

salary

Tuition Reimbursement

Work life balance with 12 Hour shifts every other

weekend off

WWW.MVPDTX.ORG

EOE/M/F/D

11981 Memorial Dr.

Houston, Tx 77024


713.365.3700


SALARY RANGE

$79,201 - $105,716

ADDITIONAL PAY

(MONTHLY)

ASSOCIATES DEGREE

$99-$250

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

$180-$400

MASTER’S DEGREE

$230-$500

TCOLE CERTIFICATES

$60-$150

OTHER INCENTIVES


$700

FIELD TRAINING SERGEANT

$600

TACTICAL UNIT ASSIGNMENT

$200

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

$200

HONOR GUARD

$200

W W W . M I D L A N D T E X A S . G O V / 1 3 1 7 / L A T E R A L - O F F I C E R S


NOW HIRING

ositions



STARTING SALARY $66,497.60 WITH NO EXPERIENCE

BENEFITS

• Competitive pay with scheduled increases every 2 years

• Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday days off

• Flexible work schedules

• Overtime available

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement - $5000/yr

• Paid vacation, employee days, well day, sick days, and holidays

• Uniforms and Equipment


TCOLE CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER POSITIONS

FULL TIME

INCENTIVE PAY

• Bilingual

• TCOLE Certificate

Intermediate $1,560

Advanced $3,420

Master $6,000

• Education

Associate $1,320

Bachelor $3,180

Master $4,500

$8,000.00 HIRING INCENTIVE*


21 YEARS OF AGE

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED

MUST HOLD AN ACTIVE TCOLE PEACE OFFICER LICENSE

VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE

MUST PASS BACKGROUND CHECK, PSYCHOLOGICAL,

DRUG AND MEDICAL SCREENING

*$2000.00 after 3 months, $2000.00 after 6 months, $4000.00 after 1 year


Congratulations Metro Police on

achieving 100% Filled Positions.

TCOLE CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER POSITIONS

FULL TIME

STARTING SALARY $66,497.60 WITH NO EXPERIENCE

BENEFITS

• Competitive pay with scheduled increases every 2 years

• Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday days off

• Flexible work schedules

• Overtime available

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement - $5000/yr

• Paid vacation, employee days, well day, sick days, and holidays

• Uniforms and Equipment


INCENTIVE PAY

• Bilingual

• TCOLE Certificate

Intermediate $1,560

Advanced $3,420

Master $6,000

• Education

Associate $1,320

Bachelor $3,180

Master $4,500

$8,000.00 HIRING INCENTIVE*


21 YEARS OF AGE

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED

MUST HOLD AN ACTIVE TCOLE PEACE OFFICER LICENSE

VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE

MUST PASS BACKGROUND CHECK, PSYCHOLOGICAL,

DRUG AND MEDICAL SCREENING

*$2000.00 after 3 months, $2000.00 after 6 months, $4000.00 after 1 year

Ads in The BLUES provide results.

Place your recruiting ad here today!




MAKE A

DIFFERENCE

IN YOUR

COMMUNITY

We are looking for outstanding individuals to

join our team! As a Pearland Police Officer your

mission will be to prevent crime and disorder, build

partnerships within the community, and positively

impact the quality of life for all our residents.

CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS

• Competitive Salary • Outstanding Training

• Career Advancement • Exceptional Benefits

The City of Pearland is one of the fastest growing

communities within the region. Pearland is located

approximately 20 minutes south of Downtown Houston

and the current population is approximately 130,000

residents.

JOIN OUR TEAM

HIRING POLICE OFFICERS AND CADETS

$5,000 Hiring Incentive for T.C.O.L.E Certified Police

Officers who qualify with at least 2 years of experience.

TEST DATE:

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 8:30 A.M.

Register by: April 12.

Pearland Recreation Center & Natatorium

4141 Bailey Road, Pearland, TX 77584.

Doors Open: 7:15 a.m. No admittance after 7:45 a.m.

Candidates must park in the north parking lot.

SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL APPLY

• Attendance limited to first 150 arrivals

• Mandatory temperature checks

• Masks required, hand sanitizer available

• Candidates seated 6 feet apart

For additional information and to register for an upcoming Civil Service Exam, visit

pearlandtx.gov/PDCareers




Your Department's

Recruiting Ad

could be right here!

email us today at



PORT HOUSTON

POLICE DEPARTMENT

WE ARE

HIRING

SIGN UP TODAY!

www.porthouston.com/careers-2

STARTING PAY*

$60,000 up to $71,000

* Salary depends on experience

Are you looking for a career with

meaning? Do you want to make

a difference in a highly supportive

community? Join our team at

Port Houston!

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 years old

• Must have 2+ years of po

experience

• Must have valid Texas Dr

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Must have an honorable

from the military (if applic

• Must never have been co

Class A Misdemeanor or

• Not been convicted of a

misdemeanor within the

• Must have a GED or high


BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

eligible first day of employment

• Wellness Program

(can earn up to $600 credit per year if requirements met)

• Enrollment with Calm App for Wellbeing

• Defined contribution plan (401a)

– Employer Sponsored

• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan)

– Employee Contributions

• Vacation

• Sick Leave

• Paid Holiday 12 days/year

• Life and Accidental Death and

Dismemberment Insurance

• Short Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits

• Flexible spending account (FSA)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Pet Insurance

• Legal and Identity Theft Protection

• Tuition Reimbursement

Up to the IRS annual limit and a maximum lifetime

reimbursement of $25,000

• Onsite Credit Union

– Port of Houston Credit Union

lice officer

iver’s License

discharge

able)

nvicted of a

above

Class B

last 10 years

school diploma

EMPLOYMENT

TESTING

Employment is contingent on passing

any post-offer pre-employment

screening as listed below:

• Criminal background check

• Motor Vehicle Record check

• Drug screening

• Physical exam

• Psychological exam

• Additional as required

SCAN

QR CODE

TO APPLY


SEGUIN PD

NOW

HIRING

POLICE OFFICER

STARTING PAY IS $67,012

LATERAL: UP TO $73,968

UP TO $3,000 SIGN ON BONUS

INCENTIVE PAY FOR TCOLE CERTIFICATION,

BILINGUAL SPEAKERS, & EDUCATIONAL PAY.

100% EMPLOYEE MEDICAL/DENTAL PREMIUM

COVERED BY CITY

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS ARE PROVIDED

INCLUDING TAKE HOME VEHICLES, HANDGUN

WITH RED DOT SIGHT & SUPPRESSED PATROL

RIFLE

TMRS RETIREMENT (2:1 CITY MATCH)

PROGRESSIVE IN-SERVICE AND EXTERNAL

TRAINING EXCEEDING NATIONAL TRAINING

AVERAGES

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE EXPERIENCE IN

SPECIALIZED UNITS AND ASSIGNMENTS

SUCH AS SWAT, K9, NARCOTICS, SPECIAL

CRIMES, MENTAL HEALTH, TRAFFIC, AND

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION

APPLY NOW AT:

WWW.APPLITRACK.COM/SEGUINTEXAS/ONLINEAPP




SPRING BRANCH ISD POLICE DEPARTMENT

WE’RE

HIRING

DEPARTMENT

HIGHLIGHTS

55 officer department

44 square mile district

47 schools

35,000 population

24/7 Patrol

We want you to preserve, protect, and defend our future.

Starting Pay $63,000 (TCOLE Basic Peace Officer certification with no experience)

Patrol & Onsite Officers (HS/MS)

Gang Officer

Mental Health Officers

Community Relations Officer

Emergency Management

Criminal Investigations

K-9 programs

Language pay

Shift differential pay

Intermediate, Advanced and

Master Peace Officer

certificate pay

Paid time off

Ample overtime opportunities

*All equipment provided including duty weapon

**Training opportunities available

Apply online today. springbranchisd.com/join-our-team


Your Department's

Recruiting Ad

could be right here!

email us today at





WASHINGTON COUNTY

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

NOW HIRING

WE ARE LOOKING FOR MEN AND WOMEN

FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS WHO WANT TO

BEGIN AN EXCITING CAREER IN

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Now Accepting Applications

for the following positions:

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR

Starting Salary $28.64-$31.00

Hourly Based on Experience & Certifications

Requirements: TCOLE Intermediate License,

5 Years Law Enforcement Experience

PATROL DEPUTY

Starting Salary $23.46

Hourly Based on Experience & Certifications

Requirements: TCOLE License,

12 Hour Shifts w/every other weekend off

INCENTIVES

• BEARDS

• TATTOOS

• OUTER CARRIERS

• $600-1800 CERTIFICATION PAY

• MEDICAL/DENTAL/LIFE/VISION

HEALTH INSURANCE

• PATROL TAKE HOME VEHICLE

• LONGEVITY PAY

• TCDRS RETIREMENT

• ALL UNIFORMS & GEAR PROVIDED

APPLY TODAY: WWW.WASHINGTONCOSHERIFF.ORG

CONTACT RECRUITING DIVISION, (979) 277-6251

All applicants must have a valid Texas Driver’s License and High School Diploma or GED. Must be able to pass a

background check, physical, drug screen and psychological evaluation. Both positions are opened until filled.


Both TCOLE and County applications must be completed to be considered for employment


Nov 2025. Blues Vol 41 No.11

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?