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

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 01:04 PM | Permalink

Kantola saved two from possible drowning

By Gwyneth Gibby, Gazette-Times reporter,03/03/07

Greg Kantola is the kind of guy who saves your life, shakes your hand, walks away and doesn’t tell anyone about it. Kantola is a Corvallis police officer, and that’s exactly what he did July 25. He couldn’t keep his actions secret forever, though. And Friday, Police Chief Gary Boldizsar presented Kantola with a Distinguished Service Award and a Challenge coin while other officers and their families looked on.

The award is given to officers who perform a live-saving act while risking their own lives. The coin is for officers and citizens who go above and beyond the call of duty.

According to the certificate accompanying the award, on July 25, Kantola and his family were at the Polk Marina Park in Independence on the banks of the Willamette River. A man went into the water to rescue his dog, who he thought was in trouble in the swift current. But the man himself began to falter about 30 yards out and called out for help. His teenage daughter went into the water to try to assist him.

A woman standing on the shore started to yell, “Somebody help!”

The man panicked, crying “I’m not going to make it!”

Kantola’s wife, Kristi, was at the park but up on a hill with the couple’s two girls.

“(Greg) was there with the boys,” she said. “He dropped his cell phone and his keys and told the boys to stay there.”

Then he ran for the water and dove in.

“He told us to stay there, but we didn’t,” said 11-year-old son Cody. He and his little brother, Caleb, dashed after their dad to the water’s edge to watch.

“He jumped in the water and was trying to help (the man) swim to shore,” Cody said.

Kantola swam out to the man, telling him to stay calm. The man was bobbing below the surface as Kantola reached him, but Kantola was able to get hold of the man’s clothing and help him stay afloat. Then he battled the current and swam to shore with both the man and his daughter in tow.

The dog paddled to safety on his own.

They were lucky — Kantola is at home in the water. He’s a triathlete and the previous year he swam from Alcatraz to the mainland.

The man who he saved thanked Kantola and drove off with his family. No one got his name.

Back on duty, Kantola didn’t tell anyone.

“In my mind it’s just what anybody would do,” he said Friday.

But Kristi was proud of him. At a camp-out about a month later, she told the story to Emmy Goodwin, the wife of her husband’s superior officer, Sgt. Joel Goodwin. And Emmy told her husband, who got all the details from police and fire department staff in Independence.

Boldizsar said the Distinguished Service Award had been given out five times, and one of the other four went to Kantola in 2000, when he helped pull a man out of a burning van. He’s that kind of guy.

Retrieved March 3, 2007 from http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2007/03/03/news/community/2loc01_officer.txt

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 01:39 AM | Permalink

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

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 08:43 PM | Permalink

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

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 05:22 PM | Permalink

11/22/06, By Colleen P. Dunn, Staff Writer

Compassion, heroism and integrity. Those are three of many words Cindi Abele used to describe a New Jersey State Police sergeant who changed her son's life. Anthony Abele, of Millville, was 26 when he was critically injured in an accident on Route 55 in 2005. After nine surgeries and mounting bills, the Abele family held a benefit in September that was hugely successful, and, according to Cindi Abele, the sergeant deserves most of the thanks. He was anonymous but not anymore.

Sgt. Glenn Poeppel was among 10 local emergency services personnel and two citizens who were honored at the annual Heroes Luncheon held by the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce Tuesday.

Also recognized were Bridgeton Police Ptl. Ryan Shinn and Ptl. Donald Wulff, Port Norris State Police Trooper Robert Bond, Bridgeton Fire Dept. Lt. Todd Bowen and firefighters Donald Simms, Brian Foote, Anthony Brago, Richard Martinelli and Alexander Centeno.

Civilian awards went to Downe Township resident Jim Adamini for giving his grandson CPR when he nearly drowned, and Lawrence Township student Kaitlyn Green for helping to scare off a would-be purse snatcher.

Poeppel was nominated for the Exceptional Duty Award by his lieutenant, John Cuzzupe. "He is a man with a heart as big as the Atlantic Ocean," Cindi Abele said to the crowd at the Cohanzick Country Club. "I am honored and proud to call him my friend," she said. It was only eight months ago that the Abele family didn't know Poeppel. The families will spend this Thanksgiving together.

Nearly $10,000 was raised at the benefit, and Cindi Abele said nearly all of it was profit because of Poeppel's efforts to get items donated for the event. He even did the cooking and donated the food. "My son and I will always and forever be grateful," she said.

Even at the banquet, the sergeant said he wanted to stay anonymous. But there was no more avoiding it. "Charity is not with a name," Poeppel said. "It's with a heart."

He added that he made a lifetime connection with the Abele family. "Something like this doesn't go away," he said. "We're friends till the end." "We better be," said Anthony Abele, standing with the aid of a walker.

Bond, who is now a trooper on the Garden State Parkway, was given the Meritorious Service Award for an incident in June in which he helped rescue two young girls from a home with a vicious pit bull that had already mauled its owner. "It wasn't anything that anyone else wouldn't have done," the modest man said. When he was called to the home in Commercial Township, he looked in and saw a 1-year-old girl being chased by the dog.  He tried to lure the animal out, but it ran to a rear bedroom so he went inside and got the young girl and her 3-year-old sister out. Bond went back inside and had to shoot the pit bull five times when it charged at him. "It's just scary when kids are involved, being that I'm a father myself," he said. "It amps everything up." As far as being called a hero, he doesn't think he is one but neither did anyone else at the banquet.

"It's just part of the job," said Shinn, who was been with the Bridgeton Police Department since 2000. He was given the Medal of Honor for shooting a homicide suspect in May 2005 after the man charged at him and struck him in the head with a large object. "I'm not (a hero)," Shinn said. "I don't feel like it at all. I was just doing my job." He added that he was honored to be recognized, but he accepted the award on behalf of the entire police department. "They all would have done the same thing."

Wulff was awarded the Purple Heart for critical injuries he received in a car accident while on duty in his patrol car in Bridgeton in 2005. Lt. Dan Mourning said his injuries were substantial and he hasn't fully recovered. It is possible he never will.

The members of the Bridgeton Fire Department, Engine 701 in particular, were honored for responding to a fire in May that trapped a disabled woman. "It's a team effort," Bowen said. "It's a test of their determination and dedication."

Both Brago and Centeno said they were honored, but that isn't what their job is about. They just want to help people, they said.

"We forget how dangerous their jobs are ... how quickly they can get hurt," said Carolyn Heckman, president of the BACC. "We want to thank you all for your acts of bravery and heroism every day."

© 2006  Bridgeton News, © 2006 NJ.com

Retrieved November 22, 2006 from http://www.nj.com/news/bridgeton/index.ssf?/base/news-1/116417408844060.xml&coll=10

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 12:52 AM | Permalink

The Montgomery County Police Department recognized officers for meritorious service during a Quarterly Awards Ceremony. While every officer honored considers his/her heroics to be just part of the job, each has a compelling story of putting another person’s life before his or her own.

The Lifesaving Award is the second most prestigious award given by the Department and was given to eight officers. The Lifesaving Award is given to the employees who make a major contribution toward saving the life of another by providing essential medical treatment prior to the arrival of Emergency Medical Service personnel.

4th District Officer Christopher D. Cadigan: On March 28, 2006, Officer Christopher Cadigan responded to the intersection of Emory Road and Georgia Avenue for the report of a disabled vehicle in a parking lot. Officer Cadigan observed a middle aged female sitting in the vehicle who appeared to be sleeping. He observed a black hose protruding from the female’s mouth and the other end of the hose connected to the vehicle’s exterior tailpipe. Officer Cadigan called for assistance from Fire/Rescue and pulled the hose out of the tailpipe. He broke out several windows to unlock the vehicle and allow fresh air inside. Officer Cadigan pulled the unconscious female out of the vehicle and placed her at a safe distance from the vehicle. Fire/Rescue responded several minutes later and transported her to Montgomery General Hospital where she was treated for exposure to the deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

The Award states that: “Officer Cardigan’s courage, resourcefulness and quick response to what is normally a low priority call, certainly saved this citizen’s life.”

4th District Officer Philip F. Meyer and Officer Matthew B. Vendemio: On March 15, 2006, Officers Philip Meyer and Matthew Vendemio responded to an address on Hillsboro Drive for the report of a suspicious situation. When the officers arrived, they discovered an unresponsive female lying on the floor of the residence. After an initial assessment, the officers initiated CPR and continued those life saving measures until Fire/Rescue arrived and relieved them. The female was transported to Holy Cross Hospital where continued resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and she was regrettably pronounced dead.

The Award states that: “Officers Meyer and Vendemio are to be commended for their quick actions and professionalism while attempting to save the victim’s life.”

1st District Officer Justin T. Brown and Officer Samuel A. Mrvos: On February 2, 2006, Officer Justin Brown and Officer Samuel Mrvos responded to a 911 disconnect call with an open line at a residence on Traville Gardens Circle. When Officer Mrvos arrived, he knocked and a frantic woman opened the door. Officer Mrvos entered the apartment and discovered an unconscious elderly man lying on the floor. During a quick assessment, Officer Mrvos determined that the man was not breathing, but did have a faint pulse. At that time Officer Brown arrived and both officers initiated CPR. Lifesaving efforts were continued until Fire/Rescue personnel arrived and relieved them. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he eventually succumbed to a heart attack.

The Award states that: “Although the ultimate outcome was unfortunate, these officers are to be commended for their efforts and commitment to provide aid to a person in distress. They were calm, compassionate, and professional during a time of great stress and crisis.”

3rd District Officer Edward E. Paden, Officer Brandon E. Pellecchia, and Officer Scott D. Roth: On March 18, 2006, 3rd District officers were dispatched to a shooting that had just occurred on Quebec Terrace. When officers arrived, the scene was quickly secured and Officers Edward Paden, Brandon Pellecchia, and Scott Roth began to assess the victim’s condition. The victim suffered a gunshot wound that was close in proximity to his spine. Officers realized they could be dealing with a spinal injury. Officers Paden and Pellecchia began applying dressing and direct pressure to the wounds in order to control excessive bleeding. Officer Roth assisted by holding and demobilizing the victim’s head and back to prevent further injury. Fire/Rescue transported the victim to Med-Star Hospital, where he underwent lifesaving surgery.

The Award states that: “If it were not for the quick, initial stabilizing actions of these first responders, this victim may have succumbed to his injuries.”

The other award categories included: 4 National Defense Awards, 3 Unit Citations, 15 Commendations, and 1 Supervisor of the Year Award. Two officers who recently received awards from other organizations were also recognized.

Retrieved November 17, 2006 from http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Police/News/NA_details.asp?NaID=2932

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 01:04 AM | Permalink

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

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 03:54 PM | Permalink

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

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 03:46 PM | Permalink

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

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 12:20 AM | Permalink

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

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 05:48 PM | Permalink

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

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

By Louis Galvan of The Fresno Bee, September 27, 2006

Brian Nieto, the Fresno police officer who was given little chance of surviving after being shot three times during a traffic stop, received a standing ovation during ceremonies Tuesday before the Fresno City Council.

Nieto, seated in a wheelchair pushed by his father, used a cane to steady himself, stood up and took a few steps forward to accept a proclamation from the city declaring Tuesday "Officer Brian Nieto Day."

Holding a microphone with his right hand and the cane with his left, Nieto turned to the audience and in a soft, but clear voice, thanked the countless people — relatives, friends, fellow officers, doctors, nurses and others he has never met — who rallied to his side after he was shot the night of July31.

"Everybody's prayers did not go unanswered," Nieto told the crowd, which included about 100 police officers. The officer was surrounded by his parents, Larry and Mary Nieto, Fresno police Chief Jerry Dyer, and Mayor Alan Autry. "The support, the prayers," he said, "has helped me get through this tough time."

Dyer, noting doctors at University Medical Center gave the motorcycle officer "no more than 24 hours to survive" the night he was rushed to the emergency room, described the officer's path to recovery "a miracle of God."

In a news conference in front of City Hall after the ceremony, Dyer called Nieto "my hero, Fresno's hero," and said he would like to see Nieto return to the department by Jan. 1.

Nieto said he, too, would like to return to duty, but does not know when he might be able to do so. He said wounds to his torso and other parts of his body appear to be healing well, but that nerve damage to his left leg is taking longer to heal and is a source of constant pain, numbed only by daily pain medication. "It's getting better, but right now that is what is holding me down," he said.

According to police, Nieto and his partner, James Young, were trying to make a traffic stop on a car in central Fresno the night of the shooting. After a short pursuit, the car suddenly came to a stop, investigators said, forcing Nieto to also brake and swerve to avoid running into the vehicle. Nieto said Tuesday he didn't know who was driving the car, but that he caught a glimpse of the gunman when the shots were fired from the driver's side window.

Young said he was about 30 yards away when he heard the shots and saw Nieto fall to the pavement. He fired five shots at the vehicle. "My first thought was to get help for him," Young said. Young said he is ready to welcome Nieto back to the force. "He will be my partner when he comes back," he said.

Shortly after Nieto's shooting, police announced they were looking for Joaquin Figueroa, 25, for questioning in the shooting. He was shot and killed by a Fresno police officer Aug. 3 after a car in which he was a passenger was stopped in southeast Fresno.

The reporter can be reached at lgalvan@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6139.

Retrieved October 1, 2006 from http://fresnobee.com/local/story/12781917p-13474381c.html

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 12:25 PM | Permalink

By Damon C. Williams

Not being in uniform or officially on-duty didn't prevent Cpl. William "Bo" Daniels from attempting to halt a robbery of a West Philadelphia bar more than 30 years ago.

So it was that on Dec. 16, 1975, Daniels gave his life protecting the patrons of that bar and the citizens of the neighborhood.

Yesterday, his family and friends, politicians and police brass celebrated Daniels' life during a plaque-dedication ceremony outside the Steak & Ale Pub, the bar that now sits at 58th and Christian, where Daniels was slain.

"I didn't know him personally, but I worked on his case when I was in homicide the night that it happened," said Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson.

Referring to the ceremony, Johnson said, "I think it sends a strong message to the family and everyone else that once you're in law enforcement and something does happen to you, you're never forgotten."

Daniels, 34, a 12-year police veteran, was off-duty when he stopped by the tavern. While inside, five armed men attempted to rob the place. An unarmed Daniels was shot and killed by the gunmen when he tried to intervene. Johnson said the whole neighborhood, including those in the tavern, had been involved in the eventual capture of the killers, in stark contrast to today's "stop snitchin' " street mantra. "At the time, we had no problems at all getting witnesses," he said.

The way Daniels was respected in the neighborhood and by his peers transcends any street code. "You could always count on Bo in the community," said Albert Crane, a retired police officer and friend. "He was an inspiration." City Councilman Frank Rizzo Jr. said his father, the former mayor and police commissioner, knew the Daniels family and was distraught the night of his murder.

The speakers lauded Daniels for his sense of humor and the colorblind nature of his character, a fact touched on by one of Daniels' sons, Hollywood producer Lee Daniels."My dad taught me that color was insignificant," he recalled, "and I think he got that from the men in blue, and that's what I carried out into the world."

William Daniels' other children, Lydiah, Manard, Cheryl and Leah, also were on hand for the ceremony, as was his widow, Clara Mae. "I am so happy, and this is really an honor," said Clara Mae Daniels. "He was very emotional, and he would have loved this service."

Retrieved September 28, 2006 from http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/local/15626481.htm

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 01:13 PM | Permalink

From  PhilStar.com, On-line news, The Freeman 09/27/2006

Four members of the Cebu City Police Office will receive a cash reward from the city government for their contribution to the campaign against criminality in the city. Cebu City acting director Supt. Melvin Gayotin told reporters yesterday that City Hall is giving rewards to PO2 Junicar Estiñoso and PO1 Rommel Mediodia of the Mobile Patrol Group.

According to Chief Inspector Arnel Banzon, the MPG chief, Entiñoso and Mediodia arrested a taxi driver a month ago for trying to bribe them after he was issued with a citation ticket for traffic violations along General Maxilom Avenue. Meanwhile, PO1 Angelo Avenido and PO1 Sherwin delos Reyes, both assigned to the Mabolo Police Station, will be awarded for the arrest of a snatcher last month.

Gayotin said the award would be given on Monday during a flag ceremony attended by City Hall officials. "You have to admit that giving a reward is a moral booster (since) it makes your people work more." However, Gayotin did not say how much would be given as reward to those policemen.

It has been City Hall's practice to dole out cash rewards to policemen with notable accomplishment against criminality. SPO1 Adonis Dumpit had been one of the recipients of such reward. The city government is also giving reward to civilians who give police information that would result to the arrest of wanted criminals.

The city police are now busy preparing for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asians Nations Summit, deploying more policemen in the streets and conducting random checkpoints. Gayotin also ordered the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch to conduct operations in areas in the city frequented by criminals, asking barangay officials to cooperate with the police in the drive against criminality.

At least four people were arrested yesterday afternoon during a checkpoint conducted by the CIIB, Special Weapons and Tactics team and Vice Control Section along M.J. Cuenco Avenue in barangay Tejero. The suspects were identified as Cresencio Paquibot, 50, of San Francisco Camotes; John Jen Sumer, 20, a native of Inolingan, Negros Occidental; Paterno Montebon Jr., 32, of barangay Sumon, Tuburan; and a 17-year-old boy from Tipolo, Mandaue City. Montebon, a security guard, was caught with a .22 caliber magnum Black Widow revolver loaded with four ammunitions while the rest of the suspects were caught with bladed weapons. - Edwin Ian Melecio/LPM

Retrieved September 26. 2006 from http://www.philstar.com/philstar/FREEMAN200609271806.htm

Posted by Dr. Kardasz at 12:09 PM | Permalink

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

by Nicole Ward, September 5, 2006

Tuesday's Charleston City Council meeting started by remembering the night of March 23, 2006. "I was patrolling the west side of Charleston and actually could see the smoke and the structure on fire before they dispatched the fire department. Most of the tenants had gotten out and were huddled around, but one lady hadn't made it out yet," recalled Travis Hawley. Hawley is commander of Charleston's K-9 Unit. Chief Brent Webster says police officers get no official fire rescure training, but that didn't stop Hawley from rushing in. "You couldn't see your hand in front of your face. She and I kept talking back and forth until I found her." For that he was given an award for valor. "I heard her scream and I just felt like I had to go and get her out of there. I was afraid she was going to be overcome by smoke."

West Virginia Media.
Retrieved September 15, 2006 from http://www.wowktv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=13824

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

New York Daily News - http://www.nydailynews.com
By Frank Lombardi, Daily News City Hall Bureau
August 30th, 2006

New York - The somber rain matched the mood yesterday of a ceremony naming a Pelham Bay streetcorner in honor of slain police hero Daniel Enchautegui. The officer was killed Dec. 10 in a shootout with burglars he caught breaking into a neighbor's home.

"He really gave his life protecting the rest of us," Mayor Bloomberg said at a ceremony held, because of the rain, at the nearby St. Theresa School. "Being here today brings back the sorrow I think that we all felt that day, because when we lost Daniel, we lost a piece of our city's future," Bloomberg said of the 28-year-old police officer.

Dozens of uniformed officers stood in ranks behind Enchautegui's seated family and friends, including his mother and father, Maria and Pedro, and his sister, Yolanda Rosa. A street sign bearing the name Detective Daniel Enchautegui Way was unveiled, to be placed at the northeastern corner of Westchester Ave. and Arnow Place, up the block from where Enchautegui had lived and where he was fatally shot.

While off duty and in civilian clothes, Enchautegui had confronted two men - later identified as ex-con Steven Armento and Lillo Brancato, an actor who had parts in the film "A Bronx Tale" and TV's "The Sopranos" - as they were allegedly breaking into a next-door neighbor's home.

According to police accounts, Enchautegui identified himself as a cop, but Armento opened fire, hitting the officer in the chest. Though mortally wounded, Enchautegui managed to return fire, wounding Armento and Brancato, arrested by other cops responding to a 911 call the officer made before confronting the two men.

"Danny Enchautegui was one of our very best," Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said at the commemoration. "He served the people of New York City for three years, and he exhibited at the last moments of his life the instinct and discipline that earned him his sterling reputation." Kelly said Enchautegui's "amazing act of fortitude" in wounding the two suspects led to their capture. He added that the street sign will remind all who see it "of this outstanding young man who gave his life defending his community."

The suspects, who recovered from their wounds, are in jail awaiting trial on second-degree murder charges.

Retrieved August 30, 2006 from http://www.nydailynews.com

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

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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.

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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 leas