Dr. Frank Kardasz (Ed.D)

By Dee Henry, The Hickory Daily Record (online). May 20, 2008

HICKORY, North Carolina - Every law enforcement officer has a sore spot. For some it’s abusive husbands or people who take advantage of the elderly.

For State Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Christopher Haas, it’s Internet predators, and his work with the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force gets personal.

“I have 6-year-old and 12-year-old daughters, so it certainly brings it home,” said Haas, 43. “When I talk to parents, I’m one of them. I’m having to learn as I go just like they do.”

Haas, along with Special Agents James Lewis and Alexis Carpinteri of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Miami Beach, were recognized earlier this month by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Fraternal Order of Police and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for shutting down a child pornography ring.

Kenneth Rich, the ringleader of the child pornography ring, was sentenced to jail time this month as Haas, Lewis and Carpinteri were receiving their award.

The three were guests of honor at the 13th Congressional Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on May 7. They received plaques commemorating their recognition afterward by John Walsh, co-founder of NCMEC and host of “America’s Most Wanted,” at the NCMEC headquarters in Arlington, Va.

N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper, who has been proactive in the fight against crimes against children, praised Haas and the task force for their continuous effort to find and arrest Internet predators.

“Our agents are dedicated to protecting children and I’m proud of the work they’re doing to make our communities safer,” Cooper said. “This award is well deserved.”

The child pornography ring at the center of the investigation used the Internet to share Web casts of children as young as 5 years old being sexually abused.

Haas began his side of the sting by chatting with Rich in what he calls an “incest chat room.” Officers with the Hickory Police Department, who, like Haas, are on the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, helped Haas. Lewis and Carpinteri were the links on the Miami end.

“Rich distributed numerous movies and images of child pornography to me and also displayed his 5-year-old daughter on Web cam,” Haas said. “Literally, within a day, I flew down and a search warrant was issued on his residence.”

From the first communication with Rich, the sting progressed like dominoes falling, police said. Rich told agents about a father in Texas whom he had watched molest his two daughters over a Web cam, which led to that man’s arrest. That man, in turn, gave up two more people involved in the ring of abusive fathers.

In total, the FBI has saved 12 children who were victims of the pornography ring.

Haas is one of 10 law enforcement officials on the state’s ICAC. ICAC is a nationwide network of law enforcement officials and prosecutors working to protect children from Internet predators.

Retrieved May 21, 2008 from http://www.hickoryrecord.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=HDR/MGArticle/HDR_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173355534750

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 02:08 PM | Permalink

04/04/07, By Steve Hoffman, fcjournal@mchsi.net

LeRoy police officer Michael Bennett was honored with a medal and certificate of commendation for his efforts in saving a life.

Bennett performed CPR on Howard Hauboldt of Wisconsin, a long-haul truck driver staying at LeRoy’s Super 8 Motel, after Hauboldt went into cardiac arrest. Bennett started CPR and directed Hauboldt’s driving partner to assist. Hauboldt was hospitalized in Bloomington and released a week later.
“Officer Bennett responded and applied his training in the highest tradition of the law enforcement profession to save a life. For his efforts, we commend him for being instrumental in saving the life of Howard Hauboldt,” Mayor Dave McClelland.

Retrieved April 5, 2007 from http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/04/03/news/doc46129c4119a92772017571.txt

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From KSLA-TV-DT

Jan 30, 2007

Tuesday night the Shreveport Police Department recognized a number of its officers at its annual Awards and Appreciation Dinner. The banquet was sponsored by the Agurs Business Association and was held at the Riverview Hall in downtown Shreveport.

Two of those officers received the Medal of Valor after they were involved in a gun battle with a suspect who had just shot his ex-girlfriend. The woman survived the attack and was at the banquet to thank the officers.

Here's a list of the awards presented at Tuesday's banquet:

--Volunteer of the Year - Claire Mayseal
--Auxiliary Officer of the Year - Calvin Kimble
--Auxiliary Officers who volunteered more than 200 hours - Bryan Aycock, Waylon Branch, Joe Colmer, Don Dalton, Sidney Gras, Lucy James, Calvin Kimble, Jack Miller, Lisa Thomas, Howard Tyndall and Dennis Youngblood.
--Chief's Appreciation Awards - Sgt. Mike Kellum, Ron Chatelain and Jennifer Oakley
--Community Oriented Police Bureau personnel recognized - Capt. Wayne Smith, Lt. Riley Young, Sgt. Keith Grant, Sgt. Dwayne Malone, Sgt. Robin Snyder, Cpls. Mary Coburn, Meosha Deal, Robert Elliott, Bill Goodin, Jimmy Thomas, Van Wray, and Neighborhood Assistance Team members Marianne Beaty, Bobby Henderson, Mary Ellen Hoffman and Sandra Lister.
--Life Saving Awards - Cpl. John Delgado and El Dorado employees Diana Gooin and Jerry Willared, Cpl. Daniel Atkins, Cpl. Pete D'Arcy, Officer Srederick Matthews, Cpl. Van Wray, Cpl. Robert Grant, Lt. Jim Haacker, Sgt. Kevin Goodwin, Officers Freddie Clinton, Billy Ray Johnson and Jermaine Babers
--Medals of Valor - Cpl. Joshua Feliciano and Officer Freddie Clinton
Uniformed Services Awards
--Rookie of the Year - Officer Bryan Lauzon
--Training Officer of the Year - Officer Robert Gordon
--Officer of the Year - Cpl. Cody Cisco
--Special Achievement - Cpl. Jim Germain, Cpl. Norman March, Cpl. Lindsay Bonner, Officer Richard Turpen, Officer Christopher Hembree, and Officer DeAndre Belle
--Supervisor of the Year - Lt. Don Johnson
--Civilian of the Year - Sandra Lister
-- Unit Citations to the members of the K-9 Unit - Lt. Leroy Azlin, Sgt. Mike LaSuzzo, Cpl. William S. Arnold, Cpl. Clint Cain, Officer Jon Flores, Cpl. Jerry Curtis, Cpl. William E. Bates, Officer Tobey Morrison, Cpl. Daniel Sawyer, and Officer Chad Dailey
--Unit Citations to the members of the DWI Unit - Sgt. Brian Winn, Cpl. Daniel Atkins, Cpl. Robert Robinson, Cpl. Wiley Willis, Officer Michael Bennett, and Officer John Stratton
Investigations Awards
--Investigator of the Year - Det. Russell Ross
--Supervisor of the Year - Sgt. Anna Trammell
--Civilian of the Year - Lisa Layne
--Unit Citations to the members of the Caddo-Shreveport White collar Crime Task Force - SPD Sgt. Patrick Duncan, Det. Jeff Gilmour, Det. Kim Anderson, Det. Greg Rudell, Det. Jason Person, Caddo Sgt. Mickey McDaniel, Det. Alan Davidson, Det. James M. Lewis, Det. Robert Greer, Det. Bobby Herring
--Unit Citations to the members of the Homicide and Robbery Units - Capt. Cheryl Jeter, Lt. Kim Price, Sgt. Jimmy Muller, Sgt. Brian Strange, Lt. Mike Tong, Sgt. Jody Jones and Detectives Lane Smith, Shawn Hinderberger, Jeff Brown,  Rod Demery, Rod Johnson,  Pat McConnell, James Cromer, Eric Farquhar, Chip Rose, Lowell Bowen, Sgt. Kevin Crow and Detectives Russell Ross, Craig Ivy, Mike McConnell, Chris Yarborough, and Paul Robinson
--Special Achievement - Det. Brandon Oritz, Cpl. Manuel Rosado and Lt. Mike Laing
Support Division Awards
--Officer of the Year - PCOI Gwin Graham
--Supervisor of the Year - Lt. Jackie Willis
--Civilian of the Year - Brenda Sims
--Unit Citations to the members of the Shreveport Regional Police Academy - Lt. Vickie Fields,  Sgt. Doug Garsee, Sgt. Greg Alexander, Cpl. Diana Sanchez, Cpl. Anthony Adams, Cpl. Michael Crisp, Cpl. Jason Brook, Cpl. Rodney Horton, and Jean Pope
--Special Achievement - Lt. Rodney Price
Administration Awards
--Supervisor of the Year - Sgt. Todd Eatman
--Civilian of the Year - Bernard Reilly
--Unit Citations to the members of the Office of Operational Integrity - Capt. Mike Clary, Lt. Tom Amundson, Sgt. Mike Kellum and Sgt. Richard Carroll.

From WorldNow and KSLA, a Raycom Media station.
Retrieved January 31, 2007 from http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=6013380&nav=menu50_1_1

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By Karen James, 01/04/07, QueensCourier.com

Police & FBI investigators inspect the scene of the shootout after a bank robbery at the HSBC Bank located at 87-03 Queens Boulevard on Saturday, December 30, 2006.

An off-duty police officer from Ozone Park continues to recover from a gunshot wound he received over the holiday weekend after thwarting an attempt by two men identified as career criminals by Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly to hijack his family's car for use as a getaway vehicle following a bank robbery they had allegedly committed moments earlier.

“Officer Lopez could have no way of knowing how dangerous the individuals he encountered this afternoon were,” said Kelly in a statement released following the incident in which Lopez chased down one of the two suspects despite having been shot in the leg by him.

Police Officer John Lopez, 37, was seated in his family's car with his wife, Peggy, 4-month-old son and mother-in-law when two men wearing masks and gloves approached the car, police said. One man, Dion Mines, tried to open the passenger door as the other, Joseph Pennington, knocked on the driver's window with a gun and told Lopez to get out.

Lopez, who according to published reports doesn't want to be labeled a hero for his actions, shouted while identifying himself as police. He then bolted from the car and began to chase the two men north on 55th Avenue in Elmhurst and away from the HSBC Bank at 87-03 Queens Boulevard that police said had just been robbed.

According to the police, Mines and Pennington had entered the bank shortly after 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 30 where they gathered employees and customers together at a single teller's station at gunpoint. They carried blue bags into which they ordered tellers to empty their cash drawers, as they are suspected of having done in two previous robberies at nearby Citibank and North Fork branches also on Queens Boulevard.

Published reports put the amount they stole in the HSBC heist at about $15,000. Off-duty police officer John Lopez was shot in the leg while pursuing a suspect and was brought to Elmhurst Hospital.     

While fleeing, Pennington turned and shot at Lopez. Lopez returned the fire. Both men shot a second time. Lopez hit Pennington in the abdomen and leg and Pennington hit Lopez in the upper left thigh. According to police, Pennington dropped his .38-caliber pistol and a bag of money as he fell to the ground. The injured Lopez then moved in to contain Pennington before he could recover his gun.

Police captured Mines, who was released from prison after serving 15 years for manslaughter in 2006, along with a second bag of money from his hiding spot beneath a car parked at a nearby diner, they said. According to police, Pennington had previously been arrested 16 times on charges that included 20 felonies-six of which were for criminal possession of a weapon. A gun was recovered at the scene.     

Mines was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn on Sunday, December 31, on charges of armed bank robbery, two counts of car jacking and use of a loaded fire arm. He is being held without bail and could face up to life in prison if convicted of the charges, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney.

As of press time, Pennington remained in critical condition at Elmhurst Hospital, according to a spokesperson there.

Retrirved January 6, 2007 from http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2007/01/04/headline_news/news01.txt

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By Josh Edwards, The Paris News, 10/31/06

Paris, Texas - Ask almost anyone in Paris what they think about the police department recently honoring officer William “Will” Albright, and they'll just scratch their head and wonder who the mysterious lawman is.

Albright, who was killed in 1874, is the 10th Lamar County peace officer to be recognized for losing his life in the line of duty. Information about Albright has been sent to police organizations in Austin and to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC.

The officer was attempting to arrest 20-year-old Sam Provine and a man known only as McMiller at a house of “ill fame” when he was shot, according to an 1874 edition of North Texas Enterprise in Bonham. During the arrest attempt, the two men shot Albright in the neck, and he died.

Provine and McMiller were arrested and held for examination. No records have been found that show the final disposition of the case. It is possible that they were destroyed in a fire at Lamar County Courthouse.

Albright was survived by a wife and two children. His burial location is unknown.

The lawman's death was discovered by retired Dallas County Sheriff's Office Assistant Chief Deputy Terry Baker. It was Baker who previously discovered eight other Lamar County officers killed in the line of duty. The ninth officer, David Roberts, was killed in 1985, and no research was needed.

Other officers killed on the job include:

Matt Green, March 1, 1867; Lamar County Sheriff's Department;

James H. Black, Nov. 16, 1884, sheriff-elect;

Henry Clay Davis, Dec. 27, 1885, LCSD;

Ben. J. Hill, Oct. 19, 1902, Blossom city marshal;

William C. Shultz, March 6, 1904, Paris Police department;

William Robert Draper, Feb. 5, 1909, Precinct 1 deputy constable;

Duain S. Cross, July 20, 1920, Paris Police Department; and

George R. Robertson, Sept. 10, 1940, chief deputy sheriff.

Schultz holds the distinction as the only officer to be killed by accident by another police officer. He was shot by a fellow officer in 1904 when the two were on foot patrol in an alley. The other officer's pistol fell out of his pocket, struck the ground on the hammer and fired. The bullet struck Schultz in the left thigh and traveled upward into his body. He died approximately two weeks later, on March 6, 1904.

Retrieved November 11, 2006 from http://web.theparisnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=b4cb82f67d6f5042

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New York Post, 11/01/06, By Steve Dunleavy

After more than four decades as an NYPD cop, Lt. Phil Panzarella sometimes acted more like Howard Stern than Dr. Joyce Brothers when dealing with hostage-takers.

"Listen, you f - - -. You've pulled me out of a warm bed to talk to you and I'm pissed. Now you let those people go!" were often the standard words of Lt. Phil.

"Don't get me wrong," he said, "to talk a hostage-taker out of doing something that'll cost lives, you have to exhaust all the methods: soft, reasonable, sympathetic approaches. "But there are instances, particularly if the hostage-taker has been institutionalized, a blunt, authoritative voice speaking the language of the street works."

Lt. Panzarella, 62 years old with 41 years on the force, retired yesterday after being everything from street cop to homicide detective to chief of the Queens Cold Case Squad. "We had . . . a case where the guy was clearly a case of suicide by police," he recalled.  There was no talking. He came out of an apartment . . . blazing with a shotgun . . . Emergency Service guys couldn't get a clear shot at him because they were shooting over their protective shields." The cops wounded the psycho, but Phil laughed when he recalled, "Later, he told us, 'If I had known you guys were such bad shots, I would have done the job myself.' "

Like so many cops, he's had his moments when he thought the end was certainly near. Martin Yamin, former Circuit Court judge from Baltimore, went to the dark side and became a stick-up man. Panzarella remembers their confrontation: "At the top of one flight of stairs, this guy appears above us and has a clear shot. He pulls the trigger, nothing. We take him down." Luckily, the trigger guard jammed - or else we'd have lost one of our best.

steve.dunleavy@nypost.com

Retrieved November 1, 2006 from http://www.nypost.com/seven/11012006/news/columnists/salute_to_everyday_hero_cop_columnists_steve_dunleavy.htm

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The Warren Reporter, 10/13/06

Mansfield, New Jersey -- Detective Michael Reilly of the Mansfield Police Department washonored by the mayor and township committeelast monthfor his investigative work which lead to the solving of twocasesfrom June and July.

Reilly, who has been with the Mansfield Township Police Departmentabout 10 years, was first commended for recovering a suspect who stole a Ford F-350 truck and various auto parts from Port Murray Auto Salvage on June 21.

Reilly used the auto salvage videotape system to obtain a picture of the suspectas hedrove the truck out of the salvage yard and crashed through the gate.The suspect was at the yard at an earlier date and was interested in buying a truck.

Reilly tracked the suspect to New Brunswick, but did not find him at home, and advised neighbors that a vehicle had been stolen. The suspect was arrested soon after without incident andhas since been incarcerated in the Warren County Jail.

In July, Reilly arrested a suspect who hadexposed himself to two young children in the Mansfield Township Wal-Mart.Though the suspect left the store and drove away after theincident, the children and their parents were able to obtain a partial license plate number on the mini-van he drove away in.

Reilly then used the Wal-Mart security video system, obtaining a better picture of the vehicle and suspect with 10 hours of reviewing the video and using video enhancement equipment of the New Jersey State Police. Reilly also obtained assistance from a local car dealer and eventually identified asuspect vehiclein Ocean County, which led to the arrest of the suspect, who was a registered sex offender.

At a Sept. 27 Mansfield Township Committee meeting, Reilly was honored for his exemplary and exceptional efforts and investigative techniques andwas awarded theExceptional Service Medal on behalf of the citizens of the Township of Mansfield.

"He's done an excellent job. He really deserved it," said Mansfield Township Police Chief Doug Ort.

Retrieved October 30, 2006 from http://www.nj.com/news/warrenreporter/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1160712722100220.xml&coll=15

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 04:00 PM | Permalink

10-22-06

A hero cop risked her life diving into the sea to save a distressed woman. Constable Faith Cooper leapt into the outer harbour at Castletown in a desperate bid to rescue the suicidal woman.

The 33-year-old said it was all in a day's work, but her bravery has earned her a nomination for a commendation from Chief Constable Mike Culverhouse. Deputy Chief Constable Mike Langdon said Faith had put her life at risk, but acted without fear for her personal safety.

Night had fallen when the call came in from a member of the public that a woman was threatening to throw herself in the harbour. Faith was dispatched from Castletown police station, and found the distressed woman at the end of the breakwater.

'She had already been in the water, and was on the steps into the harbour when I arrived,' said Faith. 'I was trying to talk to her, but she made it clear she was going to go back into the water.

'She went back down the steps, so I ran down after her and followed her into the water. 'She was struggling. I thought at one point she would pull me right under, but I managed to get her to the water's edge.'

The man who had raised the alarm and Faith's colleague Constable Adrian Brooks, who had arrived from Port Erin, helped lift the woman from the water. The woman was uninjured and able to receive the help she needed. Modest Faith, who has been based in the south for three years, played down her heroics. 'It is just part of my job,' she said. 'You don't think twice about it. 'I think it has to be part of the job, but it is also just human instinct as well. We are here to preserve life. 'I am just glad I was in the area and close by. Also, if it hadn't been for the gentleman who phoned it in, it may have turned out differently.'

It isn't the first time Faith's heroics have drawn accolades, she was commended after risking her life to rescue a woman from a house fire while working in South Wales, before she transferred here in 2000. Mr Langdon said: 'Without fear for her personal safety she entered the water at Castletown harbour to help a vulnerable female.

'She had to go down a set of slimy steps, entered the sea and ended up struggling with this woman. She put her life at risk trying to restrain and rescue the woman, but managed to pull her out of the water, with the assistance of another police officer and a member of the public.

'We are enormously proud of our officers, that they take this sort of incident as an every day occurrence, their duty and something which is expected of them.'

Retrieved October 24, 2006 from http://www.iomonline.co.im/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=870&ArticleID=1837227

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 06:40 PM | Permalink

Heavily armed gunman felled with two shots

By Kristina Davis, Union-Tribune Staff Writer, October 14, 2006

It is a modern-day gunbattle destined to be retold by cops for years to come. A lone sergeant miraculously dodges 30 rounds from a fully automatic AK-47 and single-handedly takes down the gunman with two well-placed shots from his rifle. One year later, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Kirk Van Orsdel still has moments of disbelief when he recalls how he was able to walk away from the firefight of his life. “It was a whole lot of luck and someone watching over me,” is the only explanation he can give.

The shootout, which unfolded on a Riverside County freeway July 21, 2005, has thrust the soft-spoken sergeant into the national spotlight with recognitions for his heroism. On Sunday, he will be honored in Parade magazine's “Officer of the Year” issue as one of 10 honorable mentions for the prestigious award, given by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He will fly to Boston on Tuesday for the award ceremony. Van Orsdel won the national “Trooper of the Year” award given by the association this year. “I was very surprised I was a finalist,” said Van Orsdel, 43, who now oversees administrative operations at the CHP station in Oceanside. “We don't get recognized very often for doing the right thing.”

The morning of July 21 started out quietly enough in the desert near Cabazon, where Van Orsdel had begun his shift as a field supervisor. At 7:43 a.m., a woman called 911 to report she was being chased and shot at by a man driving a gray Lincoln. Van Orsdel spotted the cars immediately as they exited the freeway, and the driver of the Lincoln sped away after seeing an officer behind him. The sergeant followed him going the wrong way on the freeway, then into an intersection, where the man abruptly stopped. The first shot rang out, just missing Van Orsdel's head. “I never saw the gun, but I heard the shot, saw the hole in the windshield and was sprayed with glass,” he recalled.

The chase continued, followed by more exchanges of gunfire. At that moment, the gunman glanced over at a gas station and spotted his former girlfriend, the woman he had been chasing on the freeway. He opened fire on her as she ran inside, and then turned his gun back on Van Orsdel in another spray of bullets. Van Orsdel picked up the chase again, following him to the entrance of the Morongo Indian Reservation, where the driver stopped near the guard shack. Van Orsdel knew he had only seven rounds in his handgun, but he had readied his .22-caliber rifle. Suddenly, the gunman peeked over the roof of his car, giving Van Orsdel his first glimpse of the weapon he was up against. “I recognized right away it was an AK-47 and got a pretty sick feeling,” Van Orsdel said. “There was 45 feet between us. He opened up on me and he was on full automatic. The first burst hit the windshield. He sprayed gunfire and the rounds barely missed me.

I started firing blindly toward his car, and he stopped.” At one point, the gunman raised his rifle toward the unarmed guard ducking nearby. Van Orsdel finally got the gunman in the open and hit him with two rounds. “He bent over, and I realized I was empty. I reloaded my rifle, and he came up again to fire, but he was either empty or had a malfunction,” Van Orsdel said. “At that point he throws the rifle down, does a spread eagle belly flop, and gives up.” The incident lasted only about four minutes, Van Orsdel said, but it seemed like forever. “For a split second, I thought he had me. I had a bad headache, blood running into my eye and down my face. I started checking myself and realized that I didn't get shot.” Van Orsdel had been peppered with glass shards and bullet fragments, but was otherwise uninjured. The gunman, later identified as Gustavo Sanchez, survived his wounds and was found guilty of all charges. He faces seven years to life in prison and is set to be sentenced Friday .

Looking back, Van Orsdel says 19 years of training and the right mindset helped keep him alive. “Afterward, everything sinks in, and I think, 'I almost got killed and orphaned my kids,' ” said the sergeant, who had lost his wife to cancer just three months earlier. “You just don't give up. You never give up.”

Kristina Davis: (760) 476-8233; kristina.davis@uniontrib.com Retrieved October 14, 2006 from http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20061014-9999-2m14chp.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 12:29 AM | Permalink

A Dennis, Massachusetts police officer was honored Friday for helping pull a woman from water in 2005. Ofc. Nick Patsavos received the George L. Hanna Meritorious Conduct Award for his heroic actions in saving the life of a woman from the Bass River.

Officer Patsavos was nominated for the actions he took when he had responded to the Bass River in the area of the Highbank Bridge for a report of a woman who had jumped into the river from the bridge. On arrival, Officer Patsavos entered the river, swam out to the woman and successfully brought her back to shore, all the while disregarding his own safety in the frigid, swiftly flowing water.

The Hanna Awards recognize officers throughout Massachusetts for outstanding acts of bravery and courage and are the State’s highest awards for bravery. The awards are given in honor of George L. Hanna, a Massachusetts State Police Trooper who was killed in the line of duty on February 26, 1983.

Posted on 10/14 at 8:00 AM.
Retrieved October 14, 2006 from http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/CWN/2006/10/14/dennis_police_officer_honored

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Officer honored for aiding woman - Elderly lady was choking
 
The Union staff, TheUnion.com, Western Nevada County, California

October 10, 2006

The Grass Valley California Police Department's traffic officer was commended by the City Council for saving an elderly woman's life as she choked on food at a local restaurant.

Brian Hooper, the city's motorcycle traffic officer, was investigating an abandoned vehicle Aug. 1 in the parking lot at McDonald's Restaurant on Nevada City Highway when he noticed a commotion inside.

He found an elderly woman on the floor choking and struggling for air, so he called for an ambulance. Then the woman stopped breathing and her face started to turn blue.

According to a report by Grass Valley Police Capt. Greg Hart, Hooper and the woman's son administered CPR until the woman began to breath on her own.

"Officer Hooper's quick thinking and swift response saved this woman's life," Hooper wrote. "Officer Hooper is an asset to the Grass Valley Police Department and an outstanding representative to the community."

Retrieved October 12, 2006 from http://www.theunion.com/article/20061010/NEWS/110100162

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New York Daily News - By Nancy Dillon, Jess Wisloski, Jordan LIte and Dave Goldiner, Daily News Staff Writers, October 2nd, 2006

Phyllis Fine wanted to thank her lifesaver - hero cop Louis Gubitosi - just one more time. In a touching reunion, the Brooklyn woman embraced Gubitosi yesterday and praised the sharpshooting officer for nailing the knife-wielding psycho who had held her hostage Saturday morning.

"It felt good; it felt really good," said Fine, 54, who escaped physically unharmed from the life-and-death drama. "I probably should have hugged him more. I hugged his mom." Fine could hardly come up with the words to express her gratitude to the 25-year-old Iraq war veteran during the emotional reunion inside his grandmother's home in Sunset Park. "I told him thank you again and again," she said. "And I told his family, thank you for giving birth to him. I wouldn't be here otherwise."

Fine was walking down Smith St. in Cobble Hill when runaway mental patient Joseph Bernazard grabbed her by the hair, pulled out a knife and threatened to kill her. Cops quickly surrounded them in front of the Met Food supermarket and tried to reason with Bernazard, 26, who had cut another woman and was screaming, "Kill me now! I want to die!" Gubitosi killed him when he managed to get a clear shot. "It was me and all my partners doing our job," he said, humbly.

Even as Fine gushed with praise for the officer, Bernazard's family blasted officials at Long Island College Hospital for letting the ranting lunatic walk out of an emergency room Friday night. They demanded to know why no one notified his family, even though he had complained of hearing voices closing in on him. "They should never have let him leave," said his sister Yolanda Bernazard, 35, who has hired a lawyer. "They have to keep a better eye on him." Hospital officials said they were cooperating with cops, but refused to say what procedures were followed in Bernazard's case.

State law requires hospitals to keep mentally ill patients if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.

Police brass praised Gubitosi - and steely-nerved 76th Precinct Lt. Robert Haley for giving him the order to shoot. "Lt. Haley's calm, disciplined approach brought order to a chaotic situation," Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly told the Daily News.

Fellow cops noted that Haley, who shied away from the spotlight, wasn't afraid to go out on a limb in hopes ofsaving a hostage's life. "This couldn't have happened without levelheaded and decisive supervision," said Lt. Thomas Sullivan of the Lieutenants Benevolent Association.

Gubitosi, 25, nicknamed "Rocky," grew up in Sunset Park and graduated from Fort Hamilton High School. He joined the Marines and fought in an elite unit in Iraq - and insisted he didn't do anything special Saturday. "The situation dictated our actions," he said. Modesty aside, his father knows a hero when he sees one. "He stepped up when it mattered," said Phil Gubitosi, 44, a retired cop. "To me, he's a hero."

With Jonathan Lemire and Ernie Naspretto

Retrieved October 3, 2006 from http://www.nydailynews.com

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By Manny Gonzales, September 22, 2006, Denver Post Staff Writer

Aurora police Detective Michael D. Thomas wrestled a knife from a man 15 years ago while responding to a domestic violence call and was stabbed in the forehead in the melee.

Awarded for valor with the department's highest commendation, Thomas was never caught wearing his medal of honor for the same reason he drove a beat up Chrysler sedan when he could have afforded something nicer.

"Because that was just Mike," his commanding officer Lt. John Sopranuk said Thursday, a day after Thomas was gunned down at Peoria Street and Montview Boulevard in the blue Chrysler so many of his fellow officers ribbed him about. "He wasn't flashy, he was humble and everyone loved him for that."

On Thursday, a day after Thomas' death, officers shared tears and smiled over stories of their friend, the fourth Aurora police officer killed in the line of duty. Even Chief Daniel Oates, who says he didn't know Thomas very well, choked back tears as he recounted how Thomas put himself between a knife and other officers.

"Officer Thomas acted with courage and integrity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty," Oates said. "There is a sense of a grieving statewide in the law enforcement and government community, and it's pretty overwhelming."

Thomas will be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard.

A fund has been set up to help Thomas' family. Donations can be made to the Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union in care of the Mike Thomas Fund, Oates said.

Staff writer Manny Gonzales can be reached at 303-954-1537 or mgonzales@denverpost.com

Retrieved September 23, 2006 from http://www.denverpost.com/ci_4375357?source=rss

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 08:37 PM | Permalink

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 01:40 PM | Permalink

Press Association, September 12, 2006

Police hero Stephen Oake is due to be honoured with a memorial stone at the place where he was murdered by an al Qaida terrorist. Detective Constable Oake, 40, was stabbed to death as he tried to restrain Kamel Bourgass after an anti-terror raid on a house in Crumpsall, Manchester, in January 2003. The father-of-three was the first British police officer killed in the current war on terror. A permanent stone memorial will be unveiled by his widow, Lesley, outside the house where her husband died. A short service will also be held attended by his children, Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Mike Todd and film director Michael Winner. Winner said: "It will be one of our normal, upright memorials outside the house where he fell and simply says "Here fell DC Stephen Oake" and the date. The officer's killer grabbed a kitchen knife, slashing and stabbing officers and knifing Dc Oake fatally, before he was restrained. Bourgass, already on the run after police smashed a ricin terror plot in London, grabbed a kitchen knife in an attempt to escape. He was jailed for life at the Old Bailey last year.

Press Association Ltd., 2006
Retrieved September 13, 2006 from http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6074156,00.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 04:19 PM | Permalink

Honor commemorating state trooper goes to 17-year veteran
By Mike Billington, The News Journal
September 4, 2006
 
Sgt. Vincent Fiscella is the third police officer to receive the award from The Ronald G. Williams foundation. Sgt. Vincent Fiscella, a 17-year Delaware State Police veteran whose peers praise his commitment to always "do the right thing," has been chosen to receive the third annual Legacy of Honor Award from The Ronald G. Williams Foundation.

The organization was co-founded by Catherine Kennedy and Jennifer Hawkins in honor of their brother, a highly respected state trooper who died in an auto accident in 2002. They established the award to honor police officers who best exemplify his commitment to duty, honor and service, Kennedy said. "The award seemed like a good way to encourage the kind of commitment to duty, honor, loyalty and serving others that were hallmarks of Ronnie's life," Kennedy said.

"Ronnie had a compassion for others that came through in the way he worked with colleagues, in his dedication to the job, his expertise in many different areas and his service to the community," she said. "We didn't want that sense of commitment to be lost in the next generation of law enforcement." State police Major Joe Papili, last year's winner, agreed.

"Ron Williams was a personal friend of mine and a fellow trooper that was always willing to give of himself to help others no matter what the circumstances," he said. 'I'm truly humbled by the award'

Fiscella, who is also president of the Delaware State Troopers Association, was nominated by his peers and chosen because of his continued integrity in serving the community, Kenned said. A Hockessin resident, Fiscella said he was pleased when told he was this year's recipient.

"While in my eyes others are more deserving, I'm truly humbled by the award. Ronnie was a dedicated trooper and friend, and to be part of his legacy is something that I will always cherish," he said. Papili said Fiscella is an excellent choice for the award.

"He is one of the most dedicated, caring and unselfish people I know. He is very trustworthy, honest and committed to doing the right thing for the right reason," Papili said. In addition, he said, Fiscella "is a man of his word, dedicated to giving back to the community that he serves and is extremely dedicated to his family and faith. A true team player."

Fiscella said he became a state trooper out of a desire to be part of an elite organization, one with a rich tradition and history. He said he has remained a trooper because it offers him new challenges and an opportunity to serve his community. "I enjoy the many challenges of policing," he said, adding that "frankly, there has never been a time in our lives so important as now to serve in this profession."

Although the foundation grew out of tragedy, its mission has always been a positive one, Papili said. Foundation also doles out scholarships. In addition to the Legacy of Honor award, the foundation gives out three annual scholarships to high school students in the region. It also serves as a support organization for law enforcement personnel and their families.

"The foundation has and continues to provide the opportunity for those in law enforcement to gather for fundraisers, community and social events, to share common experiences and to provide a sense of relief and compassion to those who are experiencing the same loss that the Williams family has gone through," he said.

Fiscella will receive his award Sept. 22 at the foundation's annual dinner at the White Clay Creek Country Club in Stanton. Contact Mike Billington at 324-2761 or mbillington@delawareonline.com.

Retrieved September 9, 2006 from http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060904/NEWS/609040334

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 05:52 PM | Permalink

Wisconsin Police Officer Honored by Legion

8/31/2006 8:02 AM

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 31 /U.S. Newswire/ - Police Officer Charles Roessler of the Milwaukee Police Department was presented The American Legion National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award at the organization's 88th National Convention in Salt Lake City. "Officer Roessler has an outstanding track record both in law enforcement and community service," said American Legion National Commander Thomas L. Bock, "He is well-deserving of this honor, and I'm proud to present it to him." Officer Roessler is a 24-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department and a member of the 128th Security Police Squadron of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Prior to joining the squadron, Roessler served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force. A fellow legionnaire, Roessler is also a long-time member of American Legion Milwaukee Police Post 415 and currently serves as the Sergeant at Arms for the Fourth District in the Department of Wisconsin.

On-duty, Roessler has more than 12 merit arrests for burglary, armed robbery, and fraud. He's received over a dozen letters of appreciation from citizens and service groups, trained more than 20 new recruits as a field training officer, and received 15 letters of commendation of meritorious arrests. Off-duty, he also has been nothing short of exemplary. Roessler has volunteered countless hours to many causes in Wisconsin. He served as chairman of the Make-a-Wish Foundation and was a wish granter from 1988-2003. He also has volunteered numerous hours of his time to the Special Olympics, Milwaukee Police Athletic League coaching basketball teams comprised of endangered youth, and the Milwaukee Teen on Teen Initiative Program among several others.
The American Legion, the nation's largest veterans organization, honors outstanding law enforcement officers annually, consistent with its founding commitment to "Law and Order."

Contact Ramona Joyce, 202-263-2982, 202-445-1161 (cell) or Joe March, 317- 630-1253, 317-748-1926 (cell), both of the American Legion Web: http://www.legion.org
http://www.usnewswire.com/

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 06:29 PM | Permalink

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 04:43 PM | Permalink

August 10, 2006, by Bob Allen, TowsonTimes.com

Officer Ronald Jones, who was recently chosen 2005 Officer of the Year in the Cockeysville Precinct, spent over a decade in information technology before pursuing his first love, law enforcement.  Officer Ronald Jones, recently named the Cockeysville Precinct's 2005 Officer of the Year, was a latecomer to law enforcement.

Before joining the Baltimore County Police Department 13 years ago, Jones spend more than a decade in information technology. But law enforcement had always been his first love. "It's what I always wanted to do," said Jones, 47, who was born in Baltimore and now lives in south-central Pennsylvania. "And it was absolutely the right decision - that's why I'm still here."

Jones was nominated for Precinct 7's annual honor by Sgt. Eric Keith of the precinct's community action team. "Officer Jones has repeatedly shown an ability to be creative in developing his investigative methods," Keith wrote. "He has used every resource at his disposal, as well as a great deal of teamwork to bring (cases) to successful conclusions."

Jones, who serves on Precinct 7's community action team, came to law enforcement in 1993, in his mid- thirties.  "I just wanted to do something that would help the citizens out," he said of the career change. Before Cockeysville, he worked out of the Garrison and Woodlawn precincts. He is a also man of relatively few words when it comes to singing his own praises. "I just like to give 100 percent," said "That's just what I'm here for. That's what I do."

In his nominating letter, Keith, his supervisor, sang Jones's praises for him. He said Jones's efforts in 2005 resulted in the completion of 56 field investigation reports and led to 51 arrests, 14 of them for possession of controlled dangerous substances. Jones said that attention to detail required during his years of repairing computers and computer systems serves him well as a police investigator. "You're often putting a puzzle together," he said. "It's a tedious process, but it all comes together in the end.

"I also dealt with the public when I was doing computer work," he said. "That also helped me out as a police officer, just the experience of dealing with other people." As an example of Jones's creativity and doggedness in investigating cases, Keith recalled a complaint that Jones was assigned to follow up that involved a man who was harassing female clerks at a local 7-Eleven. The man flashed a badge and handcuffs and bragged that he was a federal drug enforcement agent.
The man also appeared to be wearing a gun, which was later found to be a pellet gun. At one point, the impersonator gave one of the clerks a piece of paper with his phone number and part of his name on it. With this tidbit and quite a few hours of subsequent investigation, Jones came up with a possible suspect - a man who had previously been arrested for impersonating a police officer and illegally possessing a handgun.

Using mug shots from the subsequent arrest, Jones put together "a photo show" of the suspect. He showed it to the store clerks who confirmed that he'd found their impersonator. A subsequent search of the suspect's home turned up a bullet-proof vest, handcuffs, a badge, a police-style "raid jacket" and a pellet gun in a holster.

Jones said he took that case personally, just as he does with most of his cases. "The two clerks at that store were scared to death by this guy," he said. "That made me want to pursue the case even more." More recently, Jones played a key role in the investigation into the rape of a 90-year-old Cockeysville woman in March. That case was solved when a county police officer happened to spot and recover a red sweatshirt that had been discarded along the roadside a few blocks from the rape scene.

The sweatshirt contained the minuscule DNA sample that led to the arrest of a suspect in the rape. The officer who found it? Jones. In his report, Keith said that he wouldn't mind having a few more officers with Jones's dedication.

"He uses every resource at his disposal, as well as a great deal of teamwork to bring cases to successful conclusions," Keith said. "The example that he sets with his work ethic is one that should be emulated by others striving to be exceptional officers."

E-mail Bob Allen at Bob Allen@patuxent.com

Retrieved August 11, 2006 from http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=659&NewsID=739372&CategoryID=1840&on=1

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 03:29 PM | Permalink

Aug 7, 2006
 
DeKalb Count, Georgia - A DeKalb County Schools resource officer was given national honors for saving a boy's life.

Jeremy Tims says it was one of the scariest days of his young life. "There's this boy named Zachary. And sometimes I like to play with him. And if I died, I wouldn't get to play with him again," said Tims.

Tims choked on a large piece of candy on March 9th while sitting in his third grade classroom at Crossville School. "It went down in my throat and then I was struggling because it was hard for me to breathe," said Tims. Luckily, Deputy Chip Richards was just across the hall. "Yes, it was scary. When you see a child choking and you're out of breath, can't get your breath, or for whatever reason. Yeah, it would be scary. It'd be scary for anybody," said Richards.

Richards kept his cool and jumped into action. "He did the thing where he grabs a hold of your belly and then jerks it," said Tims. Richards performed the Heimlich Maneuver on Tims. He says he didn't think much about it until Tims' father made sure the proper authorities knew Richards saved his boy's life. "Words can't express the feelings that I have for Chip Richards," said Bobbie Long, Tims' father.

Richards was given a very special honor at the DeKalb County Teachers In-Service Meeting on Monday. He received a National Medal of Valor from the National Association of School Resource Officers for his heroic actions. "I'm overwhelmed by this. I never thought anything like this would ever come of an incident that happened with Jeremy. It's overwhelming. I'm humbled and honored," said Richards. Richards is one of four people honored with National Medal of Valor.

WorldNow and WAFF, a Raycom Media station.
Retrieved August 11, 2006 from http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=5250617
 

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 03:22 PM | Permalink

By Rachel Myers, rmyers@news-press.com
The News-Press, August 11, 2006
 
Cape Coral, Florida - The Cape Coral police officer who fired his gun June 23 at the scene of a double homicide was awarded a Medal of Valor on Thursday and named Officer of the Month.

Josh Silko said he was overwhelmed to receive the medal. Silko, 23, was the first officer to arrive at 1021 Southwest 18th Terrace after a 911 call from Amy Ciesla, 27. When he arrived, police said, he heard gunshots inside the home. Ciesla's estranged husband, Thomas Ciesla, 28, a former Collier County corrections officer, had killed his wife's father, Thomas Podejko, 63, and aunt Carol Lindner, 62, before turning a gun on himself, police said. Ciesla was unharmed and her uncle, Thomas Lindner, 62, escaped with a gunshot to the arm.

Police said Silko fired one shot at Thomas Ciesla. The shot missed, but police said his bravery saved the lives of Amy Ciesla and Thomas Lindner. He was placed on paid leave while the state attorney's office investigated, but has been back on active duty for some time, police spokeswoman Dyan Zedeker said.

The Medal of Valor is the department's second-highest honor. "Upon arrival, Officer Silko heard gunshots coming from inside the home," Zedeker wrote in a release. "He moved toward the threat, despite the inherent danger." Silko is the fifth officer in the department's history to have fired a gun at a person. Although his personnel file doesn't contain any performance reviews, Silko was considered an exemplary candidate when he was hired July 18, 2005. Sgt. Quentin Robinson, of the police department in Lafayette, Ind., where Silko did a summer internship in 2004, described him as, "smart, serious, respectful and motivated." Zedeker said the full report on the shootings hasn't been released because police are waiting for the medical examiner's report.

Retrieved August 11, 2006 from http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060811/NEWS0101/608110408/1075
 

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 03:13 PM | Permalink

By Kristin Bender, San Mateo County Times, Inside Bay Area. August 11, 2006 
 
Concord, California — There were at least 1,000 CHP officers, friends and relatives at CHP Officer Brent Clearman's funeral at an open air Concord amphitheater Thursday, but when the slain officer's voice was broadcast — for a last time — the pavilion was silent. Many sobbed and sat stonefaced as a recording of Clearman's voice, captured from his police radio, was broadcast saying he was going "10-10." That's police code for shift over and this time, the mournerstried to absorb that his watch was over for good.

"We've come here to remember Brent Clearman not just for how he died, but for how he lived," said CHP Chief of the Golden Gate Division Teresa Becher, who said she respected Clearman for his "quiet strength and dignity." Friends came to say goodbye to a military man turned police officer who lived life to its fullest, sought challenges and served his family, the state and the nation. As a U.S. Marine, Clearman had jumped out of helicopters, scaled mountains, led sniper platoons and fought the war on terrorism in Iraq.

As a CHP officer, he wanted to work in either Oakland or Los Angeles because he knew those were the places to "catch some action," a friend said of the 33-year-old who was killed by a hit-and-run driver last weekend.

"He had a theory — if you sweat more in training, you bleed less in war," said CHP Officer Mario Galvaz, who met Clearman 15 years ago in the Marines. "He always wanted to train harder and make the training more dangerous so he would be ready for any situation."

Clearman, a Concord resident, died Sunday after being struck Saturday night on Oakland's 66th Avenue onramp to northbound Interstate 880, where he was helping a taxicab driver with a tire blowout. He had worked with the CHP for two years after serving with the U.S. Marines for 12 years, and retiring as a staff sergeant.

Russell David Rodrigues, 47 of Oakland, was charged Wednesday with felony hit-and-run in connection with Clearman's death. He remains jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail. He will enter a plea in the case on Aug. 23. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison.

Inside the pavilion, the service began with a montage of Clearman photos set to country music. There was Clearman riding his bike in a triathlon, backpacking with his wife, Cathy, skiing and posing with his dog. And there was Clearman stern-faced in his military blues and proud in his CHP uniform. There was Clearman on the ground with his weapon in the Middle East.

And friends called him an amazingly self-disciplined and respectful gentleman who was so thankful to be given a job with the CHP that he set up sharpshooting exercises for colleagues on his own time and with his own equipment.

"If Brent were here to tell us what he'd like his legacy to be, he'd say to not settle for mediocrity," said FBI Agent Art Scotto, who called Clearman an "adopted brother." "When my kids asked me who my heroes in my life have been, Brent Clearman will be at the top of the list," Scotto said. Scotto said he admired Clearman for teaching others and sharing his knowledge about sharpshooting and military tactics. While in the Marines, Clearman was a mountaineering instructor, who taught rope work, skiing, climbing and avalanche safety.

"If you were in the presence of Brent Clearman, it was guaranteed that you would learn something," Scotto said. In fact, Clearman even taught Scotto's 6-year-old a valuable lesson. Scotto came home from work one day to find his son had fallen down and scraped himself. But he wasn't whimpering or crying like Scotto had seen him do in the past. Instead, he was stoic and silent, his fists clenched. Scotto asked his son what was going on. "Brent Clearman told me that if I make the meanest face I can and growl as loudly as I can, the pain will go away," Scotto recalled. "It will take an awful lot of growling to take away the pain today."

Following the service, two dozen officers on motorcycles led the motorcade as it passed through a giant American flag suspended by two cranes. Motorcycle officers and patrol cars from agencies across the Bay Area streamed out for at least 20 minutes.

In addition to his wife, Clearman is survived by his father, William and his mother, Carol, and sisters, Anna, Tara, Julie and Amy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the CHP 11-99 Foundation, which provides scholarships to the children of CHP officers who die in the line of duty. To make a donation, send checks to P.O. Box 3537, La Habra 90632.
MediaNews staff writer Dogen Hannah contributed to this report.

Retrieved August 11, 2006 from http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_4166893

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 03:00 PM | Permalink

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 06:34 PM | Permalink

Groveland's 'Energizer' chief

By Robert Sargent, Orlando Sentinel Staff Writer

July 12, 2006

GROVELAND (FL)- When Tommy Merrill started as chief of police nearly 38 years ago, he had no idea how long the new job would last nor how it would change his life. He was the department's only officer during the first six months. He got a desk at City Hall, a beat-up Chevrolet and a shotgun. He earned $120 a week to start. But eventually the work paid off for the career lawman. Merrill, 63, now is recognized as the longest-serving active police chief in the United States. The Florida Peace Officers Association presented him with an award Tuesday during its annual conference at the Mission Inn resort in Howey-in-the-Hills. "It is a great honor," said Merrill, who built up the police department to include 18 officers. He doesn't think much about his longevity because he likes the challenges of his job. "I enjoy going to work every day," he said.

Retirement is not a serious consideration. Merrill said he has more plans for the department, and would like to see the city open a new police station in the next few years. Besides, settling down to retire isn't his style. "Then what would I do? Be the greeter at Wal-Mart?" Merrill asked. Groveland City Manager Ralph Hester said the chief likes to stay busy. "He is still rarin' to go -- like the Energizer bunny," Hester joked. Lake County Sheriff Chris Daniels complimented Merrill's success at a difficult job that can have many pitfalls. "I think it is phenomenal -- probably something you may never see again," Daniels said. "It speaks to his integrity, and more to his character and his ethics."

After serving in the Air Force as a nuclear weapons specialist, Merrill became a police officer with Eustis in 1966. His family encouraged him to quit after he was involved in a gunfight that left a suspect dead. Merrill briefly worked at a car dealership in Eustis. Then former Lake County Sheriff Willis McCall suggested he look at heading up Groveland's police department -- a job he took. Merrill earned a reputation for hard work. He had a heart attack in 1986, forcing him to cut back on the long hours he had been working. Groveland has changed a lot over the years. The south Lake city has nearly 6,000 residents and expects to grow to about 17,000 in the next few years.

Merrill said one of his proudest accomplishments has been watching officers come up through his department and then secure jobs with bigger governments. Some now work in Ocala, DeLand and Martin County, he said. "It kind of makes you proud that you were able to help," Merrill said. Former Clermont police Chief Prentice Tyndal had similar longevity. When he called it a career in 1996, he was the longest-serving police chief in one place, serving 37 years.

Robert Sargent can be reached at rsargent@orlandosentinel.com or 352-742-5909.

Retrieved July 12, 2006 from http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/orl-lchief1206jul12,0,4842865.story?track=rss

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 10:34 PM | Permalink

Click the link below for reports of heroic acts by law enforcement officers in the United Kingdom:

 http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006320118,00.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 11:55 AM | Permalink

Dr. Kardasz: "Lamplighting" also known as "Whistleblowing" is one of the most difficult things a law enforcement officer can do. Reporting the misconduct of peers can be a trying experience. The following story describes the brave work of an honest cop.

For more information on this subject see:  http://www.kardasz.org/Whistle_Blowing.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

By Erin Rickert, The Daily Reflector, June 24, 2006

(North Carolina) As a rookie cop just two months out of basic law enforcement training, Winterville Police Officer Katie Russell said she never guessed she would be involved in an undercover operation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

But for nearly 18-months, the 23-year-old Oak Island native served as an FBI informant after witnessing the illegal activities of Fayetteville Police Officer Jared Parsek in the latter part of 2004.

During these months amid her daily patrol work in Winterville, Russell met with FBI agents to record phone conversations and assist in the recovery of weapons she said Parsek discarded.

"It takes a great amount of courage to do any kind of undercover work," Winterville Police Chief Billy Wilkes said in a news release about Russell. "The fact that she undertook this assignment with only four months of police experience under her belt against a crooked cop for 18 months speaks volumes about her integrity and guts."

Russell said she developed a friendship with Parsek in September 2004 at a drug enforcement training program in Wilson. At an outing in the mountains a month later Russell said she noticed something out of the ordinary.

"He was in a room with a bag of guns taking off the serial numbers and sawing them off," Russell said by phone Wednesday from her parents home in Oak Island.

Russell said she subsequently was in a car with Parsek watching him throw the metal pieces of the guns off the side of a mountain in Watauga County.

"The whole time, I just remember I was thinking about who I was going to tell," Russell remembered.

Russell turned to a former professor at Pitt Community College to discuss her information.

"He told me I needed to call the FBI," Russell said. "He got them on the phone and I sat there (in his office), and told them everything I knew."

Russell said it was during this conversation she discovered the FBI was already investigating Parsek's activities.

She said some of the guns were used in robberies of homes in Fayetteville, Raleigh and Beech Mountain Parsek was directing men to rob. Parsek had learned through police duties the homes were unoccupied, she said.

To help the FBI secure evidence against Parsek, Russell agreed to continue exchanging e-mails and phone calls with him, which agents reviewed during the 18-months. Russell said she even took FBI agents to the mountain to help locate the gun parts Parsek threw over the mountain.

"The whole thing is hard to believe, but I am glad they finally did get him," Russell said. "They told me without coming forward it would have taken a lot longer."

Parsek pleaded guilty in federal court in March. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

At an informal ceremony at the Winterville Police Department this week, FBI Supervisory Special Agent T. Flynn presented Russell with a certificate of recognition for "outstanding cooperation and assistance in connection with an investigation of great importance."

Russell — who has been with the Winterville Police Department for about two years — said the experience has inspired her to return to school to obtain a four-year degree in criminal justice to better prepare her for the investigative police work she plans to do.

"We are fortunate to have officers of her caliber in the department," Wilkes said. "She's a real go getter with a long and successful career ahead of her."

Retrieved June 24, 206 from http://www.reflector.com/news/content/news/stories/2006/06/24/S_P_Russell.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=9

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 09:06 PM | Permalink

February 1, 2006
Contact Henry Cabbage (850) 528-1755

The Shikar–Safari Club International has honored Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer Grant Burton as its Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2005.

The annual award from the conservation-based organization honors the officer whose efforts during the previous year show outstanding performance and achievement among the state agency’s 700-plus sworn law enforcement personnel. His selection by the Shikar-Safari Club is for his dedication, professionalism, effectiveness and personal demeanor with the public and his coworkers.

Burton patrols Manatee and Sarasota counties.

“Officer Burton’s exemplary leadership skills underscore the traits our agency prides in its officers,” said Lt. Rob Gerkin, an FWC law enforcement supervisor and Burton’s boss in Sarasota County.

Since becoming an FWC officer in December 2001, Burton has distinguished himself by becoming a select member of the FWC’s Special Operations Group. In addition to regular duties, members of the elite force train for specialized search-and-rescue operations and homeland security details. Burton is also a field-training officer, responsible for training and evaluating new officers.

The officer has earned recognition for life-saving efforts involving boaters, law enforcement officers from other agencies and even a movie theater customer. The five-year agency veteran spends the majority of his time on the water, and has made a number of significant illegal netting cases during his tenure. Because of his ingenuity, skill and perseverance in working net limitation details, his supervisors credit Burton with fostering a high compliance rate among the area’s commercial net fishermen.

Retrieved June 13, 2006 http://www.floridaconservation.org/whatsnew/06/statewide/shikar-burton.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 11:56 AM | Permalink

Auburn corrections officer honored for exemplary bravery

The Citizen staff and wire reports

Randy Calhoun, of Auburn Correctional Facility, was one of four people honored Thursday for heroism by the state Department of Correctional Services.

Calhoun, who had been recognized locally as a Cayuga County Red Cross Great Hero, pulled a motorist out of a burning car after happening upon an accident on Route 34B in Genoa in March 2005.

On Thursday, Calhoun, 41, Carl Hillman, 47, and two other correctional services staffers were awarded the department's Medals of Merit, presented each year to employees who have displayed singular courage and outstanding service in the line of duty.

Hillman was on his rounds at the Elmira Correctional Facility last year when he grew suspicious because the door to a prison counselor's office had been closed during a meeting with an inmate.

When Hillman opened the door to check, he found the female counselor beaten unconscious by the inmate. He jumped over the desk, chased off the attacker and called for help that saved the victim from more serious injury.

Retrieved June 9, 2006 from http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2006/06/08/news/breaking_news/break02.txt

Washington D.C.

photo by Dr. Kardasz

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 11:10 AM | Permalink

Thursday, May 18, 2006, By Scott Hagen, shagen@citpat.com -- 768-4929

Michigan - One walked miles holding the leash of his K-9 dog, tracking suspects. The other spent hours enforcing traffic laws while also filling in as a detective and solving major crimes.

For their efforts, Jackson police Officer William Mills and Jackson County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Kuhl earned honors from their departments Wednesday night as county and city police agencies lauded their own at an annual banquet.

Sheriff Dan Heyns called Kuhl the "epitome of a police officer. ! He really has police work in his heart. It's the same piece of DNA in both (Kuhl and Mills). They are cops to their core."

Kuhl took on a wide range of assignments in 2005, from six months in the detective bureau, where he closed out several cases, to traffic patrol, where he handed out tickets to motorists.

"I was very honored and humbled to get it," said Kuhl, 30, a nine-year department veteran. "I love all aspects of this job. ! I love to be in the middle of it."

Mills, 37, a 15-year veteran of the department, gave credit to his partner, the police dog Beggy, for the duo's efforts in tracking suspects and searching houses and cars for drugs on the late-night shift, and at whatever time they're needed.

On Sunday, Beggy tracked a man who allegedly threatened three supermarket employees with a knife. He found the suspect in the attic of an abandoned house on Francis Street.

That morning Beggy discovered 85 grams of powder cocaine hidden in a Burger King bag inside a car.

Police Chief Ervin Portis said Mills was "a treasure. He's a guy that all those young officers look to for guidance. People in the community know him."

Both departments awarded commendations and meritorious citations to other deputies, officers, state troopers, corrections officers, dispatchers and reserves. Nearly 50 awards were handed out.

"These awards affirm who we are, and what we expect from each other," Heyns said. "I think it sets the standard, but I think by repeating it every year it's building a culture of integrity."

Retrieved May 18, 2006 from http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-17/1147968450277890.xml&coll=3

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 08:19 PM | Permalink

naplesnews.com, By Tracy X. Miguel, Thursday, March 30, 2006

There is only so much people can do without one day getting recognized. For Marco Island Police Department Cpl. Mike Peña, that day came Wednesday.

Peña was the first of three public servants in Collier County whom an entourage surprised at work with the Distinguished Public Service Award 2006 when he was called into a meeting room. More than one dozen officers, award committee members and friends waited for Peña to walk into the room at the station.

“Wow. What a surprise. I don’t even know what I’m here for,” said Peña, nodding his head. Award committee member Charles Connolly and committee chairman Martin De St. Pierre, vice president and trust officer of Bank of America Trust Services, presented the award to Peña.

Connolly told Peña it was an honor for him, a former police commissioner from New York, to present the award to a younger police officer. Upon receiving the award, Peña said, “Everything I do here, I do it for the community.”

Peña, who lives on Marco Island, said he had no idea he was about to receive an award, yet felt honored. “He deserves it. He is very humble,” said Peña’s wife, Mabel. For the third year the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Naples Daily News, Bank of America, Edison College and other organizations are sponsoring the awards. The awards were developed to honor public service workers for their dedication.

The awards are given to one member of Collier County law enforcement, a fire safety employee and an emergency medical services employee who have performed an extraordinary act of service that went beyond normal expectations. About 50 nominations were submitted for the three categories by residents and those working in the professions. A total of 24 nominations were received for the law enforcement category, said Brenda Borchardt, the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce vice president of programs.

Three committees reviewed the nominations and determined the three recipients of the annual Distinguished Public Service Award 2006. One by one, each recipient will be surprised at work with the arrival of the committee to acknowledge their outstanding work.

Peña, who is an officer in charge at the Marco Island Police Department, was nominated by his supervisor, Capt. Thom Carr. Peña started his law enforcement career in 1980 in Miami. He has been working in Marco Island for more than three years.

Carr, who nominated three officers from the department, said Peña is one of the outstanding officers whom the department consistently recognizes as officer of the month for his commitment to the community. In 2005, Peña solved several major cases, including recovery of $30,000 worth of stolen appliances and locating a suspect who had been charged with sexually assaulting a child.

“As long as we keep on getting guys like him we are in good shape,” said Carr. The second recipient of the a
ward will be surprised at work Friday. When the last recipient will be surprised has not been announced.

Naples Daily News and NDN Productions. Published in Naples, Florida, USA by the E.W. Scripps Co.
Retrieved April 1, 2006 from http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/mar/30/marco_police_officer_honored_his_service/?print=1

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 02:26 PM | Permalink

Milford Daily News, By Jennifer Kavanaugh
Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Framingham, MA - A routine traffic stop yesterday quickly turned into a life-or-death drama for a police officer when a sport utility vehicle careened toward his cruiser and flipped over trapping four occupants. Five people went to the hospital as a result of the 1:45 p.m., two-car crash at Concord and Sewell streets. And in the space of a few minutes, Officer Lester Baker went from trying to escape the crash to rescuing the four people from the Isuzu.

"He was a true hero, a life saver," said Lt. Paul Shastany, the department’s spokesman. "He was risking his life even though it could have exploded into flames at any time." Baker had pulled over a car on Concord Street to write a speeding ticket. After writing the ticket and sending the driver on his way, Baker sat in his cruiser finishing up the paperwork.

The Isuzu Rodeo was headed north on Concord Street, behind a van with one man in it. The Isuzu passed the van on the left even though there was only one lane, Shastany said. The Isuzu’s driver couldn’t pull in front of the van safely, and the two vehicles collided, he said. Baker saw the Isuzu hurtle toward his cruiser, Shastany said, and put the car in gear. He barely got out of the way before the SUV flipped and landed right where the cruiser was sitting. The van remained upright. When Baker got out of his cruiser, he saw smoke coming out of the Isuzu, and pulled three of the people out, Shastany said. He had to cut a seat belt to free the fourth person.

Assistant Fire Chief John Magri said one of passenger in the Isuzu was seriously, but not critically, injured. That passenger and another person were sent to an out-of-town hospital, he said, while the other three were taken to MetroWest Medical Center. He said it appears all five people in the accident were wearing seat belts.

The identity of the five people involved in the accident and details about their injuries were not available yesterday evening. The accident is still under investigation, police said. Shastany said the accident would have been worse if not for Baker’s quick actions. The incident earned him the praise of passersby, he said. "Les does not like this kind of attention," Shastany said. "He’s a very humble guy."

(Jennifer Kavanaugh can be reached at 508-626-4416 or at jkavanau@cnc.com.)
Retrieved April 1, 2006 from http://www.milforddailynews.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=88917&format=text

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 02:19 PM | Permalink

Paralyzed officer honored at Diamondbacks game

Brent Whiting, The Arizona Republic, Mar. 29, 2006 12:00 AM

Police turned out in force at the Peoria Sports Complex in a dramatic show of tribute and support for a wounded comrade. It was nothing short of "awesome," said Bill Weigt, a Peoria officer who suffered a paralyzing wound in a Dec. 17 gunbattle.

"It's great seeing all of your guys here," Weigt, 31, said after wheeling himself onto the field Thursday. "I feel great." More than 150 officers and workers from Peoria and other agencies stood near the first- and third-base lines as Weigt made his entrance from right field.

Players from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners competing in a spring-training game also stood in honor. Weigt had been scheduled to toss out a ceremonial first pitch as part of the pre-game festivities for an evening Cactus League matchup.

In the end, Weigt passed that honor to his stepson, Albert Suniga, 15, who delivered a high fastball to Diamondbacks left fielder Luis Gonzalez.  Later, when asked why he didn't toss the ball himself, Weigt replied, "Oh, come on. That's a kid's dream. I mean, if he gets out there, that's the best."

Gonzalez described Weigt as a hero, saying he has become a good friend of the officer while trying to help him with what will be a long recovery. "His life has totally changed now," Gonzalez said. "There's going to be a lot of ups and downs through his life and daily struggles. Through our friendship, hopefully I'll be there to help as much as I can."

Weigt is recovering from a wound that left him paralyzed from the chest down, though he can use his arms. After leaving the field, he wheeled himself to a stadium concourse where he greeted fellow officers, hugging many of them and offering thanks.

"I wish this would not have happened," Weigt said. "I'd give anything not to have to be here with anybody and going on my regular shift tonight or sitting down and watching the game." He said it was a surprise to see so many officers down on the field, something that really touched his heart.

"I turned the corner, and there was everybody," Weigt said. "I mean, you guys walked out, it was an awesome experience." Peoria Police Chief David Leonardo said Weigt has been making a tremendous recovery. "He was out of the hospital much sooner than anticipated," Leonardo said. "He was out of rehab months ahead of schedule."  Dolores Weigt, the officer's wife, said she was "pretty choked up" with the show of support. "We have everybody here who loves us," she said. "And we love everybody that's supporting us through this whole thing."

Retrieved March 30, 2006 from http://www.azcentral.com/community/westvalley/articles/0329gl-peocop29Z2.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 12:37 PM | Permalink

Aurora officer honored for role in gang sweeps

By Andre Salles

Aurora, Illinois — Officer Michael Nilles, who spearheaded an intensive investigation into a local street gang last year that led to several arrests, was honored as the Aurora Police Department's Employee of the Year. The award was handed out in a special ceremony Friday afternoon, Feb. 24, at the Area Two Police Headquarters on Root Street.

Nilles' investigation, which spanned from September to December last year, led to the arrest of 11 gang members and associates and helped solve more than 20 shooting incidents, including four murders. The investigation, conducted by Aurora police, the Kane County State's Attorney's Office and the FBI, utilized an undercover informant to provide information on several outstanding crimes.

"He's very tenacious," said Police Chief William Powell of Nilles, a 19-year veteran of the force. "... He's very deserving of this award, not only for this investigation but for the numerous cases he has handled throughout the year."The employee of the year is selected from among those awarded employee of the month throughout the year, and the final decision is up to Powell and his team of commanders. There were 16 nominees this year, several of whom shared employee of the month honors, and their achievements ranged from saving lives to tracking down criminals.

'A team effort'

Nilles has been recognized as employee of the month before, but this is his first employee of the year award.
"I wasn't expecting this," Nilles said after receiving his award. "It was a painstaking investigation, and I appreciate the fact that they recognized the effort we put forth. But this was a team effort and not a solo gig."

"There is nothing more rewarding than calling a family up and telling them that the murder of their son has been solved," he added.  Powell said that the effects of Nilles' investigation are still being felt. "We don't even realize the full effect of this investigation yet," Powell said. "This was very important to the city of Aurora."

River rescue attempt

Also Friday, three officers were presented with the Medal of Valor, the highest award the department bestows on an officer. The award was given to Investigator Alfredo Dean and Officers Che Earwood and Larry Flowers for attempting to save the life of a man who had fallen into the icy Fox River on New Year's Eve, 2004. At around 6:15 p.m., Dean encountered Randall Styles, 42, standing in traffic on Broadway near East New York Street.

Upon approaching Styles, Dean saw him climb up the New York Street bridge and tumble into the river. The three officers, along with citizen Jesse Vasquez, formed a human chain to help pull Styles from the water. Styles was pulled out, but pronounced dead on arrival at Provena Mercy Medical Center.

Retrieved March 22, 2006 from http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/sunpub/60504/top/2_6_5_FV09_TOPCOP_S1.htm

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 11:59 PM | Permalink

Officer honored for brave chase

Posted on Fri, Mar. 17, 2006  

He was shot at multiple times while going after a bank robbery suspect
by Aimee Juarez, ajuarez@charlotteobserver.com

This time last year, Timothy Greene was almost shot after a bank robbery suspect started firing at him during a chase through Rock Hill.

On Thursday, the Rock Hill police officer was in Washington, D.C., to accept a national award honoring his heroics that day.

Greene, 29, was one of five public safety officers who received the public safety officer medal of valor awarded by U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

It's the highest national award for police, firefighters and paramedics, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Rock Hill police officials nominated Greene for the award.

"It's an extreme honor to have someone from Rock Hill receive this award," Rock Hill Police Lt. Jerry Waldrop said.

On March 18, 2005, the Bank of America along Dave Lyle Boulevard near Interstate 77 had just been robbed when Greene arrived. Witnesses pointed toward an SUV driving in the wrong direction. They said the suspect, John Phillips, was driving.

Suddenly, Phillips, 35, stopped the SUV and fired several rounds at Greene, police said. The bullets shattered his cruiser's windshield.

His face bloodied from the shattered glass, Greene continued to chase Phillips along with other officers, weaving through streets packed with cars and residential neighborhoods.

Police said Phillips stopped and fired at the officers several times before he was shot and killed during a shootout on Pantry Drive, near U.S. 21.

Greene's "part was extremely crucial," Waldrop said. "We were able to keep the suspect in sight because he stayed with him."

Greene became a Rock Hill police officer almost three years ago. Last July, the S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association awarded Greene the medal of honor, the highest honor in the state for a police officer.

"A lot of people take for granted that police and firefighters are out there for their protection," Waldrop said. "Law enforcement and firefighting are a calling. Tim definitely went beyond the call of duty."

Aimee Juarez: (803) 327-8507 

Retrieved March 17, 2006 from http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/local/states/south_carolina/counties/york/14119589.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 04:36 PM | Permalink

New York Times Online Edition By DEVIN SMITH and LEONARD GREENE

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 07:05 PM | Permalink

SAVED IN THE NICK OF TIME
DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER HERO COP PULLS HIM FROM BURNING CAR

The Daily Record, By Claire Lane
March 9, 2006

Stretford, Manchester United Kingdom - A hero cop rescued a man from his burning car - just three seconds before it exploded into a fireball. PC Paul Lowden dragged free the man, who was slumped at the wheel - and the whole thing was caught on CCTV.

But the driver's luck ran out soon after - he was arrested and charged with a drink-driving related offence. The drama happened when CCTV operators noticed a car on fire in a street in Stretford, Manchester.

Dog handler PC Lowden, 35, arrived on the scene and sprang into action. He said: "Within three seconds of me pulling the guy clear, the car exploded."

Amazingly, neither man was injured.

Retrieved March 9, 2006 from http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=16790651&method=full&siteid=66633&headline=saved-in-the-nick-of-time--name_page.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 01:40 AM | Permalink

Police hero recounts rescue

Jan 4, 2006

The Vancouver police officer who saved a woman from the Fraser River on Monday night has spoken publicly for the first time about the daring rescue.

The 21-year-old woman was a passenger in a speeding pickup truck that careened over an embankment at the foot of Fraser Street and plunged into the river. Const. Gerry Proctor had been pursuing the truck, saw the woman surface in the cold, fast-moving river and cry out for help.

"I went in the water...take your breath away. And I remember thinking, 'Whoa.' Like it's a shock, it's a natural shock. I'm sure we've all experienced it. And it wasn't an option, right? She's there," he said. "I knew physically I could get there. It just took a little mental determination to fight through that initial shock, and, you know, I swam out and grabbed her."

Proctor says although he was happy to have saved the woman, he's sad he could do nothing for her 31-year-old boyfriend who drove the truck into the water. "She was screaming that her leg was broken, and she was screaming for her boyfriend. I said, 'Who else is in the truck?' She said, 'My boyfriend, can you get him?'

"I tried to reassure her that we would try. I went back on the end of the log and looked, but I didn't have a start point. The truck was gone, There were no bubbles, there was no where to look. I stood there for a minute or two and no one came up." The young woman is recovering in hospital from a broken leg. The man driving the truck – 31-year-old Ryan Paszkowski of Surrey died in the accident.

Keith Finsterwald, who lives in a shelter on the bank of the river, helped Const. Proctor get one of his boots off. Proctor says he had help on Monday night – from Keith Finsterwald, who was living in a makeshift shelter on the bank of the river. The homeless man saw the truck go into the water and called for help. Proctor says Finsterwald waded out into the water to save the couple, but was forced back because he couldn't swim.

"And I'm shouting to Finsterwald to help me with my boots. Well, he runs into the water again, and then he remembers he can't swim again. So he runs back and says, 'I can't swim.' "'Take my bloody boot off for me will you,' and so we're struggling to get my boot off, and it comes off."

Proctor says Finsterwald then watched his gun and other equipment while he dove in the water and swam out to get the woman. A spokesperson for the Vancouver police department says its not a question of whether the officer will get a medal, but more of how many and when.

Retrieved March 9, 2006 from http://www.cbc.ca/bc/story/print/bc_hero20060104

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 11:23 AM | Permalink

Kardasz: The following story is an example of a situtation where the heroic acts of officers who risked thier lives are countered by the fact that they violated some department policies during the ordeal.

SAN FRANCISCO
Officer honored for valor named in probe - 5 other police also accused of breaking rules in pursuit

- Jaxon Van Derbeken, Chronicle Staff Writer. Saturday, February 25, 2006

A San Francisco police inspector honored by an international law enforcement group as a hero for her handling of a 2004 shootout with an armed suspect is among six officers now facing charges of violating department policy in the confrontation.

Inspector Sylvia Morrow of the special investigations unit, a 16-year veteran of the department, was praised last year by the International Association of Women Police for her valor in the incident June 29, 2004, that ended in the death of Gustavus Rugley.

Rugley, 21, was shot and killed by police at the Mission Street overpass of Alemany Boulevard. He had fired a .380-caliber semiautomatic pistol at officers and was either reloading or had just reloaded when officers shot him to death outside his SUV, police said.

Rugley and as many as 14 plainclothes and uniformed officers fired more than 100 rounds in the battle, and Rugley was hit 35 times. The chase started after officers tried to arrest Rugley on an outstanding warrant for attempted murder.

The civilian-run Office of Citizen Complaints, bypassing Chief Heather Fong, lodged charges against Morrow and five other officers last week, but not all the officers were notified until this week. None of the officers is accused of improperly shooting Rugley or of using excessive force, but all are accused of breaking department rules during or after the chase.

The Police Officers Association, the union representing the city's 2,100 rank-and-file officers, was angered by all the charges but was especially upset about the possibility that Morrow would be disciplined. "It's outrageous,'' said Steve Johnson, a retired officer who handles disciplinary cases for the union. "As far as I'm concerned, it's a total abuse of the system -- you have a chief and a director (of the Office of Citizen Complaints) who can't agree on charges, and the officer, the inspector, has to pay for that. ''

The Office of Citizen Complaints filed charges against Morrow and the five other officers after Fong and agency officials could not agree on action. Ordinarily, the agency sends its recommendations to the chief, who decides whether to take a case to the Police Commission. But in this instance, Fong simply did not act, said the agency's director, Kevin Allen.

"Heather Fong was given 60 days to review -- it was my understanding through my discussions that she did not want to file,'' Allen said. Fong has disputed that assertion, saying she was waiting for answers she had posed to the Office of Citizen Complaints when the agency lodged its charges.

Police Commission members now will hold hearings on Morrow and the other officers to determine whether they should be disciplined. Possible penalties include suspension or dismissal. According to the charges filed by the Office of Citizen Complaints, Morrow wrongly blocked Rugley's car as he tried to escape the initial arrest attempt outside his mother's home. Rugley banged first into one police car and then into Morrow's car before driving off.

Morrow then violated department policy by pursuing in an unmarked car that was not equipped with lights and siren, the disciplinary charges say. She also broke the rules when she failed to stop the pursuit once a properly equipped car got involved, the charges say. She also failed to notify dispatchers that another police car had gotten in front of Rugley during the chase, according to the charges.

The chase ended when Rugley was pinned in by police cars and opened fire. Johnson said Morrow and the other officers who have been charged were part of an undercover unit that had been trained to use tactics nominally prohibited under general department rules.

Allen said he knew of an internal police memo in 1994 that authorized some of the tactics the officers used during the chase. But he said his agency had no way of knowing whether the memo exempted the unit from the department's rules. He also said the memo did not address many of the violations that the agency found during its investigation.

The union's Johnson said heroes are being humiliated over a policy dispute. "What kind of message does that send to the troops?'' he said. "That inspector was almost killed. . . . It's amazing that she survived.'' Morrow was honored by the International Association of Women Police with its Medal of Valor last year. The group, which represents 4,000 officers in 60 countries, said on its Web site: "The suspect rammed Sylvia's vehicle and took off. Sylvia continued the pursuit as he was driving on the wrong side of the road and putting many peoples' lives in danger.

"The team got the suspect cornered, but he came out shooting directly at Sylvia. Sylvia needed to bail out of her vehicle as the suspect shot the car with numerous bullets. Through a hail of bullets she got to safety.'' Terrie Swann, president of the group, declined to comment on the issue Friday.

Other officers named in the Office of Citizen Complaints charges are Sgt. Mark Gamble and Officers David Seid, Richard Alves, Arthur Gabac and Michael Lewis.

E-mail Jaxon Van Derbeken at jvanderbeken@sfchronicle.com.

URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/02/25/BAGT5HEPCI1.DTL

Continue reading " San Francisco -Heroic acts also involved policy violations" »

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 11:03 PM | Permalink

Officer honored for life-saving endeavor

By Katy Moore, Waco, Texas Tribune-Herald, Thursday, March 02, 2006

When he responded to a routine emergency call three days before Christmas, Hewitt police officer John Tucker had no idea he'd be saving a life.

The 25-year-old officer began working for the Hewitt Police Department a little more than four years ago, hoping to make a difference. On Dec. 22 he had his chance. Tucker answered an emergency response call and was the first to arrive.

When he got there, Tucker found a local man not breathing and without a pulse and immediately began CPR. John Buchle, a Hewitt Volunteer Fire Department member and a volunteer paramedic, arrived next and helped Tucker.

“By the time rescue got there, we had a pulse on him,” Tucker said. “We continued CPR until East Texas (Medical Center emergency medical technicians) arrived and advised us that he had a fairly strong pulse.”

Earlier this month the Hewitt Police Department and the Hewitt City Council presented Tucker with the department's Life Saving Award for his response, although the patient later died from causes unrelated to the emergency call Tucker answered. “It's very rare that we have an opportunity to perform these functions,” Hewitt public information officer Tuck Saunders said. “Usually, paramedics respond first to these calls.”

The award is given only to officers recommended by a supervising officer. After that recommendation, the award must be approved by department personnel, including the chief. “Officer Tucker well deserves this,” Saunders noted. “Between his actions and the fire department, it was a good situation that turned out good.”

Tucker said receiving the award simply highlighted the reasons he became a police officer in the first place. “This is probably the greatest achievement since I've been a police officer,” he said. “A lot of that, making a difference, is the whole reason to become a police officer. I really appreciate it, but I was just doing my job.”

kmoore@wacotrib.com

Retrieved March 5,2006 from http://www.wacotrib.com/search/content/living/neighbor/stories/2006/03/02/20060302wachewittlifesaver.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 09:38 PM | Permalink

Correctional Officer Honored For Helping Five Escape Fire

POSTED: 3:28 pm EST February 24, 2006

CRANSTON, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Department of Corrections honored some of its best recently, including Jay Johansen. On his way home from work on Jan. 4, Johansen ran into a fire, helping five people get out. "I just happened to be the guy around," he said.

"That day was pretty scary. I don't remember a whole lot. Since I've heard the 911 tape I realize a lot more about what happened. It just doesn't seem like I was in there that long until I hear the tape." A proud family said Johansen's action fits his character.

"It's nice to see him get recognized for something because every day, he's always trying to help everybody around him," Johansen’s daughter said. Johansen said he still gets goose bumps when he thinks about it or sees a picture of the fire.

"I drive by it a lot because it's in the area. It kind of hits home a little bit. It's in the back of my head. I'm just glad everybody's doing all right," he said. And everybody he saved that night is, thanks to Johansen. 

Retrieved February 26, 2006 from http://www.turnto10.com/news/7408552/detail.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 02:05 PM | Permalink

February 17, 2006, By Michael Neary, Monroe County News

The theme of collaboration surfaced repeatedly during the Monroe Exchange Club’s 38th annual awards for state trooper, sheriff’s deputy and city police officer of the year. This year’s winners were Michigan State Police Trooper Bret C. Smith, Monroe County sheriff’s Deputy David M. LaMontaine and Monroe Police Department Cpl. Chris Fuher.

"I’m a true believer that leadership comes from the ground up," said Lt. Mary Kapp, who heads the Monroe post of the Michigan State Police. Introducing Trooper Smith, who has been on the force for five years, she said words like leadership as well "conscientious" and "integrity" appeared on the peer nominations that led to his award.

Lt. Kapp noted that Trooper Smith was responsible for 20 percent of recent alcohol-related arrests on the Monroe post. She also recounted some examples of Trooper Smith’s work, including saving a man from committing suicide by pulling him from the road and instructing his girlfriend to call 911 — when he was off-duty. "I knew that there would be a sheriff’s deputy coming to back me up," Trooper Smith said as he accepted his award.

Acknowledging the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Monroe Police Department,
he said, "I want to make that known — we work together." Sheriff Tilman Crutchfield noted, as had Lt. Kapp, that peers also were active in choosing Deputy LaMontaine for this year’s award.

"It’s the best of the great, and we allow them to select their own," he said. Sheriff Crutchfield said Deputy LaMontaine did some early police work in Clay Township, sharing duties with his father and brother, and then went on to work in Wayne County before coming to Monroe. His responsibilities here, Sheriff Crutchfield said, include investigation of child abuse, child neglect and criminal sexual assault.

Deputy LaMontaine, who’s worked in the sheriff’s office since July, 1999, complimented the Monroe Exchange Club as he accepted his award. "We both serve our communities and seek to make them better places," he said.

Monroe police Chief John Michrina lauded Cpl. Fuher’s consistency and versatility as he presented the city’s award. "Chris has on days, up weeks all the time," he said of Cpl. Fuher, who has served in the department for the past 17 years. He added that strong evaluations for Cpl. Fuher came from across the spectrum of the police department’s personnel.

In an event packed with expressions of gratitude, Judge Mark Braunlich, serving as the luncheon’s master of ceremonies, thanked the officers for "their role in contributing to the safety of Monroe and to the quality of life that we all enjoy." The luncheon also had its moments of levity. Trooper Smith elicited laughter when — after his work patrolling the highways just had been described — he said, "I see a lot of familiar faces in the crowd."

City politics slipped into the luncheon, as well. Mayor C.D. (Al) Cappuccilli drew chuckles when, before praising the officers, he announced that he had just leased a Hummer. That tongue-in-cheek remark alluded to the recent controversy over whether the mayor should be granted a vehicle for city business. But most of the luncheon focused on the officers. "Effective law enforcement is important to the community," said Judge Braunlich. "It’s important that we recognize that."

Retrieved February 22, 2006 from http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060217/NEWS01/102170010/-1/NEWS

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 10:03 AM | Permalink

Toronto officers receive honors

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 02:10 PM | Permalink

Medal snub for police hero

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 02:20 PM | Permalink

HERO COP PROMOTED

38-Year Vet Just Saved Kids From Gunfire JERSEY CITY, NJ - Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy and Police Chief Robert Troy announced today that a 38-year veteran of the police force who had just three days left before retirement will be honored today during 12 noon ceremonies at City Hall for last night’s heroics where he through himself in front of gunfire in a police precinct station house to save a mother and children from harm.

Police Officer Mike Gullace, the senior most member of the Jersey City Police Department with 38 years on the job, will be promoted to the rank of Detective during regularly scheduled swearing in ceremonies for 14 new police cadets. Gullace’s heroic actions where he covered a mom and three children from a gunman’s fire with his own body, were just part of last night’s drama at the West Precinct where the man eventually shot two police officers on the ground level of the building after learning he would be charged with domestic violence charges. "You just can’t say enough about his selfless act. Here’s a guy who is on his way to retirement and he is still putting others’ safety first, just like a kid out of the academy," Chief Troy said last night.

One of the officers shot last night suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen that missed all major organs. Another officer was shot in the back but was wearing a protective bullet proof vest. Both are in stable condition at the Jersey City Medical Center. The suspect, Corey Harley, 27, was shot by police officers in the precinct. He is in stable condition.

For all media inquiries, contact Maria Pignataro, Press Secretary, at 201-547-4836 or at pignatarom@jcnj.org Retrieved February 14, 2006 from http://www.cityofjerseycity.com/press_release/hero_cop.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 12:24 PM | Permalink

Peers honor Cynthiana Kentucky Police Department officer: Hassall is Officer of the Year

From the Cynthiana Democrat on line, By Donald Richie, News writer

Cynthiana police Ptl. Brian Hassall has been named the department's Officer of the Year. The Officer of the Year award is voted on by Cynthiana Police Department officers on the basis of integrity, positive attitude, willingness to assist other officers and promotion of camaraderie among the department.

Chief Steve Muntz said Hassall exhibits all those qualities. “He's a wonderful officer,” Muntz said. “I've been very happy with his work.” For Hassall, the nod from his fellow officers means a lot.

“It makes me feel proud that the guys respect what I do,” he said. Hassall takes being singled out by his co-workers in stride. “We're all a team, but its always good to be recognized by my peers,” he said. Hassall is something of a one-stop shop for first response.

On top of being a police officer, he is a trained EMT. He trains with the county fire department. He's also been through Community Emergency Response Training, which prepares emergency personnel for major terrorist events and other large-scale disasters. “I respond to any call that I'm available to respond to,” he said. “I enjoy all of it.”

Muntz said Hassall is one of the department's firearms instructors as well. Hassall came to Cynthiana after seven years with the Transylvania University Police in Lexington. While at Transy, Hassall and another officer were shot while on duty. For the last nine years, he has been with the Cynthiana Police Department. Brian and his wife Michelle have two adopted children. Their daughter Alex is six and son Sam is three. “He's well liked in the community,” said Muntz. “His whole family is.”

Retrieved January 19, 2006 from http://www.cynthianademocrat.com/articles/2006/01/19/news/news01.txt

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 01:15 AM | Permalink

Kardasz: Click the following link to read a tribute to Officer Steve Baird of the Cedar Grove, New Jersey Police Department.

http://myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=baird_mms_ul

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 12:15 PM | Permalink

Kardasz: The heroic “whistleblowing” act of Hugh Thompson was very controversial in 1968. Thompson demonstrated extraordinary ethical courage.

My Lai massacre hero buried

Wed Jan 11, 7:09 PM ET

Hugh Thompson, the US army helicopter pilot who rescued Vietnamese civilians from American troops during the My Lai massacre, was buried with full military honors.

Thompson, who died of cancer at a veteran's hospital in nearby Alexandria, Louisiana, on January 6 at the age of 62, was eulogized as a peacemaker during his funeral service in a packed Lafayette chapel.

Larry Colburn, a crewmember aboard the helicopter then-Chief Warrant Officer Thompson flew at My Lai, was among those attending the funeral, which included a 21-gun salute and a helicopter flyover. Looking at Thompson's flag-draped coffin, Colburn said: "Hugh was a problem solver. My Lai was a problem. War is a problem. Hugh solved the problem of My Lai without firing a shot."

On March 16, 1968, Thompson led the rescue of more than a dozen Vietnamese civilians at My Lai, an incident one American general described as "one of the most shameful chapters in the army's history." "It was probably one of the saddest days of my life," Thompson told a 1994 conference on the massacre at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Up to 504 Vietnamese civilians were killed by US troops at My Lai including as many as 210 children aged 12 or younger, according to historians.

Thompson recalled that he and fellow crewmembers Colburn and Glenn Andreotta began that day flying a reconnaissance mission over My Lai. Initial intelligence reports suggested heavy activity by Vietcong guerrillas. Thompson's objective was to draw enemy fire so other helicopter gunships could identify enemy positions. But as his helicopter hovered overhead, Thompson recalled, he noted a large number of bodies lying in the village below.

"Everywhere we'd look we'd see bodies," Thompson said. Most of the villagers had been shot and left for dead. Thompson and his crew landed and set colored smoke grenades by the wounded for medical evacuation. As they returned to their chopper, however, a soldier appeared and shot to death an elderly woman Thompson had marked for rescue.

The trio then flew to another part of the village where Thompson encountered a lieutenant preparing to blow up a bunker filled with wounded Vietnamese. Although outranked, Thompson ordered the lieutenant and his men to stand down. "Thompson put his guns on the Americans and said he would shoot them if they shot another Vietnamese," said William Eckhardt, the chief prosecutor at the My Lai courtmartial.

A furious Thompson reported the massacre in progress to army superiors who ordered a ceasefire. Thompson also ordered two other helicopters to evacuate about a dozen wounded villagers to hospital for treatment. Thompson subsequently testified at criminal trials of the army officers, an act which initially left him ostracized by others in the military.

Thompson was one of the chief witnesses against Lieutenant William Calley, the only person convicted of a crime in connection with My Lai. Calley was sentenced to life in prison but president Richard Nixon reduced his sentence to several years of house arrest.

As a combat pilot Thompson was shot down four times in Vietnam. He suffered a broken back in his last crash and received a Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. Thompson retired from the army in 1983 as a first lieutenant after 20 years of service. As a civilian, he worked as a commercial helicopter pilot and as a counselor for veterans in Louisiana.

In 1998, Thompson, Colburn and, posthumously, Andreotta, were awarded the Soldier's Medal, the army's highest award for battlefield action without encountering the enemy. Andreotta died in a helicopter crash shortly after My Lai.

In his last years, Thompson was a guest lecturer at military training academies for the army, navy and marines.

In a 2003 address to the US Naval Academy Center for the Study of Professional Military Ethics, he told navy midshipmen: "If you tell someone to do something you had better be right."

Retrieved January 16, 2006 from http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060112/wl_asia_afp/usvietnamthompson_060112000522

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 02:51 PM | Permalink

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 11:59 AM | Permalink

Police Officer Called Hero By Colleagues

December 10, 2004

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Relatives of Columbus Police Officer James D. Niggemeyer said Thursday that they were not surprised he charged into the Alrosa Villa nightclub before backup arrived. The 1992 Newark Catholic High School graduate comes from a family of police officers and military veterans, NBC 4 reported.

Relatives told NBC 4 that his grandfather is a retired police chief at Ohio University. Niggemeyer, a U.S. Army veteran, also has relatives who worked in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Pentagon, and other police work.

"He's from such a militaristic, old world chivalristic family," Niggemeyer's former stepfather Steve Detty said. "That means military. That means police work. The whole family's always been on that side of the law."

Niggemeyer, a five-year veteran of the police force, was the first on the scene within two minutes of the first call at Alrosa Villa. He went inside and shot Nathan Gale, who at that point had a hostage. "The community has a hero," said Columbus police Sgt. Brent Mull.

According to police and witnesses, another police officer from out of town who was at the Damageplan concert got the gunman's attention. A security guard led Niggemeyer to a side entrance by the stage, by the gunman who was holding the hostage.

Niggemeyer, who was about 20 feet away, fired one shot, which contained nine slugs from his 12-gauge shotgun, and hit Gale in the right side of his head and upper body. The shooting happened within seconds, less than one minute after the officer arrived at the scene, NBC 4's Nancy Burton reported.

Retrieved January 13, 2006 from http://www.nbc4i.com/news/3989100/detail.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 11:50 AM | Permalink