VOL. 9 - Issue 3 2018
contents
PUBLISHER Envisage Productions Enterprise Inc. Editor-In-Chief Daniel Del Valle executive Editor John Welsh MANAGING EDITOR George Beck DESIGN EDITOR Dari Izhaky Associate Editors Julia Torres Joe Uliano copy EDITOR J. Scott Wilson writers 6 editor’s point of view 40 around florida Efren Almodovar Dave Littman Daniel Del Valle Sam the Man Turns Chris Amos Lance Lopez managing editor’s Catching Interceptions Into Caroline Angel Dan Lorenzo 8 Apprehending Criminals perspective George Beck Capt. Lori Mambelli (Ret.) By Julia Torres Robert (Bob) Bianchi, Esq. Jay Martinez George Beck Joseph Biasco Brian Mast Soul-Searching Sheriff Clarke 44 Michael Boll Sheriff Leo McGuire (Ret.) 10 Looking Inward, Speaks Out Keith Bott Anthony Mikitarian What Kind of a Cop Are You? Rebecca Calhoun Eddie Molina Split-Second Decisions: By Lt. Patrick J. Ciser, C.P.D. (Ret.) Joseph Celentano Jacob Ortega Standing Strong Lt. Patrick J. Ciser (Ret.) Lt. Joseph Pangaro (Ret.) By Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. (Ret.) spotlight Collin Congleton Timothy Parlatore, Esq. 47 Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. Kris “Tanto” Paronto 14 Out-Front Blue Magazine Salutes Heroes Andi Daniel Del Valle William Peppard Misguided Children Stage and Ed Buerger Vincent D’Amico Gary Przewoznik Anti-Gun Rally Dr. Michael Doblin Dr. Aaron Rapps 48 operation rebound By Bernard Kerik Bob Dvorchak Rafael Rosa Boots on the Ground, Sgt. Anthony Espino Thomas Shea 18 feature story Come from All Walks Det. Sgt. Thomas S. Barry Sheinkopf Protesting the Real By Michael D. Boll Fano, (Ret.) PO Valerie Stetz (Ret.) Debra Ann Faretra Lt. Randy Sutton (Ret.) Message for Change 50 police chaplain’s Joel E. Gordon Wanda Tejada Coletta By Sgt. Anthony Espino perspective Beth C. Grossman, Esq. Julia Torres 21 inside view Death, The Rest of the Story Capt. Stephen Jones Joseph Uliano By Chris Amos Fasil Khan Eddie Vega Armed vs Disarmed: Dr. Brian P. Kelly Brian Weitzman The Gun Free Zone Debate 52 interview Bernard Kerik John Welsh By Joel E. Gordon Dave Bray USA cover design 24 straightforward By George Beck Daniel Larco Promotion & Politics 57 Blue events Photographers By Thomas Shea, D.Sc., CPP Detectives Crime Clinic Vincent D’Amico awareness Barry Morgenstein 26 58 Home advice Take a Stand Against Find Your Dream Home WEBSITE/SUBSCRIPTIONS Workplace Bullying www.TheBlueMagazine.com By Fasil Khan By Anthony Mikatarian EMAIL 60 up close [email protected] 29 inside perspective Girl Scouts of The Jersey Shore Organizational Change ADVERTISING Give Back to our K9 HEROES John Welsh 201.881.5100 By Dr. Jim Ford By Valerie Velazquez-Stetz OFFICE 30 training 62 remembrance 279 Belmont Ave., Haledon, NJ 07508 A 10-Minute Investment MIT Campus Patrol Officer ph: 973.653.3446 | fax: 973.653.3447 By Jay Martinez Sean Collier 32 cover story By Jonny Castro productions ENTERPRISE Blue Magazine Endorses Alex Cruz 64 Blue PaWS The opinions and information provided in this for Mayor of Paterson, New Jersey magazine are the sole opinions of the editor Law Enforcement Officers and contributors and not their employers. 36 hear me out and Their Canines The Blue Magazine is published 9 times a year. (c) By Joseph Celentano 2018 - The Blue Magazine/Envisage Productions LLC. Before Social Media: All rights reserved. While every reasonable effort has The (Not So) Secret Police been made to ensure that the information is accurate 65 blue classifieds as of the publication date, The Blue Magazine and By Joel E. Gordon its employees, agents, clients and distributors shall Local Merchants Serving not be liable for any damages arising from the use national voice Our Community of or reliance on the information contained in this 39 publication or from omissions to this publication. The Little Rock Police Recruit Jones www.TheBlueMagazine.com website is powered by Shouldn’t Be Fired Over Rap Lyric ENVISAGE PRODUCTIONS, enterprise. Layout & design by Dari Izhaky: [email protected] By Bernard Kerik God Bless Our Troops! Please share and recycle this magazine.
editor’s POINt of VIEW
s the founder of the Blue Magazine, I am proud to announce our endorsement of Alex Cruz—a great cop, PBA union leader, U.S. Marine veteran, and a genuine individual to be the next mayor of the City of Paterson, New Jersey. It’s impressive to see a fellow Abrother take a much-needed step to make things better for our Blue family, and for the community. We all know what some low income, high crime areas all across our nation are going through on a daily basis, and this is why it’s crucial to support one of our own to make things right. Our first-hand knowledge and experience as law enforcement officers hold so many qualities and have many answers that can help and change these communities for the better. People like Alex, and you, have the tools to change the world one city at a time. As a law enforcement publication, we are proud to support an officer when he or she is determined to make a beneficial difference. We need more officers out there taking steps toward the political platform to make our communities the best they possibly can be, and also to ensure that politicians understand the job and the sacrifices officers make every day. It’s no secret that we have been stripped of the many well-earned benefits and respect due to some politicians not understanding nor valuing what officers do as professionals. They do not appreciate all the work officers do to keep them safe in their plush offices and privileged positions. Most of these politicians are mindless. They let the loud voices dictate their actions even while knowing their responses are wrong for the community. Unfortunately, they ignore the hard-working individuals—those who do all they can before asking for handouts—who suffer from lack of financial opportunity and a safe place to call home. Civilians who live in high-crime areas cannot enjoy a peaceful walk to and from work because there is constant peril and not enough law enforcement officers in the streets to combat crime effectively. This is a sad state of affairs in many cities where the same politicians get reelected over and over and never accomplish anything. Judging by the safety of the streets and the lack of opportunity for the community members, these politicians are failing the people who elect them to change their dire situations. It’s time for change. I could go on and on why we need sturdy politicians to take office now, and why someone with a big heart who wears that badge proudly is the answer. I congratulate Alex Cruz for following his passion. He is making many of us in our profession proud. I encourage others to follow these steps to provide proper representation to do what is right for the community. Enjoy your families and be kind to one another. This is the secret of life. I am humbled to have the opportunity to meet so many of you at different levels. Always feel free to reach out if you have any ideas or concerns that we may help you with. Be safe.
Daniel Del Valle, Editor-in-Chief Support our fallen officers!
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Managing editors’ perspective
elcome to another excellent issue of Blue Magazine. Finally, the winter is gone and spring is here. As you head out on much-needed vacations, take Blue Magazine along. We have a W wealth of information from the best law enforcement voices to share with you. Our cover story features Paterson Detective Alex Cruz, who is running to become the next mayor of Paterson, NJ. Cruz is a union leader, a United States Marine veteran, and known in the law enforcement profession as a change-maker. He’s strong-minded and determined. He will set Paterson on the right track to once again be a place to raise a family and where businesses thrive. Blue Magazine endorses Cruz for mayor! Go to Cruz’s website (www. alexcruzformayor.com) to see how you can help our brother, Alex. As many officers know, not all politicians treat us fairly and with respect, therefore, it is crucial that more officers follow in the footsteps of Cruz. Good luck! Harassment and bullying in our profession must stop. How many officers are enduring harassment or bullying from supervisors? Think about that for a moment. Recall that supervisor who when at the bottom was most likely a decent person, and then somehow stripes on a sleeve or bars on a collar made them all-knowing and drunk with power. They typically began to supervise with fairness and decency and then as the months went by and they became acquainted with the authority over officers the position gives them, they ended up with the wrong mindset believing their status as a supervisor affords them a sense of ownership. They mistakenly think they control your life and are far superior intellectually and professionally then you could ever be. They become unfair, paranoid, and often reprimand good officers they see as a threat of one day being promoted and perhaps passing them in rank. Therefore, they do everything they can to make excellent officers seem incompetent, and themselves as extraordinary. These are the kinds of supervisors who often show up late, yet reprimand an officer who is always early for duty and once walks in the door a minute or two late with a valid reason for his or her delay. They are the “do as I say and not as I do” kinds of people. These supervisors all have one thing in common: eventually, they all fail. Always remember whether they are a corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief, chief, or sheriff, they too make mistakes. Never forget that. Sometimes justice takes longer, but rest assured it will come—whether you are the one who stands up against this kind of bully and makes it happen or someone else, it will happen. However, those who are being bullied or harassed by supervisors should push back, whether through legal action or another appropriate method to make sure those drunk with power experience a sobering moment. We are all adults in this profession, and no supervisor should ever harass or bully a subordinate. In closing, I have met many excellent officers and supervisors who genuinely know how to handle themselves professionally and lead their officers properly. I tip my hat to those treating their fellow brother and sister officers with respect and fairness and do not tolerate bullying. You are the role models aspiring supervisors must seek to become. Our profession needs more leaders with your ability. Officers are excellent observers. They see the failures of many supervisors who inappropriately use their power, and they equally see you who are leading with integrity and appreciate you even if at times it doesn’t seem like it. Keep doing what you are doing. Your leadership is noticed and appreciated. Enjoy this issue of Blue Magazine! official law enforcement business directory
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Sheriff Clarke Speaks Out Split-Second Decisions:
Standing StrongSheriff David A. Clarke Jr. (Ret.) he United States Supreme Court crime.” Huh? Come again, please, your between order and chaos. The law-abiding handed down some great news in Honor? The suspect was ordered to drop public is counting on us to stand strong. Ta recent decision that protects an the knife and she did not. The dissenting Don’t let them down. officer in most cases from personal civil justices went on to state that two other Finally, the use of force by police offi- liability for actions taken in the scope of police officers didn’t open fire and that cers in Sacramento, CA must be addressed. their employment. The decision reverses one wanted to continue using verbal The actions of two police officers resulted an appeals court ruling that unsurprisingly commands. It doesn’t matter what the other in the death of 22-year-old Stephon Clark. emanated out of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court officers did, it only matters what the officer As I always do, I have cautioned the public of Appeals. who fired the shots did and his articulation not to jump to conclusions and wait until The incident involves a 911 call in as to why and if it was reasonable to shoot the facts are determined. Nonetheless, the which a police officer used force when they under the circumstances. The United States usual will occur. This means a rush to judg- fired four shots at a knife-wielding suspect. Supreme Court held that it was reasonable. ment, agitators fomenting anger, and hos- The suspect ignored numerous lawful com- On another front, I came across a video tility and misinformation. mands to drop the knife which she held in of some police officers who were on patrol It didn’t take long for carnival barker her hand while standing within the lunge when they came across a group of idiots Al Sharpton to hurry across the country area of another person. The officer articu- who began taunting them. It’s not necessary to get his self-serving piece of the action. lated that he felt the community was endan- for me to name the agency. I am not being When Sharpton shows up, nothing good gered by this armed suspect. hyper-critical about their actions; however, follows. He said that this is a national story The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled I need to say something about the incident. but it’s not. He wants it to be national so he that his actions were extreme. That is easy I understand what is going on out in can get national attention. to say from the safe and sterile environment the field of operations in the post-Obama The White House issued a statement of a courtroom. This is the kind of second- era of cop-hating. Cops have become that I would expect any responsible U.S. guessing that previous U.S. Supreme Court less assertive, figuring that it isn’t worth president to make. They said it was a “local decisions have disallowed. Apparently, this jeopardizing their careers because of matter best handled by local authorities.” court does not realize that officers have to some overzealous politically active liberal Exactly. Cop-hater-in-Chief Obama always make split-second decisions under circum- prosecutor, a chief executive who buckles added fuel to the fire before the facts were stances that are “tense, uncertain and rap- to political pressure from a mayor’s office, in and he always invoked race. President idly evolving.” and media figures who no longer adhere Donald Trump calms the waters – that’s In Graham v. Connor (1989) the Su- to journalistic standards of accuracy and called leadership. preme Court held that, “the Fourth Amend- instead fuel the hatred of law enforcement The media did what the media does ment ‘reasonableness’ inquiry is whether officials. I get it. in these instances. Every story led with, the officer’s actions are ‘objectively reason- We are asked to put up with a lot, and “unarmed black man shot by police.” I want able’ in light of the facts and circumstances we do. We are not expected to be pushed to remind them that not armed does not confronting them, without regard to their around by punks. When the line is crossed, mean not dangerous. The officers should be underlying intent or motivation. The rea- I expect proper police action – shit-canning held to the rule of law standard that I talked sonableness of a particular use of force must these shit-birds. That means jail. As long as about previously. be judged from the perspective of a reason- cops act in accordance with the law – their I’ll wait to say anything further until able officer on the scene, and its calculus agency policies and the law enforcement the facts are determined. must embody an allowance for the fact officer’s code of conduct – they will be The media will do what they always do that police officers are often forced to make judged as having acted properly. and produce headlines that say a cop shot split-second decisions about the amount of When we make on-scene decisions in an unarmed black man. force necessary in a particular situation.” avoidance of potential complaints, we are What is interesting is not that Justice headed to a very dark place. Putting up with Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. Sotomayor and Justice Ginsburg were the being spit on, cursed at, having missiles (Ret.) was the 64th Sheriff dissenting opinion, but rather what their thrown at us, and the like will then be a of Milwaukee County. He reasons for dissenting were. They pointed daily expectation. We will have established has appeared on many of out that the knife-wielding suspect “held a law enforcement response that fails to the national news stations to the knife down at her side, didn’t commit protect the public. We walk away. Really? defend the law enforcement any illegal act and wasn’t suspected of a Law enforcement is the last line of defense profession.
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Anti-Gun Rally By Bernard B. Kerik aturday as I watched the charade was a good chance that there was a rifle There were more than 30 different of marches against gun violence in in the back window of that truck, and no occasions that the authorities could have SWashington, D.C., I felt this over- one thought anything of it. Youngsters took acted to prevent the shooting prior to it, whelming regret for the American people those guns to school, sometimes bartering but they did not, but not a word from the and our country. or trading, and kept them in their lockers protesters. It just didn’t fit their agenda. Instigated and propped up by the polit- so they could go hunting when school was The political transparency of this ical left and mainstream media, the march’s out at the end of the day. March was sickening, and the ignorance leaders were a group of ignorant, arrogant, I have a friend who bought his first was worse. A young lady held up a and disrespectful teenagers, many below AR-15 rifle from a high school teacher and sign, “United, we will prevent this from the age of eighteen. I watched an interview kept it in his locker until it was time to go happening ever again.” I’m sorry to drag where one of these children, David Hogg, home. Ironically with all those guns floating you into the world of reality, but no you will publicly degraded and mocked his own around, and less than half of the gun laws not, unless our society changes, and that parents in a vile diatribe, acting as a mouth- we have today on the books, there were no has nothing to do with gun laws. piece for the Democratic Party. mass shootings or school shootings! None, The strictest gun laws in the United If that wasn’t strange enough, once-re- and it had nothing to do with the gun laws, States haven’t done a thing for Chicago, spected Hollywood celebrities like Stephen because in most states, there weren’t any. and until you secure your schools, monitor Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, and George Today, the strictest gun laws in the students with mental illness within our Clooney joined in to commit what I can United States are in Chicago and New system, and parents start doing their job only describe as a fraud on the American York City, and yet Chicago’s shootings and instead of letting social media, Hollywood, people. Promoted as a march to reduce gun murders equal that of Los Angeles and New and the music industry indoctrinate their violence, there was no one there who knew York City combined. kids with disrespectful and rebellious, left- a damned thing about guns, and the speak- Fact: The toughest gun laws in the wing, socialist, and Marxist ideology, it’s ers spent most of their time spewing hateful entire country have done absolutely nothing going to get much worse. The march itself rhetoric toward our country, the Republi- to reduce violent crime and murder in was a clear demonstration of that. Tens can Party, the NRA, and President Donald Chicago. of thousands of teenagers spewing anti- Trump. And, for the teenybopper protesters American garbage, knowing nothing other What amazed me most, or should I say who believe it’s all the Republicans’ fault, than what they were programed to say by stunned me, was that the adults who were Chicago has been under Democratic rule their sponsors. there were fawning over these children like for decades. To the contrary, when New On September 11, 2001, when 19 men they were the next coming of Christ, and York City experienced more than 2,000 hijacked four jet airliners and killed more for a few moments I just sat there staring murders a year and had the highest violent than 3,000 innocent people in the worst ter- at the television trying to figure out what I crime rate in U.S. history, it was Rudy Gi- ror attack in world history, we didn’t panic was missing. uliani — a Republican — and his admin- and get rid of all the planes, we addressed Then it dawned on me. Those kids are istration that reduced violent crime by 65 the problem of airline and airport security. living examples of ignorant, entitled, and percent, and murder by 70 percent. As horrible as these school shootings have disrespectful brats whose views of this great For those who believe that Democrats been, keep in mind that the attackers like country have been created by social media, could do so much better than Republicans the one in Parkland were nothing but kids Hollywood and the music industry, and a on this issue, should I remind you that with guns and lots of ammunition. They lack of parental, historical, and educational President Barack Obama had the Senate had no real training or combat expertise, guidance. Sadly, many of the same traits in his back pocket for eight years and did and contrary to a sign held up by a female are responsible for violence, bullying, and absolutely nothing. protester that said she went to school as a yes… shootings in our schools. A blind man could see that Saturday’s student and came home from a war zone — Although most of the protesters were march against gun violence was nothing I hate to be the one to break it to her — it not old enough to remember or even know more than an anti-Trump, anti-NRA, and was a nice cliché, but not true. this: 50 years ago, handguns and rifles were sadly, anti-American rally. Of the thou- Her and her fellow students were the far more prevalent than they are today, and sands of signs, not one focused on the real unfortunate victims of a deranged lunatic, there were far less restrictions on how and cause of the Parkland massacre. I didn’t see and you witnessed a bad multiple shooting. who could purchase, possess or carry guns one sign calling out the Broward County As horrible it was, that is reality. of any kind. Sheriff’s Department for their failed man- In the real world, what’s going to West of Pennsylvania and south of agement and response, or the FBI, for their happen when ten really bad guys get their Washington, D.C., if you were old enough grave errors that unfortunately led to the hands on weapons, most likely illegally, to drive and owned a pickup truck, there shooting. (Continued on bottom of page 19)
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he Parkland school shooting has peractivity disorder and depression. anxiety drug Xanax. He had previously sparked protesting students through- Huntsville, Alabama – February 5, 2010: spent time in a psychiatric care facility. Tout the country calling for the abolish- 315-year-old Hammad Memon shot and Wahluke, Washington – April 10, 2001: ment of guns. These students, along with killed another Discover Middle School stu- 9Sixteen-year-old Cory Baadsgaard took some of their teachers have been accusing dent Todd Brown. Memon had a history of a rifle to his high school and held 23 class- the National Rifle Association (NRA) of be- being treated for ADHD and depression. mates and a teacher hostage. Three weeks ing the problem for past school shootings He was taking the antidepressant Zoloft earlier, his doctor had switched Baads- that had taken the lives of so many young and “other drugs for his conditions.” He had gaard’s prescription from Paxil to Effexor. men and women. I commend these kids for been seeing a psychiatrist and psychologist. The morning of the incident, his dosage speaking out against the violence, but un- Cleveland, Ohio – October 10, 2007: of Effexor had been increased. Baadsgaard fortunately, many of them are misinformed said he had no memory of the incident. about what the real problems are. 414-year-old Asa Coon stormed through Research indicates at least 36 school his school with a gun in each hand, shooting El Cajon, California – March 22, shootings and or school-related acts of and wounding four students before taking 10 2001: 18-year-old Jason Hoffman, violence have been committed by children his own life. Coon had been prescribed the who was taking antidepressants Celexa taking or withdrawing from psychiatric antidepressant Trazodone. and Effexor, opened fire on his classmates, drugs which resulted in 172 wounded and Hillsborough, North Carolina – Au- wounding three students and two teachers 80 killed. This information is not part of the 5gust 30, 2006: 19-year-old Alvaro Ra- at Granite Hills High School. He had been protester talking points. Why? Because it fael Castillo shot and killed his father, then seeing a psychiatrist before the shooting. doesn’t fit the “guns are only to blame” nar- drove to Orange High School where he Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz rative. opened fire injuring two students. It was was not a man of peace. On social media, The counter-narrative research is not later confirmed by his mother that he was he told of his desire to perpetuate the exact hard to uncover. Through my research, I on prescription drugs for depression. type of violence displayed on the afternoon found ten documented incidents where Chapel Hill, North Carolina – April 24, of February 14, 2018. Before he allegedly school shooters had been under the influ- 2006: 17-year-old William Barrett Fos- committed one of the worst mass shootings ence of psychiatric drugs when the school 6 ter brought a shotgun to school and took in US history, police officials say Cruz shooting occurred. Not one, not two, TEN. a teacher and a fellow student hostage at wrote social media posts so threatening he Since nobody is paying attention to this re- East Chapel Hill High School. Fortunately, was reported to the FBI. Cruz said he would ality, here they are below according to the he was talked out of shooting the hostages shoot people with his AR-15 and singled Citizens Commission on Human Rights but fired two shots through a classroom out police and anti-fascist protesters as (CCHR) International: window before fleeing the school on foot. deserving of his vengeance. Just six months Sparks, Nevada – October 21, 2013: Jose Foster’s father testified that his son had ago, he stated his aspiration to become a Reyes, a 12-year-old student opened fire 1 stopped taking his antidepressants and an- “professional school shooter.” A former at Sparks Middle School. Reyes killed a tipsychotic drugs. classmate said Cruz had shown him guns, teacher and wounded two classmates be- and other students said they worried he was fore committing suicide. The investigation Red Lake, Minnesota – March 21, violent. School officials used emails to warn showed that he had been seeing a psychia- 72005: 16-year-old Jeff Weise, while on teachers of Cruz’s behavior. Accordingly, trist and had a generic version of Prozac Prozac, shot and killed his grandfather and one teacher said they were told that Cruz (fluoxetine) in his system at the time of his grandfather’s girlfriend. Weise then should not be allowed on the school campus death. went to his school on the Red Lake Indian with a backpack. Cruz was expelled from Reservation where he shot and killed five Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Sep- Stoneman Douglas High School in 2017. students, a security guard, and a teacher tember 21, 2011: 14-year-old Chris- An investigator with Florida’s Depart- 2 and wounded seven before killing himself. tian Helms had two pipe bombs in his ment of Children and Families learned backpack when he shot and wounded a Greenbush, New York – February 9, Cruz was cutting himself in late 2016 after Socastee High School “resource” officer. 82004: 16-year-old Jon Romano entered breaking up with his girlfriend. The inves- Evidence showed that he was planning his high school in east Greenbush and tigator was “concerned about (Cruz’s) talk an attack and made a list of who he was opened fire with a shotgun. Special educa- about wanting to purchase a gun and feel- going to kill. Helms had been taking pre- tion teacher Michael Bennett was shot in ing depressed,” according to the agency’s scription drugs for attention deficit hy- the leg. Romano had been taking the anti- investigation records.
18 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 How did Cruz fall through the cracks? I believe these students have been used ately identifying the problem. Our children Why didn’t law enforcement officials as pawns to push a political agenda. These are our most precious commodity. As men- address these threats and why was he not protests should include the behavioral his- tioned, I commended them for standing up, he helped? Clearly, this young man had is- tory of these shooters and what can be done and am hopeful they and their teachers en- sues that were alarming and but they were to help keep these children from commit- couraging them will dig intellectually more never addressed. Yet we have children pro- ting future acts of violence. profound beyond “guns are to blame.” If we testing that guns are the problem and that My greatest concerns are that we are honestly identify the underlying issues, we the NRA is killing our children. Here’s the missing the real problems with school can solve this problem. reality: guns don’t kill people, people kill shootings and therefore, we will be ineffec- people. A detonating device strapped to tive at solving this massive issue. As we have Sgt. Anthony Espino is a 18- two barbecuing propane tanks, and thrown seen with the ten incidents above, guns are year veteran police officer, into a school can kill massive amounts of not the only factor at hand. Clarity is what assigned to the Patrol and students. If this horrific example happened, we need. Not another cause that will ulti- Crime Prevention Unit. His would propane tanks be banned? No, it mately do nothing to solve the problem. No passion is to lecture to com- would be the mental health of the shooter child should die in his or her school. Not a munity members, teachers, or the prescriptions, so why is this argu- single one! We must be willing to analyze all and students to promote awareness and offer ment any different? angles and make certain we are appropri- tips to prevent crime and victimization.
Misguided Children Stage Anti-Gun Rally (Continued from page 14) enter five different schools around the needed psychological counseling. society of self-entitled kids brain washed by country on the same day at the same time, These kids don’t know the difference everything and everyone but their parents. and unlike the Parkland shooter, they’re between an AR-15, M-16, M-4, or a hunting That’s what we need to address and be well-equipped, well-trained, and worse rifle. They don’t care that the statistics prepared for, because until that changes, than anything, ready to die for their cause? refute their arguments for stricter gun laws, school safety will be the least of America’s The same sort of attacks have hap- Chicago being one example, and the fact problems. pened in Beslan, Russia; Orlando, San Ber- that 98 percent of all mass shootings occur (Article courtesy of Newsmax) nardino, or several European countries, in gun free zones. As for the hatred for where guns are completed banned, but the NRA, just an FYI, not one of the mass Bernard Kerik was New York that didn’t stop the terrorists from getting shootings were done by an NRA member. City’s police commissioner their hands on them and killing hundreds These are high school-aged kids who during the 9/11 attacks. He of innocent people. That boys and girls, is a the Democratic Party, mainstream media, became an American hero real war zone, that like it or not, admit it or and Hollywood have believing that they are as he led the NYPD through not, we have to prepare for… in our malls, the answer to a liberal socialist movement rescue and recovery efforts transportation hubs, sporting arenas, and in this country, and I’m not sure what’s more of the World Trade Center. His resumé as a sorry to say, in our schools. frightening… their ignorance or naiveté, public servant is long and storied, and in- The kiddie protesters don’t get it and it’s or the fact that the Democratic Party and cludes honors from President Ronald Rea- unfortunate that their parents or a grown members of the U.S. Congress have turned gan, Queen Elizabeth II, and the NYPD’s up with some common sense hasn’t taught over their pulpit to a bunch of children. Medal for Valor for saving his partner in a them history or prepared them for the real It’s not the guns or gun laws that are gun battle. In 2004, Kerik was nominated world. These are the same kids who bawled the problem, it’s a lack of discipline and by President George W. Bush to head the US over Hillary Clinton’s presidential loss and respect for law and order, and an increasing Department of Homeland Security.
the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 19
inside view Armed v s Disarmed: The Gun Free Zone Debate By Joel E. Gordon
n the wake of school shootings and schools from 2001-2015 until the practice in times of terror by barricading a door or mass casualty incidents nationwide, was discovered to be in violation of a Mary- sensing the ripe opportunity to get away there has been a renewed debate land state law. safely. surrounding guns and safety. While Sgt. Clyde Boatright, the president of The armed guards on the doorsteps many believe that the best defense the City School Police Union, said officers of Israel’s schools are also trained to look Iagainst “a bad guy with a gun” is a “good need every tool at their disposal during an for any suspicious activity, which usually guy with a gun,” there are those who re- interview with Baltimore television station deters anyone with ill intent from entering markably are calling for disarmament of WMAR. in the first place. the very police sworn to serve and protect. “The guns need to be on our officers The results are clearly evident, as there Minnesota state Rep. Raymond Dehn not in a safe,” he said, saying the current have only been two successful attacks at famously said, as a candidate for Minneap- policy needs to be reformed. Israeli schools since 1974, and in both olis mayor, that officers should be disarmed cases, the bad guys were killed by armed of sidearms but is not opposed to allowing teachers. them to keep guns in their cars in the event Are there other issues contained within that they have to retreat to the weapons un- this debate that need further examination for der duress. “I’m not saying they don’t have improvement? Yes, absolutely and without access to that, just like they have access to question. Background checks and balances, more lethal weapons in their cars, I would improved reporting of individual criminal believe they would still have access to their and behavioral health backgrounds along guns in their cars.” He goes on to support with overall adjustments to mental health the uninformed “progressive” view that diagnosis and treatments are all fair game. officers should always have other means The common denominator in the de- of self-defense, “like a night stick or pep- bate over guns and safety appears to lie per spray.” Dehn said, “I think as we look “At this point, our officers are able to within knowledge and training. Those with at how to change policing and how we get report via a radio to our communications proper knowledge and training, such as officers to not react to use their gun in situ- department and in a sense, they must our police, are finding solutions every day ations, but learning skills around de-escala- shelter in place,” said Boatright. “If they to enhance personal and societal safety. tion training I think are important.” decide to go and retrieve that weapon from Israel has a blueprint for a plan with a 40- Social activist and filmmaker Michael out of the safe they’ve essentially taken the year track history of success. Those lacking Moore took to Twitter in 2015 to make law into their own hands and they could knowledge and training are off the rails and some demands — namely, that America’s subject themselves to criminal charges.” looking to “solutions” counter to histori- police be disarmed. “It’s not fair at all. We’re trained, sworn, cal example, critical thought and common A Google search further reveals web- certified police officers.” sense. sites, individuals and organizations ad- The Israeli Solution: Let’s all look at these issues honestly vocating the same, citing other countries In 1974, Palestinian terrorists took and intelligently and leave those who would where police are routinely unarmed. In over the Netiv Meir Elementary School continue a disingenuous dialogue behind. Britain, Ireland, Norway, Iceland and New which left 22 children dead and many oth- Our lives and safety are depending on it. Zealand, officers are unarmed when they ers injured. are on patrol. Police are only equipped with The attack forced Israel to come up with Joel E. Gordon is a former firearms in special circumstances. Sound a solution to prevent such a situation from Field Training Officer with far-fetched for American law enforcement? ever happening again. The nation requires the Baltimore City Police Read this… its schools to have a security system, and Department and is a former Baltimore City that policy is still working after 40 years. Chief of Police for the city of School Police: Israel’s Ministry of Education funds Kingwood, West Virginia. The City of Baltimore has long paid to school security, which ranges from shelters He has also served as vice-chair of a maintain a fully accredited school police and fences to armed and trained guards at regional narcotics task force. An award- force. However, the 105 officers must re- every gate. winning journalist, he is author of the book main disarmed keeping their service weap- To take it a step further, Israel also Still Seeking Justice: One Officer’s Story ons locked up in a safe within any school prepares its students and teachers for the and founded the Facebook group Police that they are individually assigned to. slight chance a gunman does get through Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at School officers carried guns in city security by teaching them to be proactive stillseekingjustice.com.
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straightforward
Promotion Politics By Thomas Shea, D.Sc., CPP Not unlike other public organizations, along &as a team, had fun together, and ex- served in that position for the preceding police departments have labor unions. perienced little conflict. When you are in seven years. The SOA president is promot- Although we are one department and this particular cycle in your career, it’s all ed to captain and assigned to that new posi- collectively serve under one union, the about the work, not trying to get ahead of tion. The SOA president, the chief and that Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) your colleague. I think most officers would lieutenant were career-long friends, and or the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), there agree with me when I assert that being a the former two don’t tell the lieutenant that is usually an additional union for “superior non-ranked officer is probably the most they are planning this. The SOA president officers,” or those who have attained the fun period of an officer’s career. Politics knew that there was not going to be any up- rank of sergeant, lieutenant, or captain. One don’t assimilate at this point because none coming retirements soon, and he was on a of the names normally given to this “sub- of us are in the type of official position to promotional list that was due to expire (as union” is the Superior Officers Association, have contact with the “higher-ups,” mean- the civil service list is only good for three also known as the “SOA.” I have always ing a mayor, chief, or councilpersons. All of years). The worst part of it is that the SOA felt that this name was, in itself, divisive. this changes when you gain rank and start president is supposed to represent all of the “Superior” officers? To become a ranking competing for promotion and power in the other lieutenants in the union, who, in this member of many police departments, you police department. There is a tendency to case, were scheduled to take the captain’s simply have to pass a test and be ranked in start fighting for that smaller and smaller promotional exam on the very next day! an ordinal fashion. So, if two officers retire, piece of the pie. So, the SOA president not only betrayed his the officers ranked #1 and #2 on the list are Promotion time is also when certain friend, but also the six other lieutenants he subsequently promoted. That’s it! There ambitious officers tend to seek leadership was supposed to represent and would have are no other required competencies or positions in the unions, such as the SOA; had to compete against. These are the kind qualifications necessary for promotion. In although service to the union is sometimes of things that people are capable of when non-civil service departments, many times a secondary goal of getting oneself pro- ambition, politics, and a lack of integrity it’s just “who you know.” Frankly speaking, moted. Frequently, the people who run for coexist. Careful when selecting your union the best and the brightest don’t always end these offices are often on the current list for leaders. Ask yourselves, “Are their true up getting promoted to “superior” ranks. promotion and use the position to advance motivations to represent the union or just Additionally, some of the smartest, most themselves. I don’t make this claim based themselves?” competent officers I’ve ever met have never on a theoretical perspective; the last four held a rank. I was a ranking officer. To SOA presidents in my former department Thomas Shea attained degrees call us “superior” is disingenuous. We’re were ultimately promoted to captain. Being from Rutgers, Seton Hall and supervisors. an SOA president gets you face time with New Jersey City Universities. There is also an unspoken, yet familiar the mayor, who finally decides to promote, In 2015, he completed his nuance in policing: politics. Around pro- and there you have it. Here’s a story that may doctoral dissertation in police motion time, you will learn who your real have happened in your police departments: executive leadership. He retired friends are. I have seen officers complete- An SOA president campaigns for promo- from the Long Branch Police Department in ly betray friendships, sometimes lifelong tion in a standing position that was held by 2017, where he was assigned to the Patrol friendships, solely for a promotion. When another officer at the time. He and the chief Division, Investigations Bureau and Street we were all patrolmen and women, the only convince the mayor to make that position Crimes Unit, Training and Internal Affairs. competition was production (in the form a captain’s slot, where it has always been a He is currently an Assistant Professor at of arrests), usually competed for to get into lieutenant’s one prior. The mayor eventually Centenary University. Lastly, Dr. Shea is a a specialized unit. We all pretty much got agrees and transfers the lieutenant who had Marine Corps veteran.
24 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 awareness Take a Stand Against
Workplace Bullying By Anthony Mikatarian “Whoever is trying to bring you down is Narcissistic Adult Bully: Are self-cen- cording to an article on psychologytoday. already below you.” ~ Ziad K. Abdelnour. tered; does not share empathy with others; com, here are eight ways to react when con- According to research, workplace bul- have little anxiety about consequences; feels fronted with adult bullies: lying is rampant in the United States. Al- good about themselves, but in reality has a Keep Safe: Protect yourself. If you don’t though the research is general and across brittle narcissism that requires putting oth- 1feel comfortable with a situation, leave. all professions, we as law enforcement of- ers down. Seek help and support if necessary. ficers can learn a thing or two, unless we Impulsive Adult Bully: Are more spon- Keep your distance and keep your op- are a profession free of workplace bullying. taneous and plan their bullying out less. 2tions open. Unless there’s something Think about that for a moment… Now that Even if consequences are likely, have a hard critical at stake, don’t expend yourself by we are on the same page, let’s resolve to take time restraining their behavior. This type of trying to grapple with a person who’s nega- a stand against workplace bullying. Each of bullying may be unintentional, resulting in tively entrenched. Whoever the person, you is worthy of respect and fair treatment periods of stress, or when the bully is upset keep a healthy distance, and avoid engage- from your peers and superiors. Bullying by or concerned about something unconnect- ment unless you absolutely have to. When adults has no place in our profession. None. ed with the victim. you’re “stuck” with a very difficult person, Our noble profession deserves better. We and there’s “no way out,” think outside the are the defenders of the weak, and voices box. Consult with trusted friends and advi- of voiceless; therefore, we must defend sors about different courses of action, with our fellow officers who may be victims of your well-being as the number one priority. adult bullying and stand together to rid this Keep your cool and avoid being reac- blight from our profession. tive. The less reactive you are to provo- The Workplace Bullying Institute 3 cations, the more you can use your better (WBI) defines workplace bullying from judgment to handle the situation. Some their 2017 National Survey as repeated mis- bullying scenarios may require a strong treatment of an employee by one or more and assertive response, while others may employees; abusive conduct that is: threat- be handled simply, with you being unim- ening, humiliating, or intimidating, work pressed. Either way, keep your cool when sabotage, or verbal abuse. They refer to the you approach the situation. Maintain supe- bullying as “abusive conduct,” to its most se- rior composure. rious forms only. Based on this survey, they Physical Bully: Rare for adult bullies, found, in part, the following key factors: Know your fundamental human rights: bullies that use physicality; in some cases 4to be treated with respect; to express • 19% of Americans are bullied, may not physically harm the victim, but your feelings, opinions and wants; to set another 19% witness it may use the threat of harm, or physical your own priorities; to say “no” without • 61% of Americans are aware of domination through looming; also may feeling guilty; to get what you pay for; abusive conduct in the workplace damage or steal a victim’s property, rather to have opinions different from others; • 60.4 million Americans are than physically confronting the victim. to take care of and protect yourself from affected by it Verbal Adult Bully: Words can be quite being threatened physically, mentally or • 70% of perpetrators are men; damaging; may start rumors about the vic- emotionally; and to create your own happy 60% of targets are women tim, or use sarcastic or demeaning language and healthy life. • Hispanics are the most to dominate or humiliate another person; a Utilize assertive and effective commu- frequently bullied race subtle type of bullying advantage and often 5nication when you are required to deal difficult to document; emotional and psy- • 61% of bullies are bosses, the with an adult bully, strengthen your posi- chological impacts of verbal bullying such majority (63%) operate alone tion by utilizing assertive communication as reduced job performance and depression. • 40% of bullied targets are skills. Secondary Adult Bully: believed to suffer adverse health Does not initi- Talk about your experience. Being a effects ate the bullying, but joins in so that they 6quiet victim is not only mentally and don’t become a future victim themselves; emotionally unhealthy, but it can also en- • 29% of targets remain silent about their experiences and may feel bad about what they are do- courage the bully to repeat and intensify ing, but are more concerned about protect- their aggressive behavior. No matter how According to bullyingstatistics.org, ing themselves. difficult the circumstance, seek out trust- there are five types of adult bullies. Identi- Chances are you may have come across worthy individuals to confide in. Sharing fying any of these types in your workplace one or more of these above types of adult your experience is not only cathartic; the can arm you with knowledge, should you bullies in your workplace. Identifying them support you receive may often strengthen encounter any of these types. can help you respond appropriately. Ac- your ability to handle the challenge.
26 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 In serious situations, proactively deal with the problem early on 7and formalize your communication. Let yourself, not the bully, be the one who sets the tone of the relationship. Whenever possible, formalize your daily communication with the bully by either put- ting things in writing or having a third party present as a witness. Identify whether there may be other victims of the bully, and con- sider a joint, formalized response. Leverage strength in numbers. Set consequences to compel respect. The ability to identify 8and assert consequence(s) is one of the most important skills you can use to “stand down” a difficult person. When effectively articulated, strong and reasonable consequence(s) gives pause to the adult bully and compels him or her to shift from violation to respect. Hopefully, these findings help bullying victims and open the eyes of peers and management. If you are a bully, resolve to end your conduct and begin creating a healthier work life for all. And one last note, if you are reading this and are in a serious situation, seek professional legal advice. You do not have to tolerate bullying from anyone. God bless and stay safe!
Anthony Mikatarian has been a police officer for over 17 years. He is currently assigned to patrol in a northern NJ municipality. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales University, Providence, R.I., and another degree in Mortuary Science from the American Academy McAllister Institute in New York City.
the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 27 SARA DOWLING, PA-C
2013 2015 2016
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inside perspective 2013 2015 2016 Organizational Change By Dr. Jim Ford would imagine when you saw the title sizing their command staff to less than half. elected, resulting often in the loss of good Organizational Change you may have This will not bode well for officers who are personnel due to political views. The same All of Your Orthopaedic Needs wondered what this is or thought it aspiring to move up in rank anytime soon. applies when a new mayor and council are was going to be boring. Most police A few of the reasons why organiza- elected and usually the position of police Get an accurate diagnosis and the best course of treatment from award-winning doctors. officers dislike two things: change; and the tional change occurs are; technological commissioner is designated among the Iway things are. Funny as it sounds, change advances, economic pressures, a decline in committee members. Elected officials have We are honored to serve those in uniform every day. is often frustrating for administration, ex- funding, crime rates, politics and response a significant impact on the daily working ecutives, and the rank and file in law en- to the crisis, and the ever-changing work- of the law enforcement agency, which in forcement. How often have we heard, “Wait force. Technological advances, the advent turn can cause a great deal of unnecessary OUR STATE OF THE ART until my people take over,” or “I cannot wait of Compstat, Intelligence-Led-Policing, Ev- anxiety. When it comes to crisis, think back SERVICES INCLUDE: to make sergeant, things will be different?” idence-Based Policing, body-worn cameras to September 11, 2001, and how the role of Can organizational change be stressful— and how they fundamentally changed the law enforcement changed drastically. Since absolutely! Imagine you have been waiting way law enforcement conducted their daily 9/11, law enforcement agencies have taken to be eligible for the next promotional exam business affect all of us in law enforcement a more active role in anti-terrorism mea- NECK INJURIES to either the rank of sergeant or lieutenant. (Jackson, 2014). Think back to the day when sures by gathering intelligence and moni- The chief and the city or township com- you were first informed that you would be toring communities for terrorist activity. In mittee cannot quite seem to agree that the wearing a body camera. That is an exam- 2014-2015, the shootings of unarmed black police department needs that fifth sergeant ple of organizational change, and it affects men by local police along with in-custody SHOULDER INJURIES who handles administrative business, even the organization and the officers who are deaths caused a public outcry and cause though the chief has demonstrated the need wearing the body cameras. Perhaps a new for police agencies to evaluate how they for the position. There goes your chance of tactical unit is formed to combat a rising conduct business. These changes resulted making rank in the near future. We have crime rate. This will inevitably draw upon in more training with recognizing cultural also witnessed police departments down- the current resources until new officers are diversity as an example. New York City ELBOW INJURIES hired and trained Police Commissioner William Bratton in properly. This often the mid 1990s (Walsh and Gennaro 2001), results in your valu- originally developed CompStat. If used able resources being properly, it is designed to analyze the most drained. accurate and timely information, opening LOW BACK INJURIES Economic con- the lines of communication within the po- cerns are genuine lice department horizontally and vertically. in all size police de- Its goal was to focus on current problems in partments, from the policing. CompStat meetings are designed small-mid size to the to focus on individual areas that need at- KNEE INJURIES larger agencies with tention or a community’s problem with a hundreds of officers remedy. It was not designed to be a blame or more. Depart- session. ments experiencing In closing, embrace the change and be VARICOSE VEINS economic decline valued as a member of your agency. may also experience a reduction in the Dr. Jim Ford is a retired number of officers lieutenant from the Chatham and this will result in Township Police Department. FOOT INJURIES a negative effect on Currently, Dr. Ford is a proactive programs, Professor of Criminal Justice reverting to agen- and the Director of Graduate cies being reactive. Program in Justice Administration and Some of the most Public Service at the College of Saint profound organiza- Elizabeth in Morristown. He is an author of (973) 870 -0777 tional change arises two books, “ The Other Side of the Line” and For immediate service from politics. Look “Shift Work & Criminal Justice Professionals” at the impact of a management consultant in criminal justice, Contact John (201) 394 -0856 new sheriff being author, and a licensed private investigator. oneoakmedical.com the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 29 training A 10-Minute
By Jay Martinez, Former U.S. Recon Marine, Investment Retired Detective, Active Sheepdog recall being deployed on a UNITAS float. ter kicks, swim like a fish and run for miles training sessions do not suffer. I am able That was a combined Naval, Marine Task in the dead of the summer. In other words, to maximize my 10 minutes by prioritizing IForce that patrolled the lower Central- true fitness. Some debate that muscles have intensity and engaging in muscle confusion. South American region. Although I had memory. I beg to differ. You are what you Meaning, I can tell by someone’s physique spent plenty of time deployed aboard sever- train to be, as Vern Gambetta most inge- whether they apply intensity and change in al ships, I had never been on such a spatial- niously wrote. If you train to be defeated, their fitness or they are all about dumbbell ly challenged vessel. As I mentally prepared believe you will be. curls and more dumbbell curls through for this eight-month deployment, I realized Now, this is the part of our session studied kinetics. that I had to plan to train physically in a that I want you to get. By nature of police We want to emulate what awaits us. As very scant environment. Our floating pal- work, family, sleep, and your commute, sheepdogs, the greatest personal battle you ace would be an LST (a flat bottom bath- there are only so many hours in a day. Early may encounter may only last 30 seconds tub). The USS Sumter rocked more than in my career, I became a fluent master of or perhaps two minutes max. But this James Brown and Bon Jovi playing a duet the 10-minute workout. Meaning, I carried encounter will be ferociously intense- does for charity at an old folk’s home. several fitness mantras. Number one, some- your current fitness program hold up? Ironically during this period, I was thing is better than nothing. Number two, Well, not if you are doing absolutely educating myself on the fundamental con- “get it in!” Feeding off those two theories, I nothing (you have one foot in the grave, cepts of extreme calisthenics. At the time, was able to prioritize and carry a very high my friend). Through the pursuit of this the universal master of this very functional fitness level throughout my career. From concentrated workout - 10 minutes of in- type of physical conditioning was an Israeli, the age of 23 until 49, my fitness time, (10 tense activity - you will be more prepared Gilad. Gilad was way before his time. He minutes or 1 hour 10 minutes) would never, to purposefully handle the rigors of the was the pioneer of all of the current trends ever be compromised. To my family, it was street, courtroom, tier, and highway. But of athletic movements that carry the poten- called dad’s ticket home every night. you must intensify and maximize your core tial of taking a person from a lower physical When designing your 10-minute ses- muscles, elevate your heart rate with short tier to a very high tier. His focus was the sion, you must understand that every sec- bursts and blasts of heart-elevating exer- nucleus and the core. I would watch his ond is accounted for by performing some cises. In other words; punish yourself. Your shows attentively! I took notes and even gut-wrenching exercise. At first, your inten- training must be a duplicate of what you drew out certain exercises. This was no me- sity and approach probably won’t meet the will encounter. The takeaway is supremely diocre training session. This had nothing to expectations of this type of session. But the beneficial when counting apples to apples do with lifting weights and deadlifting your more you train (especially in core-based and being fit for duty. pickup truck. This had to do with nonstop, exercises), the better your fitness level will As I complete this article, I see how core-based intensive fitness. improve. So, transition time must be swift; some officers train. You are nowhere on So, for the next eight months I watched no breaks. All in all, you want to focus on track when your focus is placed on the cos- my nutrition like a Russian ballerina, and several areas, such as isometric exercises- metic end of fitness rather than sharp-focus busted my gut and redefined my fitness lev- planks, stationary aerobic movements- on the reality based, real world, real time. el one exercise at a time. I spent and invest- jumping rope-running in place with high So overall, I hope you are buying what I am ed my effort, time, and every bead of sweat knees, plyometric-power jumps, stretches- selling. And what I am selling is graciously a on building my core and my legs. Through ballistic-static, one-legged exercises- core better, more fit, more direct version of you. this premise, I was able to re-establish my based for balance, pull ups –pushups (var- And the most attractive part, your invest- endurance, stamina, coordination, agility, ied grips and widths), core exercises and ment only costs 10 minutes. Stay safe, God endurance, strength, and power. kata type techniques for blocking, weapon bless. [email protected]. Close to thirty years later, I still pride retention, striking and take downs. This is myself in kicking ass on most guys half my your 10-minute blueprint. With these ide- Jay Martinez is the founder age in calisthenics. I may not be able to do als, will eventually come a new version of of Warning Order—a highly 22 pull ups in 30 seconds (my American you, 10 minutes at a time. Believe me, these specialized law enforcement Gladiator tryout), run a 24:20, 4 miles, or workouts will do more for you than one training company. For more an 8:25 1 ½ anymore, but I can still do 80 hour in the gym. information on EDP training, By William Peppard roll outs with the wheel and easily plank Time is a factor e-mail Jmartinez@warnin- for 5 minutes, soon after kick out 200 flut- When I am challenged for time, my gorder.net or visit warningorder.net
30 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 31 cover story
Blue Magazine Endorses Alex Cruz for Mayor of Paterson, New Jersey
By Daniel Del Valle and George Beck
Paterson Detective Alex Cruz, yourself… they renew my faith by always that matter and start working towards a 24-year veteran, and current showing their faith in me. changing the negative perceptions outsid- h PBA President of Local # 1, has For the residents in Paterson, ers have in our City so that we can spur his eye set on becoming the next mayor of Why should they vote Alex Cruz? economic growth and development and Paterson. He’s a non-politician whose pur- Change… and I am the change agent. The move the City forward. pose is simple: He wants to turn the City entire country is at a crossroads right now. You had an issue that has been of Paterson around—to make it an safe and People are just tired of the same old politi- resolved in court in your favor thriving community to raise a family. Cruz cians selling them the same old story and pertaining to your eligibility to is known in the law enforcement profession getting the same old results. I am not a poli- run for mayor based on your as a man of integrity and compassion, and tician. I don’t act like one, I don’t live like residency status in Paterson. it is Blue Magazine’s hope that he become one and I don’t have my sights set on higher What are your thoughts on that? the next Paterson mayor. We have faith in office. I have one singular focus. To turn As I said previously, I am a man of great him and his leadership ability. We know he Paterson around and restore other people’s faith. I never had any doubt that I would will be the change Paterson urgently needs. faith in our city. be vindicated in Superior Court and The Blue Magazine enthusiastically endorses Appellate Court be- Alex Cruz for mayor of Paterson. What made you decide to run for mayor in a major city like cause I am a Paterso- Tell us: Who is Alex Cruz? Paterson, NJ? nian in every sense of First and foremost, I am a man of great Through the years, Paterson has suffered the word. Residency faith. Faith in God, faith in my family, from a severe lack of vision and leader- is more than just a faith in my community and faith in myself. ship. Self-serving politicians worried more name on a mailbox. Being in the military and serving in law about themselves than they did about What is the enforcement teaches you a great deal about moving the City forward. I just got tired of major issue having the will and commitment to put it. Paterson holds a unique place in Ameri- currently facing the needs of others in front of your own. I can history. It’s a wonderful City rich in the residents have been blessed to always have the love culture, diversity and natural resources. It’s of the City of and support of family around me on those time we get back to celebrating the things Paterson? days when sometimes you start to question
32 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 A lack of meaningful growth and economic it comes to the youth. What are officer for all the right reasons, following development. Growth and prosperity cure your plans on how to inspire the your heart and believing in the strength of a lot of ills, including high crime rates, per- youth in Paterson to succeed, your own convictions. sonal income, jobs and opportunity. But while facing the high crime rate Police officers have extraordinary op- in all fairness, to have growth you need to and low income issues many portunities to make a difference in politics create the climate for growth to occur. That families face day to day? and people’s lives on a daily basis. Being en- starts with cleaner streets and safer neigh- People need to see change and feel it in the gaged in the political process is everyone’s borhoods so that investors are comfortable vibe of the city streets. Moving forward responsibility. Staying involved is an exten- and believe in the city’s future stability. means creating the conditions where fami- sion of your work, it means you’re a force What will you do to solve this? lies can live safely and have the opportunity to reckon with for good and can help move Dedicate more resources to our police de- to have a better life. We all want that for things in the right direction. partment so we can be more proactive and ourselves and for our families. Beautifica- What message or tips do you return to a more community-based grass- tion projects, cleaner streets, less crime and have for law enforcement on roots style of policing. Its about finding new being a destination of distinction. It will how to be better officers for ways to pay for hiring new police officers take time, but as those things start to de- not only their peers but their but it’s also just as much about rebalancing velop and take root, people will feel up-lift- community? the city’s budget to ensure that existing re- ed and have a more positive outlook about Stay true to the oath you took and the rea- sources are prioritized properly so that the their future and their community. sons why you became a police officer in the police department has the resources they You have a career many of us first place. Remember that feeling you had need to get the job done. Do that and all the in law enforcement will say is when you finally made it, how proud you rest will follow. impressive, why take on this were to wear that uniform, and how proud What are other major issues you big task and start a whole new your family was of you. It’s easy to lose sight plan to address as mayor? mission such as becoming mayor of those things as the years roll by. Make a Accountability. One of the bold approaches in a big city like Paterson? conscious effort to remind yourself every I want to take to help eliminate waste, fraud Because I love my city. It’s as simple as that. day that we couldn’t have a civil society and abuse at every level of local government As a cop, it’s very tough to just stand by without the good and honorable work you is by taking a page out of the Federal gov- when you see things are wrong and not do do. You go out there every tour not so much ernment’s playbook and creating the Office something about it. That’s who cops are, it’s because you need to but because someone of Inspector General. It would function as what we do. I just see running for mayor as out there NEEDS YOU!! an independent oversight body that ensures a natural continuation of that process, only What message do you have to an adequate system of checks and balances on a bigger scale. the Community of Paterson? are in place to guard against government I would just like to say to the residents corruption and mismanagement. Politics of Paterson that the future is entirely up exists in a gray world, not a black and white to us. The end of our story as Americas one. To counter and safeguard local govern- first planned industrial city has yet to be ment officials from unwittingly venturing written. Each decade and each generation down the wrong path, the work of the In- that came before us had the opportunity spector General would also include routine to add their chapter, to tell their story. But briefings on ethics rules and provide man- how this book ends is ultimately up to us. datory in-service training and continuing We are the authors of the final chapter. education units for all department heads on America loves a good story of redemption, ethics, values and leadership. they love the underdog. Paterson is a vey How has your experience as special place for many special reasons, a Paterson police officer and If elected mayor, will you most of which are its people. They deserve a president of PBA local #1 continue to both serve better future, they deserve a happy ending. prepared to serve as mayor? as an officer and mayor If given the opportunity to be Mayor I will As a police officer and union representative simultaneously? make it my life’s work to continue to work you experience the administration and the No, I would have to retire from the depart- towards making Paterson a destination of city at is most grass-roots levels, not form ment. I couldn’t do both. distinction, a place people will be proud to a comfortable office at City Hall. You meet For the officer out there call home. real people, with real problems in real time following you today, what and are intimately involved with the prob- message do you have for him or Please support our Grassroots-pow- lems and issues confronting them. Most her about why it’s important for ered campaign today and chip in $5, $10, importantly you try to help them find solu- them to get involved in politics? $25, $50 or more to keep building this Thin Blue Line movement!! tions. There is no greater on the job training Too many people simply accept their Your Secured Donation could be made for mayor than that. life. You have to live the life you want for at www.alexcruzformayor.com You are very passionate when yourself. That starts with becoming a police
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Hear Me Out Before Social Media: The (Not So) Secret Police By Joel E. Gordon There is something addictive about tain an empire. the thickness of his dossiers and once told a secrets – J. Edgar Hoover While Hoover’s most egregious abuses quaking visitor to his office, “I know where Nobody said it would be easy. As of power are associated with the civil-rights you meet, when you are going to meet be- it has been said, “It is lonely at the top.” era, as early as the mid-1930s the FBI may fore you meet, what you do.” In one case, Law enforcement executives from former have been wiretapping the Supreme Court. Pomerleau is said to have summoned an in- FBI Director James Comey to a host of The wiretapping was in connection with a dividual to his office, showed him his dos- Baltimore Police commissioners, eight from bureau investigation into alleged leaking sier, and watched with satisfaction as the 2000-2018, seem to have had shorter than of Supreme Court decisions, during which person reportedly fell to his knees before expected tenures at the helm. Mastering the home phone of one of the high court’s him and begged the police commissioner politics while maintaining integrity in law clerks was tapped. But if Hoover could bug not to release the information. Journalists enforcement function has always been a the innermost sanctum of the Supreme reported that Pomerleau had intimidated challenge, especially when in a politically Court, nothing seemed sacred for the FBI. them using information from his spy net- appointed position as chief of an agency. Meanwhile, a secretive Law Enforce- work. Michael Olesker of the Baltimore One of those Baltimore Police com- ment Intelligence Unit (LEIU) was formed, Sun described meeting Pomerleau in the missioners, Leonard Hamm (2004-2007) linking the intelligence squads of almost mid-1970s: “’Listen… I know where you’ve in his book The Hamm Rules on Relation- every major police force in the United been, I know who you’ve talked to, and I ships, Leadership, Love and Community States and Canada. Although its members know what you’ve been told.” says of being fired from his position by were sworn police officers who worked for The Maryland Senate investigating an incoming mayor that two of his great- state and city governments, it was a private committee found that Pomerleau’s “In- est mentors, Former Police Commissioners club, not answerable to voters, taxpayers, spectional Services Division had amassed Eddie Woods and Bishop Robinson, in un- or elected officials. It cut across the verti- a data bank containing the names of, and derstanding what had happened, told him, cal lines of authority of local government, information pertaining to, hundreds, per- “You never really grasped the political side for its members held certain allegiances to haps thousands, of citizens.” The committee of your job. You’re a great cop but you’re not the group that could not be countermand- noted that, “The feeling seemed to prevail a good politician.” ed by a mayor, a county manager, or even a in ISD that persons who deviated from the Before social media, legendary FBI Di- state governor. The group was founded in norm, who were outspoken or criticized rector J. Edgar Hoover held his position for March 1956. By 1967, the organization had the status quo, members of organized labor, an astonishing 48 years. A figure similar to grown to include 70 police forces across the picketers, and protesters — these people him was a Baltimore Police commissioner United States, and by 1975 more than 225 were potential threats and society must be named Donald D. Pomerleau who was the law-enforcement agencies were involved, protected against them.” City Police commissioner from 1966 to including six in Canada, according to the For better or worse, both J. Edgar 1981. What was the “secret” to their longev- Penthouse report. Hoover and Donald D. Pomerleau are cred- ity? Getting and keeping the goods on those Back in Baltimore, Police Commis- ited with professionalizing their depart- who had political power over their employ- sioner Donald D. Pomerleau was not in the ments making, many positive contribu- ment and that of other adversaries as well. least shy about admitting that he had com- tions to the agencies that they served while In the December 1976 issue of Pent- piled information on practically everybody. ensuring their own longevity and ultimate house magazine, an article entitled “Amer- Immediately after his appointment, Po- legendary status. ica’s secret police network” was published. merleau created the “Inspectional Services It described a clandestine web of police Division” (ISD), an agency responsible for Joel E. Gordon is a former spies linking almost every major city in “active surveillance of individuals or groups Field Training Officer with the United States and Canada. J. Edgar outside the normal criminal behavior.” the Baltimore City Police Hoover knew that power lie between the Over the next 15 years, the ISD spied on Department and is a former manila covers of a personal dossier, and he nationwide and local affiliates of organiza- Chief of Police for the city of used that knowledge to build and main- tions. In fact, Pomerleau often boasted of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a regional narcotics task force. An award- winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer’s Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com.
36 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
38 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 www.newsmax.com national voice Little Rock Police Recruit Jones Shouldn’t Be Fired Over Rap Lyric By Bernard B. Kerik
crime-stricken communities around our ing his surgery. The cop told the 12-year- country, but do we castrate the future of a old boy, “Just call me uncle Bob,” and today, young woman who wants to serve her com- Lil Wayne loves that cop — Uncle Bob, who munity, who as an adolescent listened to was “white as snow,” and saved his life. ine years ago, 16-year-old Katina Jones rap music just like tens of millions of kids Lil Wayne may not be the role model from Little Rock, Arkansas, posted on do today? we want for our children, but Katina Jones NFacebook the lyrics of a song sung by I figured that there had to be something is. In her adult life she has done everything Lil Wayne, an African-American rapper more than Lil Wayne’s offensive lyrics to right - went to school, volunteered her time who is known for his controversial lyrics, justify this woman’s termination, but what for others, served her community, and was as are many other artists in the rap music I found was to the contrary. For several willing to put her life on the line for that industry. years before entering the police academy, community, and because she posted song Fast forward to January 8, 2017, Jones Ms. Jones earned an Associate’s Degree in lyrics on her social media account nine was 25 years old and twenty-one days from Criminal Justice, volunteered her time with years ago at 16 years old, we are going to graduating from the Little Rock Police visually impaired children, the prosecuting destroy her life and career before it even Academy, and was terminated from the attorney’s office, worked in private sector gets started? This is wrong! department for that Facebook post nine security, and was a detention officer for The department should right this years earlier, after another cop who was the the local sheriff’s office. This makes her wrong, and if they don’t, perhaps it time for subject of an internal investigation hacked termination to me, even worse, for posting the City of Little Rock to find someone with into Jones’ private account and reported song lyrics on social media nine years prior common sense and real leadership skills to her nine-year-old post. as a 16-year-old child. take over the department. According to published reports in Ironically, and by no means does it (Article courtesy of Newsmax) Arkansas, Jones was fired because the song diminish any offensive language in Lil lyrics she posted included a racial slur that Wayne’s lyrics, but he’s one rapper whose Bernard Kerik was New York was offensive to African-Americans. lyrics may conflict with some of his per- City’s police commissioner Lil Wayne is black, and Jones is black, sonal feelings. He once had his private jet during the 9/11 attacks. He and although the exact lyrics have not been standby on the tarmac of an airstrip while a became an American hero made public, I am sure the lyrics could troop carrier of American military person- as he led the NYPD through not be much different or much worse than nel landed, so he could personally thank rescue and recovery efforts songs by Kendrick Lamar, who just last every service member who stepped off of the World Trade Center. His resumé as a week won five Grammy Awards and has that plane for their service to our country. public servant is long and storied, and in- been nominated for more than 180 national He has also been quite vocal to speak out cludes honors from President Ronald Rea- music awards. against race batterers who have attacked the gan, Queen Elizabeth II, and the NYPD’s For public disclosure, I personally find police. He tells the story of a white cop who Medal for Valor for saving his partner in a this type of “music” offensive and disgust- saved his life when he was shot in the chest gun battle. In 2004, Kerik was nominated ing, and believe that it promotes many of at 12 years old. The cop carried him into the by President George W. Bush to head the US the flaws and failures we see in poverty-and emergency room and waited for him dur- Department of Homeland Security.
the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 39 around florida Credit: Cold Justice Sam the Man Turns Catching Interceptions Into Apprehending Criminals By Julia Torres
cer and I thought, maybe I can do what my officers at the Youth Center and Salvation brother was talking about. Army who work with young kids. There are So, I went on a couple of ride-alongs outreach programs for the elderly through with friends who were officers in Palm organizations that partner to help. It’s one Beach and West Palm Beach to get a feel for of those things where over time, you realize it. The officers on the two-day ride-along that the police department is like its own in Palm Beach were seasoned. They said, village community. ‘Nothing really goes on over here. We have The city is its own community and the occasional burglary or something like they have their own sense of how people that.’ On Friday, nothing, and on Saturday, make their money. I remember talking to we’re riding around. We’d been in the car a guy when I first came on, I wrestled with 5 or 6 hours, and you know, again he says him for some possession of drugs. He says, unching on Chicago’s famous nothing really goes on at all. ‘You’ll never stop this.’ Garrett caramel popcorn, Aaron As soon as he said that, the 41 call When you realize that you have a job MSam the Man and I talked loosely went out, robbery in progress. We turned to do and the criminal element, they have about how he caught the law enforcement around, come down Worth Avenue, and as a job to do, too, and they say, I understand bug after playing college football in Or- he pulls up, I see these two guys come out of you have a job to do, officer, and if the lando, Florida. It wasn’t through his older one of the jewelry stores. One guy’s got his officer says, I know you have a job to do brother--a Wilmington, Delaware police arms crossed. A big long gun. The officer as well, or you choose to make money for officer--who had tried to encourage Aaron goes, you stay here. I say, okay, I ain’t got no your family and put food on the table, that to enter the academy, rather, it was an un- gun anyway (Laughs). is good, but if I catch you dirty, I have to likely source. As he’s getting out, the guy starts to do my job. As long as the mutual respect is Aaron, whose guns measure 22 inches, run. The other guy that came out behind there, I think the police department won’t had been into bodybuilding and desired to him ran in the other direction. There was lose any respect. Now, with the elderly open his own gym. Unfortunately for the a motorcycle cop chasing them. The town community, sometimes it takes a gentle work-out-world but luckily for the police of Palm Beach has these little alleyways that word to say that we are doing what we can family, much capital was required which lead to other places. He ended up in one of within our limits.” Aaron couldn’t supply. the alleyways, and slipped and fell in front How does the public feel about Plays of Aaron catching an interception of me. I’m in the car just looking, and then the West Palm Beach Police from his quarterback surfaced in his mind, he kept on going. They end up chasing him. right now? leading him to call his college buddy to I tell that story ‘cause you just never know “I’d have to say that Chief Mooney and see where he could take the ball. As fate what happens. It can go from 0 to 60 in a the West Palm Beach Police Department would have it, his former teammate’s wife, minute. members have done their best to keep an a private investigator, was hiring new blood West Palm Beach was totally different, open line of communication, to try to and Aaron ran with it. action all the time, boom, boom, boom. open up a sense of trust. I think we have to It was while traveling to conduct insur- I got hooked on that and became a West continue to do that with the recent events ance fraud investigations, surveillance, and Palm Beach cop in ‘98. I started doing in the last couple of years with regard locates that the bug bit him. nights in patrol for 3 years, came to days to officers putting themselves or getting He fell in love: and did community policing, which was caught in situations that shine a bad light at an interesting experience. It has come full “I saw more of Florida in one year than police work in general. I think a lot of times circle now. It came. It went. Now it’s back I did in my previous three. I liked investi- one bad cop does not make everybody else again, but it was always a part of any type of gating, digging, finding answers. When you bad. There are good cops and bad cops out police work because you’re dealing with the keep feeding that, it is just a natural pro- there, good people and bad people, black, community daily. I did that for two years.” gression. I also like being around people, white, Hispanic, and I think we have to helping. I know it sounds cliché, but I have What does West Palm Beach do have the patience and understanding to see the personality that says you want to treat to strengthen their relationship how they view us as a community. We’re people the way you want to be treated. I with the community? there to protect and serve, so a lot of times think that’s the first start for any police offi- “We have Shop With a Cop, PAL, (Continued on page 42)
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(Continued from page 40) to go either the same force presented or one maybe another incident will link you to a we’re expected to go above and beyond the above it to combat it. Deadly force is the last similar MO.” normal person, but we put our pants on force, but it can accelerate and you may not Regarding cold cases, Aaron states: just like everybody else, and we get caught have a chance to get that opportunity to go “The timeframe, the technology and in human moments. I’m not advocating through those steps. If the cop is wrong, the now being up to date anything. I’m not trying to say that if an cop is wrong. I don’t think anybody should with different things to officer did a bad thing, that it should not be be protected. If it’s a bad shoot, then it’s a solve crimes, helps. You looked over. All I’m saying is that as officers, bad shoot.” re-assess a case to see if one of the first things we’re taught is that Where’d you go after CP? it can be solved by look- we’re held to a higher standard because of “I came up to detective bureau, worked ing at the evidence that the position and training we have, so when in property for about two years, getting you have, the witnesses something goes bad, it’s like well, you have my feet wet. Then I started doing violent that may or may not be all this training and understanding, but crimes, shootings, stabbings, assaults, ag- alive still or are still willing to talk to you we’re still human.” gravated batteries, rapes, bank robberies, about the statement they gave or a state- and if you weren’t assigned to Homicide ment they did not give. A lot of things that and you wanted to go to a scene, you just are circumstantial don’t add up to what the tagged along with one of the detectives. I state feels is enough to prosecute and then did that. It’s the search for answers and the years later, more information surfaces. I puzzle pieces you’re trying to figure out that took a break, and every now and then, I like, so after doing Violent Crimes for 2 something would come in and I’d say, yeah years, I went to Homicide. I’ve been doing I remember that case. What’s frustrating is it since ‘06, when the official homicide unit gathering enough evidence to know who was formed. It’s my favorite unit. the suspect is and not being able to move A lot of times, a homicide scene seems forward. That frustration bleeds over into self-explanatory, person bleeding, gunshot the families that you are trying to do justice wounds, casings around obvious as to the for. A lot of times they’re just things out of method, but then, you got to figure out your hands that you have no control over. Many say that when cops are motive, the why, why this is happening, You go to your supervisor or sergeant, you involved in shootings, they why was this person targeted, why was he present it to the state attorney’s office. It’s don’t get what they deserve or just shot once and then another person not enough to move forward with the pros- ask why you couldn’t shoot in was shot multiple times. Those types of ecution. It’s frustrating when that happens.” the knee or the leg. What do you things show you the type of person you’re (To see Aaron in action, watch him on a say to that? looking for, in regard to how they felt cold case on Cold Justice.) “You weren’t there. People should go about the person. Some of the old adages Where do you see yourself in the through these scenario trainings. If they of stabbing is more personal, covering the next 10 years? ever want to see how quick something can face, you knew the person, you don’t want “When I was younger, I wanted to take happen, how in an instant, it can go from 0 them looking at you. That type of thing. It’s the sergeant exam, but I just love homicide. to 100 when you’re doing a traffic stop and just trying to figure out the big puzzle that’s I really do. You can do it as a detective you’re walking up to the driver’s side door always intrigued me. sergeant, but I really don’t want to go back to talk about speeding or a broken taillight, You know the victimology, once you to working nights. My schedule is better for and you have a gun pointed at your face. figure out who the victim is, who they hang my kids right now.” Or same situation, and the person is not out with, where they should be and why complying and you have 100 million weren’t they there, why are they in the place Julia Torres is a Doctoral can- scenarios based on your training going where they are, is this a normal place for didate at Drew University. She through your head. You know, does this them to be. A lot of times when you work earned a Master of Science guy have a knife, is he going to pull a knife it back that way, you find different answers in Homeland Security with a on me, is he trying to stall while somebody and more pertinent victims because like the certification in Terrorism Stud- else comes out from the bushes, or the side, drug shootings, rival gang shootings, you ies from Fairleigh Dickinson or anything like that. Officers go through know the history. University; a Jersey City State College, K-12 these scenarios in their head because that’s On the other hand, the innocent vic- Teacher Certification; and a Bachelor of Arts how we survive. If we don’t think about the tim, for example, you have a person that’s Visual Arts from Rutgers University, where she worst situation that can happen, then we shot in an area where they work, but it’s a enlisted in the Army Reserves. Upon graduat- will never be prepared when it does happen. normal area for them but not a high-crime ing Rutgers, she began a career in law enforce- All situations have to be played out area. It’s not a violent area, but you know ment, and later volunteered for the Gulf War. knowing the whole story, not just the fact that somebody shot them. You figure, Once home, she worked undercover until re- that a cop got a man shot. It all has to be they’re not into anything bad, they go to tiring in 2001 due to a Gulf War illness. Since taken into consideration. There are stages work every day. That’s your true random in- then, she has done volunteer work, acted, and with the use of deadly force. We’re taught nocent victim. A lot of times, you get lucky, written two non-fiction books.
42 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 43 Soul-Searching Looking inward, what kind of a cop are you? By Lt. Patrick J. Ciser, C.P.D. (Ret.)
n Wednesday, February 14th, Valen- The 9mm round is larger than the rifle’s .223, wait! Stop the threat before more children tine’s Day, a deranged young man, potentially causing even more carnage. AR- are killed! On the day of the shooting, my Nikolas Cruz, orchestrated a violent 15s are also known to jam more than a good daughter was 16 years old, so I couldn’t assault on hundreds of teenagers at quality pistol. Advertised gun-free zones stop thinking, what if my daughter was in OMarjory Stoneman Douglas High School, should be abolished. Did you know that the that school? You would all run in if it were in Parkland, Florida. In the aftermath of theater shooter, during the Batman movie your child, so why should it be any different his attack, 17 people, including 14 children, in Colorado, searched for a theater that for someone else’s? Broward County Sher- lay dead. Another 16 were wounded; some was in a “gun-free” zone before choosing iff’s Department Capt. Jan Jordan, report- critically. There were many other victims his target? He drove a distance, passing edly gave an order to “stage a perimeter” to be sure, as many were traumatized, and two other theaters that were not “gun-free” around the school (guess she didn’t get the perhaps scarred for life. because that’s what cowards do! How brave memo). That order certainly wouldn’t have At 1420 hours, the assailant shot his would they be with bullets coming back in stopped me from going in, and I don’t think victims as they spilled out into the hallways their direction? it would’ve stopped many of you either. at the end of the school day, firing his semi- Now let’s learn and look inward since When I was a patrolman, we worked automatic AR-15 into the crowd, he was this attack. We all have read that SRO mostly one-man radio cars, so we were told guaranteed multiple hits. Cruz reportedly (School Resource Officer) Scot Peterson to wait for back-up on domestic violence threw down his weapon after it jammed and never went inside the building to confront cases. I never waited for back-up, howev- fled the scene, blending in with hundreds of the suspect. We also came to find out that er, because I theorized that I had a better panicked teenagers exiting the building. It there were three other sheriff’s officers on chance against a violent attacker than the bothers me, and perhaps we’ll learn more scene who also didn’t enter the building. It victim did. On the other side of the coin, going forward, that one of the young girls was the Coral Springs police officers, ac- I’ve witnessed officers who would wait for a was shot nine times on Valentine’s Day! companied by one Sunrise officer and two red traffic light when responding to certain From a cop’s angle, that sounds personal. Miramar officers, who first went into the 911 calls. I’m not suggesting that any of you Most of us are aware by now how the building according to reports. It is sug- routinely disregard your department’s poli- FBI dropped the ball. We’re also aware that gested by many, including me, that Scot cy, but in this case, are you a social worker, there were dozens of calls for police at the Peterson is a coward and a disgrace to the or perhaps just a report writer? To be a good Cruz home. There were multiple reports to uniform. How many cops in this country, cop, you need three things; a badge, a gun, the police and FBI that Cruz didn’t seem having the tragedy of the Newtown mas- and a pair of balls! (Men and Women!) stable. His Facebook post pertaining to sacre still fresh in their minds, would’ve becoming a “school shooter” one day, was changed places with Officer Peterson with- Pat Ciser is a retired lieuten- particularly troubling. out blinking an eye? Unarmed teachers/ ant from the Clifton Police Immediately, “gun control” advocates coaches threw themselves in front of stu- Department, and a 7th Degree started to demand stricter laws that would dents knowing the danger; how could an Black Belt. He was a member not have changed a thing. An experienced armed officer who took an oath to protect of 5 U.S. Karate Teams, win- shooter, with combat reloading, could people and property stand idly by? ning gold medals in South have done as much damage with a 9mm Years ago, we often were told to “set America and Europe. He is the Author of handgun. Both weapons, as we know, are up a perimeter” and wait for back-up and/ BUDO and the BADGE; Exploits of a Jer- one pull of the trigger, one bullet fired. Cruz or SWAT, but all of that changed after Col- sey Cop (BN.com/Amazon), and is a guest didn’t even use large-capacity magazines. umbine. The new mantra became, don’t writer for Official Karate Magazine.
44 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
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46 theSADBlueDLE BmagazineROOK • 44 4| Vol. MAR K9 E-T I ssueST | 3 2018GLEN RIDGE • 230 SHERMAN AVE | JERSEY CITY • 550 NEWToA AdvertiseRK AVE, SCall:UIT E201.881.5100 308 spotlight Blue Magazine Salutes Heroes Andi and Ed Buerger Over a decade ago, Andi and Ed Buerger I planned to sit on the curb at the involved in drugs.” founded Beulah’s Place—a refuge in Redmond, end of our steep rolling lawn and wait for Allison hesitated as she picked tiny Oregon that leads homeless teens away from a speeding car to come down the street. I pieces off the napkin in her hands. “I don’t sexual exploitation by criminals and preda- would then run fast, out into its path, where remember much about my childhood. Dis- tors. Beulah’s Place is named in honor of Ed’s it would kill me in an instant. I felt bad for sociative disorder. That was the psychiatric late mother Beulah, who led a life of caring the poor driver who would’ve run over the diagnosis. There were things better forgot- and serving others. The name Beulah has also little girl, but that person didn’t exist in the ten, anyway. Sexual abuse. Abandonment. I been described in literature to mean a place hell I did. The newspapers would deem it an buried stuff.” between Earth and Heaven. Beulah’s Place accident. Show a picture of me in the paper. “When Dad left, Mom freaked out. provides victims and at-risk kids help, healing, But I’d be gone, finally safe. So, I wouldn’t Abused alcohol and drugs. Then my brother and hope by providing food and shelter as well care anymore. I thought about suicide for joined the Army. I was a teenager left alone as educational and work skills counseling. years, actually. That’s why when Allison, day and night. Even school, which I loved, It all began with Andi and Ed serving din- one of the first young women to arrive at wasn’t important after a while. I started ner at the local community center on Thanks- Beulah’s Place, talked about her suicidal thinking about suicide all the time and be- giving in 2008. Andi tells how they observed ideation, I understood. gan using drugs to dull the pain—especially two teenage mothers with their babies, home- Allison called our hotline early one meth. It made me feel beautiful… immor- less and hungry. It was the first time they had morning and agreed to meet me at Walmart tal.” She looked at me to gauge my response, the opportunity to relate to the young people for lunch so we could become acquainted. then went on. “One night on an impulse, I they’d seen wandering about in their commu- It was raining, and she shivered beneath the swallowed a bunch of pills from the medi- nity. Andi, a sexual assault victim herself, felt flimsy blouse that was way too thin to keep cine cabinet. I washed them down with protective of them in a way that conjured up her warm. She was short, her hair tousled, hard cider and waited. Before long, power feelings she’d buried. At that moment Andi and her nails ragged, her eyes anxious. After I surged through me. I felt out of body—my Ed decided they would make a difference by got lunch from the deli, we sat down to talk. spirit soaring in full color as the rest of me giving young women the opportunity to survive “So, Allison, I want to hear a little about shrank into some phantom. I knew I was and thrive—an escape Andi wished she’d had you,” I began. “Can you tell me why you losing myself. Eternity was close. Just on growing up. Blue Magazine commends and need a place to stay?” the other side of the bathroom door. Or up appreciates Andi and Ed Buerger for the great “This lady took me in,” she said, past the roof. A sleep away. The life I’d been work they are doing to help those in dire need. adjusting the glasses on her face and given I was ending. A murder in our house. Here is their story as told by Andi: repositioning her body in the chair. “But it’s And I’d be the one who did it. Mom would too crowded now… and some are druggies.” see that and be sorry she left me.” At night, I’d think about it. How I “What about your parents? Are they “But that’s not what happened, huh?” could take my own life? I wanted to stun involved in your life?” I asked, sensing the I asked, looking into Allison’s bewildered people with it. Why would such a cute little answer. face. girl kill herself? I imagined hearing Leanne, Allison met my gaze. Her lily pad- “No.” Tears welled up in her eyes. my birth mother, talk about it after I died. green eyes were rimmed with a muddied “No. I called my mom and she took me to She’d play the grieving mother to the hilt, sadness. “Not really.” She shifted again un- the hospital, then to a psychiatric ward.” though I knew she wouldn’t care. comfortably in her seat. She wiped her tears away with the tissue I I didn’t run away from home for good. “Tell me about that, Allison,” I said as I handed her. “I’ve been in and out of psych I can’t say why, really, except that I didn’t aimlessly dipped a French fry into ketchup. wards since.” know where I would go. I was trapped in a “I’ve had problems with alcohol and drugs. I took her hand in mine. “Let’s begin to maze of an extraordinary normal. One in Mom couldn’t take it anymore. And she write a new story for you. Shall we?” which abuse was a daily occurrence—the married a man who doesn’t like me.” The angry cursing and volatile outbreaks that tilt of her head, the slight shrug of her Andi Buerger, J.D. is a busi- ended in bruises I had to hide from the shoulders—Allison sighed, and her body ness owner, international outside world were the everyday of my life. slumped slightly forward, as if she’d run out speaker, corporate trainer, and The woman who gave birth to me, the one of air. Executive Director of Beulah’s person in my life who should’ve been safe, “So you ran away?” Place (beulahsplace.org). violated me sexually from the time I was an “Something like that.” infant. Because of this, I conceived a plan “Would you like to tell me about it?” Kay Farish is writer and author of several for my suicide when I was only five years I asked, wanting a better understanding of books. She is a 2017 Top Realtor in Orange old. Anything was better than the constant why she found herself in such dire straits. County, CA, and business owner. She assisted hell in which I lived. “Why you ran away… why you were Andi in writing this article.
the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 47 operation rebound Boots on the Ground, Come from
ByA Michaelll D. BollWalks few years back, I had the honor work of Veterans Day commemorations by tion, the UWVC Health & Wellness Pro- of meeting Marine Corps veteran 2019, the 100th anniversary of the end of gram served hundreds of veterans through Mark Otto, at our team’s Atlantic WWI in 2018 and the 100th anniversary equine therapy with Serenity Stables, sailing ACity 22-hour ruck march. As a Marine, of the first Veterans Day Parade in 2019, outings with Sail Ahead, camping with the Mark served on five-man ground intelli- which honored those who served in WWI, Sierra Club, art therapy with Ani Art Acad- gence gathering teams under the 2nd Sur- and other commemorations, such as Viet- emies and ruck marches with GORUCK. veillance Reconnaissance and Intelligence nam Veterans Remembrance Day and Me- Mark had a successful career on the Group during the Panama invasion and morial Day. NYSE, becoming a senior trader and a throughout Desert Shield/Desert Storm. At Recognizing his efforts to increase leader within the trading floor community. the event, this motivated Marine strapped coordination with other Veterans Service He has managed portfolios with combined on a weighted backpack and walked with us Organizations, the Veterans of Foreign market capitals of over a half-trillion dollars for the entire time. Wars named Otto National Aide de throughout several global financial crisis After the ruck march, Mark joined Op- Camp to Commander-in-Chief Keith E. situations. Mark has served as co-chair eration Rebound and we have been work- Harman. Otto also conducted a 1,000-mile of two NYSE committees and as a Senior ing on some amazing team projects. Mark ruck march to generate support for The Floor Official on the NYSE’s self-governing is a long-time New York Stock Exchange Headstrong Project, which addresses post- committee. trader, and the Executive Director of the traumatic stress disorder and veterans’ If you are interested in becoming an United War Veterans Council (UWVC), suicide in post-9/11 military veterans. Operation Rebound Racing Team member, producer of the New York City Veterans please feel free to contact Michael Boll Day Parade and a nationwide initiative to (973) 332-1556 or Via Email Mdbollio@ honor service. optonline.net. Otto is responsible for day-to-day workings of the UWVC, such as planning Michael D. Boll is a police and producing the New York City Veterans sergeant at the Union Police Day Parade, the largest commemoration of Department in NJ. He is cur- service in the nation; coordination and sup- rently in his 23rd year of law port for other Veterans’ Service Organiza- enforcement service. He previ- tions such as the American Legion, Veter- ously served as a United States ans of Foreign Wars, Team Red, White, and Otto created the UWVC Health & Marine, and is a Gulf War Veteran. He is Blue, and Operation Beachhead, expanding Wellness Program, which offers a holistic, the founder of Operation Rebound Racing on the UWVC Health & Wellness program therapeutic approach to healing combat Team, a non-profit organization that helps which he initiated in the last year. veterans dealing with the hidden wounds wounded veterans and first responders enjoy He also will coordinate a national net- of war. In its first year under Otto’s direc- a better quality of life.
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48 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 police chaplain’s perspective
The Rest of the Story ByDeath Chris Amos , want to ask you to do me a favor. Find a and women as they have taken their last literal Heaven and for the Jesus denier into quiet place and just listen to the beating breath. I have seen peace and I have seen a literal hell. of your heart. Watch as your chest rises panic. For those who by grace through faith In November of last year, 26 people andI falls. Listen to the sound of air entering have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and were shot and killed in a small Texas and leaving through your nose. Focus Lord, the Bible has promised physical death Church. Men, women, children, even a on this seemingly simple, yet intricately frees our true selves, our souls and spirits, baby, were executed by a demonic gunman. complicated, act of breathing. This act that to leave this world and immediately enter By the following Sunday, the church had reminds us we are still alive. We are still the presence of God. I had to believe this been renovated, 26 chairs with a single in the land of the living, physically, that is. by faith until one night in 1996 when I was red rose placed on each one were carefully Friend, now hold your breath for a second shot twice while attempting to make an ar- positioned in the very spots where the then 10 or 20 or 30 until you can hold it rest. As I fell to the ground, I was overcome victims had been killed. The pastor shared no longer… and then breathe again! The by an unexplainable peace that defied the a message of hope and love just seven days beating of our hearts will one day stop, we very circumstances in which I found myself. after the murder of his own 14-year-old will lose consciousness soon thereafter and I can’t prove it. I can’t reproduce that daughter. eventually, scientists tell us upward of five peace in a laboratory. I can’t manifest that The members of the church, and Jesus minutes later, our brains will stop firing peace into a physical form that can be followers, wanted the world to know that neurons. These physical bodies we’ve called handled and tested. Hey, I can’t even give Jesus was, is and will forever be in control home, will be no more. it justice trying to describe that peace, but and that love will win the day. Hearts were As Law Enforcement Officers, you it was real and it was there. It was as if that broken, tears were shed, and mothers and are all too familiar with death. The death night wasn’t about nearly dying, but rather fathers, sons and daughters, families and you may encounter during any given shift about going home! Going home to a place friends mourned indeed. But, friends, their responding to a gunshot call or serious that I realize with every passing day is not mourning was not without hope, for they traffic accident. The sudden violent death the address where I currently live or even know what all who bow the knee to Jesus that tragically strikes our fellow Brothers this physical body I currently inhabit. Christ know, to be absent from this body is and Sisters in Blue. Even the deaths of our A few years ago, I heard a father speak to be present with the Lord. own loved ones. The whole idea of death about the death of his son. His son had See you at the finish line! can be more than a little depressing unless been killed in Benghazi. The interviewer you believe, as I do, that the death of this asked the father if he was bitter or angry Chris Amos is a retired officer physical body is nothing more than the over his son’s death. The father said that and former spokesperson for opening of a door into real, everlasting, the interviewer was assuming that physical the Norfolk Virginia Police eternal life, as life was purposed to be from death was the worst thing that could happen Department. He is currently the very beginning. A life with no pain, no to his son, a follower of Jesus Christ. The the pastor at Chr1st Fellowship sickness, no cancer or MS or violence or father said while he was sorry for his son’s Church in Norfolk. He is injustice or abuse or even tears. A life lived death, he was rejoicing, for one day he, married for 30 years and is the proud father to the fullest every second of every minute too, will be where his son now is. Friend, of three children, two of whom are police for ever and ever and ever. for the Christian, death is not the end but officers. He serves as the volunteer Chaplain As both a police officer and police rather simply a doorway through which we for Norfolk Police Dept. and Norfolk Sheriff’s chaplain, I have been at the bedsides of men all will walk… For the Jesus follower into a Office.
50 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 51 interview Dave Bray h h USA h h By George Beck
Blue Magazine recently spoke with patriotic recording artist Dave Bray USA, whose latest hit “Last Call” is gaining popularity among law enforcement, military, and other public servants nationwide. Bray served in the U.S. Navy as an 8404 FMF Corpsman for the 2nd Battalion/2nd Marines, (STA PLT), stationed out of Camp Lejeune, NC. In this interview, Bray discusses his reasons for writing “Last Call,” his upbringing and life of service, as well as his family’s, and his uncensored views on our modern society. Bray is direct, personable, and personifies a true American who serves and protects his country and believes in the men and women on the frontlines here at home and abroad. Blue Magazine is proud of Bray’s accomplishments and wishes him continued success as he takes his patriotic message on tour across our great country.
Blue Magazine: What inspired To be a veteran of one in this day and age is Hell yes! The war is here! On average, in you to write The Last Call? much akin to being a veteran of the other. the U.S., we lose three to four uniformed Dave Bray USA: When I first heard a “Last There are distinct differences, but I feel like officers a week in the line of duty. Each one Call” for a fallen police officer going over both jobs take a very different type of per- leaves behind a broken family. We are forced the airwaves, I was genuinely moved. To son with a very different outlook on life, to militarize our police to stay ahead of the listen to the quivering voice of the female time, service and commitment to a greater increase in planned (and paid for) riots and dispatcher trying her best to hold it together good. flash mobs! Although the war on drugs, practically brought me to tears. Each time Nowadays, police are also tasked protests turned violent, school shootings she called the badge number of that officer, with having to be ready to take on active and cop assassinations are the “front lines” a deathly silence and almost tangible shooter(s), explosions, gunshots and mass per sé, the war we are losing the fastest is darkness blanketed the airwaves. You could casualty situations much like the training the war for the minds of our children. It’s feel its emptiness… It was deafening. they gave us to prepare for war! What does happening in our homes and coming from The lyrics were written in response to that say about this Country and where we’re our televisions. It’s in our schools and being the calls of that heartbroken dispatcher. headed? slid into the curriculum, and on damn They were written in three parts to That’s a great point. Are we near every street corner, it’s being shoved fill those three spaces of black silence that also battling a war on the home down our throat! The attack is perverse— inevitably fall upon the airwaves after the front? (Continued on page 54) calls and they were written to represent the final words of a fallen officer giving his last requests over the radio. To his wife… To his children… And to his brothers and sisters in arms. Inevitably, I just wrote exactly what I would have wanted to say if it were me on the other end of that “Last Call.” With your experience as a Navy veteran and medic with a Marine Corps unit, how has what you’ve seen in that capacity influenced your thinking about law enforcement? It’s simple. Respect the uniform and respect the badge… The way I see it, police and ac- tive military are a lot like distant cousins.
52 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 53 Dave Bray USA (Continued from page 52) it’s physical, mental, pharmaceutical, and volunteering at Dutch Suppers. My cousin the end, my goal for “Music on a Mission” worst of all digital! It’s passive, it’s violent, Harry Jones was an L.A. County Sheriff is to bring back the virtue of patriotism and it’s commercial, it’s social and yes, it’s and he was the one who worked on the respect. contagious! It’s built upon the guise of Natalie Wood search. He was a diver and When people hear the songs and listen racism, sexism, feminism and any other apparently there when they found her body. to the stories, I pray that it helps them to dreamed up narrative that ensures anyone Harry was a Marine prior to the Sheriff job. understand that daily sacrifices are being standing up for what is right will be labeled My uncles Wynn and Cadwalider “Caddy” made by braver men and women to ensure as a bigot or a bad guy! It’s participation Jones were cops in Wind Gap for awhile and all of our safety and remaining freedoms— trophies and belly-rubs, video games and Caddy was Chief of police in Nazareth Pa that our Flag and the Nation for which it tech addiction.It’s ignorance, apathy and for about twenty years back in the ‘40s and stands should be not only stood for but lack of parenting and respect! Sadly, it’s not ‘50s. Wynn fought in WWI at the battle of defended. That although we are given “free showing any signs of getting better… and the Argonne Forest. Service to our country will,” we should choose to embrace our that’s just the war for the children’s minds was what we understood and did. “willpower” to do what’s right and try our part! No one has the guts to come out and I also played a good bit of sports. best to pass the test of all tests. say that one is obviously the product of the Football was my passion, but each and Thank you for partaking in this other because no one wants to hurt little every time a game was about to start our interview. Blue Now appreciates Timmy’s feelings. I feel like it’s the job of the National Anthem would always give me everything you are doing for parents to police their children growing up goosebumps. Still does. I would never have those who serve our great so that cops don’t have to do it when they known that my rock rendition of The Na- country. have to start “adulting.” tional Anthem would be the song to put me My pleasure. I hope Using your voice and talent to on the map. Of course, the military keeps to meet many offi- sing about law enforcement is you reverent toward your country and the cers along my mu- probably not the sensationalism cause while you’re serving, but I was lucky sical journey. Until that sells on the radio enough to see it from both the Navy side then, please know nowadays, yet, you chose to and the USMC side. By then it just becomes that you and all write and sing about it, why? a part of who you are. those who serve are I don’t know about the talent part! I love What’s next for your career and truly appreciated by many more than you music because it heals… I know it heals where can our readers find your know or even realize and for the sake of us because it heals me every single day. When music? we beg you to “Stay the Course…Finish the I see families being destroyed by the loss of Next up is the Memorial Day release of my Fight… & Never Surrender”! a father or mother who was doing nothing new album “Music on a Mission!” This al- more than their job, it crushes me. When bum truly is an audio memorial to our po- Blue Magazine hopes that you will I look at the devastated, tragic and grief- lice, our veterans, our firefighters, our fallen join us in supporting Bray on this Mission. ridden, I put myself in their shoes. When soldiers, our everyday heroes, our beloved His new album will be going up for pre-sale I am on the road and meet Gold Star America and most importantly, to our on April 23rd and he will send you an au- families, I can literally feel the void in their Lord. Along with the song “LAST CALL”, tographed 1st Edition copy of the CD with hearts. I guess since I met loss and tragedy you will also hear “INTO THE FIRE”, which proof of album download. Just email your at such an early age, with the death of my was inspired by the story of Stephen Siller, proof of download and mailing address to good friend, I’ve always carried a big piece a fallen 9/11 Firefighter, and is dedicated to [email protected] to receive your of it with me. When I see others suffer it all of the 343 First Responders who gave free autographed copy! opens my sorrow compartment and I just their lives on that day. “FREEDOM RINGS You will also get an instant gratifica- start writing. I never know what’s going to (Blood of Heroes)” is also on the album and tion download of the song LAST CALL at come or how deep it will go. I only hope an absolute heartbreaker: for every soul… the time of album pre-sale purchase. You will that the songs will help to heal their broken from every war… across the seas… or on automatically receive the rest of the album hearts and in return, lighten my own load our shore”… on the release date, Friday, May 25. Don’t in the process. The most unique part of this album miss this unique opportunity for Blue Maga- You have a strong sense of however, is the storyteller aspect. You will zine readers! patriotism and civic-mindedness. be hearing me speak about our Heroes, the To be notified of the pre-sale, subscribe Is this something you learned in troubles of our Nation, how God & Coun- now to the www.DAVEBRAYUSA.com web- the military or was it something try are found in Respect & Patriotism and site and YouTube page. You’ll be the first to you grew up with? (any family most importantly the purpose of each song see new videos and giveaways. If you’d like in law enforcement). and why they were written. This is truly a to book Bray for your Opening Ceremonies, I grew up in a tiny town in PA. We were a unique and exciting thing to do on a studio Fundraisers or events, please contact: Becky@ military and church-going household, my album as normally you wouldn’t get this DaveBrayUsa.com or send him a personal dad and brother were both Navy. Dad led kind of entertainment and intimate insight message through the DAVE BRAY USA our Cub Pack and Boy Scout troop, and I from the artist unless you were watching Facebook page. Music Available at: iTunes, feel like that was the root of it all on the civil them live. The artwork and production are Amazon, CDBaby, Spotify and Google Play. side of service. We were always involved absolutely epic and it comes with the DAVE Dave Bray USA Official Merchandise Avail- with the community doing food drives or BRAY USA “Goosebumps Guarantee!” In able at: www.DaveBrayUSA.com
54 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 55
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(L-R) Commissioner Ryder and US Marshals Southern District of New York John Valles Director of Inspector Coan, Commanding NYPD Traffic Officer of NYPD Aviation
Yonkers PD Nysp Troop L Trooper with wife and 1st. Sgt.
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the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 57 home advice
Find Your Dream Home By Fasil Khan As you engage in the search for your to stop running afterward. Look under problems such as structural issues, pest in- dream home, it helps to know what to sinks to examine the pipes. Note if the pipes festations or asbestos. A little money spent look for during a home tour. It’s easy to have leaks or if there appears to be mold or up front for a property inspection can save get distracted or to feel overwhelmed as mildew near them. Look for other signs of you thousands of dollars after the sale. you tour a prospective home, so use these water damage around the pipes, such as Know the home’s problems before they be- 7 home buying tips to know what to focus peeling paint or bubbled surfaces. come your problems. on when checking out your possible future The basement: If you’re considering Personalization: Don’t sweat the abode. a home with a basement, check for water is- small stuff. While you can’t easily change The neighborhood: Even before sues. Mold can cause health problems and the location of a home or the way neighbors arriving at the property, take note of other should be taken very seriously. Ask if the care for their yards, many aspects of your homes in the area, as well as the general basement area collects water during hard potential home can be modified to your neighborhoods surrounding your prospec- rains. Musty smells often indicate a mois- tastes. Wall colors, carpet choices and cur- tive home. Assess how well neighbors care ture issue. A dehumidifier in the basement tains can be changed to fit your preferences. for their properties, if the outdoor atmo- can also be a sign that the homeowner Don’t let a bright wall color or outdated car- sphere is noisy and if the area seems safe. struggles with moisture levels in that area pet deter you from purchasing a home you Check for unpleasant odors such as sewage of the home. otherwise love. or smells given off by manufacturing busi- Working order: Don’t be shy about Summing it up: Before attending a nesses. Take location into account, noting making sure things work as they should. home showing, make a list of must-haves to the home’s proximity to grocery stores, Turn on water faucets, check the water keep you focused on what matters to you. schools, restaurants or other frequently vis- pressure in the shower and test out the ga- Be mindful that your emotions don’t domi- ited destinations. rage door opener. Open and close doors nate your logic as you tour your prospective The roof: Roof repair or replacement and windows, and check the locks on them. home. Keeping these tips in mind should can get costly, so it’s best to know the condi- Your home will probably be one of the big- make your home shopping process easier tion of your prospective home’s roof before gest financial investments of your life, and and more enjoyable. you make an offer. A roof in poor condition you have a right to know you’re making the Happy hunting! may warrant a price adjustment. Look at the best choice. interior ceilings of the home to check for Property inspection: You Fasil Khan is a Paterson, NJ discolorations that may indicate water dam- wouldn’t likely purchase a car without hav- police officer and a real estate age from a roof leak. A newer roof is less ing your mechanic take a look at it, would agent at Keller Williams Village likely to leak and may even save you money you? The same logic holds true for the pur- Square. Fasil enjoys helping fel- low law enforcement officers on your homeowner’s insurance rate. chase of a home. If you like the property with the purchase of investment The plumbing: Not all major expens- and you’re serious about making an offer, properties, as well as general selling and pur- es are easily seen at first glance. Flush the have a quality home inspection performed. chasing needs. Call 201-739-7397 or email at toilet and pay attention to how long it takes A property inspection can help identify [email protected] FLORIDA
Natasha Chipiga, Esq.
4601 Sheridan St, Suite 311 Hollywood, FL 33021 954-251-0332, ext. 2 www.ocestatelawyers.com e: [email protected]
58 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 59 up close Girl Scouts of The Jersey Shore give back to our K-9 HEROES By Valerie Velazquez-Stetz
oint Pleasant Beach Chief Joseph his dream of becoming a full-time police as often as possible. In March 2012 he was Michigan could only dream of be- officer came true. A year later, his brother promoted to lieutenant. His dreams came Pcoming the chief of police in the town Brian was hired by the Mt. Laurel Police to fruition when he was promoted on April he grew up in and loves. In high school, at Department, a civil service department, 1st, 2017 as the Chief of Police in Point the age of 16 he joined the Point Pleasant where he retired as a sergeant. Pleasant Beach, ‘’Which was not an April Beach Volunteer Fire Department, where Michigan’s entire family was devoted fool’s joke,’’ laughed the chief. he is a lifetime member and former fire to community service and the community. Since his promotion to chief, two other chief. Growing up the youngest of three, His father was a teacher, athletic director, officers were trained for K-9 and two other with two hard-working parents, his older and the head football coach for many years dogs were brought in. Officer Pascal Drew sister became an accountant and eventually with the Pt. Pleasant Beach School District. received K-9 Loki, who has been with the moved out of state. His older brother Bri- His father eventually retired as Acting Prin- department since 2012. Loki specializes in an joined the United States Marine Corps cipal of the G Harold Antrim Elementary narco and patrol. Officer Kyle Boturla has upon finishing high school, in 1986. School in the late ‘90s. His mother was a had K-9 Tyson since March 2017 and he is Chief Michigan wanted to follow in his bookkeeper for many years at the Brielle a bomb and patrol dog. brother’s footsteps and joined the Marine Pharmacy. Chief Michigan married his The Girl Scouts of Jersey Shore Troop Corps in 1989 after graduating high school. wonderful wife who serves the public as He is a Desert Storm hero and served active a nurse in Brick Hospital, and is also the duty from November 1990 - May 1991, mother of their three beautiful children Ki- with boots on the ground. era 12, Andrew 10, and Connor 9. After returning home and completing Chief Michigan comes from a small his mission in the Marine Corps, he decided department consisting of 22 officers, two to go to Stockton University in the fall of detectives, four sergeants, one lieutenant, 1991. He was more than halfway through one captain, one chief, 25 Class 1 Officers college when he decided to take the test and 50 Class 2 Officers. to become a Class 2 Special Police Officer The first K-9 Division was implemented in Point Pleasant Beach. He was hired in by Lt. Kevin O’Hara, who chose then- 1994 and promised his parents and himself Officer Michigan to be their first K-9 officer, that he would continue to earn his degree which gave him the opportunity to attend while working full-time. Holding true to and graduate from the 26-week K-9 course his promise, he not only graduated with with his dog. He loved his first dog Axel and a bachelor’s degree, but went on to earn a never left home without him. “He was the master’s degree as well. Later, a full-time best partner any officer could ask for,” said position as a police officer became available. Chief Michigan. Michigan then realized Luckily for Michigan, he applied and was he needed to study hard to move up the accepted into the Ocean County Police ranks. In March of 2005 he was promoted Academy Class 66. In September of 1995, to sergeant, which motivated him to study
60 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 50383 wanted to fulfill their Bronze award, Fontana, her father, a retired NYPD detec- I want them to be the officer that stops so troop leaders Jodi Macomber, whose tive; Melina Bomhoff, her father, a retired at the lemonade stand and buys a drink, father is a retired NJSP Trooper, and Ann Port Authority police officer; and Keira stops and shoots some basketball with the Marie Bomhoff, whose husband is a retired Raslowsky, her father, a Bayonne Police de- neighborhood kids, and gives high fives Port Authority Officer, brought up different tective. The other girls are: Alyssa Rispoli, to the kids who are fixated on staring at options to the 19 Girl Scouts. Several of Isabelle Macomber, Yana Kovalkova, Mor- us. I tell them that they are allowed to be the scouts have parents retired from law gan Cashman, Susan Gooney, Victoria Cal- human and that those interactions are enforcement, and they loved the option lea, Abigail Schafer, Adrianna Fernicola, sometimes far more valuable than arresting of raising money for the Point Pleasant Angela Bruno, Cecilia Dinallo, Lauren people or writing tickets. My town says Police Department K-9 vests, which the Grone, Makayla Dreher, Margaret Eidel, no to marijuana, and is geared towards department did not have the funds for. The and Abigayle Karlovitch, all 5th-graders in families enjoying one another,” stated Chief girls worked tirelessly to earn this money. a Toms River Catholic School. Michigan. They baked for weeks and sold baked “Being the Chief and leading the Chief Michigan extends his gratitude goods at St Luke’s in Toms River after all the Department, I’ve made it a point to praise to the Girl Scouts and their families. masses, until they could purchase the two my officers and instill in them that I vests. support them and appreciate everything Valerie A. Stetz (Velazquez) They presented the vests at Town Hall they do. They will also see me patrol the retired on accidental disability with the Mayor, Council, Chief of Police and streets and walk down the boardwalk in from the Jersey City Police K-9 unit. The girls were excited to finally the summer months, because I believe in Dept. She was injured in a meet Loki and Tyson, and were happy they leading by example. I want them to know radio car accident responding could pet them and take photographs. that I always have their backs and we are all to a robbery in progress call. The Girl Scouts from Jersey Shore part of a team and family. As for advice for Valerie is a member of the NJ Police Honor Troop #50383 who worked very hard on the newer officers, I stress that their daily Legion. She is the radio host for the popular this project include: Valisa J. Velazquez- interactions with the public formulates Internet show “Your World Uncensored” on Chiusolo, whose mom is a retired Jersey their opinions, don’t do anything or act in DDV RADIO. She is also the Public Relations City police officer; Meghan Colton, her a manner that brings a negative opinion Manager for NJ Blue Now Magazine. Valerie father, a retired NYPD sergeant; Kayleigh toward themselves and/or the department. is married, with a son and daughter.
the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 61 remembrance Article & Artwork by Jonny Castro MIT Campus Patrol Officer Sean Collier. On April 18th, 2013, the two terrorist suspects wanted for the Boston Marathon bomb- ing approached Sean as he was seated inside his patrol vehicle and opened fire. Sean was struck mul- tiple times. The suspects attempted to take Sean’s service weapon from his holster but could not disengage MIT Campus the level 3 retention system. After a gun battle with Watertown and Patrol Officer Boston police officers, one suspect was killed and the other was even- tually apprehended. Sean’s dream was to become a full-time police of- ficer for the Somerville (Massachu- setts) Police Department. Sean had taken the Civil Service Exam and scored fairly well, but their depart- Sean ment is only staffed for 130 officers, and he was never hired due to a long waiting list. Sean took a civil- ian desk job for the SPD working as a records clerk until he eventually became a police officer for the Mas- Collier sachusetts Institute of Technology. Sean’s name was never removed as a candidate for the SPD, and as offi- cers retired and transferred out, his name slowly moved to the top of their hiring list. Four months after his death, Sean was posthumously sworn in as a Somerville police officer and awarded badge #310, which was immediately retired. He was 27 years old.
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www.momentofsilenceinc.org 62 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 63 aw enforcement officers and canines are a natural pairing, providing loyalty Land pleasure to each other, forming close relationships and companionship. Send us a favorite photo of you and your ‘best friend’ to be displayed in Blue Paws!
“Kojak” “Cass” “Buddy” Detective Bill Hammer Officer Shmidt Lieutenant E. Torres Bergen County Passaic County Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office sSheriff’s Department Sheriff’s Department
“Diesel “ “Princess” “Logan” Officer J.Pecora Dep. Chief Daniel Sollitti D/Sgt. Joe Mecionis Essex County Corrections Jersey City Police Department Fair Lawn Police Department
If you and your dog would like to be featured in Blue Paws, please email your photo to Joseph Celentano at: [email protected]
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Officer Danny Martin and “Aspen” “Franco” blue paws Vermont Department Det. Bill Fuentes of Corrections Union Police Department
64 the Bluemagazine | Vol. 9 - Issue 3 2018 To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100 BLUEPAGES
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