Something to Make You Happy...

Sheryl Crow!

It has been a long week, and next week may be longer for multiple reasons. Need something light going into the weekend, and I think this qualifies.

I saw Sheryl Crow back in 05 (?), awesome concert. Let someone who knows how to sign, play music, and overall preform. She doesn't need 50 backup singers. Sheryl Crow and one of her best, If It Makes You Happy.


Have a good weekend!

Officer Down

Deputy Sheriff Cooper Andrew Dyson
Pierce County Sheriff's Department, Washington
End of Watch Saturday, December 21, 2019
Age 25
Tour 2 years
Badge 579

Deputy Sheriff Cooper Dyson was killed in a single-vehicle crash in the 1300 block of 112th Street E while responding to backup other deputies at a domestic violence incident in Parkland.

The deputies who responded to the initial incident at 3:00 am were immediately attacked by a male subject who engaged them in a violent struggle. The deputies believed that the man was attempting to access a shotgun that was inside of the home and called for backup during the struggle.

Deputy Dyson was responding to their call for assistance when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a commercial building. A passerby called to report the crash and Deputy Dyson was found deceased by responding deputies and rescue personnel.

Deputy Dyson was a military veteran and had served with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for two years. He is survived by his expectant wife and 2-year-old child.

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. 

Comments on the last few days...

Like countless millions, I've looked at the video from Minneapolis, followed by (entirely predictable) riots, looting, etc. Ah yes, nothing says we have a just cause like taking wide screen TVs from a Target store or burning down a police station. To make the clusterf%^& complete, the "Reverend" Al Sharpton is flying in to stir up more troubles. Well, at least we don't have a AG who's only purpose is to destroy law enforcement.

I remember when there was a civil rights movement in this country. Headed by, among others, Rev. Martin Luther King, they protested nonviolently against Jim Grow, lack of voting, the Vietnam war, and other issues. King was inspired by Gandhi and his methods of non-violence. I don't recall any department stores being looted, police stations set on fire, other other violent actions by the protesters in Selma and Birmingham. The usual suspects today use it only as an excuse to steal from others.

Two great quotes from a classic movie, Gandhi. Gandhi is speaking with hundred of men, trying to organize them for protest against the British. He is very firm, he has no cause for which he will kill, he rejects violence, but he knows it will come to them, "...and through our pain, we will make them see their injustice...."



A great conclusion, "They may torture my body, break my bones, even kill me, then they will have my dead body. But not my obedience!"

As I watch the looting over this nation, I recall how Martin Luther King was inspired by Gandhi, and his methods. He was murdered in 68, and the decendants of what was a civil rights movement are shameful at best. But with all that is going on, I think I'll watch Gandhi over the weekend. It's gives me hope there is a chance of civilization surviving .

Officer Down

Deputy Sheriff Bryan Charles Pfluger
San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch Saturday, December 21, 2019
Age 36
Tour 4 years
Badge 33

Deputy Sheriff Bryan Pfluger was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Hill Land and Davey Lane in Coldspring at 6:45 pm.

He was responding to a burglary call and traveling behind another deputy. As the deputy in the first patrol car slowed to make a turn, Deputy Pfluger swerved to avoid a rear-end collision. Deputy Pfluger's patrol car clipped the other patrol car and then overturned. Deputy Pfluger, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.

Deputy Pfluger was a U.S. Army National Guard veteran. He had served with the San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office for four years and had previously served with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office and Rising Star Police Department. He is survived by his son, mother, father, sister, and brother.

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

Detective Clifton John Martinez
San Antonio Independent School District Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Saturday, December 21, 2019
Age 50
Tour 28 years
Badge 2173

Detective Cliff Martinez was intentionally struck and killed by a vehicle after he broke up a fight at an IHOP restaurant at 739 Hot Wells Boulevard at about 3:00 am.

He was working secondary employment at the restaurant when the fight broke out between several patrons. Detective Martinez was able to move the subjects out of the restaurant and into the parking lot when he was attacked by at least two people and knocked to the ground. While he was still on the ground the subjects entered a car and intentionally ran over him, pinning him under the vehicle. They then fled on foot and remain at large.

One of the subjects was arrested approximately 12 hours later and charged with murder.

Detective Martinez had served with the San Antonio Independent School District Police Department for 28 years and had previously served with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.

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. 

Memorial Day Observance....

A great misunderstanding in America today is the belief you celebrate Memorial Day. No, it is observed, the day we pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, Or as Abraham Lincoln so eloquently said, in arguable the finest speech given on American soil, "...that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion..." So I will not celebrate Memorial Day, but observe it on this blog.

Last summer I visited Arlington National Cemetery, to visit two old soldiers, friends, comrades, and mentors. COL Chris Wells and COL Robert Williams. Both gone too soon.




.


In May of 2019, I made it up to visit a friend in NE Texas. Richard Chism, retired Special Forces Master Sergeant. Another man gone too damn soon, a great influence and mentor to numerous Army ROTA cadets, now officers or retired officers. A cadet or new lieutenant needs some adult supervision, and he was that to many of us. Again, gone too soon.



One of Patton's quotes is appropriate here. “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” And I do thank the Almighty that these men lead, mentored, and developed countless soldiers in their time.

Rest in Peace friends. Till our next formation.

Officer Down

JOSE HUMBERTO MEZA
Burnet Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Friday, December 20, 2019
Age 30
Tour 3 years, 6 months
Badge 316

Police Officer Jose Meza suffered a fatal heart attack following extensive training with his canine partner, Kuso.

He and Kuso had conducted canine tracking training for several hours with other canine units. At the end of the training Officer Meza told other officers he was not feeling well and returned home. The following morning his wife called 911 and reported a medical emergency. Officer Meza was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officer Meza had served with the Burnet Police Department for one year and had previously served with the Llano County Sheriff's Office for 2-1/2years. He is survived by his wife, 2-year-old daughter, parents, and sister.

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

Sergeant Scott Johnston
Age 50
Tour 23 years
Badge 3198
Cause 9/11 related illness
Incident Date Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Sergeant Scott Johnston died as the result of cancer that he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.

Sergeant Johnston had served with the New York City Police Department for 23 years. He is survived by his wife and seven daughters.
On the morning of September 11th, 2001, seventy-two officers from a total of eight local, state, and federal agencies were killed when terrorist hijackers working for the al Qaeda terrorist network, headed by Osama bin Laden, crashed four hijacked planes into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

After the impact of the first plane into the World Trade Center's North Tower, putting the safety of others before their own, law enforcement officers along with fire and EMS personnel, rushed to the burning Twin Towers of the World Trade Center to aid the victims and lead them to safety. Due to their quick actions, it is estimated that over 25,000 people were saved.

As the evacuation continued, the South Tower unexpectedly collapsed as a result of the intense fire caused by the impact. The North Tower collapsed a short time later. Seventy-one law enforcement officers, 343 members of the New York City Fire Department and over 2,800 civilians were killed at the World Trade Center site.

A third hijacked plane crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania when the passengers attempted to re-take control of the plane. One law enforcement officer, who was a passenger on the plane, was killed in that crash.

The fourth hijacked plane was crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, killing almost 200 military and civilian personnel. No law enforcement officers were killed at the Pentagon on 9/11.

The terrorist attacks resulted in the declaration of war against the Taliban regime, the illegal rulers of Afghanistan, and the al Qaeda terrorist network which also was based in Afghanistan.

On September 9th, 2005, all of the public safety officers killed on September 11th, 2001, were posthumously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor by President George W. Bush.

The contamination in the air at the World Trade Center site caused many rescue personnel to become extremely ill and eventually led to the death of several rescue workers.

On May 1st, 2011 members of the United States military conducted a raid on a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and killed Osama bin Laden.

Please click here to visit the memorials of all of the law enforcement officers killed in this terrorist attack.

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 Niki
Boyle County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky
End of Watch Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Breed Belgian Malinois
Gender Female
Age 9

K9 Niki was killed in a vehicle crash when the patrol car she was riding in collided with another vehicle on South Danville Bypass near Daniel Drive at 2:45 pm.

K9 Niki was taken to a nearby veterinary hospital where she died.

Rest in Peace Niki…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

Private First Class Michael Shawn Latu
Marion County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
End of Watch Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Tour 5 years

Private First Class Mike Latu was killed in a single-vehicle crash while responding to a call for service at 1:05 am.

His vehicle left the roadway on U.S. 76 and struck a bridge pillar underneath U.S. 501 Bypass.

PFC Latu had served with the Marion County Sheriff's Office for five years and had previously served as a dispatcher.

In 2018 he was recognized as both Deputy of the Year and Patrolman of the Year.

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. 

Just the night in my veins....

Well, at 55, it's more like early evening, but who cares!

During the recent epidemic, the wife and I hosted our two girls, and two adopted children. Four early 20's women. Good God, the dogs and I were outnumbered. And they gave me a reminded of how youth and age works.

The girls would stay up all night, and sleep to past noon. It was humerous when I work up at 5:00am on a Sunday (had an extra job that morning), walk down to get some coffee, and one ask, "Wait, are you going to work?" Being on four hours of sleep, my only answer was, "No, I always wake up at five in the morning and put my uniform on for no reason..." The other girls found it quite humorous.

But looking at them I recall being a bit younger, able to stay up all night without issue. I used to think nothing of driving all night, it was cool and we made better time. Not anymore, at best I will get up at 3-4 and start. Or one time in college, starting a Star Trek novel at midnight, then having it finished at four. Well, that's not me anymore.

Some of the signs of becoming an adult. Ten at night is when you go to sleep, and six in the morning is when you wake up for work. In my college/high school yute, it was ten o'clock to go out, six o'clock to come in from partying. Middle age sucks, it's a trap!

Well, as the night life is starting to open up again (bars, restaurants, etc) and this screwed up lockdown starts to ease off, for all the night owls out there, here is a song for you. And at 68, Chrissie Hynde still has the Night in her veins. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Pretenders.



Have a great weekend.

Officer Down

Chief Deputy Bobby Wayne Jacobs
Knott County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky
End of Watch Monday, December 16, 2019
Incident Date Sunday, December 15, 2019

Age 47
Tour 23 years
Badge 504

Chief Deputy Bobby Jacobs suffered a fatal heart attack several hours after responding to assist at the scene of a barricaded subject who had threatened to kill law enforcement officers.

Another deputy had attempted to serve a warrant on the man, but he barricaded himself inside of his home. Chief Deputy Jacobs responded to the scene and the man was eventually taken into custody.

He reported to duty the following day and handled a call for service. He returned to the sheriff's office where he collapsed a short time later.

Chief Deputy Jacobs had served in law enforcement for 23 years. He is survived by his three daughters.

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 Jackie
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government
End of Watch Sunday, December 29, 2019
Breed German Shepherd
Gender Male
Age Not available
Tour 4 years

K9 Jackie was killed in a vehicle crash on Highway 395 northwest of Colville, Washington, at about 2:30 am.

The patrol vehicle K9 Jackie was riding in struck a patch of black ice, causing it to leave to the roadway and roll over several times down a steep embankment. Rescue personnel were able to extract K9 Jackie's handler and transport her to a local hospital with multiple injuries. K9 Jackie succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

K9 Jackie had served with the United States Border Patrol for four years.

Rest in Peace Jackie…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

Constable Eula Ray "Raye" Hawkins
Panola County Constable's Office, Mississippi
End of Watch Thursday, December 12, 2019
Age 57
Tour 29 years
Badge CC2

Constable Raye Hawkins was killed when his vehicle was struck by a stolen pickup truck being pursued by other officers at around 2:30 pm.

The pursuit started in Tallahatchie County when deputies attempted to stop the stolen vehicle that was occupied by two juvenile offenders. The juveniles lead the deputies on a pursuit that entered Panola County and continued towards Batesville. Constable Hawkins was responding to assist in the pursuit when the vehicle struck his car at a high rate of speed at the intersection of Route 35 and Route 6, causing him to suffer fatal injuries.

Both juveniles were taken into custody and charged as adults with felony murder.

Constable Hawkins had served in law enforcement for 29 years. His son is a police officer with the Batesville Police Department and was one of the first officers on scene following the crash.

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 Bulder
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government
End of Watch Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Breed Belgian Malinois
Gender Male
Age 4
Tour 2 years

K9 Bulder was shot and killed while performing an apprehension during a warrant service in the 4500 block of Capricorn Drive in El Paso, Texas.

Agents with the United States Border Patrol's Special Operations Group were assisting other federal agents with serving a federal arrest warrant and search warrant on a man who was wanted for illegal possession and manufacturing of firearms. The man failed to comply with instructions and K9 Bulder was released for an apprehension. The man opened fire with a handgun, killing K9 Bulder, before agents returned fire and killed him.

K9 Bulder had served with the United States Border Patrol for two years.

Rest in Peace Bulder…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

Sergeant Kaila Marie Sullivan
Nassau Bay Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Age 43
Tour 16 years
Badge 7313

Sergeant Kaila Sullivan was killed when she was intentionally struck by a vehicle driven while attempting to arrest a wanted subject in the 2000 block of San Sebastian Court at 8:30 pm.

Officers had conducted a traffic stop on the man who was wanted on a warrant for domestic assault. When they attempted to place him in custody he began to resist and was able to re-enter his vehicle. He struck fatally Sergeant Sullivan as he fled the area in the vehicle.

Sergeant Sullivan was transported to HCA Clear Lake Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

The vehicle was found abandoned a short distance away. The man was arrested on December 12th, 2019.

Sergeant Sullivan had served with the Nassau Bay Police Department for 16 years. She is survived by her wife and son.

Rest in Peace Sis…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

Detective Joseph Alan Seals
Jersey City Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Age 40
Tour 18 years
Badge 766

Detective Joseph Seals was shot and killed at 12:30 pm in Bayview Cemetery after encountering two subjects, a man and woman, in a van that was linked to a homicide in Bayonne, New Jersey.

During the encounter, Detective Seals was shot in the back of the head. The two subjects then fled in the stolen van and eventually barricaded themselves inside of a kosher grocery store on Martin Luther King Drive. They murdered three people inside of the store and then engaged responding officers in a prolonged shootout for several hours in which two officers were wounded.

Both subjects were eventually shot and killed by officers during the shootout. A live pipebomb was later found inside of the van the two had abandoned before entering the store.

It is believed the subjects were part of a radical religious movement, held anti-Jewish and anti-law enforcement views, and specifically targeted the kosher grocery store in an act of religious terrorism.

Detective Seals had served with the Jersey City Police Department for 13 years and had served in law enforcement for a total of 18 years. He is survived by his wife and five 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. 

A large scale version of improvise, adapt, overcome...

Having lived in the Deep South most of my life, I can relate to not having power in August. It's miserable without air conditioning. Not to mention your frig and freezer last only so much. One of the major issues recoving from Hurricane Katrina was refrigerators and freezers containing a HAZMAT site of spoiled meats and other items.

Now I'm fortunate, my subdivision was built in the last 30 years, so our main power cables are buried. During Hurricane Harvey, my family was out of power for only 18 hours. But an issue, what happens when the power plant is out. Well, here is a solution for than issue.

Mobile power plants take to the high seas, sidestepping red tape involved with traditional plants

Karpowership is marketing floating power plants across the developing world, where governments seek extra voltage to keep the lights on during the pandemic. Shown, Karmol LNGT undocking in Singapore on Aug. 1, 2019.
As economic lockdowns complicate efforts to bring electricity to every corner of the planet, one company is putting generation units on ships that can sit offshore and plug into local grids on short notice.
Karpowership is marketing floating power plants across the developing world, where governments are seeking extra voltage to power hospitals and other facilities to keep the lights on during the coronavirus pandemic.

Vessels can hook into an onshore grid quickly, sidestepping the red-tape and construction issues involved with building a traditional power plant. And these ships come with their own fuel -- liquefied natural gas and fuel oil -- tapping into markets that are currently oversupplied.

"We can deploy them in less than 30 days," Zeynep Harezi, chief commercial officer of Kapowership, said by phone from her office in Istanbul where the ships are designed.

The generators on the ships can produce between 36 megawatts to 470 megawatts of electricity and are already fully financed. While the ships use fossil fuels and present a challenge to the global drive for cleaner energy, they remain among the few solutions for feeding power to remote areas.

Such ships can work well in places with high barriers for onshore power stations or that lack access to gas pipelines, the International Gas Union said in its annual LNG report. There's also risks: high cost and upfront capital requirements. Also, floating power plants concepts compete with more traditional units that run on liquid fuels, renewables and nuclear power, which may receive governmental support over LNG, the report said.
"The concept of a fully integrated floating re-gasification and power plant may be a more realistic solution to grant easy access to clean electricity production," the IGU said. "Such fast track projects, built and commissioned at reputed shipyards, may materialize in the near future..."

...The company converts existing dry bulk vessels, buys engines in bulk and builds them "one after another, almost like a production line," Harezi said.
The technology for the power plant is internal combustion engine, rather than more typical turbines. While more expensive to build, they are cheaper to maintain and better suited for countries in hot climates with unstable grids, which are often in desperate need for power to avoid blackouts...

To the people who created this, thank you. God knows as the 3rd World develops (China, India anyone) power is needed. And this will help Fill the gap as new/replacement power stations are brought online.

K9 Down

K9 Koki
El Mirage Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch Friday, November 22, 2019
Breed Belgian Malinois
Gender Male
Age 5
Tour 4 years
K9 Koki was shot and killed near the intersection of El Mirage Road and Thunderbird Road as officers attempted to apprehend a wanted subject at 5:30 pm.

The man fled on foot and opened fire on pursuing officers, killing K9 Koki. The man later committed suicide.

K9 Koki had served with the El Mirage Police Department for four years.

Rest in Peace Koki…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

Sergeant Christopher Charles Lewis Brewster
Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Saturday, December 7, 2019
Age 32
Tour 9 years

Sergeant Christopher Brewster was shot and killed while responding to a domestic assault at about 6:00 pm.

A woman had called 911 and reported that she had been assaulted by her boyfriend and that he was armed with two firearms. When officers arrived at the scene both subjects had already left. Sergeant Brewster was checking the area when he saw the couple walking in the 7400 block of Avenue L.

Sergeant Brewster attempted to contact them but was fired upon as he exited his patrol car. Despite being struck in the chest above his vest, he was able to give dispatchers and other officers a description of his wounds and the subject's direction of travel.

Sergeant Brewster was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

The man was arrested by other officers following a foot pursuit. He was subsequently charged with capital murder.

Sergeant Brewster had served with the Houston Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his wife, parents, and three 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. 

K9 Down

K9 Chopper
Davis County Sheriff's Office, Utah
End of Watch Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Breed Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix
Gender Male
Age 6
Tour 5 years, 6 month
K9 Chopper was struck and killed by a vehicle on West State Street in front of the sheriff's office.

Chopper was able to exit his kennel and escape from his handler's truck while it was briefly parked at the facility. Chopper ran onto the roadway and was fatally struck.

K9 Chopper had served with the Davis County Sheriff's Office for 5-1/2 years and was trained in drug detection, tracking, and apprehension.

Rest in Peace Chapper…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 Stephen Paul Carr
Fayetteville Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch Saturday, December 7, 2019
Age 27
Tour 2 years, 8 months
Badge 413

Police Officer Stephen Carr was shot and killed in an unprovoked attack as he sat in his patrol car in the Fayetteville Police Department's rear parking lot at about 9:40 pm.

He was waiting for his partner to return from inside of the police station when a subject approached him and opened fire without warning, killing him. Officers inside of the station heard the shots and immediately responded. They pursued the subject into an alley next to the police station and fatally shot him in an exchange of gunfire.

Officers and paramedics provided aide to Officer Carr, but he succumbed to his wounds.

Officer Carr had served with the Fayetteville Police Department for 2-1/2 years and was assigned to the Bicycle Unit.

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. 

I gotta say, forced catheterizations is a bit too much...

I've discussed with friends the limits of search and seizure. One friend was very taken back by a county is Alabama that would take a blood sample (by force if needed) with a warrant. He considered it an invasion of a person and it can't be justified. I countered it was allowed by law, and can only be administrated by the order of a court, i.e. a search warrant. And I've had to use force on a couple of occasions.

Now, I saw this, and I must agree with the judge here.

Judge: Forced catheterizations by South Dakota law enforcement violated Constitution

South Dakota law enforcement’s practice of using forced catheterizations to obtain urine samples from suspects violates the U.S. Constitution, a federal judge has ruled.

In a sharp rebuke to the practice, Chief Judge Roberto Lange of the U.S. Federal Court for the District of South Dakota said that the process of involuntary catheterization is a violation of the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable police searches and seizures. Lange declined to dismiss the case brought by six individuals who sued the cities of Pierre, Wagner and Sisseton, as well as various law enforcement officers who oversaw forced catheterizations.

Police used catheters to obtain urine samples to determine if suspects had ingested drugs – South Dakota has a law that makes ingestion of drugs illegal. But Lange said the practice was overkill for low-level drug crimes: Ingestion of marijuana is a misdemeanor while ingestion of methamphetamine is a class-5 felony.

“Defendants’ need to obtain the plaintiffs' urine to prove a low-level drug crime did not justify subjecting the plaintiffs to involuntary catheterization, a highly invasive—and in these cases—degrading medical procedure,” Lange wrote. In his 106-page opinion, Lange recounted the particulars of each catheterization, including videos taken by law enforcement that showed three of the plaintiffs screaming in agony.

Not sure if this applies, but when I assisted in taking a blood sample, men scream like they are giving birth through the penis. A syringe in the arm is not enough to cause that level of paint. Shall we say there is a lever of bad acting with the hope of a lawsuit later?

Now, if this part of the article is true, there are other issues to be discussed:

Two plaintiffs – Gena Alvarez and Aaron Peters – were subject to forced catheterizations even though they were not arrested for, or suspected of, drug crimes. Alvarez had been pulled over by the South Dakota Highway Patrol near Winner for drinking and driving, which Lange noted the officers already had evidence to support a drunken driving charge, and Peters had been arrested by Wagner police on a bench warrant for failing to pay a court fee.

Alvarez, who had a history of being sexually abused, woke up at the Winner Hospital being held down and her clothes removed. The Trooper who arrested her, Adam Woxland, had directed another male officer to hold down her legs while Woxland watched.

“There is no community interest in involuntarily catheterizing an emotionally distraught woman with a history of having been raped just to see if evidence exists to tack a drug ingestion charge onto an ironclad case of driving under the influence of alcohol,” Lange wrote.

My department allows strip searches, if there a reasonable belief the suspect has weapons/contraband. It's authorized by a supervisor, the search must take place in a private area, and must be conducted by same sex officers. If this an accurate report, this woman's lawsuit will be very justified, and the state will want to pay much now, as opposed to this being in a public courtroom.

Judge Lange, well done sir.

I’m free....well, kinda.

This morning, for the first time in over a month, I sat at a restaurant and had a meal. The IHOP sampler, I love their Blueberry Pancakes. And in Texas, restaurants are partically opening, as this over reaction starts to get past us.

A bit of a corny video from the 80s, but I still love the song. And it's a bit appropriate. Granted, I cannot get a hair cut, nor my wife get her nails did. But it's a step in the right direction.

Not exactly

Have a great weekend!

Officer Down

VINCENT A. DEMARINO
Age 61
Tour 27 years
Cause 9/11 related illness
Incident Date Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Deputy Chief Vincent DeMarino died as the result of cancer that he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.

Deputy Chief DeMarino had served with the NYPD for 27 years.

On the morning of September 11th, 2001, seventy-two officers from a total of eight local, state, and federal agencies were killed when terrorist hijackers working for the al Qaeda terrorist network, headed by Osama bin Laden, crashed four hijacked planes into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

After the impact of the first plane into the World Trade Center's North Tower, putting the safety of others before their own, law enforcement officers along with fire and EMS personnel, rushed to the burning Twin Towers of the World Trade Center to aid the victims and lead them to safety. Due to their quick actions, it is estimated that over 25,000 people were saved.

As the evacuation continued, the South Tower unexpectedly collapsed as a result of the intense fire caused by the impact. The North Tower collapsed a short time later. Seventy-one law enforcement officers, 343 members of the New York City Fire Department and over 2,800 civilians were killed at the World Trade Center site.

A third hijacked plane crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania when the passengers attempted to re-take control of the plane. One law enforcement officer, who was a passenger on the plane, was killed in that crash.

The fourth hijacked plane was crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, killing almost 200 military and civilian personnel. No law enforcement officers were killed at the Pentagon on 9/11.

The terrorist attacks resulted in the declaration of war against the Taliban regime, the illegal rulers of Afghanistan, and the al Qaeda terrorist network which also was based in Afghanistan.

On September 9th, 2005, all of the public safety officers killed on September 11th, 2001, were posthumously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor by President George W. Bush.

The contamination in the air at the World Trade Center site caused many rescue personnel to become extremely ill and eventually led to the death of several rescue workers.

On May 1st, 2011 members of the United States military conducted a raid on a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and killed Osama bin Laden.

Please click here to visit the memorials of all of the law enforcement officers killed in this terrorist attack.

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.