Officer Down

Police Officer Jesus Marrero-Martínez
Manatí Municipal Police Department, Puerto Rico
End of Watch Saturday, May 25, 2019
Age 37
Tour 16 years
Badge 4573

Police Officer Jesus Marrero-Martínez was shot and killed while intervening in a carjacking attempt while off duty.

He and a friend had gone to a club on PR 686, in Vega Baja, not realizing it was closed. When they arrived in the parking lot, they were confronted by three masked men who demanded their car keys. His friend relinquished his keys but Officer Marrero-Martínez identified himself and drew his weapon.

He shot and killed one of the subjects in an exchange of gunfire. A second subject then shot him in the back and arm. The two remaining subjects then fled the scene.

Officer Marrero-Martínez had served with the Manatí Municipal Police Department for 16 years. He is survived by his wife and four children

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Officer Down

Police Officer William Buechner
Auburn Police Division, Alabama
End of Watch Sunday, May 19, 2019
Age 37
Tour 13 years

Police Officer William Buechner was shot and killed at about 10:10 pm when he and two other officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 3300 block of Wire Road.

After the officers arrived on the scene a subject at the mobile home opened fire on them, killing Officer Buechner and wounding two other officers. The man fled the area on foot but was arrested early the next morning approximately one mile away.

The subject was charged with capital murder.

Officer Buechner had served with the Auburn Police Division for 13 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and step-daughter.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Oficer Down

Sergeant Kelvin Ansari
Savannah Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Saturday, May 11, 2019
Age 50
Tour 10 years

Sergeant Kelvin Ansari was shot and killed as he attempted to apprehend a robbery suspect.

He and other officers had responded to a robbery that occurred at a barbershop in the 2300 block of Bull Street. The suspect was believed to have left the area but was inside a nearby vehicle. As Sergeant Ansari checked the area the man exited and opened fire on him and another officer, striking them both.

The subject fled into a nearby residential area where he was found a short time later hiding in a shed. As responding officers ordered him to surrender, he exited the shed and opened fire again. He was fatally wounded by return gunfire.

Sergeant Ansari had retired from the U.S. Army and had served with the Savannah Police Department for 10 years. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Officer Down

Constable Willie Houston "Hoot" West
Lowndes County Constable's Office, Mississippi
End of Watch Thursday, May 9, 2019
Age 81
Tour 52 years
Incident Date Monday, May 6, 2019

Constable Hoot West succumbed to injuries sustained three days earlier when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree on Harrison Road.

He was serving civil papers when the crash occurred just before 8:00 am on May 6th, 2019. He was transported to North Mississippi Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries on May 9th.

Constable West had served as the elected constable of Lowndes County’s District 1 since 1971 and was serving his 13th consecutive term. He had previously served with the Columbus Police Department and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. He had a total of 52 years of law enforcement service and was a founding member and first president of the Mississippi Constables Association.

He is survived by his son, two daughters, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, mother, brother, and two sisters.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Officer Down

Trooper Matthew Elias Gatti
Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee
End of Watch Monday, May 6, 2019
Age 24
Tour 11 months

Trooper Matthew Gatti was killed when his patrol car collided with two tractor-trailers on I-40 near mile marker 74 in Madison County.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 pm as Trooper Gatti was responding to a car fire. His patrol car struck the rear of one semi before spinning into the second one.

Trooper Gatti had served with the Tennessee Highway Patrol for 11 months. Prior to that, he served as a corrections officer at the Madison County Criminal Justice Complex before applying to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Trooper Gatti is survived by his wife, his parents, and his three younger teenage siblings.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Officer Down

Police Officer Anthony Neri
Sanibel Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Monday, May 6, 2019
Age 63
Tour 7 years
Badge 1375

Police Officer Anthony Neri suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in his agency's physical ability testing at the Lee County Sheriff's Office range on Felix Romano Avenue.

He collapsed while conducting an exercise as part of the testing. He was transported to a local hospital where he passed away.

Officer Neri had served with the Sanibel Police Department for four years and had previously served with the Union Township Police Department in New Jersey for three years. He had retired from the United States Treasury Department after 30 years of service as a revenue officer. He is survived by his wife.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Officer Down

Police Officer Robert McKeithen
Biloxi Police Department, Mississippi
End of Watch Sunday, May 5, 2019
Age 58
Tour 24 years
Badge 126

Police Officer Robert McKeithen was shot and killed in the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center's parking lot, at 170 Porter Avenue, at about 10:00 pm.

A male subject walked up to him and shot him multiple times without any provocation.

Officer McKeithen was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

The subject who shot him was arrested on May 6th, 2019, and charged with capital murder.

Officer McKeithen was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He had served with the Biloxi Police Department for 24 years and was planning on retiring by the end of the year. He is survived by his wife, daughter, stepdaughter, and two stepsons.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

K9 Down

K9 Cigo
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Monday, December 24, 2018
Breed Unknown Breed
Gender Male
Age 3

K9 Cigo was shot and killed while attempting an apprehension of an attempted-murder suspect at the Wellington Green Mall at 10300 Forest Hill Avenue.

Investigators received information that two Latin King gang members who were wanted for attempted murder were meeting someone at the mall. The agency's tactical team deployed to the area and waited for the two suspects to exit the mall into the parking lot.

As the team attempted to an apprehension one of the suspect's opened fire with a .45 caliber handgun, killing K9 Cigo. Deputies returned fire and wounded the suspect. The second suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Rest in Peace Cigo…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Officer Down

K9 Officer Jordan Harris Sheldon
Mooresville Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch Saturday, May 4, 2019
Age 32
Tour 6 years

Police Officer Jordan Sheldon was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on West Plaza Drive at 10:00 pm.

He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

The subject who shot him fled the scene and committed suicide in a nearby apartment.

Officer Sheldon had served with the Mooresville Police Department for six years.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Officer Down

Special Agent in Charge Liquat A. "Leo" Khan
United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Government
End of Watch Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Age 51
Tour 15 years
Badge 2879

Special Agent Leo Khan suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in the agency's physical fitness test at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

He was transported to Keller Army Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Special Agent Khan had served with the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division for 15 years and was assigned as the SAC at the United States Military Academy. He is survived by his wife.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Oh, this does not help...

Years ago (I wanna say before 2010) we hired an officer from the northeast, and there was always something not quite right. Like many cops, my buddies and I would often eat at "friendy" restaurants, places that gave us a discount (often 50%). He would refuse to eat there, saying they should comp us. Occasionally we would be comped, or someone would pay our bill, and we were always grateful for this courtesy. But again, this just seemed off.

Times goes on, this officer gets off probation, and he's on the street along. And our internal affairs unit starts getting complaints from people saying he would stop them, bring them out, hand cuff them, search their wallet or pockets, then release them with a warning. The problem is the man he stopped would have $500.00 when he was stopped, and $300-$400 when he left.

IA took the initial complainat with a grain of salt, every cop gets complainted on. But when it's up to five, seven, ten complaints, and they are similar, this is not right. So they stung him. An IA sergeant dressed as a "usual suspect," with five one-hundred dollar bills in his pocket. He got stopped by the suspect officer, cuffed, searched and released. But with three one-hundred dollar bills. A SWAT team took him down five minutes later, they recovered the money in his sock (marked bills), and he went to jail in the back of his patrol car, wearing his own handcuffs. If memory serves, he took a plea for five years, Official Oppression and Aggravated Robbery.

Yes, there are dirty cops out here, and this don't look good.

A Florida cop planted meth on random drivers, police say. One lost custody of his daughter.

The meth seemed to appear out of thin air.

Benjamin Bowling couldn’t figure it out. He had been clean ever since his release from prison on a DUI conviction, but now a Jackson County, Fla., sheriff’s deputy was accusing him of possessing a minuscule amount of methamphetamine.

It was October 2017 and Bowling was on his way to the store to pick up diapers with his friend Shelly Smith when they saw the flashing lights swirl in the rearview mirror. He had been out of prison for less than a year, doing everything he could to get his life back on track. He passed all his drug tests. He had recently been awarded custody of his daughter. But deputy Zachary Wester was escalating a traffic stop for swerving over a white line into a search for illicit drugs.

Bowling and Smith, confident they had nothing to hide, told Wester to go ahead and search the car after he claimed to smell marijuana, assuring him he wouldn’t find any.

He emerged with meth.

Now, nearly two years after Bowling lost custody of the daughter he had just gotten back, after he was convicted of felony meth possession, he knows exactly how it got there. Wester, state investigators now say, planted it himself — and Bowling was far from the only victim.

Wester, who was fired last September, was arrested Wednesday and charged with 52 counts of racketeering, false imprisonment, official misconduct, fabricating evidence and possession of controlled substances, among other charges. He’s accused of indiscriminately targeting innocent drivers and hauling them off to jail after planting meth or marijuana in their vehicles while feigning a “search..."

...Bowling, who has since been cleared, is just one of 11 known victims named in the affidavit, although the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Wednesday that there may be more victims who have not yet been identified, and the case remains under investigation. At least 119 cases involving Wester have been dropped, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. In addition to the dropped charges, Circuit Judge Christopher Patterson ordered at least eight inmates released from correctional facilities last fall, as 263 cases remained under review...

Over 250 cases are under review. Great. To use a cliche, where there is smoke, there is fire. I've said more than once, cops are citizens, they have the right to their day in court, and the state has the bourdon to prove its accusations.

That being said, even if this charges are never proved, and this officer is not convicted, this brings every effort of that department (hell, cops in general) into question. I know the anti-police movement (e.g. BLM, the ACLU, the Democratic Party) will jump on this as fast as it can. The good thing is the process did work, it stopped a (presumed) dirty cop. Now let's see how this plays out.

K9

K9 Bane
Tulare Police Department, California
End of Watch Sunday, December 9, 2018
Breed Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix
Gender Male
Age 1
Tour 2 weeks

K9 Bane was shot and killed near the intersection of Tulare Avenue and Palm Street while attempting to apprehend a suspect following a vehicle pursuit.

The pursuit began after another officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The pursuit left the city and continued until the vehicle came to a stop. K9 Bane was released for an apprehension as at least one of the occupants of the vehicle opened fire, striking K9 Bane and wounding handler. Other officers on the scene returned fire, killing one suspect and wounding a second. The third subject was taken into custody and charged with four counts of attempted homicide of a police officer, the death of a police dog, and four outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

K9 Bane had completed training only 2 weeks earlier and was working his first full weekend on duty.

Rest in Peace Bane…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Officer Down

Conservation Officer Eugene Wynn, Jr.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Enforcement Division, Minnesota
End of Watch Friday, April 19, 2019
Age 43
Tour 18 years
Badge 445

Conservation Officer Eugene Wynn drowned in Cross Lake after being thrown from a boat at approximately 7:45 pm.

He and a Pine County sheriff's deputy were responding to a report of a possible body floating in the lake. They had just left the boat launch when they were both thrown out of the boat into the frigid waters. Deputies on the shore attempted to reach them in a rowboat but Officer Wynn slipped below the surface and did not resurface. They were able to rescue the deputy, who was treated at a local hospital.

Officer Wynn, badge number 445 and station number K297, had served with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

K9 Down

K9 Bandit
Sutter County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Thursday, November 15, 2018
Breed Belgian Malinois
Gender Male
Age 4
Tour 1 year, 4 months

K9 Bandit was shot and killed while attempting an apprehension of a double murder suspect in Butte County.

Officers had been alerted to a suspicious vehicle in the Camp Fire evacuation zone and learned that the vehicle was connected to a parolee wanted for a double murder. When responding officers tapped on the window to wake the man up he made furtive movements towards a weapon in his jacket, causing the officers to seek cover. The man then led officers on a vehicle pursuit until his vehicle immobilized by stop sticks in the area of Highway 70 and Pentz Road.

K9 Bandit was released for an apprehension after the man exited his vehicle and aggressively approached officers while raising a firearm. As Bandit made the apprehension officers on scene opened fire, fatally wounding the man and striking K9 Bandit in the crossfire. A pit bull in the man's vehicle then began to attack K9 Bandit before being shot by officers.

Rest in Peace Bandit…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Officer Down

Police Officer Kyle Olinger
Montgomery County Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch Thursday, April 18, 2019
Age 53
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available
Incident Date Wednesday, August 13, 2003

Police Officer Kyle Olinger succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained on August 13th, 2003, while making a traffic stop at the intersection of Second Avenue and Spring Street in Silver Spring.

He was speaking to one of the occupants when he observed one of the passengers attempting to conceal a handgun underneath the seat. He ordered the man to drop the weapon before a struggle ensued. The man shot Officer Olinger in the neck, injuring his spinal column.

The subject and the three other occupants of the vehicle fled the scene in the car but were all apprehended a short time later. The man who shot him was convicted of attempted murder and subsequently sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Olinger remained paralyzed below his chest. He passed away from complications of his wound on April 18th, 2019.

Officer Olinger had served with the Montgomery County Police Department for two years and had previously served with the Reading Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

The latest on the "wealth gap."

I found this interesting propaganda piece in today's Houston Chronicle. It shows a 37 year old woman, in Los Angeles, who cannot save because of "high cost of living and student debt." Got it. My first question, as always, is where did these reporters get this "typical" American to use as a foil on their propaganda piece. But here we go:

‘The recovery has been disappointing’

Wealth gap widens as means have shrunk

WASHINGTON — As it enters its 11th year, America’s economic expansion is now the longest on record — a streak that has shrunk unemployment, swelled household wealth, revived the housing market and helped fuel an explosive rise in the stock market.

Yet even after a full decade of uninterrupted economic growth, the richest Americans now hold a greater share of the nation’s wealth than they did before the Great Recession began in 2007. And income growth has been sluggish by historical standards, leaving many Americans feeling stuck in place.

Those trends help explain something unique about this expansion: It’s easily the least-celebrated economic recovery in decades.

America’s financial disparities have widened in large part because the means by which people build wealth have become more exclusive since the Great Recession.

Fewer middle-class Americans own homes. Fewer are invested in the stock market. And home prices have risen far more in wealthier metro areas on the coasts than in more modestly priced cities and rural areas. The result is that affluent homeowners now sit on vast sums of home equity and capital gains, while tens of millions of ordinary households have been left mainly on the sidelines...

...Household wealth — the value of homes, stock portfolios and bank accounts, minus mortgage and credit card debt and other loans — jumped 80 percent in the past decade. More than one-third of that gain — $16.2 trillion in riches—went to the wealthiest 1percent, figures from the Federal Reserve show. Just 25 percent of it went to middle-to-upper-middle class households. The bottom half of the population gained less than 2 percent...

Interesting statement about home ownership, as accord to the Census Bureau, home ownership has held steady at around 64%, which is the norm since the end of WWII. And yes, people who have means (i.e. wealth they can use for investment) tend to invest more. Also, people at the bottom of the economic latter have other issues. While they may also spend more of their income on basics (food, housing), they can also be undisciplined in their use of the income they have. The multiple TVs and satellite dish? Several high ends smart phones, high end cars with low end houses. Please don't call me racist, I see it in Da Hood every day.

...Hannah Moore, now 37, has struggled to save since graduating from college in December 2007, the same month the Great Recession officially began. She has worked nearly continuously since then despite acouple of layoffs.

Moore says she could afford amonthly mortgage payment. But she lacks the savings for a down payment. About half her income, she calculates, is eaten up by rent, health insurance and student loan payments of $850 a month...

There is not much listed to examine this "typical" thirty something Generation Yer, such as where she went to school, her current occupation, etc. But certain things are obvious:

- She lives in one of the highest cost of living areas in the country. The average rent for a one bedroom apartment is over $2,000, and the average house cost over $850,000. In Houston, that would buy you multiple houses in the good city neighborhoods. Perhaps she should look at moving to a lower cost of living area, like Nevada or Texas.

- The price of higher education has been artfully inflated since the 80s, and we have sold our nation's youth on a lie that you need to get a college degree to move forward. Strange, seeing 2/3 of the nation's population don't have a college degree. And there are no detains on if her degree matches her employment. For instance, a BS in nursing will lead to a high income field. A degree in victim's studies will lead you to working at Starbucks. And certain fields, once thought sure fire roads to success, have softened. Lawyers are now a dime a dozen (slight exaggeration) and the market is too saturated. And these young children with six figure debts are learning a thing called the laws of the market. Too much of a supply compared to the demand means the value goes down. Hell, a few years ago I was ordering coffee at Starbucks from a lawyer, this is not a lie. She was working there to make ends meet before she took the bar.

- Health insurance is a problem? I thought Obamacare would solve that. Didn't the AP put that BS out?

Forgive me if I find this article misleading at best, and lies at worse. Using a projection of one woman's difficult position, and tied to questionable statistics, does not make an accurate reflection of the economic conditions of the American people. If the economy is doing so badly, as this reporter is claiming, why has food stamps use has dropped over three million? Again, if it's so bad out there, why is it the medical wage is over twenty-two dollars an hour?

Not about to say it's perfect, it never is. But we're not about to collapse, as this writer seems to want to imply. It would have nothing to do with the election next year, would it?

I don't know if he belonged to the city, but he wrote it for the city!

I never got into Miami Vice, but I loved the music from the show. Nothing was better than this awesome work by Glenn Frey, You Belong To The City. At the time The Eagles were broken up, but he still make some killer music. When The Eagles got back in 1994, I saw them live in New Orleans. Don Henley and another drummer did extended work on the drums at the end that was nothing short of incredible. What was great about the reunited group played each other's individual work so well. You'd swear it was meant to be. Unfortunately, not to be heard anymore, Glenn passed in 2016. But it was great while it lasted.

From an incredible singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Glenn Frey, You Belong To The City. Have a great weekend.

Officer Down

Deputy Sheriff Justin Richard DeRosier
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, Washington
End of Watch Sunday, April 14, 2019
Age 29
Tour 6 years
Incident Date Saturday, April 13, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Justin DeRosier was shot and killed in the 100 block of Fallert Road after responding to investigate reports of a disabled motor home shortly after 10:00 pm.

After arriving at the scene, he contacted dispatchers with emergency traffic and stated he was being fired at. Members of the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office and the Kalama Police Department responded to the scene and were able to pull him to safety. He was flown to PeaceHealth Medical Center in Vancouver where he passed away shortly after midnight.

Two suspects were taken into custody near the scene. A third suspect was shot and killed when he was encountered by other officers who were searching for him the following night.

The subject who was killed was the half-brother of the man who murdered Chief of Police Ralph Painter of the Rainier Police Department, Oregon, on January 5th, 2011.

Deputy DeRosier had served with the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office for three years and had previously served with the Whitman County Sheriff's Office for three years. He is survived by his wife and 5-month-old daughter.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

K9 Down

K9 Axe
St. Clair Shores Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Sunday, November 4, 2018
Breed German Shepherd
Gender Male
Age 4
Tour 2 years

K9 Axe was shot and killed after officers responded to reports of an armed subject outside of a banquet hall at 26211 Harper Avenue.

As officers arrived on the scene they encountered a subject who was armed with a rifle and handgun. The man fled on foot with officers in pursuit. K9 Axe was deployed for an apprehension and was shot by the man.

Officers returned fire, killing the subject.

K9 Axe had served with the St. Clair Shores Police Department for two years.

K9 Axe was named in memory of U.S. Navy SEAL Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson who was killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2005.

Rest in Peace Axe…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Happy Independence Day!!!

I will spend the holiday with the family, and watching movies with testerotone. Can't start with anything better than Patton, followed by John Wayne's Oscar winner, True Grit, with Clint Eastwood in there somewhere. And while not American, I'm strangely drawn to Darkest Hour on America's Independence Day. Maybe because I just finished The Age of Revolution, the third volume of A History of English Speaking Peoples by the right honorable gentleman. A good point of that book was looking at the American Revolution from the British point of view. So perhaps they are looking at July 4th like this:

In a more serious tone, it is a good day to read the document that led to the founding of the greatest, most exceptional nation on the face of the Earth.

Have a great day and weekend!

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. 

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. 

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only. 

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. 

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. 

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within. 

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands. 

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers. 

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. 

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance. 

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. 

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power. 

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: 

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us: 

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: 

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world: 

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: 

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: 

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies: 

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments: 

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. 

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. 

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. 

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. 

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. 

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock

Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean

New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple

Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott

New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton

Officer Down

Sergeant Steven L. Licon
California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch Saturday, April 6, 2019
Age 53
Tour 27 years
Badge 13348

Sergeant Steve Licon was struck and killed by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on I-15, between Lake Street and Nichols Road, in Lake Elsinore at 4:26 pm.

He had stopped the vehicle on the right shoulder and was in the process of taking enforcement action when a reckless driver drove onto the shoulder at a high rate of speed. The driver struck Sergeant Licon, pinning him and his motorcycling against the car he had stopped.

Sergeant Licon was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Sergeant Licon had served with the California Highway Patrol for 27 years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, step-daughter, and parents.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Oh, come on officer, he's my friend....

I remember a friend in Virginia was so happy she could use the HOV lanes when her kids were in the car with her. Gotta say, never thought of this for the HOV.

Today we stopped a local funereal home hearse in the HOV lane. The driver had the dearly departed in the back, he thought the deceased could be counted as two people. I guess we should clarify this, living, breathing people count for the HOV lane. The driver was given a warning

A tip from the highway patrol: Carpooling with the dead doesn't mean you get to use the HOV lane

The black van was driving southbound in the carpool lane of Interstate 15, just past the Stratosphere hotel and casino in Las Vegas, when the Nevada Highway Patrol trooper noticed the driver appeared to be alone.

He flipped on his red and blue lights and pulled the driver over.

“Hi! Trooper Smaka, Nevada Highway Patrol,” he said as the man in the van handed him his driver’s license. “You got your registration and insurance as well?..”

...Then the driver sort of nodded and motioned toward the back of the van. He said there was a body back there.

“Oh, you have a deceased in the back?” Trooper Travis Smaka repeated coolly.

He did.

And so began the brief, unusual attempt by a mortuary driver in Las Vegas to claim a corpse as his passenger.

The traffic stop Monday came amid increased HOV lane enforcement on I-15 running parallel to the Las Vegas Strip. Since mid-June, it’s a $250 fine to drive solo in a carpool lane — a change from before when enforcement occurred only during morning and evening rush hours. On the first day of enforcement, the department reported dozens were ticketed.

The change has been met with a lot of gripes among locals.

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Jason Buratczuk said officers expected to hear some of the usual excuses that they’ve encountered while enforcing the HOV lanes on U.S. Route 95: rushing to work, rushing to the hospital or rushing to an important appointment.

But rushing the dead to a funeral home? Weird, Buratczuk said.

...“Yes, it’s a person, but they’re not in a seat and they’re not living and breathing,” he said. “This body was in the rear cargo area and that doesn’t qualify as a seat.”

What if the dead were riding shotgun?

“The HOV violation is the least of your concerns,” Buratczuk said...

Traffic in Houston is horrendous, and I'm often impressed by the ways people take to get around it. Too cool to not pass on.

K9 Down

K9 Kastor
Waco Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Friday, October 5, 2018
Breed Belgian Malinois
Gender Male
Age 2
Tour 1 year, 4 months

K9 Kastor was shot and killed after inadvertently biting his handler on the inner thigh during a warrant service in the 2000 block of Seneca Avenue.

Kastor would not release his bite despite his handler's commands and another officer attempting to pull the dog off of him. After all efforts to have Kastor release his bite he was shot in order to prevent additional injury to the handler.

Kaster had served with the Waco Police Department for 16 months.

Rest in Peace Kastor…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Officer Down

Deputy Sheriff II Spencer Allen Englett
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, Georgia
End of Watch Thursday, April 4, 2019
Age 29
Tour 8 years
Badge 3005

Deputy Sheriff Spencer Englett suffered a traumatic medical event while participating in a training exercise at the Basic Police Officer Training Program at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Jasper, Georgia.

He collapsed during the exercise and was immediately attended to by training staff and medical personnel. He was transported to a local hospital where he passed away a short time later.

Deputy Englett had served with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office for two years and had previously served with the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office and Oconee County Sheriff's Office for six years. He is survived by his wife.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.