May 2026. Blues Vol 42 No.5

The BLUES - MAY ‘26 1

2 The BLUES MAY ‘26


C E L E B R A T

I N G

YEARS

2 0 0 1

- 2 0 2 6

Firearms and Tactical Equipment for Law Enforcement Professionals

agency focus

WWW. PROFORCEONLINE.COM

:

TRIJICON

SEE OUR TRIJICON PRODUCTS

for all of your Agency Optics!

OVER 40 YEARS OF BRILLIANT

AIMING SOLUTIONS

Trijicon ® has led the industry in the

development of superior any-light

aiming systems since the company’s

founding in 1981.

Tirjicon supplies the Official Rifle

Combat Optic (RCO) and official

Squad Common Optic (SCO) to

the U.S. Marine Corps (ACOG ® and

VCOG ® ), as well as partnering with

government, state and local law

enforcement agencies for decades.

AGENCY SOLUTIONS our Products and Services!

Agency Trades

Upgrade with Confidence

Department Buy Backs

Seamless Firearm Transfers for Officers

Agency Accounts

Streamlined Service & Support

Test & Evaluation

Hands-On Equipment Trials

Custom Engraving

Personalized Firearms for Special Occasions

CALL US TODAY FOR PRICING!

800-367-5855


Regional Sales Managers

On-site Support to Meet Your Needs

Contract Support

Expert Guidance for Procurement

Body Armor Sizing

Precision Fit for Maximum Protection

Proforce Support Team

Here When You Need Us

Scan the code or visit our

website for information,

pricing and products!

WWW. PROFORCEONLINE.COM

First class customer support,

quality service makes PROFORCE

the number one choice for

first responder equipment and

accessories!

Call us and ask for an agency

quote today!

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

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

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT

MANUFACTURERS

AXON • AIMPOINT • BERETTA

COLT • BIANCHI • TASER • BENELLI

SMITH & WESSON • CZ USA

DANIEL DEFENSE • HUXWRX • AGUILA

SIG SAUER • SHADOW SYSTEMS

DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY • HOLOSUN

EOTECH • WALTHER • OTIS

MOSSBERG • PROTECH • RUGER

STREAMLIGHT • MAGPUL • H&K

SAFARILAND • SPRINGFIELD

BLACKHAWK • TRIJICON • SUREFIRE

PEPPERBALL • US PEACEKEEPER

L3 HARRIS • NIGHTSTICK

GEISSELE • FNH AMERICA

NOTE: TERRITORY RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY

:

VOL. 42 NO. 5 MAY 2026

FEATURES/COVER

88 POLICE WEEK 2026

120 SYNTHETIC OPIOID DECENTRALIZATION

INCREASES ENFORCEMENT CHALLENGES

DEPARTMENTS

PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS 08

EDITOR REX EVANS THOUGHTS 10

WEST COAST EDITOR - JESSICA 14

WORDS OF FAITH - JOHN KING 16

LETTERS FROM READERS 18

GUEST COMMENTARY - HENRY GARZA 220

GUEST COMMENTARY - LT. DAN MARCOU 28

NEWS AROUND THE US 32

BREAKING NEWS 52

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 126

REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES 136

WAR STORIES 146

AFTERMATH 148

BLUEPRINTS OF RESILIENCE 150

HEALING OUR HEROES 152

DARYL’S DELIBERATIONS 154

BLUE MENTAL HEALTH DR. 158

LIGHT BULB AWARD 160

ADS BACK IN THE DAY 162

PARTING SHOTS 164

NOW HIRING 170

BACK PAGE 234

14

146

148

CLICK TO VIEW

MEMORIAL EDITION

16



FOUNDER, PUBLISHER, EDITOR-N-CHIEF

MICHAEL BARRON

OUR TEAM

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Chief Rex Evans(Ret)

SENIOR EDITOR

Dr. Tina Jaeckle

WEST COAST 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

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Emmanuel Gonzalez Sosa

FEATURE STORIES

Michael Barron, Michael Brown

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

WAR STORY

Michael Barron

AFTERMATH

Surviving Widow

GUEST COMMENTARY

Henry A Garcia

Lt. Dan Marcou

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joanna Putman, Police 1

Jenna Curren, Law Enforcement Today

Greg Hoyt, Law Enforcement Today

Sara Roebuck, Police1

Pat Droney, Law Enforcement Today

Amanda Macias, Thomas Tracy

Nicolas Fernandes, Pamela Comme

Jack Brook, Jim Mustian, Andrea Klick

Sophia Tareen, Nate Gartrell

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 publisher.


FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

THIN BLUE LINE

First stop on the book tour


Last month marked several

firsts for me. The release of my

new book, THIN BLUE LINE: LIFE

BEHIND THE BADGE. My first ever

book signing and my first appearance

in front of a crowd discussing

the book. For me, the last of

the three was the most difficult.

I’ve certainly done my fair share

of public speaking over the years,

but sharing the experience of

writing a book was harder than

actually writing the book. Here

is some of what I said in my

20-minute presentation.

Good Morning, my name is

Michael Barron and I’m a retired

sergeant from the Galveston

County Sheriff’s Office and the

author of a new book, THIN BLUE

LINE: LIFE BEHIND THE BADGE.

The first question people always

ask, “did you always want to be

an author?” The answer is no, at

least not when I was young. My

dream from an early age was to

follow in my grandfather’s footsteps

and be a cop. From the first

time I saw him in uniform, I knew

that would be me someday. Little

did I know I would eventually

work for the same department

and carry a badge with grandfathers

number on it.

The second most asked question

being, "you must have had a

really exciting career as a cop to

write a book about it. Like lots of

arrests? Solved high-profile cases?

Something really big? Right?"

The truth of the matter is, not

really. There were certainly more

experienced deputies patrolling

the streets of Harris County

making tons of felony arrests and

solving lots of open cases.

No, I wasn’t a super cop or an

unsung hero. I was just an average

cop, doing what all cops do.

Go to work, answer calls, write

reports and babysit the public

when they act like morons. Ninety

percent of the time it was monotonous

and sometimes flat ass

boring.

But that other 10%. Well, that

was a different story, not only

for me, but really for all cops.

And that 10% is really what this

book is all about. And to be honest,

it’s the part of the job that a

cop’s family hates the most. The

thought that their loved one may

leave for work and never come

home again.

One of the first things you are

taught in the academy is that

police work is hours and hours of

boredom interrupted by seconds

of sheer terror. And in those mere

seconds, you’ll have to make split

second decisions that have life

altering consequences. Consequences

that affect you and your

family for the rest of your lives.

It’s the moments when you

have that feeling in the pit of your

stomach that you know what

you’re about to do may get you

killed or injured, but you also

know someone’s life may depend

on what you do next.

No cop goes to work thinking

that today is the day they’ll have

to use deadly force or take someone's

life. Or run into a burning

house to save two kids. Or tell a

young mother that her husband

was killed on his way home from

work and his kids will have to

grow up without a father. Or hold

the hand of someone pinned in

a car with only moments to live

that begs you, “please don’t let

me die” knowing full well there is

nothing you can do but tell them

“it’s OK I’m here.” And seconds

later they’re gone. It’s even worse

when the injured is a child, the

same age as your own waiting

for you at home. Only this child

won't be going home to their parents

and you can't help but cry as

you carry their lifeless body to a

waiting ambulance. And heaven

forbid that you or another officer

gets shot in the line of duty and

you struggle to stop the bleeding

while screaming in the radio “officer

down, officer shot, we need

help and please send life flight.”

So why do we do what we do,

knowing full well we may not

come home at the end of our

shift? Because deep in our hearts

we know, someone must hold

the line between good and evil.

Someone must protect the innocents

from those who would do

them harm. Someone must stand

watch over God's children and

protect them from the evil in this

world. And God chose us to be

that someone.

So again you ask, what inspired

me to write this book? It was

actually a chance encounter with

the famous police novelist Joesph

Wambaugh that started the ball

rolling some 40 years ago. When

I asked him the same question,

he said, “I always thought that

being a cop was my destiny. The

truth was that being a cop was

just the conduit to becoming an

accomplished author. Being a cop

in Los Angeles was a challenging

environment for police work, but

it gave me the opportunity to collect

the raw material I needed to

write realistic stories.”

His words inspired me to create

a tabloid in the 80’s called “The

BLUES Police Newspaper. The

BLUES was a constant fixture in

roll call rooms all across Texas.

One of the most popular pages

in the newspaper featured ‘war

stories’ sent in from hundreds of

cops across Texas. Today, the digital

version of The BLUES is read by

over 6-million readers in 22 countries,

making it the largest police

magazine in the world.

Over the years, I collected the

best of those ‘war stories’ and

along with my own experiences

in law enforcement, became the

content for the THIN BLUE LINE.

Thank you for allowing me

to spend this time with you this

morning and I invite you to purchase

my book THIN BLUE LINE:

LIFE BEHIND THE BADGE.

And finally, I'd like to thank

my good friend Rick Fernandez,

owner of The CopStop in

Pearland for purchasing Book #1

of the 50 Special Edition THIN

BLUE LINE copies that went on

sale in March. I can't tell you how

much it means to me to have the

support of all my friends and

business associates, especially

Rick who has supported The

BLUES for the past 6 years.

God Bless you all.


FROM THE EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Feliz Cumpleaños!

Another Pinata ride around the Sun for Señora Rex

Well, well, well… here

we go again—the month

of May. My birthday month.

And like every May for the

last 20 years or so, I am

eternally grateful for every

one of them I get. It’s not so

much about another year or

a number as it is a reminder

that this day—this month—is

a gift. Not everyone I have

known has been able to

have as many of these as I

have. And for that alone, I

am certainly grateful.

If you’ve been in law enforcement

for any length

of time, especially working

in a busy station or assignment,

then you understand

just how fortunate we are

to still be here. Between the

miles we drive, the hours

we work, the people we encounter,

the violence we’re

exposed to, and all the trauma

we witness… it truly is a

gift to have made it this far.

I was sitting here thinking,

trying to remember

what kind of man I was

when I first graduated from

the academy. In retrospect,


I’d say I was a better man

in some ways—and not so

much in others. I was more

forgiving, more kid-hearted,

and more compassionate

toward others, especially

strangers. Nowadays… well,

not so much. However, I am

more aware of what’s going

on around me and around

others. I’d like to think I’ve

developed a bit more patience

with people—especially

those who need it

most.

As this year rolls by, I’m

hopeful there are more to

come. But I’m also aware

that in this profession, there

are absolutely no guarantees.

We have to take each

day as it comes—sometimes

each hour. I’m sure you’ve

all had a day or two like

that.

So, with a huge smile of

gratitude and a lot of humility

in my heart, thank

you to everyone for your

years of support, guidance,

friendship, and above all…

patience. I know I’ve used up

quite a bit of that, and for

that, I’m sorry.

Until next month… it’s cake

and ice cream time. (With a

side of coffee, of course!)

ED- On behalf of the entire

staff at The BLUES, we want

to wish Rex a very Happy

Birthday.

abbott ad

START SHOPPING




FROM THE WEST COAST

Police Week:

Honoring the Fallen, Strengthening the Living

Every May, thousands of law

enforcement officers, survivors,

supporters, and citizens make their

way to Washington, D.C. for one of

the most meaningful gatherings in

American law enforcement: National

Police Week.

Police Week is where grief meets

gratitude.

It is where surviving families stand

beside officers from across the nation

who never knew their loved one

yet understand their sacrifice completely.

It is where brothers and sisters

in blue gather to honor names

etched into stone at the National Law

Enforcement Officers Memorial—

names that represent courage, duty,

and a promise fulfilled at the highest

cost.

Police Week reminds us that those

risks are real.

Behind every name added to the

memorial wall is a family forever

changed. A spouse who now faces

life alone. Children who will grow

up with memories instead of moments.

Partners who still replay

the last radio transmission in their

minds. Departments left with empty

chairs and memorial plaques on a

wall.

Police Week gives those families

a place to grieve—but it also gives

them a place to know they are not

alone.

The Candlelight Vigil is perhaps

one of the most powerful events of

the week. As thousands gather with

candles in hand, the silence says

more than words ever could. In that

moment, rank disappears. Geography

disappears. Politics disappear.

What remains is the understanding

that every fallen officer mattered

and every surviving family will forever

be part of the law enforcement

family. That unity is important now

more than ever.

Law enforcement officers across

America face unprecedented scrutiny,

criticism, and challenges. Morale

in many departments has suffered.

Recruitment numbers have declined.

Retirements are increasing. Many

officers feel that the profession they

once entered with pride is now misunderstood

or unfairly judged.

Police Week serves as a reminder

that despite the hardships, the job

still matters.

It reminds officers why they chose

this profession in the first place: to

protect others, to serve communities,

and to stand and fight when

others cannot or will not.

For younger officers, Police Week

can be life changing. It is often the

first time they fully understand the

depth of the profession they have

joined. They see the history. They see

the sacrifice. They see the magnitude

of the badge they wear.

For veteran officers, it is a time

to reconnect with old partners, old

friends, and old memories. It is a

time to honor those who are gone

and support those who remain.

For survivors, it is proof that their

loved ones will never be forgotten.

That may be the greatest purpose

of Police Week: remembrance.

Because in law enforcement,

memory matters.

We remember the officers who

ran toward danger while others ran

away. We remember the deputies

who never made it home after what

started as an ordinary shift. We

remember the troopers, corrections

officers, federal agents, dispatchers,

and investigators who gave their

lives in service to others.

And we remember because forgetting

is not an option.

In Washington, D.C., during Police

Week, names are read aloud. Stories

are shared. Tears are shed. Salutes

are rendered. Bagpipes echo through

the streets. The city becomes more

than the nation’s capital—it becomes

the heart of the law enforcement

community.

Police Week is not just about

mourning the dead. It is about

strengthening the living.

It is about reminding every officer

that they are part of something

larger than themselves. It is about

telling every survivor that they will

never walk alone. It is about showing

the country that while officers

may come from different agencies,

states, and backgrounds, they remain

united by one mission and one

family.

In a world that often moves too

fast and forgets too easily, Police

Week stands as a solemn promise:

that the fallen will always be remembered,

the survivors will always

be supported, and the service of

America’s law enforcement officers

will never be forgotten.

That is why Police Week matters.

And that is why Washington, D.C.

will always remain sacred ground

for those who wear the badge.


CLICK HERE TO VIEW MEMORIAL EDITION


WORDS OF FAITH

Chaplain's Corner

GREATER LOVE HAS NO

ONE THAN THIS . . .

Greetings fellow Blues readers!

As we all know, Valentine’s Day

falls on February 14th, and for that

reason some refer to February as

the month of love. On a personal

note, February 14th happens to be

my birthday. My mother referred to

me as her little Valentine’s present.

Although, by the time I hit my

teens and wanted to grow my hair

long, listen to rock ‘n’ roll music,

and ride and/or race motorcycles

I’m pretty sure she was rethinking

that moniker! But I digress.

I want us to take a look at the

English word “love” in the Bible.

First, the word “love” and a

number of its’ variants occur 311

times in the King James Version

of the Bible. That’s a lot of love!

And our English word “love” is

used for several different Hebrew

and Greek words, the languages

from which our English bibles

are translated. Exploring all

those words and their meanings

is beyond the scope of this article,

but I want us to take a look at a

few select Scriptures that give us

some insight into the love of God

and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Let’s start with what is possibly

the most quoted verse in the

whole Bible:

“For God so loved the world, that

he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish, but have everlasting

life.”


(John 3:16 KJV) Even people

who may have never opened a

Bible can often quote this verse,

and that’s good. What the verse

tells us is that God loves the world

He created (Did you get that? This

is HIS world, not mankind’s.) to

the extent that he gave His only

begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die

on a cross to pay the sin debt that

we cannot pay, for all those who

believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Next, let’s look at a verse that

should definitely speak to First

Responders:

“Greater love hath no man than

this, that a man lay down his life

for his friends. (John 15:13 KJV)

Now, as current and retired First

Responders we all know that we

have lost way too many brother

and sister First Responders. I don’t

believe any of us signed up for

the job thinking it would lead to

our death, but we knew it might;

it has for many and continues to

do so to this very day. Sadly, it is a

virtual certainty that First Responder

deaths will continue as

long as there are First Responders

and those in our world who

choose to perpetrate violence

against them. While it may seem

a little “touchy feely” for this

audience, the truth of the matter

is that First Responders do what

they do out of love for their fellow

human beings, and John 15:13 tells

us that it is indeed a great love!

Now, it’s fair to ask the question,

“What is the source of love?” Glad

you asked.

“We love because he first loved

us.” (1 John 4:19 ESV) The “he” in

this verse is God. That’s right, God

is the source of all love. He created

us to be loving beings and to

love Him because He loved us first.

And lastly let’s look at a verse

that speaks of the person who

says they do not love anyone,

probably not even themselves:

"Anyone who does not love does

not know God, because God is

love."

(1 John 4:8 ESV) It is indeed a

cold, bitter heart that claims no

love for anyone.

Remember, love is like the

show-and-tell we used to have in

school. This Valentine’s Day, or this

month, or for that matter, any day

of any month show and tell the

ones you love that you love them.

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


READERS SPEAK OUT Y

We Hear You

COMMUNITY POLICING CROSS-

ING THE LINE - READERS SOUND

OFF WITH THEIR SIDE OF THE

STORY.

I would like to comment on a

recent article I read from Jessica

Jones titled "Community Policing

Crossing the Line". Whereas

I appreciate Ms. Jones' opinion,

it is that - an opinion. Your

magazine should not allow one

opinion on a matter, such as

this "community policing" article,

to be an end-all statement.

Your editors should have gotten

several opinions or comments

before publishing this. Just because

Ms. Jones' opinion is that

departments should not participate

in social media trends,

does not mean that is everyone's

opinion on the matter. I find it

disturbing that your editor would

allow this opinionated article

to be published without other

comments or input, especially

from departments that have

participated in these so-called

trends. What public feedback

have they received from their

approach; has the relationship

with the public gotten better or

worse since the outlet; do they

foresee participating in future

social media pushes? I can tell

you from personal experience

that for every "bad" comment on

our social media posts, there are

far more "good" ones. Ones that

appreciate seeing "down-home"

or "personal" officers. We live in

a great community who mainly

support law enforcement and


look forward to any social interactions.

I am sorry that Ms. Jones

does not.

C MICHELLE HOLT

In over 40-years of publishing,

the BLUES has always provided

a forum in which readers can

provide their opinion on any

topic they wish. So your statement

"Your magazine should not

allow one opinion on a matter"

doesn't really hold water, because

you just provided a second

opinion. JJ/Editor

BARRON'S BOOK IS A WINNER

I purchased a copy of Sgt.

Barron's new book, Thin Blue

Line, Life Behind the Badge and

I've got to say, it's a great book

indeed. I don't read a lot of books

because I really can't find the

time to read more than a few

pages at a time, and then days

pass before I get back to what

ever book I'm reading and I can't

remember what happened in the

previous chapter. The great thing

about Barron's book is that it is

a collection of dozens of what

we call 'war stories' and each is

just the long enough to tell some

really great stories. Having spent

more than 20 years on the street,

I can relate to most of what Barron

writes about. If you haven't

purchased a copy, I suggest you

go on Amazon or to the BLUES

website and order one today.

Great job Sgt. Barron, great job.

MARC TAYLOR

Thanks Marc, I appreciate the

kind words. Sgt. Michael Barron.

HI EVERYONE

My name is Michael Newman

and for the last 10 years I have

been designing and handing out

my Law Enforcement Support

Coins and Thin Blue Line Flags.

I take great Honor and Pride

showing the Men and Women in

Blue that they are still Supported

and Respected. I am looking for

all help to keep this going. Now

more then ever the Blue Line

needs to know that regular people

still care and support them

100% and it makes me proud to

see the Officers reaction to receiving

a coin or getting a letter

from a department know they

appreciate everything I do. Thank

you and God Bless.


GUEST COMMENTARY Y

Henry A. Garcia

RETHINKING JUDGMENT IN

LAW ENFORCEMENT:

Why Officers Should Rely on Facts Before Passing Condemnation


Cannibalism, in its literal

sense, describes members

of a species consuming their

own. While the imagery is

extreme, a quieter and more

socially accepted form of

internal destruction exists

within human institutions:

schadenfreude, a German

term referring to the satisfaction

one feels at another’s

misfortune. Used here strictly

in its academic and psychological

context, the concept

helps illuminate a pattern

seen across many professions,

including law enforcement,

without implying

wrongdoing by any specific

individual or agency.

In policing, this dynamic

can emerge when officers

or units quietly celebrate the

professional difficulties of

their peers, especially when

those difficulties become

public. Despite the outward

appearance of unity often associated

with the “blue wall,”

internal rivalries, personality

conflicts, and organizational

politics can create an environment

where personal

advancement overshadows

collective integrity.

Throughout my years in

law enforcement leadership,

I saw how easily assumptions

can replace facts when

internal narratives begin to

form. High-pressure environments

can encourage officers

to rely on rumor, incomplete

information, or the opinions

of others rather than verified

evidence or established

investigative processes. This

tendency is not unique to any

one agency; it is a human

impulse that surfaces in competitive

workplaces.

In policing, however, the

consequences are far more

serious. When officers pass

judgment without due process,

they undermine the very

principles of fairness and

objectivity that the profession

demands.

My own journey in law

enforcement has not been

immune to these dynamics.

There were periods when I

faced personal and professional

challenges—times

when mistakes or misunderstandings

led some

colleagues to quickly pass

judgment and distance themselves

rather than seek to understand

the full context. The

feeling of being cast aside,

especially by those who once

stood beside me, underscored

how easily empathy can give

way to condemnation in the

absence of facts. These experiences

deepened my conviction

that fair treatment

and careful consideration are

essential to maintaining integrity

within the profession.

Research supports this

broader pattern. A study

published in Emotion found

that employees often experience

satisfaction when colleagues

fail, particularly in

competitive settings (Wang &

Murnighan, 2011). Within law

enforcement, however, such

reactions can erode morale,

weaken cohesion, and

compromise organizational

trust. The National Institute of

Justice has noted that inter-

nal mistrust contributes to

lower job satisfaction and

higher turnover—factors that

ultimately diminish the effectiveness

of police work (NIJ,

2019).

The impact extends beyond

internal culture. When officers

condemn peers without

evidence or proper review,

they reinforce public concerns

about transparency and

accountability. A 2022 Gallup

poll reported that trust in law

enforcement had fallen to its

lowest point in decades, with

the public citing concerns

about fairness and internal

accountability. When officers

fail to uphold these values

among themselves, it becomes

harder to demonstrate

them to the communities they

serve.

As professionals entrusted

with significant authority,

officers must remember that

their words and actions carry

weight. Before forming conclusions

about a colleague,

it is essential to pause, examine

the facts, and respect

the investigative processes

designed to ensure fairness.

In leadership roles, I consistently

emphasized the importance

of evidence-based

decision-making, procedural

integrity, and withholding

judgment until all relevant

information was available.

These principles are not

merely administrative; they

are foundational to ethical

policing.

Ultimately, the instinct to

criticize or condemn may be

human, but the responsibility

to rise above that instinct

is central to the profession.

By fostering a culture

grounded in support, integrity,

and due process, law

enforcement can strengthen

internal trust and rebuild

confidence with the public.

Only through disciplined

fairness can the profession

uphold the values it represents.

AGENCIES

CALL FOR

PRICING

Tel: 800-367-5855

www.proforceonline.com

Supplying Equipment and Accessories

to Law Enforcement Agencies!

SBR

AGENCY ONLY

LE M4

ENHANCED

PATROL RIFLE

SUPPRESSOR

PROMOTION ENDS 5/31/26

40MM

2448 1425

FLOW

556K

LE6933-EPRII-PRO

CALIBER: 5.56 NATO

CAPACITY: 30+1

SIGHTS: REAR FLIP UP

BARREL LENGTH: 11.5”

STOCK: ADJUSTABLE

MULTI-CALIBER

TORQUE LOCK TECHNOLOGY

THE FIRST 3D-PRINTED FLOW-

THROUGH SUPPRESSOR

14152

RMR OPTIC READY

9MM

CALIBER: 9MM

CAPACITY: 17+1

SIGHTS: NIGHT SIGHTS


M&P 9

M2.0

40 MM LMT

TACTICAL

LAUNCHER

AGENCY ONLY

SINGLE SHOT LAUNCHER

STANDARD 40MM LESS

LETHAL AMMUNITION

14.5” BARREL PINNED

AND WELDED

DDM4 V7 SLW

AR15

AEMS

EVO-DUAL

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

5.56

0212815049047

CALIBER: 5.56 NATO

CAPACITY: 30+1

SIGHTS: SOLD SEPARATELY

BAREL LENGTH: 14.5” P&W

STOCK: ADJUSTABLE

OPTIC

AEMS-EVO-DUAL-LEM

SOLAR FAILSAFE,

SHAKE AWAKE, IPX8

WATERPROOFING

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



MANUFACTURERS
















Scan the code or visit our website for

information, pricing and products!



FROM FIRST CALL TO FINAL REPORT.

FROM PREPARATION TO RESPONSE TO

RESET, OUR SYSTEMS ARE DESIGNED

TO PERFORM THROUGH THE ENTIRE

RHYTHM OF THE JOB — AND THE

HOURS AROUND IT. PURPOSE-BUILT.

PROFESSION-DRIVEN.

SHOP OUR

READY FOR THE SHIFT.

511TACTICAL.COM

UNIFORMS


GUEST COMMENTARY

Lt. Dan Marcou

When Seconds Count:

Are you ready to go from zero to one hundred?

A gunman armed with

multiple weapons charged

a security checkpoint and

opened fire inside the Washington

Hilton as the White

House Correspondents’ Association

dinner got underway

Saturday night, with President

Trump and top national leaders

inside the ballroom. The

suspect breached the lobby

and moved toward the event

before being stopped by law

enforcement in an exchange

that left an officer struck at

close range but saved by body

armor.

What does it really take

to respond when everything

changes in an instant? In law

enforcement, critical incidents

don’t come with warning

— and there’s no time to

think through your response.

The ability to act decisively is

built long before the moment

arrives.

So how do you prepare for

those moments in your career

when you have to respond

instantly, when lives — including

your own — are on

the line?

Here’s what it takes:


1. Personal training. This

is the foundation of such

a response. You can’t train

enough. In the debrief after

events such as this, where

law enforcement officers prevail,

you will hear this statement:

“…and then my training

kicked in.”

2. Team training. The “T”

in team stands for training.

Training is essential for having

an effective emergency

response by any team.

3. Planning. In the case of

an event, there has to be a

plan in place so every officer

knows what their responsibility

is and is properly trained

to do it.

4. Be a master in the use

of all your life-saving and

life-protecting equipment.

Know not only how to use

your equipment, but when.

In moments where they are

needed, you must be able to

be not only effective, but also

decisive.

5. If you are protecting

presidents or residents, believe

“it” can happen here

and now. Realize that “protect

and serve” are not just words

on your squad. They are your

mission, and if you believe

you are necessary, then you

must believe that something

bad could happen at any time

where you are. Be prepared

at all times for something to

happen on your shift and be

surprised when something

does not happen.

6. Maintain the fitness level

of a person on whose lives

depend. If you wish to be able

to move fast on a moment’s

notice to save lives, you need

to develop and maintain

a high level of fitness. Lift,

stretch and run. Run distances,

hills, steps and sprints to

develop such speed.

7. Maintain a position of advantage.

No matter what you

are doing, whether working

an accident, approaching a

scene, standing a post or eating

lunch, take up and maintain

a position of advantage.

It should allow you the ability

to see the area, go mobile in a

moment, draw your weapon

if needed and move to cover

quickly, while stopping the

threat of anyone who might

do harm to you or anyone

Fighting for Public Safety & The Rule of Law

30+ years of Corporate, Real Estate & Family Law Practice Experience

Board Certified & Nationally Recognized Attorney

Member of the Board of Directors of the Houston Bar Association

Lifelong Conservative Republican

Endorsements

BRAZORIA COUNTY

C O NSERVATIVES

PD POL ADV TODD FRANKFORT FOR JUDGE



else. Keep your weapon side

out of reach of others.

8. Scan and assess constantly.

On duty, during any

assignment, have your head

on a swivel. Scan the area

constantly to see who is there

and assess what they are

about. Ask yourself: What

are their hands doing? What

are their eyes surveilling?

What do their clothes, their

gait and demeanor, and personal

history — if you know

them — tell you about them?

Constantly scan the area and

assess the people in it. It costs

nothing to pay attention.

9. Keep your weapon hand

free. When you are in public,

keep your weapon hand free

of a flashlight, a coffee cup

and any items that will slow

you down if you suddenly

have to defend yourself or

someone else against a deadly

threat.

10. Have your knees flexed

slightly. Avoid locking your

knees, being flat-footed or

leaning against walls, cars

and such when on a detail.

All these habits will not only

slow down your response

when one is suddenly needed,

but you will become less

alert when your posture is

relaxed. Maintain a proper

stance when standing on a

detail.

11. Get enough rest. To be at

your best, get enough rest.

12. Stow your personal

phone. Distractions slow reactions.

13. If you are bored, then

“When-Then.” To stave off

boredom, use “When-Then”

thinking. Using the area you

are assigned to, play out

scenarios in your head. For

example, “If a shooter comes

through that door, I will move

to that pillar, draw and defend

the people mingling

in the area.” To your brain,

this kind of thinking not only

keeps you alert, it is a very

valuable exercise for preparing

for a sudden assault.

14. Be a presence, not just

present. When you, as an officer,

arrive at the area you patrol,

the post you are sent to

protect or the parade you are

assigned to, remember the

uniform you wear demands

that you not be just present

— you must be a presence for

good.

15. Maintain a perpetual

state of alert readiness at

all times on duty. An officer

running radar does not do

so with his squad turned off.

That officer will be parked

with the engine idling, watching

every car approach. An

officer should never be at a

full stop either when on duty.

Cops must be alert and ready

at all times.

16. Strive to be sacredly

dangerous. Native Americans

felt that those who were

tasked with protecting needed

to be dangerous. They strongly

believed it was “sacred to

be dangerous.” Like them, police

officers tasked to protect

others must strive to not just

be capable, but sacredly dangerous

to anyone who would

do harm to the innocent officers

are sworn to protect.

Conclusion

So I ask you, when you hit

the streets, are you a presence

— trained, ready, fit and

rested? Are you a master at

all your tools, designed to

protect yourself and others?

Are you alert and paying attention

to developing threats

at all times? Are you sacredly

dangerous to those who

would harm those whom you

are sworn to protect?

There is one other reason

for always being alert and

prepared to go from zero to

one hundred in the blink of an

eye. By being prepared and

alert, you will prevent some

attacks from ever happening.

However, stay prepared,

because no matter where you

police, at any moment you

may be expected to go from

zero to one hundred and be

tested, as those officers were

at the Washington Correspondents’

Dinner. If you are

tested in a manner such as

this and you perform as magnificently

as the officers in D.C.

did, then we at Police1, along

with every cop in the country,

will be able to say to you, as

we do now to those officers in

Washington, D.C.: BRAVO!

Reprinted from Police.com


AROUND THE COUNTRY

JACKSON CNTY, MS.

Deputy Sheriff Michael Jimerson was shot and killed while responding to a

disturbance call at the Reserve at Gulf Hills Apartments in Ocean Springs.

JACKSON COUNTY, MS (WALA/

Gray News) - A Jackson County

deputy and a woman are

dead following a shooting late

Wednesday night in Mississippi.

According to the Jackson

County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy

Michael Jimerson died in the line

of duty while responding to a

disturbance call.

Sheriff John Ledbetter said it

was about 11 p.m. when deputies

were called to a reported disturbance

at an apartment complex.

The woman and the deputy

exchanged gunfire, authorities

said, with the woman dying at

the scene.

Jimerson was taken to Ocean

Springs Hospital, where he also

succumbed to his injuries.

Jackson County authorities said

Jimerson began his service with

the sheriff’s office as a reserve

deputy in 2010 before being hired

in 2014.

“Deputy Jimerson was a valued

member of our law enforcement

family and a trusted friend

to many. His loss is deeply felt

across the department and the

community he served,” Ledbetter

said in a statement.

The Jackson County coroner

identified the woman as 27-yearold

Maley Elizabeth Ross.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation

is investigating the

shooting.

DEPUTY SHERIFF

MICHAEL LEROY JIMERSON



AROUND THE COUNTRY

HEFNER, OK.

Trooper Vernon Brake was killed in a head-on vehicle crash on

Interstate 35 in Oklahoma City shortly before noon on April 8.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. – Oklahoma

Highway Patrol Trooper

Vernon Brake was killed in a

head-on, multi-vehicle crash on

I-35 in Oklahoma City on April 8,

2026.

The incident occurred around

11:27 a.m. near Hefner Road

when a southbound vehicle lost

control, crossed the median, and

struck Trooper Brake's patrol car

that was traveling northbound.

The driver and a 4-year-old

passenger in the other vehicle

also died.

Trooper Brake had served with

the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for

over 19 years. Survivors include

his wife and two children.

Brake was honored by law

enforcement agencies across the

Oklahoma City metro during his

funeral procession Tuesday.

"Trooper Vernon Brake 390 is

10-7 one final time. Rest easy.

We have it from here," a dispatcher

said.

Now, investigators are working

to understand how a chain of

events on I-35 led to their deaths.

Officials said Bayne was driving

down the interstate when

she swerved to avoid debris on

the road. That's when her vehicle

crossed through a cable barrier

separating traffic.

Authorities said those barriers,

which are designed to prevent

crashes like this one, were

breached as Bayne's vehicle entered

oncoming lanes of traffic.

That's how she crashed.

Now, officials are taking a

closer look at the circumstances

surrounding the crash, specifically

how the vehicle was able

TROOPER VERNON BRAKE

to pass through the cable barrier

and whether any additional factors

played a role.


ORDER YOURS TODAY - CLICK HERE


AROUND THE COUNTRY

PORTERVILLE, CA.

Detective Randy Hoppert was shot and killed while responding to

officers who were met with gunfire while serving an eviction notice.

PORTERVILLE, CA. (KMPH) —

A California sheriff's deputy

was killed Thursday morning

while serving an eviction

notice, prompting a standoff

that ended with authorities fatally

running the suspect over

with a vehicle after he fled the

home.

The Tulare County Sheriff's

Office said deputies were

serving a notice to 59-yearold

David Morales in Porterville

when he opened fire on

them.

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said

during a news conference that

Morales barricaded himself

inside the home for several

hours and the standoff ended

around 6 p.m. when he left the

home wearing camouflage and

hid in nearby brush, continuing

to fire at officers.

Boudreaux confirmed Morales

was ultimately run over

by a law enforcement BearCat

vehicle and killed after continuing

to pose a threat.

The sheriff said Morales had

made it clear through messages

to family members that

he did not intend to surrender


and planned to “go down in a

blaze of glory.”

According to Boudreaux, Morales

had failed to pay rent for

35 days and was expecting law

enforcement to arrive to serve

a final eviction notice. He said

the suspect "laid in wait" and

immediately shot at officers

when they arrived.

Authorities added that Morales

was given multiple

opportunities to surrender

peacefully, including attempts

by family members and negotiators

to get him to come out.

The deputy was later identified

as 35-year-old Detective

Randy Hoppert, a six-year

veteran of the department and

former Navy corpsman who

served from 2010 to 2015. He

leaves behind a wife and a

four-month-old baby.

Boudreaux described the loss

of Detective Hoppert as devastating,

noting the emotional

toll on deputies and staff.

“It’s rough,” he said, adding

that many within the department

were personally close to

the fallen detective.

In a post to X, Gov. Gavin

DETECTIVE RANDY HOPPERT

Newsom said Hoppert’s legacy

will endure and his sacrifice

will always be remembered.

"Jennifer and I mourn the

profound loss of Sheriff’s Deputy

Randy Hoppert, a dedicated

public servant for Tulare

County," Newsom wrote. "Deputy

Hoppert’s legacy will endure

and his sacrifice will always

be remembered. In honor

of Deputy Hoppert, I've ordered

flags at the State Capitol and

Capitol Annex Swing Space be

flown at half-staff."

** INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS - We ship to Great Britain, Canada and Australia, plus Military Bases all over the World.


AROUND THE COUNTRY

HAMILTON COUNTY, TN.

Deputy Landon Faulkner succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash

on State Highway 111 near the intersection of Lewis Chapel Road.

HAMILTON COUNTY, TN. — A

Hamilton County deputy died

from injuries suffered in a collision,

according to a press release

from the Hamilton County

Sheriff’s Office.

Landon Faulkner was 24 years

old. He crashed Wednesday into

a disabled vehicle in a travel

lane on Highway 111 and was

transported to a nearby hospital,

where he succumbed to his

injuries.

Faulkner graduated from the

Knoxville Police Department’s

Explore Cadet program in 2017.

He went on to work as a deputy

and corrections deputy in

Grundy County for nearly three

year before joining the Hamilton

County Sheriff’s Office in 2022.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol

is investigating the incident.

As a result of Faulkner’s death,

several Middle Tennessee law

enforcement agencies are showing

support for HCSO.

“Sheriff Brock and the Van Buren

County Sheriff’s Office extend

condolences to the Faulkner

family and our brothers and

sisters at the Hamilton County

Sheriff’s Office,” the Van Buren

County Sheriff’s Office said in a

Facebook post.

“We send our love and support

to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s

Office - TN, and are so sorry for

your loss,” the Metro Nashville

Police Department said.

“We join in mourning the loss

of Hamilton County Sheriff’s

Deputy Landon Faulkner, who

passed away from injuries sustained

in a line-of-duty crash,”

the Mt. Juliet Police Department

said. “Our prayers are with his

family, friends, and the Hamilton

County Sheriff’s Office during

this difficult time.”

DEPUTY SHERIFF LANDON FAULKNER

“We extend our deepest

thoughts and prayers to the

family, friends, and the Hamilton

County Sheriff’s Office as they

grieve the tragic loss of Deputy

Faulkner,” the Giles County Sheriff’s

Office said in a Facebook

post.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR

FREE SUBSCRIPTION

Delivered to your inbox every month.


The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is dedicated to honoring the

fallen, telling the story of American Law Enforcement and making it safer for those

who serve. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Memorial Fund built and

maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, the National Law

Enforcement Museum, and life-saving officer safety and wellness programs.

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 museum tickets. The BLUES - MAY ‘26 35

AROUND THE COUNTRY

PUERTO RICO

Agent Eddie Santiago-Renta was shot and killed during an undercover

operation in the Pampanos neighborhood of Ponce.

PUERTO RICO – Puerto Rico

Police Department Agent Eddie

Santiago-Renta was shot and

killed in the line of duty on April

10, 2026, during an undercover

narcotics operation in the Pampanos

neighborhood of Ponce.

While observing an undercover

operation from an unmarked vehicle

in a local Sam's Club parking

lot, Agent Santiago-Renta

saw individuals approach another

vehicle. As he and his partner

moved to intercept and identified

themselves as police, an exchange

of gunfire occurred.

Agent Santiago-Renta was

struck multiple times, including

in the face, and was pronounced

dead after being transported to

Damas Hospital in Ponce.

Initial reports indicated two

suspects were taken into custody

at the scene, with a third

turning himself in later. As of

April 21, 2026, three suspects—

Efrén Coimbre Lugo (28), José

Ángel Colón Arroyo (23), and

Noé Emmanuel Torres Santiago

(24)—were facing federal

charges including first-degree

murder, with $8.4 million bail

set.

Agent Santiago-Renta was a

22-year veteran of the Puerto

Rico Police Department, assigned

to the Ponce Drugs and

Narcotics Division. He was considered

a hero for his actions,

which helped save an undercover

officer during the transaction,

according to Police Superintendent

Joseph González Falcón. He

is survived by his wife and four

AGENT EDDIE SANTIAGO-RENTA

children.

The FBI and other federal

agencies assisted in the investigation.




AROUND THE COUNTRY

LEFLORE COUNTY, OK.

Deputy Sheriff Thomas "Walker" LeMay was shot and killed during a

welfare check in Wister, at a home off of Highway 270.

WISTER, OK. – On Sunday

April 19, the LeFlore County

Sheriff’s Office, Wister Police

Department and other agencies

responded to a welfare check/

trespass call at a residence off

Highway 270 in Wister.

The individual inside the

home ambushed the officers

when they arrived at the location,

prompting an exchange of

gunfire. Leflore County Deputy

Sheriff Thomas “Walker” LeMay

was fatally shot by the gunman.

Wister Police Chief Andy

Thompson was also wounded in

the attack. The gunman barricaded

himself in the home and

continued to fire on law enforcement

officers until he surrendered

several hours later.

Father, son, brother, uncle, and

friend are just a few of the titles

that Deputy Walker LeMay held.

He wore his badge with honor

and was proud to support and

protect his community. Walker

was a 2014 graduate of Heavener

High School. In addition to serving

as a Deputy for the LeFlore

County Sheriff’s Office, he was a

member of the SWAT Team and

also served as an officer for the

Heavener Police Department.

Walker was a recipient of the

Medal of Valor for heroically

pulling two people out of a

burning house. He loved spending

time with his family and

friends, lived life to the fullest

and spent his last moments

serving his community. Outside

of wearing his badge Walker

was a devoted father to his

daughter Blakely and enjoyed

taking her fishing, teaching her

DEPUTY SHERIFF THOMAS LEMAY

proper gun safety with her new

gun she received for her birthday,

binge watching Harry Potter

and eating a good steak. Deputy

Walker LeMay was 30-years old

and will be laid to rest Thursday,

April 23 in Heavener, Oklahoma.


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

NEW RELEASE

BUY NOW/CLICK OR TAP HERE


SPECIAL MEMORIAL ON PAGE 229


AROUND THE COUNTRY

THOMASVILLE, AL.

Police Officer Dallas Hinton was killed in an automobile crash on U.S.

43 in Clarke County, near mile marker 90.

A Southwestern Alabama

police officer has died after

his patrol car hit a tractor-trailer

early Wednesday.

The Alabama Law Enforcement

Agency said Dallas Hinton,

25, was killed when the

Thomasville Police Department

patrol vehicle he was

driving hit the tractor-trailer

driven by a Mobile man from

behind on U.S. 43 in Clarke

County.

ALEA said the crash happened

around 5 a.m.

Both Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey

and ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor

released statements regarding

Hinton's death.

Ivey said, in part, "I join with

all Alabamians in sending our

heartfelt prayers to Officer

Hinton’s family, friends and

colleagues at the Thomasville

Police Department. While

Officer Hinton may have been

taken very early, his passion

and devotion to serve will

never be forgotten."

Ivey also noted that Hinton

was a proud Marine, devoted

protector and patriot.

Taylor said, in part, "On

behalf of the entire Alabama

OFFICER DALLAS HINTON

Law Enforcement Agency, we

extend our deepest condolences

to his family, friends

and fellow officers. We stand

with you in this time of profound

loss, and we honor

Officer Hinton’s life, his service

and his legacy. Alabama

has lost a true public servant,

and he will always be remembered.”

The cause of the crash is not

immediately clear but is under

investigation by ALEA's Highway

Patrol Division.




AROUND THE COUNTRY

BEAUMONT, TX.

Deputy Heather Avery was killed after a Mack truck struck the rear of her

patrol vehicle while she was working traffic control on Interstate 10.

BEAUMONT, TX — A reserve

deputy constable from Jefferson

County was killed Friday morning

after a Mack truck struck the

rear of her patrol vehicle while

she was conducting traffic control

on Interstate 10 near Winnie,

according to the Texas Department

of Public Safety.

Authorities identified the deputy

as Heather Avery, 48, of the

Jefferson County Precinct One

Constable's Office.

The crash occurred at approximately

7:41 a.m. in the

eastbound lanes of Interstate

10 near the 830-mile marker in

Chambers County. According to

DPS Sgt. Shana Clark, Avery was

working in the outside lane in a

2022 Ford Explorer with red and

blue emergency lights activated

when a Mack truck traveling

east struck the rear of her

vehicle.

Avery was pronounced dead

at the scene by a justice of the

peace.

In a statement, Jevonne "JC"

Pollard, constable for Precinct

One, said the department is

mourning the loss.

“We are heartbroken by the

tragic events of this morning

that claimed the life of Reserve


Deputy Heather Avery,” Pollard

said. “Deputy Avery was a shining

example of what is good

in law enforcement and was a

proud member of our department.”

Pollard added that condolences

are extended to Avery’s

family and to “everyone who

knew, loved, and was touched by

Deputy Avery.”

Pollard spoke at length with

12News about the kind of person

Avery was, and why she will be

so missed.

Heather came to me about last

spring or last summer, interested

in a reserve deputy position.

I didn't know her before then,

but she just had a ball of energy

and enthusiasm, a great personality,"

said Pollard. "I knew that

she was somebody I wanted

associated with my office. She's

everything that's right with law

enforcement. She loves people,

she loves serving she especially

loved empowering women,

teaching women how to shoot

firearms was her passion."

Avery also served as a training

director and firearms instructor

with Freedom Firearms Training.

In a statement posted to Facebook,

the organization said, “It is

with profound sadness that we

DEPUTY HEATHER AVERY

share the news of the passing

of our beloved Training Director,

Officer Heather Avery. Heather

was far more than a title or a

role — she was the heart of our

Freedom training department.”

The statement continued,

“We are devastated by this loss.

Words feel inadequate, but we

want her family to know — her

husband, her loved ones, and

her closest friends — that our

hearts are with you completely.

The grief we feel is a reflection

of how deeply Heather was loved

here, and how irreplaceable she

truly is.”































was unbelievable.










NEW RELEASE





AROUND THE COUNTRY

CHICAGO, IL.

Police Officer John Bartholomew was shot and killed by a robbery

suspect at Chicago's Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital.


CHICAGO — One Chicago police

officer was killed and another

critically injured after they were

shot at Endeavor Health Swedish

Hospital Saturday morning by a

man they brought in for treatment

at the emergency room,

according to police and hospital

officials. The suspect was taken

into custody.

Chicago Police Superintendent

Larry Snelling said in a

department-wide message to

police, that Officer John Bartholomew,

assigned to the Albany

Park (17th) District, was shot

and killed while transporting a

suspect inside the Lincoln Square

hospital. Another officer was

also shot and remains in critical

condition Saturday afternoon, he

wrote.

Snelling called the shooting “a

devastating loss for our department

and our city” and called on

the department to support the

fallen officer’s family.

“This officer gave his life to

protect his fellow Chicagoans,

and we will never let our city

forget his sacrifice,” he wrote.

The officer “fighting for his life”

is 57 and has more than 20 years

with the department, he said.

Endeavor Health, which operates

the hospital, said the suspected

gunman was taken to the

emergency department around 9

a.m. He fired shots at the officers

about two hours later and fled

the building, at which point he

was apprehended, officials said

in a statement.

They also said the man was

wanded when he arrived at

the hospital per “public safety

weapon detection protocols,”

and that he was escorted by law

enforcement at all times. No

staff or patients were physically

harmed during the shooting, the

statement said.

CPD officers had begun gathering

hours earlier Saturday, many

hurrying toward the hospital

with lights and sirens on. An officer

directed traffic at the intersection

of North Sheffield Avenue

and West Wellington Avenue,

which was partially blocked off

in the direction of the hospital.

Snelling declined to provide

many specifics on the case at the

news conference, including how

the suspect got the gun. He did

note that the suspect had originally

been arrested for robbery,

and that he was taken to Swedish

Hospital for “observation.”

“Right now, this is about these

officers and their family members,”

he said. “These are the

OFFICER JOHN BARTHOLOMEW

dangers of policing. These officers

know it, they understand it,

but they still go out and they do

it.”

According to a source familiar

with the investigation, Albany

Park (17th) district police originally

arrested the suspect for

an alleged robbery at a Family

Dollar store in the 3200 block of

West Lawrence Avenue shortly

after 8 a.m.

A still from surveillance video

footage obtained by the Tribune

showed the suspect running

naked down a street, with white

patches stuck to his chest.

AGENCIES

CALL FOR

PRICING

Tel: 800-367-5855


Supplying Equipment and Accessories

to Law Enforcement Agencies!

SBR

AGENCY ONLY

LE M4

ENHANCED

PATROL RIFLE

SUPPRESSOR

PROMOTION ENDS 5/31/26

40MM

2448 1425

FLOW

556K

LE6933-EPRII-PRO

CALIBER: 5.56 NATO

CAPACITY: 30+1

SIGHTS: REAR FLIP UP


STOCK: ADJUSTABLE

MULTI-CALIBER

TORQUE LOCK TECHNOLOGY

THE FIRST 3D-PRINTED FLOW-

THROUGH SUPPRESSOR

14152

RMR OPTIC READY

M&P 9

M2.0

40 MM LMT

TACTICAL

LAUNCHER

9MM

CALIBER: 9MM

CAPACITY: 17+1

SIGHTS: NIGHT SIGHTS


AGENCY ONLY

SINGLE SHOT LAUNCHER

STANDARD 40MM LESS

LETHAL AMMUNITION

14.5” BARREL PINNED

AND WELDED

DDM4 V7 SLW

AR15

AEMS

EVO-DUAL

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

5.56

0212815049047

CALIBER: 5.56 NATO

CAPACITY: 30+1

SIGHTS: SOLD SEPARATELY

BAREL LENGTH: 14.5” P&W

STOCK: ADJUSTABLE

OPTIC

AEMS-EVO-DUAL-LEM

SOLAR FAILSAFE,

SHAKE AWAKE, IPX8

WATERPROOFING

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



MANUFACTURERS
















Scan the code or visit our website for

information, pricing and products!


AROUND THE COUNTRY

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Security under scrutiny as attendees cite inconsistent screening

before shooting at the White House Correspondence Dinner.

By Amanda Macias Fox News

A shooting at the White House

Correspondents’ Dinner is raising

fresh questions about security

at one of Washington’s highest-profile

events, with some

attendees describing what they

saw as lapses in screening and

access control.

While the Secret Service and

federal law enforcement moved

quickly to secure President Donald

Trump and other officials,

accounts from attendees and

lawmakers have painted a mixed

picture of the security posture at

the Washington Hilton.

Misha Komadovsky, a journalist

for Germany’s DW, shared a photo

on X of the paper ticket used

by attendees to gain access to

the event, saying it was "the only

thing required" for entry into the

Washington Hilton ballroom.

"There was no security screening

prior to entering the lobby," he

wrote.

ABC News reporter Beatrice

Peterson, who wrote on X that

she has attended the event for

more than a decade, offered a

more measured assessment,

saying the overall security posture

appeared consistent with


past years.

She noted that pre-event

gatherings tend to be more fluid,

while the dinner itself is typically

more tightly controlled, and that

security — both plainclothes and

uniformed — is always present

inside and outside the venue.

Peterson described the crowd

and security presence as "typical"

for a year in which the

president attends the dinner,

suggesting no obvious deviations

from past practice.

However, she said multiple

investigations are expected to

examine what happened and

whether any failures occurred,

adding the incident could permanently

change how the event

is handled going forward.

Harrison Fields, a former White

House principal deputy press

secretary, told "FOX & Friends"

there were "no checkpoints to

get into the hotel," adding that

the gunman could have been

"roaming" and observing attendees

before the incident.

"There was a VIP reception

right off the main ballroom

where Cabinet secretaries were,

where the president could have

been — and there was no security

apparatus leading up to that

point," Fields said.

Fields acknowledged that the

Secret Service and local law

enforcement "took immediate

steps to keep us safe," but said

there was "no real buffer" in

place, which he noticed as soon

as he arrived.

Even as some attendees described

the security posture as

typical, lawmakers offered a far

more critical assessment.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., pointed

to what he described as

"glaring security issues," even as

he acknowledged that the Secret

Service and federal law enforcement

"acted swiftly" to secure

the ballroom and move President

Donald Trump and other officials

to safety.

In a post on X, Lawler said

there was no photo ID requirement

or verified attendee list,

which he noted is standard for

White House events. He also cited

the absence of magnetometers

before entry to the ballroom

and said multiple pre-event

receptions with limited security

created potential access points.

Lawler said the building remained

open to the public and

raised concerns about accountability

inside the room, noting

there was no clear handle on

how many members of Congress

were present or where they were

seated.

He called for a "complete and

thorough after-action" review,

focusing on how the gunman

moved from his hotel room into

what he described as a secure

area with multiple firearms.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.,

who attended the dinner, also

raised concerns about the venue

itself. "We were there front and

center," Fetterman said. "That

venue wasn’t built to accommodate

an event with the line of

succession for the U.S. government."

Similarily, Kari Lake, a Trump

ally in attendance, echoed criticism

of the security measures.

"I was there. Security was terrible

at the event," Lake wrote on

X. "It was the easiest event I’ve

ever gained access to that the

president was at. It was so bad

we talked about it at our table

before the shots rang out."

The Washington Hilton has

long hosted high-level government

events, including gatherings

attended by the president,

vice president and members

of Congress beyond the annual

dinner.

Last week, the First Lady’s

Luncheon was held in the same

ballroom, where first lady Melania

Trump and second lady Usha

Vance delivered remarks.

The Secret Service’s familiarity

with the venue helped enable a

swift response — and is one reason

the White House Correspondents’

Dinner has been held there

annually since 1968.


AROUND THE COUNTRY

ACROSS THE US

The Latest Breaking News as we go LIVE.

HOUSTON POLICE DEPART-

MENT LIEUTENANT ALLEGEDLY

SENT EXPLICIT MESSAGES TO

SOMEONE HE BELIEVED WAS A

15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

New details from a search

warrant reveal explicit messages

a Houston Police Department

lieutenant allegedly sent

to someone he believed was a

15-year-old girl, who was actually

an undercover detective,

according to KPRC.

Lt. Quocviet Ky Ngo, 50, who is

assigned to HPD’s Hobby Airport

Division, was previously arrested

and charged with online solicitation

of a minor as part of an

operation targeting online predators.

He has since been relieved

of duty.

According to the warrant, investigators

say Ngo used an app

under the username “CoolTown”

to communicate with the undercover

detective and allegedly

sent explicit messages and

photos.

The warrant states Ngo asked,

“I’m a little nervous, R U really

15?” and continued messaging,

including, “Can you handle

someone older than you?” and “If

you get pregnant by me, then I

will marry you.”


Investigators said a key break

in the case came when Ngo allegedly

sent an explicit photo of

himself, which they were able to

match to a previous KPRC news

story showing officers receiving

donated rain boots.

After arranging to meet the girl

for sex, Ngo allegedly arrived

in an unmarked Houston Police

Department vehicle and was

taken into custody using his own

handcuffs.

Records show investigators

found candy, condoms, alcohol,

and his service belt inside the

vehicle.

Ngo’s attorney, Dick DeGuerin,

denied the allegations and said

the case is the result of entrapment.

“It’s entrapment from the

beginning. When you set traps,

you’re likely to get innocent people

in the traps and that’s what

happened here,” DeGuerin said.

When asked why he believes

the case is a setup, DeGuerin

added, “Because I’ve seen what

the evidence is. I’ve read the

NEW RELEASE




warrants. I know what they say.

It doesn’t change my mind at all.

This was a setup.”

Ngo is scheduled to appear in

court on May 21.

Although the individual in this

case was an undercover officer,

experts say similar tactics are

often used by predators targeting

real children online.

If you or someone you know

has been affected by sexual

abuse or exploitation, confidential

support is available through

the RAINN National Sexual Assault

Hotline at 800-656-HOPE

(4673)

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL AP-

PROVES GUTTING POLICY LIM-

ITING ICE COOPERATION, CIVIL

RIGHTS GROUPS SAY

Texas’ largest city has voted

13-4 to amend an ordinance that

limits cooperation between local

law enforcement and federal

immigration authorities, as

it faces a major funding threat

from Gov. Greg Abbott.

Civil rights groups have called

the proposed changes a “backdoor

attempt” at repealing the

ordinance, which the City Council

approved 12-5 earlier this

month. But under questions from

council members Wednesday,

the city’s attorney Arturo Michel

said the amendment makes no

major changes to the original

measure. The mayor’s staff and

the governor’s public safety

office had negotiated the new

language, Michel said, as some

council members called the revision

the “Abbott amendment.”

Andrew Mahaleris, the governor’s

spokesperson, called the

amendment approval “a step in

the right direction.”


“Governor Abbott expects any

policy HPD ultimately adopts to

comply with the City’s certification

that it would fully cooperate

with [the Department of Homeland

Security],” Mahaleris said in

a statement. “Governor Abbott

will continue to use every necessary

tool to protect Texans.”

But in a subsequent interview

with Fox News Wednesday afternoon,

Abbott said the Houston

Police Department “has not fully

agreed to fully comply” with the

contract for the state’s public

safety grants so that funding

could still be at risk for the city.

The governor then said the police

department needs to come up

with directives that comply with

the agreement, though he didn’t

specify exactly which rules are

missing or put them out of compliance.

“If the Houston Police Department

does not fully comply with

the terms of that agreement to

detain any illegal immigrant they

encounter and to notify DHS of

the encounter, then the city and

the police department still stand

to lose that $110 million,” Abbott

said.

On Thursday, the Houston Police

Department issued a new

directive that the mayor’s office

says complies with the amended

ordinance and the governor’s

demand.

In particular, the new rule says

a sergeant must go to the scene

if there’s an administrative ICE

warrant. The sergeant and officers

are then required to ensure

that individuals are detained “as

long as reasonably necessary to

complete the legitimate purpose

of the initial stop or investigation

and for other legitimate

purposes discovered during the

detention,” echoing the updated

ordinance.

AUSTIN, DALLAS REVISE PO-

LICE POLICY ALLOWING MORE

ICE COOPERATION AFTER AB-

BOTT FUNDING CUT THREAT

The City of Austin announced it

is updating Austin Police orders

to clarify when officers should

contact Immigrations and Customs

Enforcement agents about































was unbelievable.














people they detain. It is the third

city in Texas to revise its policy

on local law enforcement’s cooperation

with federal immigration

authorities this week, amid

massive funding threats from

Gov. Greg Abbott.

A press release about the new

orders states that officers should

contact ICE “when operationally

feasible” if a person detained

by an officer is found to have an

administrative warrant issued by

ICE. The orders also direct Austin

police to “not take an unreasonable

amount of time assisting”

with the warrants.

The new orders come a day

after Austin received a deadline

extension to update their rules,

which placed restrictions on

when and how an officer could

contact ICE. It is unclear what

exact language was changed, as

Austin officials did not immediately

provide the text of the new

general orders for city police,

but said they would be available

online next week.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis

said in a statement that the updated

general orders allow the

city to properly allocate resources

to maintain public safety.

“My focus — and the focus of

every Austin Police officer — remains

on public safety and community

policing,” Davis said.

Andrew Mahaleris, Abbott’s

spokesperson, said in a statement

that the governor’s office

had lifted the funding hold and

“expects full contract compliance

moving forward.”

“Governor Abbott has been

clear: cities in Texas must fully

comply with state law and cooperate

with federal immigration

authorities to keep dangerous


criminals off our streets,” Mahaleris

said.

Dallas on Thursday removed its

ban on police officers prolonging

a person’s detention during encounters

like traffic stops to hold

them for Immigrations and Customs

Enforcement agents. Dallas

Police Chief Daniel Comeaux

announced that the department

had updated its general order

to affirm that local officers will

“cooperate with federal authorities

when required” while

still protecting the safety of all

residents.

In particular, Dallas revised

policy says it allows police

officers to ask people for their

immigration status when they

are lawfully detained and share

that information with federal

authorities. It also does not ban

Dallas police from supporting

ICE agents as “reasonable or

necessary,” including providing

enforcement assistance.

More notably, the updated

version left out language from

the original general order that

says officers “may not prolong

the detention of an individual in

order to further investigate the

individual’s immigration status

or to hold them for federal authorities.”

However, the policy still maintains

that officers will not stop

or contact people solely for the

purpose of determining immigration

status. Dallas police also

may not ask victims, witnesses

or people reporting crimes

about their immigration status

— unless it’s necessary for investigation

or if there’s probable

cause that they had engaged in a

separate criminal offense.

OFFICERS IN OIS INCIDENTS

CAN SHIELD THEIR IDENTITIES

UNDER MARSY’S LAW, S.D.

HIGH COURT RULES

By Joanna Putman

PIERRE, S.D. — Officers who

shoot or shoot at people in

self-defense can have their

names protected from disclosure

in legal proceedings under

Marsy’s Law, the South Dakota

Supreme Court ruled.

Marsy’s Law, approved by South

Dakota voters in 2016, creates

a set of rights for crime victims

and their families to protect

them from harassment, the

South Dakota Searchlight reported.

It allows them to conceal

their names from public

disclosure, be notified of court




proceedings and be consulted

during plea negotiations.

Law enforcement officers have

since invoked the law to prevent

their names from being disclosed,

with the legal claim that

they are crime victims acting in

self-defense in the officer-involved

shooting incidents.

The state’s high court upheld

the legality of the practice in its

April 22 ruling, which followed

a criminal case filed against a

suspect who shot an officer and

tried to shoot others in 2025.

That suspect has already been

convicted of attempted first-degree

murder against law enforcement,

aggravated assault

against law enforcement and

aggravated eluding, the Searchlight

reported.

The Ohio State Supreme Court

similarly ruled that officers’ identities

can be shielded under the

state’s own Marsy’s Law, while

Florida’s high court ruled that

neither officers nor any other

crime victims can conceal their

names under the provision.

FORMER MO. LIEUTENANT

AWARDED $6.3M IN DISCRIMI-

NATION SUIT

By Joanna Putman

CLAYTON, MO. — A former police

lieutenant has been awarded

nearly $6.3 million in a retaliation

lawsuit, FOX 2 reported.

Former St. Louis County Police

lieutenant Mike Reifschneider

alleged he was pressured to

retaliate against officers who

complained to him, and was

punished when he refused.

He claimed the discriminatory

workplace culture ultimately

forced him out of the department.


One incident cited in the case

was Reifschneider’s response to

a 2020 active shooter incident,

which led him to be nominated

for an award within the department.

However, a commander

“marked up” his nomination form

and crossed out that Reifschneider

was “in the face of serious

physical injury or death,” FOX 2

reported.

The award was downgraded in

light of the commander’s comments,

and he was not invited

to a ceremony with the family

impacted by his response. The

same day, department policy

was changed to prevent him

from moving up in rank, according

to the suit.

Former chief Mary Barton testified

that she faced discrimination

during her 40 years with the

department, FOX 2 reported.

SUSPECTS LAUNCH FIRE-

WORKS AT MASS. PD CRUISER

DURING STREET TAKEOVER

RANDOLPH, MA. — Seventeen

people have been charged in

connection with a coordinated

street takeover in Randolph from

last year that “endangered motorists

and responding officers,”

police announced Tuesday.

The suspects are facing

charges out of Quincy District

Court, including conspiracy to

commit a crime, interfering with

a police officer, disorderly conduct

and operating to endanger,

Randolph police said in a press

release.

The incident took place in the

early morning on Oct. 5, 2025,

when a large crowd of around

100 people gathered at the intersection

of North Main and Oak

streets, police said. The crowd

blocked off the intersection to

allow drivers to do car tricks in

the road, which drew spectators

who recorded videos for social

media.

When the first Randolph police

officer arrived at the scene, the

crowd surrounded his cruiser

and stopped him from entering

the intersection, police said. The

group then battered the cruiser

and lit fireworks on top of and

around it.

“Street takeovers create dangerous

conditions for everyone

involved, including the responding

officers, anyone traveling in


that area and residents who live

nearby,” Randolph Police Chief

Anthony Marag said in the release.

Following the incident, Randolph

detectives launched an extensive

investigation, reviewing

dashboard camera footage from

the police cruiser, security video

from nearby businesses and

publicly available social media

videos of the incident.

Investigators also obtained a

search warrant for information

about several Instagram users

believed to be connected to the

events, police said. Recovered

messages indicated that organizers

shared locations of street

takeover events across Massachusetts

and encouraged spectators

to interfere with law enforcement

efforts. Investigators

believe many participants traveled

together to several street

takeover events on the night of

the incident.

Investigators ultimately identified

17 suspects — none of whom

are Randolph residents — who

blocked responding police officers,

surrounded their cruisers or

performed dangerous car stunts,

police said. All but one of the

suspects is between the ages of

19 and 23, and six of them are

not Massachusetts residents.

MAN DRIVES CAR INTO PHIL-

ADELPHIA POLICE STATION

LOBBY, INJURING FIVE

By Joanna Putman

PHILADELPHIA,PA. — Multiple

people have been hospitalized

after a vehicle crashed into a

Philadelphia Police station, NBC

Philadelphia reported.

The incident occurred at the

2nd District Police building on


April 21. The vehicle drove completely

into the station lobby.

Commissioner Kevin Bethel

stated that the crash followed

a response to a domestic call.

After handling the call, which

involved a man and his father,

officers returned to patrol.

Later, the same man drove his

vehicle into the station, Bethel

told NBC Philadelphia.

Bethel called the incident a

‘deliberate act.’ Five people who

were in the lobby waiting for

service were injured. The suspect

was taken into custody.

NORTH CAROLINA OFFICER

CHARGED WITH ASSAULT,

FALSE IMPRISONMENT AFTER

DOMESTIC INCIDENT

By Jenna Curren

RALEIGH, NC - An officer with

the Raleigh Police Department

(RPD) has been arrested and

is facing several charges after

authorities accused him of assaulting

his ex-girlfriend and her

current boyfriend.

On Friday, April 17, Ryan Greathouse,

27, was arrested after

allegedly assaulting the man and

his ex-girlfriend on Sunday, April

12, at a home on Lakecrest Drive,

WRAL reported. Police said

Greathouse was placed on administrative

leave while authorities

conducted an investigation.

He was later fired from the police

department after the Wake

County District Attorney's Office

determined he would be facing

charges. Greathouse has been

charged with one count of simple

assault, assault on a female,

misdemeanor domestic violence,

and false imprisonment.

Arrest warrants for Greathouse

said he pushed the 34-year-old

woman, detained her without

her permission, and struck another

man, The News & Observer

reported.

On Saturday, April 18, RPD Chief

Rico Boyce released a statement

regarding the alleged incident.

"Members of the Raleigh Police

Department must hold themselves

to the highest standards

of personal and professional

conduct both on and off duty,"

Boyce wrote. "When we miss the

mark, we must act quickly to

retain the public's trust.

"The actions of one employee

do not represent the entire organization,

and the members of the

Raleigh Police Department will

continue to serve the community

with the utmost professionalism

NEW RELEASE



and highest ethical standards.

Like all who are charged with a

criminal offense, Mr. Greathouse

will be subject to the judicial

process. Additionally, an internal

affairs review will be conducted

concerning the arrest." Police

said the investigation remains

ongoing.

CHICK-FIL-A DESCRIBED

AS ‘WAR ZONE’ AFTER MASS

SHOOTING BY LAW OFFICER

UNION, NJ – Multiple people

were shot Saturday night inside

a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Union,

New Jersey, in what authorities

are treating as a mass shooting.

The incident has left the community

shaken and law enforcement

working through the night

to piece together what happened

inside one of the country’s

most recognizable fast food

chains.

Officers responded to a reported

shooting just after 8:45 p.m.

on Route 22 near Gelb Avenue.

At least six people were shot,

according to RLS Media. One

death has been reported by multiple

media sources.

One man, who rushed to the

scene after his son called him

from the location, claimed that

multiple masked suspects shot

several employees, and he described

the restaurant as a “war

zone.”

Witness accounts paint a disturbing

picture of how the attack

unfolded. A man who said his

girlfriend works at the restaurant

told reporters that she said a

group of men entered the store,

went behind the counter, and

fired multiple shots.

Authorities remained at the


scene late Saturday, with officers

and employees seen inside

the restaurant while additional

officers canvassed the parking

lot. The Union County Prosecutor’s

Office confirmed an active

investigation was underway, but

offered few additional details

in the early hours following the

shooting.

New Jersey Governor Mikie

Sherrill said she had been

briefed on the shooting and that

her office remained in close contact

with officials on the ground.

She offered her thoughts to

those injured and their families

and expressed gratitude to first

responders.

OFF-DUTY OKLAHOMA COR-

RECTIONS OFFICER WHO

STOPPED SUSPECT FROM

GRABBING COP’S GUN RE-

CEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNI-

TION

By Sarah Roebuck

HOMINY, OK. — An Oklahoma

corrections lieutenant is set

to receive a national Medal of

Honor after stepping in to help

a police officer during a violent

off-duty encounter.

Lt. Tyler Gaines of the Oklahoma

Department of Corrections

was selected to receive the

Bronze Medal of Honor from One

Voice United, a national organization

that recognizes extraordinary

courage, service and professionalism

among corrections

professionals.

The recognition stems from

Gaines’ actions in September

2025 in Hominy, Oklahoma, when

he encountered a police officer

struggling with a suspect who

was attempting to gain control

of the officer’s firearm.

At the time, Gaines — then a

sergeant — was driving by on

his way to meet family when he

noticed Hominy Police Officer

George Calkins having difficulty

during an arrest, ODOC said.

“I could see things weren’t

going well for him,” Gaines said.

“Two or more TASERs had little

to no effect. It made me think

this guy is under the influence of

something.”

According to the Oklahoma

Department of Corrections, the

situation escalated when the

suspect tried to grab Calkins’

weapon.

“With the guy much larger

than I am, under the influence of

something and my stature, it was

going to be hard to fight somebody

off,” Calkins said. “I didn’t

know if I was going to make it.”

Gaines intervened, helping pull

the suspect’s hands away from

the firearm and assisting in securing

him in handcuffs.

“When he came over to help,

he said, ‘I deal with guys like this

at the prison. There is no way I

was going to let you go through

that alone,’” Calkins said.

Hominy Police Chief Kenny

Underwood said the intervention

likely prevented the situation

from turning deadly.

“It could have turned deadly

very quickly,” Underwood said.

“But thanks to the ODOC officer,

we were able to keep everyone

safe.”

Calkins suffered a broken hand

during the struggle.

The suspect, identified as Benjamin

Levi Walton, was booked

into the Osage County Jail and

faces multiple charges, including

aggravated assault and battery

on a police officer, first-degree

burglary and public intoxication.

The One Voice United National

Medal of Honor program recognizes

corrections professionals

who go above and beyond the

call of duty. This year, 94 professionals

from 24 states were

nominated, with three selected

to receive Medal of Honor

awards.

“Tyler’s willingness to step

into danger to protect another

first responder reflects the very

best of our profession and this

national honor is well deserved,”

ODOC Director Justin Farris said.

“I’m extremely proud of all our

officers and this highlights the

selfless dedication they demonstrate

every day to protecting

public safety and making Oklahoma

stronger.”

Gaines is scheduled to be

honored at the One Voice United

National Medal of Honor ceremony

on May 1 in Atlantic City,

New Jersey.

NYPD OFFICERS FATALLY

SHOOT MACHETE-WIELDING

MANIAC WHO STABBED THREE

AT GRAND CENTRAL STATION

By Jenna Curren

MANHATTAN, NY - Officers with

the New York Police Department

(NYPD) fatally shot a man in

his forties who attacked three

victims with a knife in the Grand

Central-42nd Street Station in

Manhattan on Saturday morning,

April 11.

The victims, an 84-year-old

man, a 65-year-old man, and

a 70-year-old woman, were

transported to area hospitals

with stab wounds and are in

stable condition, PIX11 reported.

The alleged suspect, identified

as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin,

had three unsealed prior arrests,

according to NYPD Commissioner

Jessica Tisch.

Surveillance footage captured

Griffin boarding a No. 7 train at

the Vernon Boulevard station

in Queens at around 9:30 a.m.

Upon arriving at Grand Central,

Griffin allegedly stabbed the

84-year-old man on the No. 7

platform with what is described

as a machete, before heading up

to the Nos. 4, 5, and 6 platforms

where he stabbed the other two

victims.

Responding officers gave Griffin

20 direct orders to drop the

weapon and even tried to de-escalate

the situation, telling him

that they could get him help, according

to authorities. Griffin reportedly

ignored the orders and

advanced at the officers with his

knife. It was in those moments

that one of the officers opened

fire on him, NBC News reported.

"Our officers were confronted

with an armed individual who

had already injured multiple

people and was continuing to

pose a threat,” Tisch said. “They

gave clear commands. They

attempted to de-escalate, and

when that threat did not stop,

they took decisive action to stop

it and to protect New Yorkers


on one of the busiest train platforms

in the city."

Two law enforcement officers

said the standoff lasted 10 minutes

before officers fatally shot

Griffin. Authorities said that the

victims did not know the suspect

and that the attack appeared to

be random.

Griffin was transported by EMS

to a local hospital, where he

was pronounced dead. A witness

said he saw at least one person

slashed with a large knife, which

he described as a machete.

When the witness arrived at the

uptown platform, he saw officers

with their guns already drawn,

yelling commands to drop the

knife.

The witness said he then heard

around five gunshots. Governor

Kathy Hochul said she was

briefed on the incident, posting

to X: "Two innocent people

were attacked in a senseless act

of violence. I'm grateful to our

brave officers who acted quickly

to stop the suspect. We're working

closely with the NYPD as the

investigation unfolds."

FLORIDA WOMAN ACCUSED

OF IMPERSONATING POLICE IN

BIZARRE ‘STOLEN DIAMONDS’

SCHEME

By Jenna Curren

BROWARD COUNTY, FL - A former

Spirit Airlines flight attendant

was arrested after allegedly

impersonating a police officer

and claiming that she was chasing

down stolen jewelry.

The incident happened on

Saturday, April 4, according to

an arrest affidavit. Around 8:00

p.m. local time, deputies with

the Broward County Sheriff's

Office responded to a residence


CLICK TO WATCH

in Oakland Park after residents

reported their suspicions involving

a "subject impersonating a

law enforcement officer."

The residents told police they

received a Ring camera notification,

and when they accessed

the live footage, they found their

neighbor, 37-year-old Annie

Flaherty, standing at the front

door. They said she displayed a

"police-style badge" on the right

side of her hip, according to the

affidavit.

Flaherty claimed she was a

member of the "Miami-Dade

Police" and further stated she

was conducting an investigation

regarding three stolen diamonds.

The residents said she was

looking for an individual named

"Eva."

After telling Flaherty they did

not know anyone by that name

and didn't have any information

regarding potentially stolen

property, she claimed she would

be obtaining a search warrant

for the address. She then went to

a neighboring residence, where

she once again displayed the

badge and asked about stolen

diamonds, according to the affidavit.

Police responded to the suspect's

residence. When questioned

by police, Flaherty said

she had been instructed by an

individual who works for the FBI

to conduct a "training exercise"

involving contacting neighbors

about stolen diamonds.

When asked if she identified

herself as "Miami-Dade Police"

personnel, she reportedly denied

doing so. The arrest affidavit

states that the alleged suspect

then admitted to using her boyfriend's

old Miami-Dade corrections

officer badge during the

incident.

She turned over the item, revealing

to police a Miami-Dade

Corrections Officer LIV Super

Bowl edition badge. Flaherty

was arrested and transported

to the Broward County Sheriff's

Office main jail for processing.

Flaherty faces one felony

charge of impersonating law

enforcement. During questioning,

she told police she worked as a

Spirit Airlines flight attendant.

ILLEGAL ALIEN CAUSES

MULTI-CAR PILEUP AFTER

HIGH-SPEED CHASE THROUGH

BALTIMORE

By Pat Droney

BALTIMORE, MD - An illegal

alien from Honduras who entered

the country in 2014 and

was released by the Obama administration

was taken into custody

by Immigration and Customs

Enforcement (ICE) agents

in Baltimore after leading agents

on a dangerous chase through

city streets, causing a multi-car

pileup, ICE said in a statement.

ICE agents attempted to serve

a final order of removal on Ever

Omar Alvarenga-Rios last week.

Alvarenga-Rios attempted to

flee, driving recklessly through

the streets of Baltimore, before

slamming on his brakes, causing

a collision. After causing the

crash, Alvarenga-Rios attempted

to flee on foot.

"ICE law enforcement followed

their training and used the minimum

amount of force necessary

to make the arrest,” ICE said in a

statement.

Alvarenga-Rios and two ICE

agents were transported to a

local hospital for treatment,

including a concussion. Alvarenga-Rios

is still hospitalized and

in ICE custody.

ROOKIE OFFICER SHOT

DURING ALABAMA TRAFFIC

STOP

GREENSBORO, AL – A Greensboro

Police Department officer

was shot, and a 64-year-old

man was killed after a traffic

stop escalated into a deadly

exchange of gunfire in Hale

County. The officer, identified

as Officer Miguel Edwards, was

hospitalized in stable condition.

The suspect, identified by state

investigators as Robert Williams,

64, of Greensboro, died from his

injuries at Hale County Hospital.

Authorities say the officer initiated

a traffic stop when the driver

produced a firearm and shot

the officer.

Officer Edwards returned fire

and struck the suspect.

Officer Edwards had been

on the force only a couple

of months at the time of the

shooting. The Hale County

Sheriff’s Office requested that

ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation

take over the case, which

officials described as standard

procedure in officer-involved

shootings to ensure an independent

review.

Greensboro Mayor Ralph Howard

said Officer Edwards is a

“young officer” who has shown

courage and dedication to the

city. “He is an asset to our police

department and to the City

of Greensboro, and we stand

with him during his recovery,”

the mayor said.

The reason for the initial traffic

stop has not been publicly

released, and investigators have

not indicated whether Williams

had any prior criminal history.

No additional details about the

circumstances that may have

preceded the shooting have

been confirmed by officials.

The case has been turned

over to the Hale County District

Attorney’s Office pending the

outcome of the ALEA investigation.

MAN CALLS 911 ON HIMSELF,

RUNS AT CALIF. OFFICER WITH

KNIFE BEFORE OIS

By Joanna Putman

SACRAMENTO, CA. — The

Sacramento Police Department

released body camera footage

showing an officer-involved

shooting of a suspect who ran at

officers with a knife outside of

an elementary school.

The March 10 incident began

when a 911 caller reported that a

man was walking around an elementary

school with a knife and

chasing anyone who approached

him.

A Sacramento County Sheriff’s

Office helicopter went to monitor

the scene. Video from the

helicopter response shows the

suspect pacing around, holding a

knife with a long blade.

As an officer arrived at the

scene, the suspect repeatedly

walked toward the cruiser before

turning around and walking

away. The officer’s body camera

eventually shows the suspect

approaching the officer with the

knife.

“Sir, please put down the

knife!” the officer says

The man can be seen walking

toward the officer, gesticulating

with the knife and speaking. The

officer backed away, pleading


with the man to drop the knife.

As additional units arrived, the

officer ordered them to have less

lethal at the ready.

Moments later, the man started

to run toward the officer. After

issuing more instructions to drop

the knife, the officer fired shots,

striking the man. Another officer

deployed a TASER as shots were

fired.

After placing the man in handcuffs,

officers rendered medical

aid.

An investigation determined

that the suspect was the sole 911

caller.

The suspect was hospitalized

for three days before being arrested

for assault with a deadly

weapon.

SUSPECT IN STOLEN BEER

TRUCK PLOWS INTO IND.

CRUISER DURING PURSUIT

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, IN. —

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s

Office released body camera

video showing a pursuit of a

suspect in a stolen beer truck

and the arrest of the driver.

Body camera footage from

the March 27 incident shows a

deputy stopping his cruiser in

a roadway and retrieving spike

strips from the trunk.

With the cruiser blocking one

lane, the deputy then spread the

spike strips across the other lane

and got to the side of the roadway.

As the truck approached, however,

it did not veer away from

the cruiser and toward the spike

strips. Instead, it plowed into the

cruiser at high speed, sending

it careening at least 30 feet and

causing major damage, video

shows.


The truck then lost control,

veering off the road and into a

field before coming to a stop.

Deputies broke through a window

and shot less-lethal rounds.

The suspect exited the vehicle

and was arrested at gunpoint.

The suspect faces charges of

attempted murder, auto theft,

criminal recklessness, resisting

law enforcement, reckless operation

of a tractor-trailer and

operating while intoxicated.

WOMAN THREATENS TO

KILL KY. OFFICERS, ADVANCES

WITH PORCELAIN SHARD BE-

FORE FATAL OIS

By Joanna Putman

LOUISVILLE, KY. — The Louisville

Police Department released

body camera footage showing

an officer-involved shooting of a

woman in crisis who approached

them with a broken piece of

porcelain after threatening to kill

them.

The March 27 incident began

when a family member called

911 to report that a woman had

slit her wrists, according to 911

audio. The caller went on to say

that the woman was in a “violent

mode” and had cut herself with

CLICK TO WATCH

glass. The woman can be heard

yelling in the background.

Minutes later, another call was

made to 911 to report that the

woman in crisis drank cleaning

products to “try and kill herself”

and locked herself in the bathroom.

The caller reported that

the woman was still conscious.

Body camera footage shows

the first officer arriving at the

scene. He was directed to the

bathroom by the 911 caller and

another relative, who told the

officer that the woman’s name

was Kaitlyn.

“Hey Kaitlyn, what’s going on?”

he asked through the door.

“Kaitlyn is dead,” the woman

responded.

As more officers and fire and

EMS personnel arrived at the

scene, another officer tried to

persuade the woman to let them

help. The woman remained agitated

and refused to open the

door.

The first officer on scene then

instructed officers to have less

lethal and lethal measures ready

as a firefighter broke the doorknob

and lock.

Officers then approached the

door to open it, but were unable































was unbelievable.










NEW RELEASE





to as the woman was pressed

against it.

A crashing sound led officers

to believe the woman was

breaking more glass as an officer

attempted to wedge the door

open without kicking it down.

The woman then stated that her

artery was severed.

As more movement was heard

from inside, the officers backed

away from the door.

“I will kill anyone that tries to

save me,” the woman said.

After the woman made the

threat, officers retreated as they

waited for more backup.

As more officers arrived, a firefighter

approached the door and

broke the hinges off.

As the firefighter turned to

walk away, the door opened and

the woman emerged, raising a

large pointed piece of porcelain.

Officers then fired shots, striking

the woman. Officers called

EMS into the room as they removed

what appeared to be a

piece of porcelain.

The woman was transported

to a hospital, where she was

pronounced dead, according to

police. She had sustained significant

lacerations to her wrists,

some of which were an inch

deep.

11,000 LEOS SIGN PETITION

URGING NON INCARCERATION

SENTENCE FOR NYPD OFFICER

CONVICTED IN COOLER THROW

DEATH

By Thomas Tracy

New York Daily News

NEW YORK — More than 11,000

law enforcement officers from

across the globe have signed a

petition asking a Bronx judge

not to throw the NYPD sergeant


convicted of killing a fleeing

suspect by hurling a cooler at

him in prison, the Daily News has

learned.

Attorneys for Sgt. Erik Duran

will be presenting the signatures

to Judge Guy Mitchell, who is

handling the case, on Monday.

Duran, who was found guilty of

manslaughter in the 2023 death

of 30-year-old Eric Duprey, is

scheduled to be sentenced on

Thursday.

The petition asks for a “nonincarceration

sentence” for Duran.

Duprey was fleeing a drug bust

at Aqueduct Ave. near W. 192nd

St. in Kingsbridge Heights on

Aug. 23, 2023, when Duran lifted

the cooler loaded with ice and

drinks and, using both hands,

hurled it at the suspect.

Duprey, who wasn’t wearing a

helmet, lost control, sideswiped

a tree, and was thrown off the

scooter. He struck his head on

the curb and landed under a

parked vehicle.

In the petition, officers said

Duran shouldn’t be punished for

making a split-second decision

cops are forced to make every

day.

“The job of protecting the

CLICK TO WATCH

public from criminals is inherently

dangerous, and carries

with it unforeseen risks. As law

enforcement officers, we cannot

be expected to effectively do our

jobs while knowing that a goodfaith

decision made in a rapidly

evolving situation might cost us

our freedom,” the petition says.

“That possibility is worsened by

the fact that the career criminals

we risk our lives and safety to

apprehend often never see the

inside of a prison.”

Duran is facing between five

and 15 years in prison. He’s already

been fired by the NYPD.

Before his conviction, Duran

was an active cop with more

than 50 illegal firearm arrests,

the petition noted.

“Stripping him of his freedom

will send a message to every

single police officer throughout

the country,” Vincent Vallelong,

the president of the NYPD’s Sergeant’s

Benevolent Association,

which put together the petition,

told The News. “He did his job. He

did the same thing every police

officer would do in that situation.

After this, every cop is going to

be worried if their next decision

is going to cost them their free-

dom.”

“He grew up in these neighborhoods,”

Vallelong said of

Duran. “He’s the one you want

patrolling these neighborhoods.

It’s a shame the kid died, but he

put himself in that situation. He

wasn’t an innocent victim.”

Duran’s trial, Vallelong said,

“resulted in an unjust conviction.”

“I sat in that courtroom and

don’t get how the judge rendered

this decision,” he said. “People

out there know that (Duran) did

the right thing.”

During the bench trial, prosecutors

argued that using two

hands to lift the heavy cooler

showed that Duran knew how

dangerous striking the suspect

with the weighty object could

be. Duran, for his part, testified

that the cooler “wasn’t heavy.”

Duran testified that he was

trying to protect other police

officers when he hurled the

red-and-white cooler at Duprey

during a buy-and-bust operation.

Cops said Duprey, a delivery

driver, was buying drugs. His

family claims he fled the scene

because his scooter was not

registered.

Duran is the first NYPD officer

to be taken to trial for killing a

suspect since Hugh Barry was

indicted for killing Deborah Danner

in 2016.

CONN. OFFICER FIRED

FOLLOWING FATAL OIS OF

KNIFE-WIELDING MAN

HARTFORD, CN. — Mayor

Arunan Arulampalam fired a city

police officer Friday who fatally

shot an armed Black man experiencing

a mental health crisis

last month after determining he

did not do enough to de-escalate

the encounter.

Arulampalam announced in a

statement that Officer Joseph

Magnano’s employment with the

city was terminated effective

immediately “on the grounds

of his performance” in the Feb.

27 shooting of Steven “Stevie”

Jones.

The decision was made as Arulampalam

faced a growing chorus

of calls from city activists

and other residents to discipline

Magnano. On Monday, protestors

interrupted his annual state of

the city address to demand Magnano’s

firing.

The development also comes

a day after about 170 mourners

gathered for Jones’ funeral at

First Cathedral in Bloomfield,

including the civil rights activists

the Rev. Al Sharpton and Ben

Crump.

Crump, a nationally known

lawyer who is representing the

Jones family, has called on the

police department to reform

how it handles mental health

calls. He welcomed Magnano’s

firing, but warned it cannot be

the end of the process.

“Stevie Jones should be alive

CLICK TO WATCH

today,” Crump said. “His family

deserves full transparency and a

thorough, independent investigation.

We will continue pressing

for answers, accountability and

meaningful changes so that any

person experiencing a mental

health crisis is met with care,

compassion and de-escalation

–– not deadly force.”

According to a preliminary

report released by the state

inspector general, Magnano

fired nine shots at Jones as he

walked toward him holding a

large knife on Blue Hills Avenue.

The 55-year-old was critically

wounded and died in a hospital

four days later.

Officers were called to the

area by a family member who

reported that Jones was experiencing

“an acute mental health

crisis” and had cut himself with

a knife that he was still carrying

in his hand, the inspector general

wrote in the report.

Body-worn camera footage

from the encounter shows the

first three officers who responded

to the scene attempted to

calm Jones as they urged him

to drop the weapon. The officers

can be seen backpedaling

and keeping their distance from


Jones.

The footage shows Magnano

arriving a few moments later

and advancing toward Jones

with his firearm pointed directly

at the man as he orders him

to drop the knife. Jones can be

seen ignoring the commands and

moving towards Magnano before

being struck by gunfire.

In his statement, Arulampalam

called the footage deeply concerning.

He said he believes the

initial three officers were working

as a team to de-escalate a

mental health crisis “in a way

that exemplifies the best of our

police department.”

“The actions of Officer Magnano

do not measure up to those

standards,” Arulampalam said.

Magnano was placed on administrative

leave after the

shooting. Arulampalam said the

decision to fire the officer was

made after the city took steps

“to identify avenues of response.”

He stressed that he is committed

to reviewing the city’s public

safety protocols.

Hartford Police Union President

James Rutkauski, who has previously

said the organization fully

supports Magnano, urged Arulampalam

to reverse the firing in

a statement Friday.

Rutkauski argued that Magnano

acted lawfully in the face of

a potentially fatal threat when

he opened fire, and warned the

punishment sends the wrong

message to the police department’s

rank-and-file officers.

“Officers will now hesitate in

split-second situations, not out

of fear of the suspect, but out of

fear of political second-guessing

afterward,” Rutkauski said.

“Those lost seconds will slow


responses and leave families

more exposed as criminals sense

the weakness.”

Jones was the second city resident

killed by police in a nineday

period last month. Everard

Walker, 53, was fatally shot on

Feb. 19 in his Capitol Avenue

apartment after a family member

sought help during an acute

mental health crisis, according to

the state inspector general.

PELLET GUN-WIELDING MAN

ATTACKS N.J. OFFICER, GRABS

AT HIS GUN AFTER BEING SHOT

By Nicolas Fernandes | NJ.com

nj.com

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Body cam

and surveillance footage released

on Wednesday shows the

suspect in a fatal police-involved

shooting attacking an officer

after being shot.

The encounter happened on

Sept. 5 of last year near the

intersection of JFK Boulevard

and Clinton Avenue. The suspect,

previously identified as Steven B.

Sanchez, 26, of Jersey City, died

from gunshot wounds, authorities

said. Sgt. Ricardo Reyes has

been identified as the officer

who shot him. An air pistol that

he had been armed with was re-

CLICK TO WATCH

CLICK TO WATCH

covered from the scene, officials

said.

On Wednesday, the state Attorney

General’s Office released

surveillance and body cam

videos in accordance with state

laws. In the footage, multiple

Jersey City Police officers can

be seen standing near parked

cars, drawing their weapons and

demanding Sanchez to drop the

air pistol. Sanchez can be seen

on the sidewalk pointing the gun

at officers.

During the encounter, a passerby

on the sidewalk quickly

runs away after the officers alert

him about the armed suspect.

Officers are then heard telling

Sanchez to drop the weapon

more than five times before he is

shot.

“Put it down. Put it down. Put

it down,” one of the officers says

leading up to the shooting. “Don’t

do it. Hey listen, put it down. Put

it down. Put it down.”

In a surveillance clip, one of

the officers also appears to have

been shot with the air pistol

before shots are fired at Sanchez.

After Sanchez is shot, he is seen

in the footage charging at, and

attacking, one of the officers.

He then becomes involved in a

struggle with the three officers

before he is eventually placed in

handcuffs, the video shows.

The encounter unfolded shortly

before 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 after

Reyes and two other Jersey

City officers were investigating

whether shots had been fired at

their patrol vehicles. They then

made U-Turns in their police

cruisers at the intersection of

JFK Boulevard and Clinton Avenue,

where they encountered

Sanchez, the Attorney General’s

Office said.

Police and EMS personnel

treated Sanchez before he was

transported to RWJBarnabas

Health Jersey City Medical Center.

He was pronounced dead at

the hospital at 8:45 p.m., state

officials said.

VIDEO FROM DEPUTY'S

BODYCAM HIT WITH BULLET

AMID DELTONA SHOOTING

By Pamela Comme

DELTONA, FL. — Newly recovered

body camera footage

shows the moment a Volusia

County deputy was shot at, with

investigators saying the video

captures a suspect firing directly

at the deputy’s chest before the

camera went dark.

This all happened in March at a

home off Candler Drive in Deltona,

where Deputy Jose Rivera

was shot while investigating an

assault.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike

Chitwood said the footage clearly

shows the suspect exiting the

home and immediately opening

fire.

“What you see clearly is the

defendant coming out, pointing

his arm and firing that first shot

that disables the camera,” Chit-

wood said. “So the first shot hits

the deputy in the chest.”

Investigators believe the bullet

deflected off Rivera’s body

camera, likely preventing a more

serious or fatal injury.

Initial reports indicated Rivera

had been shot twice, in the leg

and shoulder, with the possibility

that one round ricocheted off

the camera. However, as Rivera

continues to recover and undergo

further medical evaluation,

authorities now say he may have

been struck three times.

“Now that he’s in physical therapy

and they’re reexamining the

wounds, they’re pretty confident

that he was hit not twice, he

was hit three times,” Chitwood

said. “One into the body camera,

one into the arm, and one into

the thigh.”

Chitwood said investigators

have obtained a confession in

the case, but emphasized that

the video alone strongly supports

their conclusions about

what happened.

“We know what happened,” he

said. “And we’re pretty confident

the facts are so strong here that

we know where this is going.

There is no doubt in my mind he

had every intention when those

CLICK TO WATCH

deputies knocked on that door to

kill them.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

The shooter, Luis Diaz Polanco,

has pleaded not guilty to two

charges of attempted murder.

EX-N.C. OFFICER ACCUSED

OF PLOTTING RACIALLY MO-

TIVATED MASS SHOOTING AT

NEW ORLEANS FESTIVAL

By Jack Brook, Jim Mustian and

Kathy McCormack

Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — Authorities

say a former North Carolina law

enforcement officer planned

to kill Black people in a mass

shooting at a major New Orleans

festival but was arrested at

a Florida hotel with a handgun

and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

Authorities in several states did

not name the event, but the New

Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival,

commonly known as Jazz Fest,

runs from Thursday through May

3. The gathering attracted about

460,000 people last year, organizers

said.

Christopher Gillum of Chapel

Hill, North Carolina, was wanted

for “terroristic threats,” the


Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office

in Florida posted online Thursday.

Federal authorities told the

sheriff’s office that Gillum was

in the Florida Panhandle “heading

to do a mass shooting at a

large festival in Louisiana.” The

sheriff’s office did not name the

federal agency, and the FBI office

in New Orleans did not immediately

respond to a request for

comment.

The Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office

said Gillum was arrested without

incident Wednesday night at

a hotel in Destin, and posted a

photo of him being led away in

handcuffs. Deputies recovered a

handgun and about 200 rounds

of ammunition from the hotel

room, the statement said.

Gillum was arrested as a fugitive

from justice and will be

extradited to Louisiana to face

charges there, the sheriff’s office

said. It was not immediately

known if he had a lawyer. The

Associated Press left a message

at phone numbers listed for him.

Gillum’s family reported him

missing on Tuesday and he had a

history of self-harm, according

to Lt. Clint Lyons of the Alamance

County Sheriff’s Office in North

Carolina. Gillum’s family told

law enforcement he had a gun

and “expressed recent threats to

harm ‘Black people,’” according

to a bulletin from police in Burlington,

North Carolina.

Lyons said Gillum crossed state

lines before his agency could

prepare the paperwork to involuntarily

commit him to psychiatric

treatment. Lyons said that

there were no criminal grounds

to detain Gillum despite his

comments about Black people

“because there was no victim.”


“But we felt that there was

definitely something there that

needed to be shared, so that’s

what we did,” Lyons said.

Gillum was located and

stopped by law enforcement in

Oklaloosa County on Wednesday,

according to Lyons and the

Burlington police bulletin.

However, Gillum “did not

present any grounds for involuntary

commitment or criminal

charges” and was allowed to

continue on his way, the bulletin

stated. Gillum told officers that

he was “enroute to New Orleans,”

the report added.

Okaloosa deputies were initially

asked to make a “welfare

check” on Gillum Wednesday

morning and were “not aware”

of any threats he had made,

sheriff spokesperson Michele

Nicholson said. Later that day,

after the sheriff’s office learned

Gillum was being investigated,

deputies surveilled him until

a signed warrant arrived from

Louisiana, she added.

Gillum had been hired as a

detention officer by the sheriff’s

office in Orange County, North

Carolina, in October 2023 but

he left in July 2024, department

spokesperson Alicia L. Stemper

said.

“We hired him again as a deputy

on Jan. 13, 2025,” she said in

an email. “He resigned his position

on Sept. 21, 2025, and we

terminated him accordingly.”

Gillum also served as a sworn

police officer for Chapel Hill

from 2004 until his resignation

in 2019, town communications

manager Alex Carrasquillo said.

“He returned as a non-sworn

employee in 2024 before leaving

for another job by the end of

that year,” Carrasquillo said in an

email.

Louisiana State Police spokesperson

Trooper Danny Berrincha

said the agency is still investigating

the episode with the FBI.

“At this time, there are no

known direct threats to any festivals

in Louisiana,” he added.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR

FREE SUBSCRIPTION


QUALIFIED IMMUNITY FOR

OFFICER DENIED AFTER AP-

PEALS COURT FINDS USE OF

FORCE ‘UNREASONABLE’ IN

FATAL OIS

By Joanna Putman

CHESTERFIELD, Va. — A U.S.

appeals court ruled a Chesterfield

officer who fatally shot a

hatchet-wielding man in 2023 is

not entitled to qualified immunity,

WWBT reported.

The incident began when

Charles Byers attempted to

break into homes after being

released from a hospital during

a mental health crisis. A Chesterfield

officer arrived, and after

spotting him holding a hatchet,

drew her handgun and ordered

the Byers to drop it, WWBT reported.

Officer Gordon Painter arrived

at the scene soon after. He then

also began ordering Byers to

drop the hatchet as Byers approached

him.

Video shows the first officer

switching to a TASER. Byers

stopped approaching the officers

but refused to drop the hatchet.

He began to walk backwards,

still holding the weapon.

Byers continued to walk backwards

away from the officers.

A TASER deployment was ineffective.

After Byers contined to

ignore instructions to drop the

hatchet, Painter fired multiple

shots, fatally striking Byers.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for

the Fourth Circuit affirmed a

lower court’s denialof qualified

immunity for Painter,allowing

a lawsuit against him to proceed,The

court found the alleged

use of force could be considered

“unreasonable” under the Fourth

Amendment.

CLICK TO WATCH

“Neither the allegations in the

complaint nor the body camera

video indicates that Byers

ever moved toward the officers

with the hatchet once he began

backing away from them,” the

appeals court said. “Similarly,

neither the allegations nor the

video suggests that Byers took

any action to throw the hatchet

at the officers or to use it in another

threatening manner.”

The court stated that Byers

was at least 25 feet away from

the officers and backing away

when Painter fired. It concluded

that Byers “did not pose a threat

to the officers or to others in the

moments immediately before he

was shot.”

In 2024, the Chesterfield County

Police Department stated that it

stood by the actions of its officers

in the incident.

LAPD OFFICERS ASSAULT-

ED WITH CHEMICAL SPRAY

DURING PROTEST AT LA DE-

TENTION FACILITY

By Jenna Curren

LOS ANGELES, CA - On Saturday,

April 25, a protester was arrested

by the Los Angeles Police

Department (LAPD) for allegedly

spraying a chemical agent at

officers near a federal detention

facility.

The alleged incident nearly

caused a traffic collision, police

said. According to the LAPD's

Central Division, officers were

attempting to clear debris from

the roadway near the Federal

Detention Center when they

were surrounded by several protesters,

KTLA reported.

Police said officers tried to

de-escalate the situation by

leaving the area, but as they

got into their patrol vehicle and

began to drive away, a protester

allegedly reached into the vehicle

and sprayed a chemical agent.

Both officers were able to leave

the area safely and later requested

medical assistance. They

were treated at the scene and

later released. The suspect, since

identified as Stephan Lara, 34,

was arrested a short time later

on suspicion of assault with a

deadly weapon on a police officer,

according to MyNewsLa.com.

The Detention Center has been

a target for protesters since

2025, when the Trump administration

launched a crackdown on

illegal immigration in the Los Angeles

area and elsewhere across

the country.



RIFLE-WIELDING MAN FATAL-

LY SHOOTS CALIF. OFFICER IN

OIS STANDOFF

By Andrea Klick

San Gabriel Valley Tribune

BALDWIN PARK, CA. — Baldwin

Park police released a 15-minute

video Monday, April 27, that

included 911 call audio and

body-worn camera footage from

shootings that killed a 43-yearold

man and a Baldwin Park

officer nearly a year ago.

Prosecutors accused Eduardo

Roberto Medina-Berumen, 23,

of opening fire with a rifle in the

4200 block of Filhurst Avenue on

May 31, killing Darius Wong and

Officer Samuel Riveros, 35, and

injuring another officer.

After the shooting, Medina-Berumen

was charged with two

counts of murder with special

circumstance allegations of

multiple murders and the murder

of an officer, two counts of

attempted murder of an officer

and one count of possession of

an assault weapon.

Judge Mike Camacho ruled

during a preliminary hearing

earlier this month that there was

enough evidence for the case

to move to trial. If convicted as

charged, Medina-Berumen could

face life in prison or the death

penalty, if the district attorney’s

office decides to seek it.

During the preliminary hearing,

sheriff’s Det. Yoon Nam said Darius

Wong dropped his family off

at a housewarming party around

7 p.m. that May evening and went

to find parking. About 15 minutes

later, Wong’s wife believed she

heard fireworks that turned out

to be gunfire, Nam testified.

Police received two calls reporting

shots fired, and one of


the callers said there was a man

lying on the sidewalk, according

to 911 call audio released by

police.

As officers responded, shots

continued to be fired, according

to body-worn camera footage.

Responding officers used patrol

vehicles as shields while the

suspect continued firing.

Riveros, who responded with

another officer after hearing

about the shots fired call on the

police radio, got out of his vehicle

and walked along Filhurst in

front of two other officers. The

suspect was in his yard, prosecutors

said at the hearing.

Sgt. Ernesto Castaneda testified

that, after a single gunshot could

be heard on the body-worn

camera footage, Riveros’ head

snapped back and he fell to the

ground.

Officers later captured Medina-Berumen

on his property.

During the arrest, officers said on

body-worn camera footage that

Medina-Berumen reached for

his rifle, and officers fired their

guns. Authorities estimated there

were 40 to 60 shell casings at

the scene following the shooting

CLICK TO WATCH

between police and the suspect.

Officer Anthony Pimentel was

treated for facial abrasions from

broken glass from his vehicle,

prosecutors said. The medical

examiner’s office determined

Wong died from a gunshot

wound to the chest, and Riveros

died from a gunshot wound to

the head.

HOUSTON OFFICER FIRED

FOR RACIST RANT, DA RE-

VIEWING CRIMINAL CASES SHE

WAS INVOLVED IN

By Joanna Putman

HOUSTON, TX. — A Houston

Police Officer has been fired and

her cases are being reviewed

after she was connected with

an Instagram profile that posted

several videos of racist rants,

ABC 13 reported.

Ashley Gonzalez was terminated

on April 25 after department

officials identified her as

the speaker in videos depicting

slur-ridden rants on social

media. The department stated

the videos were at first shared

through Instagram’s “close

friends” feature, which limited

their reach, but were later circu-


lated more widely.

“The behavior exhibited by

Ashley Gonzalez was abhorrent,

disgusting and entirely unacceptable,”

Chief J. Noe Diaz, Jr. stated.

“It is deeply disturbing and

has no place in law enforcement

or in our community.”

One video included offensive

comments and racial slurs, while

another depicted Gonzalez stating

that she used her role as an

officer to target Black people.

Gonzalez was first employed by

HPD in January 2024 and was

assigned to the South Gessner

Patrol Division, ABC 13 reported.

“Let me get a Black person on

a 911 call tomorrow,” she can be

heard saying in one video. “You’re

going to jail.”

The Harris County District

Attorney’s office is now reviewing

all criminal cases in which

Gonzalez was involved.

“We take seriously our ethical

obligation to notify defense

attorneys regarding [Gonzalez’s]

discipline affecting open cases,”

the office stated.

SUSPECT IN FATAL SHOOT-

ING OF CHICAGO OFFICER

ALLEGEDLY PULLED GUN FROM

HOSPITAL BLANKET DURING

TREATMENT

By Sophia Tareen and Steve

Karnowski

Associated Press

CHICAGO, IL — A robbery suspect

who allegedly pulled a

handgun from under a blanket at

a Chicago hospital and shot the

two officers who brought him

there for treatment will remain

jailed on charges of murder and

attempted murder, a judge ordered

Monday.

A handcuffed Alphanso Talley,


26, was escorted into a Cook

County courtroom packed with

Chicago police officers and politicians

for his first appearance,

and did not speak during the

hearing, not even when Circuit

Court Judge Luciano Panici Jr.

twice asked him his name.

Officer John Bartholomew, 38,

a 10-year veteran, was fatally

shot Saturday inside at Endeavor

Health Swedish Hospital. A second

officer — 57 years old with

21 years of service — was critically

wounded and is “still fighting

for his life,” Chicago Police

Superintendent Larry Snelling

said in a statement Monday.

“This shooting was a stark and

heartbreaking reminder of the

dangers our officers face all too

often on this job,” the superintendent

said.

Prosecutors allege that Talley

and an unknown person

robbed a Family Dollar store

on Saturday morning and then

pistol-whipped a female employee,

stealing her wallet and

keys. Police later tracked Talley

through a GPS device attached

to the money, and took him into

custody. Then he told police he

had ingested narcotics, prompting

a ride to the hospital with the

two officers, police said.

As Talley was prepared for a

CT scan, he took his clothes off

and a blanket was placed over

him. Talley then reached under

the blanket, pulled out a handgun

and shot both officers, prosecutors

alleged.

Talley then fled through a win-



dow. A surveillance photo obtained

by the Chicago Sun-Times

appeared to show him running

naked, with electrodes on his

chest. He was eventually arrested

again, found with a 10 mm

handgun matching shell casings

from the hospital room, according

to prosecutors. Snelling said

investigators ultimately recovered

three weapons.

Prosecutors did not detail

how Talley got the weapon, but

charges filed in federal court in

Indiana on Monday indicate it

was purchased illegally through

a straw buyer and was not taken

from the officers.

The hospital said in a Facebook

posting that the suspect

was “wanded upon arrival” in a

search for any weapons, following

protocol, and that he was

escorted by law enforcement at

all times.

In court, attorneys from the

Cook County Public Defender’s

office said they needed more

time to speak with Talley, who

will remain in custody. They also

said they’d seek a mental health

evaluation. Talley’s next hearing

was scheduled for April 30.

Attorneys leaving the hearing

did not comment to reporters.

The hearing was packed with officers,

aldermen, Illinois Comptroller

Susana Mendoza and

the head of the Chicago police

union. He said the second officer,

whose identity has not been

released, remained in critical

condition.

“It’s very bad,” said John Catanzara,

president of the Fraternal

Order of Police Lodge 7. “It’s

extremely grave.”

Talley’s criminal record includes

convictions for aggravated

battery of a peace officer and

for aiding, abetting, possessing

or selling a stolen motor vehicle

in 2023, as well as previous

robbery and firearms convictions,

according to Illinois Department

of Corrections records.

The federal criminal complaint

filed Monday alleges the

gun suspected of being used in

the shootings was bought by

a woman from a licensed gun

dealer in 2024 in Merrillville, Indiana,

about 40 miles southeast

of Chicago.

Investigators from the federal

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,

Firearms and Explosives, and

the Chicago Police Department,

interviewed her Saturday in the

Chicago suburb of Harvey, Illinois.

An ATF agent’s affidavit said

she admitted to lying about

being a fentanyl addict when

she said she was not addicted to

any controlled substance, and to

providing a false address on the

form, both of which would have

disqualified her from buying the

gun.

The sworn statement said

she told investigators that she

bought it for her boyfriend at the

time, identified in the complaint

only as Individual A, a convicted

felon who could not legally

buy or possess firearms. She was

charged with making a material

false statement in the acquisition

of a firearm.

“Though this does not bring

solace to this tragedy, it does

bring the first step in accountability,”

Snelling’s statement said

in praising the investigation.

VT. SHERIFF FACING 12

CHARGES RELATED TO AL-

LEGED SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

By Joanna Putman

RUTLAND, VT. — A Vermont

sheriff is facing 12 charges of

sexual misconduct in an alleged

string of incidents that occurred

over the course of several years,

VTDigger reported.

The first round of seven

charges was filed against Windsor

County Sheriff Ryan Palmer

in January, which included

counts of lewd and lascivi-


ous conduct and stalking. The

charges were connected to incidents

where Palmer allegedly

paid three women to watch him

perform sex acts. He was also

accused of stalking two women

by driving past them in a cruiser

after they ended contact with

him.

On April 24, Palmer pleaded

not guilty to five more charges,

VTDigger reported. They include

additional counts of lewd and

lascivious conduct and soliciting

prostitution. The new charges

relate to accusations from two

more women, one of whom

alleged that Palmer paid her to

watch sex acts multiple times

over several years.

Palmer stated in January that

he was “stepping away” from his

law enforcement work. His law

enforcement certification was

temporarily revoked by the Vermont

Criminal Justice Council.

Palmer allegedly met one of

the victims during his side job as

a DJ, Valley News reported. He

went by “DJ RPP” while working

the side job, which he maintained

during his time as sheriff.

CALIF. OFFICER BECOMES

TRAPPED IN FLEEING SUSPECT

VEHICLE FOR NEARLY 3 MIN-

UTES, SHOOTS DRIVER IN LEG

By Nate Gartrell

Bay Area News Group

ANTIOCH, CA. — The city has

released unedited footage showing

the high-speed, life-or-death

negotiation that played out when

a robbery suspect sped off with

an Antioch officer inside his

getaway car, then attempted to

negotiate out of trouble until

being shot in the leg.

The whole thing played out


in the early morning of Feb. 20,

when Donaldson was one of

several officers to respond to

a reported break-in at a Food-

Maxx store. Surveillance video

shows a vehicle backing through

the store’s front doors, and three

hooded and masked people

emerging from the vehicle and

going inside.

Moments after arriving, Donaldson

confronts the driver,

who was still inside the car; the

officer ends up being pulled

into DeSouza’s getaway car by

the force of acceleration, while

attempting to reach in and pull

him out.

“Stop the car! Stop the car!”

Donaldson yells repeatedly from

the front passenger seat, only to

be rebuffed by the driver, a man

identified as 23-year-old Dominick

DeSouza, who had his own

counteroffer.

“Get out … Get out, bro,” De-

Souza yells back, the footage

shows. He repeatedly threatens

to “crash this motherf—er” and

tells Donaldson, “I have family,”

as the vehicle speeds through

Antioch city streets.

The two men wrestle over the

car’s gear shift, with Donaldson

attempting to put the car in neutral.

DeSouza, meanwhile, accelerates

repeatedly, even as he is

trying to convince the officer to

get out of the car

Even when Donaldson threatens

to “shoot your a–” and “put

one in you,” holding the gun

inches away, DeSouza is undeterred.

He repeatedly tells Donaldson

to exit the vehicle, offering

to slow down to about 10

miles per hour to reduce Donaldson’s

chance of injury and ignoring

Donaldson’s attempt to take

down the temperature and, “talk

to me, bro.”

When Donaldson finally pulls

the trigger, firing a round into

DeSouza’s leg, DeSouza begins

to scream and cry out in pain. He

eventually stopped the car and

attempted to flee on foot, but

was arrested, authorities said.

Police say Donaldson deliberately

aimed for DeSouza’s leg to

decrease the risk to both men in

a last-ditch attempt to get him

to stop the car and surrender.

Now DeSouza faces serious

felony charges. Not only has he

been accused of kidnapping

Donaldson, but Contra Costa

prosecutors also charged him

with assaulting another officer

with his vehicle during the harrowing

incident, as well as the

underlying robbery of a Food-

Maxx where the trouble started,

and earlier, unrelated incidents

of burglary, grand theft, and car

theft, court records show.

DeSouza has been jailed in lieu

of $600,000 bail. He is due for a

preliminary hearing in June and

has pleaded not guilty.

The alleged kidnapping of

Donaldson was the second time

this normally rare type of crime

— the abduction of a policeman

during the course of his job —

has occurred in the East Bay in

two months. Last New Year’s Eve,

a man named Jonathan Vaca ,

32, allegedly pulled California

Highway Patrol Officer Timothy

Brown into his vehicle during

a traffic stop, then took off at

an estimated 80 mph down the

freeway. Brown yelled at Vaca

to stop, warned Vaca he could

crash and kill them both, then

drew his firearm and convinced

Vaca to let him out, Brown wrote

in his police report.

Vaca was charged with kidnapping

and arrested three

weeks later, court records show.

He was later released from jail

on $75,000 bail.


WHAT'S NEW

Products & Services

MdE

The Work Behind the Work:

How MdE Is Quietly Changing Public Safety Operations

There’s a side of public

safety that rarely gets talked

about.

It’s not the calls, the training

scenarios, or the moments

that make headlines. It’s the

other work—the documentation,

the tracking, the compliance,

the accountability. The

part of the job that must get

done… but often takes more

time than it should.

For many agencies, that

work still lives in spreadsheets,

filing cabinets, or disconnected

systems that don’t

quite talk to each other. That’s

exactly where MdE, Inc. comes

in.

Founded in 1999, MdE was

built on a simple idea: if public

safety professionals already

have enough on their

plate, their systems shouldn’t

make things harder. They

should make things easier.

Today, MdE develops software

specifically for law

enforcement and public safety

agencies—tools designed

to manage training, track

equipment, and fleet, maintain

compliance, and keep

accurate records from hire to

retire. Not as an added layer of


work, but as a way to simplify

what’s already required.

TURNING CHAOS INTO CLARITY

On any given day, a supervisor

might need to answer a

handful of critical questions:

• Who’s up to date on training?

• What equipment is assigned—and

where is it?

• Are vehicles being maintained

properly?

• Are we audit/accreditation-ready

right now?

In many departments, finding

those answers means digging—through

emails, files, or

multiple systems.

MdE is here to change that.

We work with the client

to integrate with the systems

they like and replace the ones

they don’t. We are a “pickand-choose”

one-stop-shop:

• Equipment/Weapons/Fleet

• Orientation/Field Training/

In-Service Training

• Internal Affairs/Use of

Force/Vehicle Pursuits

• Performance Evaluations

• Tactical Training and Reporting

• Policy Tracking

• Audit/Accreditation Custom

Reports

The result isn’t just efficiency.

It’s confidence.

BUILT BY LISTENING, NOT

GUESSING

In an industry filled with

software providers claiming

to be “built for public safety,”

MdE has taken a different

approach: build it with them

instead.

For more than two decades,

the company has relied on

ongoing conversations with

the people actually using the

system— training officers, supervisors,

administrators, and

command staff.

When someone asks, “Is

there a way your software

could do this?” it doesn’t get

dismissed. It becomes the

starting point.

That approach has led directly

to some of MdE’s most

impactful capabilities.

When agencies struggled to

track issued equipment and

vehicle maintenance, MdE

developed tools to manage it

all in one place. When training

philosophies evolved, the

software adapted—allowing

agencies to structure programs

the way they needed,

rather than forcing them into

rigid systems.

Even today, that process

continues through an active

client “Wish List,” where

agencies submit ideas, enhancements,

and requests.

Those ideas are reviewed,

refined, and often built into

future updates.

Because at MdE, the people

doing the work are seen as the

experts.

SAVING TIME WHERE IT

MATTERS MOST

Ask any agency what they

need more of, and the answer

is almost always the same:

time.

• Time for training.

• Time for supervision.

• Time for the community.

By streamlining administrative

tasks and reducing duplication,

MdE helps give some

of that time back.

It also reduces risk. When

records are centralized and

easy to access, agencies are

better prepared for audits,

internal reviews, and accountability

measures. And by replacing

multiple disconnected

tools with one system, departments

can operate more

efficiently without increasing

costs.

It’s not about doing more

work. It’s about making the

work more manageable.

EXTENDING THE CONVER-

SATION

That focus on listening

doesn’t stop with software.

MdE recently launched a

podcast, Duty Calls & Coffee,

as another way to stay connected

to the public safety

community. The format is

simple: real conversations

about real challenges, shared

in a way that’s approachable

and practical.

In a recent episode, Jill—

one of the voices behind the

platform—dives into how

agencies are using software

to improve efficiency and

accountability in meaningful

ways. It’s not theory. It’s real-world

application.

The podcast is still new,

with more episodes on the

way, but it reflects the same

philosophy behind MdE’s software:

stay connected, keep

listening, and keep improving.

BUILT ON RELATIONSHIPS

That commitment to connection

is what led to MdE

being featured in The Blues

Police Magazine.

After a conversation with retired

Sergeant Michael Barron

at the TCOLE Conference, it

became clear that the chal-


lenges agencies face—and the

solutions they’re looking for—

are shared across the profession.

This article is simply an extension

of that conversation.

LOOKING AHEAD

This is just the beginning of

a broader series exploring the

realities of public safety work

and the tools that support it.

Future articles will take a

closer look at specific areas

like training, accountability,

and resource management—

not from a sales perspective,

but from a practical one.

Because the goal isn’t to sell

software. It’s to share ideas

that make the job easier.

ONE SIMPLE IDEA: EM-

POWER THOSE WHO SERVE

At its core, MdE:

Listens to the people doing

the work. Builds tools that

support them.

Keeps improving.

Refine and Adapt; Stay Mission-Ready!

Or, as MdE’s VP Jean Reaver

puts it:

“MdE exists to listen to public

safety professionals and

build software that works the

way they do.”

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR

FREE SUBSCRIPTION



84 The The BLUES BLUES MAY ‘26

- FEBRUARY MARCH MAY ‘25 ‘25 ‘25

Honoring those

we've lost in

2025

The The BLUES The BLUES - The FEBRUARY - MARCH BLUES - MAY - MAY ‘25 ‘25 ‘2685

85

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY , MAY 8, 2026

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026

MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026

TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026


1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

ODMP NPW5K Packet Pick-Up at Road Runner Sports,

Pentagon Row

1101 S Joyce Street, Ste B-23

Arlington, VA 22202

7:00am

ODMP NPW5K - RACE DAY

Crystal City, Arlington, VA

10:00am – 5:00pm

Museum Open

1:00pm – 2:00pm

National Police K9 Memorial Service

10:00am – 5:00pm

Museum Open

2:00pm – 3:30pm

Police Unity Tour Ride-In, Ceremony & Memorial

7:00pm

Honor Guard and Ambassadors Reception

10:00am – 5:00pm

Museum Open

10:00am – 11:00am

Shomrim Ceremony, Memorial Grounds

6:00pm – 7:30pm

Pre-Vigil Reception, Invitation Only, National Mall

8:00pm – 10:00pm

Candlelight Vigil | National Mall and Live Stream

10:00am – 5:00pm

Museum Open

6:00pm – 8:00pm

32 Annual Pipeband Memorial March

10:00am – 5:00pm

Museum Open

12:00pm – Midnight

Stand Watch for the Fallen, Memorial

6:45pm

Washington Nationals – National Police Week Offer

10:00am – 5:00pm

Museum Open

4:05pm

Washington Nationals – National Police Week Offer

86 The BLUES MAY ‘26 ‘26

The The BLUES BLUES - MAY MAY ‘26 ‘26 87 87

C.O.P.S.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS




9:00am – 6:00pm

EARLY ARRIVAL DAY

Airport Shuttle - Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA)

9:00am – 6:00pm

OFFICIAL ARRIVAL DAY

Airport Shuttle - Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA)

11:00 am - 1:00 pm / Washington Hilton”

Law Enforcement United Bicycle Ride Arrival and Ceremony

8:00pm – 10:00pm

Candlelight Vigil | National Mall

Sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers

Memorial Fund

THURSDAY, MAY 14 &16, 2026

9:00am – 4:00pm

National Police Survivors Conference

Kids Program

Washington Hilton

6:00pm

Blue Honor Gala - Washington Hilton

"With Pre-Purchased Ticket"


10:00am – 5:00pm

Museum Open

12:00pm

National Peace Officer’s Memorial Service

Sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police

and the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary


SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2026

6:00pm – 5:00pm

BLUE FAMILY BBQ

Washington Hilton

OFFICIAL DEPARTURE DAY


WE HONOR, RESPECT AND REMEMBER

OUR FALLEN POLICE OFFICERS

We never forget the Men and Women who put

their lives on the line to protect ours!

PROFORCE is a trusted provider of firearms, tactical equipment, and accessories for law

enforcement agencies, departments and first responders.

We deliver a comprehensive range of products and services, including duty gear, firearms,

ammunition, optics, body armor, equipment trade-ins, and less-lethal solutions, everything

professionals need to perform at their best.

Backed by first-class customer support and a commitment to quality service,

PROFORCE stands as the premier choice for dependable equipment and

mission-ready solutions.

C E L E B R A T

I N G

YEARS

2 0 0 1

Scan the QR code to visit our AGENCY PORTAL, or call the support Center for information TODAY!

- 2 0 2 6

Tel: (800) 367-5855


e-mail: sales@proforceonline.com

The The BLUES BLUES - MAY MAY ‘26 ‘26 89

20 Years.

Still Running.

An Official Event of the Officer

Down Memorial Page

For 20 years, the Officer Down Memorial Page has produced the National Police Week 5K

as part of its mission to honor fallen law enforcement officers and support their families.

Held each May in Washington, D.C., the event brings participants together in a shared act of

remembrance—grounded in the same purpose that has guided ODMP for three decades.

As ODMP marks its 30th year of honoring the fallen, we also recognize two decades

of running together—continuing a tradition built on remembrance, community, and

commitment to those who serve.

Register tODAY

national police week 2026 schedule of events

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community.


• Annual Blue Mass


• The Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP) National

Police Week 5K


• National Police K-9 Memorial Service


• Annual Candlelight Vigil

• Police Week Tent City (through the 15th)

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026

• Annual Steve Young National Honor Guard and Pipe

Band Tribute

• Police Vehicle Display and Shine

• C.O.P.S. National Police Survivors’ Conference Day 1

• C.O.P.S. Blue Honor Gala


• Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service


• C.O.P.S. National Police Survivors Conference Day 2

Beyond the events listed here, all are welcome at the Memorial which remains open to the public 24/7. If you are interested in attending

the museum, you can get more information at nleomf.org/museum/.

2026_ODMP-NPW5K_PrintAd.indd 1

2/13/26 10:43 AM


The The BLUES BLUES - MAY MAY ‘26 ‘26 91

NATIONAL PO

2026

During the week of May 9-15, law enforcement officers from

across the country travel to Washington D.C. to participate in a

series of events and ceremonies for National Police Week. The

week coincides with Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls on

May 15th, both of which are meant to honor the law enforcement

officers who lost their lives or were severely injured while serving

their communities.

National Police Week is an annual event that was started by

President John F. Kennedy in 1963. During a proclamation given

on May 4th, 1963, Kennedy announced the official holiday and encouraged

state and local governments to recognize it every year

thereafter. “Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, President of the

United States of America, do hereby designate May 15, 1963, and

May 15 of each succeeding year, as Peace Officers Memorial Day,”

he said. “In honor of those peace officers who, through their courageous

deeds, have lost their lives or have become disabled in

the performance of duty.”

92 92 The The BLUES BLUES MAY APRIL ‘26 -‘26

MAY FEBRUARY MARCH ‘25 ‘25 ‘25

LICE WEEK

Royal Robbins

The The BLUES The BLUES - The FEBRUARY - The MARCH - MAY BLUES - MAY ‘25 APRIL MAY ‘25 ‘26 ‘26 93 93

93 93

NATIONAL PO

2026

In the years since the proclamation, presidents

have continued to honor fallen and

injured police officers every week of May

15th. This includes moving speeches and

honorary events, many of which take place

in Washington D.C. In addition to honoring

those people who lost their lives in the

line of duty, the event also emphasizes

the work that police officers do presently

in state and local communities across the

country. In a 2017 address, then-president

Donald Trump recognized the public servants

who had lost their lives or been injured

but also recognized the women and

men who face uncertain circumstances as

police officers every day.

“For generations, the brave women and

men of our Nation’s law enforcement have

answered the call to serve and protect our

communities. Enduring long shifts in dangerous

and unpredictable circumstances,

our Nation’s peace officers embody the

courage and honor that represent the best

of America,” Trump said in his speech. “On

Peace Officers Memorial Day and during

Police Week, we express our gratitude for

the selfless public servants who wear the

badge and put themselves in harm’s way to

keep us safe, and we pay respect for those

who lost their lives in the line of duty.”

In every year since 1982, this presidential

address is typically given during the week.

The thousands of law enforcement officers

who travel to the capital typically unite in

the Senate Park for a memorial service.

In 1982, this was a small proceeding with

only 120 guests but has since grown into a

series of events and services that draws a

large crowd from across the country. For

those unable to attend the proceedings in

Washington D.C., C-Span broadcasts the

ceremony each year.

94 94 The The BLUES BLUES MAY ‘26 -‘26

MAY FEBRUARY MARCH ‘25 ‘25 ‘25

LICE WEEK

The The BLUES The BLUES - The FEBRUARY The - BLUES MARCH - BLUES MAY - MAY ‘25 MAY ‘25 ‘26 ‘26 95 95

95

NATIONAL PO

2026

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2026

The schedule for the 2026 National Police

Week includes several memorial services

and a mass for police officers who lost

their lives while on duty this year. The primary

purpose of the annual holiday is for

the country and fellow law enforcement

officers to honor those who have passed.

For attendees, the week also offers a way

forward with unity events and fundraising

initiatives.

This year, the Annual Blue Mass will be

held on May 5, at St. Patrick’s Catholic

Church in Washington D.C. The mass will

honor the 111 men and women who lost

their lives in the line of duty during 2025.

First responders from federal, state, and

local agencies will gather in remembrance

of the fallen officers in a solemn parade.

Representatives from public safety agencies

on the local and federal level also

travel to attend and speak at the mass.

The Annual Blue Mass occurs a week

before National Police Week’s official start,

and two more memorial services occur

before Peace Officers Memorial Day. The

first is the Washington Area Law Enforcement

Memorial Service, which remembers

local law enforcement who lost their lives.

The second is the Annual Police K-9 Memorial

Service on May 11th, for the fallen dogs

of police officers who gave their lives.

SIGNIFICANT POLICE WEEK EVENTS

On Tuesday, May 12th, the Police Unity

Arrival Ceremony will take place at the

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

The primary purpose of the Police

Unity Arrival tour is to raise awareness for

officers who have died while serving their

communities. It was founded in May 1997,

by Officer Patrick P. Montuore of the Florham

Park Police Department, and has since

raised significant funds for the National

Police Fund. In addition to the efforts of

this organization, there is also a National

Police Week 5k held by Officer Down Memorial

Page. The race invites young and old

runners of all experience levels to run in

the memory of officers who have lost their

lives or been injured. This year’s theme is

“Run to Remember the Fallen” and will be

held on Saturday May 9.

96 The BLUES MAY APRIL ‘26 ‘26

96 The BLUES - MAY ‘25

LICE WEEK

The The BLUES - MAY APRIL MAY ‘26 ‘26 97 97


NATIONAL PO

2026

National Police Survivors conferences

for families, kids, and teens.

The conference is hosted by Concerns

of Police Survivors and is meant to

give the families and coworkers of

fallen officers the opportunity to

seek support, talk through their grief,

learn coping mechanisms to move

forward, and connect with other

people with similar experiences.

The National Police Week proceedings

end with an appreciation

night for law enforcement with

the Washington Nationals baseball

team. While it’s no doubt a difficult

week of services and memorials for

law enforcement officers, this event

gives the thousands of public officers

who gather in the capital the

chance to acknowledge that the

risks in their line of work are appreciated.

“It takes a special kind of courage

to be a peace officer. Whether deputies

or detectives, tribal police or

forest service officers, beat cops or

Federal agents, we hold up those

who wear the badge as heroes,”

said former president Trump during

his National Police Week address.

“Though they too often spend their

days witnessing America at its

worst, in their extraordinary examples,

we see America at its best.”

98 The BLUES APRIL MAY ‘26 ‘26

98 The BLUES - MAY ‘25

LICE WEEK

The The The BLUES - MAY APRIL MAY ‘26 ‘26 99


NATIONAL PO

2026

38TH ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

2026 will mark the 38th Annual

Candlelight Vigil, on Wednesday,

May 13th on the National Mall (between

4th and 7th Streets and Madison

and Jefferson Drives) in Washington,

DC.

Each year, hundreds of names of

officers killed in the line of duty are

engraved on the walls of the National

Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

in Washington, DC. These names

are then read aloud during the annual

Candlelight Vigil to memorialize

those who made the ultimate

sacrifice.

In 2026, the names of 363 officers

killed in the line of duty were added

to the National Law Enforcement

Officers Memorial in Washington, DC.

These 363 officers include 109 officers

who were killed during 2025. An

additional 254 officers died in previous

years (before 2025). Many of

their stories of sacrifice had been lost

to history until now. There are currently

24,775 names engraved on the

Memorial.

The following pages list all 363

names added in 2026.


LICE WEEK

The The BLUES - MAY ‘26 101


OFFICER NAME DEPARTMENT END OF WATCH PANEL/LINE

TIMOTHY B CORLEW Riverside County, California, S.O. 1/8/2025 17-WT -2

HECTOR A CUEVAS JR San Bernardino County, California, S.O. 3/17/2025 34-ET -1

ANDREW NUNEZ San Bernardino County, California, S.O. 10/27/2025 31-ET -1

CONNECTICUT

FRANK T LINEHAN New London, Connecticut, P.D. 11/14/1950 47-WT -2

DELAWARE

DENNIS F KELLY Delaware State Police 12/21/2024 50-ET -1

MATTHEW T SNOOK Delaware State Police 12/23/2025 23-WT -2

FLORIDA

ANDRES J LAHERA Citrus County, Florida, S.O. 9/11/2025 21-WT -2

JEREMY H CASSADY Escambia County, Florida, S.O. 7/15/2025 36-WT -2

CRAIG A GAINES Florida Highway Patrol 9/19/2025 34-WT -2

TERRI J SWEETING-MASHKOW Indian River County, Florida, S.O. 11/21/2025 47-WT -2

DAVID A CAJUSO Miami Beach, Florida, P.D. 10/28/2025 53-ET -1

DEVIN M JARAMILLO Miami-Dade, Florida, S.O. 11/7/2025 30-WT -2

ALTON D BERRIAN Santa Rosa County, Florida, S.O. 5/16/2025 40-WT -2

ALAN I REFFSIN St. Lucie County, Florida, S.O. 1/31/2023 46-WT -2

WILLIAM P T MAY Walton County, Florida, S.O. 4/2/2025 45-WT -2

LUTHER T HOWARD Winter Haven, Florida, P.D. 12/15/1958 40-ET -1

GEORGIA

CHARLES A VICK Clarkesville, Georgia, P.D. 7/15/1962 31-WT -2

BRANDON R SIKES Columbia County, Georgia, S.O. 4/26/2025 50-ET -1

DAVID R ROSE DeKalb County, Georgia, P.D. 8/8/2025 33-ET -1

PATRICK J LAPPIN Lumpkin County, Georgia, S.O. 7/23/1933 40-ET -1

JEREMY R LABONTE Roswell, Georgia, P.D. 2/7/2025 42-WT -2

EARNEST L HALL Siloam, Georgia, P.D. 7/26/1936 38-WT -2

HELIO A GARCIA III South Fulton, Georgia, P.D. 4/16/2025 17-WT -2

JAMES A CARTER Toccoa, Georgia, P.D. 05/10/1892 55-ET -1

HAWAII

SUZANNE O Maui, Hawaii, P.D. 8/15/2025 41-WT -2

ILLINOIS

JOHN F ABT Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 11/8/1918 32-WT -2

KAZMER ANDRUSHIS Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 5/3/1919 48-ET -1

ROLL CALL OF HEROES | HONORED IN 2026 2



WALTER BERMINGHAM Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 10/3/1918 25-WT -2

CHARLES C BISHOP Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 12/18/1918 23-WT -2

JAMES P CLARKE Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 1/18/1920 36-WT -2

WILLIAM CLIFFORD Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 5/8/1920 27-WT -2

CORNELIUS COMINSKEY Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 10/10/1918 34-WT -2

DANIEL COUGHLIN Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 10/17/1918 25-WT -2

WILLIAM E EIMSTAD Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 11/25/1918 45-WT -2

BENJAMIN F DEVLIN Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 11/15/1922 31-ET -1

JOHN J FETSCHER Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 1/29/1920 39-WT -2

HENRY E GORMAN Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 3/25/1919 29-WT -2

OSCAR HALLEN Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 1/23/1920 31-ET -1

TIMOTHY L HAYNES Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 1/20/1920 47-WT -2

CLARENCE HOFHEINZ Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 12/18/1918 44-ET -1

ALEX JOHNSON Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 11/22/1919 39-ET -1

LARS M LARSON Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 7/2/1919 49-ET -1

EDWARD J MADDEN Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 10/3/1918 41-WT -2

THOMAS A MAHONEY Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 10/26/1918 45-WT -2

JOHN MALONE Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 1/26/1919 38-WT -2

MICHAEL J MOONEY Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 2/8/1920 20-WT -2

JAMES WILSON Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 4/12/1919 29-WT -2

PATRICK FORDE Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 5/13/1920 37-ET -1

GEORGE A GALL Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 2/7/1920 39-WT -2

FRANK TATOUSEK Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 4/10/1920 23-WT -2

MAURICE F KAIN Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 5/25/1920 52-ET -1

JAROSLAV J JANECEK Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 2/2/1919 35-WT -2

JEREMIAH O'DWYER Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 10/31/1919 19-WT -2

KRYSTAL RIVERA Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 6/5/2025 42-WT -2

CHARLES G SCHULER Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 1/21/1920 34-WT -2

JOHN H SINGLEMAN Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 4/20/1919 18-WT -2

ANDREW SULLIVAN Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 10/8/1918 55-ET -1

RICHARD THOMPSON Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 1/23/1919 39-WT -2

RUDOLPH TUERK Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 10/1/1918 39-ET -1

JOHN JOSEPH WALSH Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 10/20/1918 43-ET -1




GLENN T WHALLON Chicago, Illinois, P.D. 9/30/1918 43-ET -1

TIMOTHY M JONES Park Forest, Illinois, P.D. 12/3/2025 44-WT -2

GEORGE FRIES Venice, Illinois, P.D. 10/18/1926 35-ET -1

CHARLES CHANDLER Venice, Illinois, P.D. 1/22/1936 13-WT -2

WILLIAM OTIS PEEBLES Venice, Illinois, P.D. 6/29/1928 41-ET -1

INDIANA

ROY JAMES TIPTON Clay County, Indiana, S.O. 9/16/1931 52-ET -1

BLAKE A REYNOLDS Delaware County, Indiana, S.O. 11/12/2025 40-WT -2

JOHN C STAHL III Jefferson County, Indiana, S.O. 6/8/2025 34-ET -1

IOWA

CHARLES LODINE Albert City, Iowa, M.O. 11/23/1901 41-ET -1

AUGUSTUS C BECKER Des Moines, Iowa, P.D. 2/19/1904 40-WT -2

REUBEN FENSTERMAKER Farmington, Iowa, M.O. 09/10/1867 13-WT -2

ROBERT W COULTER Farmington, Iowa, M.O. 12/22/1902 13-WT -2

SAMUEL S CRONK Jackson County, Iowa, S.O. 01/23/1867 42-WT -2

SAMUEL H HAMILTON Le Mars, Iowa, P.D. 11/24/1888 46-ET -1

JAMES W BUSBY Paton, Iowa, M.O. 5/7/1911 46-ET -1

ELMER J LENNON Postville, Iowa, P.D. 11/9/1939 46-ET -1

JOHN KERR MYERS Stuart, Iowa, P.D. 3/30/1921 16-WT -2

CHARLES LOUCKS Stuart, Iowa, P.D. 12/25/1954 38-WT -2

KANSAS

SCOTT W HEIMANN Hays, Kansas, P.D. 9/28/2025 39-ET -1

HUNTER L SIMONCIC Kansas City, Kansas, P.D. 8/26/2025 55-ET -1

FRANK L STONE Kansas City, Kansas, P.D. 8/17/1902 42-ET -1

BRANDON P GAEDE Phillips County, Kansas, S.O. 6/27/2025 36-ET -1

ELIJAH L MING Wyandotte County, Kansas, S.O. 7/26/2025 39-ET -1

KENTUCKY

GEORGE RAMIREZ Kentucky Department of Corrections 3/10/2025 35-WT -2

FRANK BEARD BELL Kentucky Highway Patrol 1/2/1939 48-ET -1

JAMES DUNCAN STEVENS Kentucky Highway Patrol 3/26/1937 44-WT -2

MILLARD BROCK Leslie County, Kentucky, S.O. 6/29/1958 36-ET -1

FRED COLE Magoffin County, Kentucky, S.O. 12/22/1930 19-WT -2


The The BLUES - MAY ‘26 ‘26 105


LOUISIANA

CALEB M EISWORTH Baton Rouge, Louisiana, P.D. 8/10/2025 44-WT -2

CHARLES W RILEY Iberville Parish, Louisiana, S.O. 10/6/2025 43-WT -2

JOSEPH J LYONS Lake Charles, Louisiana, P.D. 4/24/1906 45-ET -1

ALLEN J CREDEUR JR Rayne, Louisiana, P.D. 5/5/2025 46-WT -2

GRANT J CANDIES St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, S.O. 3/23/2025 17-WT -2

MARC T BROCK Vivian, Louisiana, P.D. 11/14/2025 33-ET -1

MARYLAND

BRENDA J LOWERY

Cecil County Correctional Facility,

Maryland 6/4/2024 42-ET -1

EDWARD E IVEY JR Fairmount Heights, Maryland, P.D. 6/14/2022 49-ET -1

MASSACHUSETTS

JOSHUA T KINGSLEY Middlesex County, Massachusetts, S.O. 12/19/2021 51-ET -1

MICHIGAN

KELVIN O PATRICK Detroit, Michigan, P.D. 2/6/2025 34-WT -2

RHONDA E MORRIS Detroit, Michigan, P.D. 8/18/2025 31-ET -1

SHANNON A WRIGHT Detroit, Michigan, P.D. 8/27/2023 38-ET -1

JOHN CRAIG Sturgis, Michigan, M.O. 9/26/1899 28-WT -2

MINNESOTA

RICHARD E LEGLER Anoka County, Minnesota, S.O. 8/9/1986 45-ET -1

FELICIA D REILLY St. Paul, Minnesota, P.D. 3/1/2025 24-WT -2

MISSISSIPPI

MARTIN L SHIELDS JR Hinds County, Mississippi, S.O. 2/23/2025 52-ET -1

BRYAN A PIPPIN Jackson, Mississippi, P.D. 9/8/2021 51-ET -1

JOSHUA A BRASHEARS Jackson County, Mississippi, S.O. 10/17/2025 29-WT -2

MISSOURI

EDDIE A MAYS Bernie, Missouri, P.D. 6/5/2025 36-ET -1

HORRY M FISH Buchanan County, Missouri, S.O. 02/01/1868 39-WT -2

HENRY J R FRANKLIN

MONTANA

Sikeston Department of Public Safety,

Missouri 10/6/2025 27-WT -2

ROBERT GEORGE FITZPATRICK Flathead County, Montana, S.O. 9/26/1925 17-WT -2

JAMES ARTHUR MEEKS Yellowstone County, Montana, S.O. 7/9/1972 34-ET -1




NEBRASKA

JAMES HARVEY RAY Gering, Nebraska, P.D. 8/7/1959 17-WT -2

KYLE J MCACY Nebraska State Patrol 2/17/2025 50-ET -1

NEVADA

JASON P ROSCOW North Las Vegas, Nevada, P.D. 2/4/2025 55-ET -1

NEW HAMPSHIRE

AUGUSTUS B FARMER Bow, New Hampshire, P.D. 06/15/1893 36-ET -1

NEW JERSEY

ALLEN PALMER Camden, New Jersey, P.D. 9/24/1917 45-WT -2

THOMAS J ENNIS East Orange, New Jersey, P.D. 2/14/1937 13-WT -2

ANDREW CARLSON East Orange, New Jersey, P.D. 2/4/1905 13-WT -2

JOSEPH H RIEDL East Orange, New Jersey, P.D. 3/9/1979 41-ET -1

JOSEPH PETO New Jersey Department of Corrections 12/2/1948 23-WT -2

LEE E HENDRICKSON New Jersey State Police 3/7/2025 24-WT -2

STEVEN C TIBONI New Jersey State Police 12/5/2024 37-ET -1

PETER F BRUNCATI New Jersey State Police 6/2/2023 34-ET -1

WILLIAM A CASEY New Jersey State Police 8/23/2022 33-WT -2

JOSEPH A AZCONA Newark, New Jersey, P.D. 3/8/2025 39-WT -2

JOHN P PATRICK Springfield, New Jersey, P.D. 10/21/2024 41-WT -2

NEW MEXICO

TIMOTHY S ONTIVEROS Bloomfield, New Mexico, P.D. 6/1/2025 16-WT -2

CIPRIANO BUSTAMANTE Dona Ana County, New Mexico, C.O. 7/30/1909 20-WT -2

ANTONIO D ALEMAN Dona Ana County, New Mexico, S.O. 7/8/2025 26-WT -2

JOHN JONES Raton, New Mexico, P.D. 6/11/1903 14-WT -2

NEW YORK

PATRICK W FRANZONE Freeport, New York, P.D. 9/18/2025 41-WT -2

KATHLEEN M RADZIUNAS

Metropolitan Transportation Authority,

New York, P.D. 4/30/2025 30-WT -2

WILLIAM G KRUPA Nassau County, New York, P.D. 2/21/2023 48-ET -1

KEVIN D NUCKEL Nassau County, New York, S.O. 3/7/2021 50-ET -1

ABRAHAM CRUZ III New York City, New York, P.D. 2/2/2025 28-WT -2

ALBERT MORABITO New York City, New York, P.D. 3/15/2024 21-WT -2

ALFREDO VARELA New York City, New York, P.D. 3/28/2024 28-WT -2




ANNMARIE SMITH New York City, New York, P.D. 11/14/2024 26-WT -2

CLARENCE E WORD III New York City, New York, P.D. 10/1/2024 43-ET -1

DAVID PORTALATIN New York City, New York, P.D. 9/2/2023 49-ET -1

DAVID E LAJOIE New York City, New York, P.D. 12/8/2024 38-ET -1

DAVID P MILLER JR New York City, New York, P.D. 10/29/2024 43-ET -1

DENISE A JONES New York City, New York, P.D. 9/6/2021 15-WT -2

DENNIS VITELLI New York City, New York, P.D. 1/24/2025 49-ET -1

DENNIS P GALLAGHER New York City, New York, P.D. 3/29/2023 43-WT -2

DIDARUL ISLAM New York City, New York, P.D. 7/28/2025 37-WT -2

ERCAN AYDIN New York City, New York, P.D. 12/15/2024 54-ET -1

FRANK J DEBENEDETTO New York City, New York, P.D. 11/11/2024 11-WT -2

GERARD CONNORS New York City, New York, P.D. 10/23/2024 34-WT -2

JAMES G BECKER New York City, New York, P.D. 5/13/2021 47-WT -2

JAMES J MOTTO SR New York City, New York, P.D. 1/12/2025 46-WT -2

JAMES R VANACORE New York City, New York, P.D. 2/7/2025 33-WT -2

JEFFREY I MONTENEGRO New York City, New York, P.D. 12/3/2021 23-WT -2

JOSEPH J ESPOSITO New York City, New York, P.D. 1/8/2024 20-WT -2

JOSEPH J PANARESE New York City, New York, P.D. 1/7/2022 52-ET -1

KEVIN G HANLEY New York City, New York, P.D. 10/26/2024 54-ET -1

MARC F LOTTER New York City, New York, P.D. 5/25/2024 43-WT -2

MARUJA CLARK New York City, New York, P.D. 2/16/2024 35-ET -1

MICHAEL A PISANO New York City, New York, P.D. 8/25/2024 48-ET -1

MICHAEL O MCENTEE New York City, New York, P.D. 10/13/2024 41-ET -1

NORMAN J KUNZE New York City, New York, P.D. 10/20/2024 36-ET -1

PHILIP A CAMMARATA New York City, New York, P.D. 7/14/2023 37-WT -2

RAYMOND R NEWCOMB New York City, New York, P.D. 2/7/2025 24-WT -2

RICHARD TEEMSMA New York City, New York, P.D. 6/22/2024 47-ET -1

RICHARD T HANDIBODE JR New York City, New York, P.D. 12/20/2024 27-WT -2

ROBERT A NOBILE New York City, New York, P.D. 9/8/2023 25-WT -2

ROBERT G PORFERT New York City, New York, P.D. 3/21/2025 26-WT -2

ROBERT S FAWCETT New York City, New York, P.D. 9/14/2024 20-WT -2

ROBERT T RANNO New York City, New York, P.D. 7/23/2024 30-WT -2

SANDRO J RIZZOTTI New York City, New York, P.D. 11/21/2024 44-ET -1




STEVEN RINGE New York City, New York, P.D. 2/8/2024 38-ET -1

TIMOTHY J KEANE New York City, New York, P.D. 6/8/2025 41-WT -2

VINCENT J CARUANA New York City, New York, P.D. 8/31/2024 42-WT -2

VINCENT N CARNEY New York City, New York, P.D. 3/21/2024 50-ET -1

WILLIAM T MCCABE New York City, New York, P.D. 7/18/2024 53-ET -1

BRET W MARTIN New York State Police 3/2/2024 19-WT -2

FREDERICK W SCHEIDT JR New York State Police 8/13/2025 35-WT -2

MARK A ONDUS New York State Police 10/9/2025 23-WT -2

MICHAEL E SNELL New York State Police 5/20/2025 43-ET -1

STEVEN W GREENE New York State Police 10/24/2025 51-ET -1

THOMAS K HERRICK New York State Police 4/12/2025 37-WT -2

JOSEPH F MURRAY JR Ulster County, New York, S.O. 2/5/2025 49-ET -1

NORTH CAROLINA

ARTHUR D RAMSEY Asheville, North Carolina, P.D. 2/25/1935 22-WT -2

FRANK J HAGAN Asheville, North Carolina, P.D. 9/3/1937 17-WT -2

FRANCISCO P FLATTES II Cherokee County, North Carolina, S.O. 6/30/2025 10-WT -2

MARK D LASKOWSKI OAJ Ellis Airport, P.D. 3/2/2022 25-WT -2

ROGER L SMITH

OHIO

WakeMed Campus Police & Public

Safety Dept., North Carolina 11/8/2025 45-WT -2

JOHN W FOGWELL Beavercreek Twp, Ohio, C.O. 11/08/1872 32-ET -1

LARRY R HENDERSON JR Hamilton County, Ohio, S.O. 5/2/2025 19-WT -2

PHILLIP C WAGNER Lorain, Ohio, P.D. 7/24/2025 24-WT -2

D WESTON SHERRER Morrow County, Ohio, S.O. 5/26/2025 10-WT -2

JOHN C WAGNER Ohio Division of Wildlife 10/1/1916 45-ET -1

THOMAS H BAYLESS Ohio Division of Wildlife 12/10/1949 33-ET -1

PETER D ANDRE Ohio Division of Wildlife 9/8/1952 44-ET -1

LON W BORING Ohio Division of Wildlife 12/25/1950 47-ET -1

WILLIAM J MINYOUNG Ohio Division of Wildlife 12/3/1956 28-WT -2

LORIN B JAMES Ohio Division of Wildlife 4/7/1955 22-WT -2

GROVER C SANDERSON Ohio Division of Wildlife 11/17/1938 22-WT -2

NICHOLAS P CAYTON Ohio State Highway Patrol 10/16/2025 32-ET -1

OKLAHOMA

THOMAS A DURAN El Reno, Oklahoma, P.D. 10/24/2025 38-WT -2




CLINT D LAWRENCE Haileyville, Oklahoma, P.D. 11/1/2025 35-ET -1

MEAGAN ROSE BURKE Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, P.D. 9/29/2022 31-WT -2

KENNETH W STUMP Oklahoma Highway Patrol 11/19/1984 42-ET -1

RONALD K JACKSON Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, S.O. 1/31/1981 21-WT -2

STEVEN D ROZELL Washita County, Oklahoma, S.O. 8/29/2021 30-ET -1

DAVID CLAUDE HINES Washita County, Oklahoma, S.O. 10/13/1932 44-WT -2

OREGON

ARTHUR S HUBBARD Oregon Game Commission 12/17/1914 16-WT -2

PENNSYLVANIA

DOMENICO A NATALE

GEORGE KROUCH

ISAIAH D EMENHEISER

MARK E BAKER

CODY M BECKER

McKees Rocks Borough, Pennsylvania,

P.D. 10/23/1918 30-ET -1

Mount Carmel Borough, Pennsylvania,

P.D. 11/14/1924 32-WT -2

Northern York County Regional,

Pennsylvania, P.D. 9/17/2025 14-WT -2





BENJAMIN KAUFFMAN Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/9/1918 46-WT -2

BENJAMIN KINE Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/12/1918 43-ET -1

CHARLES BARNES Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 3/26/1919 51-ET -1

CHARLES H KELLEY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/12/1918 33-ET -1

CHARLES R WEBER Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 9/27/1918 35-ET -1

DORLAND MIDGETT Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 2/9/1919 28-WT -2

EDWARD DONNELLY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/8/1918 22-WT -2

EDWARD J MCCAFFREY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 3/14/1919 15-WT -2

FRANCIS J ROBINSON Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/22/1918 35-ET -1

FREDERICK HOFMANN JR Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/13/1918 42-WT -2

FREDERICK WINTERS Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 2/1/1920 31-WT -2

GEORGE E GARNETT Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 1/22/1919 39-WT -2

GEORGE M STOREY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/7/1918 16-WT -2

HARRY H MORTON SR Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 11/28/1918 51-ET -1

HERMAN J SPRENG Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/3/1918 37-WT -2

HOWARD H JOLLY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/11/1918 24-WT -2

JAMES ORR Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 11/26/1918 24-WT -2




JOHN MCMANUS Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/25/1918 42-ET -1

JOHN E B ROBINSON Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/16/1918 32-WT -2

MARY CANNON Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 5/16/1919 44-WT -2

MICHAEL E SHORTALL Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/12/1918 37-ET -1

MICHAEL J COLEMAN Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 2/9/1920 54-ET -1

PATRICK J WHALEN Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/14/1918 19-WT -2

ROBERT H ELLIOTT Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/18/1918 37-ET -1

ROBERT JOHN BELL Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 11/3/1918 31-ET -1

THOMAS MCANALLY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 1/21/1919 12-WT -2

THOMAS WILEY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 2/9/1920 32-ET -1

THOMAS J FERGUSON Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/11/1918 42-ET -1

WILLIAM CULBERTSON Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 3/20/1919 12-WT -2

WILLIAM E LACY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/14/1918 18-WT -2

WILLIAM F MCMENAMIN Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/3/1918 31-WT -2

ALEXANDER R MCCLOSKEY Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/24/1918 40-WT -2

CHARLES B MORRISON Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, P.D. 12/27/1919 14-WT -2

JAMES A DORSEY Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, P.D. 3/22/1919 38-ET -1

JAMES AMBROSE MCCORMICK Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, P.D. 12/24/1918 45-ET -1

JOHN D RICHEY Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, P.D. 12/22/1918 36-ET -1

JOHN HENRY SCHNEIDER Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, P.D. 5/20/1919 45-ET -1

RALPH T HARPER Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, P.D. 1/16/1919 35-ET -1

ROBERT SINCLAIR Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, P.D. 11/18/1918 22-WT -2

THOMAS F MCVERRY Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, P.D. 10/26/1918 36-WT -2

ANDREW J HEDRICK Pennsylvania State Constable 1/30/1907 30-ET -1

CHARLES R SHIPE Pennsylvania State Constable 7/1/1916 47-ET -1

EDWARD S MAUGER Pennsylvania State Constable 5/4/1910 15-WT -2

EDWIN MONDEAU Pennsylvania State Constable 02/23/1898 30-ET -1

ELMER P ANTHONY Pennsylvania State Constable 9/17/1923 31-WT -2

GEORGE ALBERT Pennsylvania State Constable 11/1/1972 32-WT -2

GEORGE S ANDERSON Pennsylvania State Constable 10/22/1906 44-WT -2

HARRY F BIERER Pennsylvania State Constable 7/9/1903 33-WT -2

JAMES CORCORAN Pennsylvania State Constable 11/02/1850 43-WT -2

JOHN H HARENSKI Pennsylvania State Constable 11/21/1958 44-ET -1




JOHN P WEITZEL Pennsylvania State Constable 6/14/1919 22-WT -2

MARTIN R PLUTER Pennsylvania State Constable 4/16/1934 18-WT -2

MOSES LEININGER Pennsylvania State Constable 06/05/1879 38-ET -1

PETER B HOARTY Pennsylvania State Constable 7/13/1916 48-ET -1

ROBERT W MASON JR Pennsylvania State Constable 2/12/1924 47-ET -1

SAMUEL NORMAN Pennsylvania State Constable 07/28/1877 41-ET -1

WALTER H GANT Pennsylvania State Constable 9/16/1925 30-WT -2

WILLIAM A O CRATTY Pennsylvania State Constable 7/14/1924 33-ET -1

ANDREW W DUARTE West York Borough, Pennsylvania, P.D. 2/22/2025 14-WT -2

RHODE ISLAND

RICHARD CARCHIA Rhode Island Department of Corrections 12/29/2021 18-WT -2

SOUTH CAROLINA

F DEVIN MASON Darlington County, South Carolina, S.O. 7/1/2025 40-WT -2

NATHANIEL M ANSAY Florence County, South Carolina, S.O. 5/20/2025 50-ET -1

WILL G DURANT Fort Mill, South Carolina, C.O. 02/05/1884 28-WT -2

MICHAEL CHARLES WOOD Newberry, South Carolina, P.D. 7/26/2023 15-WT -2

DENNIS D RICKS JR South Carolina Highway Patrol 8/13/2025 45-WT -2

MARK S REYNOLDS South Carolina State Transport Police 9/4/2024 41-WT -2

TENNESSEE

JUSTIN B MOWERY Blount County, Tennessee, S.O. 12/28/2025 47-ET -1

JAMES F HOOD Jonesborough, Tennessee, P.D. 8/26/1928 37-WT -2

HUGH W CARLEN Putnam County, Tennessee, S.O. 2/24/1912 37-WT -2

TEXAS

JONATHAN D WHITE JR Angleton, Texas, P.D. 6/1/2025 18-WT -2

JESUS VARGAS Brazoria County, Texas, S.O. 1/15/2025 44-ET -1

RUBEN GARCIA Cameron County, Texas, C.O., Pct. 1 9/30/2024 52-ET -1

JESSIE R PEREZ Dawson County, Texas, S.O. 4/22/2025 32-ET -1

JOHN C HAMM Galveston County, Texas, S.O. 2/21/2024 43-WT -2

ALEX D ROBERTS Houston, Texas, P.D. 9/17/2025 26-WT -2

GARY L CRAWFORD Houston, Texas, P.D. 3/25/2019 37-ET -1

MARK A BUTLER Navasota, Texas, P.D. 1/15/2025 29-WT -2

JERRY W ADAMICK JR Texas Dept. of Public Safety 9/15/2025 31-ET -1




MELISSA L POLLARD Wood County, Texas, S.O. 4/9/2025 38-WT -2

UTAH

CHARLES W MAIR Park City, Utah, P.D. 6/28/1923 46-WT -2

ERIC ESTRADA Tremonton-Garland, Utah, P.D. 8/17/2025 15-WT -2

LEE D SORENSEN Tremonton-Garland, Utah, P.D. 8/17/2025 15-WT -2

VIRGINIA

DONALD R GOTTHARDT JR Fairfax County, Virginia, P.D. 10/16/2025 26-WT -2

RAYMOND SHACKLOCK Norfolk County, Virginia, P.D. 9/14/1921 21-WT -2

CAMERON R GIRVIN Virginia Beach, Virginia, P.D. 2/22/2025 12-WT -2

CHRISTOPHER M L REESE Virginia Beach, Virginia, P.D. 2/22/2025 12-WT -2

JEREMY L HALL Virginia Department of Corrections 11/17/2025 40-ET -1

CHARLES F HEADLEY

JOHN F SHANK

WASHINGTON

Virginia Dept. of Game & Inland

Fisheries 2/8/1924 29-WT -2

Virginia Dept. of Game & Inland

Fisheries 3/21/1932 51-ET -1

C ED RAY Everett, Washington, P.D. 12/31/1906 21-WT -2

LEWIS H JACOBS Shelton, Washington, P.D. 8/30/1936 21-WT -2

KENNETH B SALAS Spokane County, Washington, S.O. 8/9/2025 36-WT -2

TARA-MARYSA M GUTING Washington State Patrol 12/19/2025 36-WT -2

WISCONSIN

KENDALL I CORDER Milwaukee, Wisconsin, P.D. 6/29/2025 35-WT -2

JOSHUA A LAFORGE Racine County, Wisconsin, S.O. 7/4/2023 43-WT -2

WYOMING

DANIEL C HANSEN Cokeville, Wyoming, P.D. 6/21/1912 39-ET -1

FEDERAL

SARAH D BECKSTROM West Virginia National Guard 11/27/2025 40-ET -1

DENNIS M WAGNER JR Federal Bureau of Investigation 3/5/2025 33-WT -2

DONALD R KLEBER Federal Bureau of Investigation 1/15/2024 46-ET -1

MARVIN RISEN Federal Bureau of Investigation 10/15/1943 45-ET -1

TODD L SPIKER Federal Bureau of Investigation 4/4/2021 42-ET -1

MARC A FISCHER Federal Bureau of Prisons 8/9/2024 44-ET -1

ERIC CESPEDES U.S. Border Patrol 7/11/2025 46-ET -1

DAVID C MALAND U.S. Border Patrol 1/20/2025 27-WT -2




JONATHAN J CAMPOS

U.S. Department of Homeland Security,

TSA 1/29/2025 39-ET -1

LAVALLE F VAN ETTEN U.S. Capitol Police 11/10/2001 53-ET -1

ALMON P FREDERICK U.S. Postal Inspection Service 4/18/1910 47-WT -2

MICHAEL RICE U.S. Secret Service 1/11/2019 34-ET -1

CHASTITY M BUDWIG U.S. Air Force, Security Police 11/30/1993 11-WT -2

JEROME A CIERESZEWSKI U.S. Air Force, Security Police 4/26/1972 11-WT -2

FREDERICK G SMITH U.S. Air Force, Security Police 4/26/1972 11-WT -2

WILLIAM F URBAN U.S. Air Force, Security Police 4/26/1972 11-WT -2

TRIBAL

JESSE A BRANCH

RAILROAD

Red Lake Dept. of Public Safety,

Minnesota 11/27/2024 27-WT -2

EDWARD H FAY Belt Railway, P.D. 11/22/1921 55-ET -1

ALEX LANG Belt Railway, P.D. 9/19/1922 25-WT -2

FRANK MCCASKEY Belt Railway, P.D. 4/2/1918 52-ET -1

JOHN F BURKE

Houston and Texas Central Railroad

Police 1/25/1916 53-ET -1

WILLIAM P PRICE Texas and Pacific Railroad, P.D. 7/8/1916 33-ET -1

JOHN P CONSTANTINE Grand Trunk Railway, P.D. 3/7/1926 38-WT -2

ANTHONY HAMPEL Grand Trunk Railway, P.D. 8/17/1917 33-WT -2

BENJAMIN J KOLES Grand Trunk Railway, P.D. 9/15/1930 53-ET -1

FRANK M BOLEN Illinois Central Railroad, P.D. 4/26/1933 32-ET -1

JACOB J KUCERA Illinois Central Railroad, P.D. 4/29/1929 35-WT -2

JESS ANDERSON Illinois Central Railroad, P.D. 9/11/1950 25-WT -2

JOHN B MERZ Illinois Central Railroad, P.D. 10/11/1949 55-ET -1

LOUIS E BAUM Illinois Central Railroad, P.D. 7/27/1927 37-ET -1

RICHARD KELLEY Illinois Central Railroad, P.D. 5/30/1935 49-ET -1

VICTOR C BENNER Illinois Central Railroad, P.D. 12/7/1911 54-ET -1

WILLIAM U SPROUS Illinois Central Railroad, P.D. 9/13/1936 54-ET -1

JAMES W BROWN Mobile & Ohio Railroad, P.D. 10/29/1901 29-WT -2

ROY HOYLE Mobile & Ohio Railroad, P.D. 10/2/1906 33-WT -2

THOMAS C LOGAN Mobile & Ohio Railroad, P.D. 1/13/1914 40-ET -1




Synthetic Opioid

Decentralization

Increases Enforcement

Challenges

By Michael Brown

America’s war on drugs is quietly shifting to a new, more dangerous

front. Fueled by the ease of online trading and the rise of extremely

lethal synthetic opioids, have created new criminal opportunities

transforming low level street drug trafficking into a lucrative, anonymous

cottage industry.

While certain drug cartels now designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

(FTO) are facing increased pressure from both the United

States and the Mexican government on land, sea, and air, they are also

being challenged by anonymous, decentralized narcotics trafficking

micro cells across the United States. These new micro-cell trafficking

groups can now order dangerous adulterants from organized crime

groups, prepare street packs and sell them in them to customers located

within their small, undetectable communities cutting the cartels

out.



For decades, the domestic drug trade was

run by gangs that were essentially franchisees

associated with the drug cartels,

reliant on them for product, security, and

logistics. Today, the rise of synthetic opioids

has dismantled the traditional barriers

to entry that once protected the cartels’

monopoly. New business opportunities are

opening up for narcotic trafficking groups

in America, which will add additional challenges

for counter-narcotics law enforcement.

Many existing US trafficking groups are

pivoting to establish their own domestically

based synthetic opioid manufacturing and

distribution cells, controlling their own

supply chains, and enhancing profit considerably.

The ease of importing precursor

chemicals and manufacturing synthetic

opioids, including fentanyl and other, more

lethal drugs, has opened the door to ‘micro-cells’

that deal in small amounts in

limited areas, often community-based, and

are almost impossible for law enforcement

to identify.

DEATH IS A CLICK AWAY

The shift to criminal decentralization is

driven by the attraction of new synthetic

opioids among users, especially the younger

generation, starting with fentanyl and its

derivatives, and now nitazenes, and drugs

including N-Propionitrile Chlorphine (cychlorphine),

which is 10 times more potent

than fentanyl. As little as 0.5 nanograms of

cychlorphine can be fatal (a nanogram is

one-billionth of a gram).

In March 2026, Tennessee reported 19

deaths due to cychlorphine overdosing.

Other reports indicate the opioid has been

found in circulation in Illinois, Kentucky,

Texas, Ohio, California, and other states. If

the spread of cychlorphine is not contained,

America could face a new opioid crisis

worse than the crisis presented by cartel

fentanyl, potentially resulting in 100,000 or

more deaths annually.

Smuggling these low-volume opioids

or their precursor chemicals is no longer

a challenge involving hiding shipments

in cargo containers or in vehicles trying

to cross the border inconspicuously. They

can be ordered online from international

suppliers and delivered by courier or mail.

Manufacturing the final product can also be

done in someone’s basement, as the process

is far simpler and safer than producing

methamphetamines.

For drug users, online ordering via popular

chat apps is simple, with many micro-cells

offering same-day delivery within

their community. These narco-traders

can use one of the popular delivery services,

perhaps disguising their drugs in a

legitimate grocery order, or someone can

drive around a neighborhood, responding

to orders that appear on their mobile devices.

‘Corner boys’ were a standard in inner

city drug selling in the past. These, usually

young, low-level employees staffed street

corners to sell drugs openly, providing law

enforcement with ‘evidence’ on the location

of illicit operations. Today, the supply chain

associated with past narcotics operations

has been displaced in favor of ‘ride-hailing’

distribution. The Dark Web is an alternate

haven for drug and legitimate chemical

supplies of all sizes, as they can engage

and trade anonymously.


• UP TO 10X STRONGER THAN FENTANYL

• EVEN A TINY AMOUNT CAN BE DEADLY

• OVERDOSES MY REQUIRE MULTIPLE NARCAN DOSES

• DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE


Combining all the benefits of micro-cell

synthetic opioid manufacturing results in

local trafficking groups making more profit

from their trade without having to pay the

cartels or appear on the radar of counter-narcotics

operations. For the international

precursor chemical suppliers, this is

just another client willing to pay for their

products.

Micro-cells never purchase or sell quantities

of narcotics in kilogram quantities,

making it harder for authorities to detect

them. These cells can be your neighbors or

residents in nearby apartments. There are

no secret meetings in shady areas of the

inner city or street-level drug trades; all

transactions occur online through encrypted

apps or on the Dark Web.

This is not to say that traditional counter-narcotics

operations can be mothballed,

as the cartels have not ceased their operations.

We should expect them to evolve

in some way to profit off synthetic opioids,

as they have been doing with fentanyl. The

production of illicit drugs is nothing new in

America, but the emergence of micro-cells

presents a new risk that is harder to find

and extremely difficult to detect and disrupt.

HARD TO FIND, HARDER TO IDENTIFY

Law enforcement's ability to combat this

form of micro-trading is limited, as there

are few indicators of a micro-cell's presence.

Officers definitely cannot randomly

stop delivery drivers to search for drugs,

and finding the numerous small shipments

arriving through the mail or courier services

is extremely difficult without a prior

tip-off.

Even if a police officer searches a vehicle

or delivery bike with probable cause,

identifying a bag of unmarked pills or a

powdery substance is difficult. In instances

where officers have the equipment to

identify narcotics, a person can be arrested.

Nevertheless, the percentage concentration

with new synthetic opioids in pills or powders

can be challenging for field detection

technologies, particularly at very low concentrations,

and confirmation will require a

state laboratory to analyze the seized product.

One option is to use the same tactics the

FBI uses to successfully prosecute human

trafficking organizations through extensive

operations that include creating undercover

sites on the dark web to trap perpetrators.

However, the FBI can’t be everywhere, and

local police departments don't have the

budget for this type of operation. As for

confidential informants, the operations are

rarely large enough for someone on the

inside to provide information.

While tactics such as these have been

successful, they are reactive. They happen

once the deal is done or once the narcotics

have shipped. Addressing the new threat

requires an enhanced strategy and tactics

following a layered approach to mitigate

the threat and stop the opioid crisis from

blowing up again.

GETTING AHEAD OF DECENTRAL-

IZATION TO PREVENT DISASTER

Decentralized drug distribution is a critical

threat to law enforcement across the

country, and a risk that will expand quickly.

There is a high probability that micro-cells

could start working together, forming

mini-cartels and adopting violent practices

to protect their ever-expanding turf. Each


cell will remain independent in a starfish

model, preventing mass enforcement operations

from dismantling the entire operation,

since degrading one arm leaves the

others intact and functional.

Micro-cells are a growth market due to

the simplicity of sourcing precursors, the

ease of making synthetic opioids, and the

profits that can be made, even in small narco-cottage

operations. The narco-cottage

operation is likely to attract individuals

who are not predisposed to criminal activity.

The ease of setting up a small micro-cell,

the low cost, increased profit and

the low visibility to law enforcement could

be enticements many cannot resist.

No matter the risks posed by micro-cells,

counting the cartels and large U.S. based

trafficking organizations out is a mistake.

They have already benefited from fentanyl

profits and can be expected to adapt their

supply chains to mimic the micro-cells,

delivering their product to buyers’ doors in

plain sight, using legitimate services. In the

current anti-narcotics climate, anonymity

is a significant drawcard for cartels.

The only way America can effectively address

the decentralized distribution of even

more lethal synthetic opioids is to take a

proactive approach, getting ahead of the

problem and mitigating the risks through a

layered enforcement operations that effectively

target each cell, the narcotics supply

chain and develop better community partnerships

to identify the local dealers who

are servicing their small piece of America.

The opioid epidemic, fueled by fentanyl,

caused over 100,000 deaths in 2022 at its

peak, with countless other lives impacted.

To prevent the next wave of fatalities,

proactive measures and coordinated efforts

among counter-narcotic agencies

nationwide are essential. The risk of an

even higher death toll looms large as more

potent synthetic opioids become easier to

purchase, produce, and access online in

real time.

Michael W. Brown is the global director

of counter-narcotics technology at Rigaku

Analytical Devices. He has a distinguished

career spanning more than 32 years as a

Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement

Administration (DEA). Most recently, he was

the DEA Headquarters staff coordinator

for the Office of Foreign Operations for the

Middle East-Europe-Afghanistan-India. Prior

to that, he served as the country attaché in

India and Myanmar, providing foreign advisory

support for counter-narcotic enforcement.

He also spent 10 years in Pakistan

as a special advisor to the US Embassy on

various law enforcement issues. Michael is a

graduate of the United States Ranger Training

Battalion and has a master’s degree in

Interdisciplinary Technology and Management

from the University of Eastern Michigan.

Contact him at michael.brown@rigaku.

com



CALENDAR OF EVENTS

***BOOKING 2026/2027*** PRESENTED BY: CAPTAIN TOM RIZZO

OPERATION L.E.A.D.

HIGHLIGHT

By reuniting with who we once were, acknowledging who

we currently are, and by introducing ourselves with who

we strive to become, we constructively achieve

alignment between our personal and professional lives.

This course focuses on an investment strategy of

learning the various ways to be the best version of

ourselves by enacting transformational behaviors, so

that we can compound our efforts into getting the best

version out of those we lead. Based upon various

theories, this course offers a unique perspective shift

compared to what traditional leadership training within

our industry has provided in the past. This course incites

a self-reflection on morale from multidimensional views;

private individual, officer, leader.

A leader can and should assist their people in furthering

their careers by properly utilizing performance

management, discipline, and buy-in theories, but all too

often are not trained in the art of their implementation.

This course provides the student with an abundance of

tools to use to hone their craft.

COMING TO YOUR STATE

HOSTED BY: ***

This course will focus on the significance of candidly

addressing officer wellness and career

enhancement/fulfillment with innovative techniques that

serve the student regardless of rank. Students will be

tasked with analyzing their own inner circles and how

they can impact their effectiveness as leaders and

human beings alike. The ability to

receive/interpret/utilize constructive criticism has

become rare amongst law enforcement leadership. If we

form our circles with healthy components, we can

extend our reach and effectiveness. The empathetic

understanding of the current difficulties faced by

officers must be seriously internalized by the leader if

they are to be genuine in their efforts. This course helps

students with this internalization, to be readily

translated into action, therefore avoiding the tragic

escalation into THE IVORY TOWER.

This groundbreaking course is tailored to be beneficial

for all ranks of an agency from Patrolman to Chief,

both as an officer and a person. While offering the

opportunity to reinvent the spirit, the content covered

will have you engaged from beginning to end. Captain

Thomas Rizzo is one of the profession’s most

acclaimed speakers. He has been an inspirational

presenter on leadership theories for several years at

police academies, universities, symposiums, and most

notably for the Command & Leadership Academy

based upon the U.S. Military Academy - West Point.

FOR MORE

INFORMATION:

HTTPS://WWW.THOMASRIZZO.COM/

***SPOUSES/SIGNIFICANT OTHERS ARE WELCOMED AT NO ADDITIONAL COST***


T M P A / T X F O P J O I N T C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 2 6

R E G I S T E R N O W


T M P A / T X F O P J O I N T C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 2 6

S P O N S O R S H I P P A C K A G E S

D i a m o n d L e v e l S p o n s o r - $ 2 0 , 0 0 0

P a c k a g e i n c l u d e s :

O n e t a b l e f o r 1 0 a t C o n f e r e n c e B a n q u e t a n d a d m i s s i o n f o r y o u r p a r t y

t o C a s i n o N i g h t

T w o c o m p l i m e n t a r y h o t e l r o o m s f o r S u n d a y n i g h t

F i v e - m i n u t e a d d r e s s t o C o n f e r e n c e a t t e n d e e s

S p e c i a l r e c o g n i t i o n d u r i n g C a s i n o N i g h t l i v e a u c t i o n

R e c o g n i t i o n d u r i n g t h r e e e p i s o d e s o f t h e B l u e G r i t P o d c a s t

R e c o g n i t i o n d u r i n g t h e o p e n i n g a n d c l o s i n g o f C o n f e r e n c e

R e c o g n i t i o n a s S a t u r d a y “ l u n c h s p o n s o r ”

P o w e r P o i n t s l i d e r e c o g n i t i o n t h r o u g h o u t C o n f e r e n c e

O p t i o n t o p l a c e c o m p a n y b r o c h u r e i n a t t e n d e e s ’ r e g i s t r a t i o n p a c k e t

O n e C o n f e r e n c e r e l a t e d s o c i a l m e d i a p o s t

V e n d o r t a b l e o r d i s p l a y b o o t h i n t h e v e n d o r h a l l

S a p p h i r e L e v e l S p o n s o r - $ 1 5 , 0 0 0 0


O n e t a b l e f o r 1 0 a t C o n f e r e n c e B a n q u e t a n d a d m i s s i o n f o r y o u r p a r t y

t o C a s i n o N i g h t

T w o c o m p l i m e n t a r y h o t e l r o o m s f o r S u n d a y n i g h t

T h r e e - m i n u t e a d d r e s s t o C o n f e r e n c e a t t e n d e e s


R e c o g n i t i o n d u r i n g t w o e p i s o d e s o f t h e B l u e G r i t P o d c a s t

R e c o g n i t i o n d u r i n g t h e o p e n i n g a n d c l o s i n g o f C o n f e r e n c e

R e c o g n i t i o n a s S u n d a y “ l u n c h s p o n s o r ”





R u b y L e v e l S p o n s o r - $ 1 0 , 0 0 0


S i x t i c k e t s t o t h e C o n f e r e n c e B a n q u e t a n d a d m i s s i o n f o r f i v e t o C a s i n o

N i g h t

O n e c o m p l i m e n t a r y h o t e l r o o m f o r S u n d a y n i g h t


R e c o g n i t i o n d u r i n g o n e e p i s o d e o f t h e B l u e G r i t P o d c a s t

R e c o g n i t i o n d u r i n g t h e o p e n i n g o f C o n f e r e n c e

R e c o g n i t i o n a s S u n d a y “ l u n c h s p o n s o r ”





P l a t i n u m S p o n s o r s - $ 5 0 0 0


L o g o d i s p l a y e d o n t h e f o l l o w i n g c h a n n e l s : c o n f e r e n c e w e b s i t e ,

c o n f e r e n c e p r o g r a m , s l i d e s h o w s o n t h e b i g s c r e e n s d u r i n g m e a l s a n d

m e e t i n g s , I n S e r v i c e m a g a z i n e a d ( p o s t - c o n f e r e n c e i s s u e ) , a n d T M P A

s o c i a l m e d i a c h a n n e l s .

O n e c o m p l i m e n t a r y v e n d o r t a b l e

O n e h o t e l r o o m f o r a l l t h r e e n i g h t s o f t h e c o n f e r e n c e

S i x t i c k e t s f o r t h e e n t i r e C o n f e r e n c e , i n c l u d i n g t h e h o s p i t a l i t y r o o m

a n d a l l o f t h e t r a i n i n g e v e n t s . T i c k e t s a l s o i n c l u d e a l l o f t h e m e a l s

( F r i d a y n i g h t d i n n e r , S a t u r d a y l u n c h , S u n d a y l u n c h a n d b a n q u e t

d i n n e r ) .

G o l d S p o n s o r s - $ 3 5 0 0






F o u r t i c k e t s f o r t h e e n t i r e C o n f e r e n c e , i n c l u d i n g t h e h o s p i t a l i t y

r o o m a n d a l l o f t h e t r a i n i n g e v e n t s . T i c k e t s a l s o i n c l u d e a l l o f

S i l v e r S p o n s o r s - $ 1 5 0 0






T w o t i c k e t s f o r t h e e n t i r e C o n f e r e n c e , i n c l u d i n g t h e h o s p i t a l i t y r o o m

a n d a l l o f t h e t r a i n i n g e v e n t s . T i c k e t s a l s o i n c l u d e a l l o f t h e m e a l s

( F r i d a y n i g h t d i n n e r , S a t u r d a y l u n c h , S u n d a y l u n c h a n d f o r m a l

b a n q u e t d i n n e r ) .

V e n d o r B o o t h - $ 1 0 0 0


L o g o d i s p l a y e d o n t h e f o l l o w i n g c h a n n e l s :

c o n f e r e n c e w e b s i t e , s l i d e s h o w s o n t h e b i g s c r e e n s d u r i n g m e a l s a n d



T w o t i c k e t s f o r t h e F r i d a y n i g h t d i n n e r a n d S a t u r d a y l u n c h .

B E C O M E A S P O N S O R

T O D A Y


CLICK HERE

TO

REGISTER

CLICK HERE FOR

EXHIBITOR

INFORMATION


THE LA MARQUE POLICE DEPT. PRESENTS

THE WARRIOR WITHIN!

MENTAL HEALTH AND

WELLNESS SUMMIT 2026

SEPTEMBER 23RD AND 24TH, 2026

DOYLE CONVENTION CENTER

2010 5TH AVE. N, TEXAS CITY, TEXAS 77590

FIRST RESPONDERS ARE IN CRISIS!

Law enforcement, fireman, and EMS are more likely to die

by Suicide than in the line of duty.

Between 17% and 24% of Dispatchers have symptoms of

PTSD and 24% have symptoms of depression.

60-75% of first responder marriages end in divorce.

The La Marque Police Department is hosting a free 2-day

summit geared towards helping our Police, Fire, EMS, and

Dispatch focus on their own mental health, relationships,

and physical wellness.

This FREE event will feature industry experts, experienced

first responders, and clinicians providing tools and resources

to first responders and their families. The BLUES - MAY ‘26 127




TUNNEL TO TOWERS

HONORS AMERICA’S HEROES

IN THE

LINE OF

DUTY

Providing mortgage-free

homes to Gold Star and

Fallen First Responder

families with young

children and building

specially-adapted Smart

Homes for our most

severely injured.

WORKING TO ERADICATE

VETERAN HOMELESSNESS.

MORE THAN 3,300 RECEIVED HOUSING

AND SERVICES IN 2023 ALONE;

THOUSANDS MORE ARE BEING HELPED.

NEVER FORGET

FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller

gave his life while saving

others on September 11, 2001

THE FOUNDATION HAS BEEN SUPPORTING OUR

NATION’S HEROES EVER SINCE.

OUR EVENTS INSPIRE

AMERICA TO REMEMBER.

THE TUNNEL TO TOWERS 9/11 INSTITUTE

EDUCATES FUTURE GENERATIONS.

DONATE $11/MO TODAY T2T.ORG


HONORING OUR

DEPUTY SHERIFF MICHAEL LEROY JIMERSON

JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, MISSISSIPPI

END OF WATCH: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026

AGE: 61 TOUR: 16 YEARS BADGE: 150

Deputy Sheriff Michael Jimerson was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance call at the Reserve at Gulf Hills

Apartments at 6721 Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs. Around 11:00 p.m., Deputy Jimerson and other deputies

were dispatched to the apartment complex. When a woman fled, Deputy Jimerson began pursuing the subject, during

which she pulled out a firearm and began shooting. Deputy Jimerson returned fire, and in the exchange of gunfire, both

were struck. Deputy Jimerson was transported to Ocean Springs Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.

Deputy Jimerson had served with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for 16 years. Survivors include his wife, two children,

and grandchildren.


FALLEN HEROES

TROOPER VERNON BRAKE

OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL, OKLAHOMA


AGE: N/A TOUR: 19 YEARS BADGE N/A

Trooper Vernon Brake was killed in a head-on vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in Oklahoma City shortly before noon.

A vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 35 between Britton and Heffner Roads swerved to avoid debris in the road

and crossed into the northbound lanes, hitting Trooper Brake's patrol car.

Trooper Brake, the driver, and her daughter were killed in the collision.

Trooper Brake had served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for over 19 years. Survivors include his wife and two

children.

The BLUES - MAY ‘26 133 133

HONORING OUR

DETECTIVE RANDY HOPPERT

TULARE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, CALIFORNIA

END OF WATCH: THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026

AGE: 35 TOUR: 6 YEARS BADGE:1204

Detective Randy Hoppert was shot and killed while responding to officers who were met with gunfire while

serving an eviction notice. Around 10:20 a.m., deputies were serving an eviction notice at 1713 W Brian Lane

in Porterville when the subject shot at them with a high-powered rifle. When Detective Hoppert arrived, he was

struck by gunfire while he engaged in the shootout with the suspect. He was transported to a local hospital,

where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect remained barricaded and exited the home six hours later.

He was fully camouflaged and was firing at officers throughout the neighborhood, stating that he would not

surrender. A tactical vehicle ran him over. Detective Hoppert was a United States Navy veteran and had served

with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office for six years. Survivors include his expectant wife. His father also served

with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, and his grandfather was an Undersheriff.


FALLEN HEROES

AGENT EDDIE SANTIAGO-RENTA

PUERTO RICO POLICE DEPARTMENT, PUERTO RICO

END OF WATCH: FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026


Agent Eddie Santiago-Renta was shot and killed during an undercover operation in the Pampanos neighborhood of

Ponce at approximately 1:00 p.m. While on assignment observing the vehicle of an undercover operation from an

unmarked car in the local Sam's Club parking lot, Agent Santiago-Renta witnessed several people approaching the other

vehicle. As he attempted to intercept the individuals, the other officer and Agent Santiago-Renta announced themselves

as police officers, and gunfire was exchanged. Agent Santiago-Renta was struck several times in the face. He was taken

to Damas Hospital in Ponce where he succumbed to his injuries.

Agent Eddie Santiago-Renta had served with the Puerto Rico Police Department for 22 years, assigned to the Ponce

Drugs and Narcotics Division. Survivors include his wife and four children.


HONORING OUR

DEPUTY SHERIFF LANDON FAULKNER

HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, TENNESSEE



Deputy Sheriff Landon Faulkner succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash two days before, on State Highway

111 near the intersection of Lewis Chapel Road.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, April 8, Deputy Faulkner's patrol car struck the back

of a disabled truck on the left side of the highway. He was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital, where he remained in

critical condition until passing on Friday, April 10, after donating his organs.

Deputy Faulkner had served with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for three years and had previously served

as a deputy and a corrections deputy with Grundy County. Survivors include his wife and four children.


FALLEN HEROES

DEPUTY SHERIFF THOMAS LEMAY

LEFLORE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, OKLAHOMA

END OF WATCH: SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026

AGE: N/A TOUR: N/A BADGE: N/A

Deputy Sheriff Thomas "Walker" LeMay was shot and killed during a welfare check in Wister, at a home off of Highway

270 at approximately 11:00 a.m. On April 19, officers from the LeFlore County Sheriff's Office, the Wister Police Department,

and the U.S. Forestry Department, were called to assist with a welfare check at a residence. Upon arrival they

were met with gunfire; when the officers returned fire the suspect retreated into the residence and barricaded himself

inside. During the exchange of gunfire, Deputy Sheriff LeMay and a Wister police officer were struck, and Deputy Sheriff

LeMay was pronounced dead at the scene.

After several hours, and the response of additional agencies including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the suspect surrendered

and was treated for minor injuries, then taken into custody.


HONORING OUR

POLICE OFFICER DALLAS HINTON

THOMASVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT, ALABAMA



Police Officer Dallas Hinton was killed in an automobile crash on U.S. 43 in Clarke County, near mile marker

90, at approximately 4:45 a.m.

Officer Hinton was driving his patrol vehicle north when he collided with the rear end of a tractor-trailer, also

traveling north; despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Hinton had been with the Thomasville Police Department for two years and had previously served with

the United States Marine Corps. Survivors include his father, two sisters, and his fiancée.


FALLEN HEROES

DEPUTY HEATHER AVERY

Reserve Deputy Heather Avery was killed near mile marker 830 on Interstate 10, in Chambers County, while directing

traffic in a construction zone at approximately 8:00 a.m. Reserve Deputy Avery was helping direct traffic in the outside

lane of the interstate, near her patrol vehicle with the emergency lights activated, when a commercial construction truck

traveling east struck the rear of the patrol vehicle. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the commercial vehicle was not injured.

JEFFERSON COUNTY CONSTABLE PCT. 1, TEXAS



Reserve Deputy Avery had served with the Jefferson County Constable Precinct 1 for four years. Survivors include her

husband, daughter, and granddaughter.


HONORING OUR

POLICE OFFICER JOHN BARTHOLOMEW


CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT, ILLINOIS

END OF WATCH: SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026

AGE: 38 TOUR: 10 YEARS BADGE: N/A

Police Officer John Bartholomew was shot and killed by a robbery suspect at Chicago's Endeavor Health

Swedish Hospital at approximately 10:50 a.m. Around 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning, Officer Bartholomew

and another officer transported a suspect accused of robbing a Family Dollar store to the Swedish hospital for

observation. Nearly two hours later, the suspect obtained a gun and fired, striking both officers. The officers

were taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where Officer Bartholomew was pronounced later that

afternoon; the second officer suffered severe injuries.

Officer Bartholomew had served with the Chicago Police Department for 10 years, assigned to the Albany Park

(17th) District.

FALLEN HEROES

DEPUTY SHERIFF RICHARD COYLE

CRITTENDEN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, KENTUCKY

END OF WATCH: THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026

AGE: 58 TOUR: 30 YEARS BADGE: N/A

Deputy Sheriff Rick Coyle succumbed to gunshot wounds he received while serving papers at a home on the 2800

block of KY 365 in Sturgis. Deputy Coyle and additional officers were serving emergency guardianship paperwork when

they were met with gunfire. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect.

Deputy Coyle was transported to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville. Four weeks later, he succumbed to his

wounds.

Deputy Coyle had served with the Crittenden County Sheriff's Office for two years as a School Resource Officer and

previously served with the Chicago Police Department for 28 years. Survivors include his wife, sister, and three nieces.


WORDS BY MICHAEL BARRON

Remembering your first.

I remember the first funeral I

attended for a fallen officer. I was

only 12 at the time and it was my

grandfather’s funeral. He was an

deputy for the Harris County SO

under Buster Kern and everyone

called him Big John. He wasn’t

killed in the line of duty, he just

passed away due to heart failure.

But nevertheless, the SO back then

gave you a military funeral no

matter how you died.

At age 12 you see everything

much differently. The row of officers

standing at attention seemed

to go on forever, but there were

probably less than 50. And I was

not prepared for the 21-gun salute.

But I stood at attention just like

they did, because I wanted my

grandpa to be proud of me.

Ten years later, I would be

standing in one of those rows of

deputies as we laid to rest one of

our own. I was proudly wearing

a Harris County SO Badge with

my Grandfather’s badge number,

standing at attention while the

honor guard fired a 21-gun salute.

I didn’t think it would phase me

at all, but it suddenly brought me

back to “Big Johns” funeral. It was

as if I was reliving his funeral and


grieving all over again.

Over the years, far too many

times, I would relive that moment

over and over again. Each time

I prayed to our Heavenly Father

that this would be the last. Please

Father, make this the last time we

gather together to honor one of

our fallen brothers or sisters. But it

wasn’t and it isn’t until this day.

Every month, this magazine

honors the Fallen. And with every

page we complete, we hope and

pray we don’t have to add another

page. But we do. And with each

page, each tribute to yet another

senseless death of a young officer,

you feel the pain their families

feel. And some months, you meet

that pain head-on when a family

member will call to thank us for

honoring their child, their spouse

and even worse, their mom or dad.

It’s a pain we live with every day

with no end in sight.

This month, we honor all 109 officers

who died in the line in 2025.

As we write down the names and

place their photos, it all comes

back. The day they died. The notice

we received, the news story

we had to write about how they

died, and the day we created a

page in the Memorial Edition. And

the phone call, yes, the call. But

despite the pain, they go on and

we go on. It’s a calling we all have

and we continue to walk the Thin

Blue Line.

Finally, there has to be a change

in our government and our society

to have respect for law enforcement

officers and the job they do.

We have to honor the sacrifice

they make, and not worry about

offending the suspects by calling

them out for the thugs they are.

We have to do better. As a people

and a society. Some politicians

want to defund the police, some

actually do it, see the horrible

consequences and then beg the

cops to please come back.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, brothers

and sisters, we must do better.

We have to for our kids, their

kids and their kids. If we want a

better world for them, it has to

start with us. Please pray that

none of us have to stand at attention

in that honorable line again,

listening to the sounds of gunfire

and seeing yet another folded flag

being handed to a loved one.

God Bless the Peacemakers, for

they are the Children of God.


WORDS BY a SURVIVING WIDOW

“Did you know that officer that died?”

When an officer dies, the question

is always, “Did you know

him?” like somehow it could

diminish the pain of a fallen officer

if you had never met them.

As the spouse of a police officer,

I get that, as well – with an added,

“Do you know his wife?”

My response? Yes. I know her.

I know that she finds herself

alone a lot. I know she spends a

lot of time explaining to family

members, friends and co-workers

why her officer husband is

not with her. I know when someone

asks what her husband does

– she may have an alternative

answer like ‘he works for the city

(county or state)’ or ‘he’s a trash

collector’, yet someone in the

room always clarifies for her –

he’s a cop.

I know she probably has an

alias on her social media profiles

in case a suspect decides

to find their arresting officer’s

family. I know she’s proud of him

and wants to put LE stickers on

her car but won’t because she’s

worried about getting run off

the road or targeted. I know she


looks into every police car she

pulls up next to. I know when he

speaks to her in number code,

she answers him in English.

I know she cringes every time

she hears the words “officer

involved” and HATES the words

“routine traffic stop”. I know she

spends a lot of time defending

her husband’s career choice

and sometimes realizes that her

silence is necessary. I know the

justice system frustrates her, yet

she relies on it anyway. I know

that people feel it necessary to

tell her of every contact they’ve

had with LE – especially if it was

bad, yet never seem to remember

to tell her when they saw

one do something nice.

I know she sleeps alone a lot,

spends her birthday, anniversary

and her children’s birthdays

wishing he were there. I know

“date nights” on Wednesdays

are better than a Saturday every

single time. And I know when

on that date, he will have to sit

facing the door.

I know when they do get a

chance to go out, she’ll let him

drive so as to not have to hear

about her “escape route” or recite

portions of the traffic code. I

know that he’ll always recognize

someone somewhere that he’s

arrested. I know they probably

have a ‘code word’ that means

grab the kids and head the other

way – I’ll meet you at the car.

I know when her children are

little, they are proud of their

superhero. And as they grow into

teenagers, they no longer offer

what their dad does for fear

it will make them unpopular.

I know high school boys don’t

want to date cop’s daughters.

I know that she finds things in

her washer that most people

don’t have in their homes – from

blue gloves to bullets – and

thinks nothing of it. I know she’s

picked a handcuff key out of her

dryer more than once. I know

she has learned to ignore the

smell of his vest in July and buys

Febreze by the gallon. I know her

biggest load of laundry is black

(or tan or blue). And they’re usually

washed separately to make

sure that any biohazard he’s

come in contact with doesn’t end

up in the baby’s clothes.

I know that she wants him to

eat better, but knows a ‘good

day’ for him means more than

one trip to QT. I know that she

buys Tupperware by the case to

store leftovers in hoping he’ll eat

a ‘real’ meal when he gets home.

I know she’s watched him age,

his hair gray and the sunspots

show up on his left arm and

neck.

I know she has a hard time

scheduling vacations because

shift change is coming. I know

that when one of his brothers

is hurt – his vacation time will

probably get donated to him

anyway. I know that when it’s his

regular day off, he will probably

still get called to court – even if

he worked all night.

I know that a text message

with two words – I’m okay – is

like a sonnet or love song to

most, especially when we see

“breaking news” flash on our TV

screens.

I know that her favorite sounds

are the garage door and the

sound of Velcro. He made it

home safely. And I know she can

tell by the sound of his boots on

the floor whether or not to ask

how his day was.

And I know that even though

she knew his job had risks, and

officers are dying in the line of

duty – she never TRULY believed

it would happen to hers.

Do I know her? Yes. Have I met

her? Yes.

But if I didn’t know her you

wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

God Bless the Peacemakers, for

they are the Children of God.


BLUEPRINTS OF RESILIENCE

Emmanual Gonzalez Sosa

Behind the Badge:

A Police Wife’s Perspective on Safety, Strength, and Stability

I once asked my wife a simple

question at the doctor’s office:

“What concerns you most about

being married to a police officer?”

She paused for a moment,

not because she didn’t know the

answer, but because there was

more than one. Then she said

something that stayed with me:

“It’s not just one thing. It’s safety,

it’s emotional security, and it’s

financial stability, but mostly, it’s

learning how all of it fits together.”

That conversation opened a

window into a part of policing

that is often unseen, the life

of the spouse who shares the

burden of the badge without

wearing it. While officers face

the dangers on the street, their

families manage a different kind

of responsibility at home: maintaining

stability in a life shaped

by uncertainty.

PHYSICAL SECURITY:

AWARENESS WITHOUT FEAR

The first concern she mentioned

was physical safety. Like

many police families, we don’t

live in fear, but we do live with

awareness. My wife explained it

simply: “You don’t think something

will happen, but you know

it could.”

That awareness shows up in

small, practical ways. We are

mindful of what we share publicly.

We pay attention to home

security. We notice our surroundings

more than we used to.

It’s not about paranoia, it’s about

preparation.

There are times when the risks

of the job feel closer to home

than others, especially when an

officer is involved in a serious

case or working unpredictable

shifts. Still, there is trust-trust

in training, in experience and in

the commitment to come home

safely.

For police wives, physical

security is not just about protecting

a house. It is about protecting

a life built together while

accepting that risk is part of the

profession.

EMOTIONAL SECURITY: THE

WEIGHT AND THE BOND

When I asked her what the

hardest part was, she didn’t

hesitate the second time. “The

emotional part,” she said.

Police work doesn’t stay at the

station. It follows officers home

in subtle ways, through silence

after a tough shift, through fatigue

that isn’t just physical, or

through moments when conversation

feels heavier than usual.

Police wives often become the

first point of emotional grounding.

They listen when stories can

be shared, and they respect the

silence when they cannot. Over

time, this creates a rhythm of

understanding, knowing when to

speak, when to listen and when

just being present is enough.

But it’s not one-sided. Emotional

strength in these families

is mutual. Officers rely on their

spouses to provide stability, and

spouses rely on officers to stay

connected even when the job is

demanding. Communication becomes

the bridge that holds both

worlds together.

There is also pride in this role.

Not pride in the hardship itself,

but in the ability to remain

steady through it. Emotional

resilience, in this sense, is not

about ignoring stress, it is about

sharing it without letting it divide

the relationship.

FINANCIAL SECURITY: PLAN-

NING FOR UNCERTAINTY

The third concern my wife

raised was financial stability.

On the surface, policing is often

seen as a steady career, but the

reality is more nuanced.

Income can vary depending on

overtime, shift changes or departmental

needs. Some months

are predictable; others are not.


Because of this, many police

families become careful planners

almost by necessity.

Budgeting, saving, and preparing

for unexpected changes

become part of the household

rhythm. Decisions about careers,

childcare and long-term goals

are often made with flexibility in

mind. It is not about restriction,

it is about control in an otherwise

unpredictable lifestyle.

There is also long-term planning

to consider: insurance, retirement

and financial protection

for the future. These are not distant

concerns for police families,

they are practical conversations

that happen early and often.

Financial security, in this context,

is not just about income.

It is about building a structure

strong enough to support a life

shaped by uncertainty.

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON

UNDERSTANDING

What stood out most from that

conversation with my wife was

not any single concern, but how

connected they all were. Physical

awareness, emotional resilience

and financial planning are not

separate challenges, they overlap

in daily life.

Being a police wife is not

about standing in the background.

It is about being part of

the structure that allows the job

to function. Officers carry responsibility

in uniform, but families

carry it at home in quieter

ways, through patience, planning

and support.

The dangers of policing are

real, and they should never be

minimized. But so is the importance

of the people who stand

behind those who serve. A strong

police force is not only built on

training and discipline, it is also

built on trust at home.

In the end, what my wife said

at the kitchen table still holds

true. It is not just one concern. It

is the way safety, emotions and

finances all weave together into

a life that demands adaptability

and strength.

And through it all, what remains

constant is partnership,

the understanding that neither

side carries the burden alone.


A BADGE OF HONOR

Healing Our Heroes

IT’S JUST A JOB!

Post-Traumatic Stress has

been around for centuries, dating

as far back as ancient times.

Over the years, it has been called

many things. During the Civil War,

it was referred to as “Soldier’s

Heart,” changing to “Shell Shock”

in World War I, and then “Battle

Fatigue” in World War II. It was

formally named and diagnosed

as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

(PTSD) in 1980 with the release of

the DSM-III, following the return of

many Vietnam veterans.

In 1952, the DSM-I first listed it as

a “Gross Stress Reaction,” removed

the diagnosis in 1968, and then

reintroduced it in 1980 as PTSD. It

was updated again in 2013 in the

DSM-5 under Trauma- and Stressor-Related

Disorders.

Although the terminology has

changed over time, the symptoms

and causes have remained

relatively consistent: traumatic

events—or multiple events—create

stress responses in the brain.

The DSM-III criteria for

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

defined it as exposure to a catastrophic

stressor outside the range

of usual human experience, such

as war, torture, rape, bombings,

or natural disasters like hurricanes

or earthquakes. In the DSM-IV, the

diagnostic criteria expanded to

include a history of exposure to

trauma.

One of the most significant

changes over the years has been in

treatment options. Today, there are

many more modalities available to


SAMANTHA HORWITZ &

JOHN SALERNO

fit the individual. Because trauma

affects each person differently,

treatment must be tailored to

the individual. Years ago, options

were largely limited to prescription

medication or traditional talk

therapy. While medication may be

warranted in some cases, it is not

always the best or only option.

Talk therapy has improved

tremendously, especially as more

veterans and first responders have

become licensed counselors and

therapists. This creates a stronger

bond and greater trust in the

therapeutic environment. Speaking

with someone who has experienced

similar trauma can make

it easier to open up, as a mutual

understanding exists. For those

who find one-on-one conversations

difficult, group sessions are

also available.

In these settings, individuals can

choose to participate openly or

remain anonymous, especially in

online groups. Sharing experiences

with others who have endured

similar trauma can be incredibly

healing.

As an individual, you may require

a different approach to healing—

and that is okay. There are many

options available, including equine

therapy, hunting, crafts, water-based

activities, and more. The

key is to find what works for you.

There is no right or wrong modality,

as long as what you are doing

is safe, low-risk, and promotes a

healthy outcome.

Extreme sports may seem appealing,

but they are often adrenaline-based.

These are activities

we should approach with caution,

as the goal is to reduce stress—

not trigger additional adrenaline

responses.

Many therapeutic approaches are

also paired with breathing techniques

or tapping exercises, which

can help refocus the brain.

For deeper or more complex

trauma, treatments such as Eye

Movement Desensitization and

Reprocessing (EMDR) have shown

significant success. Brainspotting

(BSP) is another method that can

help identify and release deeply

rooted trauma.

The list of options continues

to grow, but whichever path you

choose—whether one method or a

combination—the goal is to begin

healing and reduce the pain.

In our profession, we encounter

a great deal of both direct and

indirect trauma, mentally and

physically. We owe it to ourselves

and our families to live fully, to

find happiness, and to enjoy the

time we have with them outside of

the job.

Sometimes, we forget—it’s a job.


DARYL'S DELIBERATIONS

What Are You Willing

To Protect?

In the long story of Texas, certain

names rise quickly to the surface—

Houston, Travis, Bowie. Others, just

as essential, stand quietly behind

the scenes, holding the past together

so it is not lost to time. One of

those names is Adina de Zavala.

She did not command troops

or sign declarations. Instead, she

fought a different kind of battle—one

waged against neglect,

indifference, and the slow erosion

of memory. Because of her, some

of Texas’s most sacred places still

stand today.

Adina de Zavala was born in 1861

in Harris County, Texas, into a family

already woven into the state’s

founding story. She was the granddaughter

of Lorenzo de Zavala, a

key figure in Texas independence.

That heritage shaped her deeply.

Texas history was not an abstract

subject to her—it was personal. It

lived in family stories, in the land

itself, and in the buildings that still

stood as witnesses to earlier days.

After spending part of her childhood

in Galveston, she moved with

her family to the San Antonio area,

where the presence of missions,

plazas, and aging structures stirred

something lasting in her.

She became a teacher by profession,

but her true calling soon

revealed itself elsewhere.

In the late 1800s, Adina taught

school in Texas, shaping young

minds in the classroom. Yet even

as she taught, she recognized a

troubling reality—Texas’s physical


history was disappearing.

Old buildings were being torn

down. Historic sites were being neglected

or repurposed. The memory

of Texas, she believed, was at risk

of fading.

So, she did something bold for her

time. Along with a group of women,

she helped form one of the earliest

patriotic and preservation-minded

societies in Texas.

These women were not merely

interested in nostalgia. They understood

that history required stewardship.

If no one stepped forward,

the landmarks of Texas would be

lost to commerce and time.

THE BATTLE FOR THE ALAMO

Adina de Zavala’s most famous—

and dramatic—contribution came

through her work to preserve the

Alamo Mission.

At the turn of the 20th century,

DARYL LOTT

the Alamo was not yet the carefully

preserved shrine we recognize

today. Parts of the complex, especially

the long barracks (or convento),

were in danger of being sold,

altered, or even demolished.

Adina believed these structures

were not just old buildings—they

were integral to the story of the

1836 battle. Through research, interviews,

and historical investigation,

she argued that the long barracks

had been part of the original Alamo

compound.

Not everyone agreed.

A faction within the preservation

community wanted to remove the

structure, believing it was not historically

significant. The disagreement

grew intense, even public.

Then came one of the most remarkable

acts in Texas preservation

history.

In 1908, Adina de Zavala barricaded

herself inside the long barracks

to prevent its destruction. For three

days, she remained inside, refusing

to yield, determined to save the

structure at any cost.

Her stand captured national

attention. Newspapers covered the

standoff. Crowds gathered.

In the end, her efforts helped ensure

the preservation of that portion

of the Alamo. Later restoration work

confirmed what she had argued

all along—that the structure was

indeed part of the historic site.

It is no exaggeration to say that

without her, part of the Alamo

might not exist today.

Adina de Zavala’s work did not

stop at the Alamo.

She understood that Texas history

stretched far beyond a single

site. In 1912, she founded the Texas

Historical and Landmarks Association,

an organization dedicated to

identifying and marking important

locations across the state.

Through this effort, dozens of

historical sites received recognition

and protection. Many of these places

might otherwise have disappeared

without record or remembrance.

She also played a key role in

preserving the Spanish Governor’s

Palace, one of the most significant

colonial-era buildings in Texas.

Her work extended to missions,

homes, and landmarks tied to Texas’s

diverse past—Spanish, Mexican,

and early Texan alike. She saw Texas

history not as a single narrative, but

as a tapestry of cultures and influences.

Adina once described herself as a

“jealous lover of Texas history.”

It was an apt phrase. She guarded

the past fiercely, not out of nostalgia,

but out of a belief that identity

depends on memory.

When she died in 1955 at the age

of 93, Texas honored her as one of

its great preservationists. Her funeral

procession passed the Alamo—a

fitting tribute to the place she

fought to protect.

Today, visitors to the Alamo rarely

realize how close parts of it came

to being lost. They walk through

preserved spaces, read markers,

and experience history in ways

made possible by her efforts.

WHY ADINA DE ZAVALA STILL

MATTERS

In a modern world that moves

quickly, it is easy to overlook the

importance of preservation. Progress

often demands change, and

change can come at the cost of

memory.

Adina de Zavala reminds us that

the past is not a burden—it is a

foundation.

Her life raises an important question

for every one of us: What are

you willing to protect?


ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY



BLUE METAL HEALTH

Remembering Our Fallen &

Police Week 2026

“It is not the way these officers

died that made them heroes, it

is how they lived” -National Law

Enforcement Officers Memorial,

Washington, DC

We continue to honor our survivors

and remember the fallen

as we approach Police Week

2026. The BLUES Police Magazine

stands with you, and we are

grateful for the opportunity to

highlight the wonderful men and

women who made the ultimate

sacrifice in the line of duty. The

nation lost 115 law enforcement

officers in 2025, and these names

will now be engraved on the now

famous and incredibly meaningful

wall. I dedicate this column to

all the fallen, but especially to my

friend, Deputy US Marshal Tommy

Weeks, who was killed on April

29, 2024, along with three other

task force officers during the

service of a warrant in Charlotte,

North Carolina. You are deeply

missed by all, Tommy

Police Week has countless

memorable and important

events. One of the most impactful

demonstrations of honor for those

who have died in the line of duty

is observed through the Police

Unity Tour. According to https://

policeunitytour.com, Florham

Park (NJ) Police Officer Patrick

Montuore had a simple idea in

1997: organize a four-day bicycle


ride from New Jersey to Washington,

DC to raise public awareness

about law enforcement

officers who have died in the line

of duty, and to ensure that their

sacrifice is never forgotten. With

that, the Police Unity Tour was

formed. What started with 18 riders

on a four-day fund-raising bicycle

ride from Florham Park, NJ

to the National Law Enforcement

Officers Memorial in Washington,

D.C. has grown into 9 chapters

consisting of nearly 2,600 members

nationwide who make the

trip annually. Participants include

riders, motorcycles, and support

personnel.

The journey is long and challenging,

but for the Police Unity

Tour participants it is what they

prepare for throughout the year.

Through fundraising and physical

training, they know that their

efforts raise awareness of the ultimate

sacrifice made by so many

law enforcement officers.

The last leg of the journey ends

at the Memorial, where the participants

are greeted by friends,

family, and survivors. Once there,

many Police Unity Tour members

present remembrance bracelets

worn on their wrists throughout

the journey to the families of the

fallen. In May 2022, the Police

Unity Tour was proud to donate

$2.0 million to the National Law

DR. TINA JAECKLE

Enforcement Officers Memorial

Fund, bringing our total donations

to more than $33 million

since its inception. The Police

Unity Tour is the sponsor of the

National Law Enforcement Museum’s

Hall of Remembrance, the

Memorial Fund’s Officer of the

Month Award, and other special

programs.

Perhaps one of the most important

rituals during Police

Week is the Candlelight Vigil,

during which all those who gave

the ultimate sacrifice are memorialized.

It is both somber and

powerful as candles are lit and

the names of the fallen are read

aloud. 2026 will mark the 38th

Annual Candlelight Vigil, on May

13 at the National Mall in Washington,

DC. Instrumental in many

of these events is the participation

and support of Concerns of

Police Survivors. For more information

on the services, please

visit Concerns of Police Survivors

(C.O.P.S.)


NOT SO BRIGHT AWARD

Light Bulb

GAME OVER FOR HPD OFFICER

Houston police officer Ashley Gonzalez terminated

after investigation of racist rant video.

HOUSTON - The Houston Police

Department has terminated the employment

of Ashley Gonzalez after

video surfaced of the officer repeatedly

using a racial slur to describe

Black people.

Mercury helps 200K+ startups and

ecommerce brands earn and save

with free USD wires and uncapped

1.5% cashback on all credit spend.

Apply for an account in just ten

minutes.

She had been relieved of duty

earlier this week, and the police department

announced Friday that she

was no longer an employee.

"In compliance with state civil

service laws, an investigation was

conducted as fast as legally possible,"

the police department said in a

statement.

"The behavior exhibited by Ashley

Gonzalez was abhorrent, disgusting,

and entirely unacceptable," said

Chief J. Noe Diaz, Jr., in a statement.

"It is deeply disturbing and has no

place in law enforcement or in our

community.

Protesters gathered outside of

Houston Police Department headquarters

Friday morning ahead of a

scheduled termination hearing.

Community activists, including

Quanell X and Candace Matthews,

were present and joined community

members in holding posters and

demanding action. The group called

for Gonzalez's termination.


Houston police confirmed earlier

this week that Gonzalez was placed

on leave while the department investigated

a video sent to FOX 26 by

a viewer who alleged the woman in

it was Gonzalez.

In the video, the woman repeatedly

uses a racial slur to describe

Black people.

She also describes an arrest

and says she used that same word

toward the person she was taking

into custody. Later in the video, the

woman says she felt at peace after

being able to say it.

Mayor John Whitmire released

the following statement regarding

the termination of Houston Police

Officer Ashley Gonzalez:

"The comments in the video recorded

by former Houston Police

Officer Ashley Gonzalez are outrageous

and reprehensible. I was

shocked and deeply disappointed

to hear a Houston police officer

use such foul and offensive language.

"Her actions do not reflect the

values of our city or the Houston

Police Department, nor the standards

we expect from those sworn

to serve and protect our community.

"Let me be clear: this behavior

is unacceptable. I applaud HPD

Chief Diaz for suspending Gonzalez

when the department became

aware of the video and firing her

as soon as the state civil service

process allowed.

"Let this incident serve as a

warning to all City of Houston employees.

There is zero tolerance for

racism in my administration, and if

you see it, report it immediately.

My eyebrows? I paid a lot of money for them.


ADS BACK IN THE DAY



ADS BACK IN THE DAY



THERE ARE

parting shots...


NO WORDS


THERE ARE

parting shots...


NO WORDS


NOW HIRING

LE job positions

Blanco County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office Reserve | Part Time Patrol Deputy Constables 05/17/2026

Marlin Police Department Police officer | Recruit 05/03/2026

Glasscock County Sheriff's Office Deputy 05/04/2026

Texas Department of Insurance Fraud Unit Sergeant Investigator 05/05/2026

Alvarado Police Department Peace Officer / Cadet 05/05/2026

Elgin Police Department Patrol Sergeant 05/05/20266

Point Comfort Police Department Peace Officer 05/06/2026

Nassau Bay Police Department Patrol Officer I 05/08/2026

Irion County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriff 05/08/2026

Howe Police Department Police officer/Police Recruitment 05/09/2026

Tarrant County College District Coordinator, Law Enforcement 05/09/2026

Blanco County Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputy 05/10/2026

Grimes County Sheriff's Office Investigator 05/10/2026

Prosper Police Department Police Officers 05/11/2026

Blanco County Sheriff's Office Investigator 05/11/2026

University Park Police Department Peace Officer 05/10/2026

Ferris Police Department DPS Triple Certified Officer (48/96 shifts) 05/05/2026

Ferris Police Department Police Officer (12 hr. shifts) 05/05/2026

Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputy 05/05/2026

Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Investigator (Jacksonville OR Huntsville) 05/01/2026

Carrollton Municipal Court Bailiff 05/18/2026

Bastrop Police Department Detective 05/18/2026

Fort Worth Police Department Police Trainee 05/19/2026

Pilot Point ISD Peace Officer 05/19/2026

Big Springs Police Department Lateral Police Officer 05/19/2026

Archer City Police Department Police Officer 05/04/2026

City of Ferris Department of Public Safety DPS Sergeant 05/05/2026

Blanco County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputy 05/19/2026

South San Antonio ISD Police Department Peace Officer 05/23/2026

Cuero Police Department Peace Officer 06/01/2026

Ennis ISD Police Department Chief of Police 05/20/2026

Parkland Health Dallas Patrol Officer 05/09/2026

Parkland Health Dallas Dispatcher 05/09/2026

University of Texas Permian Basin Police Officer 05/15/2026

George West Police Department School Resource Office 05/25/2026

Lakeview Police Department Patrol Officer 05/25/2026

Jacksboro Police Department Police Officer 05/29/2026

Navarro College Department of Public Safety Patrol Officer 05/31/2026

Tye Police Department Patrol Officer 05/30/2026

Tyler Junior College Campus PD Peace Officer 05/29/2026

Tyler Junior College Campus PD Peace Officer (Sergeant) 05/29/2026

Blanco County Precinct 1 Constables Office reserve/ part-time deputy 05/30/2026

Dimmitt ISD Police Department Campus Police Officer 06/05/2026

Burkburnett Police Department Full-Time Peace Officers 06/07/2026

Highland Village Police Department Police Officer 06/06/2026

Gonzales ISD Police Department Police Officer 06/06/2026

Grayson College Police Department Police Officer 06/06/2026

Fredericksburg Police Department Police Officer 06/05/2026

Hale County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Patrol Opening 05/31/2026

Georgetown Police Department Police Officer 06/09/2026

Cameron Police Department Police Officer 05/01/2026

Troy Police Department Police Officer 06/01/2026

Dimmitt Police Department Police Officer 06/12/2026

Austin CapMetro Police Transit Police Officer 06/13/2026

Grimes County Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputy 06/13/2026

Collin College Police Department Police Officer 05/13/2026

Gainesville ISD Police Department Police Officer 06/12/2026

University of Texas MD Anderson Police Officer 06/01/2026

Cuero Police Department Peace Officer 06/01/2026


NOW HIRING

WELCOME OUR NEWEST DEPARTMENT

LE job positions

WELCOME ABOARD PASADENA PD


NOW HIRING

WELCOME OUR NEWEST DEPARTMENT

LE job positions



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





Your Department's

Recruiting Ad

could be right here!

email us today at

bluespdmag@gmail.com




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

• LATERAL POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT PROGRAM

• EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS ARE PROVIDED

• TAKE HOME VEHICLES WITH A ONE HOUR

RESPONSE TIME

• 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

• TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

• PROGRESSIVE ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING AND

EXTERNAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.

• DIVERSE ASSIGNMENTS SUCH AS SWAT, NARCOTICS,

TRAFFIC, AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

• $5,000 ACADEMY REIMBURSEMENT AND

$4,500 RELOCATION PAY FOR CERTIFIED OFFICERS

• CERTIFIED OFFICERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR $800

MONTHLY HOUSING ALLOWANCE FOR ONE YEAR

• FREE DORMITORY HOUSING FOR NON-CERTIFIED

CADETS IN THE ACADEMY

• LATERAL RECRUIT PROGRAM FOR EXPERIENCED

OFFICERS

Cadet Pay: $54,109/year ~ Certified Officer Pay: $65,538/year

ENTRY LEVEL TESTING ON MARCH 5, 2026

The application deadline is March 2, 2026

Testing for Certified Police Officers is scheduled as needed. Certified

Police Officers are strongly encouraged to apply at anytime.

APPLY TODAY AT WWW.MYBIGSPRING.COM


BIG SPRING POLICE DEPARTMENT

JOIN OUR TEAM!

LATERAL ENTRY POLICE OFFICER

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

BENEFITS

• Health/Vision/Dental Insurance

• Paid Life and AD&D Insurance

• TMRS (2 to 1 match)

• Deferred Compensation with a

6.7% match

• Vacation Buy Back (up to 68

hours annually)

• 12-hour shift schedule, every

other Friday, Saturday, and

Sunday off

• Longevity Service Pay

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Uniforms & Equipment Supplied

• Upfront vacation leave:

• 5yrs—80 hours

• 5 to 10 yrs—120 hours

• 10+yrs—160 hours

3 YEARS EXPERIENCE

$70,578

5 YEARS EXPERIENCE

$72,989

7 YEARS EXPERIENCE

$75,479

10+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

$81,282

• Take home patrol car within one hour response radius

INCENTIVE PAYS

Relocation Pay $4,500

1 yr. Housing Allowance $800/mo

Academy Reimbursement $5,000

Firearm Allowance $800

Associate Degree

Bachelor Degree

Shift Differential

FTO Pay

$1,200/yr.

$2,400/yr.

5% Increase

$50 daily

*The BSPD lateral pay scale pays

for 2 to 10+ years of experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Subject to the same hiring process as all other police officer applicants.

• Must have 12 months certified, full-time, law enforcement experience from a comparable size agency.

• Must not have pending disciplinary actions or investigations for misconduct.

APPLY TODAY

www.mybigspring.com

BIG SPRING POLICE DEPARTMENT

3613 West Highway 80, Big Spring, TX 79720

432-264-2347 ▪ sking@mybigspring.com


BRAZORIA COUNTY

CONSTABLE PCT 3

2436 S. GRAND BLVD. PEARLAND TEXAS 77581

Recruiting

deputy constables

Full & Part Time Positions

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

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


Cuero Police Department

Now Hiring for Patrol Officer Position

Email TCOLE Personal History Statement to sellis@cityofcuero.com


Department Benefits

14 Paid Holidays

2 Weeks Paid Vacation

Certification Pay

100% Insurance Paid for Employees

Retirement 2 to 1 match (20yr Retirement)

FSA for Employees

Longevity Pay

Equipment & Uniforms Provided Including Duty Weapon w/ Red Dot Sight

Take Home Vehicle Within Surrounding Counties

10 Hour Work Shifts

Membership Paid to Local Gym

Department Provided Training

Off-duty Security Opportunities

Starting Pay Depends on Qualifications (Academy Graduates start at $53,400)

Police Academy Tuition Reimbursement opportunity

Requirements: Must be TCOLE Certified or currently enrolled in an accredited Police

Academy and pass a background investigation.


$

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








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

202 Equal The BLUES Opportunity MAY ‘26 Employer

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 further The details

BLUES - MAY ‘26 203


NOW HIRING

ositions


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 --

WATCH HERE FOR NEW DATES

6 YEAR PAY --

7 YEAR PAY --

VISIT LCPDJOBS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION!






Your Department's

Recruiting Ad


email us today at



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

212 Rochelle The BLUES Carr-Lacy MAY ‘26

rcarrlacy@manvelpd.org

Serving Bunker Hill, Piney Point, and Hunters Creek Villages

Opportunity for Experienced Police

Officers

Starting Pay $87,118 Plus Incentives

Incentives:

Certifications: Intermediate $3600, Advanced

$4800, Master $7200 annually

Hiring Bonus $1500

Night Shift Differential $12,000

Bi-Lingual Pay $2400 annually

LCC/FBINA $1800 annually

Education: AD $1200, BA/BS $3600 MD $6000

Health care Insurance 100% for Employee, 75%

for Spouse/Dependents

Requirements:

5 Years Patrol Experience

TCOLE Certified

Valid TX Driver’s License

US Citizen

Positive Attitude

Strong Work Ethic

Problem Solver

Desire to Succeed

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

retirement. COLA 50% of retirement

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

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

FIELD TRAINING OFFICER

$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

• Department Provided Training

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*

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

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





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



PORT HOUSTON

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Thinking of retiring?

Want a change but still want to serve?

Put on a NEW uniform and JOIN US!

YOUR CAREER

OUR PORT

ONE MISSION

NEW!

• No BMI Requirements

• No Polygraph Required

• No Physical Agility

STARTING PAY*

$71,000 up to $81,000

* Salary depends on experience

EMPLOYMENT

TESTING

Employment is contingent on pass

any post-offer pre-employment

screening as listed below:

• Criminal background check

• Motor vehicle record check

• Drug screening

• Physical exam

• Psychological exam


BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

eligible first day of employment

• Vacation & Sick Leave, PLUS Paid Holidays.

(12 days/year).

• 401a & 457 Plans

• Tuition Reimbursement

(Up to the IRS annual limit and a maximum lifetime

reimbursement $25,000)

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 years old

• Must have 2+ years of police officer

experience

• Must have valid Texas Driver’s

• License & be a U.S. Citizen

• Must have an honorable discharge from the

military (if applicable)

• Must never have been convicted of a

• Class A Misdemeanor or above

• Not been convicted of a Class B

misdemeanor within the last 10 years

• Must have a GED or high school diploma

ing

SIGN UP TODAY!

www.porthouston.com/careers-2



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



Your Department's

Recruiting Ad


email us today at








May 2026. Blues Vol 42 No.5

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?