Shield Magazine August 2014
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Transcript of Shield Magazine August 2014
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August, 2014 Volume 2, Issue 8
Shield Magazine
WBTB #notjustacop campaign..2-3
LE Cold Water Challenge.....4-5
10-8 With The Chief .......6-7
Forums Big Sister ~ August ~......8
Golfing For A Good Cause...9
Badges Against Bullying....10-11
2014 Community Hero Award..12
WBTB Spouse Scholarship..13
WBTB Recipe Book.15
Auxiliary Highlight ~ Michigan~.......16
Auxiliary Events.......17
BLK.....18-20
Hero Of the Month..21
Stress Training for Our Partners In Crime ~ Under The Shield ~ ...22-23
KARE..24-25
Fit To Enforce ~ Interview~ ..26-27
HALOS...28-37
WBTB Stores.....38-39
Blue Lights Specials .....40-43
Partners ...44-46
April Calendar .....48
WBTB References ..49
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST
#NotJustACop Campaign
Cold Water Challenge
Badges Against Bullying
Under The Shield
Fit To Enforce
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If you would like to
participate in this
campaign, please
submit up to three
photos to
juli@wivesbehindthe
badge.org and include
your state. Please
allow up to one
month for your
images to appear. We
encourage you to
"like" your state
auxiliary page, as well
to stay informed on
happenings near you
and throughout your
state!
#NOTJUSTACOP BY CARA CARL
2
BE A PART
OF THE
CAMPAIGN
64. Sixty-four. As I sit down to write this article, that is the number of police officers that have been killed in the line of duty in 2014. That number does not include the ten K9 officers also killed in the line of duty this year. These numbers are unsettling. The average age of an officer killed this year is 41. Forty-one is not a full life. These officers are missing out on many of their families important moments and even just the everyday things. Why? Why dont people understand what they are doing when they take the life of an officer? It is because when they look at an officer, they see a uniform, a badge. They dont see the person under that uniform. They dont see the family and friends that make up the officers life. They dont see the almost 100 children who lost their parent in the line of duty this
year. The only thing they see is a cop.
On June 8th, 2014, two Las Vegas police officers were gunned down. Many other officers have been killed this year, in tragic and unnecessary ways. These two officers deaths hit a cord with me. Why? Because they were gunned down while eating lunch. They were not in a dangerous situation or even performing regular duties. They were eating, probably catching a break during a stress filled day like many of our LEOs face daily. When I heard their story, I felt helpless. What can I do, from across the country, that is going to make any difference? I wanted to do something that would honor these officers, and also help people understand that officers are real people. That real people were affected by these deaths. That while the public may see just a uniform, these officers have family and friends that love and care about them and NEED them. I thought about my husband and my children who
adore their father. I thought about what it would be like if he didnt come home. Then a voice inside reminded me of the #moveover campaign, started after a Trooper in Florida was struck and killed because someone didnt respect the flashing lights on top of a police car. That campaign spread far and wide and Im sure reminded some individuals of the law that requires motorists to move to the opposite lane to keep our first responders safe. I thought, what could we do to stop the violence against our officers? After some reassurance from my fellow Ohio volunteers, I posted this photo on our auxiliary Facebook page:
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I wanted people to look at a picture of my husband, who is a Deputy, and see him as a Daddy. I wanted people to understand that if he were gone, my daughters life, our lives, would never be the same. I asked people to stand with us in stopping violence against police officers and helping people understand that they are real people with real lives. This campaign was quickly picked up by our Illinois and Maryland auxiliaries who helped by adding their own tag lines: #humanizingourheroes, #notjustacop and #morethanabadge. In a very short amount of time, it spread to the national level, with pictures coming in from all over the country. Our National Media Team took on the role of creating beautiful collages for every picture sent in. We got so many amazing photos of law enforcement officers, some that made us laugh, and a lot that made us cry. The hardest were the ones that came in from families or friends of fallen officers, who want the public to understand how their lives are different with out their family member, who chose to be an officer. The campaign continues, with many photos still to come. Whether we are making a difference or changing anyones mind remains to be seen, but the fact remains. The people who choose to put on a uniform everyday are not defined by their uniform, badge, or gun. They are people, just like you and I, who chose to make a difference and protect and serve.
These next couple things were submitted by a couple of our fans to add to our campaign:
Burke Brownfield (Alexandria, VA) to the Editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch:
In light of the recent assassinations of two Las Vegas police officers, I bring attention to the dangerous matter of violence against the police. Why does society seem to be increasingly more accepting of killing police officers? According to the Officer Down Memorial page, 105 police officers died in the line of duty across the United States in 2013. So far in 2014, line-of-duty deaths caused by gunfire are up by 31 percent. Virginia is no stranger to losing the lives of police officers. Just last month, Officer Brian Jones of the Norfolk police department was gunned down on the job. Historically, 54 percent of all police line-of-duty deaths in Virginia are caused by gunfire. Despite what many may believe, police officers are targets and live with a very real fear of being attacked, injured or killed on the job.
Behind every uniform and badge is an individual with a family, a home and a desire to live. When police officers find themselves in a dangerous situation, onlookers today are quicker to produce cellphones to videotape rather than have the courage to lend a helping hand. We have taken away the individuality of each police officer in favor of a more simplistic, anonymous view of representatives of the state. Perhaps this makes it easier to throw a bottle during a
riot or pull a gun at a traffic stop. It is time we valued the lives of police officers and remember that every time they go out on patrol, they risk their lives so that we can sleep peacefully.
K. Hahn:
Not Just A Cop
He has a family just like you and me
A girlfriend, a wife maybe a father to be
Fighting crime day and night
Never off duty, fighting the good fight
Enforcing the laws and protecting the street
Wearing holes in his boots, walking the beat
He wears his badge proudly on his chest
And walks that thin blue line, his family crest
Comes to the rescue and holds a hand
Defends and comforts a child who can't take their own stand
He says his prayers each and every night
Asking for courage, strength and might
He misses holidays, parties, dinners and dates
Overwhelmed with paperwork and comes home late
He's close with his brothers no matter brown or blue
There's not a call he won't respond to, nothing he wouldn't do
Please view him as a person, not just a cop
Possibly a hero, sworn to protect until his heart stops
So when you see him, give him a wave or even a smile
Because me and my family, we'd like to keep him around for a while
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In the spring of 2014, a new campaign to raise awareness hit Facebook and went viral. Members of law
enforcement agencies started getting called out to partake in a cold water challenge with the donations
made to support different LE charities.
The way the campaign works is as follows. You are nominated by someone who has taken the chal-
lenge. You have 24 hours to complete the challenge and donate $10 to the charity of choice by the per-
son who calls you out. If you choose to not take the challenge, you then pay $100 to said charity. Dollar
amounts have varied. To prove that you have fulfilled the challenge, you then upload video and call out
the people you wish to challenge with the charity of your choice.
My husband was called out to participate and donate to C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors). He
watched numerous videos and decided that he didnt just want someone to dump a bucket of ice water on
him. He wanted to take his a step further. He filled a kiddy pool with several bags of ice and then
proceeded to lie down in the pool and get an ice bath. His charity of choice after calling out his partici-
pants was the Oklahoma Officer Down Memorial Fund.
While many of they challenges have had a fun and almost comedic feel to them, there have been many
that were done in a true sense of honor and dedication.
One such case is in Nash County, North Carolina. On June 9, 2011, Investigator Warren Sneak Lewis
was shot and killed in the line of duty while serving a search warrant with the United States Marshal
Service. The Nash County Sheriff's Office made a foundation in honor of him called The Warren
"SNEAK" Lewis Foundation. He is described by a close friend and co-worker as A great guy and friend.
Always there for anyone. When this friend was called out to take the cold water challenge, The Warren
SNEAK Lewis Foundation was his charity of choice..
*editors note* While working on this
story, an article by abc11 news was
released, revealing that one of 4 peo-
ple charged in the murder of Deputy
Warren Lewis pled guilty and will face
sentencing on November 3, 2014.
https://www.odmp.org/officer/20871-
investigator-warren-basco-sneak-lewis-iii
Story by Melisa Cross
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COLD WATER CHALLENGE CONTINUED
The North CHU Unity of the Los Angles
County Sheriffs Office showed the unity of
the thin blue line across the nation as when
they stepped up to take the cold water
challenge, they did so on behalf of the
family of fallen Minnesota officer, Scott
Patrick.
Wives Behind the Badge would
like to thank Officer Chad
Brooks and Officer Matthew
Murphy with the Rockport, Texas
Police Department for taking the
cold water challenge and choosing
WBTB as their charity. See
Officer Brooks challenge video
here, and Officer Murphys Challenge
video here.
From Jae Lynn Hosking: We took the cold water challenge for the Officer
Down Memorial! It definitely went through our whole police department,
sheriff's department and some of our highway patrol got involved! The
wives began being called out and some of the children! It was so fun seeing
everyone get involved!
From Michelle G. : Hubby (Larimer County SO Deputy, Colorado) did the
cold water challenge for the LEOMF.
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My life is forever changed and I have a greater appreciation for what these men and women do, for what they experience and for what they have to live with for the rest of their lives.
As a police wife, I can promise you that one of the most wonderful sounds in the world is to hear the Velcro as my husbands vest is taken off at the end of a shift. This sound means that he made it home safe after another day on the streets.
While the downside to wearing the vest, especially in the summer time, is how hot the officer gets. While the heat can indeed be a concern, I feel better knowing that while he may be hot out on that traffic stop, should it go south, he has some sort of protection on. My husband will be the first to tell you, no matter how hot and uncomfortable he gets, there is no way that hes going on shift without his vest. It is just not worth the risk.
Sadly, not every officer is equipped with vest protection.
Be it due to not enough budget, or a non mandatory part of the uniform, many of our officers are out on the street, vulnerable and exposed.
10-8 WITH THE CHIEF
WEAR YOUR VEST
My husbands department has a ride along policy. This enables me to go on
what I call Ride Along Date Night. In all actuality, it enables me the
spouse of an officer to see his training first hand, sometimes even up close
and personal, and in doing so, it has given me a greater appreciation for
how well-trained he really is.
There are many discussions that take place during these ride alongs. We
have discussed everything from 10 codes to what we are going to buy the
kids for Christmas.
To say the least, every time I go out with him, it is a new learning experience
for me. The more I learn, the more I understand the different things he
deals with on the streets. It not only helps me as a LEOW, it helps me in my
roles with WBTB to encourage and support other spouses. Especially those
whose spouses departments may not have a ride along policy.
This column is the insight and ramblings of Lahoma Police Chief Wife, and
Shield Editor, Melisa Cross. All content is from personal perspective and
not that of the Lahoma PD.
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While not every agency or personal budget may be able to afford the
purchasing of vests, there are organizations in place that are dedi-
cated to helping officers obtain them.
Armor of God and Fallen Officers Remembered are two such agen-
cies dedicated to helping vest officers.
http://www.odmp.org/info/free-bulletproof-vest-partnerships
Human officers are not the only officers in need of vests. From 2013
to date there have been 9 K9 officers killed in the line of fire due to
gunfire. Organizations such as Vest N P.D.P and Vested Interest In
K9s, Inc are dedicated to making sure that our K9 officers are not
left unprotected while they are out helping serve and protect.
26 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty to gun related inci-
dents so far in 2014, and there have been countless situations of gun related
injuries. While we know there will still be situations happen, even if an
officer is wearing their vest, we know that the outcomes of those situations
can take a different turn simply because of that piece of equipment. Do not
just wear your vest for you. Wear your vest for your family. They want to
hear the sound of Velcro at the end of every shift.
MLC
Over Or Under Vest
My husband has both
and wears them for
different situations. If
he is wearing his dress
uniform, the undervest
is worn. But if he is
wearing his daily shift
uniform, he goes with
the over vest.
Regardless of which
vest he is wearing, I
have that assurance
and piece of mind that
he is protected.
7
Follow Shield
Magazine on
Twitter for
Ride Along
Post A Thons
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The August 2014 Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. Big Sister of the Month is Sam. Sam has been a member of the forums since May of 2009 and became a big sister in 2010. She took a break to focus
on other things and re-joined the big sister staff in 2014.
Along with the forums, Sam is active in her states auxiliary and is currently the social media liaison.
Wivesbe-hindthebadge.org/forums
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Golfing For A Cause BY CHRISTY FABER
Each year, our heroes in blue, swing into action for the LEOpen Benefit Golf Tournament at the Heritage Park Golf Course in Olathe, Kansas. The tournament is sponsored by the police and District Attorneys Office with Johnson County, Kansas and benefit an officer or family member of an officer in our area. There are approximately 20 police municipalities located within Johnson County Kansas and all are invited to participate in this great event by playing in the tournament or volunteering.
This years beneficiary is Gabe Putthoff, (age 9) son of an officer with the Prairie Village, Kansas Police Department, Josh Putthoff and his wife Trisha. At age 2, Gabe was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma. He has endured an unbelievable amount of chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and other medical procedures. He has also had numerous cancerous tumors/spots on many parts of his body. For the last 7 years, the Putthoff family has fought tirelessly against this disease in hopes that it would just disappear. Unfortunately, their battle just got harder, as Gabe was diagnosed with a brain tumor in April 2014.
This years tournament will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014. Money raised by the golf tournament/donations will go to Gabe and his family to help with medical expenses.
To donate: make the checks out to LEOpen and send them to 501 East 56 Highway, Olathe, KS 66061
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According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the third leading cause of death in young people today is suicide, resulting in 4600 deaths per year. Yale University has conducted an independent study regarding suicide in our youth and discovered that the victims of bullying are between 2 to 9 times more likely to think about suicide. Approximately 50% of youth suicides are related to bullying. Other frightening statistics show that 1 out of 4 children think about suicide, and those individuals
have a plan on how to end their lives, and every 7 minutes, a child is bullied.
Deputy Sheriff Mario Zepeda of the Stanly County Sheriffs Department in North Carolina and his partner Mike Haigler (who has 20 years of law enforcement experience) have stepped up to fight against the epidemic of bullying with the Facebook page: Badges Against Bullying. Deputy Zepeda stated, I have committed too many young lives into mental health facilities for attempted suicides and self mutilation because others make them feel like they have no reason to breathe, let alone belong in a particular social group or have some sort of popular status. It has
to stop and we are the ones that need to do something about it.
The Badges Against Bullying Facebook page makes every effort to create an alliance between law enforcement and communities, churches, schools to educate on the issue of bullying. Deputy Zepeda said, We (BAB) aspire to offer hope, information, and education not just on how to deal or cope with bullying but how to successfully help in the fight to end bullying worldwide. My biggest goal is to create leaders among all the children so that they no longer just stand by and watch, but act when they see an act of bullying going on in their presence because without children getting involved in a peaceful and non aggressive manner, we will always be behind the eight ball.
BADGES AGAINST BULLYING
BY CHRISTY FABER
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The members of Badges Against Bullying share their message with students and their family members by getting involved within the community, going to church functions, scout meetings, community meetings etc. They inform their listeners about the local laws regarding bullying and educate them on how to identify bullying and what to do during a bullying situation. Deputy Zepeda has pamphlets and a presentation available to send to officers throughout the country who would be willing to join the fight against bullying.
With the support of his loving family and community, Deputy Zepeda has stepped up to make a difference in the lives of our youths with his organization. He encourages any officer to get involved in the community to help spread the word regarding the affects of bullying and let our children know that they are not alone.
Together we can not only change lives but we can save lives Deputy Sheriff Mario Zepeda
For more information regarding Badges Against Bullying or get information on how to combat bullying, please visit their Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Badges-Against-Bullying/795017827192754?sk=info.
Christy Faber is a member of
the Wives Behind the Badge,
Inc. Kansas Auxiliary,
joining in 2014, and
recently joined Shield
Magazine as a staff writer.
She is married to a Field
Training Officer with a
Kansas Police Department,
and has a beautiful
daughter and two crazy dogs!.
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Wives Behind the Badge,
Inc. is currently seeking
nominations for
outstanding agencies that
go above and beyond
within their communities.
Police work isnt simply
keeping the streets safe,
but also giving back to
those they serve and
protect.
In 2013, Chief Brian Oxley
of the Nitro Police Department was nominated and awarded for his participation in the West Virginia Auxiliarys
Heroes and Handcuffs baseball game, which is a fun-filled day for children with special needs who enjoy an
exciting game of baseball with police officers from throughout the area of Charleston.
While this is only one example of a former nominee, we are now seeking entire squads and/or departments who
always seem to go one step further to ensure their communities are not only safe, but happy.
If you would like to nominate a squad, department or agency for the Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. Community
Hero Award, please send an email to: [email protected] and include the agency/
department name, the names of the officers and a brief description that states the reason for which they are
worthy of a Hero Award. All nominations must be received by September 5, 2014. The winner will be announced
September 20, 2014 on Thank a Police Officer Day.
WIVES BEHIND THE BADGE SEEKS COMMUNITY HEROES
12
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13
Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. Opens
Spouses' Scholarship Opportunity
Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. (WBTB) has released the application for its
2014 Law Enforcement Spouses Scholarship Program. The scholarship
provides financial assistance for the higher educational needs of the
spouses of law enforcement officers. Applicants must be a spouse or
registered domestic partner of a local, state, or federal law enforcement
officer (full-time active service, retired, or killed in the line of duty), must
be enrolled at or accepted to an accredited four-year college/university or
community college, and must be active in the community through
volunteer work. One $1,000 scholarship award is available this year.
Applicants must complete and submit an application by October 15,
2014. The scholarship committee will review applications and the WBTB
Board of Directors will announce the winner during the second week of
November 2014. To download the complete scholarship information and
application, please visit http://www.wivesbehindthebadge.org/our-
work/scholarships/.... For more information about the scholarship
program, email [email protected].
WBTB is continuously seeking
funding through private donations,
corporations, police associations, and
grants to help support its projects
and programs. For more information
on how you can get involved, please
visit www.wivesbehindthebadge.org
or email
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Wives Behind the Badge Seeking
Recipes
Beginning immediately, Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. (WBTB) is
seeking recipes to include in an exclusive cook book that will be used
as a source of fundraising.
Recipes are sought that will be broken into categories matching WBTB
programs, such as K.A.R.E. (K-9 Resource Assistance Education),
which will be included in the pet-friendly section, Blue Line Kids,
which will consist of kid-friendly and kid-created selections and
H.A.L.O.S. (Helping Aid Lost Officers Survivors), which will include
freezer-friendly meals. Other sections will include cocktails, recipes
directly from our valued Forums members and Auxiliaries, as well as a
unique section straight from the men and women in blue who have
special recipes they would like to share.
Participants are asked to submit all recipes
to [email protected] no later than September 30. A
committee, organized and led by Emily Logan from our South
Carolina Auxiliary, will review recipes to be presented to the Board of
Directors in October. The Board will review the submissions and
make final selections at that time. The cook book is anticipated to be
available for purchase on December 1, 2014 for holiday delivery. All
funds raised through the
sales of the cook book will
be used to continue to
support WBTB programs,
all of which are funneled
directly into the assistance
of law enforcement families
throughout the country.
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#16, Michigan Our 16th auxiliary out of Michigan is one of our
benchmark auxiliaries. Led by Director Angelle and
Assistant Director Jamie, the volunteers are helping law
enforcement families all across the state.
One of their favorite
outreaches was featured in our
April 2013 issue, when they
gathered patches from all
across the United States, used
them to make a quilt, and
presented it to a Jackson
County Deputys young son who is fighting Leukemia.
They continue to support and cheer him on in his fight.
The auxiliary has helped many other officers and their
families through fundraising, making handmade bears
for children, and being there for them during the hardest
time in their lives.
The auxiliary has a lot of exciting events coming up,
including a blood drive on August 28th second annual
LEO family trunk or treat. If you would like to get
involved with our Michigan auxiliary, email Director
Angelle at [email protected],
like them on Facebook, or visit our website.
Story by Cara Carl
Angelle Director
Michelle
Danielle D.
Pam
Octavia
Mallory
Shellie Halos
Regina
Ann
Elizabeth
Caryn
Mary Kae
Danielle P.
Jamie Assistant Director
and treasurer
Christine
Stephanie
Jessica
Amber
Krista
Lorrie
Sarah
Kristia
Chandra
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UPCOMING
AUXILIARY EVENTS
AUXILIARY PROGRAM
Our auxiliary program is
designed to be the boots on
the ground of Wives Behind
the Badge, Inc. by bringing
our programs to the state and
local level. With an auxiliary
in nearly every state, we are
able to be a positive voice in
each state by hosting events
and fundraisers and sharing
our resources with agencies
and law enforcement families
first hand.
Our auxiliaries not only
focused and participate just
on the state level, but are
instrumental on the national
front as well, taking part in
national fundraisers and
events such as National Po-
lice Week by helping out at
our annual booth in Tent City.
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Blue Line Kids is a program centered around the lives of police kids. Through our forums and local events, we hope to create a fun, educational, and supportive group for our kids.
When Families Behind the Badge was created in the spring
of 2011, Wives Behind the Badge wanted to also create a
safe and fun environment for the children of law enforce-
ment officers. We wanted a place, a forums section on the
Wives Behind the Badge forums, for kids ages 9 to 17,
where they could safely gather to meet other kids living the
same lives they live, as police kids. After much thought and
consideration, Blue Line Kids was born.
Blue Line Kids is not only a forum, but also a program cen-
tered around the lives of police kids. Through our forums
and local events, we hope to create a fun, educational, and
supportive group where our kids feel comfortable and wel-
come and find lasting friendships.
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BLK Movie Tours
19
IT IS CONTEST TIME! Blue Line Kids will be conducting
BLK Movie Tours
across the states. We
will show the kids a
movie, provide
popcorn and drinks,
and tell you and your
kids about Blue Line
Kids. Some states will
even have door prizes!
So to go along with
that, I will provide a
Movie Prize Pack to
the 550th child that
signs up for Blue Line
Kids! We have so
many more awesome
programs that go along with BLK that I know your child
would love! So get those applications in! You can send an
email to [email protected] or you can
submit it online at http://www.wivesbehindthebadge.org/
our-work/blue-line-kids/.
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NB ~ No-
New York City Police
Department
http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/home/home.shtml
HONORING OUR HEROES
Fearless does not begin to describe the New York City
Police Department for their actions in April. Only one day
had passed since a NYPD officer had succumbed to injuries
sustained while responding to a fire in Brooklyn, before they
were faced with that situation again. Just hours before the
fire on Scholes Street, officers had just been briefed on new
protocol for responding to fires safely and efficiently.
Officer Dennis Guerra passed away from injuries from an
intentional fire set in a Coney Island apartment building.
Guerra was the son of a retired NYPD detective and leaves
behind his wife Cathy and four children. The other officer
on scene, Officer Rosa Rodriguez remained in critical condition in the
Manhattan burn unit.
Nevertheless, Sergeant Adrian Harris and Officer Aml Elsokary were
called to a two-alarm fire on the second floor a of a three-story building
at one in the afternoon. The officers arrived before firefighters and
immediately started evacuating tenants. Officer Elsokary said although
the recent incident before was in the forefront of her mind, she could just
hear a baby in the building
screaming and knew she had
to do anything she could to
help.
Sgt. Harris and Officer
Elsokary were rushed to
Woodhull Medical Center
for smoke inhalation
treatment and were in a
stable condition. They were able to rescue an elderly man and a one year
old girl. and the families praised the officers for their heroic actions.
http://nypost.com/2014/04/10/smoke-from-williamsburg-blaze-sends-2-
hero-cops-to-hospital/
The men and women who make
up our nations law enforcement
community daily perform acts of
heroism and bravery. Each
month, Shield Magazine takes a
look at some of these incredible
and noble deeds to share with
you. If you know of an officer
who deserves to be featured as
our Hero of the Month, please
contact staff writer Noelle to
share your story at:
21
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Partners in Crime is the affectionate term we use at Under the Shield for the Heroes who support and love our Warriors at home. As a 20 year Partner in Crime to a Narcotics Agent, training for this lifestyle was something that was foreign all of us and was never offered. As a Stress Coach for law enforcement, military and families, I quickly learned that Stress was a major factor in all the negative Statistics and I was driven to try to make a difference in a way that was never offered to me. So here goes!
I am always amazed when I teach a class and ask law enforcement officers and their partners in crime is anyone having an issue with stress and the majority will raise their hands. Stress certainly impacts all of us physically, emotionally and psychologically. One place that it has the most negative impact is on our sleep patterns, which in turn affects our mood, appetite, energy levels, outlook etc. Then I ask the question: What is Stress? I usually get some interesting answers but it has become apparent over the years that the definition and concept of stress is very confusing to most people. So I took it upon myself to try to simplify this complex and unavoidable bi product of life that often is debilitating to officers and fami-lies.
Several years ago I Federally copyrighted a definition that most people seem to relate to and understand. Stress is Change; Stressors are the activating event that brings about the Change; and Stress reactions are based on the individuals perception about the Change.
Now that we have a more manageable definition, what do we do about it? There are many things that people can do to help mitigate the negative effects of stress (Change). However the following is one of top Stress tips I have provided to law enforcement, military and their families around the world in the last two decades and in which I have received the most positive feedback.
First, how many of you suffer from any of these symptoms? 1.) Mild depression 2.) Loss of energy 3.) Irritability 4.) Sleep pattern changes 5.) Eating pattern changes 6.) Inability to concentrate? With these symptoms your doctor would most likely prescribe a form of antidepressant in the SSRI and/or SNRI family. These can be very useful drugs however I do not believe in going straight to prescription solutions because all too often these are actually symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency. Several things you need to know about vitamin Bs. You never take just B6 or B12 without a B Complex. The vitamin Bs need each other to fully metabolize in your system. The next thing is to be very careful to read labels and make sure that the vitamin B complex that you take has a B12 called Methylcobalamin and not Cyanocobalamin (Cyanide). If there is nothing behind the B12 on the label it is Cyanocobalamin. You will be surprised at how many things we consume that are made with Cyanocobalamin, mainly because it is cheaper. 5 Hour energy for example is loaded with it as are many of the energy drinks.
Next the instructions on the B Complex will usually tell you to take one a day. Because these are water soluble vitamins you need to take them 3 times a day with your last dose being taken WHEN YOU GET IN THE BED (whatever time that is for you). You will metabolize these in your sleep, energy stores and it will jump start you at the beginning of your day (again whatever time that is for you). This will also help you to achieve REM sleep which is very important because it is the restorative sleep our bodies need. Be aware that because the Bs are water soluble vitamins you it is almost impossible to hit a toxic level like some other vitamins. Your urine should turn bright yellow if you are taking enough of it and is the indicator that your body is absorbing what it needs and eliminating the rest. If you are not eliminating any, there is no way to know if you are getting enough. Do NOT spend a lot of money on this vitamin because you will be flushing some of it down the toilet.
According to Psychology Today, Chicago Researchers at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging believe all the Bs play a critical role in brain function, from manufacturing neurotransmitters to regulating energy release in brain cells. B3, Niacin seems to have a particularly potent role in maintaining mental agility, regenerating brain cells and may protect against the mental ravages of age--Alzheimer's disease and the cognitive decline associated with aging. This alone is a great reason to make sure you are getting your vitamin Bs on a daily basis. For those in high stress jobs like Law Enforcement, Military etc. and those living with these vital professionals, it is impossible to achieve this goal through diet alone so we must supplement in order to mitigate and reduce the negative physiological reactions caused by the deficiency!!!
www.undertheshield.org
By Susan Lewis Simons, M.S., B.C.E.T.S., D.A.A.E.T.S.
Stress Training for our PARTNERS IN CRIME
-
Stress Management in Law Enforcement
Spotlight: Susan Lewis Simons
Under the Shield Inc.
23
On May 28, 1992, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Doug Althouse and a Jefferson County AL deputy were on surveillance in Birmingham, Alabama, when they stopped at a gas station just outside the city to use a phone book to order a pizza. It was then that Eugene Clemons came around the corner of the building with the intention to steal Althouses vehicle. Shots were fired and Althouse was killed. At the time of this tragic incident, Susan Simons was married to a DEA Special Agent in the Montgomery, AL, office and this tragic event brought to light the inadequate support for law enforcement and families. Soon after Agent Althouses death, Simons quit her job as a litigation paralegal and decided to go back to school to get her Masters in Counseling at Troy State University in Montgomery, Alabama. Her desire was to make a difference in the world of law enforcement by providing the support and counseling shown to be greatly-needed by the Althouse incident.
While working on her Masters, Simons founded Under the Shield, Inc., where she offered free counseling to law enforcement officers and family members. It became clear in the course of her counseling that the greatest demand was for stress management.
After discovering that the vast majority of contemporary research was completed purely by academics who lacked any experience with law enforcement officers, she developed her own set of research based off experience and field work with officers and families. I personally feel that because law enforcement is a lifestyle, it is important that it [training] be taught by someone who has lived this lifestyle either by working in the field, married to it, or raised by it Simons stated. This research resulted in two new programs. The first focusing on general stress management for supervisors to help them identify potential issues in those they supervise titled, Why Good Cops Make Bad Decisions. The second, titled Warrior Survival at Home and on the Streets, focuses on the needs of officers, both at work and at home and is unique in that it involves both officers and their spouses/significant others or as Simons affectionately refers to them Partners in Crime.
Having been married to a DEA agent for 20 years, Simons knows and understands the lifestyle, and in 1994, her own ability to manage stress was tested. While shopping for Christmas presents in a Montgomery area mall, her husband and two children, ages 4 and 7, were approached by the brother of a man who had received a life sentence without parole in a major trial. Despite this individual being armed with a 9mm handgun, her husband and children were thankfully able to escape harm.
The Simons family later learned this would be attacker knew the location of the childrens school, and the children were accompanied by a police escort for a period of time. He was eventually arrested and has spent the last 16 years in a federal facility, but is scheduled to be released this summer. Simons said, this threat and all that followed only reinforced my commitment more than ever to provide support for law enforcement and families. Due to this incident, she expanded her stress management program to encompass all emergency services and the military.
As with her own family, she stated one of the biggest fears her clients (warriors) have in seeking help is retribution. To make sure the warriors and their families feel safe during their time with Simons, she guarantees no paper-trail -- taking no notes and keeping no records. She also allows clients to remain anonymous.
Simons and her husband divorced in 2003; and remain good friends. Her son, now 24, is a Cpl. in the United States Marine Corps Reserves with one completed tour of duty overseas. He is in his junior year of college in a Criminal Justice program, pursuing a career in law enforcement after graduation. Her daughter, now 27, is married to a 1st Lt. in the United States Army currently stationed in Germany.
Simons has had many incredible experiences since starting Under the Shield. She was involved with Critical Incident Stress Management through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and was able to spend 5 weeks with Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA) helping the NYPD after 9/11. She has also had the privilege to work alongside Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Officer Mike Neal with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Simons is a tenured keynote and motivational speaker at law enforcement seminars, ceremonies, and training events throughout the country, including many Narcotics Officers Association annual training conferences. She continues to reach out to our communities to provide training, stress coaching, and support through education and public awareness.
For more information about Under the Shield or to view upcoming training schedules or events, please visit www.undertheshield.org.
-
K9 Assistance Resources Education Noelle Butler ~ [email protected]
Deputy Sheriff Brian has been a police officer for
nine years and an experienced K-9 handler for five
year with K-9 Ramzes. Recently, Wives Behind the
Badge welcomed his wife Crystal to our forum
family. Brian and Crystal have a son, Adam, and a
daughter, Jessica, as well as a cat named Dora and a
second German Shepherd named Dakota.
Our lives have changed the most
from the addition of K-9 Ramzes by
the amount of time that not only
Brian has to spend with him
training, but also all of the hours of
tending to him, taking him to vet
appointments, keeping our K-9 as
ready as our LEO is to go out there
and do his best in anything that the
team is faced with, Crystal shared.
K.A.R.E
Deputy Sheriff Brian
&
K-9 Ramzes
The Wives Behind the Badge, Inc.
K.A.R.E. program offers assistance and
resources for K9 officers and educates
the community on K9 programs and
the vital role they play in law
enforcement.
24
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As well as raising a family with a
hectic K-9 schedule, Crystal also
works in quality assurance for a
pharmaceutical research company.
Being a K-9 family is a unique
experience. Not only does the
family have find the right dog that
is a perfect fit for the family, but be prepared for the training time
needed to adjust the other pets in your house to the new dog if
you bring your K-9 home with you at night. We know many
other handlers who have kept [their pets] separated. We are so
proud to be able to have Ramzes not only as part of our
department but also a part of our family, said Crystal .
Lastly, Crystal shared
with us her favorite part
of being a party of Wives
Behind the Badge: My
favorite thing about
WBTB is really feeling
part of a community that
understands your life-
style. Everyone is willing
to support you in
anything, whether its a funny joke, planning a party, dealing
with typical LEO life issues or something bigger. Not everyone
can understand what the typical LEOW goes through, but these
ladies do, and its an honor to be on here with them.
NOELLE BUTLER
Noelle Butler is not
only a member of the
Shield Magazine Staff
but is also volunteers
on the Wives Behind
the Badge, Inc.
National Media Team
and is the director for
the New Jersey
Auxiliary.
Noelle is the wife of a
New Jersey police
officer , who also is a
volunteer firefighter,
making her passion
for supporting first
responders two-fold.
A strong writer with
a heart for all
avenues of law
enforcement, Noelle
became the feature
writer for the KARE
section of Shield to
showcase our K9
families and to honor
our 4 legged officers
and give them the
recognition they truly
deserve.
25
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When did you start fit to enforce?
I started Fit to Enforce when I was looking for guidance as to how best to train the police
academy where I work. Fourteen years ago I was asked to take over the program and did not
have the experience to know how best to train them in a para-military environment. When I
[began looking] for companies to help me do that- it seemed like it was impossible. Most of
the companies I found were teaching traditional weight room methods of cardiovascular fitness
and resistance with equipment. I couldn't find any company to train with little to no equipment
outside and I was looking for that kind of guidance. The setting for law enforcement in the
academy is completely different than a traditional gym setting. I felt there was a need for some
mentorship because I needed it too. After a couple of years figuring out what worked best, I
started Fit to Enforce. There is typically a lot of turnover, for various reasons like officers
being promoted or transferring, at departments that are looking to train their academy, it is
sometimes hard to have some degree of continuity. I guess fortunately for me, I was able to
really see what is effective for the needs of law enforcement because I have been working in
that capacity for 15 years. When I started Fit-to-Enforce, it was based on those observations
and my own practical and educational background in fitness.
Why police? What made you become interested in instructing specifically for police?
I was teaching as an adjunct professor at Florida International University and I was aware of a
fitness center at a Police Department in my community because I had worked there previously
as a contracted instructor. I called them and asked them if there were any openings. I always
was interested in the Fitness Manager's position at the time because I felt like it was meaningful
to have a chance to make an impact on such a large number of important people that protect the
community. Eventually, I was hired in a position as a trainer and the Manager left a year later.
So I interviewed and was promoted into his position and took over training the academy soon
after that. It was then when I realized how much of a need there was for good solid information
on fitness training and basic nutrition.
Fit to Enforce is a new outlook on police training that began with a forward thinking
fitness instructor, Kelly Kennedy. Wives Behind the Badge had the privilege of learning
the behind the scenes scoop on Fit to Enforce.
Interview by Noelle Butler
26
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Do you have any family in law enforcement?
My father was a Fireman, but no law enforcement in my family at that time. I now have a cousin that works
as a Corrections Officer.
How difficult is it to train officers with varying schedules?
I know it is difficult for officers that are routinely changing their schedules- I have set hours to train based on
my schedule- but I think in general, success for anyone has to do with prioritizing time to make the most out of
every workout. When you are working out you work hard and when you rest, you are really resting. I think
sleep disruptions are some of the most destructive problems for officers that are trying to make gains in the
gym.
Are classes/certification meant to teach others how to run fitness classes for a department?
Yes the certification is designed to allow departments to standardize information on best practices to teach
their academies or for officers at districts.
Is the fitness meant to be on going or similar to a police training course that lasts a short period of time,
but they are given knowledge to be carried out?
The course is designed to provide lifelong skills to allow the certified officer fitness trainers to get the
information they need based on current guidelines and how to create programs based on their goals.
Is this available in other states or just Florida right now?
Yes, we teach all over the country and outside the country. The classes are based on the host agency and
when they are looking to have the class. We usually require 20 students to enroll in the class but provide two
free spots to the host agency as a thank you. We just finished teaching a class in Tennessee and we are
working with several other departments around the country.
Any upcoming events?
We are planning a class in Miami Beach by the end of the year. The date is still to be announced. But we will let you know when we are able to establish the date of the class! Follow their Facebook for close updates https://www.facebook.com/FitToEnforce.
Best contact information for fit to
enforce?
The main line is 305-389-5399 or email us at [email protected]
Check out their website at: http://
www.fit-to-enforce.com/
-
HALOS STAFF
HALOS DIRECTOR ~ Melisa Cross
West Coast HALOS~ Niki Tallent
East Coast HALOS~ Jan Miller
Central HALOS ~ Beth Dhonahue
BLK HALOS ~ Erin Kutter, and Jen Montey
Banners
Molly Bowe
-
The Cop Shop
Bracelets
and Lapel Pins only $5
P.O. Box 3126
Quartz Hill, CA
93586
Every purchase goes to
support the programs of
Wives Behind the Badge, Inc.
WBTB Merchandise
WBTB Bracelet
FBTB Bracelet
BLK Bracelet
HALOS Bracelet
WBTB Lapel Pin
Tel: 661-202-8604
WBTB
Get Yours Today!
-
Tel: 555 555 5555
Zazzle
Our Caf Press and Zazzle stores
offers a variety of LEO themed items
for everyone in your family, including
your four legged family members.
Check out the unique items available
online now.
Click on the store name or the photos
to be taken directly to the items show.
Caf Press
-
Autumn Rock Jewelry
Distributors: Amy Bachert and
Autumn Bergling
www.alpharockjewelry.etsy.com
Avon
Distributor: Juli McCoy
Beach Body
Distributor: Maureen Ortega
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/
home/REENO26
Christine's Impressions
Distributor: Christine
Robertson
www.etsy.com/shop/
ChristinesImpression
Color Your Pride
Distributor: Morgan Horacek
https://www.facebook.com/
ColorYourPride
Heroes In Glass
Distributor: Robert James
heroesinglass.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Heroes-In-Glass/105248672905263
-
Jirley's Treats for
Canines
Distributor: Jirleymar Morgan
Facebook.com/
JirleysTreatsforCanines
Lilly B Haven LLC
Distributor: Lilly B Haven
http://www.lillybhaven.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Lilly-B-Haven-
LLC/202784316428107
Origami Owl
Distributor: Jennifer Robison
http://JenniferR.OrigamiOwl.com
www.facebook.com/
OrigamiOwlbyJenniferR
Distributor: Meagan Monger
www.meaganmonger.origamiowl.com
www.facebook.com/yourcharms
Distributor: Juli McCoy
julimccoy.origamiowl.com
Distributor: Kristin Meyer
http://
kristinmeyer.origamiowl.com
https://www.facebook.com/#!/
OrigamiOwlKristinMeyerIndependan
tDesigner
Partylite
Distributor: Shay Clement
http://partylite.biz/shaytastic
https://www.facebook.com/
partylitesarasota
Scentsy
Distributor: Dawn Eiduk
https://dawneiduk.scentsy.us/
Scentsy/Home
5302-6957
Distributor: Meghan Floirendo
https://warmingwithmeg.scentsy.us/
Scentsy/Home
https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Meghan-Floirendo-Independent-
Scentsy-
Consultant/433841576692378
Distributor: Suzanne Gonzalez
suzannegonzalez.scentsy.us
Distributor: Ashley Heath
http://
www.ashleyheath.scentsy/
-
Colleen Dalton Etsy Shop
Thin Blue Line Pillow Cases
http://www.etsy.com/
listing/173999019/police-bule-line-
pillow-cases
Shaklee!
Distributor: Trully Luke
http://www.shaklee.com/us/en/
Thirty One Bags
Distributor: Kathy Everman
www.mythirtyone.com/256762
Distributor: Morgan Horacek
www.mythirtyone.com/
morganhorace
Plexus
Distributer: Shelbi Potter
www.ShelbiPotter.com,
http://facebook.com/PlexusPalooza
Damsel In Defense
Amanda Ornelas
208-309-2929
www.mydamselpro.net/popowife
http://facebook.com/
sunvalleydamsel
Savvy Designs
Custom signs, tumblers, car decals
and more
www.facebook.com/savvydesigns1
Use code:LEO14 for 10% off.
-
Art and
Photography
Box Five Police Art
Randy Sappo
Www.BoxFiveArtStudio.com
Www.BoxFivePoliceArt.com
Lambs & Limes Photography
& Designs
Lindsey Bright
614-348-5257
Michelle Romanowski
Photography
www.MichelleRomanowski.smug
mug.com
www.facebook.com/
MichelleRomanowskiPhotographer
-
PARTNERS
Wives Behind the Badge is proud
to partner with and support many
other law enforcement groups
throughout the country. Please
take a moment to visit their
websites.
The Police Wife Life is dedicated to
brining awareness to the need for changes
in laws to protect our officers, as well as
offering support to the spouses and
families of officers.
44
https://www.facebook.com/
Thepolicewifelife
https://twitter.com/
The50WifeLife
https://www.facebook.com/
Bullets.in.the.Washing.Mach
ine
https://www.facebook.com/
treadmillperspectives
-
Together with our partners we can make a difference in law enforcement families all over the nation.
The NobleHeroes Foundation is a national
501(c)(3) organization dedicated to
providing financial and social
assistance to severely injured and disabled
first responders and their families.
Safe Call Now is a confidential, comprehensive,
24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety
employees, all emergency services personnel and their
family members nationwide.
Safe Call Now provides education, healthy alternatives
and resources to save lives and put families back
together. 45
http://
safecallnow.org/
http://
safecallnow.org/
contact.php
https://
www.facebook.co
m/safecallnow
https://
twitter.com/
safecallnoworg
http://
www.nobleheroes.org/
https://www.facebook.com/
NobleHeroes
-
P.O.L.I.C.E. Families, written by Mendi
Keatts, is designed to help integrate
law enforcement life into family life.
Taught by an officer and spouse, the
course is presented to officers and
family members.
The class has been accredited for Men-
tal Health by Oklahoma CLEET in
2012, received copyright in 2013 and is
now an official partner with Wives
Behind the Badge, Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/
PoliceFamiliesTrainingCourse
P.O.L.I.C.E. Families is for all
types of law enforcement
families. Designed to help
promote a better understanding
of each side of the law
enforcement relationship and
learn some of the
communication tools
that can make the
relationships
successful.
Taught to officers and
family members in a
comfortable and casual
atmosphere. Children
are welcome with some
activities and snacks provided -
the class is made as accessible
as possible. It's all about the
family.
SERVE & PROTECT
Serve & Protect is dedicated to the HOMELAND HEROES who
serve or have served in Law Enforcement, as a Firefighter, EMT, or
Corrections Officer. The dedication and sacrifice of these brave men
and women who keep the homeland safe is unsurpassed by any
profession.
Founded by Robert Michaels, who served with the 229th Military Police
Battalion VANG, and Norfolk Police on patrol and as a detective, we provide
services with a boots on the ground understanding of the job.
*Every 17 hours an officer commits
suicide.
*75 percent of our officers have
been divorced 87% of our
firefighters! *40 percent of officers are
involved in domestic violence
* The avg. lifespan of a Corrections
officer is 58 years
* 85% of first responders and 35%
of dispatchers experience some
symptoms of PTSD. 46
http://serveprotect.org/
https://www.facebook.com/
ServeProtect
https://twitter.com/
ServeProtect
-
47
-
August 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Week 1
National Simplify
your Life Week
Week2
National Smile
Week
Week 3
Friendship Week
Week 4
Be Kind to
Humankind
Week
1
National Raspberry
Cream Pie Day
2
National Ice
Cream Sandwich
Day
National Mustard
Day
3 4
US Coast Guard
Day
5
Work Like A Dog
Day
6
Wiggle Your Toes
Day
7
National
Lighthouse Day
8
Sneak Some
Zucchini Onto
Your Neighbors
Porch Day
9
10
Lazy Day
National Smores
Day
11
Presidential Joke
Day
Son and Daughter
Day
12
Middle Childs Day
13 14
National
Creamsicle Day
15 16
National Tell A
Joke Day
17
National Thrift
Shop Day
18 19
Aviation Day
20
National Radio
Day
21 22
Be An Angel Day
National Tooth
Fairy Day
23
Ride the Wind Day
24 - Vesuvius Day
31 - National Trail
Mix Day
25
Kiss and Make Up
Day
26 27
Global Forgiveness
Day
Just Because Day
28
Race Your Mouse
Day
29
More Herbs, Less
Salt Day
30
Admit Youre Happy Month
Family Fun Month
National Golf Month
Peach Month
Romance Awareness Month
Water Quality Month
National Picnic Month
National Catfish Month
-
BY
Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. is dedi-
cated to providing resources and emo-
tional support to law enforcement
families, and serving as a positive voice
for law enforcement in the community.
We are an all-volunteer national non-
profit corporation with 501(c)(3) sta-
tus. Our membership is made up of our
board of directors, support staff, online
forums members, committee mem-
bers, and volunteers from throughout
the United States and the world.
Our programs are 100% funded
through grants, special fundraisers,
and donations from our supporters and
partners. The majority of our funding
goes directly back into programs that
enrich and improve the lives of the law
enforcement families we support.
OUR PROGRAMS
Support Forums ~ [email protected]
Families Behind the Badge ~ [email protected]
Blue Line Kids ~ [email protected]
HALOS ~ [email protected]
Auxiliaries ~ http://www.wivesbehindthebadge.org/our-work/auxiliary-committee/
please visit the link above and click your state
for contact information
Scholarships ~ [email protected]
KARE ~ [email protected]
By P.O. Box 3126
Quartz Hill, CA 93586
Phone: 661-202-8604 Fax: 559-408-5570
E-mail: [email protected]