Deputy Still in Critical Condition

A Pierce County sheriff’s deputy who was shot Monday remained in critical condition Saturday night.

Kent Mundell, 44, is on life support in intensive care at Harborview Medical Center, a nursing supervisor said. He was shot several times Monday night by David Edward Crable, 35, during an “unwanted guest” call at Tanwax Lake near Eatonville. Mundell returned fire and killed Crable.

“We don’t expect improvement,” Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said Saturday. “We’re hoping for a miracle but we’re preparing for the worst.”

Mundell’s colleague, Sgt. Nicholas Hausner, 43, also was shot in the incident and was released from Madigan Army Medical Center on Thursday. After his release, Hausner visited Mundell before returning to his family in Eatonville.

Steve Maynard and Joyce Chen, The News Tribune
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Please continue to pray for the officer and his family.

Thank You,

Chaplain Dave Fair


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Terrorist Attempt on U. S. Plane

From: Stratfor

In an incident aboard a Northwest Airlines flight arriving in Detroit from Amsterdam, a passenger identified as a 23-year-old Nigerian male attempted to detonate some form of explosive or ignite an incendiary compound as the plane was landing.

Initial reports stated that the suspect had attempted to ignite fireworks from his seat, but it was later painted as a more serious attempt and the U.S. government is now calling it an attempted terrorist attack. The plane landed safely.

The suspect claimed to be linked to al Qaeda and to have received the explosives or incendiary compound from al Qaeda operatives from Yemen.

The suspect was identified as Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab, an engineering student at University College London.

A member of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee said Abdulmutallab’s name was not on any U.S. terrorist watch lists but was “hot” on other terrorism-related databases kept by intelligence officials.

A senior U.S. counterterrorism official said the White House is viewing the incident as a serious threat.


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Trooper Death Update

Line of Duty Death Update

St. Louis Post Dispatch via YellowBrix

December 25, 2009

EUREKA, Missouri. — A Christmas blast of winter weather led to dozens of stranded motorists and injuries on Friday, including the death of a state trooper who was responding to an accident.

Missouri Highway Patrolman Dennis Engelhard, 49, was on the scene of a minor accident on Interstate-44 near Eureaka when he was struck by an SUV that had lost control on the westbound section of the highway.

Engelhard, a 10-year veteran, was hit while walking to the back of his patrol car to retrieve an item from his trunk.

A spokesman for the Highway Patrol, Sgt. Al Nothum, said it’s unclear if the SUV hit a patch of ice or spun out on the slick road, but the driver’s loss of control appears to have been a result of the weather and is being treated as an accident.

Engelhard is the first Missouri trooper to die in the line of duty since Trooper Donald K. “Kevin” Floyd was killed on Sept. 22, 2005, when he was struck by a vehicle in Texas County, in south central Missouri.

According to Nothum, Engelhard was not married and had no children.


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Missouri Trooper Killed

This morning 49- year-old Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Dennis Engelhard of Wildwood, a 10 year veteran of the Patrol was killed on I-44 near highway 109 in Eureka. Trooper Engelhard was working to clear a previous crash when an SUV spun out of control striking him.
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Please pray for the family and agency.

Thanks,

Chaplain Dave Fair


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Happy Holidays

All of us at the American Association of Police Officers want to wish you and your family a safe and Happy Holiday Season.

For those in law enforcement it can be a dangerous time. We urge the public to slow down when you see an officer with a vehicle stopped on the roadway.

When you see lights slow down and move to a far lane.

Be safe and have a Happy Holiday.

Regards and blessings,

Chaplain Dave Fair


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From the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

As the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund prepares to release our preliminary 2009 law enforcement fatality report next week, two clear headlines are emerging:

Compared with 2008, the total number of line-of-duty deaths is down about 5% this year – to the lowest number in five decades!

However, the number of officers shot and killed is up in 2009, driven by an alarming rise in incidents in which multiple officers were targeted.

Fewer officers lost overall in 2009 is certainly encouraging. Our upcoming Research Bulletin will detail the areas where improvements have been made in saving officers’ lives.

The report will provide the type of detailed data which has become a signature service the Memorial Fund provides to the law enforcement community and the public at large.

But the encouraging news on officer safety is offset by a sharp increase in ambush and rampage-style assaults on our officers. In five communities this year – Oakland, Pittsburgh, Okaloosa County (FL), Seminole County (OK) and Lakewood (WA) – more than one officer was gunned down by the same offender.

These and other brutal attacks on law enforcement have taken a huge toll on the departments in which these officers served and the communities they protected.


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Two Deputies Shot in Same County Where Four Officers Killed

Two sheriff's deputies were shot and critically injured Monday night in the same Washington state county where four officers were killed last month, authorities said.

Two Pierce County sheriff's deputies were shot while responding to a domestic violence incident at home near the town of Eatonville, south of Seattle, said Hunter George, a spokesman for the county.

The incident involved two brothers and a young woman, said Det. Ed Troyer of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.

One of the men invited the officers inside the house, while the other man went upstairs. He returned with a weapon and opened fire on the deputies, striking them multiple times, Troyer said.

The deputies returned fire, killing the alleged shooter, Troyer said.

"There were a lot of rounds fired," according to Troyer.

Both deputies were rushed to nearby hospitals and were in critical condition, Troyer said.

This incident comes in the aftermath of the killings of four police officers.

On November 29, four officers from Lakewood, Washington, were killed in an ambush-style shooting at a coffee shop. The suspect in that attack was shot and killed by police after a two-day manhunt.

Troyer said it was "surreal" to be responding to another shooting that involved officers. His department has led the investigation into the shooting of the four Lakewood officers.

It was unbelievable that this could happen again, Troyer said.

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Please pray for the officers, department and their families.

Thanks

Chaplain Dave Fair


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Trooper Killed by Patrol Car

The AP via YellowBrix
December 18, 2009

PHOENIX – An Arizona law officer has died after being struck by another officer’s patrol car while laying down spike strips during a high-speed chase.

The Department of Public Safety says 28-year-old Chris Marano died Thursday night.

Lt. Steve Harrison says the chase reached speeds of 100 mph, starting after a vehicle was spotted with a stolen license plate.

As another officer pursued the suspect, Marano laid down spike strips to stop the suspect’s vehicle. The DPS vehicle struck Marano in the roadway. Authorities are trying to determine if the suspect’s car also hit him.

The chase continued and the female driver fled on foot and was captured hiding on a porch. She was taken to a hospital for treatment of dog bites and faces several felony charges.

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The officer's family and agency need our prayers.

Thank you,

Chaplain Dave Fair


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Border Patrolman Dies on Duty

James Gilbert
The Sun, Yuma, Ariz.

--

Dec. 17--A Yuma Sector Border Patrol agent died early Thursday morning after collapsing at an immigration checkpoint.

The agent has been identified as 40-year-old John Hoag III, a six-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol, according to a news statement released Thursday by Yuma Sector Border Patrol.

Hoag joined the Border Patrol on Dec. 15, 2003.

Agent Ben Vik, a spokesman for the Yuma Sector, said Hoag collapsed while working at the immigration checkpoint on Highway 95, which is just south of the city of Quartzsite.

Vik said Hoag was transported by ambulance to Yuma Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead just after 7 a.m. The cause of death was not yet known.

Efforts by agents at the scene, as well as by emergency medical technicians from Yuma Proving Ground and medical personnel from Quartzsite, were all unsuccessful in reviving Hoag, said Vik.
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Please pray for the family and agency.

Thanks,

Chaplain Dave Fair

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Happy Holidays

From all of us at AAPO we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Let's be safe out there.

God Bless,

Chaplain Dave Fair


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Officers Dies From Shooting

From Officer Down Memorial Page:

Henderson, Tenn. Officer Dies

Captain Dennis Cagle succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained three days earlier when he responded to the scene of a robbery in progress at a local grocery store.

Captain Cagle was the first officer on the scene and was shot once in the abdomen upon entering the store. Despite being wounded, Captain Cagle returned fire, along with a responding Chester County deputy, wounding the suspect several times. The man was taken into custody at the scene.

Captain Cagle had served with the Henderson Police Department for 30 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and two step-daughters.

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Please pray for the family and department.

Thanks,

Chaplain Dave Fair



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Deputy Killed in Crash

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ind. --

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department is mourning one of its own.

Investigators said Deputy Roy Sutton was responding to a domestic disturbance call on Dugan Hollow Road on Friday when he crashed into another vehicle.

Police said his cruiser went off the road and down a steep embankment, hitting a tree. He could not be saved.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Copyright 2009 by WLWT.com. All rights reserved.

Please pray for the officers family and department.

Thanks,

Chaplain Dave Fair


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20,000 Attend Memorial Service for Four Slain Officers

From Officer.com

TACOMA, Wash. --

Thousands of officers from across North America came to Washington state to honor four Lakewood Police officers who were gunned down in a coffee shop.

A procession of 2,000 cars followed the flag-draped caskets of Sgt. Mark Renninger and Officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold, and Greg Richards to the Tacoma Dome, where the three-hour service was held before 20,000 mourners.

Cpl. Jack Hundial, of Surrey, British Columbia, was one of 1,000 Royal Canadian Mounted Police in attendance Tuesday.

"I think about their families," he said. "I don't think you ever find true closure for something this tragic."

Tuesday's memorial service and procession is believed to be the largest in state history.

The officers' family, friends and colleagues served as pallbearers. A ceremonial honor guard opened the ceremony, and every officer in the arena stood at attention, saluting as the four officers' families and members of the Lakeland Police Department were led to their seats.

"They were good people, and they were great cops," Lakewood Police Chief Brett Farrar said at the service. "And they will be truly missed."

Each of Richards' young children - Austin, Jami-Mae and Gavin - spoke in honor of their father, and received a standing ovation when they finished.

"Our dad was a hero to many even long before he became a policeman," Austin said. "The way he lived his life spoke volumes."

A 25-minute video showed numerous pictures of each of the officers, ranging from when they were babies to recent ones with families and friends, as well as on the job. The ceremony ended with a bell being rung 21 times, then the flags from the officers' caskets folded and presented to the families.

The Lakewood officers were killed by a lone gunman Nov. 29 before the start of their shift. Authorities say Maurice Clemmons singled them out and spared employees and other customers at the coffee shop in Parkland, a Tacoma suburb about 35 miles south of Seattle.

Clemmons was shot to death last week by a Seattle police officer after a two-day manhunt. Prosecutors said Clemmons received help from family and friends, and seven people have been arrested.

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Please continue to pray for the family members and Lakewood officers.

Thanks,

Chaplain Dave Fair


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Deputy and Suspect Killed

The Associated Press

WILLIAMSTON, N.C. --

A North Carolina sheriff's deputy responding to a 911 call has been shot to death by an armed suspect.

The suspect was also killed Tuesday when he refused to obey instructions from law officers.

Police say 38-year-old deputy Charlie Brown was responding to a call about an armed suspect in Williamston, about 100 miles east of Raleigh.

When officers arrived, officials say 36-year-old Jerry Lee Pace Jr. was armed and resisting instructions. They say Pace fired his gun and law enforcement officers fired back, killing Pace.

Brown was a 15-year veteran of law enforcement. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, and two daughters.

The State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the incident.

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Please pray for the family and the agency.

Thank You,

Chaplain Dave Fair


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NC Deputy Shot and Killed

From Officer Down Memorial Page:

Deputy Charlie Brown was shot and killed during a confrontation with a suspect in Williamston on West Main Street at 9:15 am Monday.

Deputy Brown, along with other deputies and officers from the Williamston, NC Police Department, had responded to reports of a man walking down the street firing a long-gun. The responding units located the man in front of a residence and confronted him. As they ordered him to drop the weapon he opened fire, striking Deputy Brown.

The other officers on the scene returned fire, killing the suspect. Deputy Brown was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds a short time later.

Deputy Brown had served in the law enforcement with the Martin County Sheriff's Office and Williamston Police Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.



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From Officer.com

Story by
thepittsburghchannel.com
PENN HILLS, Pa. --

A police officer was shot to death while responding to a call in Penn Hills on Sunday night, and Channel 4 Action News sources said one person has surrendered to police in Clairton.

Allegheny County 911 dispatchers said the police officer was shot at about 8:30 p.m. on Johnston Road, located just off Frankstown Road. The county medical examiner said that the officer -- who hasn't been publicly identified yet -- was pronounce dead.
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While one officer death is too many, officer deaths are on the increase. Please be careful out there and pray for the officers's family and agency.

Chaplain Dave Fair.


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Location:Officer Killed. Suspect Arrested

Officer Shot During Traffic Stop

The AP via YellowBrix
December 04, 2009

Update: Authorities have identified the fallen officer as Phillip Davis, 33.

Davis had worked for the Pelham Police Department for four and half years and worked for the Calera Police Department before working in Pelham.

PELHAM, Ala. – Police in Pelham say an officer was shot to death during a traffic stop on Interstate 65.

Police issued a news release saying the shooting took place late Thursday night, a few minutes before midnight.

They say a man has been arrested in connection with the officer’s death.


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Harsh Report on Virginia Tech Shootings

RICHMOND — During the worst campus shooting spree in American history, Virginia Tech officials locked down some administrative buildings and told their own families more than an hour and a half before the rest of the campus was alerted, according to revisions made in the state’s official report on the tragedy.

The report indicates that students who were initially locked down at West Ambler Johnston residence hall, where the spree began, were later released from the building by the police and allowed to attend their 9 a.m. classes. Two of those students then went to class in Norris Hall, where they were killed by the shooter.

At least two members of the university’s Policy Group, which was assembled to manage the crisis, let their own families know of the first two shootings, in the residence hall, more than 90 minutes before the group warned the rest of the campus. The new report also says that the university president’s office was locked down about 30 minutes before a formal warning was issued to the rest of the campus.

The original report, issued in 2007, had concluded that university officials could have saved lives by notifying students and faculty members earlier about the killings on campus.

But the new report said the local police took more than half an hour longer than was initially believed to begin looking for a suspect, a fact first reported by The Richmond Times-Dispatch.

The new report also said university officials failed to contact the family of the shooter’s first victim, Emily Hilscher, for more than three hours, until after she had died. Ms. Hilscher survived for some time after being shot and was transported to two different hospitals before she died.

A spokesman for Virginia Tech failed to respond to a request for comment about the report Friday morning.

The revelations come more than two and a half years after the shooter, Seung-Hui Cho, killed 32 students and faculty members at the university on April 16, 2007, before taking his own life.

A state panel convened by Gov. Tim Kaine faulted the campus for failing to “connect the dots” related to the dangers of Mr. Cho’s mental condition.


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Getaway Driver Charged in Police Killings

The AP via YellowBrix
December 03, 2009

TACOMA, Wash. – A convicted killer who authorities say was the getaway driver for Maurice Clemmons after he massacred four suburban police officers was charged Wednesday.

Darcus Allen, 38, who did time with Clemmons in an Arkansas prison, pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail after he was charged with being a fugitive.

The prosecutor in the case said Allen might be charged with the more serious offense of being an accomplice to aggravated first-degree murder, a crime that could bring the same penalties as if he had shot the officers himself: life in prison without the possibility of parole, or execution.

“We will prosecute everyone involved in this murder to the greatest extent possible,” Pierce County prosecutor Mark Lindquist said.


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Deputy Dies in Crash

Tulsa World via YellowBrix
December 03, 2009

PRUE – An Osage County sheriff’s deputy died early Thursday after crashing his patrol car on a county road north of the city limits.

Deputy Adam Michael Mehagan, 26, of Skiatook was driving north on a curved stretch of County Road 1475 when his car left the road and rolled twice, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported.

He was thrown seven feet from the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria and died at the scene just after midnight from head and internal injuries.

It was not immediately clear if Mehagan was responding to an emergency call. Troopers said he was driving over the posted speed limit and was not wearing a seat belt.
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Please pray for the officers family and department.

Chaplain Dave Fair



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Washington Shooting Suspect Dead

Police Spokesman Says Suspect in Officer Shootings Is Dead, The Associated Press Reports

A sheriff's spokesman in Washington state says Seattle police have fatally shot the man suspected of gunning down four
police officers, the Associated Press is reporting. Pierce
County sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer says Maurice Clemmons
was shot and killed early Tuesday in a Seattle neighborhood.


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Hurricane Season Ends- But Stay Alert

WASHINGTON – Today, November 30, 2009, marks the official end of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season and with that, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate reminds citizens to remain vigilant and stay prepared. Disasters are not limited to hurricanes or a specific time of year – they can occur anytime, anywhere.

“I can never remind people enough to stay prepared for potential disasters. We must never let our guard down. I am thankful for a quieter than usual hurricane season, but the fact remains disasters may occur at any time and without warning, said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As we head into the winter season, we must all remain vigilant and remember to take the time to prepare ourselves and our families. Assemble a kit, have a family disaster plan and stay informed during disasters


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Washington Shooting Updates

Ex-con wanted for questioning in Lakewood police slayings.


Seattle Times staff

ERIKA SCHULTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Updates on the Lakewood

A 37-year-old Tacoma man, Maurice Clemmons, is being sought for questioning in the execution-style shooting of four Lakewood police officers this morning, according to two law-enforcement sources.

Clemmons, who was recently released from jail, has an extensive criminal record in Pierce County and Arkansas, court records show. Clemmons is wanted in Arkansas and faces eight criminal charges in Washington state.

The four officers were killed at about 8:15 a.m. by a scruffy-looking man who walked into a coffee shop and opened fire. The officers — three men and one woman — were found dead by deputies who arrived at Forza Coffee at 11401 Steele St. S., said Pierce County Sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer.

Troyer said the investigation into the shootings indicate that the gunman "flat-out executed" two of the officers. One officer then stood up, tried to go for the gunman and was shot, Troyer said.

The fourth officer was involved in some kind of struggle with the gunman.

"What happened in there wasn't just a shooting. One of the officers managed to fight his way with the suspect, wrestled him out the door when he was shot and killed," Troyer said.

Before that fourth officer was killed, Troyer said, he apparently managed to fire at the shooter.

Troyer said if the gunman was shot, he could be traveling some distance to get care. Troyer suggested the man may try to visit a medical facility and claim he had suffered an accidental gunshot wound.

The officers who were shot made up one patrol unit, including a sergeant.

"It's carnage out front everywhere," Troyer said, describing the front of the coffee shop. "It's like a bad horror movie, it's horrible."

The officers were in uniform, including bulletproof vests, and were working on their laptop computers as they prepared to start their day shifts, Troyer said.

"This was a targeted, selective ambush," Troyer said.

Troyer said there may have been a driver who helped the suspect get away, and police had a description of the possible driver.

The gunman was described as a black man in his 20s or 30s, between 5-feet-7 inches and 5-feet-10-inches, and ran north on Steele Street South after the shooting. He was wearing a black coat over a gray hooded sweat shirt and bluejeans, Troyer said.

Police took a man into custody at a Parkland house nearby after he apparently called 911, claiming to be the shooter. But the man was not linked to the crime, Troyer said.

Dozens of officers were searching the area near the coffee shop, including the parking lot of Evergreen Self Storage. Troyer, carrying an assault rifle, told members of the media, "this is kind of a hot area, so you're kind of on your own."

He urged the reporters not to roam off and assigned three officers to stand near the media.

At least a dozen officers also have surrounded another nearby house. Three cars were parked in the driveway but there was no indication whether anyone was inside the property.

Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna said he has directed his office to help in the investigation, including the Homicide Investigation Tracking System and the unit's criminal investigators. That system includes a central repository for detailed information on violent crimes occurring in Washington and Oregon.

Two coffee-shop employees and several customers are being interviewed by police and considered critical witnesses, Troyer said. "As you can imagine, they are traumatized, they are in shock," said Troyer. No one else was hurt.

Brad Carpenter, CEO of Forza Coffee, met with the two young female baristas after they were interviewed by police and said they were "shaken up." The slain officers were "well-known to our staff," Carpenter, a retired police officer from Oakland and Gig Harbor.

"It's supposed to be a safe haven for everybody," Carpenter said about the coffee shop.

Police seized a white pickup parked in a nearby parking lot and took it away on a flatbed truck. Detectives were preparing search warrants for multiple locations, Troyer said.

The shootings come about a month after the killing of Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton, who was targeted for being a police officer when he was gunned down while sitting in his patrol car the night of Oct. 31.

A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest in the Lakewood officer's deaths.

Forza Coffee is in a strip mall across the street from McChord Air Force Base and at a crossroads between Parkland and Lakewood, with a mix of residences and industrial businesses.
-----------------------

Please pray for the families and agency.

Chaplain Dave Fair


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Official: 4 police officers shot dead in Wash.

(AP) – 30 minutes ago
TACOMA, Wash. — Four police officers were shot and killed Sunday morning in what authorities called a targeted ambush at a coffee house in Washington state, a sheriff's official said.

Officials at the scene told The News Tribune in Tacoma two gunmen burst into the Forza Coffee Co. and shot the four uniformed officers as they were working on their laptop computers, then fled the scene.
Pierce County Sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer said investigators believe the officers were targeted, and it was not a robbery.

Troyer tells the newspaper "it was just a flat out ambush."
He could not immediately say what agency the officers were from. Police were searching for two suspect and interviewing witnesses. The coffee shop is near McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, about 35 miles south of Seattle.

"We hopefully will have answers, but there is nothing more we can tell you," Troyer told KING-TV. "That's as cold-hearted as it is."

Roads were blocked around the attack. A witness driving past told the newspaper he saw an officer on the ground just after the shootings.

Last month, Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton was shot and killed Halloween night as he was sitting in a cruiser with trainee Britt Sweeney. Sweeney was grazed in the neck.

Christopher Monfort, 41, of suburban Tukwila, was charged in the shooting. Days after the shooting, Seattle detectives attempted to question Monfort at his residence. Police say that Monfort then ran from the detectives and tried to use a gun. The detective shot him.
Authorities also linked Monfort to the October firebombing of four police vehicles, with prosecutors saying Monfort waged a "one-man war" against law enforcement.

Monfort remained hospitalized.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.



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For Deputies Killed Near Seattle

- Four sheriff's deputies fatally shot in what officials describe as an ambush in a coffee shop near Seattle, Washington.



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Fair Attends Incident Management Team Training at Camp Mabry

AAPO President Chaplain Dave Fair recently attended training in Incident Management Teams at Camp Mabry, Austin Texas.

Above, Patrick Cobb, Communications Director of Williamson County, Texas during the presentation.

The IMT concept was created by the National Forrest Service and offers incident management teams in time of disaster to local authorities.

Fair, is a Chaplain (MAJOR) for the TXSG-TX and has been assigned to the Joint Interagency Task Force that handles command and control of Texas Military Forces dedicated to Texas disasters.

Chaplain Fair Assists at Ft. Hood

Chaplain Fair we want to thank you for assisting our crisis response team with the FT Hood PMO the day after the shooting. Furthermore your professionalism in keeping confidentiality regarding our response is greatly appreciated. We will be contacting you in the future for assistance as we have committed our crisis response teams for the PMO and the troops for the long haul.

Regards
Chaplain Donald J. Gibson
President/Founder
Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International


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Trooper Killed

The AP via YellowBrix
November 13, 2009


WARSAW, Ind. – Indiana State Police say a Kosciusko County sheriff’s officer has died in a collision between his cruiser and a truck.

State police say Sgt. Jeffery B. Shaw was pronounced dead at Kosciusko Community Hospital following the 3 p.m. crash on state highway 14 south of Warsaw. The driver of the truck, 53-year-old Steven L. Byerly of Fort Wayne, was treated at the hospital for minor injuries.


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2010 Police Memorial Week Dates Told

Official Dates for National Police Week 2010

Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15



Thursday, May 13 Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Saturday, May 15. The National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the West Front of the United States Capitol.

Attend the 2010 Events.


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Female Cop Stops Fort Hood Active Shooter

Associated Press
November 06, 2009

Fort Hood, Texas (AP) – A civilian police officer who shot the Fort Hood gunman four times during his bloody rampage stopped the attacker cold, a U.S. Army official said Friday.

Officer Kimberly Munley of the Fort Hood Police Department is a “trained, active first responder” who acted quickly after she “just happened to encounter the gunman,” said Lt. Gen. Bob Cone, Fort Hood’s commanding general.

Cone said the officer and her partner responded “very quickly” to the scene of the shootings — reportedly in around three minutes.

Munley “just happened very fortunately to be very close to the incident scene,” Cone told CNN’s “American Morning.”

He said she shot the gunman four times and was wounded herself in an exchange of gunfire with him.

“Really a pretty amazing and aggressive performance by this police officer,” Cone said.

Authorities have identified the alleged gunman as Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, an Army psychiatrist. They said he opened fire at a military processing center Thursday at Fort Hood, killing 13 people and wounding 30 others.

Cone was asked if Munley’s shots brought down the assailant and stopped him from shooting.

“That’s correct,” Cone said. “The critical factor here was her quick response to the situation.”


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Ft. Hood Shooting Suspect Alive

Army Says Shooting Suspect Is Not Dead, but Is in Custody and in Stable Condition

The suspect in a shooting that killed 12 people Thursday at
Fort Hood, Tex., is alive and is in custody, contrary to
earlier reports, the commanding officer at Fort Hood said


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Chaplain Talks About Ft. Hood Trauma

AAPO President Chaplain Dave Fair was interviewed Friday morning for Premier Christian Radio in the UK concerning the shooting events at Ft. Hood, Texas.

Chaplain Fair was interviewed by Premier's breakfast journalist, Catherine Tarr.

The interview concerned traumatic stress reactions people suffer following these type of incidents.

Fair worked with officers of the Killeen, Texas Police Department following the Luby's murders near Ft. Hood in 1991.

Please pray for the soldiers and families at Ft. Hood.





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Ft. Hood Reminded of Killeen Murders in 1991

The army base shooting that killed 7 people in Fort Hood, Texas, today brings the memories of the Luby's massacre that took place in Killeen, Texas, a town next Fort Hood, on October 16, 1991.

Gunman George Hennard drove his truck into Luby's Cafeteria, and than shot and killed 23 people. Hennard committed suicide after the shootings.

The incident remained the deadliest random shooting incident in American history until the Virginia Tech Massacre that claimed the lives of 32 people.

For more than 15 years, the city next to the sprawling Fort Hood military base had the dubious distinction of being the site of the deadliest mass shooting in the United States -- until a student killed 32 people and himself at Virginia Tech in 2007.
Source: cnn.com



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Shootings at Ft. Hood

As many as three gunmen opened fire on military personnel in the Soldier Readiness Center of Fort Hood, Texas early afternoon Nov. 5, killing seven and wounding 30. One gunman is reported to be in custody while the other two are reported to be on the loose on the nearly 215,000-acre military complex. The gunmen are reported to be in military fatigues, which could present problems identifying the suspects. Fort Hood is on lock-down, as is the Killeen Independent School District.

Please pray for soldiers and their families.




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Ship Made From 911 Wreckage in New York

New York (CNN) -- The new Navy assault ship USS New York steamed into New York harbor Monday, cutting through the water with a bow built using seven and a half tons of steel recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.

Its crew stood at attention and a 21-gun salute greeted the ship. Firefighters, bagpipers, and those who lost loved ones on 9/11 lined the shore to watch the emotional arrival. The docking holds special meaning for many families of those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

"What better way for our young men and women that are going to be on the USS New York to feel the spirit of our country than to have this ship have the steel in the bow that represents not the bad but the good of our country," said Lee Ielpi, who lost his firefighter son, Jonathan, on 9/11.


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Seattle Officer Killed, Trainee Injured in Shooting

By MANUEL VALDES
Associated Press Writer

SEATTLE --

Few clues have emerged from a drive-by shooting that left a nine-year veteran Seattle police officer dead and a trainee injured on Halloween night.

Investigators on Sunday fielded tips, interviewed potential witnesses and scoured through video tapes for evidence that would lead them to the assailant or assailants. They have not yet identified a suspect or the suspect's vehicle, nor have they determined what kind of weapon was used.

Killed in the Saturday night shooting was field training officer Timothy Brenton, 39. Rookie officer Britt Sweeney, 33, suffered a minor injury.

The two were discussing a routine traffic stop while parked in downtown Seattle when their police cruiser was suddenly struck several times by gunfire shortly after 10 p.m., officials said.



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Three DEA Agents Killed With Troops

From ODMP

AP and Los Angles Times via YellowBrix

October 27, 2009

Update: The names of the three DEA agents killed in the crash have been released:

Special Agent Forrest N. Leamon, 37, of Woodbridge, Va.

Special Agent Chad L. Michael, 30, of Quantico, Va.

Special Agent Michael E. Weston, 37, of Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — A U.S. official says three Drug Enforcement Administration agents were killed Monday when a U.S. military helicopter went down in the west of Afghanistan. The casualties mark the first DEA deaths in Afghanistan since the drug agency began operations there in 2005. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because no formal announcement has been made.

Seven U.S. service members were also killed in the crash in the west of the country. Officials say the helicopter had left the scene of a fire fight with insurgents.
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Please pray for the families of the agents and soldiers.

Chaplain Dave Fair

Fair Named as Board Chairman

Chaplain David J. Fair, PhD has been named Chairman of the Board of the Academy of Certified Chaplains (ACC). The appointment was made during the groups 2009 Conference in Las Vegas and announced by Association Officer Aaron Nesbitt.

The Academy is part of the American Psychotherapy Association (APA) and falls under the overall covering of the American College of Forensic Examiners. The organization was started almost 20 years ago by Dr. Robert O'Block who today oversees the numerous organizations including the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security and the American Association of Integrative Medicine.

" I'm extremely honored to be appointed to the position", Fair said, " I'm humbled and look forward to serving the Academy members in every way possible."

Chaplain Fair, is President of the American Association of Police Officers, and was a presenter at the Annual Conference in Las Vegas. His paper was entitled Terrorism Trauma Syndrome and is soon to be offered as a certification course for the American Board of Certification in Homeland Security.

Fair has also written two courses for the APA, Mastering Law Enforcement Chaplaincy and Introduction to Military Chaplaincy.

The AAPO was also an exhibitor at the 2009 Conference.

TSA Hits Bus Stations

Hoping to keep terrorists and others off-guard the TSA conducted a random security check of nearly 700 Bus passengers in Orlando Florida yesterday, using the agency’s Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response, or VIPR.



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Taser Warning

The Associated Press

PHOENIX --

Taser International is advising police agencies across the nation not to shoot its stun guns at a suspect's chest.

The Arizona-based company says such action poses a risk - albeit extremely low - of an "adverse cardiac event."

The advisory was issued in an Oct. 12 training bulletin. It marks the first time that Taser has suggested there is any risk of a cardiac arrest related to the use of its 50,000-volt stun guns.

Taser officials said Tuesday the bulletin does not state that Tasers can cause cardiac arrest. They said the advisory means only that law-enforcement agencies can avoid controversy if their officers aim at areas other than the chest.

Critics called it a stunning reversal for the company.

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2009 Conference A Great Success

The 2009 National Conference of the various organizations of the American College of Forensic Examiners was a big success.

APPO President Dr. Dave Fair presented training on Terrorism Trauma Syndrome for the American Board of Certification in Homeland Security.

The American Association of Police Officers was a key exhibitor and offered Terrorism Training Videos.

Next Years 2010 Conference will be in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Fair will present training on Homeland Security Chaplaincy.

St. Louis Officer Dies

From Officer Down Memorial Page

St. Louis Post-Dispatch via YellowBrix

October 16, 2009
ST. LOUIS, MO — A young policeman with the St. Louis Police Department has died of injuries from an Oct. 6 crash in his patrol car, the department announced Friday.

Officer Julius Moore, 23, died at about 6 p.m. Thursday at St. Louis University Hospital.

Moore had been at the hospital’s intensive care unit in critical condition since the crash.

Moore was hurt 10 days ago when he collided with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of South Broadway and Arsenal Street. Moore was in his patrol car, with the lights and sirens on, rushing to help other Third District police officers catch burglars. Just before 1 p.m. on Oct. 6, Moore’s patrol car and the truck were both heading south. The truck started to make a right turn and struck the officer’s car, pushing it into a traffic light and a brick wall.

Please pray for the family and agency.

Chaplain Dave Fair


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Officer Dies From Shooting Injuries

From Officer Down Memorial Page:

The ODMP
October 14, 2009

Lieutenant Benjamin Santiago-Fragoso and Agent Jorge Sanchez-Santiago were shot and killed as they transported a prisoner jail.

The prisoner was somehow able to obtain one of the officers’ weapons. Agent Sanchez-Santiago was shot once in the head and Lieutenant Santiago-Fragoso was shot three times in the chest and critically wounded.

The suspect fled the scene but was arrested the next day after an extensive search by the FBI, USMS and the Puerto Rico Police Department. The FBI has assumed jurisdiction of the case as a car jacking case.

Lieutenant Santiago-Fragoso succumbed to his wounds five weeks later.

Lieutenant Santiago-Fragoso had served with the agency for 24 years and served as the director of the Vehicle Theft Division. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Please pray for the family and agency.

Chaplain Dave Fair

NC Officer Dies of Injuries

From Officer Down Memorial Page

WINSTON-SALEM --

The Winston-Salem Police Department announced Monday evening that Sgt. Mickey Hutchens, a 27-year veteran of the Winston-Salem police force, died Monday. He was 50.

Hutchens suffered a gunshot wound to the head five days ago in a firefight behind the Peters Creek Bojangles' restaurant, according to police.

City officials had said Hutchens' had taken at turn for the worse over the weekend. He died at 6:56 p.m., surrounded by his family.

Police said Hutchens was wounded by a gunshot fired by suspect Monte Denard Evans, 35, of Winston-Salem. Evans was shot and killed in the gun battle.

Police Chief Scott Cunningham released a statement Monday evening, saying, "Mickey was an exceptional person. For more than 27 years he dedicated his life to the service of others. Mickey sacrificed his life protecting the citizens of Winston-Salem. His sacrifice was not in vain. He believed in what he was doing. He spent his life helping others."

The statement went on to say, "Mickey was an organ donor, and as we speak, a team of surgeons are removing his vital organs so that others may live."

Cunningham said Friday Hutchens had suffered "extremely serious injuries."

Officer Daniel Clark, 28, was also injured, suffering a gunshot wound to his neck and abdomen. Clarks bulletproof vest deflected the shot to his midsection. He was released from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Friday afternoon.

The incident started as a domestic dispute between Evans and his ex-wife, a manager at the restaurant.

"The impact of this is significant not only to the family, but to the entire community," Cunningham said.

Members of the local community gathered Friday to offer prayers for Hutchens and Clark. At the Forbush High School football game, a moment of silence was observed to show support for Hutchens' family.

"This is just such a tragedy, and prayer is what keeps them going," said Hutchens family friend Lark Williams. "I know it's what keeps me going."

"Beth has been very strong," Williams said. "She knew all her life this was a possibility, but he loved his job and loved serving his community."

Please pray for the family and department.

Chaplain Dave Fair

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Off to Vegas

I'm headed to Las Vegas today to represent the American Association of Police Officers at the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security Conference.

I'll also be attending the board meeting of the Academy of Certified Chaplains, part of the group.

Be watching for blogs from the conference.

Chaplain Dave Fair


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Terrorist in U. S.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said terrorists with al-Qaeda leanings are in the U.S. and that the threat of attack “is always with us.” “It is fair to say there are individuals in the United States who ascribe to al-Qaeda-type beliefs,” Napolitano said in an interview with Bloomberg Television today.


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Vegas Officer Dies in Crash

The AP via YellowBrix
October 08, 2009

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas police say one of the department’s officers has been killed in a car crash.

Police say two officers were in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday. The patrol vehicle the officers were in left the roadway, hit something and overturned.

Both officers suffered life-threatening injuries. One officer, 30-year-old Milburn “Millie” Beitel (BUY’-dole), died early Thursday at University Medical Center after surgery.

The other officer is in serious but stable condition.

The reason for the crash is unclear.


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St. Louis Officer Shot

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- A teenager who went to the hospital for a gunshot wound to the hand and a 22-year-old man have been arrested in the deadly home invasion that killed a nurse and critically wounded an off-duty St. Louis policewoman early today, police said.

Police identified the woman who was shot to death as Gina Stallis, 34. Stallis was a popular registered nurse in the oncology department at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center on North Grand Boulevard in St. Louis.

Co-worker John Waldmann, 33, also of St. Louis, said he worked at the medical center with Stallis for the past five years. He said that Stallis has two children.

St. Louis police said that about 1:10 a.m. today, a 27-year-old off-duty police officer was being escorted to her car by her 29-year-old boyfriend as she left a house located in an area that is
just south of downtown St. Louis. The couple were approached by two gunmen, who forced them back inside the home they had just left. Six more people were inside, police said.

The two suspects then announced a robbery. Then, police said, a struggle ensued and the officer was shot at least three times -- twice in the chest and once in the leg. She is listed in critical condition at a local hospital after undergoing surgery this morning.

"The Metropolitan Police Department extends our thoughts and prayers to our officer and all those involved in the incident," according to a police department press release.

DHS Chief Speaks in Denver

Denver - Secretary Napolitano delivered remarks at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in Denver, Colo., emphasizing her commitment to enhanced information sharing with state and local law enforcement partners to combat threats of terrorism.


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Texas Deputy Killed in Wreck

Officer.com News

A Burnet, Texas County Deputy was killed early Saturday after hitting a deer while responding to a crash scene, according to KXAN.com.

Deputy Francis David Blake was responding to a major accident with injuries at about 1 a.m. when he struck the deer. He then lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree, the website reported.

Blake, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Please pray for his family and department.

Chaplain Dave Fair



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Police Line-of- Duty Deaths Drop

After jumping 20 percent in the first six months of 2009, the number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty fell sharply during the third quarter of this year and is on pace to reach a five-decade low this year, according to preliminary data from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.


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“SUPPORT THOSE WHO RIDE FOR THOSE WHO DIED”

THE POLICE UNITY TOUR TEAM

“WE RIDE FOR THOSE WHO DIED”
Copyright APD Lt. Joe Tauer, All Rights Reserved

We are in need of your agency badges to help support a fundraiser for APD, SO, and DPS Law Enforcement Personnel who will ride from Newark, N.J. to Washington, D.C. in honor of those law enforcement officers in the State of Texas who have made the ultimate sacrifice. In Washington, D.C. they will ride into the National Law Enforcement Memorial where family members of those officers killed in-the-line-of-duty will be lining the streets. It is meaningful for the families that others would make such a journey on behalf of their loved one. Your help in providing badges will enable us to take a picture like that above which will be sold to raise needed funds to participate. Your support in this very important endeavor is greatly appreciated.

Contact Chaplain Donna for further information on how to safely participate: (325) 660-6266

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AAPO supports this wonderful project.

Chaplain Dave Fair


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A Message from Ed Stauffer in Regard to Ken Erickson

The following is a personal message from the Executive Director of the Federation of Fire Chaplains.

Let's keep them all in our prayers.

Chaplain Dave Fair

Dear Chaplains,

We again have lost a good friend and fellow Chaplain this past week. We will miss Ken and our prayers and thought are with his family, friends and the Fire Departments he served.

Yesterday we sent out the Memorial Service arrangements and I will repeat them now.

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, October the 7th at 11:AM at St. Edwards Church, 997 Branch Avenue Providence, RI. Fire Fighters and friend are all invited to attend.

Also, Joe Leeder who is a close long time friend of Ken's will receive any cards condolences and thoughts you might want to send to his family. Joe will see to it his family will receive all thoughts, cards and prayers.
Mail to Joe Leeder
918 Chopmist Hill, Rd.
Scituate, RI 02857

Let us continue to remember Ken his family and friends in prayer.

Chaplain Mike Leckie has been ministering to the family and will be the officiant at the Memorial Service,
He is a long time friend and Co-worker in the Chaplaincy with Ken let us remember him in our prayers also as he ministers during this time of tragedy.

God Bless,
Ed Stauffer

FFC Fire Chaplain Dies

It is with deep regrets that the Federation of Fire Chaplains announces the death of Chaplain Ken Erickson of Providence, RI. Chaplain Erickson died this morning of a cause yet to be determined.

Chaplain Erickson was a long time member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains and played a big part in putting together the 2008 Annual Conference in Rhode Island. Chaplain Erickson has helped out the Federation in many, many ways and has touched the lives of many people. He will be missed tremendously by the staff and members.

As a fellow member of FFC I ask for your prayers for the Chaplain's family and his FFC family.

Thank you,

Chaplain Dave Fair, AAPO President

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Deputy Killed in Ambush

Topeka Capital Journal via YellowBrix

September 29, 2009

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kans. — A Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputy shot Monday morning in an apparent ambush has died of his injuries, and the man suspected of shooting him also has died following a shootout with police, authorities said.

Brian S. Etheridge, 26, was shot twice shortly before noon outside a southeast Wichita home where he was responding to an apparently routine call about a larceny, Sheriff Robert Hinshaw said.

The deputy arrived at the home at 11:51 a.m. and reported at 12:01 p.m. that he had been shot.


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Four SWAT Officers Shot

4 SWAT team officers shot in raid on NJ shore home

By WAYNE PARRY (AP) –

LAKEWOOD, N.J. — A gunman opened fire early Thursday on a SWAT team that burst into a home during a drug and gun raid, wounding four officers while spraying bullets from atop a staircase, authorities said. One officer was critically wounded.
Lakewood Patrolman Jonathan Wilson was shot in the face during the raid, and was in critical but stable condition at a local hospital. Authorities said they were optimistic he would survive despite being grievously wounded.

Please pray for these officers.

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Deputy Killed in LOD

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer via YellowBrix
September 25, 2009
OPELIKA — Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy James Anderson died Thursday while in the line of duty.

Anderson, 39, was struck by a vehicle just before 1 p.m. CDT as he approached a car during a traffic stop at Lee Road 240 and Lee Road 234 in Smiths Station, said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones. The suspect driving the car, Gregory Lance Henderson, 31, of Columbus faces a charge of capital murder, the sheriff said.

Please pray for the family and officers of the department.

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Chaplain Dave Fair and Barney Fife

In the 1960's one of the nation's favorite TV shows was the Andy Griffith Show. One of the stars of the hit series was Don Knotts who played Deputy Barney Fife.

American Association of Police Officer's President Chaplain Dave Fair recently had some fun in central Texas during a "Classic Car Show" the hit of the show was Barney's Patrol Car a 1960 Ford.

Above Knott's signature on the car's dashboard and several photos of Fair, including one beside the Sheriff's Star that reads "Sheriff City of Mayberry"

Police Pulse Blog - Nationwide Crime is Down

Unemployment, interest rates, stress—they’re all on the rise as the economy is buffeted by a downturn. What’s not rising, however, is crime, according to statistics compiled by the FBI that show violent crimes and property crimes declined nationwide in 2008. The data, released this week in the FBI’s annual Crime in the United States publication, show violent crimes declined for the second straight year, down 1.9 percent in 2008 from a year earlier. Each of the four categories of violent crime offenses showed declines, including murder and nonnegligent manslaughter (down 3.9 percent); aggravated assault (down 2.5 percent); and forcible rape (down 1.6 percent).
Property crimes on the whole declined for the sixth straight year, led in large part by a 12.7 percent reduction in motor vehicle thefts. Burglaries (up 2 percent) and larceny-thefts (up .3 percent) showed small increases from a year earlier. Losses from property crimes last year are valued at more than $17 billion.

The statistics are provided to the FBI by nearly 17,800 law enforcement agencies that participate voluntarily in FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.

READ MORE AT POLICEPULSE.COM

Fair to Speak at Homeland Security Conference

American Association of Police Officers President Dr. David J. Fair, PhD will speak during the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security 2009 Conference this October in Las Vegas.

Chaplain Fair is Board Certified in Homeland Security Level IV (CHS-IV) as well as well as Board Certified as an Expert in Traumatic Stress.

Dr. Fair, will present an original peer reviewed paper on Terrorism Trauma Syndrome (TTS) that helps police supervisors and military officers identify the new phenomena with it's genesis in terrorist attacks. The presentation also includes the newest methods of treating trauma in our law enforcement and military community.

The AAPO will be promoting their programing such as the Chaplain's Project, and the Survivor Network designed to assist agencies in the aftermath of a line-of-duty-death, at the Exhibit Hall.

The ABCHS Conference is part of the American College of Forensic Examiners International, and American Psychotherapy Association Conference.

Fair holds a PhD in Pastoral Counseling and Psychology, and is a recognised expert in traumatic stress, and chaplaincy issues.

In addition to Terrorism Trauma Syndrome which has become an ABCHS Certification Course, Fair has just completed a course called Combat Stress Management and Intervention that has just cleared peer review.

Chaplain Fair serves on the Curriculum Committee of ABCHS and is on the Editorial Advisory Board for Inside Homeland Security where he also contributes the Chaplain's Column.

A Licensed Texas Peace Officer, Fair recently retired as an Emergency Medical Technician.

He serves as a military chaplain and senior chaplain for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Dr. Fair was deployed to Ground Zero following 911 and served during the East Texas Space Shuttle Recovery and during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Dolly and Ike.

Thanks From New York

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support for the survivors and families of 911. There were a number of memorial services around the country. I had the honor or speaking by phone last Friday (9/11/09) to a Paramedic Supervisor who was on duty in NYC on 911. She expressed her thanks to the hundreds of people from the emergency services who responded to Ground Zero Sept. 11, 2001.

Continue to pray for all. Thanks and blessings- Chaplain Dave


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AAPO President Dave Fair Receives Award

AAPO President Dave Fair was presented a Commemorative Badge during the recent Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International Conference.

The badge depicting the Twin Towers in the background along with the CFMI Logo was presented to Fair for, " His contribution to Chaplaincy", according to Dr. Donald Gibson, President and Founder of the group who presented Fair with the award.

AAPO Helps Sponsor CFMI Conference

The 5th Annual Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International Conference was help this month in Killeen, Texas.

Chaplains from a number of states including California, Arizona, Tennessee, New York, and Texas attended the three day conference.

Hospital, Race Car, Hospice, Hospital, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Police Chaplains were represented.

American Association of Police Officers was one of the sponsors of the event. At left a Chaplain views material on the AAPO display table. AAPO President Dave Fair made two presentations for the conference. One was an overview of Law Enforcement Chaplaincy (right photo) and the other was the 911 Memorial conducted on Friday, September 11, 2009.

Officer Killed in Shooting

Charleston Police Officer Shot and Killed

Charleston Gazette
September 13, 2009

CHARLESTON, WV – A Charleston police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty early Sunday morning, Mayor Danny Jones said.

Patrolman Jerry Jones, 27, was killed during an altercation with a suspect who he pursued to the Elk River area sometime after midnight, Jones said.

The suspect, whose identity has yet to be released, was involved in an altercation with police earlier Saturday evening and had run from them, he said.

The suspect’s car was chased from inside Charleston to the Elk River area, where he pulled over in a gravel area, Jones said.

There he started ramming police cars, at which point officers fired on the vehicle, Jones said.

Both the suspect and Patrolman Jones were killed, the mayor said. Jones was wearing his bullet-proof vest and was shot just above the vest, the mayor said. “He was a young man in his 20s, with a young wife,” Jones said. “About half the police department showed up last night, between 3 and 6 in the morning, at headquarters. His wife and parents were there too. Their son went to work and didn’t make it back.”

Thanks to Officer Down Memorial Page for Information.

Please pray for the family and department.

Chaplain Dave Fair


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Longtime Peace Officer Dies

It's with sadness I announce the death of my longtime friend former Brown County (Tx) Sheriff W. B. "Bill" Donahoo.

Sheriff Donahoo had also served as Chief of Police of the Brownwood (Tx) Police Dept.

Sheriff Donahoo appointed me to my first peace office post as a Deputy Sheriff for the department.

He was a great friend and mentor and will be greatly missed.

Please keep his family in your prayers.

Thank you,

Chaplain Dave Fair, President
American Association of
Police Officers.


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Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?

September 11th, 911. I'm curtain everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing on that tragic day.

I remember standing before a make shift memorial at Ground Zero just a few days after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Buildings.

I recall the contrast of watching the smoke still coming from the rubble, yet in the other direction seeing the Statute of Liberty still standing tall as if watching over the rescue workers and victims.

Yesterday I sat down to look at some 911 photos and listening to two songs. Alan Jackson's, Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?, and Proud to be an American by Lee Greenwood.

I recalled visiting a gravely injured Port Authority Police Officer in New York's Belleview Hospital, and how he remarked he was so amazed people had come from all over the world to help.

I remember where I was that day, and I'm proud to be an American. Yet I will never forget

lest my brother and sister law enforcement officers will have died in vain.

Take a few moments out this September 11th to pray and remember.

GOD BLESS THE USA

Chaplain Dave Fair, President

American Association of Police Officers

Best Ways to Keep Updated on Mid-Eastern and Gulf Countries

I was recently taking a course on the psycology of terrorist. The instructor pointed out one of the best ways to keep up with the mid-eastern and gulf countries was to subscribe to Aljazeera (English TV) via internet, and the Gulf New, online from Dubi. For less than $10 a month I can now keep up with what's happening in key countries. Aljazeera is a professionally produced network much like CNN with every report in English.

Gulf News is done in English and on par in quality with the New York Times. The main point is law enforcement and other agencies interested in keeping up with what is happening can do so by using these news sources.

Let's stay alert!

Chaplain Dave Fair

Fire Chaplain Dies in Line-of- Duty

It is with our deepest regret and sympathy that we announce the line of duty death of Chaplain Richard Holst. Richard was the Chief Chaplain of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains and a long time member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains. Chaplain Holst was the chaplain and captain of the fire/police squad of the Huntington Manor Fire Department in Suffolk County, New York.

Chaplain Holst died this morning after collapsing on the scene of an early morning fire. Here is part of an article from Firehouse.com about the incident: Richard Holst, 60, lived near the burning building and reported the fire after smelling smoke, the report said.

He had been a member of the department for 31 years and served as chaplain for much of that time. The fire occurred at the Uber Cafe bagel shop in Huntington Station at approximately 3:02 a.m. and was put out by 3:32 a.m. Wednesday, September 9th.

Holst collapsed after emergency responders came to the scene and was taken to Huntington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

"The Huntington Manor Fire Department regrets to announce the line-of-duty death," Chief Robert Herley said in a prepared statement. The Suffolk County police arson squad is investigating the blaze. Please keep Chaplain Holst's family and co-workers in your prayers.

As a member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains, I want to extend my sympathy and that of the

American Association of Police Officers to the family and Department.

Chaplain Dave Fair

Fair Receives Two Military Honors

Chaplain David J. Fair, President of the American Association of Police Officers has received two awards for this service in the Texas Military Forces, Texas State Guard.

Major Fair was recently awarded the Texas Medal of Merit. The citation partly reads, " His devotion to duty, tireless efforts, and attention to detail reflect credit upon himself, the Joint Forces Texas, and the Texas State Guard.

The second award is the TXSG Organizational Excellence Award in conducting the Disaster Assessment Exercise 2009, Camp Bowie, Texas.

Chaplain Fair is attached to the TXSG-HQ at Camp Mabry Texas.

AAPO to Attend ABCHS

Representatives of the American Association of Police Officers will attend the up coming conference of the American Board of Certification in Homeland Security this October in Las Vegas.

AAPO will have an exhibit introducing attendees to the programming of the AAPO and its related organizations.

Additionally, Dr. Dave Fair, President of AAPO will present a paper on Terrorism Trauma Syndrome during the conference.

Watch this blog for updated information.

Fair to Speak at Chaplain Fellowship Ministries Conference

Chaplain Dave Fair, President of the American Association of Police Officers will speak this month at the Annual Conference of Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International in Killeen, Texas.

Dr. Fair was deployed to Ground Zero following 911 and will present

on the topic " Least We Forget- 911 Remembered". The presentation will be on September 11th during the CFMI conference.

" CFMI is a tremendous organization for chaplains and I am proud to belong to the group and play a small part in the 911 Remembrance, " Fair said.

911 Anniversary Coming Soon

I remember being on my way to City Hall in my community on September 11, 2001. I was listening to the news on a local radio station and it was reported a small plane had flown into one of the World Trade Center Towers. Likely an accident.

A short time later as we were in the City Council Chambers someone came in and reported to us another plane had struck the second tower. It looked like American was under attack.

The meeting was quickly dismissed and we were left to ponder what was happening and how it was going to effect our families.

A few days later on September 14^th I received a deployment order from the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) ordering me to Ground Zero to work with the Port Authority as a Chaplain.

I’ll never forget those days in New York at Ground Zero. Trying to make some since of it all and coming to the conclusion as a Police Chaplain the best I could give was, “ the ministry of presence”.

Annually the ICPC has its training seminar attended by hundreds of chaplains. We train, we talk and we remember.

It’s good to see the eagerness on the faces of new Police Chaplains. To sense their enthusiasm.

There is always a small group of us there who remember. Who have looked death in the face and will never forget.

Chaplain Dave Fair

AAPO President Trains for Line-of-Duty Death Support

American Association of Police Officers President Dave Fair has recently completed training to assist survivor families and department members following an officer line-of-duty death.

The training included crisis intervention and critical incident stress management

The class as taught by Chief Vaughn Donaldson of Midland, Texas.

Chaplain Fair oversees our Officer Down Crisis Response Program. He is also the coordinator of FirsTEXAS CISM Team which responds throughout the Lone Star State.

U.S. to Provide $1 Billion to Hire Officers

CNN) -- The federal government will give $1 billion in grants to law enforcement agencies in every state to pay for the hiring and rehiring of law enforcement officers, Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder announced Tuesday.

Police officers in Chicago, Illinois, patrol the streets in November 2008.

The money comes from the stimulus bill -- the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 -- the officials said. The law is designed to help pull the U.S. out of its recession by providing and saving jobs, and helping those most affected by the downturn in the economy.

Beneficiaries can include state, local and tribal governments.

The Department of Justice received more than 7,200 applications for more than 39,000 officer positions, representing a total of $8.3 billion in requested funding.

Colorado Officer Shot and Killed

DENVER --

A witness said he heard about 12 shots in five seconds during a shooting in Montrose late Saturday night that killed a police officer and injured two others.

Sheriff's deputies and police were called to a domestic dispute at 16915 64.50 Road around 8:30 p.m., said police Chief Tom Chinn.


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Two Oklahoma Deputies Shot and Killed

SEMINOLE, Okla. -- Two Seminole County deputies were killed and a woman was wounded when a man opened fire while deputies were trying to serve an arrest warrant at a Seminole residence Sunday, authorities said.

Ezekiel Holbert, 26, was jailed on murder complaints, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Jessica Brown said.

Holbert was in his mother's home, 503 N Second St., about 3 p.m. when she called authorities, Brown said.


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Quick Arrests in Border Patrol Murder

Three people were arrested at a hospital in San Jose Friday in connection with the killing of a Border Patrol agent in San Diego County Thursday night.

Agents with the Department of Homeland Security surrounded the hospital and arrested two men and one woman.At least one suspect wanted for the murder of U.S. Border Patrol agent Robert Rosas was reportedly injured during the attack and may seek medical attention on either side of the U.S.-Mexico border, authorities said Friday.


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Officer Down Crisis Response Seminar Set

Retired L.A. Police Sgt. John Cooley will speak at an upcoming AAPO, Officer Down Crisis Response Seminar in Stockton CA. this September

There will be some 75 local chaplains and department administrators attending. The event is headed by Chaplain Reid of the Stocktoni Police Department.

The training includes handing a line-of-duty death and police funerals.


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Border Patrolman Killed in California

A U.S. Border Patrol Agent was shot and killed Thursday night on the U.S. Mexico border in southern California.

Officials report the agent was murdered chasing drug smugglers who they believe fled to Mexico.

U. S. and Mexican authorities were joined by local police and the FBI in the investigation.

The agent was the first Border Patrolman killed this year


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Police Participate in FEMA Disaster Training

Law Enforcement Officers nationwide are taking part in required FEMA/ Homeland Security Disaster Training.

One recent training session was help in Brownwood, Texas. Pictured third from left is Early, Texas Police Chief David Mercer.

AAPO President Dave Fair also participated in the training

Line of Duty Deaths on the Rise

The number of line of duty deaths continues to increase. Especially multiple officer shootings.

The latest multiple shooting is the incident involving 5 New Jersey police officers shot in the line of duty. There has been one line-of-duty death come for that multiple shooting incident.

As President of the American Association of Police Officers I sadly come in contact with a number of line of duty deaths.

Please be safe out there and let's watch each others backs.

Chaplain Dave Fair

Beware of Swine Flu

All law enforcement officers are being warned to take care of themselves as the threat of Swine Flu increases.

Police officers resistance tends to run low due in part to shift work, a steady fast food diet and stress.

The American Association of Police Officers reminds you to take care of your self.

And let's stay safe out there,

Chaplain Dave Fair

Officer Injured in Shooting Dies

A Jersey City police officer critically wounded in a shootout with two robbery suspects last week died on Tuesday, one day before his 38th birthday.

Mayor Jerramiah Healy said Officer Marc DiNardo, who had been on life support, was pronounced dead around 9:35 a.m.

The 37-year-old was shot in the face with a shotgun blast as he and other officers tried to storm an apartment Thursday.

The officer had no signs of life when he arrived at Jersey City Medical Center that day and had to be revived several times before he could be stabilized in critical condition.

His family issued a statement over the weekend calling him "a fighter" and thanking the community for its "overwhelming support and prayers." The married, 10-year veteran had a 3-year-old son and two daughters, ages 1 and 4.



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AAPO President Awarded Diplomate Credential

Dave Fair, President of the American Association of Police Officers has been awarded the Diplomate Credential during the Annual Training Seminar of the International Conference of Police Chaplains in Knoxville, Tennessee.

To qualify for the award a chaplain must have a minimum of 15 years chaplain experience as well as 150 hours of chaplain training, and made a significant contribution to police chaplaincy.


Fair has previously been awarded the Basic, Senior, and Master Certification presented by the ICPC. He is a former board member and committee chair for the group.

AAPO was a sponsor of the 36th Annual Conference and awarded a scholarship for an Alabama Chaplain to attend the meeting.

See information on the AAPO Chaplain Project at www.PoliceUSA.com.

Five N.J. Officers Shot in N.J.

A running shootout that erupted during a police stakeout ended Thursday morning with two armed robbery suspects dead and five officers wounded by gunfire, two of them critically.

Police said Hassan Shakur had been hiding a pump-action shotgun under a monk's robe when police approached him in the street at about 5:15 a.m. and he began firing.

The shootout ended when SWAT officers fought their way into a third-floor apartment where the suspects had taken cover about 6:45 a.m. The officers were met by shotgun blasts that ripped through the apartment building's walls and doors.

Residents of the complex said they awoke to the sounds of gunfire and police running down the halls.

Line of Duty Deaths Increase

Line-of-duty police officer deaths rose 20% during the first six months of 2009.

The topic was discussed among police chaplains during the 36th Annual International Conference of Police Chaplains Annual Training Seminar underway in Knoxville, Tenn.

AAPO is a sponsor of the event.


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ICPC Meets in Knoxville for Training

The 36th Annual International Conference of Police Chaplains Annual Training Conference was held this July in Knoxville, Tennessee.

American Association of Police Officers President, Chaplain Dave Fair, a longtime ICPC member was on hand for the event and manned the AAPO Chaplain Project display.

The Chaplain Project is a archive of interviews with renown Police Chaplains who share their wisdom for other Chaplains. The Chaplain Project can be seen at www.PoliceUSA.com.

Shown above right is Dr. Bill Bass of the University of Tennessee. Dr. Bass one of the conference presenters is a forensic anthropologist who is often see on FOX and CNN.

He started the famed "Body Farm" at the university as a research project.

Nation Celebrates Fourth Of July

Police keep watchful eyes as the Nation Celebrates the July 4th Holiday. Thousands of parades and other activities were planned nationwide as Americans remembered the birth of Our Nation.

All of us at the American Association of Police Officers wish officers nationwide a Happy and Safe July 4th Holiday. Thanks for the work you do in keeping our streets safe.

Blessings,

Chaplain Dave Fair

AAPO Studio

The American Association of Police Officers sports it's own studio for cameras and lighting.

The equipment is used to tape for the Police Chaplain Project, the Survivor Network, and other projects.

AAPO, CEO Phil LeConte is the creative mind behind the projects and productions.