JULY 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 7

The BLUES 1

Firearms and Tactical Equipment for Law Enforcement Professionals 

800-367-5855 

Supplying Law Enforcement 

Equipment for the State of TEXAS! 

SPOTLIGHT ON 

PROFORCE is now a distributor for 

L3 HARRIS and their range of 

next generation lightweight and 

compact night vision equipment. 

In a fast moving and increasingly 

complex world L3 HARRIS is 

providing regional, state and local 

agencies with trusted, reliable and 

resilient systems and equipment. 

>> PRODUCTS & SERVICES

OUR TEAM 

MICHAEL BARRON 

founder & publisher 


editor-n-chief 

REX EVANS 

senior editor 

JESSICA JONES 

creative editor 

LT. JOHN KING (RET) 

copy editor 

RUSTY BARRON 

outdoor editor 

DR. TINA JAECKLE 

contributing editor 

DARYL LOTT 


SAM HORWITZ & JOHN SALERNO 

contributing editors 

BILL KING 


OUR CONTRIBUTORS 


light bulb 

W.D. “BUDDY” FORD 

warstory 


aftermath 

SARAH ROEBUCK 

MARK PRICE 

ERIN TRACY 

KEN MILLER 

CLIFF PINCICARD 

JAMES HARTLEY 

TERRY SPENCER 

ALEX MANN 

contributing writers 

The BLUES is published monthly by Kress-Barr, LLC, PO Box 2733, League City Texas 77574. The opinions 

expressed in some articles, op-eds, and editorials are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion 

of The BLUES or its parent company. Rebuttals or submission of news articles and editorials may be 

submitted to: The BLUES @ bluespdmag@gmail.com. The entire contents of The BLUES IS copyrighted© 

and may not be reprinted without the express permission of the publisher. 

4 The BLUES The BLUES 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK 

Traffic Stops: Attitude can 

go both ways. 

Traffic stops. Over my career, 

I’ve made thousands of traffic 

stops and issued hundreds 

of citations and thousands of 

warnings. The first 30 seconds 

of interaction with the motorist 

usually dictates how the remainder 

of the traffic stop will go. 

This goes for both the officer 

and the motorist. If your first 

sentence is “dude what the fuck 

is wrong with you? Do you have 

any fucking idea what you just 

did back there?” It’s only downhill 

from there. 

Same with the dirtball motorist 

who starts out with, “Why 

the fuck did you stop me? Is it 

because I’m black?” or “fuck you, 

I’m not lowering my window” or 

they are on their phone, live on a 

social media channel, narrating 

your every move. “This fucking 

5-0 stopped me for no fucking 

reason yo, just wants to fuck 

a brother up, ya’ll see this shit, 

fuck naw.” 

Like I said…first 30 seconds. 

A lot of people read this magazine 

now, literally from around 

the world. Some are active-duty 

cops. A lot of retired cops. And 

just plain ordinary citizens who 

have an interest in Law Enforcement. 

Point is, this month’s editorial 

is for everyone, regardless 

of whether you currently carry a 

badge or not. Because everyone 

gets pulled over at least once in 

their lives. What you say in those 

first 30-seconds will probably 

dictate whether you get a warning 

or a ticket. 

Let’s take me for example. 

Three years ago, when we 

brought the BLUES back to life, 

we had a FREE Yeti Insulated 

mug promotion. If you (cops) 

spotted the BLUES jeep, just 

walk up, identify yourself, say 

you read the BLUES, and you got 

a FREE mug. This didn’t mean 

initiate traffic stops with Mike 

Barron to get your mug. In six 

months, I was literally stopped 

50 times. Needless to say, when 

the mugs ran out, so did the promotion. 

Since then, I almost never get 

stopped. Until last week, when 

a Friendswood, Texas officer 

stopped me for failing to signal 

a turn. In my defense, I thought 

if you are in a left-turn only lane 

and your light is green, you don’t 

have to signal. Because where 

else am I going other than turning 

left. But apparently, I was 

mistaken. The officer walked up, 

identified herself and asked for 

my ID. I handed her my ID, LTC 

license and immediately said, 

I’m retired law enforcement and 

mostly likely, I have a loaded 

weapon in my vehicle. She then 

advised me why she had stopped 

yrs. 

SGT. MICHAEL BARRON RET 

me and excused herself while 

she went back to her car to 

check and see if I was who I said 

I was and to check for warrants. 

Our interaction was respectful, 

and it was yes ma’am and no 

ma’am. I didn’t believe I had to 

use a signal, but arguing with 

the officer is not the answer. 

Take the ticket, research the 

traffic code and then plead your 

case in court. In the end, she 

gave me a warning and sent me 

on my way. 

Now I know from experience, 

this simple traffic stop could 

have gone a dozen different 

ways. What if the first words out 

of my mouth were, “Do you have 

any fucking idea who I am? Why 

are you wasting my time stopping 

me. I’m obviously in a hurry 

here and the last thing I need is 

some rookie cop fucking with 

me.” 

Yeah, in that instance, if I was 

the cop, I would have jerked ME 

out of that jeep and handcuffed 

my ass while calling for backup. 

Doesn’t matter who you are. Or 

think you are. Everyone, on-duty 

or off, deserves respect in a traffic 

stop. The first thing I learned 

as a rookie, you always start out 

nice, you can always be an ass if 

the situation turns to shit. 

This month’s Light Bulb Award 

goes to an Orlando Police Officer 

who was driving his ‘marked 

unit’ at a high rate of speed 

when a Seminole County Sheriff’s 

Deputy tried to stop him 

and see where he was going 

and why he wasn’t running with 

lights and siren. Their interaction 

can be seen and heard 

here: https://www.youtube.com/ 

watch?v=plO154hvufY. Obviously, 

this officer was an idiot and 

has since been fired. But it just 

goes to show, that had he just 

Gear & accessories for law enforcement AGENCIES 

LE AGENCIES 

stopped immediately, said man 

I’m so sorry, I’m late to work and 

I’m going to get shit from my 

sergeant. I’ll slow down and if 

you need to write me a citation 

for speeding, I’ll meet you after 

roll call and you can write my 

ass up. I’m pretty sure the Deputy 

would have done just that. But 

NOPE. Officer Asshole acted like 

a common criminal and sped off, 

now he IS a criminal and unemployed 

as well. 

Finally, if you are retired and 

haven’t made any traffic stops 

in quite some time, I invite you 

to watch On Patrol Live, one of 

our sponsors, and see the dumb 

asses they stop. People are just 

stupid these days. 

Sir, is this your car? “YES” Has 

anyone driven your car other 

than you lately? NO Do you have 

Supplying Law Enforcement 

Equipment for the State of TEXAS! 

9MM 

OPTIC READY 

10-1601-000002 

C2 DPO 

CARRY 

PPC 

LAUNCHER 

PROMOTION ENDS 7/31/23 

CALIBER: 9MM 

CAPACITY: 16+1 

BARREL LENGTH: 3.9” 

SIGHTS: FIBER OPTIC 

745-03-0537 

THREE 10-ROUND MAGS 

ADJUSTABLE STOCK 

.68 CALIBER 

PICATINNY RAIL 

AR15 

M-LOK Capable 

Handguard, QD Sling 

Mounts In Buttstock 

and Handguard 

M4 

ENHANCED 

PATROL RIFLE 

SBR 

AGENCY ONLY 

DDM4 V7 S 

AR15 

CR6920-EPR 

CALIBER: 5.56 NATO 


SIGHTS: MAGPUL FLIP UP 


STOCK: ADJUSTABLE 

02-128-07344-047 

CALIBER: 5.56 NATO 


SIGHTS: SOLD SEPARATELY 


STOCK: ADJUSTABLE 

X300T-A 

TURBO 

CALL OR EMAIL US FOR PRICING OR ASK US ABOUT DEMOS OR TRADE-INS 

66-101345 

9MM 

CALIBER: 9MM 

509F 

MRD-LE 

X300T-A 

WEAPONLIGHT 


SIGHTS: NIGHT SIGHTS 


Support Center: 2625 Stearman Road, Prescott AZ, 86301 

e-mail: sales@proforceonline.com | www.proforceonline.com 

anything illegal in the vehicle? 

NO Sir, please step out of the car. 

OK 

Sir, is this crystal meth yours? 

NO, IVE NEVER SEEN THAT BE- 

FORE. THAT’S NOT MINE. 

But sir it’s in your car and you 

said no one has been in your car, 

so who’s is it? I DON’T KNOW 

BUT ITS NOT MINE. Sir, you’re 

under arrest. Is there anything on 

you I need to know about. NO 

Sir, what is this? Is this your 

weed and crack pipe. NO. Sir, it’s 

in your pants. IT’S NOT MINE. 

Sir, are these your pants? YES. 

BUT SOMEONE ELSE MUST HAVE 

WORN THEM AND PUT THAT 

THERE. Sir, who would wear 

you pants? I DON’T KNOW, BUT 

THAT’S NOT MINE. 

Stupid, stupid people. 

650 LUMENS LED 

1.5 HOURS RUNTIME 

ALUMINUM CONSTUCTION 

TOGGLE SWITCH 

Happy 

4 Happy 

th of 

JULY 

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT 

MANUFACTURERS 

AIMPOINT • BERETTA • COLT 

BIANCHI • TASER • BENELLI 

SMITH & WESSON • CZ USA 

H&K • DANIEL DEFENSE 

SIG SAUER • SHADOW SYSTEMS 

DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY • AGUILA 

EOTECH • BURRIS • UTM 

MOSSBERG • PROTECH • RUGER 

STREAMLIGHT • MAGPUL 

SAFARILAND • SPRINGFIELD 

BLACKHAWK • OSS • HOLOSUN 

TRIJICON • SUREFIRE • BOLA WRAP 

US PEACEKEEPER • OTIS 

NIGHTSTICK • FNH USA 

NOTE: TERRITORY RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY 

Visit our website today for up to date 

information, pricing and products! 

Tel: 800-367-5855 


FROM THE SENIOR EDITOR’S DESK 

yrs. 

Summertime! 

Summertime is FINALLY here. 

No ice. No snow. No freezing cold 

mornings. No scraping ice from 

windshields. Nope, all that have 

been replaced with 112 heat indexes 

and stiffing hot days. 

But while most of you enjoy your 

summer vacation, Texas School 

Districts are busier than ever. The 

summer months are when school 

district focus on maintenance, 

construction, fleet operations, and 

bus fleets. These operations all kick 

into high gear with only 3-months 

to complete projects, training, purchasing 

new equipment completing 

new budgets, conducting active-shooter 

training, and of course 

hiring more officers. 

Speaking of hiring, Texas ISD Police 

Departments are now facing an 

even greater need for more officers, 

now that the governor has signed 

House Bill 3. (HB3) Included in this 

education bill is a requirement 

for Texas Schools have an armed 

security guard or police officer in 

EVERY school while the school is in 

session. That’s a lot of new cops. As 

many as 30,000 if you believe some 

reports I’ve read. This need for new 

officers is what every police agency 

in Texas and around the country has 

been facing for quite some time. 

But ISD’s are always looking for 

quality people to hire. They must 

recruit officers through the H.R. 

maze, get them the equipment they 

need, and then train them for the 

upcoming event of a lifetime, “The 

First Day of School.” 

The best way I can describe “the 

FIRST DAY” is like a highly orchestrated, 

chaotic event full of children, 

adults, parents, grandparents, 

educators, ISD employees and of 

course Police Officers. All trying to 

pull of the day without anyone getting 

injured or worse. Sounds easy, 

right? You’d better think again. It’s 

insane, fun, hilarious, enlightening, 

bewildering, frightful and peaceful 

all at the same time. 

But long before that “First Day” 

comes the arduous task of recruiting. 

Recruitment for Law Enforcement 

is no joke. There’s real competition 

out there. Big departments 

with big budgets, and sign-on 

bonuses. Some go all out and create 

commercials that “go viral” on 

social media platforms. Everyone is 

competing for the one decent quality 

candidate that can be hired from 

the ever-shrinking pool of potential 

applicants. 

In plain English, not very many 

people want to be cops these days. 

Especially an ISD cop. Dealing with 

children and their parents on a daily 

basis is tumultuous, to say the least. 

I surely don’t have all the answers. 

Anyone who says they do is either 

a liar, an idiot, or worse. Which 

leads us all back to “What to we 

do?” Well, we do our best. I have 

personally turned down multiple 

applicants because no matter 

how shorthanded we are, they just 

weren’t a perfect fit for our department. 

Because, down the road, that 

person(s) would’ve been a train 

wreck to fix. It’s not fair to them and 

it’s damn sure not fair to me and my 

officers. 

One sure fire option is to advertise 

in police publications like The 

BLUES. In fact, our publisher Michael 

Barron, has created an entire new 

Help Wanted Section for ISD Recruits 

needed to comply with HB3. 

The cost is nominal and where else 

CHIEF REX EVANS 

can you reach 1.5 million readers in 

a single month. Nowhere! 

Another option is to send your 

department’s recruiter to the local 

Academy’s to try and recruit the 

best possible candidates for your 

specific agency. You may not have 

the best pay or benefits, but every 

department has something unique 

to offer. 

As for the Police Chief’s out there. 

Be the Chief. Do that Chief thing you 

always wanted a Chief to do or be. 

Be that solid, stand-up Chief that 

will be there for them. Not against 

them. Help them learn this profession, 

not just another warm body to 

fill open slots. 

Finally, it’s OK to get out from 

behind your desk. It’s OK to get 

outside and breathe the air, feel 

the sunshine on your face, and yes, 

even the heat of a blast furnace this 

summer. Or go see how your night 

shift is doing, rather than just read 

another Pass-on email the next day. 

If you seriously want to recruit and 

retain high quality people, you can’t 

do it from an office. Sometimes 

you’ve got to get engaged and find 

quality applicants yourself. 

Best of luck!! Be safe and take 

care!!! God, help us all. 



BILL KING 

monthly blog 

yrs. 

Can Paxton be Impeached.. 

..for conduct that occurred before the last election? 

As most of you know, the Texas 

House of Representatives has 

impeached Attorney General Ken 

Paxton. The Articles of Impeachment, 

which overwhelming 

passed the Texas House, accuse 

Paxton of very serious charges 

most of which revolve around 

his relationship with an Austin 

developer and extraordinary 

“favors” Paxton did for him in his 

office. Included in the articles are 

allegations that the developer 

received this preferential treatment 

because he put Paxton’s 

mistress on his payroll and because 

the developer did work on 

Paxton’s home that Paxton did 

not pay for. Paxton has denied 

the charges. 

Let me begin by saying that 

if conduct of which Paxton is 

accused is proven, he should be 

impeached. As a lawyer, I find 

the conduct alleged beyond unprofessional, 

and a violation of 

his oath as the Attorney General 

and as an attorney generally. If 

the conduct is proven to be true, 

he should be impeached and 

disbarred. 

However, whether any of us 

personally feel he is unfit to be 

the Attorney General is not the 

relevant issue. He should only 

be impeached if the facts justify 

impeachment under the applicable 

law, which in this case is the 

Texas Constitution. 

In Paxton’s case, there is an 

unusual legal issue which may 

keep him from being convicted 

which has nothing to do with 

whether he is guilty of the conduct 

alleged. Indeed, it may 

result in the impeachment being 

dismissed by the Texas Senate 

before the merits of the case are 

even considered. 

There are two types of impeachment 

proceedings under 

Texas law. The more common 

are statutory impeachments. 

These are impeachments which 

are authorized under laws 

passed by the Legislature. Depending 

on the circumstances, 

various officials can initiate the 

impeachment and those cases 

are tried in a court. Statutory 

impeachments can ultimately be 

appealed to the Texas Supreme 

Court. 

When the Legislature first 

adopted the laws setting out 

procedures for statutory impeachments, 

it included a section 

that provided, “no officer 

shall be prosecuted or removed 

from office for any act he may 

have committed prior to his 

election to office.” That provision 

has been carried forward 

in subsequent reiterations of the 

impeachment laws and is currently 

found in Tex. Gov’t Code § 

665.081. 

As you can see from the language, 

this provision does not 

specify which “election” in the 

BILL KING 

case of an official that has been 

elected multiple times. So, the 

question is, does the prohibition 

against impeachment apply to 

conduct before the official’s first 

election or most recent election? 

The Texas Supreme Court answered 

that question in 1924 in 

Reeves v. State of Texas Ex Rel. 

Mason, 267 S.W. 666 (Tex. 1924). 

In that case, the Supreme Court 

held that the conduct must be 

after the last election on the 

theory that the voters, being 

the ultimate sovereign, have the 

power to forgive errant conduct 

by an official. That ruling has 

since been known as the voter 

forgiveness doctrine and has 

been reaffirmed by the Supreme 

Court on multiple occasions. 

In Paxton’s case, most of the 

conduct on which the House’s 

articles of impeachment occurred 

before his most recent 

election last year. So, if Paxton 

was the subject of a statutory 

impeachment, most of the arti- 


cles of impeachment would be 

summarily dismissed under the 

voter forgiveness doctrine. 

But Paxton’s impeachment 

was not brought under statutes 

passed by the Legislature. It was 

brought under Article 15 of the 

Texas Constitution, which gives 

the Legislature the exclusive 

power to impeach certain state 

officers, including the Attorney 

General. That article gives 

the Texas Senate power try the 

impeachment and to set rules 

for the trial and determine the 

basis for impeachment. Importantly, 

the Senate is not bound by 

Texas Supreme Court precedents 

in statutory impeachment cases 

in its deliberations. Therefore, 

the Texas Senate is free to rule 

whether or not to apply the voter 

forgiveness doctrine to Paxton’s 

case. 

One of the first items the Texas 

Senate is likely to take up will be 

a motion to dismiss the articles 

of impeachment based on 

the voter forgiveness doctrine. 

Let me say that I think the voter 

forgiveness doctrine is an unrealistic 

and outdated notion that 

the Supreme Court should overrule. 

The idea that the roughly 

4 million Texans who voted for 

Paxton knew about these allegations 

and forgave him is a 

legal fiction that defies common 

sense. Nonetheless, the voter 

forgiveness doctrine is a current 

Supreme Court precedent and a 

decision by the Texas Senate to 

rely on it in Paxton’s case would 

not be unreasonable. 

Most observers believe that Lt. 

Governor Dan Patrick will ultimately 

decide Paxton’s fate because 

his view will prevail in the 

Senate. That seems likely to me 

as well. But it is hard to divine 

what Patrick’s political calculus 

will be. My sense is that there 

would be few tears shed by most 

leaders in the Texas Republican 

Party if Paxton were impeached. 

He is a constant source of embarrassment 

and bad press for 

the party and there is a strong 

possibility he will eventually 

be the subject of a federal indictment. 

(The developer who 

Paxton alleged gave preferential 

treatment was recently indicted 

on unrelated federal charges.) 

If he is not convicted, there 

will undoubtedly be a torrent 

of criticism and political fallout 

because the conduct alleged is 

so egregious. On the other hand, 

Paxton is still popular with the 

Republican base. Senators voting 

for impeachment might face 

the wrath of Republican primary 

voters. So, the Republican Senators 

face a bit of a Hobson’s 

choice. 

A convenient way out of the 

conundrum would be to rely on 

the voter forgiveness doctrine 

and dismiss the articles of impeachment. 

That would avoid a 

potentially embarrassing trial 

and be forced to cast a vote on 

the merits. The Senate could 

further window dress the dismissal 

by censuring Paxton or 

taking some other action short 

of impeachment condemning his 

conduct. 

In any event, we should know 

pretty quickly after the trial 

begins. Rule 5(b) for the impeachment 

trial provides that 

immediately after Paxton’s plea 

is accepted, the first order of 

business will be for the Senate 

to rule on any motions that 

“would result in dismissal of any 

article or articles of impeachment.” 

The ruling on any motions 

to dismiss will be decided by a 

majority vote of the Senators. It 

is not hard to imagine that a majority 

of the Senators will decide 

to follow the Supreme Court’s 

precedent and avoid a trial altogether. 

I hope I am wrong. I think the 

people of Texas deserve to hear 

the evidence on Paxton’s conduct 

regardless of whether the Senate 

ultimately votes to convict him, 

because as the Texas Supreme 

Court said in their 1924 decision, 

the people are the ultimate sovereign. 

It’s Never Been Easier To Get From 

Here . . . to . . . Here. 

Cross platform - Apple, Android, or Windows devices 

Multiple Courts and Date Scheduling 

Seamless integration with your court and RMS 

Accurate and Reliable from Citation to Court. 

A Flexible, Comprehensive System. 

TM 

by 

800-285-3833 sales@cardinaltracking.com 

www.ultimatecitation.com 


GUEST COMENTARY 

police law news 

yrs. 

Daniel Carr 

Three SAPD officers charged with murder 

Three police officers with the San 

Antonio Police Department (SAPD) 

were involved in an officer-involved-shooting 

(OIS) with a fortysix-year-old 

female named Melissa 

Perez on June 23, 2023. Ms. Perez 

sustained fatal injuries and by days 

end - all three officers were under 

arrest and facing murder charges. 

THE CALL 

Around 0200 hrs. on listed date 

police officers were dispatched 

to an apartment complex in 

reference to a call where it had 

been reported that a woman 

(later identified as Ms. Perez) 

had destroyed property at the 

complex and more specifically 

had cut the wires of the fire 

alarm system at the apartment 

complex. It was reported that 

Ms. Perez was experiencing a 

“mental health crisis” but it is 

unknown if responding officers 

possessed that information. But 

what police officers did know, 

is that the female offender had 

committed a felony offense. 

CONTACT 

Upon the arrival of police officers, 

Ms. Perez was speaking 

with San Antonio firefighters. 

As the officers approached, Ms. 

Perez began to walk away, and 

an officer gave her a command 

to stop. Ms. Perez ignored the 

command to comply with police 

officers and walked to her 

apartment and entered the unit. 

At this point officers did have 

probable cause to arrest Ms. Perez 

for the felony level criminal 

damage offense. 

ATTEMPTED ARREST 

Sergeant Flores and Officers 

Alejandro and Villalobos followed 

Ms. Perez and jumped 

over a short fence and onto the 

balcony of her apartment. Officers 

noticed that there was an 

open window and removed the 

screen. Officers attempted to 

speak with Ms. Perez through 

this open window and she remained 

uncooperative. 

Ms. Perez yelled at police officers 

and complained that they 

did not have a “warrant”. She 

then followed up her brilliant legal 

opinion by throwing a glass 

candle at an officer through the 

open window - causing minor 

injuries. 

HOT PURSUIT 

Since the crime had been 

committed in a public place and 

the police officers attempted to 

arrest Ms. Perez in that public 

place - the doctrine of “hot pursuit” 

would apply¹. 

In short, it would not be a violation 

of the 4th amendment for 

the police officers to enter the 

private residence during the initial 

pursuit of Ms. Perez. The fact 

that Ms. Perez was successful 

in her illegal evasion of arrest - 

does not grant her a “get out of 

jail” pass. 

Also, once that “hot pursuit” 

goes cold and officers choose 

not to make immediate entry after 

the suspect - officers would 

likely not be able to enter the 

apartment without a warrant. 

Best practices would instruct 

officers to set a perimeter, 

obtain a warrant, and call for 

additional resources to assist - 

that is, if there is no danger in 

allowing the offender to remain 

in the residence and no risk of 

any innocent victims being taken 

hostage, etc… 

TIME, DISTANCE, ADDITIONAL 

RESOURCES 

At that point, after the officer 

had been struck with the glass 

candle, on scene officers made 

the right decision and backed 

away from the apartment. Officers 

requested additional resources 

and utilized time and 

distance in an effort to de-escalate 

the situation. This was 

undoubtedly the correct decision. 

Once other officers arrived on 

scene, they spoke with Ms. Perez 

for approximately thirty minutes 

in an effort to convince her to 

comply with arrest and cooperate 

with police officers. But Ms. 

Perez refused and continued her 

illegal evasion of law enforcement. 

USE OF FORCE 

At some point a decision was 

made to re-engage with Ms. Perez 

and officers again scaled the 

small fence and made their way 

onto her balcony. It has been reported 

by SAPD officials that Ms. 

Perez then armed herself with a 

hammer, approached a closed 

glass door that stood in between 

herself and police officers, and 

swung the hammer at the glass. 

At this point an officer fired 

his weapon, however, none of 

his shots struck Ms. Perez. In 

response Ms. Perez again approached 

the door with the 

hammer and three police officers 

fired their weapons. Initial 

reports from SAPD officials are 

that the officers fired through the 

open window and also through 

the glass door. Ms. Perez sustained 

fatal injuries. (body cam 

footage) 

CHARGES 

In less than twenty-four hours 

after the OIS the three involved 

officers had been taken into 

police custody, arrested, and 

charged with murder. 

SAPD Chief of Police William 

McManus stated that the involved 

officers did not follow 

department training or policy 

and “used deadly force, which 

was not reasonable given all the 

circumstances as we now understand 

them.” 

The Chief also stated that Ms. 

Perez was experiencing “a mental 

health crisis” and was armed 

with a hammer when police 

shot her through a patio window 

and door. 

(Even if the OIS was riddled 

with issues - the charge of murder 

appears extreme and an obvious 

example of over-charging 

to appease.) 

ISSUES 

After watching the body cam 

footage, here are my initial 

thoughts on some of the most 

important issues in this case. 

Please comment with other 

thoughts/ideas. 

TACTICAL/CIT 

Ms. Perez was a felony suspect 

that had barricaded herself 

inside of a residence. This set of 

facts alone would trigger a call 

to the Tactical (SWAT) supervisor 

per policy in many jurisdictions. 

Of course, the ultimate 

decision to initiate a full SWAT² 

call out would be up to the 

discretion of Tactical Unit personnel, 

but these subject matter 

experts can often provide guidance 

and advice to on-scene 

patrol supervisors if the men in 

green are not going to take over 

the critical incident. 

As part of the analysis for this 

case - I would want to know if 

the on-scene officers/supervisor 

contacted SWAT and/or the 

Crisis Intervention Unit? If they 

did make this call to advise the 

Tactical section - what advice 

was given? 

Oftentimes, if SWAT does not 

come out to a “barricaded suspect” 

and police officers know 

the identity of the offender - 

police will disengage, forward 

the case to a detective, and issue 

a warrant in lieu of forcing an 

arrest in the moment. 

This clearly did not happen in 

this case as SWAT did not arrive 

on scene and patrol officers 

forced contact in an attempt to 


Enter to win TC Burton's 

ARMORED ATV GIVEAWAY 

effect an arrest. Was this a lack 

of proper training or established 

One caveat is that at least one 

officer fired his weapon through 

errors and even possibly violated 

department policy/law. They 

policy or a disregard of training/ the open window. Did the officer did so while enveloped within 

policy? The answer to this question 

will be vital in the criminal ing the window instead of the felony suspect that was armed 

perceive that she was approach- 

a dynamic situation involving a apply at TCBurton.com July 12th through August 25th 

and civil case against the involved 

officers. 

It must be mentioned that the 

possibility of future harm and 

risk to others is also an important 

factor in making the decision 

whether to arrest immediately 

and issuing a warrant. Since 

police officers do not possess 

psychic ability - Dishonest Critics 

will undoubtedly demonize 

police if they force an arrest or if 

they do nothing and the offender 

victimizes additional citizens. 

door? This may open a possible 

avenue of defense for the officer/ 

officers that fired through the 

open window and were fearful 

that she was going to throw the 

hammer at them. There is likely 

no reasonable defense for firing 

at a closed door - essentially 

helping to break down the barrier 

that stood in between officers 

and the hammer. 

DO NOTHING 

What if the officers had done 

nothing as Ms. Perez entered the 

with a hammer. We should not 

be shocked when incidents like 

this do not always go as planned. 

We should also not be shocked 

when more and more police officers 

choose beta disengagement 

overactive enforcement. 

Again, Chief McManus stated 

that the officers, “used deadly 

force, which was not reasonable 

given all the circumstances as 

we now understand them.” 

It is important to remember 

that use of force from police 

OPEN WINDOW V. CLOSED apartment? 

officers is not to be viewed 

DOOR 

Officers could have written up through the lens of “as we now 

There is a vast difference between 

a quick report, taken photos of understand”. 20/20 hindsight is Protection...Revolutionized 

Ms. Perez - armed with 

a hammer - aggressively approaching 

the damage, and forwarded the 

case to a detective. 

not the applicable legal standard. 

The correct (yet often not 

"This offers so many options - we can get 

"An absolute game changer." 

an open window and This would have been the least inconvenient) standard can be 

cover to where we need it quickly." 

-Wendy Osborne, FBI Retired, 

a closed door. 

amount of work and in the interest 

of self-preservation and case³. The inquiry is whether the 

Violence and Active Shooter Response 

found in that pesky Graham 

-Local Law Enforcement Official 

Lead Instructor/Consultant for Workplace 

If Ms. Perez approached an 

open window with a hammer pension protection. 

officers’ actions are “objectively 

and posed a reasonable threat to 

an officer - it is likely that some 

level of force would be appropriate 

for the officer to defend 

himself. A thrown hammer 

could cause great bodily injury 

If officers did not attempt to 

arrest Ms. Perez would that have 

been satisfactory to her neighbors 

or the apartment complex 

staff? 

If Ms. Perez harmed herself or 

reasonable” in light of the facts 

and circumstances confronting 

them, without regard to their underlying 

intent or motivation. 

Two things can be true at the 

same time: the Chief misspoke 

and officers are able to protect someone else would the same and/or is employing an unreasonable 

standard and the use of 

themselves from sustaining such anti-police brigade complain 

injuries. 

that the officers did not “do anything” 

force may be outside of the law. 

UNPRECEDENTED PROTECTION, CAPABILITY, AND VALUE 

and allowed her to terror- 

NIJ III rated 

However, if Ms. Perez approached 

a closed door with ize the community? 

*This article was written prior 

Fast & maneuverable 

Visit TCBurton.com or 

a hammer - there exists a literal 

barrier between the offi- 

to a Daniel Penny-type civilvolved 

officers, police union, or 

What would happen if that led to any statements from the in- 

Active threat response 

scan the QR code for 

cers and the hammer-wielding ian taking matters into his own 

Large structure clearing 

more information! 

defense attorneys. Full body cam 

middle-aged woman. It would hands as law enforcement refused 

footage has also not yet been 

Outdoor event control 

be very difficult to make an 

argument that force should be to engage and protect the 

public? 

released. It is possible that additional 

evidence exists that makes 

Indoor/Outdoor ability 

Designed to ROP standards 

utilized (let alone deadly force) FINAL THOUGHTS 

this OIS more or less reasonable. 

when there exists a barrier between 

With the available informa- 

It is important to allow opinions 

360º protection for operator 

the officers and the oftion, 

it is reasonable to suggest to evolve with the availability of 

fender. 

that the officers made tactical 

Kathy@tcburton.com 

more evidence. 

(463) 272-1476 

18 The BLUES 351 W. Muskegon Dr. PO Box 483 

TCBurton.com 

The BLUES 19 

Greenfield, IN 46140

AROUND THE COUNTRY 

yrs. 

CINCINNATI, OH. 

A Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy, Marcus Zeigler, died after suffering a 

medical emergency while training at the police academy. 

CINCINNATI, OH. - A Hamilton 

County sheriff’s deputy died after 

suffering a medical emergency 

during “police academy activities,” 

the Hamilton County Sheriff’s 

Office said last month. 

Deputy Marcus Zeigler died on 

May 26 “despite medical efforts,” 

Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine 

McGuffey explained. 

Zeigler was involved in training 

activities at the police academy 

when he experienced some kind 

of medical emergency, the sheriff 

said. 

Sheriff McGuffey says Deputy 

Marcus Zeigler had been with the 

sheriff’s office for nine months 

DEPUTY MARCUS ZEIGLER 

and was enrolled at the Great 

Oaks Peace Officer Academy. 

“He was always happy and 

helpful; proud to be a deputy; 

and was also a well-known 

entrepreneur,” the sheriff said. 

“Deputy Zeigler made a strong 

impression on us from the moment 

he started. His smile is unforgettable. 

He was also known 

for loving his family and wanting 

to leave a legacy they could be 

proud of. And he did just that.” 

A public visitation was held on 

Jun 2 at the Spring Grove Funeral 

Home. 

Deputy Zeigler was honored 

and remembered at a police ceremony 

at Spring Grove Cemetery 

following the visitation. 



yrs. 

BRANDON, MS. 

Former Police Chief Randy Tyler was shot and killed after a domestic 

dispute led to a hostage standoff in Brandon Mississippi. 

BRANDON, MS. - Madison Police 

Officer Randy Tyler is dead 

after a domestic dispute in the 

Crossgates neighborhood of 

Brandon led to a hostage standoff. 

The suspect was shot dead 

and a Brandon police officer 

also was shot and injured in the 

incident. 

“We are devastated,” Madison 

Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler said. 

“We are asking for prayers for 

the family and his fellow officers.” 

“In addition to being a valued 

member of the Department’s 

Special Response Team, Randy 

Tyler was the Department’s Field 

Training Coordinator, responsible 

for overseeing the training 

and career development of 

newly hired police officers,” the 

statement reads. “He was also a 

supervisor in the Department’s 

Narcotics Division. 

Prior to working at Madison, 

Randy Tyler retired as the Chief 

of Police for the Ridgeland Police 

Department. Chief Tyler was 

a graduate of the 228th Session 

of the F.B.I. National Academy in 

Quantico, VA and was an active 

member of the MS Chapter of 

the F.B.I. National Academy Associates. 

“Randy will be sorely missed 

by all of his colleagues, family 

and friends. The Madison Police 

Department asks for the community’s 

support and prayers 

during this difficult time. Funeral 

arrangements will be provided 

once they have been finalized.” 

The Mississippi Association 

of Chiefs of Police asked for 

prayers for Tyler, his family and 

colleagues in a press statement. 

“Please join us with your 

prayers for officers and family 

members of the Madison Ms Police 

Department and the Brandon 

MS Police Department,” the 

statement later retweeted by Lt. 

Gov. Delbert Hosemann reads. 

The statement also states that 

Tyler was “employed part time 

with Madison after serving a full 

career with the Ridgeland Police 

Department from which he 

retired as the Chief of Police.” 

Hosemann expressed his own 

condolences in the retweet. 

“Devastated to learn of the 

death of Madison Police Officer 

Randy Tyler—killed in the line of 

duty today. Randy is the former 

Ridgeland Police Chief. We are in 

prayer for his loved ones.” Hosemann’s 

tweet states. 

Tyler had served 30 years in 

law enforcement and with the 

Ridgeland Police Department for 

OFFICER RANDY TYLER 

27 years. 

“He’s been an asset,” Ridgeland 

Mayor Gene McGee said at 

the time of Tyler’s retirement in 

2015. “I’ve known him most of 

my tenure as mayor. Ridgeland 

is a better place because of his 

service.” 

MBI officials said officers received 

a call about a possible 

hostage situation. Moments after 

arriving at the scene, the subject 

fired shots at officers. 

One Brandon officer received 

significant injuries and was 

transported to a local hospital. 

The identity of that officer has 

not been released. 



yrs. 

DENHAM SPRINGS, LA. 

Denham Springs Police Corporal Shawn Kelly died June 2 from injuries sustained 

during a shootout last May at a local shopping center. 

DENHAM SPRINGS, LA. - Denham 

Springs Police Corporal 

Shawn Kelly died at the hospital 

on Friday, June 2 from the injuries 

he sustained from multiple 

gunshot wounds at a popular 

shopping center on May, 11. 

On May 11th, Denham Springs 

police responded to a call at 

Spring Park Plaza Thursday just 

after 4 p.m. about an argument 

between a man and a woman 

in the parking lot outside Petco, 

according to law enforcement 

officials. 

Once officers arrived, 30-yearold 

Justin Roberts reportedly 

began to fire at them, striking 

Kelly multiple times. 

Roberts fled the scene toward 

Highway 190 but was stopped 

soon after by Livingston Parish 

Sheriff’s Deputies, who shot and 

injured him. Both him and the 

officer were in critical condition 

and taken to a local hospital. 

From Denham Springs Police 

Chief Rodney Walker: 

On May 11th, 2023, evil and tragedy 

struck our community and 

because of it, we will forever be 

changed. Cpl. Shawn Kelly was 

CORPORAL SHAWN KELLY 

a great public servant, a great 

father, grandfather, husband 

and just a great human being. 

He was one of the finest men I’ve 

ever known. The Denham Springs 

& Livingston Parish communities 

have truly lost one of its finest. On 

behalf of Cpl. Kelly’s family and 

his DSPD family, we thank you for 

your continued love, support and 

prayers during this difficult and 

tragic time. 

DSPD spokesman Sgt. Scott 

Sterling said Kelly was POST 

certified in 1997 at the Louisiana 

State Police Training Academy. 

He added Kelly began his career 

in 1994 with Louisiana DOC 

and other state agencies before 

ultimately joining the DSPD in 

2019 where he is a Taser instructor 

and field training officer. 

Cpl. Kelly has received multiple 

commendations for his generous 

ways and positive attitude. 

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason 

Ard released the following statement 

on Kelly: 

‘I will always remember DSPD 

Cpl. Shawn Kelly as a hero. He 

died doing what he loved to do 

- serving & protecting his community. 

In addition to that, he 

brought our Livingston Parish 

community together reminding 

us that we are in this together, 

that we need to continue working 

together & that - together 

- we can do great things. My 

heart is full for Cpl Kelly’s family, 

for our DSPD partners, for those 

who knew & loved Shawn & for 

all of Livingston Parish. We will 

continue to do what is needed 

to support Shawn’s family & his 

DSPD family.’ 

We are ready for 2023! Experience the only first responder owned and 

operated THEME studio in the Country! 10 years strong! We are Family! 

We look forward to seeing you soon! 

DON’T MISS THIS MONTH’S 

WAR STORY ON PAGE 134 



yrs. 

MATEWAN, W.VA. 

West Virginia Sergeant Cory Maynard, as other troopers, were ambushed 

while responding to a call in Mingo County. 

MATEWAN, W.VA. — State 

Police Superintendent Col. Jack 

Chambers confirmed Monday 

that Sgt. Cory Maynard and other 

troopers were “ambushed” while 

responding to a shooting call 

Friday in Mingo County. 

“They were ambushed. Sgt. 

Maynard was hit and wounded. 

Another trooper that was with 

him did return fire, but did not 

hit the suspect,” Chambers said 

on MetroNews “Talkline.” 

Maynard, 37, was taken to 

Logan Regional Medical Center 

where he later died from his 

injuries. 

Chambers said a shots fired 

call came in around 2:45 p.m. 

Friday at a home in the Beech 

Creek area of Matewan. Maynard, 

along with Troopers C.K. Johnson 

and J.P. Ziegler, responded 

to the area after Benjamin Baldwin, 

39, of Matewan, was shot 

with a rifle. Baldwin was taken 

to Charleston Area Medical Center 

to be treated for injuries. No 

word on what lead to the shooting. 

The suspect, Timothy Kennedy, 

29, of Beech Creek, fled on foot. 

Chambers said State Police and 

other law enforcement agencies 

launched a nearly seven-hour 

manhunt and eventually captured 

Kennedy around 11 p.m. 

Friday. 

Chambers confirmed Kennedy 

allegedly stole a vehicle before 

he was arrested. 

“Late that evening, the same 

date, the suspect stole a vehicle 

in the Beech Creek area, the 

same area as where the shooting 

happened,” he said. 

Kennedy was taken to the 

Southwestern Regional Jail 

where he’s being held without 

bond. He’s been charged with 

first degree murder in connection 

with Maynard’s death. 

Chambers said more charges 

involving Baldwin and the stolen 

vehicle will be filed at a later 

date. 

“Pending charges are coming 

in the initial shooting of Baldwin. 

I understand that he’s still in 

intensive care,” he said. 

State Police said Baldwin was 

listed in serious but stable condition. 

Chambers said Maynard had 

his whole career ahead of him 

and was a well-rounded trooper. 

“He looked good in uniform. He 

had done a good job, a good investigator, 

good with the public, 

was involved in the community 

and was well-known in whatever 

area he was in,” he said. 

SGT. CORY MAYNARD 

Maynard grew up just a few 

miles from Williamson in Belfry, 

Ky. He started his state police 

career in Martinsburg in 2007 

before making his way back to 

Mingo County. He was known in 

the Williamson area as being a 

positive role model to children. 

In 2015, Maynard was honored by 

State Police for saving a man’s 

life in the Eastern Panhandle. 

Maynard leaves behind a wife 

and two children, ages 13 and 9. 

A Go Fund Me page has been 

set up to help Maynard’s family 

pay for funeral expenses. Nearly 

$40,000 dollars had been raised 

as of late Monday morning. 



yrs. 

JASPER, FL. 

Jasper Police Chief Anthony Rickerson died in a vehicle crash 

Sunday, June 12th. 

JASPER, FL. — Jasper Police 

Chief Anthony Rickerson died in 

a vehicle crash on Sunday June 

12th, according to WTXL. 

In a crash report from The 

Florida Highway Patrol, troopers 

say a Jasper Police Department 

vehicle was traveling 

northbound on County Road 143 

around 10:30 p.m. when it struck 

a deer that was in the roadway. 

The vehicle then exited the 

roadway and hit a tree before 

catching on fire, FHP says. 

FHP says the sole occupant of 

the vehicle, Rickerson, was pronounced 

dead on scene. 

The Suwannee County Sheriff’s 

Office shared condolences on 

Facebook. 

“We are deeply saddened to 

hear of the tragic passing of 

Police Chief Tony Rickerson of 

the Jasper Police Department 

due to a devastating traffic crash 

last night, which claimed his life. 

Our hearts ache for the entire 

law enforcement community, the 

Jasper Police Department, and 

most importantly, Chief Rickerson’s 

family and friends. 

Chief Rickerson was a dedicated 

and passionate leader, committed 

to serving and protecting 

the citizens of Jasper. 

In this challenging time, the 

Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office 

stands in solidarity with our 

brothers and sisters at the Jasper 

Police Department. We extend 

our deepest condolences and 

offer our full support to Chief 

Rickerson’s family, friends, and 

colleagues as they navigate this 

unimaginable loss. 

We ask that you keep Chief 

Rickerson’s loved ones and the 

Jasper Police Department in 

OFFICER KIMBERLY SICKAFOOSE 

CHIEF ANTHONY RICKERSON 

your thoughts and prayers.” 

The police department said 

Rickerson was a member of the 

Jasper Police Department for 12 

years. 


BADGE OF HONOR ON PAGE 142 



yrs. 

WINTERGREEN, VA. 

Virginia Police Officer Mark Wagner as shot and killed 

during a struggle with a suspect in the woods. 

WINTERGREEN, VA. — A police 

officer was fatally shot during a 

struggle with a Maryland man in 

the woods in a Virginia mountain 

town, authorities said Saturday. 

Wintergreen Police Department 

Officer Mark Christopher 

Wagner II was killed Friday 

night, Chief Dennis Russell said 

in a Facebook post. 

Wintergreen police received 

a call about a man assaulting 

two other men at a home, Virginia 

State Police said in a news 

release. The two injured men 

had run away from the home by 

the time police arrived, and they 

were treated at a hospital for 

unspecified injuries that were 

not life-threatening, state police 

said. 

Wagner found the assault 

suspect, 23-year-old Daniel 

M. Barmak, of Towson, Md., in 

nearby woods, and they got into 

a struggle. Wagner was shot 

during the confrontation and he 

died there, state police said. 

Barmak, who was also shot, 

was taken into custody and was 

treated at a hospital for injuries 

described as not life-threatening, 

according to state police. 

Troopers said Barmak was 

charged with capital murder, use 

of a firearm in the commission of 

a felony and two felony counts 

of malicious wounding. He is being 

held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville 

Regional Jail. 

Wagner was remembered as 

a ‘dedicated officer’ who served 

‘with honor’ 

Russell, the Wintergreen police 

chief, said Wagner, 31, had been 

with the force since August 2020. 

He previously served seven years 

with the Massanutten Police Department, 

Russell said. 

The police chief said Wagner, 

who was known as Chris, enjoyed 

hiking and photographing 

nature in his spare time. Wagner 

“asked for and worked the midnight 

shift,” Russell said. 

“Whenever you saw Chris in 

the daylight, he wore dark, dark 

sunglasses, and would crack a 

smile or two,” Russell wrote. 

“Chris was dedicated to his job 

and whenever called for extra 

duty he was ready, willing and 

able.” 

Russell said Wagner will be 

remembered for “always going 

out of his way to cheer others 

up.” The chief also said Wagner’s 

“infectious laugh was loud and 

echoed throughout the office.” 

Wagner’s father told Russell 

OFFICER MARK “CHRIS” 

WAGNER 

that “Chris was like Batman” and 

said he recently gave his son a 

batarang to go with the assortment 

of tools the officer carried 

on his belt. 

“Chris is survived by his immediate 

family and the men and 

women who were his Wintergreen 

Police family,” Russell 

wrote. 

A fund has been established to 

help Wagner’s family as Wintergreen 

Police is a private police 

department, so the officer’s family 

is not eligible for state lineof-duty 

death benefits. 



Weichert Only Logo 

Speci f i catio n s 

Color Ke y 

Weichert Black 

Print: 

C-94,M-77,Y-53,K-94 

Digital: 

Hex# 

Weichert Yellow 

Print: 

C-0,M-0,Y-92,K-0 

Digital: 

Hex 

Color Key 

Weichert Black 

Print: 

C-94,M-77,Y-53,K-94 

Digital: 

Hex# 

Weichert Yellow 

Print: 

C-0,M-0,Y-92,K-0 

Digital: 

Hex 

Weichert Only Logo 

Specifications 

yrs. 

FIRST RESPONDERS 

MIFFLINTOWN, PA. 

Pennsylvania State Trooper Jacques Rougeau Jr. was 

shot and killed during an incident in Juniata County. 

MIFFLINTOWN, PA. (WPVI) 

- Officials have identified the 

people involved in a shooting 

that left one Pennsylvania State 

Police trooper dead and another 

seriously hurt on Saturday. 

State police say 29-year-old 

Trooper Jacques Rougeau Jr. 

was shot and killed during the 

incident in Juniata County. 

Lieutenant James Wagner, 

45, was seriously injured in the 

shooting. 

Wagner is currently listed in 

critical condition at an area hospital. 

The incident began when officials 

say a man engaged with 

state troopers just after 11 a.m. 

According to state police, the 

man arrived at Troop G, Lewistown 

station armed with a rifle 

and fired shots at patrol vehicles 

in the parking lot. 

A manhunt for the shooter 

began that included helicopter 

reinforcement, officials say. 

Officials identified the shooter 

as 38-year-old Brandon Stine of 

Thompsontown, Juniata County. 

Wagner located Stine early that 

afternoon and they exchanged 

gunfire, police said. That’s when 

a shot from Stine’s gun struck 

and critically injured Wagner. 

The shooter was located by 

Rougeau sometime later. 

Troopers say Rougeau encountered 

Stine while driving through 

the county, at which point Stine 

shot the trooper through his 

car’s windshield and killed him. 

The shooter made another escape 

in what police described as 

“a game of cat and mouse,” and 

he fled into a rural residential 

area in Walker Township, Juniata 

County. 

Authorities chased Stine 

through a residential area and 

a parking lot, where they confronted 

him again. Stine started 

a shootout with police in the 

parking lot, which was occupied 

by patrons of a nearby store, 

police said. 

“What I witnessed, and I will 

tell you in my many years with 

the Pennsylvania State Police and 

many serious situations, was one 

of the most intense, unbelievable 

gunfights I have ever witnessed,” 

said Lt. Colonel George Bivens at 

a press conference. “Our troopers 

put themselves between 

those people and by force with 

their vehicles and by engaging 

him, and forced him away from 

the business.” 

Police cornered Stine when he 

TROOPER JACQUES ROUGEAU, JR, 

became stuck against a row of 

trees on a nearby property and 

he was shot and killed, Bivens 

said. 

“This is a tragedy for the Pennsylvania 

State Police,” said Colonel 

Christopher Paris, commissioner 

of the Pennsylvania State 

Police. 

“We ask for your continued 

prayers for not only our Troopers 

but also their families,” he 

added. 

Rougeau enlisted in the Pennsylvania 

State Police in 2020 and 

was transferred to Troop G in 

Lewistown in March of last year. 

Close 

Move-In 

“Let Us Assist You with Buying or Selling a Home” 

Protect 

Purchasing 

Power 

Your 

Journey 

with 

Insure 

Simplifying the Home Buying Experience 

As your connection to all services, I will guide you 

every step of the way and provide a seamless experience from start to finish, 

tailored to your personal home buying needs. 

Contact me 

for a free consultation 

and to learn more. 

Home 

Selection 

Finance 

www.hatmakergroup.com • 409.215.3910 

Attach Business Card 

weichert.com 

©2019 Weichert, Realtors ® . REALTOR ® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a Member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ® and 

subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Weichert ® is a federally registered trademark owned by Weichert Co. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Each Weichert ® franchised office is 

independently owned and operated. Not all services and products may be available in your area. Equal Housing Opportunity. 



yrs. 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 

Trooper Aaron Smith was struck and killed by a fleeing suspect in a 

stolen vehicle, as he tried to deploy stop sticks. 

LEARN MORE 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. — An Indiana 

State Police Trooper Aaron 

Smith, has died after being hit by 

a suspect’s car during a stolen 

vehicle pursuit on the city’s west 

side. 

According to ISP officials on 

scene, the collision occurred 

around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday 

June 28, on Interstate 70 eastbound 

near 6 Points Road on the 

west side of Indianapolis. 

ISP Master Trooper Nick Klingkammer 

said that the incident 

began as a police chase after 

troopers with ISP’s Indianapolis 

district spotted a stolen car on 

the city’s southwest side. 

Troopers attempted to pull 

over the car, but ISP said a 

pursuit began. Troopers then 

chased the suspect vehicle to 

Ronald Reagan Parkway, where 

one trooper was attempting to 

deploy stop sticks to stop the car 

and terminate the pursuit. 

That trooper was then struck 

by the suspect vehicle and 

thrown into the air, according to 

ISP. The suspect vehicle, Klingkammer 

said, then crashed after 

hitting the trooper. 

Klingkammer said that the 

injured trooper was taken to 

Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition. 

Later, around 11 p.m., ISP 

announced outside the hospital 

that the trooper had been pronounced 

dead. 

ISP Superintendent Doug 

Carter identified the deceased 

trooper as Aaron Smith, a trooper 

that joined the department in 

2018. He is survived by a loving 

wife, Carter said. 

“He was one of those guys that 

stood out,” Carter said. “Not to 

be cliché but he was a shining 

star for the Indiana State Police.” 

Gov. Eric Holcomb released a 

statement about Smith: 

“Janet and I offer our deepest 

condolences to the wife, family 

and close friends of Trooper 

Aaron Smith. 

“Trooper Smith lived and died 

a hero. His everlasting inspiration 

is a painful reminder of what the 

best among us sacrifice everyday 

when they leave the house. 

I encourage every Hoosier so 

inclined to right now stop and 

shower Trooper Smith’s bride 

with prayer and be there for his 

fellow law enforcement members 

so shaken by this heartbreaking 

loss.” 

According to an ISP post from 

2018, Smith was a native of 

Whiteland and a 2008 graduate 

of Whiteland High School. He 

joined the Army National Guard 

in 2011 and joined ISP in 2018. He 

previously worked in insurance 

TROOPER AARON SMITH 

and construction. 

The suspect driver and passengers 

of the vehicle, which 

include an adult and a juvenile, 

were taken to local hospitals and 

are expected to survive. 

UPDATE (6/29/23): Two individuals 

were arrested Thursday June 29th 

in connection to the deadly incident 

involving the trooper. ISP says the 

driver identified as 18-year-old Eddie 

P. Jones, Jr. of Missouri was preliminarily 

charged with murder, Level 1 

Felony. The passenger was identified 

as 19-year-old DeMareon l. Curry 

was preliminarily charged with auto 

theft, Level 5 Felony. 

A 15-year-old female passenger, 

listed as missing from Missouri was 

turned over to authorities but not 

charged in connection to the incident. 

ATR 

528 

1000W MOTOR 

REINFORCED 

FRAME 

DUAL BATTERY 

UPGRADED 

COMPONENTS 



DETROIT, MI. 

Michigan bill could help retain Detroit Officers by charging them for 

academy expenses if they transfer to another agency. 

By Sarah Roebuck 

Reprinted from Police1 

DETROIT, MI. — A new Michigan 

law could help the City of Detroit 

retain officers and recover the costs 

of training those officers. 

The city pays to train new officers 

who often leave to work in the suburbs, 

costing Detroit millions, the 

city’s assistant police chief told the 

Detroit Free Press. 

“We have experienced over the 

last several years a large number of 

individuals joining the Detroit Police 

Department for the training with an 

apparent plan to leave for suburban 

police departments shortly thereafter,” 

Detroit Police Department 

Assistant Chief David LeValley said 

during a legislative hearing. 

“I’ve been told that some agencies 

have actually encouraged individuals 

to do so. And we have even had 

police chiefs and command staff 

from suburban police departments 

attend our academy graduations 

only to have a recruit resign the 

next day and go work for that agency,” 

LeValley added. 

In Michigan, it is currently against 

the law for employers to accept 

fees, gifts, tips or any other type of 

compensation as a requirement for 

employment. However, two Democratic 

legislators from Detroit have 

proposed a bipartisan supported 

legislation that would establish an 

exemption for law enforcement 

agencies. 

This exemption would enable 

these agencies to recover training 

expenses from new recruits who 

leave before completing four years 

of service. 

According to an analysis conducted 

by the Senate Fiscal Agency, the 

tuition fees for law enforcement 

training academies in Michigan 

vary from $6,000 to $10,000. While 

the majority of academies require 

recruits to pay tuition, the Detroit 

Police Department has its own 

training academy, which comes 

with a higher cost of approximately 

$35,000 per participant. Additionally, 

trainees at this academy receive 

wages and benefits, according to 

LeValley. 

LeValley said 58% of officers 

who departed from the Detroit 

Police Department since 2020 had 

served for less than four years. 

Among those who left, the department 

incurred an estimated cost 

yrs. 

of $6,389,000 for their recruitment, 

hiring and training. 

The legislation signed by Gov. 

Gretchen Whitmer establishes a 

repayment scale that adjusts based 

on the duration an officer served in 

the department before transitioning 

to employment at a different law 

enforcement agency. 

For officers who serve less than 

a year, the agency has the potential 

to recover the complete training 

cost, up to the officer’s first-year 

salary. However, if an officer serves 

between three and four years, the 

agency is limited to recouping only 

25% of the cost, up to the officer’s 

first-year salary. 

Additionally, the law stipulates 

that the repayment for the law 

enforcement training academy expenses 

would be waived if a newly 

recruited officer chooses to leave 

the law enforcement agency voluntarily 

and pursue an entirely different 

profession. 

Under 65 Healthcare Options? 

We have you covered. 

Nationwide Group Health Insurance for 

First Responders, Police, 

Fire and Emergency by Low 

BlueCross BlueShield. 

www.FirstRespondersUS.com 

ENROLL TODAY! 

(800)236-4782 — Individuals 

(832)541-8842 — Groups 

Deductibles 

Low Out of 

Pocket 



yrs. 

PENSACOLA, FL. 

A Florida sheriff’s deputy and motorist are “lucky to be alive” after being 

sucked into a flooded drainage pipe and pulled under a four-lane highway. 

By Mark Price 

The Charlotte Observer 

PENSACOLA, FL. — A Florida 

sheriff’s deputy and motorist are 

“lucky to be alive” after being 

sucked into a flooded drainage 

pipe and pulled under a fourlane 

highway, according to the 

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. 

The terrifying ordeal was 

recorded by the deputy’s body 

camera and shows the pair reemerged 

gasping for air on the 

other side of U.S. 98 near Pensacola. 

It happened around 1:40 a.m. 

on Friday, June 16, as Deputy 

William Hollingsworth was 

helping drivers escape “rapidly 

rising waters,” the sheriff’s office 

said in a news release. 

“At one point, Deputy Hollingsworth 

exited his patrol car to 

approach a citizen who was 

trapped in these rising waters. As 

he approached, Deputy Hollingsworth 

witnessed the citizen go 

underwater and rushed to his 

aid,” according to the sheriff’s 

office. 

“Both the citizen and Deputy 

Hollingsworth were sucked into 

a drainage pipe and were swept 

underneath the four-lane roadway 

of (Highway) 98. They were 

submerged for approximately 30 

seconds and traveled nearly 100 

feet underwater. They eventually 

resurfaced on the other end of 

the roadway — lucky to be alive.” 

Footage shared on YouTube 

shows it was pouring rain and 

the road was covered with flood 

waters when Hollingsworth 

stepped out of his patrol car. He 

was sucked into the pipe within 

20 seconds. 

Only darkness is seen for about 

30 seconds in the video, accompanied 

by the sounds or roaring 

water and gurgling. 

Hollingsworth is then heard 

calling for the other man and 

shouting, “I got you.” 

“Can you believe what just 

happened to us,” someone is 

heard saying. “I’ve never held my 

breath like that in my life.” 

The video ends with the two 

men sitting in Hollingsworth’s 

patrol car, as they wait on an 

ambulance to examine the driver. 

Sheriff’s office officials did not 

report any injuries were suffered 

by the men. 

Some YouTube commenter’s 

noted the men endured the stuff 

of nightmares. 

“I just cried my eyes out. That 

was incredible! They way they 

hugged and talked to each other 

when they surfaced. Humanity 

isn’t so bad all the time,” Cambre 

Gayle Roberts wrote on the sheriff’s 

office Facebook page. 

“It is a miracle that they both 

survived that ordeal. Culverts 

become bottle necks that increase 

the velocity of the water 

if under sized. ... That had to be 

the most terrifying thirty seconds 

of their lives,” David Van 

Damme wrote. 

38 The BLUES The BLUES 39


yrs. 

MODESTO, CA. 

‘I’m taking shots’: Video shows gunfire exchange between Calif officer and fleeing suspect. 

By Erin Tracy, 

The Modesto Bee 

MODESTO, CA. — Modesto Police 

released video from a June 

3 incident in which an officer 

exchanged gunfire with a fleeing 

suspect. 

Video from Officer Raihil Sharma’s 

body camera and the dash 

camera of his patrol car, as well 

as from the department’s new 

airplane, captured how the incident 

unfolded. 

Sharma, a nearly two-year veteran, 

pulled over Gordon Massey 

on his bicycle just after 10 p.m. in 

the area of Phoenix and Glendale 

avenues. The video does not say 

why Massey was pulled over and 

a department spokesperson did 

not respond to requests for comment 

Saturday morning. 

Chief Brandon Gillespie, who 

provides narration during the 

16-minute edited video, said 

Massey was initially cooperative 

with Sharma. 

But as Sharma ran his name 

on the patrol car computer and 

learned he had warrants for DUI 

and drug offenses, Massey rode 

away and Sharma drove after 

him. 

Sharma followed Massey for 

about a minute, through a nearby 

shopping center, then into an 

adjacent neighborhood, where 

Massey allegedly fired three 

shots at Sharma. 

Sharma notified dispatch, “I’m 

taking shots,” then gave a description 

of Massey, who allegedly 

fired two more rounds at 

him. 

One shot hit the front passenger 

headrest in Sharma’s patrol 

car, Gillespie said. 

Sharma followed Massey for 

about a minute and 50 seconds 

as he rode through the neighborhood. 

He then stopped the 

vehicle, held his gun out of the 

window and fired three shots at 

Massey. 

Massey rode around the corner 

and into an alley. When Sharma 

caught up with him, Massey was 

on the ground lying next to his 

bicycle. 

Sharma held Massey at gunpoint 

and ordered him to keep 

his hands visible and stay still 

as more officers arrived at the 

scene. 

Officers can be heard questioning 

Massey about where his 

gun is and discussing among 

themselves whether anyone 

has a shield to use to approach 

Massey. The video cuts to airplane 

footage then back to 

officer body camera as they 

approach Massey. 

Officers handcuffed, then 

provided medical aid to Massey. 

They cut off his clothes to check 

other parts of his body for 

gunshot wounds and applied a 

tourniquet to his arm. After being 

treated he was booked into 

the jail. 



yrs. 

MEMPHIS, TN. 

Shelby County Deputy was hospitalized after being dragged by a 

suspect’s vehicle. The deputy shot and killed the suspect. 

MEMPHIS, TN. — A deputy from 

the Shelby County Sheriff’s office 

was seriously injured after a 

suspect attempted to drive away, 

dragging the deputy for almost 

100 yards. 

Around 9 a.m. on Saturday, 

June 24th, a deputy approached 

a parked vehicle and attempted 

to stop the driver from leaving 

the scene. The driver managed 

to drive off, dragging the deputy 

who was pinned against the 

door of the vehicle. 

The deputy shot the driver, 

who continued driving for 

around a half mile before stopping, 

the Tennessee Bureau of 

Investigation said. 

At the request of 30th District 

Attorney General Steve Mulroy, 

TBI special agents are investigating 

the circumstances leading to 

an officer-involved shooting that 

occurred this morning involving 

the Shelby County Sheriff’s 

Office. 

Preliminary information indicates 

the incident occurred 

at approximately 9:00 Saturday 

morning in the 4100 block of 

Rosswood Avenue, where, as 

part of an enforcement action, 

a deputy approached a parked 

car, after which the deputy tried 

to stop the driver from leaving 

the scene. For reasons still 

under investigation, the situation 

escalated, resulting in the man 

driving off and dragging the deputy 

approximately 100 yards. At 

some point, the deputy fired his 

service weapon at least once, 

striking the driver, who drove 

about a half mile further before 

stopping, and subsequently died 

on the way to the hospital. The 

deputy has been hospitalized 

with a variety of serious injuries. 

TBI agents continue to work 

to independently determine the 

series of events leading to the 

shooting, including collecting 

evidence and conducting interviews. 

Throughout the process, 

investigative findings will be 

shared with the District Attorney 

General for his review and consideration. 

The TBI acts solely as 

fact-finders in its cases and does 

not determine whether the actions 

of an officer were justified 

in these types of matters; that 

decision rests with the District 

Attorney General requesting TBI’s 

involvement. 

The TBI does not identify the 

officers involved in these types 

of incidents and instead refers 

questions of that nature to the 

respective department to answer 

as it sees fit. 



yrs. 

SHREVEPORT, LA. 

Louisiana K-9 dies of heat exhaustion while chasing suspect. 

SHREVEPORT, LA. – Shreveport 

PD, said Harrie, a 7-year-old 

Belgian Malinois relentlessly 

tracked the suspects and suffered 

from a heat-related injury 

during the pursuit. 

The Shreveport, Louisiana, police 

department says one of its 

K9s died of a heat-related injury 

after chasing down suspects on 

Saturday. 

In a Facebook post, the Shreveport 

Police Department said K9 

handler Sgt. Jeff Hammer and 

his partner K9 Harrie began to 

assist patrol officers in locating 

suspects who fled from a stolen 

vehicle just after 4 p.m. on June 

24. 

Police said Harrie, a 7-yearold 

Belgian Malinois relentlessly 

tracked the suspects and 

suffered from the heat-related 

injury during the pursuit. 

Harrie was immediately rushed 

to a local veterinary hospital, but 

despite all efforts to save him, 

he died of that injury. 

Shreveport’s high temperatures 

have been soaring into the 90s 

with “feels-like” temperatures 

well above 100 degrees, Fox 

Weather reports. 

REPRINTED FROM POLICEMAG.COM AND 

SHREVEPORT PD FACEBOOK. 


AFTERMATH ON PAGE 138 



yrs. 

SAN ANTONIO, TX. 

Officers Charged with Murder 

Three San Antonio Police Officers were charged with murder in 

the fatal shooting of a woman having a ‘mental health crisis.’ 

By Ken Miller 

Associated Press 

SAN ANTONIO, TX. — Three 

San Antonio police officers have 

been charged with murder in the 

fatal shooting of a woman who 

was experiencing what the city’s 

police chief said was a “mental 

health crisis.” 

Sgt. Alfred Flores and Officers 

Eleazar Alejandro and Nathaniel 

Villalobos were suspended 

without pay and later arrested 

on murder warrants in the shooting 

death of Melissa Perez, 46, 

when she refused police orders 

to come out of her apartment, 

Police Chief William McManus 

said Friday. 

“The officers’ actions were not 

consistent with SAPD’s policy and 

training,” McManus said during a 

Friday night news conference. 

“They placed themselves in a 

situation where they used deadly 

force which was not reasonable 

given all the circumstances as 

we now understand them,” Mc- 

Manus said. 

One of the three charged officers 

opened fire, McManus said, 

after Perez first threw a glass 

candlestick at the officers then 

swung a hammer at them. All 

three officers then fired when 

Perez approached them again 

with the hammer, hitting her at 

least twice, according to McManus. 

Court records do not list attorneys 

who could speak on behalf 

of the three officers. 

Perez was suspected of cutting 

the wires to a fire alarm, a 

felony, at the apartment complex 

and was talking to fire 

officials about 12:30 a.m. Friday 

when an officer approached and 

tried to get her to walk toward a 

patrol car, McManus said. 

Perez was speaking to a fire 

department official outside the 

complex when an unidentified 

officer arrived and is heard on 

body camera video calling “hey 

lady, get over here,” with Perez 

refusing and walking away. 

“It appeared that Miss Perez 

was having a mental health 

crisis,” McManus said without 

offering further explanation, she 

then ran into her apartment. 

The video then shows an officer 

on the patio of Perez’s apartment 

removing a window screen 

as Perez shouts “stop it” and 

“you ain’t got no warrant.” 

An unidentified officer shouts 

“you’re going to get shot,” to 

which Perez replies “shoot me - 

you ain’t got no warrant.” 

The sound of glass breaking 

is later heard followed by two 

volleys of gunshots. 

McManus took no questions, 

citing ongoing investigations 

into the shooting by the police 

department’s Internal Affairs 

and Civil Rights divisions and the 

Bexar County district attorney’s 

Civil Rights Division. 

Other officers were also at the 

scene, but none are expected to 

be charged although all will be 

investigated for their actions, 

McManus said. 

“This incident will continue to 

be thoroughly investigated, as 

are all officer involved shootings,” 

McManus said while expressing 

condolences to Perez’s 

family. 



yrs. 

AUSTIN,TX. 

New Law Removes Age Cap from Hiring 

Gov. Greg Abbott signs law removing the age cap for men and 

women interested in applying for jobs in law enforcement. 

AUSTIN, TX. – A law set to go 

into effect Sept. 1 passed by the 

Texas Legislature and signed by 

Gov. Greg Abbott, removes the age 

cap for men and women interested 

in applying for jobs in law 

enforcement. 

Cleburne Police Chief Rob 

Severance, who joined other law 

enforcement officers from across 

the state in pushing for the bill, 

called passage of House Bill 1661 a 

win for law enforcement and the 

public. 

“I’m so excited this bill passed,” 

Severance said. “Everywhere 

across the state, really across the 

nation, law enforcement agencies 

are struggling to hire enough officers. 

This should help a lot and, 

we hope, greatly increase the pool 

of potential applicants not just for 

the Cleburne Police Department 

but everywhere.” 

Under the current rule, a person 

wishing to take the entrance 

exam for a position in most police 

departments must be 18 but no 

older than 44 with the exception 

of officers transferring from one 

agency to accept a job as chief 

of police at another. The new law 

retains the minimum age of 18 but 

removes the age limit. 

The maximum age limit soon 

to be dispensed with applies only 

to municipal civil service departments, 

of which CPD is one. The 

age limit did not apply to law enforcement 

agencies not classified 

civil service departments, Severance 

said. 

“Cleburne is one of the departments 

in 102 Texas cities, and the 

only law enforcement agency in 

Johnson County, under municipal 

civil service,” Severance said. “It 

was adopted at the city’s Jan. 8, 

1948, election and approved by the 

[Cleburne City Council] on Jan. 23, 

1948.” 

The benefits of operating under 

a civil service model are fairness 

and accountability, Severance said. 

“The purpose for police and fire 

departments, although this new 

law only affects police departments, 

is to remove politics from 

public safety employment decisions,” 

Severance said. “It sets up 

requirements and due process 

steps. So, in other words, I can’t 

just hire who I want. There has 

to be a competitive exam and a 

process to hire or disqualify applicants 

in order of that list.” 

State Rep. Dewayne Burns, 

R-Cleburne, discussed the bill 

during a recent visit to the Cleburne 

Rotary Club. 

“There’s a shortage of police 

officers and this should help with 

filling those vacancies,” Burns said. 

Severance praised efforts by 

Burns and state Sen. Phil King, 

R-Weatherford, in support of the 

bill. 

“We approached [Burns] and 

asked if he would introduce the 

legislation,” Severance said. “We 

also communicated with Sen. 

King’s office. Both they and their 

staffs were great to work with. 

I testified for the bill before the 

House Committee on Urban Affairs. 

They asked a lot of good 

questions and there were others 

there in support of the bill.” 

For a variety of reasons, it’s become 

harder to hire police officers 

in recent years throughout the 

country. 

“Fully staffed we would be 55 

officers including myself,” Severance 

said. “We’re currently eight 

short from being fully staffed and 

I’ve heard issues of similar or larger 

staff shortage challenges from 

police chiefs around the state.” 

Severance said several at or 

near the current age limit have 

expressed interest but previously 

would not have been able to 

apply. 

“We’re working through our 

last eligibility list to hire or disqualify 

candidates,” Severance 

said. “But we have fewer people 

on that list than we have vacancies. 

So, we’re going to have to 

test again. Which, we’ll probably 

do sometime in September after 

the new law goes into effect so 

we’ll have a broader pool of applicants, 

potentially at least.” 

CPD has long recruited at Fort 

Cavazos, formerly Fort Hood. 

“In talking to police chiefs 

around the state we found that 

a lot of people who retired after 

a career in the military at 45 or 

older still have a passion for service,” 

Severance said. “Under the 

current law they couldn’t apply 

to municipal civil service departments 

but will be able to now. 

Johnson County Sheriff Adam 

King said the sheriff’s office isn’t 

under civil service but that some 

of his best deputies have been 

people who were past their 44th 

birthday when they were hired.” 

One would think that younger 

officer candidates would be better 

suited for police position jobs, but 

such is not always the case, Severance 

said. 

“Some people at 40, 50 or older 

are in better shape than most 20 

year olds,” Severance said. “So 

it’s really a case-by-case situation 

rather than lumping everyone 

into age groups. All applicants, 

young or old, will still have to 

take the fitness test, have a medical 

exam and go through all the 

requirements everyone has to go 

through.” 

Another plus, Severance said, is 

that CPD pays for accepted applicants 

to go through police academy 

training and pays them while 

they’re attending. 

“You can apply to CPD and don’t 

have to have a peace officer’s 

license,” Severance said. “We’ll 

send you to the police academy 

pay for that and pay your salary 

while you’re attending. Not every 

department will hire somebody 

and fully train them like that.” 

The new law, once it goes into 

effect, may inspire officers 45 and 

over at larger Metroplex police 

departments to consider Cleburne, 

Severance said. 

“Cleburne has a good, hometown 

feel and as police here we 

get a lot of support and appreciation 

from the community,” Severance 

said. I think that’s an opportunity 

for some of the officers 

working in bigger cities who maybe 

don’t feel that appreciation. 

“Here you get a chance to do 

community policing in a manner 

where you get to know people in 

the community and feel like you’re 

making a difference. I don’t know 

that you always get the same 

sense of satisfaction like that 

working in a larger department. 

“Overall, this new law should 

help us in our continuing goal to 

get word out to everybody about 

opportunities in Cleburne and 

what a great community this is to 

work in.” 



yrs. 

SOLON,OH. 

Video shows suspect’s vehicle dragging Ohio officer while fleeing traffic stop. 

By Cliff Pinckard 

cleveland.com 

SOLON, OH. — A police officer 

was injured early Sunday morning 

when he was dragged by a 

vehicle that fled from a traffic 

stop, Solon police say. 

According to police, Officer 

James Cervik, 57, stopped a 

black 2015 Nissan Altima on U.S. 

422 just before 2 a.m. Sunday 

because the Nissan reportedly 

had been going 88 mph in a 60 

mph zone. When Cervik approached 

the car, he could smell 

marijuana. 

Cervik spent more than four 

minutes trying to convince the 

male driver to get out of the car, 

but the driver refused, police say. 

The driver then told Cervik he 

had a firearm inside the vehicle, 

Be sure and check out 

our updated 

BUYERS GUIDE 

on Page 162 

police say. 

Cervik tried to pull the suspect 

from the car, but the man 

drove off, dragging Cervik a 

short distance. He was treated 

and released at a hospital. 

Another officer later spotted 

the Nissan exiting onto Harper 

Road but had to stop a brief 

pursuit after the suspect’s vehicle 

exceeded 100 mph. The car 

was last seen heading south on 

Cochran Road. 

Police say they have issued an 

arrest warrant for Termaine Tyrone 

Jackson, 27, of Twinsburg, 

on charges of assault on a peace 

officer, obstructing official business, 

and fleeing and eluding. 

Anyone with information can 

contact police at 440-248-1234. 

Sponsored by 

Stopping Someone with Aprazia 

Message from a Reader 

Hi. I thought your readers 

might like to learn about the 

below initiative to make routine 

stops safer and smoother for 

officers and drivers. 

The Apraxia Foundation is 

launching a new initiative to facilitate 

communication between 

law enforcement and individuals 

with speaking difficulties. 

Verbal apraxia — also known 

as childhood apraxia of speech 

— is a neurological speechsound 

disorder that interferes 

with the brain sending the mouth 

signals to move the tongue, lips, 

and jaw for the individual to 

speak. Despite the word “childhood” 

in its name, apraxia is a 

lifelong condition that continues 

into adulthood. Those who have 

it often experience difficulty 

articulating the words they want 

to say on command and having 

their speech responses being 

understood by others. 

The condition can cause pauses 

when answering questions. Both 

stress and pressure can make 

speech more difficult. This can 

lead to problematic or difficult 

interactions with law enforcement 

when people with apraxia 

are pulled over, get stopped at 

roadblocks, or interact with police 

in other ways. 

“As an adult with verbal apraxia, 

police officers have questioned 

if I’m under the influence 

when I have been pulled 

over due to the slowness of my 

speech,” says Jordan Christian 

LeVan, The Apraxia Foundation’s 

founder. Unable to speak 

a complete sentence before the 

age of 12, LeVan is one of many 

with apraxia who lead otherwise 

everyday lives. To solve this 

problem, The Apraxia Foundation 

has designed the country’s first 

Apraxia Identification Card. Inspired 

by diabetic alert bracelets 

and visor cards for people who 

are deaf or hard of hearing, these 

ids can be used with law enforcement 

to immediately alert 

officers of an individual’s speech 

difficulty. 

Cards are provided to an officer 

together with license and registration. 

They are sized to fit easily 

in a driver’s wallet and placed 

on top of the license for visibility 

in case of an emergency. “This is 

the first step we are taking to ensure 

people with speech disabilities 

are being treated equally 

by law enforcement due to their 

speech difficulties,” says LeVan. 

The cards are free and available 

for printing online now at 

theapraxiafoundation.org/idcards. 

About The Apraxia Foundation: 

The Apraxia Foundation supports 

individuals with apraxia of 

speech and other communication-related 

disorders by providing 

services for evidence-based 

treatment; spreading awareness, 

acceptance, and pride of 

their identity; and giving them 

the tools they need to help 

them succeed. Learn more at 

theapraxiafoundation.org. 

Terena Bell PR, Fighting for My 

Voice terenaebell@gmail.com 

(502) 593-9212 

Have a unique story you’d 

like to share with the 

BLUES readers? 

Send it to: 

bluespdmag@gmail.com. 



yrs. 

ALLEN,TX. 

BWC video: A lone officer runs toward gunfire and stops a mass shooter at 

Texas outlet mall. Officer was at the Mall when the shooting began. 

By James Hartley 

Fort Worth Star-Telegram 

ALLEN, TX. — Allen police 

released body-camera video 

showing the moment a lone officer 

ran toward rapid gunfire and 

stopped the deadly rampage. 

The officer was already at 

the mall on another call and 

stopped the gunman less than 

four minutes after the attack 

began, the video shows. 

The shooter, Mauricio Garcia, 

killed eight people and wounded 

seven. 

The video was edited by police 

to blur out the faces of civilians 

and victims, and some vulgar 

language has been removed, the 

Allen Police Department said in 

a news release. Police cautioned 

that some people may find the 

video disturbing and recommended 

discretion when viewing. 

As is standard procedure, 

authorities presented evidence 

of the officer’s use of force to 

a Collin County grand jury. On 

Tuesday, grand jurors returned 

a “no bill,” confirming that the 

officer was justified in shooting 

Garcia. The officer has not been 

publicly identified. 

We are ready for 2023! Experience the only first responder owned and 

operated THEME studio in the Country! 10 years strong! We are Family! 

We look forward to seeing you soon! 



yrs. 

ACROSS THE US 

LEARN MORE 

Latest Breaking News as we go LIVE. 

FORMER FLA. DEPUTY ACQUIT- 

TED OF ALL CHARGES IN PARK- 

LAND SCHOOL SHOOTING 

BY TERRY SPENCER 

Associated Press 

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. — A Florida 

sheriff’s deputy was acquitted 

Thursday of felony child neglect 

and other charges for failing to act 

during the 2018 Parkland school 

massacre, concluding the first trial 

in U.S. history of a law enforcement 

officer for conduct during an 

on-campus shooting. 

Former Broward County Deputy 

Scot Peterson wept as the verdicts 

were read. The jury had deliberated 

for 19 hours over four days. 

He could have received nearly 100 

years in prison. 

The campus deputy at Marjory 

Stoneman Douglas High School, 

Peterson had been charged with 

failing to confront shooter Nikolas 

Cruz during his six-minute attack 

inside a three-story 1200 classroom 

building on Feb. 14, 2018, that left 17 

dead. 

He could have received nearly 100 

years in prison, although a sentence 

even approaching that length would 

have been highly unlikely given 

the circumstances and his clean 

record. He also could have lost his 

$104,000 annual pension. 

Prosecutors, during their twoweek 

presentation, called to the 

witness stand students, teachers 

and law enforcement officers who 

testified about the horror they expe- 

rienced and how they knew where 

Cruz was. Some said they knew for 

certain that the shots were coming 

from the 1200 building. Prosecutors 

also called a training supervisor 

who testified Peterson did not 

follow protocols for confronting an 

active shooter. 

Peterson’s attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, 

during his two-day presentation, 

called several deputies who arrived 

during the shooting and students 

and teachers who testified they did 

not think the shots were coming 

from the 1200 building. Peterson, 

who did not testify, has said that 

because of echoes, he could not 

pinpoint the shooters location. 

Eiglarsh also emphasized the 

failure of the sheriff’s radio system 

during the attack, which limited 

what Peterson heard from arriving 

deputies. 

Security videos show that 36 

seconds after Cruz’s attack began, 

Peterson exited his office about 100 

yards (92 meters) from the 1200 

building and jumped into a cart 

with two unarmed civilian security 

guards. They arrived at the building 

a minute later. 

Peterson got out of the cart near 

the east doorway to the first-floor 

hallway. Cruz was at the hallway’s 

opposite end, firing his AR-15-style 

semiautomatic rifle. 

Peterson, who was not wearing 

a bullet-resistant vest, didn’t open 

the door. Instead, he took cover 75 

feet (23 meters) away in the alcove 

of a neighboring building, his gun 

still drawn. He stayed there for 40 

minutes, long after the shooting 

ended and other police officers had 

ATR 

528 

1000W MOTOR 

REINFORCED 

FRAME 

DUAL BATTERY 

UPGRADED 

COMPONENTS 



stormed the building. 

Peterson spent nearly three decades 

working at schools, including 

nine years at Stoneman Douglas. 

He retired shortly after the shooting 

and was then fired retroactively. 

Cruz’s jury could not unanimously 

agree he deserved the death 

penalty. The 24-year-old former 

Stoneman Douglas student was 

then sentenced to life in prison. 

MICH. CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO 

STOP MOST TRAFFIC STOPS 

BY SARAH ROEBUCK 

Police1 

ANN ARBOR, MI. — The Ann Arbor 

City Council voted to pass an ordinance 

that would prohibit police 

from conducting traffic stops for 

some minor traffic violations, the 

Detroit Free Press reports. 

The minor traffic violations that 

fall under the new driving equality 

ordinance include cracked windshields, 

objects hanging from the 

rear view mirror, loud exhaust, 

expired registration tags on its first 

read and cracked taillights. 

Along with the ordinance, the city 

also passed a resolution in support 

of establishing the city’s first unarmed 

crisis response team. 

Ann Arbor Police Interim Chief 

Aimee Metzer said because of the 

overwhelming support for the new 

ordinance, the measure will be implemented 

immediately. 

A council member said the ordinance 

is intended to limit interactions 

with police officers. 

Under the new measure, Ann 

Arbor police cannot stop or detain 

drivers based on race, gender, religion 

or socioeconomic status. 

ABDUCTED BABY DIES AFTER 

MAN LEADS POLICE ON PURSUIT 

TIFFIN, OH. — A man who abducted 

a 7-month-old girl in Ohio 

crashed his car into a house while 

fleeing police, killing the infant and 

critically injuring himself. 

The crash occurred shortly before 

4 p.m. Tuesday in Tiffin, about 60 

miles (100 kilometers) north of Colombus, 

authorities said. 

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office 

sent out an alert naming Jonathan 

Baker, 23, of North Baltimore, Ohio, 

after he took the child earlier that 

day while reportedly armed with a 

gun. Soon after, Baker contacted the 

girl’s mother and told her he was 

“feeling homicidal and suicidal,” 

and saying he had killed the child. 

Authorities did not say if Baker 

was related to the girl or her mother, 

and they did not disclose more 

details about how the abduction 

occurred. 

Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly 

said an off-duty city officer spotted 

Baker’s car and alerted department 

officials. The officer then followed 

Baker and provided colleagues with 

information about their location. 

Officers in police cruisers soon 

attempted to stop the vehicle, but 

authorities said Baker sped up 

before driving off the road, through 

the front yard of one home before 

crashing into another, knocking the 

home off its foundation. 

yrs. 

Law enforcement officers broke 

the car’s back window to retrieve 

the infant, whose head was bleeding 

and who had labored breathing. 

She was taken to a hospital but 

died soon after. 

Baker was flown by helicopter to 

a hospital in Toledo, where authorities 

said he remains in critical 

condition. 

FORMER MD. POLICE CHIEF 

SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR ARSONS 

BY ALEX MANN 

Baltimore Sun 

LAUREL, MD. — The former Laurel 

police chief accused in a string of 

arsons around Maryland was sentenced 

Tuesday to life in prison for 

the fires he set in Howard County. 

Howard Circuit Judge Richard 

S. Bernhardt gave David Michael 

Crawford, 71, consecutive life 

sentences plus 75 years in prison. 

Imposing a total of eight life sentences, 

Bernhardt ruled that Crawford 

could serve six of them at the 

same time. 

“Arsons destroy persons,” Bernhardt 

said. 

In March, a jury found Crawford 

guilty of eight counts of attempted 

first-degree murder — one charge 

for each of the people home during 

fires he set to houses in Elkridge 

Backing the BLUE 

and your family too. 

Nationwide Group Health Insurance for 

First Responders, Police, Fire and Emergency by 

BlueCross BlueShield. 

www.FirstRespondersUS.com 

(800)236.4782 — Individuals 

(832)541.8842 — Groups 



yrs. 

A Day in the Life of a COP. 

and Ellicott City — and three counts 

of first-degree arson and one count 

of malicious burning. 

In sum, authorities say, Crawford 

is responsible for setting a dozen 

fires in six counties from 2011 to 

2020. 

At trial in March, prosecutors presented 

evidence from all 12 fires to 

show his pattern: Crawford kept on 

his computer a coded list of people 

he felt had slighted him in matters 

personal or professional, researched 

their properties and put flame to 

them under the cover of darkness — 

sometimes more than once. 

The victims include a former 

Laurel official, three former law 

enforcement officials including 

a former Laurel police chief, two 

relatives, two of Crawford’s former 

physicians and a resident in his 

neighborhood. 

In Howard County, Crawford set 

his chiropractors’ house ablaze 

while the doctors, their children 

and a relative were home. He also 

twice ignited the home of a woman 

whom he worked with on a school 

redistricting initiative, with one of 

the fires taking place when she, her 

husband and daughter were home. 

He also scorched a car outside of 

the house of a nonprofit director 

Crawford’s wife butted heads with. 

“Crawford is someone who lacks 

basic humanity,” Howard County 

State’s Attorney Rich Gibson told 

reporters after Tuesday’s hearing, 

calling the sentence “appropriate.” 

Crawford put flame to Scott and 

Evelyn Henderson’s Ellicott City 

home in 2017 when the couple, 

their younger daughter and dog 

were there. The fire forced them 

into temporary housing and they 

took out another mortgage to build 

their dream house as a way to heal. 

About two weeks before they were 

to move into the remodeled house, 

Crawford burned it to the ground. 

Quinn Henderson was recovering 

from substantial leg surgeries 

in high school when Crawford lit 

the house on fire, with her inside. 

She was able to limp out with her 

parents, but rushed back into the 

burning home to rescue the family’s 

beloved dog “Scooby.” 

The judge ordered Crawford pay 

almost $1.2 million in restitution to 

insurance companies that covered 

most, but not all, of the fires’ damage. 

Saying he was satisfied the state’s 

case supported the jury’s verdict, 

Bernhardt highlighted pieces of 

evidence he found “extremely disturbing.“ 

VIRGINIA SHERIFF INDICT- 

ED IN BRIBES-FOR-BADGES 

SCHEME 

CULPEPER COUNTY, VA. – An 

alleged enrichment scheme involving 

a county sheriff in Virginia 

and three accused co-conspirators 

to exchange bribes 

for badges has led to a federal 

indictment. 

Culpeper County Sheriff Scott 

Howard Jenkins, 51, is accused of 

receiving more than $70,000 in 

cash while doling out “auxiliary 

deputy sheriff” appointments 

and other perks to those making 

payment, according to a press 

release from the U.S. Attorney’s 

Office for the Western District of 

Virginia. 

An overview from the U.S. 

Attorney’s Office provided the 

following details: 

According to the indictment, 

from at least April 2019, Culpeper 

County Sheriff Scott Howard 

Jenkins, 51, accepted cash bribes 

and bribes in the form of campaign 

contributions totaling at 

least $72,500 from Rick Tariq 

Rahim, 55, of Great Falls, Virginia, 

Fredric Gumbinner, 64, of 

Fairfax, Virginia, James Metcalf, 

60, of Manassas, Virginia, and at 

least five others, including two 

FBI undercover agents. In return, 

Jenkins appointed each of the 

bribe payors as auxiliary deputy 

sheriffs, a sworn law-enforcement 

position, and issued them 

Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office 

badges and identification cards. 

Jenkins told or caused others to 

tell the bribe payors that those 

law-enforcement credentials 

authorized them to carry concealed 

firearms in all fifty states 

without obtaining a permit. In 

addition, Jenkins assisted Rahim 

in gaining approval for a petition 

to restore his firearms rights filed 

in Culpeper County Circuit Court 

that falsely stated that Rahim 

resided in Culpeper County. 

“Scott Jenkins not only violated 

federal law but also violated 

the faith and trust placed in 

him by the citizens of Culpeper 

County by accepting cash bribes 

in exchange for auxiliary deputy 

badges and other benefits,” United 

States Attorney Christopher 

R. Kavanaugh said today. “Our 

elected officials are expected to 

uphold the rule of law, not abuse 

their power for their own personal, 

financial gain.” 

“As law enforcement officers, 

we are sworn to protect 

and serve our communities. We 

do that by upholding the law 

It’s become abundantly clear that the press and the public have little understanding 

of police work. And something we’ve learned over the years 

is that during times of stress and tension, a good chuckle is an extremely 

effective medicine. So, here are some things most people don’t know, but 

cops do. Please send your additional comments to: bluespdmag@gmail. 

com. 

1. Most cops understand why tickets are necessary but don’t particularly like writing them. Well, unless they 

happen to stop “the guy who pays their wages” and then writing a ticket isn’t so bad. Most cops wonder if they 

have something better to do until the person asks in that whiny voice, “Don’t you have anything better to do?” 

2. The vast majority of cops have never shot anyone, but most cops can recite a detailed list of people who are/ 

were deserving of being shot because they posed a deadly threat. This means that most cops have successfully 

defused a potentially deadly confrontation using only words and less-lethal weapons. 

3. Most cops wonder if they have something better to do until the person asks in that whiny voice, “Don’t you 

have anything better to do?” It is then – and only then – the cop knows the answer to that question is, “No. This 

is good as it gets.” 

4. Most cops know the driver they just stopped had more than “two beers” and can estimate with reasonable 

accuracy how many beers a driver did, in fact, have. 

5. Most cops like donuts, but so does everybody. They are deliberately made to taste really, really good so people 

will want to eat them. Please pass me another donut. 

6. Most cops wonder why so many members of the community choose to pick up a mobile phone and record 

them while the officers are rolling in the dirt with an assailant rather than offering to help the officer. 

7. Most cops don’t know the color of the people they stop before the traffic stop takes place. This is especially 

true when someone is driving a car with tinted windows at night. 

8. Most cops know that if you fix that muffler/tail light/other mechanical issue for which they’ve stopped you, the 

cops will stop stopping you. 

9. Most cops know it is impossible to stop a patrol car fast enough when the drunk in the back seat says, “Stop! 

I think I’ve got to puke.” 

10. Most cops know that the national media do not pursue the truth, they pursue a story. Their story and the 

truth are too often a little like fraternal twins. They are related, but cops can’t explain why they don’t look anything 

alike. 



yrs. 

– equally, and not abusing the 

powers that are entrusted to us,” 

Special Agent in Charge Stanley 

M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond 

Division said today. “With today’s 

announcement, FBI Richmond 

re-enforces our commitment – 

to the community – of ensuring 

abuses of public trust will not be 

tolerated and those responsible 

will be held accountable.” 

Jenkins is charged with one 

count of conspiracy, four counts 

of honest-services mail and 

wire fraud, and eight counts of 

federal programs bribery. Rahim 

is charged with one count 

of conspiracy, three counts of 

honest-services mail and wire 

fraud, and three counts of federal 

programs bribery. Gumbinner 

is charged with one count of 

conspiracy, one count of honest-services 

wire fraud, and 

two counts of federal programs 

bribery. Metcalf is charged with 

one count of conspiracy, one 

count of honest-services wire 

fraud, and two counts of federal 

programs bribery. 

If convicted, each defendant 

faces up to 5 years in prison on 

the conspiracy count, up to 20 

years in prison on each of the 

honest-services mail and wire 

fraud counts, and up to 10 years 

in prison on each of the federal 

programs bribery counts, the 

Justice Department said in the 

press release. 

According to federal court 

documents, Rahim, Gubminner, 

and Metcalf pleaded not guilty at 

their arraignment on Thursday. 

Jenkins has not been arraigned; 

according to a court filing, his 

arraignment will be “scheduled 

with his retained attorney,” 

whose name was not immediately 

available. 

Jenkins has served as the 

Culpeper County sheriff since 

2012, Law&Crime reported. Court 

records indicate that he is not 

being held in custody. 

‘LIVE PD’ PERSONALITY SGT. 

SEAN ‘STICKS’ LARKIN TAPPED 

FOR NEW SERIES AT FOX NA- 

TION 

BY SARAH ROEBUCK 

Police1 

NEW YORK — Live PD alumnus 

and retired Tulsa (Okla.) police 

officer Sean “Sticks” Larkin will 

be hosting a new crime series on 

FOX Nation. 

The show, “Crime Cam 24/7,” 

will be released Friday, July 7 

with a new episode streaming 

every Friday at 6 p.m. ET. The 

program will air in the same 

time slot as COPS, which will 

return this fall for a new season. 

FOX Nation offers a one-year 

free subscription for all active 

first responders, including police 

officers, firefighters, EMTs and 

paramedics. 

“After green lighting the iconic 

series ‘COPS’ back in 2021, we 

saw how engaged our subscribers 

are in the realm of true crime 

and we are thrilled to offer new 

content from this genre to meet 

the strong demand,” Jason Klarman, 

president of FOX Nation 

said in a statement. “As a former 

member of law enforcement, 

Sticks is the perfect voice to 

bring this show to life.” 

Featuring surveillance footage 

captured across the country, this 

12-episode series sheds light on 

the captivating narratives behind 

the most intense crime scenes, 

emphasizing the role of cameras 

in apprehending criminals and 

ensuring their conviction. 

“I’m excited to partner with 

FOX Nation to continue my passion 

of sharing stories of law 

and order,” Larkin said in a statement. 

“Surveillance footage captures 

the essence of crimes and 

I’m looking forward to demonstrating 

how this tool has helped 

in solving cases across the country 

with the FOX audience.” 

Throughout the series, Larkin 

will serve as the narrator, providing 

context as the crimes unfold 

and offering updates on the 

victims and the legal proceedings 

against the perpetrators. 

VIDEO SHOWS CUFFED SUS- 

PECT STEALING CO STATE 

PATROL CAR BEFORE FATAL 

CRASH 

The Colorado State Patrol this 

week released video, from both 

dash cam and body-worn camera 

footage, of when a suspect 

stole a trooper’s car and then 

later crashed into a tractor-trailer 

after running over a spike 

strip. The suspect died from 

injuries sustained in the crash. 

The situation started when 

troopers responded to assist 

Otero County deputies June 20 in 

pursuit of a vehicle reported to 

have been connected to a “shots 

fired” call, reports 11News, one 

of the local media outlets that 

aired the video. The state patrol 

reports the fleeing suspect was 

reported to have caused multiple 

crashes and attempted to cause 

head-on collisions with other 

vehicles. 

Troopers performed a PIT to 

stop the suspect vehicle during 

the original pursuit, the agency 

said in a media release. 

However, after being cuffed 

and placed into the back of a 

trooper’s patrol vehicle, the male 

suspect was able to slip his cuffs 

under his feet and climb into 

the driver’s seat of the marked 

vehicle. The state patrol reports 

that troopers and officers on the 

scene pursued the man in the 

stolen patrol vehicle and spikes 

were deployed. 

“After hitting the spike strip, 

the suspect in the patrol vehicle 

lost control, crashed into the 

side of a stopped commercial 

motor vehicle parked on the side 

of Highway 50 and caught on 

fire,” the state patrol said in a 

media release. 

That same media release 

states the driver suspect was removed 

from the wrecked patrol 

vehicle and was transported to 

an area hospital, where he died. 

The driver of the tractor-trailer 

was not injured in the collision. 

SUBSCRIBE TODAY 

FOR FREE 

CLICK OR SCAN 

WITH PHONE 


NOW HIRING 

PRIORITY BOLO 

yrs. 

ISD PD JOB LISTINGS 

IS YOUR ISD PD 

HIRING? 

YOUR DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITING AD 

CAN BE LISTED HERE FOR ONLY $250 

bluespdmag@gmail.com 

JOIN OUR TEAM 

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS 

• Sick Leave 

• Paid Vacation 

• Paid Holidays 

• Personal Days 

• Teacher Retirement System 

TCOLE CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE 

• Intermediate PO: $2,400 

• Advanced PO: $4,800 

• Master PO: $7,200 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be 21 Years Of Age 

• Must Hold an Active Tcole Peace Officer License 

• Must Complete the Following: 

• Pass Physical Agility Test 

• Background Investigation 

• Psychological Evaluation 

• Drug Screening 

ALDINE ISD 

POLICE DEPARTMENT 

DEPARTMENT BENEFITS 

• Uniforms Provided, Including Duty Weapon 

• Department Provided Training 

• Starting Pay Depends on 

Qualifications / Experience 

• TCOLE Certification / Education Pay 

• Most Officers work Day Shift with Weekends Off 

(INCENTIVE PAY FOR DETECTIVES, K-9 HANDLERS, AND 

FIREARM INSTRUCTORS.) 

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT 

SGT. HALL AT 281.442.4923 

OR VISIT ALDINEISD.ORG 

APPLY AT 

ALDINEISD.ORG 

STARTING SALARY $55,000 WITH NO EXPERIENCE 

UP TO $85,000 DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE 

ALDINE ISD PD OFFERS 

SPECIALIZED DIVISIONS 

• Criminal Investigations 

• Emergency Response Team 

• Honor Guard 

• Gang Task Force 

• Community Outreach Division 

• K-9 Division 

• Firearm Instructor 

$1,000 SIGNING BONUS 

 

Montgomery County’s 3 rd Largest Law Enforcement Agency 

• $50,363 minimum starting salary 

• Certification pay: 

Int - $1,600, Adv - $2,400, Mstr - $3,700 

FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER 

• Competitive insurance & benefits 

• Teacher Retirement System (TRS) 

• 20 paid leave days & 12 paid holidays 

Opportunity 

multiple divisions including 

Investigations, Patrol, and 

K-9 services 

Growth 

100+ annual training hours, 

promotion opportunities, 

Field Training Officer 

Balance 

overtime pay, comp time, 

most weekends off, prior LE 

experience pay 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT 

HTTPS://POLICE.CONROEISD.NET/DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION/EMPLOYMENT/ 

62 The BLUES The BLUES 63 

police.conroeisd.net 

CISDPolice 

@CISDPolice

the abc’s of 

UAS 

Brandon Karr 

BLUE UAS VS GREEN UAS 

One of the most common discussions 

that have been increasing 

across public safety drone programs 

is about data security practices 

for the platforms the agency 

is planning on employing. As over 

90% of public safety agencies 

are using Chinese-manufactured 

systems, such as DJI, Autel, and 

Yuneec, it is important to seriously 

evaluate the systems to ensure that 

the drones are compliant with your 

agency’s data security policies. As 

these drones are essentially flying 

computers, a data security analysis 

should be conducted on any system 

that the agency is interested in 

flying, American-made or otherwise. 

Inevitably, when researching 

data security and drones, you will 

come across the blue and green UAS 

lists. To address these cybersecurity 

concerns, the Defense Innovation 

Unit (DIU) and AUVSI have developed 

two certification programs for 

“data secure” UAS: Blue UAS and 

Green UAS. We will dive into these 

two lists to help shed some light on 

what these lists are. 

BLUE UAS 

Drones are becoming increasingly 

popular for both commercial and 

government use. In the military, UAS 

are used for a variety of missions, 

including intelligence, surveillance, 

and reconnaissance (ISR), target 

acquisition, and strike operations. 

The use of UAS in the military raises 

several cybersecurity concerns. UAS 

are often connected to the internet, 

which makes them vulnerable to 

cyberattacks. In addition, UAS can 

carry sensitive payloads, such as 

cameras and sensors, which could 

be used to collect classified information. 

The Blue UAS program is a government-led 

initiative that aims to 

rapidly vet and scale commercial 

UAS technology for the Department 

of Defense (DoD). The program consists 

of five lines of effort: 

Onboarding: This line of effort 

vets commercial UAS to ensure that 

they meet DoD cybersecurity and 

operational requirements. 

Clearance: Once a UAS has been 

vetted, it is added to the Blue UAS 

Cleared List. This list is available to 

DoD users, who can then procure 

and operate the UAS without needing 

to obtain an exception to the 

policy. 

Procurement: The Blue UAS program 

works with government partners 

to procure Blue UAS systems. 

Training: The program provides 

training to DoD users on how to operate 

Blue UAS systems safely and 

effectively. 

Support: The program provides 

technical support to DoD users who 

are operating Blue UAS systems. 

The Blue UAS program is designed 

to make it easier for DoD users to 

access and use commercial UAS 

technology. By vetting and clearing 

commercial UAS systems, the 

program helps to ensure that these 

systems are secure and reliable. 

It’s important to note that the Blue 

UAS is designed and intended for 

the United States War Fighter. DIU 

and other Blue UAS partners have 

long stated the Blue UAS list was 

never intended to be implemented 

for public safety. 

GREEN UAS 

The Green UAS program is an 

AUVSI initiative that mirrors the 

Blue UAS certification program. 

The program is designed to expand 

the number of commercial UAS 

that have been verified to meet the 

highest levels of cybersecurity and 

National Defense Authorization Act 

(NDAA) supply chain requirements. 

The Green UAS program is open to 

any commercial UAS manufacturer. 

To participate in the program, manufacturers 

must submit their UAS 

to a third-party assessor for evalu- 


the abc’s of 

UAS 

Brandon Karr 

ation. The assessor will verify that 

the UAS meets the program’s cybersecurity 

and supply chain requirements. 

Once a UAS has been evaluated 

and approved, it will be added 

to the Green UAS Cleared List. This 

list is available to the public, and 

manufacturers can use it to market 

their products to potential government 

and commercial customers. 

The Green UAS program is designed 

to help commercial UAS 

manufacturers comply with the 

NDAA’s cybersecurity requirements. 

By participating in the program, 

manufacturers can demonstrate 

that their products are secure and 

reliable and increase their chances 

of winning government contracts. 

COMPARISON OF BLUE UAS AND 

GREEN UAS 

The Blue UAS and Green UAS 

programs are similar in many ways. 

Both programs aim to vet and clear 

commercial UAS systems to ensure 

that they meet DoD cybersecurity 

and operational requirements. However, 

there are some key differences 

between the two programs: 

The Blue UAS program is government-led, 

while the Green UAS 

program is industry-led. This means 

that the Blue UAS program is more 

tightly controlled by the DoD, while 

the Green UAS program is slightly 

more flexible and allows for more 

innovation. 

The Blue UAS program is focused 

on DoD users, while the Green UAS 

program is open to all users. This 

means that the Blue UAS program 

offers more support and training 

for DoD users, while the Green UAS 

program is more accessible to commercial 

users. 

The Blue UAS program has a 

longer track record, while the Green 

UAS program is newer. This means 

more data is available on the Blue 

UAS program, but the Green UAS 

program may offer more innovative 

solutions. 

Ultimately, the best program for a 

particular UAS manufacturer depends 

on their needs and goals. If a 

manufacturer is focused on selling 

their products to the DoD, then the 

Blue UAS program may be the best 

option. If a manufacturer is focused 

on selling their products to a wider 

range of users, then the Green UAS 

program may be the better choice. 

WHICH LIST IS BEST SUITED 

FOR PUBLIC SAFETY 

Every agency needs to evaluate 

what system is going to be best 

suited for their operations and 

environment. If your agency works 

closely with military bases, critical 

infrastructure, or similar, then at a 

minimum, the green list might be 

best suited for you. However, there 

has not been a single manufacturer 

that has been approved for the 

green list. Currently, all the Blue 

UAS or Green UAS platforms are at 

least 5x the price with half the price 

and/or half the capability of non- 

Blue/Green UAS platforms. However, 

there are grant funding options 

available for Blue/Green UAS to help 

offset some of the costs. 

If your agency is not deploying 

for these types of environments or 

operations, or if your State legislation 

is not restricting you to a 

specific set of manufacturers, then 

your agency can choose any manufacturer 

you that suits your needs. 

According to multiple FOIA requests 

from multiple manufacturer lobbyist 

groups, conservatively, over 90% 

of public safety agencies are using 

Chinese manufacturer drones. This 

is due to the fact that they are lowcost, 

user-friendly, and have more 

capable sensors and aircraft than 

the Blue/Green UAS lists for public 

safety types of deployments. 

CONCLUSION 

The Blue UAS and Green UAS programs 

are both important initiatives 

that are helping to improve the 

cybersecurity of commercial UAS. 

By vetting and clearing commercial 

UAS systems, these programs 

help to ensure that these systems 

are secure and reliable, and they 

can help to increase the adoption 

of UAS technology by both government 

and commercial users. As the 

use of UAS continues to grow, we 

will likely see even more programs 

and initiatives that are focused on 

improving the cybersecurity of these 

systems. This is an important area 

of research, and it is one that will 

continue to help foster competition 

and grow the industry. 

When your agency is looking to 

start using drones or is looking towards 

the future, It is important to 

handle these systems the same way 

as you would any other computer 

system. There are many ways your 

agency can safeguard your network/deployments. 

Some of those 

ways include flying in a 3rd party 

software such as DRONESENSE or 

a similar platform. Regardless of 

what platform you decide on, take 

into consideration the following: 

1) Does your agency support DoD operations 

or fly near national security/ 

critical infrastructure facilities? 

2) Does your State regulate what 

platforms you can or cannot fly? 

3) What is the primary deployment 

the drone will be used for? 

4) What sensors will you need to 

successfully accomplish the mission? 

5) Can your data be safeguarded 

with 3rd party applications? 

6) Can your platform be flown 

off-network or with no connectivity? 


ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AVIATION 


68 The BLUES / SPECIAL AVIATION INSERT The BLUES / SPECIAL AVIATION INSERT 69

HOST AGENCY PROFILE 


By Shawn McCook, Sergeant, Orange County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, Special Operations Division, Aviation Section 

With a combination of helicopters, drones and an airplane, the Orange 

County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Section has a long history of providing 

Florida’s vibrant tourism capital with aerial support in a variety of missions. 

Orange County is located in 

Central Florida with the county 

seat being Orlando, FL. It is 

home to approximately 1.5 

million residents and the area receives 75 

million visitors annually who enjoy the 

theme parks, golf courses, conventions, 

restaurants, sports and area attractions. 

Orlando is a great place for outdoor recreation, 

thanks to the year-round sunshine 

and the abundance of parks, hiking trails 

and green spaces. 

Orange County encompasses 1,003 

square miles. There are 368 lakes in the 

county with Lake Apopka being the fourth 

largest lake in the state. Orange County is 

home to the University of Central Florida, the 

largest university in the nation, and the 

second largest convention center in the 

country. Orlando is most notably recognized 

for being the nation’s theme park destination 

with Walt Disney World, Universal Studios 

and SeaWorld --- all within jurisdiction of the 

Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). 

Orlando International Airport is also 

located within OCSO’s jurisdiction and the 

Class B airport is currently the seventh busiest 

airport in the world. On March 11, 2023, 

the airport recorded its busiest travel day 

with 95,287 arriving/departing passengers. 

OCSO’s History 

OCSO started its Aviation Section under 

Sheriff Dave Starr in the mid-1950s with two 

airplanes, and the air support unit has been 

in continuous operation since that time. 

OCSO was responsible for medical transports 

starting in the 1970s and fulfilled that 

mission until this service was turned over to 

Orange County Fire Rescue in 1999. Since 

then, the Aviation Section has been focused 

exclusively on law enforcement operations. 

OCSO currently employs 1,610 sworn 

personnel and 613 civilian employees. The 

agency is responsible for services in all the 

unincorporated areas of the county along 

70 30 The AIR BLUES BEAT MAGAZINE l Conference Preview l 2023 

www.publicsafetyaviation.org The BLUES l 71 31 




with staffing the courthouses and providing 

school resource officers to 130 schools. 

The Aviation Section is based three 

miles east of downtown at the Orlando 

Executive Airport. This location places the 

Aviation Section in the center of the county 

minimizing the response time county-wide. 

The Aviation Section has two hangars. One 

hangar is used by the duty crew, administration 

and houses in-service aircraft ready 

to be deployed. The second hangar is used 

by maintenance staff to work on aircraft 

and store parts and aircraft undergoing inhouse 

maintenance. 

Currently, the OCSO Aviation Section 

operates three Bell 407 helicopters, a Bell 

206-L4 helicopter and a Cessna T206H 

Stationair airplane. All aircraft are equipped 

with Garmin G500-based avionics packages, 

along with Wescam MX-10 EO-IR 

cameras and SHOTOVER’s Augmented Reality 

Mapping Systems. 

The Aviation Section is staffed 24/7 with 

a pilot and a tactical flight officer, plus additional 

crews cover overlapping shifts that 

allow two aircraft and crews to cover peak 

hours. The Aviation Section currently has 24 

full-time members, 13 part-time TFOs and 

one reserve deputy pilot who served in the 

unit for 22 years before retiring. Two of the 

full-time members and one part-time TFO are 

officers with the Orlando Police Department 

and are assigned to the Aviation Section. 

Maintenance is handled in-house. OCSO’s 

maintenance department is currently run by a 

director of maintenance and staffed by two 

airframe and powerplant mechanics and an 

avionics technician. As with any other airborne 

law enforcement unit, it’s the maintenance 

staff that keeps the unit up and running. 

Aviation Section’s Missions 

The Aviation Section provides aerial law 

enforcement support for incidents such as 

surveillance, pursuits, suspect searches, 

Following an extensive reconfiguration in February 2023, OCSO's newest Bell 407 aircraft 

has improved safety and mission effectiveness. 

missing persons, aerial support during critical 

incidents, water rescues, pre- and postdisaster 

damage assessments, search and 

rescues, fire spotting and other fire support 

missions, public relations details, dignitary 

visits, homeland security tasks, and any 

other request that may come in. 

The Aviation Section also provides aerial 

support to a variety of governmental partners, 

including the Orange County Board of 

County Commissioners, Department of Environmental 

Protection, Orange County Fire 

Rescue Department, Orange County Code 

Enforcement, Orange County Emergency 

Operations Center, United States Secret 

Service, United States Transportation Security 

Administration, and the 12 municipal 

police departments within Orange County. 

Most of the unit’s flights are conducted to 

assist the Uniform Patrol Division with inprogress 

felony crimes. Members of the Aviation 

Section work these calls closely with the 

K-9 Unit and operate a perimeter containment 

model. While the K-9 is on the ground tracking, 

the patrol units are containing the suspect 

and the aircrew is working ahead of K-9 to 

provide aerial surveillance and minimize the 

risk to the K-9 Unit while tracking suspects. 

This method and teamwork have greatly 

increased the success rate in apprehensions. 

The next most common request received 

is to assist surveillance units with felony 

suspect apprehensions. These surveillance 

missions range from people out on foot in 

crowded areas to vehicle surveillance. The 

terrain can be congested areas such as 

downtown Orlando or near the tourist corridor 

to rural sections of the county, which 

are primarily pine tree forests or swamp 

land. These surveillance missions are where 

the Cessna 206 is most often utilized. 

The Aviation Section also trains closely 

with the agency’s SWAT team. Crewmembers 

are trained quarterly on both a Tyler 

Special Operations Platform and aerial platform 

shooting. These capabilities allow for a 

quick response in the event of a critical incident 

by moving SWAT operators anywhere in 

the county quickly, without being limited by 

congestion or traffic. 

OCSO has been using Unmanned Aerial 

System (UAS) for over 20 years and just 

recently brought UAS operations into the 

Aviation Section. This has resulted in streamlined 

operations and communications with 

the UAS operators during deployments in 

the field. The agency currently operates 30 

UAS in patrol scenarios, explosive ordinance 

disposal, and SWAT operations. This portion 

of the Aviation Section is rapidly growing 

and is expected to double in size in the 

coming year. 

Last year, the Aviation Section handled 

3,925 calls for service, flew 1,656 hours, 

made 235 infrared camera apprehensions, 

assisted with 580 additional arrests and 

located 45 victims. 

Also in 2022, OCSO took delivery of its 

third Bell 407, which has allowed for a higher 

volume of calls and more apprehensions. 

With this additional helicopter, the Aviation 

Section is on pace to fly approximately 

2,000 hours this year and is currently trending 

a 40% increase in apprehensions. 

Aircrew Recruitment & Selection 

The Aviation Section recently revamped 

its selection and training process and has 

seen great results. An emphasis has been 

placed on deputies who have experience 

conducting surveillance, high-risk take 

downs, tactical units beyond uniform patrol, 

and working perimeters. The understanding 

of these tactics transitions well into working 

the calls in the air from a TFO seat. In the 

last posting, there were 38 deputies that 

applied for this position and the Aviation 

Section was able to select deputies with 

extensive experience in this area. 

After being selected, the trainee TFOs 

go through an intensive 40-hour ground 

school including Shallow Water Emergency 

Egress Training before beginning their flight 

training. Next, trainee TFOs are temporarily 

assigned to the Aviation Section for a 

month where they alternate day and night 

shifts. While flying active missions, there is 

a senior TFO in the back coaching and 

assisting with calls for service. During this 

time, numerous training scenarios are 

incorporated as benchmarks to ensure a 

progression is met. If the TFO successfully 

The tourist corridor known as International Drive features shops, restaurants, amusements 

and numerous hotels around the Orange County Convention Center. 

completes this training, they are signed-off 

for solo duties and remain in a trainee 

status for one year before earning their 

wings. These part-time TFOs are then 

required to work two shifts a month with 

mandatory night shifts every 90 days to 

stay proficient. 

When a full-time vacancy in the Aviation 

Section becomes available, the part-time 

TFOs are likely the most qualified candidates. 

This allows the aviation unit to immediately 

fill an open position with a trained 

TFO and eliminates the months of downtime 

that would result if a trained TFO wasn’t 

prepared. This has increased efficiency 

since the TFO is already familiar with unit 

members and operations, which makes for a 

swift, seamless transition. The Aviation 

Section has found that the best TFOs make 

the best law enforcement pilots. So, when 

looking to fill a pilot spot, previous TFO 

experience is preferred due to the extensive 

experience they have doing the job. 

However, anyone with a commercial rotorcraft 

rating and second-class medical is eligible 

to apply. 

Whether protecting the magic, securing 

critical infrastructure, catching bad guys or 

locating lost individuals, the OCSO Aviation 

Section stands ready and willing to assist 

the citizens and visitors of Central Florida. 

On behalf of the entire OCSO Aviation 

Section, we look forward to seeing you at 

APSCON 2023 this summer! 

Take a tour of the OSCO Aviation Section’s aircraft on 

YouTube or watch the OCSO’s Facebook Live tour. 

Tour the OCSO Fleet: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNHD1rlsAqI 

OCSO’s Facebook Live video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgeR_17fpjI 

32 AIR BEAT MAGAZINE l Conference Preview l 2023 


72 The BLUES / SPECIAL AVIATION INSERT The BLUES / SPECIAL AVIATION INSERT 73 

www.publicsafetyaviation.org l 33

The Gold Standard in 

Special Mission Aircraft 

By John Nielsen, 

Director of Airborne Law Enforcement Operations, 

Air Bear Tactical Aircraft 

A QUICK DIVE DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE I started as a Tactical Flight Officer, 

Time and technology ultimately 

FAST FORWARD 

I’m John Nielsen, Director of Airborne working in both helicopters and airplanes 

changed the paradigm in providing efficient 

airborne law enforcement sup- 

the same stories today from numerous Law 

Here we are in 2023 and I’m listening to 

Law Enforcement Operations and a founding 

member and partner in Air Bear Tacti- 

to master the EO/IR camera technology, 

for the first few years, and learned how 

port. While technology has improved Enforcement programs that are stuck in the 

cal Aircraft. My airborne law enforcement which honestly wasn’t very effective or 

dramatically, it always seems that law “we’ve always done it this way, and it’s not 

experience dates to the mid-1980s, when I reliable at that time. We had to be very 

enforcement is slow to adapt to new going to change” mentality. I and my partners 

here at Air Bear hear this constantly; 

landed my first gig in the Air Support program 

for the California Highway Patrol. I during search missions, hence why heli- 

low and slow to get a workable image 

technologies and capabilities, insisting 

upon going with “what works.” Even while there is newer, proven technology 

worked the road as a trooper for 5 years, copters became the platform of choice for 

for a large modern agency like the CHP, that costs significantly less, many agencies 

had tested and waited to be picked up as mounting the rudimentary technology that 

change was painfully slow. 

insist upon going “with what we know.” 

an airplane pilot. 

was available. 



This is all well and good if it works for you, 

however these days budgets are tight and 

operating and acquisition costs are pressuring 

airborne activities. There is a better 

way forward. 

I had a great conversation the other day 

with an Airborne Law Enforcement team 

that is actively researching tactics to become 

more effective. I was inspired by the 

passion of these young officers. The history 

of the Air Support Unit and personal testimonies 

from the crew was familiar, as I’ve 

listened to the same set of issues and problems 

within our unique profession so many 

times before. It’s a little like Bill Murray in 

Groundhog Day; agencies nationwide have 

been caught in the same cycle of provid- 

radical idea of adding Intelligence technology 

to my assigned airplane, so we could 

expand the mission of the Fixed Wing program. 

CHP air operations at that time had 

largely been a traffic enforcement operation 

during daytime hours. As expected, 

slow adaptation was the norm. For the next 

15 years, I paid very close attention to the 

tactics that improved our air program and 

continued to gather information to keep the 

voice of change active. 

In 2005 we received funding from the 

Department of Transportation to integrate 

our CHP Cessna 206 airplane with a large 

format EO/IR camera system. The MX-15 

camera was the largest and most powerful 

surveillance system available to domestic 

tioning to get the best angle for our camera 

during searches, practiced the key tactics 

of sending out clear concise information, 

controlled pursuits, contained perimeters, 

and perfected how we hunted crime from 

above. 

In 2006, we looked back at the 2005 results 

with that first ISR airplane, Call sign 

Air-21. In 12 months, we flew that single 

ship 1,800 hours in patrol support, both 

night and day. This resulted in 600 confirmed 

felony suspects being located and 

in custody arrests; actively engaged in 200 

police pursuits that also resulted in arrests 

without injuries to allied agencies or the 

public. Additionally, Air-21 was successful 

in finding numerous lost subjects within 

ment is not focusing on the main rule for 

success, which is Actively Waiting! 

The axiom “If You’re Not In The Air, You’re 

Not There” was proven by Air-21. You must 

be in the air, on station and ready to respond, 

which requires cost-effective, modern 

technology to provide affordable and 

reliable support. 

Spending time with major agencies 

across the nation, I’ve determined the single 

issue which restricts many air units from 

providing effective air support is that most 

programs can’t afford to fly the number of 

hours per shift to have a significant impact. 

High costs result in responding from the 

airport hangar to pursuits and crimes in 

progress, which is statistically ineffective. 

ing Air Support that is not optimal, hence 

not making a solid impact nor providing a 

return on their investment. We don’t like 

change, so we fight to keep things the way 

they’ve always been. 

If any of this hit’s home, then it’s time to 

take an honest and serious look at how 

Pro-active Air Support historically and statistically 

“Works!” 

PATIENT PERSISTENCE 

It was 1990 when I presented my first 

study to CHP management. It included a 

Law Enforcement at that time. Our airplane 

crews had no tactical experience using 

this technology, but thankfully we received 

excellent training and support from Kevin 

Means, a highly experienced Pilot/ Officer 

with the San Diego Police Department. 

Kevin wrote the book on how to effectively 

search using thermal imaging cameras, 

and he was the first to instill that solid tactical 

information from above has very little 

to do with the platform, or type of aircraft 

it is attached to. We focused on the posi- 

the Sierra Nevada Mountains; Air-21 was 

also active in speed enforcement and other 

activities supporting dozens of allied agencies. 

All with one fixed wing aircraft. 

SHIFTING PARADIGMS 

At that moment in time, we realized the 

paradigm had shifted. To date, I have yet to 

see this level of activity from any single law 

enforcement aircraft; helicopter or airplane 

within the U.S., and there is specific reason 

for this outcome. Airborne Law Enforce- 

Ground response provides you with 90% 

chance of arriving overhead on a call that’s 

now cold. 

ACTIVE WAITING 

Air Support is only effective when a 

crew is actively Airborne and can engage 

a dispatch priority call immediately. It’s 

all about what happens in those first few 

minutes. This requires adopting an “Active 

Waiting” technique, which is really hours 

of boredom interspersed with seconds and 

minutes of effective response. In a world 



where everything is over in 120 seconds, 

ground dispatch just does not provide effective 

results. 

So, what does work? The aircraft needs 

to loiter in a position of opportunity for the 

crew to engage in real time. You must have 

the window of opportunity to See, Act, Engage, 

Control, and Mitigate the risk of the 

ground response. Then contain the perimeter, 

and coordinate a successful arrest. 

Back to rule #1, “If you’re not in the air, 

you’re not there.” This requires a cost-effective 

platform which you can afford to fly 

every day, every shift. 

Active Waiting is the starting point to 

change the outcome of a critical incident, 

and if you can’t afford to loiter above your 

city for hours at a time with your current 

aircraft, then I would suggest you investigate 

other cost-effective solutions. 

We run across units who continually 

pursue purchasing the same platform as 

they currently cannot afford to operate or 

are seeking bigger aircraft which are well 

beyond the requirements of their mission. 

It is little wonder why airborne law enforcement 

units are having a difficult time 

staying relevant. Buying the same model 

aircraft, with the same annual operating 

budget that will ultimately handcuff the 

crews to a ground-based response isn’t a 

solid plan. 

THE PLUG 

Here at Air Bear Tactical Aircraft, we focus 

on modern low-cost turnkey solutions for 

the Airborne Law Enforcement community. 

Our Diamond DA62-MPP (Multi-Purpose 

Platform) is a modern twin diesel powered 

airplane that can loiter (Actively Waiting) 

for over 8 hours, burning less than 8 gallons 

of Jet fuel (total) per hour. Its carbon 

footprint and operating costs are extremely 

low as compared to turbine helicopters and 

fixed wing aircraft that are frequently used 

for police programs. The hourly operating 

cost of an MPP is equivalent to the most 

popular single engine piston in use today, 

while providing much better payload capacity 

and time on station. 

This modern purpose-built platform can 

park a flight crew and advanced Eye in the 

Sky ISR technology over a city and on station 

for more hours per shift, for less money. 

This dramatic increase in patrol flight 

hours will allow engagement in real time, 

which will transform the operational effectiveness 

of your Air Support Program. 

I’ve spent 14,000 hours hunting crime 

from above and instructed nationally for 

over two decades to hundreds of Law Enforcement 

Air Crews. My advice is to define 

the problem, and determine what’s holding 

you back. Assemble the team and ask the 

questions; someone inside that room will 

have the answers. Focus on Pro-active Air 

Support, which is keeping a flight crew on 

station and Actively Waiting for that next 

priority dispatch. Be aggressive with the 

response and control it so you can contain 

and capture criminals. 

With modern technology, you can do this 

complex mission using a cost-effective 

fixed wing platform. Be passionate, embrace 

change, and focus on tactics that 

have been proven to deliver results. 

Air Bear Tactical Aircraft will provide the 

right platform for your mission and budget 

when you’re ready to move forward. Come 

see us in Booth 707 in Orlando, we’ll be 

happy to discuss your needs and how we 

can help you become a far more productive 

air unit. 



Air Bear announces the arrival of 

the DA62-MPP in North America 

The Shape of Things To Come Is Here! 

The next generation airborne law enforcement surveillance 

platform is now shipping to North American customers. 

The highly capable, multi-role aircraft provides exceptionally low 

DOC’s (about $260.00/hour with Piston Power’s complete aircraft 

tip to tail maintenance program) while providing best in class 

surveillance capabilities. 

Air Bear is the exclusive DA62-MPP distributor for the USA. 

Contact the Air Bear to learn how the MPP can increase your 

efficiency while dramatically lowering your acquisition and 

operating costs. 

Learn more at: www.airbear.aero 

Diamond DA62-MPP Now Delivering 

to North America! 

FULLY FAA CERTIFIED, THE MPP SETS 

NEW STANDARDS IN EFFICIENCY 

AND CAPABILITIES FOR AIRBORNE 

LAW ENFORCEMENT 

The MPP uses just 7.6 g/hr (total) of 

Jet-A at loiter speed, capable of 

sprinting at up to 192 kts. 

Multi-role, multi-mission capable 

Capable, Efficient & Cost Effective 

Air Bear Tactical Aircraft | 19711 Campus Drive #150 Santa Ana, CA 92707 | 855-699-5489 

www.airbear.aero | bearsintheair@airbear.aero 



By Terry Palmer, APSA Training Program Manager 

The Airborne Public Safety Association 

is excited to be back in Orlando, 

FL for its annual conference, 

APSCON 2023. Located next to the 

Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), 

the host hotel, Rosen Centre, offers worldclass 

accommodations and is attached to 

the convention center via a skywalk. Education 

and training will take place from 

Monday, July 17 through Saturday, July 22, 

2023 at the OCCC’s West Concourse. 

APSCON 2023 starts with our conference 

courses designed for all facets of 

public safety aviation. There are eight 

Conference Courses offered from Monday, 

July 17 through Wednesday, July 19. The 

in-depth courses offered are the Aviation 

Safety Officer Course, Airborne Thermographer 

Certification Course, Aviation Safety 

Management Systems Course, Flight 

Instructor Refresher Course (Tuesday, July 

18 and Wednesday, July 19), Public Safety 

Aviation Unit Manager Course, Tactical Flight 

Officer Couse, Fixed-Wing Operations 

Course and the IA Renewal Course (Wednesday, 

July 19 only). Each course has been 

updated and new instructors have been 

brought in to refresh the courses. See 

pages 11-13 for more course information. 

There will be a General Session on Thursday, 

July 20 from 1300 hours to 1430 

hours entitled “Sharing Airspace, Manned 

and Unmanned.” The General Session will 

feature a panel discussion with industry leaders 

on communication, regulation and working 

safely in shared airspace. This will be an 

informative session and is relevant to everyone 

in public safety. 

APSA’s Safety Symposium will also take 

place on Thursday, July 20 from 1530 to 

1700 hours. Safety Program Manager Cory 

DeArmitt has put together a fantastic panel 

of safety subject matter experts from various 

public safety agencies, consultants and 

corporate members that will share important 

and vital safety information. This also gives 

you an opportunity to share ideas and best 

practices with other members and request 

safety subjects and resources for future 

APSA Safety Stand-Tos and Seminars. 

As you’ll notice, there will be limited classes 

on Thursday so that attendees can spend their 

time on the exhibition floor visiting the corporate 

members. Classes will then resume on 

Friday, July 21 from 0800 to 1700 hours and 

on Saturday, July 22 from 0830 to 1200 hours. 

CONFERENCE CLASSES 

For 52 years, APSA has continued to be 

committed to providing affordable worldclass 

public safety aviation education training 

and delivering quality education to its 

membership. For APSCON 2023, classes will 

focus on the various missions within public 

safety aviation. This includes a focus on: 

Safety 

Law Enforcement 

Aerial Firefighting 

Fixed-Wing Operations 

Drone Operations 

Legal and Regulatory Issues 

Public Aircraft Operations 

Military Excess Aircraft 

Training 

Night Operations 

Search and Rescue 

Tactical Operations 

Homeland Security 

Natural Resources 

Public Safety 

Unit Management 



APSCON COURSES 

All of these conference courses will be held at the Orange County Convention Center. 

Public Safety Aviation 

Unit Manager Course 

Mon. July 17 – Wed. July 19 

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Location: W103A 

APSCON 2023 will conduct 37 classes 

with these focus areas. The classes will feature 

several new classes and traditional classes 

(although updated for 2023) that have been 

offered at previous conferences. The classes 

are designed so that the student can follow a 

particular focus area or attend classes from 

various focus areas. For APSCON 2023, the 

following new classes will be offered: 

Spatial Disorientation Induced by 

Degraded Visual Environment 

Drone Assessment and 

Response Tactics 

Big Aerial Survey Techniques 

FAA Safety Program Updates 

Fixed-Wing Patrol Tactics 

Human Performance 

Human Factors 

Tactical Awareness Kits (TAK) 

Night Vision Googles – Keeping it 

Cloud Free 

In addition to these classes, APSA is 

pleased to be offering several updated 

classes in 2023 that are requested every 

year, including: 

Tactical Aircraft Operations 

Airborne Use of Force 

Vehicle Pursuit Management 

Thermal Imagery Tactics 

Aircrew Roundtable 

Unit Manager Roundtable 

Safety Officer Roundtable 

Upon completion of any of the conference 

classes, certificates will be available in 

the APSA Education Office, which is located 

in the OCCC. 

TECH TALKS 

APSCON 2023 will again be conducting 

Tech Talks by exhibiting corporate members 

on the exhibition floor. Look for the “Tech Talk 

Theater” overhead signage in the exhibition 

hall. A schedule of these sessions will be in 

the onsite Program Guide and posted on our 

website prior to the start of APSCON 2023. 

These briefings are very informative, so please 

be sure to support our corporate members 

and stop by and attend them. 

WATER EGRESS & 

SURVIVAL TRAINING 

Survival Systems USA will conduct the 

Water Egress and Survival Training Course. 

The class will take place on Thursday, July 

20 from 0800 to 1700 hours at the Rosen 

Centre Hotel (Salon 20) for the classroom 

portion and the Rosen Centre pool area for 

the practical portion of the course. This 

training requires a separate registration and 

medical waiver. 

As you continue your professional development, 

rest assured that APSA will deliver exceptional 

value-based training as it is known as 

being the “gold standard” in public safety aviation 

training. While attending APSCON 2023, 

take the time to meet new friends, reconnect 

with old ones and explore all that our corporate 

members have to offer regarding new products, 

gear, technology and services. 

Please take the time to explore the Orlando 

attractions after-hours and enjoy the city. We 

look forward to seeing you in Orlando! 

Tactical Flight Officer Course 


8:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Location: W104A 

The Tactical Flight Officer Course is designed to hone the 

airborne tactical skills of aircrews. This year, we welcome Clay 

Lacey of the Texas Department of Public Safety as the lead 

instructor. The course will provide all the information necessary 

to safely and successfully support ground personnel 

involved in law enforcement missions. 

The course is not just designed for TFOs, but is applicable to pilots and crewmembers 

alike. Students will learn how to set up perimeters, effectively direct a scene from the 

air, manage critical missions from above and how to conduct a thermal imagery search 

using the latest in airborne tactics. In addition, the course will explore the specialized 

equipment that is available and how to properly integrate it into your day-to-day operation. 

This class is essential to your aviation law enforcement professional development 

and a must for all TFOs. This course is sponsored by MD Helicopters, Inc. Maximum 

enrollment is 70. 

Cost: $395 members; $495 non-members 

Sponsored by 

The Public Safety Sponsored by 

Aviation Unit 

Manager Course 

continues to be a 

popular course. It is designed to provide 

both the newly assigned or experienced 

aviation unit managers and supervisors with 

the latest information and tools to effectively 

and efficiently manage, supervise and 

lead their agency’s aviation unit. The course 

will include topics regarding unit administration, 

budgets and finance, safety and SOPs, 

training program management, legal and 

regulatory issues and personnel selection. 

Each class is designed specifically for the 

manager and supervisor to enhance his/her 

ability to lead their unit. 

APSA will again subsidize the cost of course 

tuition and conference registration to the 

first 20 unit managers or supervisors who 

register for this course. (The applicant must 

be an APSA member, currently assigned as 

the officer in command or supervisor of a 

public safety aviation unit, not previously 

attended the Unit Manager Course, and the 

offer is extended to only one person per 

agency.) This course is sponsored by 

Airbus. Maximum enrollment is 70. 

Cost: $395 members; 

$495 non-members 

84 The BLUES www.publicsafetyaviation.org The BLUES l 85 11 


10 AIR BEAT MAGAZINE l Conference Preview l 2023



Maintenance IA 

Renewal Course 

Wed. July 19 

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Location: W101A 

The Maintenance IA Sponsored by 

Renewal Course for 

maintenance technicians 

returns again 

this year, but has been totally refreshed. 

The course features new topics and 

instructors for 2023. It will focus on 

turbine engine maintenance, rotor blade 

inspections, avionics, UAS maintenance 

and maintenance safety. This course 

meets the 8-hour FAA requirement for IA 

renewal. FAA IA Renewal Course 

Approval Number: C-IND-IM-190411-K- 

012-001 (4/30/2023) This course is 

sponsored by RMCI, Inc. 

Cost: FREE for APSA Members, 


Flight Instructor 

Refresher Course 

Tues. July 18 – Wed. July 19 

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Location: W104B 

APSA is happy to partner with Randy 

Rowles and the staff of Helicopter Institute, 

Inc. to offer this course again. The 

entire course curriculum is geared 

toward guiding the student renewal of 

their current flight instructor certificates 

under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 

61, while enhancing their knowledge and 

skill with the latest developments in standardization, 

regulations and helicopter 

flight techniques. Instructed by the 

exceptional instructors from the Helicopter 

Institute, Inc., the FIRC is a must 

have for those members seeking to 

renew their CFI certificates. Presented 

by Helicopter Institute. Maximum enrollment 

is 65. 

Cost: $275 members; 


Fixed-Wing 

Operations Course 


8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Location: W101B 

The Fixed-Wing Sponsored by 

Operations 

Course was 

developed to 

enhance the skills of members operating 

fixed-wing aircraft in public safety. The 

course is designed for all aircrew members, 

and it will educate the students on the 

missions, specific technology, tactics, CRM, 

traffic enforcement, surveillance operations 

and other pertinent subjects specific to the 

operation of a fixed-wing aircraft in the 

public safety mission. 

Often overshadowed by helicopters, fixedwing 

aircraft are a cost-effective means to 

perform airborne public safety missions. 

This course will exploit this concept and 

assist the student in developing and sustaining 

a vibrant, effective fixed-wing aviation 

unit. The class is instructed by subject 

matter experts from across the United 

States and Canada and surely will be a hit at 

this year’s conference. This course is sponsored 

by Pilatus Business Aircraft. 

Maximum enrollment is 65. 

Cost: $395 members; 



MONDAY • JULY 17, 2023 

TIME COURSE ROOM 

8:00 AM – 

5:00 PM 

Airborne Thermographer Certification Course 

Sponsored by Teledyne FLIR 

Aviation Safety Management Systems Course 

Aviation Safety Officer Course 

Co-sponsored by Baldwin Safety & Compliance and Loft Dynamics 

Fixed-Wing Operations Course 

Sponsored by Pilatus Business Aircraft 

Public Safety Aviation Unit Manager Course 

Sponsored by Airbus 


Sponsored by MD Helicopters, Inc. 

TUESDAY • JULY 18, 2023 

W102A 

W103B 

W102B 

W101B 

W103A 

W104A 




W102A 

8:00 AM – 

5:00 PM 






Flight Instructor Refresher Course 

Presented by Helicopter Institute 





W103B 

W102B 

W101B 

W104B 

W103A 

W104A 

www.publicsafetyaviation.org l 13 





WEDNESDAY • JULY 19, 2023 


8:00 AM – 

5:00 PM 








Flight Instructor Refresher Course 

Maintenance IA Renewal Course 

Sponsored by RMCI, Inc. 

W102A 

W102B 

W102B 

W101B 

W104B 

W101A 

0800 – 1700 

APSCON CLASSES 

All APSCON classes will be held at the Orange County Convention Center. Tech Talks will be 

conducted on Thursday and Friday at the Orange County Convention Center. The Tech Talk 

schedule will be posted in the onsite APSCON 2023 Program Guide for your convenience. 

THURSDAY • JULY 20, 2023 

Water Survival/ 

Egress Classroom Instruction 

Survival Systems USA, Inc. will conduct Water Survival 

and Egress Training, where students will learn from a 

team of experts how to egress after ditching in water 

and how to use your emergency air and survival vest. 

Equipment and techniques will be discussed in a classroom-ground 

school setting, followed by practical application 

in the dunker at the hotel pool. The registration 

fee for members is $295, plus a waiver form that must 

be completed prior to training. 

Survival Systems USA, Inc. 

Salon 20 and 

Rosen Centre Pool 

1030 – 1600 NETWORKING & TRADESHOW Exhibit Hall 

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS 





W103A 

W104A 

1300 – 1430 

General Session: Sharing Airspace, 

Manned and Unmanned 

The General Session will feature a panel discussion with 

industry leaders on communication, regulation and working 

safely in shared airspace. This will be an informative 

session that is relevant to everyone in public safety. 

Instructor TBD 

Room 

W101B 

1430 – 1600 Maintenance Technician Roundtable 

Michael Broderick, 

Rotor Doc, LLC 

Room W102A 

1530 – 1700 Safety Symposium 

Facilitated by Cory DeArmitt, 

APSA Safety Program Manager 

Panelists: 

Dudley Crosson, PhD, 

APSA Aeromedical Liaison/Delta P, Inc. 

Terry Palmer, 

APSA Training Program Manager 

Chris Young, 

Pik West Insurance Agency 

Room 

W101B 






FRIDAY • JULY 21, 2023 


FRIDAY • JULY 21, 2023 

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS 

Airborne Use of Force: Lessons Learned 

(Tactical Operations) 

Mike Peck, 

Paladin Resources Group, Inc. 

Room W105B 

Drone Assessment & Response Tactics 

(Emergency Management) 

Joel Haley, 

Energetic Materials Research and 

Testing Center, New Mexico Tech 

Room W102B 

Fixed-Wing Patrol Tactics 

(Fixed-Wing Operations) 

Jon Pierce, 

California Highway Patrol 

Office of Air Operations 

Room W101A 

0830 – 1000 

0830 – 1030 

Operational Risk Management 

(Safety and SMS) 

Spatial Disorientation Induced by 

a Degraded Visual Environment 

Success Stories: Use of Drones in 

Public Safety (Drone Operations) 

Bryan Smith, 

Chief Pilot, Pinellas County (FL) 

Sheriff’s Office Flight Unit 

Tyson Phillips, 

AT Systems, LLC 

Facilitated by Sgt. Mike Seligsohn, 

El Dorado County (CA) Sheriff’s Office 

Panelists: Scott Mlakar, Willoughby (OH) 

Fire Department; Matt King, Cass 

County (ND) Sheriff’s Office; 

Brandon Herring, Crawford County (AK) 

Sheriff's Office; Jason Day, Texas 

Department of Public Safety; Mike 

Uleski, FlightSafety International and 

Doug Daniels, Highland County (OH) 

Sheriff’s Office 

Room W102A 

Room W101A 

Room 

W101B 

1300 – 1430 

Human Factors: Real Life Applications 

to Safety (Safety and SMS) 

IIMC – Stay In Control! 

Responding To High-Rise Emergencies 

(Homeland Security) 

Tactical Aircraft Operations & Safety 

(Night Operations) 

Understanding Aviation Law 

Vehicle Pursuit Management and Coordination 

(Law Enforcement Operations) 

Bryan Smith, 

Chief Pilot, Pinellas County (FL) 

Sheriff’s Office Flight Unit 

Eric Cabana, 

Bell Training Academy 

Ken Solosky, 

New York Police Department 

Aviation Unit (Ret.) 

Nick Minx and Phil Cady, 

Tactical Flying, Inc. 

Robert Lakind, 

Aviation Attorney 

Clay Lacey, 

Texas Department of Safety 

Aircraft Operations Division 

Room W103B 

Room W102B 

Room W108A 

Room W102A 

Room W103A 

Room W104A 

0900 – 1030 

Overview of the Natural Resources Aviation Unit 

(Natural Resources) 

Francis Neeley, 

Pilot/Firefighter/EMT, 

Florida Forest Service (FFS) 

Room W103A 

1000 – 1400 NETWORKING & TRADESHOW Exhibit Hall 

Flight Simulation & Virtual Reality 

Randy Gawenda, 

Frasca International, Inc. 

Room W104A 

1330 – 1500 

Aviation Fire Forecasting 


Building Community Partnerships for 

Your Public Safety Drone Operation 

(Drone Operations) 

Human Performance: How 

Are We Compromising Safety? (Part 1) 

(Aeromedical) 

National Weather Service 

Brandon Herring, 

Crawford County (AR) Sheriff’s Office 

Dudley Crosson, PhD., 

APSA Aeromedical Liaison/ 

Delta P, Inc. 

Room W108B 

Room W202A 

Room W101B 

1030 – 1200 

Lessons Learned from Aviation Accidents 

Jeff Guzzetti, 

Guzzetti Aviation Risk Discovery, 

FAA, NTSB (retired) 

Room W103B 

Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) 

(Emergency Management) 

Brandon Alberd and Jason Day, 

Texas Department of Public Safety 

Room W105A 

1300 – 1400 

CFI Roundtable Discussion (Training) 

Randy Rowles, 

Helicopter Institute/ 

FAA Designated Examiner 

Exhibit Hall 

Tech Talk 

Theater 2 

Register for APSCON 2023 today at www.publicsafetyaviation.org or fill out the registration form on page 53. 

1530 – 1700 

Aircrew Roundtable 

(Public Safety) 

Richard Bray, 

APSA President/Chief Pilot, 

Alachua County (FL) Sheriff’s Office 

Room W101A 

90 The BLUES www.publicsafetyaviation.org l 17 


The BLUES 91 



Human Performance: How Are We 

Compromising Safety? (Part 2) (Aeromedical) 

Dudley Crosson, PhD., 

APSA Aeromedical Liaison/ 

Delta P, Inc. 

Room W102A 

Integration of Drones into 

Emergency Management Operation 

(Search and Rescue) 

Jamie Stirling, 

SAR-1 

Room W202A 

Natural Resource Aircrew Roundtable 


Jason Jenson, 

Minnesota Department 

of Natural Resources Law 

Enforcement Aviation Division 

Room W105A 

Night Vision Goggles: Keeping it Cloud Free 

Tony Tsantles, 

Aviation Specialties Unlimited, Inc. 

Room W102B 

1530 – 1700 

Securing the Harbor: Use of Aerial Assets 

for Harbor Security Initiatives 

(Homeland Security) 

Ken Solosky, 

New York Police Department 

Aviation Unit (Ret.) 

Room W101B 

Tactical Training and Simulation 

David Harper, 

FlightSafety International 

Room W103A 

The Tactics Of Teaching TFOs 

(Training) 

Matthew Zdunich, 

San Diego (CA) Police Department 

Air Support Unit/Tactical Flying, Inc. 

Room W108A 

Thermal Imagery Tactics 

(Night Operations) 

Nick Minx and Phil Cady, 

Tactical Flying, Inc./San Diego (CA) 

Police Department Air Support Unit 

Room W104A 

Wildland Aerial Firefighting Tactics 

(Aerial Firefighting) 

Karl Cotton, 

Helicopter Institute, Inc. 

Room W108B 

SATURDAY • JULY 22, 2023 

0830 – 1000 

Leadership: How Your Leadership Style 

Effects the Operation of Your Aviation Unit 

(Unit Management) 

Terry Miyauchi, 

Bell/Arizona Department of 

Public Safety (Ret.) 

Room W105A 

1030 – 1200 

Public Safety Aviation Unit 

Commanders Roundtable (Unit Management) 

Richard Bray, 

APSA President/Chief Pilot, 

Alachua County (FL) Sheriff’s Office 

Room W105A 

Airborne Public Safety Accreditation 

Commission Update 

(Public Safety Operations) 

Bill Probets, 

APSAC Chairperson 

Room W105B 




By Terry Palmer, APSA Training 

Program Manager 

With a mix of courses and classes, as well as a shared exhibit hall 

with APSCON 2023, make plans to continue your professional 

UAS development in Orlando this summer! 

For several years, APSA has 

provided education and training to 

public safety drone operations, 

now known as APSCON 

Unmanned. This portion of APSCON is also 

being held at the Orange County Convention 

Center (OCCC) beginning on Monday, 

July 17 with two days of conference 

courses covering operations, management, 

safety and airborne tactics. 

A popular course is the Public Safety 

Drone Aerial Thermography and Tactics 

Course. This course covers thermography 

theory, search and rescue, vehicle 

scans, suspect searches, 

perimeter containment, drone 

positioning, search patterns and 

foot pursuits. 

Returning again in 2023 is the 

Public Safety Drone Operations 

Unit Manager Course. Developed 

for all aspects of public safety, 

this course will provide students 

with the latest information and 

tools to effectively manage a 

small UAS public safety unit. Topics will 

include unit administration, budgets and 

finance, standard operating procedures, 

legal updates, training program management, 

personnel selection and other pertinent 

topics. The course will be instructed by 

experts in the field of public safety sUAS. 

APSA’s most popular sUAS course, the 

Basic Public Safety Drone Operations 

Course, is also being offered. This course 

has been updated and refreshed with new 

content and instructors. The course will 

cover UAS mission and applications, public 

acceptance, regulatory updates, program 

management, privacy and an in-depth 

review of the FAA Part 107 rules and COA 

process. This course is instructed by 

SMEs and designed for all public safety 

personnel operating UAS, and it is an 

excellent resource for agencies looking to 

develop a UAS unit. 

The final conference course is the 

Advanced Public Safety Drone Operations 

Course. This course was designed for 

units that already have a drone unit and 

are looking to sharpen their skills and 

expand their mission set. The 

course includes safety management 

systems, thermal imagery 

for drones, risk mitigation 

tactics, tactical use of drones as 

well as using drones for firefighting 

missions, search and rescue, 

K-9, aerial mapping (forensic use 

of drones) and critical incident 

reviews. This course is 

instructed by leaders in public 

safety drone operations. 

94 20 The 

AIR 

BLUES 

BEAT MAGAZINE l Conference Preview l 2023 

The BLUES 95 


APSCON UNMANNED COURSES 


Basic Public Safety 

Drone Operations Course 

Mon. July 17 – Tue. July 18 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Location: Room W202A 

The Basic Public Safety Drone Operations Course is designed to 

provide the student with a review of public safety drone operations 

start-up, missions and applications, FAA regulations, a 

review of the legal and privacy issues, management issues and 

all facets of starting and operating a successful program. The 

course is a must-have for agencies looking to start a drone unit. 

Successful completion requires attendance at all 16 hours of 

classroom courses. 



Public Safety Drone Operations 

Unit Manager Course 


Location: Room W202C 

The Public Safety Drone Operations Unit Manager Course is 

designed to provide public safety small unmanned aircraft 

systems unit managers and supervisors with the latest information 

and tools to effectively and efficiently manage, supervise and 

lead their agency’s sUAS unit. The course will include topics 

regarding unit administration, budgets and finance, safety and 

SOPs, training program management, legal and regulatory issues 

and personnel selection. Each class is designed specifically for 

the manager and supervisor to enhance his/her ability to lead 

their unit. 



Course registration includes Day 3 of APSCON Unmanned classes and the 

APSCON 2023 Exhibit Hall Opening Reception at the Orange County Convention Center. 

96 The BLUES 26 AIR BEAT MAGAZINE l Conference Preview l 2023 

The BLUES 97 



Advanced Public Safety 

Drone Operations Course 


Location: Room W202B 

The Advanced Public Safety Drone Operations Course was developed 

for all aspects of public safety and will provide the student 

with the latest information and tools to enhance their existing 

public safety drone unit. The course will include topics on tactical 

operations, unmanned and manned operations (risk mitigation), 

safety, operating standards, fire service operations, law enforcement 

operations, SAR operations, digital media evidence, training 

issues and other topics beyond the basic operation of a drone 

unit. The course will be instructed by experts in public safety aviation 

drone operations. 



Public Safety Drone Aerial 

Thermography and Tactics Course 


Location: Room W203A 

The Public Safety Drone Aerial Thermography and Tactics Course 

is designed to provide UAS crew members the tactical skills and 

information necessary to safely and successfully support ground 

units engaged in a variety of public safety missions. This class is 

essential to the professional development of public safety personnel 

operating drones. 



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Who is hosting this 

year’s APSCON? 

Orange County (FL) Sheriff’s Office will be 

the conference hosts. APSA is very appreciative 

of all the hard work and dedication they 

have given to planning and hosting! 

How do I register 

to attend? 

Registering is easy! Attendees may either 

register online at www.publicsafetyaviation.org 

or fill out the form included in this issue of Air 

Beat and fax or mail it to APSA. Attendees 

registering by June 1, 2023, will receive early 

registration rates. 

How can I pay? 

On the website: Visit www.publicsafetyaviation.org 

and use your Visa, Master- 

Card, Discover or American Express for 

payment. Payment must be received with 

all registrations. 

By fax: Please fill out the registration 

form and fax to APSA with your Visa, Master- 

Card, Discover or American 

Express payment. 

By mail: Please fill out the registration 

form and return with your check, Visa, 

MasterCard, Discover or American 

Express payment. 

What if my unit is paying? 

If your unit is paying, please register 

early to receive the early registration 

rates. Payment must be received with all 

registrations. Call the APSA office for 

assistance with group billing. 

What does a full, threeday 

registration include? 

Admission to all general sessions and 

conference classes. 

APSCON Exhibit Hall Opening Reception, 

Sponsored by Bell, on Wednesday 

from 1700-2000. 

APSCON Opening Breakfast & General 

Membership Meeting, sponsored by 

Trakka Systems, at the Orange County 

Convention Center on Thursday. 

Entry to the APSCON Exhibit Hall 

during regularly scheduled hours. 

Friday lunch in the APSCON Exhibit Hall. 

Awards Reception on Friday at 1800. 

Admittance to all networking 

events sponsored by various 

APSA corporate members. 

Where can I pick up 

my badge? 

All APSCON / APSCON Unmanned 2023 

Attendees, Exhibitors and Instructors may 

pick up their badges and other registration 

materials at the Registration Desk located in 

the Orange County Convention Center - 

WA1/WA2 Lobby (West Concourse 2nd 

Level) beginning on Sunday, July 16 from 

1600-1800. 

When will APSCON / 

APSCON Unmanned 

registration be open? 

Orange County Convention Center - 

WA1/WA2 Lobby (West Concourse 

2nd Level) 

Registration Desk Hours 

Sunday, July 16 1600 - 1800 

Monday, July 17 0700 - 1700 

Tuesday, July 18 0700 - 1700 

Wednesday, July 19 0700 - 2000 

Thursday, July 20 0800 - 1700 

Friday, July 21 0730 - 1700 

Saturday, July 20 0730 - 1200 

What if I have to cancel? 

Conference course and class attendees 

may cancel their registration(s) and receive 

a full refund by submitting written notice, 

which must be received by the APSA home 

office by July 3, 2023. All cancellations 

received after this date will be charged a 

$50 administrative fee. 

Want to attend the 52nd 

Annual Awards Reception? 

The awards ceremony will be held 

on Friday, July 21 at 1800 at the Rosen 

Centre Hotel Grand D Ballroom. Please plan 

to attend and honor the recipients. 

Registration and Cancellation/Refund Policy: 

To receive the advance registration discount APSA 

must receive the registration form postmarked no 

later than 5PM EDT June 1, 2023 and payment 

MUST accompany the registration form. 

Conference course and conference attendees may 

cancel their registration(s) and receive a full refund 

by submitting written notice, which must be 

received in the APSA Headquarters by July 3, 

2023. All cancellations received after this date will 

be charged a $50 administrative fee. 

Share your public safety aviation 

photos and news with us on Twitter, 

Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

APSCON 2023 SCHEDULE 

SUNDAY, JULY 16 

Registration Open • 1600 – 1800 

Orange County Convention Center - WA1/WA2 Lobby 

(West Concourse Level 2) 

‘The Hangar’ APSA Store Open • 1600 – 1800 



MONDAY, JULY 17 







APSCON Conference Courses (Day 1) • 0800 – 1700 

Orange County Convention Center 

(West Concourse Level 1 Classrooms) 

APSCON Unmanned Courses (Day 1) • 0800 – 1700 



Aircraft Fly-In Briefing • 0700 

Aircraft Fly-In • 0800 

TUESDAY, JULY 18 










APSCON Unmanned Courses (Day 2) • 0800 – 1700 



Exhibitor Set-Up • 0800 – 1700 


(West Concourse - Halls WA1/WA2) 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 










APSCON Unmanned Classes • 0800 – 1700 



Exhibitor Set-Up • 0800 – 1500 



Exhibit Hall Opening Ceremony • 1700 – 1715 


(West Concourse - Halls WA1/WA2 Lobby) 

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception • 1715 – 2000 

Sponsored by Bell 



THURSDAY, JULY 20 







Water Survival Training • 0800 – 1600 

Rosen Centre Hotel (Salon 20) AM 

Rosen Centre Hotel (Pool) PM 

Opening Breakfast/General Membership Meeting 

0900 – 1030 • Orange County Convention Center 

(West Concourse - Room W109 1st Level) 

Breakfast sponsored by Trakka Systems 

Exhibit Hall Open • 1030 – 1600 



Tech Talks • 1100 – 1500 


(West Concourse - Halls WA1/WA2 Theaters) 

Conference General Sessions • 1300 – 1700 


(West Concourse - Level 1 Classrooms) 

Teledyne FLIR Vision Awards • 1800 – 2000 

Rosen Centre Hotel (Grand Ballroom C/D/E) 

MD Helicopters Event • 2000 – 2300 

Location TBA 

FRIDAY, JULY 21 







APSCON Conference Classes • 0830 – 1700 



Exhibit Hall Open • 1000 – 1400 



Tech Talks • 1000 – 1300 


(West Concourse - Halls WA1/WA2 Theaters) 

Exhibit Hall Attendee Lunch • 1200 – 1300 



Exhibitor Move-Out • 1400 – 2100 



Aircraft Fly-Out • 1400 

APSA Awards Reception • 1800 – 1900 

Rosen Centre Hotel (Grand D Ballroom) 

SATURDAY, JULY 22 




Exhibitor Move-Out • 0800 – 1200 



Conference Classes • 0830 – 1200 







What to Do This Summer? 

Head Down to 

Galveston Island 

Welcome to Galveston Island – the Playground of the South! 

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for your next vacation, you’ve come to the right 

place! Being less than an hour south of downtown Houston, Galveston Island is Texas’ 

friendliest and most accessible portal to the Gulf. 

There are 32 miles of beaches in Galveston, whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon 

soaking up the sun or an adventure through the waters as you swim, fish or sail. 

Galveston Island may be small, but offers a wide variety of things to do, no matter the 

season or interests; adventure, amusement parks, water parks and other water activities, 

sports, thrift and boutique shopping, a vast array of restaurants, biking, sports, history, 

and more tours than most can imagine. The possibilities are truly endless on your Texas 

coastal vacation! 

With Galveston Island’s friendly community of locals and its sub-tropical weather, the 

island has become a favored home-away-from-home for tourists from around the world. 

100 Go The to BLUES visitgalveston.com to plan your trip today. 

The BLUES 101

Head Down to 


Plan Your Stay! 

Galveston Island boasts a tremendous variety of accommodations for every budget 

and preference. From luxury hotels and resorts to elegant bed & breakfasts, and from 

vacation rentals and condos to RV parks, you will find just the place to suit your needs. 

And if you’re cruising from the Island? A number of hotels on the Island offer parking 

and transfer packages with an overnight stay, so guests can leave their car at the hotel 

and catch a ride to the cruise ship terminal. Spend a night or two in one of the Island’s 

beautiful resorts or bed and breakfasts, or find a condominium on the beach for a relaxing 

view. Bon voyage! 

Casa del Mar Beachfront Suites 

Seawall & 61st, Galveston • 409-572-0371 

The BLUES recommends: 

Casa del Mar offers 2 pools, a 

BBQ area and several meeting 

rooms ideal for small groups 

and family reunions. Centrally 

located to all of the Island attractions, 

each suite has a small 

private bedroom, a living area 

with fully stocked kitchen amenities, 

a sofa sleeper, and bunks 

ideal for small children. Casa 

del Mar is perfect for a family 

vacation or weekend getaway, 

so let their friendly staff help 

you plan a vacation that’s relaxing 

and fun! 


Head Down to 


Beach Time Vacation Rentals 

Book Online at: beachtimevacationrentals.com 

Attention all Heroes!! Are you looking for a well-deserved break? Beach Time Vacation Rentals in Galveston 

has the perfect getaway for you and your family. 

Our vacation homes and condos are located on beautiful Galveston Island, close to all the local attractions 

and activities that make Galveston a popular vacation destination. Whether you’re looking for a 

quiet, secluded retreat or a fun-filled family adventure, we have something for everyone. 

Our properties offer a comfortable “home-away-from-home,” providing all the amenities you need to 

relax and recharge. From fully equipped kitchens to comfortable sleeping arrangements, we have everything 

you need to make your vacation as stress-free as possible. 

At Beach Time Vacation Rentals, we understand the importance of taking time off to rejuvenate your 

mind, body, and spirit. That’s why we offer special discounts to all law enforcement personnel and their 

families. 

Whether you want to spend your days soaking up the sun on the beach or taking a stroll in the Historic 

Strand District, Galveston is the perfect vacation spot. And, we have everything you need to make 

your stay unforgettable. 

Book your stay with us today and experience all that Galveston has to offer. Contact us directly to 

learn more about our vacation rental properties and special discounts for law enforcement officers… 

OUR HEROES 

Call and mention your law enforcement affiliation for our 

Hatmaker’s Heroes Discount! 

(409)9744598 


1021 61st St., Galveston, TX 77551

Head Down to 


What to See & Do. 

Making the Most of Island Time. 

Galveston Island is home to some of the best attractions Texas has to offer, including Moody Gardens 

as well as Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier 

amusement park. Galveston also offers a plethora of unique museums, including The Bryan Museum, 

Texas Seaport Museum, Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum and Galveston Railroad Museum. 

Having one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, 

Galveston allows visitors to explore the island’s interesting history by touring one of its popular historic 

mansions. 

Cruise Ships 

The Port of Galveston is the fourth busiest 

home port in the United States with 

departures from Carnival, Royal Caribbean 

and Disney Cruise Lines. Need an itinerary? 

We’ve got suggestions no matter 

how much time you have before that ship 

sails. 

Historic Homes 

Although most of the original structures are long 

gone, the stories of early islanders live on in renovated 

structures and new establishments created in 

memory of the past. Visit the Homes Tour during the 

month of May. 


Head Down to 


What to See & Do. 

Making the Most of Island Time. 

Galveston Beaches 

With 32 miles of shoreline and a variety of 

parks, Galveston Island offers something for 

every kind of beach goer. And with warm Gulf 

waves from spring through October, there’s 

plenty of time to explore each beach’s unique 

personality. Whatever your sun seeking fancy, 

Galveston has a beach for you. 

Tours & Sightseeing 

Whether you prefer to stroll down quaint 

alleyways by foot or trot through the 

streets in a carriage, all paths can lead 

you on an unforgettable journey back in 

time. You’ll be entertained and enlightened 

by knowledgeable guides giving tours on 

foot, carriage, shuttle or even boat. If you 

prefer to do you own thing, we’ve assemble 

self-guided tours of popular sights 

with maps designed for mobile devices. 


Galveston Railroad Museum 

2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston • 409-765-5700 

The Galveston Railroad Museum, 

2602 Santa Fe Place, a living 

history museum, allows visitors to 

step into exhibits and participate 

in interactive displays. Located 

supervised welfare program, the 

trains operated from 1854 – 1929, 

transporting more than 200,000 

children from the East Coast to the 

West Coast in search of adoptive 

for Transportation and Commerce, 

this is the story of the last dreadnought 

battleship that fought I 

both World War I & II, the Atlantic 

and Pacific theater, D-Day, Okinawa, 

Iwo-Jima, Operations Torch, 

the restored 1932 train depot, the 

museum sits on 5 acres of railyard 

families. Galveston was one of 

the last stops on the Orphan Train Overlord-Neptune, Detachment, 

The Orphan Train: Now thru November 15 

District. 

The centerpiece of the museum’s 

exhibits are restored railcars 

that include dining and baggage 

cars, post office, military transport, 

and more. The museum is also 

home to a unique RailHotel that 

hosts guests overnight accommodations 

on restored luxury railcars. 

For a virtual tour or to make a 

reservation go to www.galvestonrrmuseum.org. 

“Ghosts of Travelers Past” in 

the Train Depot give a face to rail 

travelers from the past. Lift the 

handset in a phone booth to overhear 

their conversations. Adjacent, 

visit the Map Room to view a new 

exhibit. The Orphan Train, a quiet 

part of American history that some 

looked upon as a tragedy, and others 

as a godsend. America’s first 

in the heart of the Strand Historic 

through photographs, and testimonials. 

Continue your tour through the 

Exhibit Hall adjacent to the depot 

to visit Dining in Style - the largest 

collection of 20th Century Railroad 

Porcelain China and Silver serving 

pieces. America’s romance with 

rail travel spanned a century and a 

half, during which time enjoying a 

meal in the dining car as the scenery 

rushed by was the epitome 

of luxury travel. The fundamental 

characteristics of quality manufacture 

and design endured until the 

end of privately owned rail passenger 

service. 

Coming soon: “Traveling the 

World on a City at Sea: The Story 

of the Battleship Texas”. A collaboration 

of Texas Parks and Wildlife, 

Battleship Texas, and the Center 

journey. The exhibit tells the story 

Learn of Her illustrious career as 

seen in graphics and artifacts. 

Groups welcome. July 1 – January 

31, 2024. 

Never travel by rail? Experience 

the thrill of rail travel by hopping 

aboard the Harborside Express for 

a train ride. Available on weekends 

weather permitting, or by group 

reservation during the week. Tickets 

required to board. 

A family friendly attraction, 

there’s lots to do for all and kids 

enjoy free Blue Bell Ice Cream 

all summer. Military veterans and 

first responders receive admission 

discounts year ‘round. 

For information, membership, 

student field trips, group tours, 

and admission go to www.GalvestonRRMuseum.org. 

(409) 765- 

5700. All Aboard! 

Iceberg and Magic Carpet Ride. 


Head Down to 


When You’re Hungry. 

Best Places to Eat. 

Shrimp ‘N Stuff Downtown 

2506 Ball Street, Galveston • 409-974-4609 

Since 1976, Shrimp ‘n Stuff’s 

39th Street location has been 

“the place where the locals 

love to eat.” This downtown 

location features many of 

the same delicious po-boys, 

gumbo, and salads but they’ve 

also added broiled versions of 

Snapper, Flounder, Salmon, 

and several other fish. The 

downtown spot also ups the 

ante with full, tableside service, 

and custom table ware 

made in Mexico. 

List Your Restaurant Here 

email us: bluespdmag@gmail.com 

Katie’s Seafood House 

2000 Wharf Rd., Galveston • 409-765-5688 

For more than 20 years, Katie’s Seafood 

Market has provided the highest quality 

seafood to Galveston locals and visitors. 

In September of 2019, Katie’s husband, 

Buddy, opened Katie’s Seafood House right 

next to the store. The market supplies the 

restaurant with its fresh seafood, which is 

a unique attribute among restaurants and 

takes each dish to the next level. Stop in 

for a delicious shrimp platter and enjoy a 

house cocktail next time you in Galveston! 

The Spot 

3204 Seawall Blvd., Galveston • 409-621-5237 

Rudy & Paco 

2028 Post Office Street, Galveston • 409-762-3696 

When visiting Galveston Island, you simply 

can’t miss the Island’s most unique 

dining experience, Rudy & Paco. Awarded 

Top 100 Restaurants of 2017 and Top 100 

Romantic Restaurants of 2018, Rudy & 

Paco features grilled seafood and steak 

with a South and Central American sabor. 

Relax and unwind with your favorite 

cocktail while enjoying delicious Antojitos. 

Whether you’re dining for a special 

occasion or just grabbing a drink at the 

bar, coming to Rudy & Paco will surely 

be an experience like no other. 

Island Famous: Five Venues, One Spot: The 

Spot, Tiki Bar, SideYard, Rum Shack and 

Squeeze! You can’t go wrong at The Spot, Galveston 

Island’s premier beachfront dining and 

entertainment destination. Dive into a mouthwatering 

burger or fresh seafood, grab a beer 

and find a sweet spot to relax inside or out on 

our multi-level beachfront patios. Whether you 

want to catch the game on one of our many 

HDTVs or enjoy the sparkling views of the Gulf 

of Mexico, every seat’s the best seat in the 

house. It’s the perfect setting to hang out with 

your friends and meet new ones. 



new products 

TRIKKE’S 

PERSONAL POLICE VEHICLE 

Trikke’s Electric Personal Police 

Vehicle: Transforming Law 

Enforcement Patrols with Efficiency 

and Enhanced Community Engagement. 

In the realm of law enforcement, 

effective patrolling is paramount 

to maintaining public safety and 

building positive community relationships. 

With the introduction of 

Trikke’s electric personal police vehicle, 

the Positron, law enforcement 

agencies can transform how your 

agency patrols, offering a cost-efficient 

solution that enhances citizen 

engagement and ensures quicker 

response times compared to traditional 

foot patrols. 

Trikke Positron bridges the gap 

between police vehicles and foot 

patrols for better community engagement. 

Here’s why your agency should 

deploy the Positron: 

Enhanced Mobility & Agility: 

The Trikke Positron provides law 

enforcement officers with an agile 

and maneuverable means of patrolling. 

Its compact design and 

electric-powered functionality 

allow officers to navigate through 

crowded urban environments and 

narrow pathways with ease. This 

enhanced mobility enables officers 

to reach areas that are inaccessible 

to larger patrol vehicles, ensuring 

comprehensive coverage and effective 

policing. 

Cost Efficiency: With tight budgets 

and limited resources, law enforcement 

agencies are constantly 

seeking cost-effective solutions. 

The Trikke Positron offers a financially 

viable alternative to traditional 

patrol vehicles. Its electric 

powertrain significantly reduces 

operational costs, as it eliminates 

the need for fuel and minimizes 

maintenance requirements. Moreover, 

the compact size of the vehicle 

reduces the overall investment 

compared to larger patrol cars. 

Quick Response Times: In 

emergency situations, every 

yrs. 

second counts. The Trikke Positron 

enables law enforcement agencies 

to achieve faster response times by 

leveraging its swift acceleration and 

maneuverability. Compared to foot 

patrols, officers using the Positron 

can quickly cover larger areas and 

reach incident scenes promptly. This 

speed can make a crucial difference 

in critical situations, ensuring the 

safety of both officers and citizens. 

Citizen Engagement and Community 

Policing: Building positive 

relationships with the community 

is a fundamental aspect of modern 

law enforcement. The Trikke 

Positron facilitates increased citizen 

engagement due to its open 

design and approachable presence. 

LEOs can interact with community 

members more effectively, 

fostering trust and collaboration. 

Officers patrolling on the Positron 

can engage in meaningful conversations, 

address concerns, and provide 

a visible presence, reinforcing 

community policing efforts. 

Environmental Sustainability: 

The Trikke Positron aligns with 

the growing global emphasis on 

environmental sustainability. By 

utilizing an electric powertrain, it 

significantly reduces greenhouse 

gas emissions compared to traditional 

patrol vehicles. The Positron’s 

eco-friendly nature not only 

helps reduce climate change but 

also showcases law enforcement 

agencies’ commitment to environmental 

stewardship, positively 

influencing the public perception 

of these institutions. 

The Trikke Positron is the ultimate 

tool for community policing. With 

enhanced mobility, cost efficiency, 

quick response times, improved citizen 

engagement, and environmental 

sustainability, the Positron holds 

immense potential to revolutionize 

law enforcement operations. By 

embracing this innovative vehicle, 

agencies can reshape their approach 

to patrols, fostering safer communities 

and establishing stronger bonds 

with the public they serve. 



new products 

yrs. 

TRANSFORMABLE BALLISTIC SOLUTIONS 

Protection… Revolutionized 

Most people don’t think of 

armored vehicles as ‘fast’ 

and ‘maneuverable’. Is your 

agency’s armored vehicle 

capable of navigating tight 

spaces such as school corridors, 

warehouses, and multiple 

building levels via freight 

elevators? TC Burton offers 

the LD-1, which will provide 

the equipment necessary for 

law enforcement to defend 

themselves and others in active 

shooter and other deadly 

incidents. 

TC Burton Enterprises, LLC 

is an Indiana-based company 

whose mission is “to provide 

awesome equipment to 

the good guys, to protect us 

from the bad guys”. TC Burton 

innovates, produces, and 

distributes unique, patented, 

ballistically capable products 

to primarily serve law 

enforcement, private security 

and military markets. 

The LD-1, made in the USA 

and designed and built in 

Indiana, is a patented, lightweight, 

ballistic armor kit for 

a single-rider ATV. It is the 

next generation of ballistically 

capable kits for vehicle protection. 

While maintaining 

the ATV’s inherent maneuver- 

ability, the LD-1 utilizes a high 

tech, laser cut steel exoskeleton 

integrated with NIJ III 

capable ballistic panels that 

can stop up to a 7.62x51mm 

round, which includes AR-15 

and AK-47. The product offers 

360-degree protection for the 

operator, as well as cover of 

up to 120 lateral inches when 

the rapid deployment doors 

are open. The LD-1 kit is easily 

installed or removed with no 

modification to the host ATV 

platform. 

According to FBI statistics, 

in 2022, there were 50 active 

shooter incidents, with a total 

of 313 casualties. This is a 

25% increase from 2020, and a 

67% increase from 2018. Most 

incidents occurred in areas of 

commerce, education locations, 

government properties, 

and outdoor spaces. The term 

“active” indicates the ongoing 

nature of the incident, and 

thus the potential for law enforcement 

response to affect 

the outcome. Law Enforcement 

can be most effective in 

their efforts to confront and 

TC BURTON AD 

end these situations if they 

have the right equipment. 

This has always been the 

dream of Todd and Cathy Burton, 

the founders of TC Burton 

Enterprises. Inspired by their 

daughter, who is a combat 

veteran and police officer, and 

educated by Todd’s years of 

construction experience, and 

Cathy’s 26-year career with 

the FBI, they have grown this 

business from humble beginnings 

in their own garage to 

the company it is today. The 

original idea was sparked 

14 years ago, when Todd felt 

strongly that those law enforcement 

heroes who rush 

into harm’s way needed more 

nimble and maneuverable 

protection. 

The LD-1 provides just that… 

speed, agility, offensive maneuverability, 

defensive prowess, 

and the ability to stop 

large-round weapons. It is 

fully capable in all weather 

and terrain to offer unprecedented 

access in spaces 

where a BearCat or MRAP are 

unable to go, with unrivaled 

ballistic protection that cannot 

be accomplished with the 

motorcycles, bicycles, golf 

carts or squad cars utilized 

by our law enforcement and 

security agencies. You will 

find nothing else like it on the 

market. 

This month, TC Burton Enterprises, 

at the behest of an 

anonymous donor, will be 

taking applications to award 

an LD-1, complete with an 

850cc Polaris ATV and all 

available LD-1 accessories to 

a law enforcement agency 

within the United States at no 

cost. Agencies who wish to 

apply may visit our website at 

tcburton.com to complete an 

application. 


yrs. 

9-13 TEXAS CRIME PREVENTION ASSOC. CONFERENCE ROCKWALL, TX. 

11-14 Cognitive Interviewing and Analytic Interviewing Humble, TX 

11-13 AZ Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP) Summit Flagstaff, AZ 

13-14 Child Abuse Investigations Denton , TX 

16-19 NY Chiefs of Police Annual Training Conference Albany, NY 

17-18 Proactive Leadership Humble, TX 

17-21 Basic Instructor 1014 Texas City, TX 

17-22 APSCON Aviation Conference Orlando, FL 

18-21 Reid Technique of Inv. & Advanced Interrogation Houston, TX 

22-25 TX Sheriffs Association 145th Annual Training Conference Fort Worth, TX 

23-26 PA Chiefs of Police Conference Pocono Manor,PA 

24-27 53rd Annual Texas Narcotic Officers Association Training Conf. San Marcos, TX 

25-26 2023 Indiana Chiefs of Police Summer Conference Indianapolis, IN 

29-1 FBINAA 59th National Annual Training Conference Denver, CO 

1-4 Reid Technique of Inv. & Advanced Interrogation Kileen, TX 

2 De-Escalation #1849 Texas City, TX 

7-11 Interview & Interrogation for New Detectives BY LLRMI Georgetown, TX 

7-11 Rolling Surveillance presented by LCI Services Texas City, TX 

8-11 Reid Technique of Inv. & Advanced Interrogation Dallas, TX 

14-16 Pat McCarthy’s Street Crimes - Galveston, TX 

14-18 Detective and New Criminal Investigator *BY PATC League City, TX 

15-18 Chop Shop Investigations presented by LCI Services Texas City, TX 

16-17 Leadership for Front-Line Supervisors Denton, TX 

18 Statement Analysis® Interviewing Techniques Dallas, TX 

22-23 Overdose Investigations Course Georgetown, TX 

28-31 National Internal Affairs Investigators Assoc (NIAIA) 

Annual Training Conference 

JULY 

AUGUST 

SEPTEMBER 

Fort Worth, TX 

10-13 VA Chiefs Conference Norfolk, VA 

12-14 AACOP Annual Training and Vendor Expo Laughlin, NV 

11-15 Force Science Certification Course Houston, TX 

19-21 WZ Criminal Level I Investigative Interviewing Techniques McKinney, TX 

19-22 Reid Technique of Investigative Interviewing Denton, TX 

21-22 Homicide Investigations Seminar Denton, TX 

22 WZ Criminal Investigative Interviewing Techniques McKinney, TX 

22 WZ Criminal Level II - Advanced Interviewing Techniques McKinney, TX 

25 Bulletproof Courtroom Testimony by Blue to Gold Fort Worth, TX 

25-27 Proactive Leadership Waxahachie, TX 

25-29 Detective and New Criminal Investigator *BY PATC Crowley, TX 

26 Advanced Search & Seizure by Blue to Gold Denton, TX 

27 Advanced Traffic Stops by Blue to Gold Denton, TX 

28 Advanced Criminal Investigations by Blue to Gold Denton, TX 

OCTOBER 

2-3 SLR15 AR15 / M16 / M4 / AR308 Armorer Course Waxahachie , TX 

2-4 FTO for today’s recruits and Pgm. Mgr. McKinney, TX 

3-6 Reid Technique of Inv. Interviewing & Advanced Interrogation Ft Worth, TX 

4-5 Extracting the Truth-Advanced Interview and Interrogation Denton, TX 

4-5 SLR15 Law Enforcement Shotgun Armorer Course Waxahachie , TX 

5 Forensic Statement Analysis - Deception Detection McKinney, TX 

6 SLR15 1911 Pistol Armorer Course Waxahachie , TX 

9-11 LPVO Operator Course Dallas, TX 

10-12 Pat McCarthy’s Street Crimes - Real World Training for the Real Police Lufkin, TX 

14-17 IACP Conference & Expo San Diego, CA 

16 TrapMate* Hidden Compartment Training (Dynamic Interdiction) Burleson , TX 

16-18 Interview & Interrogation for New Detectives BY LLRMI Beaumont, TX 

16-18 Leadership 101 - Professionalism Defined (TX New Supervisor) McKinney, TX 

16-20 5 Day New Detective and New Criminal Investigator By LLRMI Pharr, TX 

16-20 Detective and New Criminal Investigator *BY PATC Rockport, TX 

19-20 Advanced Forensic Statement Analysis - Deception Detection McKinney, TX 

22-26 TCOLE TRAINING CONFERENCE CORPUS,TX 

23-24 Advanced Field Training Officer Course Pharr, TX 

23-24 Covert Surveillance *BY PATC Texas City, TX 

24-26 Inside the Tape Homicide Investigation & Crime Scene MGT Training Rio Grande , TX 

31-1 Death Investigation: Cause, Manner and Mechanism By LLRMI Ft. Worth, TX 

31-3 Reid Investigative Interviewing & Advanced Interrogation Rockport, TX 

NOVEMBER 

1-3 Sexual Deviant Offenders *BY PATC Texas City, TX 

5-10 National Honor Guard Academy Texas City, TX 

6 Bulletproof Report Writing by Blue to Gold Denton, TX 

6-8 Background Investigator Training by ProFirst Training Pharr, TX 

6-9 Tactical Training for Narcotics & Vice Units Cedar Park , TX 

6-10 Hostage Negotiations Phase 1 By LLRMI Pharr, TX 

7 Bulletproof Courtroom Testimony by Blue to Gold Denton, TX 

7-9 Reid PEACE Method of Investigative Interviewing Dyess , TX 

13-17 GST Defensive Tactics Instructor Course Seguin, TX 

13-17 Methods of Instruction - Training Practical Professional Policing Skills McKinney, TX 

14 Mastering Search & Seizure (In-Person & Live-Online) by Blue to Gold San Antonio, TX 

14-15 Protests, Demonstrations and Civil Unrest Operations By LLRMI Georgetown, TX 

15-16 Bulletproof Report Writing Blue to Gold (In-person & Live Stream) San Antonio, TX 

16 Duty to Intervenes (In-Person & Live-Online) by Blue to Gold San Antonio, TX 

16 Real World De-Escalation (In-Person & Live-Online) by Blue to Gold San Antonio, TX 

28-30 Pat McCarthy’s Street Crimes - Real World Training for the Real Police Jourdanton, TX 

DECEMBER 

1 High Performance Leadership - By Leading Blue Cincinnati, OH 

4-6 Advanced Homicide Investigation by IPTM Jacksonville, FL 

4-6 Effective Strategies for Staff Inspections by IPTM Altamonte Sp., FL 

4-6 Officer Involved Shooting-3 Day *BY PATC Columbus, OH 

4-6 Pat McCarthy’s Street Crimes - Real World Training for the Real Police Billings, MT 

4-6 Pat McCarthy’s Street Crimes - Real World Training for the Real Police Lafayette, LA 

4-6 Pat McCarthy’s Street Crimes - Real World Training for the Real Police Marysville, WA 

4-6 Penn State - Grant Writing - Virtual University Park, PA 

4-6 Recovery of Human Remains by Suncoast Forensics St. Cloud, FL 

4-6 Tactical Breaching Instructor Course Warrensburg, MO 

4-7 PRW Police Sniper BASIC Nunn, CO 

4-8 Advanced Undercover Techniques and Survival Westminster, CO 

4-8 Covert Entry Specialist I & II Course (5-Days) San Marcos, TX 

4-8 Criminal Investigations Using Cellular Technologies SME 40 hour Palm Beach, FL 

ALL FIRST RESPONDERS & VETERANS 

10% OFF A NEW INTERIOR 

FOR YOUR CAR,TRUCK OR SUV 

12722 Hwy. 3 Webster, Texas • 281-486-9739 


CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE



TCPA Invites 

You To 

Join Us! 

IHIA 

29th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM 

August 6 - 11, 2023 OKLAHOMA CITY 

Texas Crime Prevention Association 

48th Annual Conference 

July 9 - 13, 2023 

Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront 

2055 Summer Lee Dr. 

Rockwall, Texas 75032 

TCPA invites public safety personnel, crime 

prevention practitioners, and organizations 

with crime prevention products or services to 

network at the largest event in the southern 

U.S. focused on suppressing criminal activity! 

Register Online Today! 

tcpa.wildapricot.org/conference 

AUGUST 

7 - 11 

Case Presentations/ 

Training For: 

• Detectives 

• Crime Analysts 

• Prosecutors 

• Investigators 

• Crime Scene 

Investigators 

• Coroners 

• Medical Examiners 

IHIA 

CLICK HERE 

OR SCAN 

THE CODE 

BELOW TO 

LEARN MORE 

Member 

Early Bird 

Before 4/30/2023 

$515 

Member 

$545 

Non-Member 

$595 

INTERNATIONAL HOMICIDE INVESTIGATORS ASSOCIATION 


HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES 

DEPUTY SHERIFF MARCUS ZEIGLER 

POLICE OFFICER HORREN RANDY TYLER 

HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, OHIO 

END OF WATCH FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023 

AGE: 36 TOUR: 9 MONTHS BADGE: 669 

Deputy Sheriff Marcus Zeigler passed away after suffering a medical emergency during participation in mandatory 

running activities at the Great Oaks Police Academy in Sharonville. He was transported to a local hospital 

where he passed away two days later. 

Deputy Zeigler had served with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for nine months as a corrections deputy 

and was assigned to the Patrol Academy. He is survived by his wife and five children. 

MADISON POLICE DEPARTMENT, MISSISSIPPI 

END OF WATCH THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023 

AGE: N/A TOUR: 34 YEARS BADGE: N/A 

Police Officer Horren Tyler was shot and killed during a tactical operation at a home on Terrapin Hill Road North 

in Brandon, Mississippi. A subject armed with a rifle and handgun, and wearing a bulletproof vest, had broken 

into the home at about 1:20 am and took two women hostage. As Brandon Police Department officers arrived at 

the scene one of the women was able to escape but the second remained a hostage. Negotiators were able to 

arrange for the release of the hostage but the man remained in the home At approximately 6:00 he opened fire 

on officers, critically wounding an officer with the Brandon Police Department. Officer Tyler had served with the 

Madison Police Department for seven years and was the supervisor of the Narcotics Division. He had previously 

retired as the police chief of Ridgeland Police Department after serving 27 years. He was a graduate of the 228th 

Session of the FBI National Academy. 

126 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE The MAGAZINE BLUES 127


CORPORAL SHAWN KEVIN KELLY 

SERGEANT CORY MAYNARD 

DENHAM SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT, LOUISIANA 

END OF WATCH FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2023 

AGE: 53 TOUR: 29 YEARS BADGE: N/A 

Corporal Shawn Kelly succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on May 11th, 2023, after responding to a 

disorderly subject call at the Spring Park Plaza in the 2300 block of South Range Road at about 4:30 pm. A 

man had been involved in several road rage incidents in the area and was arguing with a woman he did not 

know in the parking lot of the shopping center. Corporal Kelly was working a traffic assignment but responded 

to the scene because patrol officers were on other calls. As he and another officer arrived at the scene the 

man opened fire from his car, striking Corporal Kelly multiple times. Corporal Kelly was transported to a local 

hospital where he remained in critical condition until succumbing to his wounds 22 days later on June 2nd, 

2023. Corporal Kelly had served with the Denham Springs Police Department for four years. He is survived by 

his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE, WEST VIRGINIA 



Sergeant Cory Maynard was shot and killed while responding to a shooting call in the Beech Creek area of 

Mingo County at about 3:30 pm. 

The subject opened fire on responding officers, fatally wounding Sergeant Maynard. The man fled the scene 

but was captured approximately six hours later. 

Sergeant Maynard had served with the West Virginia State Police for over 15 years. He is survived by his wife 

and two children. 



CHIEF OF POLICE ANTHONY RICKERSON 

POLICE OFFICER MARK CHRISTOPHER WAGNER, II 

JASPER POLICE DEPARTMENT, FLORIDA 

END OF WATCH SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2023 

AGE: 43 TOUR: 13 YEARS BADGE: 100 

Chief of Police Tony Rickerson was killed in a vehicle crash on CR 143 and Southwest 28th Lane in Hamilton 

County at 10:25 pm. He was en route to backup officers who were responding to an unauthorized block 

party in Jasper when his vehicle struck a deer in the road. His patrol truck careened off the roadway, struck a 

large tree, and became engulfed in flames. 

Chief Rickerson had served with the Jasper Police Department for 13 years and was appointed as the Chief in 

September 2022. He had previously served with the Jennings Police Department and the Florida Department 

of Corrections. He is survived by his wife and three children. 

WINTERGREEN POLICE DEPARTMENT, VIRGINIA 


AGE: 31 TOUR: 4 YEARS BADGE: 15 

Police Officer Chris Wagner was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call at a home 

on Arrowood Lane at about 10:00 pm. A man had assaulted two other men in the home and then left the 

residence. Officer Wagner located the subject in the wood line near the house after arriving at the scene. A 

struggle ensued during which Officer Wagner was shot and killed with his own duty weapon. The subject was 

also shot during the struggle. 

Officer Wagner had served with the Wintergreen Police Department for three years and had previously served 

as a police officer with the Massanutten Police Department for one year. 



TROOPER JACQUES F. ROUGEAU, JR. 

TROOPER AARON SMITH 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE, PENNSYLVANIA 

END OF WATCH SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023 


Trooper Jay Rougeau was shot and killed by a wanted man near the intersection of Swamp Road 

and Baumgardner Drive in Walker Township shortly after 3:00 pm. At about 11:00 am, the subject 

had entered the parking lot of the Pennsylvania State Police’s Troop G, Lewistown Station, and 

shot several patrol cars using a large caliber hunting rifle. The man fled the scene and called 911 

several times as they searched for him. The man then shot and critically wounded a Pennsylvania 

State Police lieutenant in Mifflintown Borough at about 12:45 before fleeing again. Shortly before 

3:00 pm, the man was located in a shopping center in Walker Township and then fled into a nearby 

wooded area where he and Trooper Rougeau were both killed during a shootout. Trooper Rougeau 

had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for almost three years. He is survived by his wife. 

INDIANA STATE POLICE, INDIANA 

END OF WATCH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2023 

AGE: N/A TOUR: 5 YEARS BADGE: N/A 

Trooper Aaron Smith was struck and killed by a stolen vehicle at about 8:30 pm while deploying spike strips 

to terminate a vehicle pursuit on eastbound I-70, near 6 Points Road, in Plainfield. Other troopers initiated a 

pursuit when the vehicle fled as they attempted to stop it. Trooper Smith was on I-70, deploying spike strips, 

when he was hit by the fleeing vehicle. The car crashed after hitting Trooper Smith. The driver and vehicle 

passengers, including a juvenile, were taken to local hospitals. 

Trooper Smith was a United States Army National Guard veteran and served with the Indiana State Police for 

five years. He is survived by his wife. 


WORDS & PHOTOS BY W.D. ‘Buddy’ FORD, 

RETIRED TROOPER, NEW MEXICO STATE POLICE 

ALIENS ARE REAL: The 

first ones landed/crashed 

here in 1947. 

The following story first appeared 

in the April, 2020 edition 

of The BLUES. With all the 

talk about Aliens, excuse me. 

NON-HUMAN entities, visiting 

our planet, we thought we’d 

rerun this war story. Twenty 

years ago people would laugh 

at you for telling such a story, 

now, it’s “tell me more Grandpa.” 

My grandson showed me a 

copy of this magazine on his 

fancy notepad thingy. He said 

“grandpa you should write 

about the time you found that 

crashed spaceship out in New 

Mexico.” 

“Ah Sonny ain’t nobody gonna 

care about what happened 

76 years ago out in the desert. 

Besides I ain’t no good as writin’ 

nothin’ noways.” 

Tell me the story Grandpa, I’ll 

write it down. 

Well Sonny alright. It was my 

first night on highway duties by 

myself. It was June, Nineteen 

and a Forty-Seven. I remember 

cause I was a drivin’ a spakin’ 

new ’47 Ford, and it was hotter 

in hell in that thing. 

Anyhow, I was driving out on 

Route 8, about 30 miles northwest 

of Roswell, when I saw 

what I thought was some kind 

of airplane flying low across the 

sky, and it looked like it was on 

fire. Now back then the military 

was always flying experimental 

this or that and them crashing 

was a regular thing. But for 

some reason I paid more attention 

to this plane cause it was 

flying all crazy around the sky 

before I seen it go out of sight 

near the old Foster ranch. 

I headed that way and no 

sooner than I turned on to the 

old ranch road, I met up with my 

old friend Bill Brazel, who was 

a foreman for the Fosters. I said, 

“Bill, did them Air Force fly boys 

crash another plane out yonder 

on ya’lls ranch?” 

He said, “I saw that too, but I 

don’t know what it was.” So Bill 

jumped on in the cruiser and we 

headed up that ole dusty road 

about 5 miles or so from the 

highway and there up on the hill 

we seen something a burning. 

The closer we got to it, we noticed 

it wasn’t the kinda fire you 

regularly see from a plane crash 

– it was all blue and green kinda 

flame. 

There really wasn’t that much 

fire, but a lot of debris scatted 

all over the place. But when 

we got to what was left of the 

plane, Bill said, “What is God’s 

name is that? I’ve never seen 

anything like that before.” 

Having been raised in this part 

of New Mexico you see a lot of 

planes being tested for the Army 

and some are kinda strange, but 

I had never seen a round one 

before. 

Bill and I got out and ran up to 

the what we assumed was the 

front of the saucer and found a 

huge gaping hole in the side of 

whatever the hell it was. And 

just outside that hole was someone 

and they were hurt bad. 

The closer we got…we’ll let’s 

just say neither one of us could 

tell what it was. I guess it was 

right about that time Bill and I 

realized what was going on. We 

had come upon a something or 

someone that surely wasn’t from 

Earth. Now I know you’re thinking 

‘Grandpa were you and Bill 

drinking that night?” Naw sir. 

We were as sober as your Aunt 

Betty in church on Sunday. 

But anyway, as we were trying 

to see what we could do for 

that man, or whatever it was, 

I looked up and there was a 

dozen of them Army base trucks 

and Jeeps coming up the ranch 

road. As soon as they pulled up, 

there were soldiers all over the 

place carrying rifles and shotguns 

yelling for us to get away. 

Now I might have been a rookie 

law man, but I was smart 

enough to know when a man is 

out-gunned, and we were outgunned 

for sure. So, we got up 

and backed away and watched 

them guys grab that feller and 

load him up in the back of a 

truck. 

The Soldier doing all the 

talking and shouting commands, 

walked up to Bill and I and said, 

“Officer we got this from here. 

Take this man and go back up 

to the highway and make sure 

nobody comes down this road. 

Now get on out of here…. this is 

our mess and we got to clean it 

up.” 

So, with that we got back in 

the cruiser and headed back up 

to the highway. For the next few 

hours there must have been over 

a hundred trucks, Jeeps, flatbed 

trucks and helicopters head up 

the road. Bill and I didn’t quite 

know what to say. We just sat 

and watched all them men come 

and go for hours. 

I walked into the Highway 

Patrol office the next morning 

and the place was crawling 

with reporters and news people. 

The Sgt. grabbed me by the 

arm as soon as I walked through 



the door and dragged me into 

his office. “Have you seen the 

paper?” he asked. “They say a 

weather balloon crashed out in 

the desert. Did you see that?” 

I can tell you that wasn’t no 

weather balloon, it was a damn 

flyin’ saucer. “What the hell you 

talking about Buddy, what the 

hell went on here last night. 

I got the damn governor calling 

me wanting an explanation. 

News people are crawling all 

up my ass with people saying 

a damn flying saucer thing 

crashed out in the desert and 

there are dead aliens from Mars 

or some such shit dead up there. 

What the hell happened?” 

So, I told him what Bill and I 

saw. 

“What did he say when you 

told him Grandpa?” 

Hell, he asked me if I was 

drunk on duty? 

But once he talked to Bill and 

he told the same story, he made 

us wait until someone from the 

governor’s office came to talk 

to us. A couple of hours later a 

bunch of government men all 

dressed in suits and ties come 

walking in and sat us down in 

the office. The one man who 

seemed to be in charge, ask me 

if I had written a report on what 

I’d seen and I said, “Yes sir, I got 

it right here.” I handed it to him, 

and he went right ahead and 

ripped it to pieces. 

He looked at me and Bill and 

said, “Gentlemen what you saw 

last night was a crashed weather 

balloon. There weren’t no 

green men, no aliens or Martians. 

Just a dummy we loaded 

up into that weather balloon. 

So, forget everything you hear. 

Forget everything you saw. Do 

you understand?” Bill and I got 

up out of there and never talked 

about that day again. 

Sonny there’s been a lot of 

things happen in my life both 

good and bad. But I’m almost 93, 

and to this day I’ve never seen 

or heard anything about aliens 

coming back here. But I tell you 

one thing. If they do come back 

and them g’men don’t cover it 

up, heaven help you and your 

sister. Cause from what I’m 

seeing on the TV set with this 

here beer virus or whatever it 

is. If people gonna grab all the 

food and toilet paper up over 

something they can’t even see…. 

what in God’s name are they 

gonna do if a damn outer space 

guy shows up on main street. 

Or maybe they already here and 

just ain’t no body saying for just 

that reason. People are crazy 

son, they crazzzzyyy. Now get 

on up outta here it’s time for my 

nap. If your grampa has a story 

about aliens or earthlings, send 

it to: bluespdmag@gmail.com. 


WORDS BY SGT. MICHAEL BARRON 

T.J. Cleboski, J. Meliski and Falllen Harris County 

Deputy Donald “Pastor Doug” Knowlton 

Perhaps the earliest memory 

I have of my grandfather was 

him putting on his Harris County 

Sheriffs uniform and strapping 

on his gun belt. That six-inch .38 

caliber Smith & Wesson seemed 

like a canon to a six-year-old. 

(My brother and I still have 

that very same gun.) He stood 

so proud in that uniform as he 

kissed my grandmother goodbye 

and made his way out the door 

to a waiting sheriff’s car outside. 

I remember looking out the window 

as they pulled away thinking 

that will be me someday, 

and some sixteen years later it 

was. 

I have no recollection of any 

‘war stories’ that my grandfather 

John Meliski might have told. In 

fact, I knew very little of what 

he did for Buster Kern, the High 

Sheriff of Harris County back 

in the day. It wasn’t until 1983 

that I learned what a hero my 

grandfather really was, and that 

information came in a strange 

but somewhat funny way. 

It was a slow Saturday afternoon, 

and I was working the day 

shift out of District 2. My LT. was 

none other than Tommy Cleboski. 

Tommy was somewhat of icon at 

Harris County and according to 

legend, he had worked there for 

50 years or more. It was more 

like 30, but nevertheless it was 

a long time, at least for a rookie 

like me. Despite the fact I saw 

him almost every day, I knew 

little about this cigar smoking 

man other than he reminded me 

of my grandfather. Something 

about elderly polish men all 

looking alike. LOL 

Anyway, I stuck my head inside 

his door to say hello and he immediately 

started interrogating 

the latest rookie to his shift. 

“Barron is it? Come on in and 

have a seat. Tell me something 

about yourself. What the hell 

kind of name is Barron anyway? 

Irish? German? Where your people 

come from? How the hell did 

you end up on day shift? 

I had no idea where to start. 

Well sir… 

“Stop right there. Never, never 

call me SIR. I’m old as dirt and I 

sure as hell don’t need to be reminded 

of it with rookies calling 

me sir.” 

Well okay LT. Anyway, I’m half 

Irish on my dad’s side and polish 

on my mom’s side. 

“What’s your mommas name 

son? 

Meliski sir…I mean Meliski LT. 

“Meliski? What was her first 

name? It wasn’t Victoria was it?” 

Yep, it was. Wait, you know 

her? 

“Victoria Meliski? Went to 

Sacred Heart Academy and her 

daddy’s name was John? Big 

John Meliski was your grandfather?” 

Yes sir? He worked for Buster 

Kern and…. 

“Son you don’t have to tell ME 

who he was. I tried taking your 

momma out once and her daddy 

Lt. Tommy J. Cleboski 

pulled her out of my 1940 Ford, and he 

said if I ever came around again, I’d be 

looking at the business end of a shotgun? 

Wait you dated my mother? Never 

mind, I don’t want to know the details. 

So, you knew my grandfather? I guess 

in a way I ended up here because of 

him. He was larger than life to me and 

I guess I always wanted to grow up to 

be like him. In fact, Jack Heard agreed 

to give me his badge number when I 

started. 

“Well let me tell you about your 

grandfather. Besides wanting to kick 

my ass on a regular basis, he was 

pretty much the reason I joined up too. 

Buster Kern hired damn near everyone 

that applied back in the day, but when 

they asked me if I knew anyone that 

worked for Buster I said, I know John 

Meliski and his daughter Victoria.” 

Wait, you told them my grandfather 

threatened to kick your ass for dating 

his daughter? 

Deputy John Meliski 

138 The BLUES The BLUES 139 

138 The BLUES The BLUES 139

Enter to win TC Burton's 

ARMORED ATV GIVEAWAY 

“Yes sir, damn sure did and 

they said anyone with enough 

crazy motherfucker and Pastor 

noticed mud tracks leading from 

of the old Tribune Newspaper 

with John Meliski holding this 

balls to even think about running the back of the house to the outhouse…lar 

dragging him through the 

bloody old man up by the col- 

around with big John’s kid was 

damn sure good enough to carry Outhouse? 

dirt. Seemed like the headline 

apply at TCBurton.com July 12th through August 25th 

a badge. They hired me right 

then and there.” 

No Shit! 

“You know, back in the day, 

your grandfather was somewhat 

of legend after he pulled an 

asshole out of an outhouse for 

shooting another deputy. They 

beat the crap out of that guy 

even though he had been shot 

and was bleeding like a stuck 

pig? Harris County lost a good 

man that day. 

Wait. What happened? 

“Yes Barron, this was way 

before indoor plumbing and 

air conditioning ...anyway Doug 

yelled for them to come around 

back and as soon as he did the 

old man shot right through that 

outhouse and those shotgun 

pellets hit Pastor right in the 

neck and chest. But Pastor had 

the Lord with him for at least a 

few more seconds, because as 

he was falling, he emptied that 

revolver right through the shitter 

door and hit the old man just 

said something like ‘Hero Deputy 

takes down Deputy Killer.’ 

Yeah son, your grandfather was 

something else.” 

So, what did he think about 

you working at the SO? And did 

you ever take his daughter…my 

mom out again? 

“Well, that’s a whole other 

story there, but he did make it a 

point to let me know that Deputy 

or not, that shotgun was still 

waiting for me if I came around 

again.” 

“Big John and another deputy above his eye. Big John and Earl From that day on, Tommy 

had answered a shots fired call ran to the back and while Earl Cleboski was like family to me. 

on Darwin, just off the Eastex helped Pastor, your grandfather Hell according to him, he WAS Protection...Revolutionized 

Freeway. Of course, it wasn’t a 

freeway back then, more like a 

jerked the old man out of the 

shitter and commenced to beating 

almost family…but let’s not go 

there. Over the next few years, 

"This offers so many options - we can get 

"An absolute game changer." 

the crap out of him…. did Tommy told me several more 

cover to where we need it quickly." 

-Wendy Osborne, FBI Retired, 

wide-open road. When they got 

there, this crazy old man was you see how I used crap and he stories about the good old days 

-Local Law Enforcement Official 

Lead Instructor/Consultant for Workplace 

on the porch with a shotgun was in an outhouse.” 

and Big John Meliski. I wish that 

Violence and Active Shooter Response 

shooting at anyone and everyone 

Yeah, you’re a regular Johnny my grandfather had lived longer 

because someone stole his 

vegetables…” 

Vegetables? 

“Yep…tomatoes, I think. As 

soon as they arrived the old man 

ran around behind the house and 

Carson. 

“Anyway, Earl loaded Pastor 

in his car and took him to the 

hospital while John waited on 

an ambulance to come get the 

old man. But Pastor Doug died 

and had the chance to share his 

days as a Deputy Sheriff with his 

grand kids and see one of them 

follow in his footsteps. It was 

also an honor for me to wear his 

badge number thanks to Sheriff 

disappeared. They called for help on the way to the hospital, bleed Jack Heard. 

and that’s when Pastor Doug and out in the back seat. He was only Lt. Tommy Cleboski passed 

his reserve Earl showed up. 31 years old and just the nicest 

away in 1994 after serving 40 

UNPRECEDENTED PROTECTION, CAPABILITY, AND VALUE 

guy you’d ever wanna meet. years with the Harris Coun- 

NIJ III rated 

Wait! Pastor Doug? They called 

in a priest? What the hell… At the time, I think he was only ty Sheriff’s Office. Hearing he 

Fast & maneuverable 

Visit TCBurton.com or 

“No. Doug Knowlton was a like the seventh or eighth Harris 

County Deputy to ever get my grandfather all over again. 

had passed, was like losing 

Active threat response 

scan the QR code for 

deputy and an ordained Methodist 

minister. He preached at killed while on duty. His service 

Large structure clearing 

more information! 

Never again would I hear all the 

a church over on the mail route was the largest I had ever been great war stories about Big John 

Outdoor event control 

every Sunday. He was the nicest 

guy trying to save everyone on 

to at the time. Damn near half 

the county showed up. After the 

Meliski and Tommy Cleboski. 

Both were heroes to me and 

Indoor/Outdoor ability 

Designed to ROP standards 

Sunday and then busted their funeral, Buster presented your larger than life. I only hope that 

ass come Monday on the street. grandfather with a medal for law enforcement officers today 

360º protection for operator 

Anyway, Doug and Earl showed capturing the old man. I remember 

a picture on the front page 

continue to be their grandkids 

up and helped look for this old 

Kathy@tcburton.com 

heroes. 

(463) 272-1476 

140 The BLUES 351 W. Muskegon Dr. PO Box 483 

The TCBurton.com 

BLUES 141 

Greenfield, IN 46140

A BADGE OF HONOR 

healing our heroes 

BAND-AIDS ON 

BULLET HOLES 

By Retired NYPD Detective, 

John Salerno, Co-founder of 

A Badge of Honor 

As a young cop in the NYC 

Police Department, some of 

the first things I learned in the 

academy was to make sure 

you always wear your body 

armor, it will protect you, 

always carry your radio in 

case you need to call for help, 

it will Save you. The tools on 

your gun belt will keep you 

alive. If you are in a bad situation, 

use the code 10/13 which 

will alert Officers to respond 

fast and get you backup. 

Every Law Enforcement Officer 

in the nation has a code 

for assistance, it is our lifeline 

when we are in distress or 

injured. It is the way we communicate 

with each other to 

ask for help. 

But what happens when we 

are off duty? What code do 

we use to call for help when 

we are stripped of all our 

protective armor? When we 

have no radio to request assistance? 

When we are most 

vulnerable? When we are in 

distress.? These codes do not 

exist. Or do they? 

Just like we were trained, 

we need to train our Loved 

ones, our friends and those 

in our closest social circles 

the signs and symptoms of 

Post-Traumatic Stress. Let 

them in on your own distress 

code. This way they know 

how to respond. Many want 

to help; they just do not know 

how. 

So, it is important that we 

take the step and educate 

those around us. 

The hardest thing for us to 

do is ask for help. Sadly to 

say, many will not. The open 

wound is covered by a Band- 

Aid. We mask our hurt and 

our pain with what our culture 

has trained us to do. This 

process seems to work in the 

beginning as we shield ourselves 

until the next tour. 

IT’S A DOUBLE EDGE 

SWORD, IF WE DO NOT ASK 

FOR HELP and our families 

and friends do not know how 

to offer help. 

The quick fix for us is to get 

back to the JOB and allow 

more wounds and more pain 

to cover the past ones. This 

yrs. 

SAMANTHA HORWITZ & 

JOHN SALERNO 

is a cycle that is ongoing and 

infectious. We never treat our 

wounds, we only treat the 

pain. 

Many Officers use alternative 

means to ease this pain, such 

as alcohol, drugs and seclusion. 

But what we do not see 

is the infection as this wound 

continues to fester. 

The soreness becomes red, 

the redness soon turns to 

black, everything around it becomes 

numb, the nerve endings 

soon begin to die, until 

there is absolutely no feeling. 

Mental Health is no different. 

When we cover up our injuries 

in our brain, the things we 

see, hear and experience daily, 

WILL cause damage, sometimes 

irreversible. 

When one of the band-aids 

falls off, it makes the wound 

visible to others exposing the 

damage, sparking a response 

that says, “YOU NEED TO 

SEEK HELP FOR THAT.” 

But by that time, the wound 

is already numb and dying. 

Therefore, it is so important 

for others to notice the bandaids 

before they fall off. This 

will help treat the infection 

before the damage becomes 

irreversible or at the very 

least, difficult to repair. 

Even the smallest of 

wounds need to be addressed, 

no matter how 

insignificant you think they 

may be. The smallest of untreated 

cuts may cause us to 

lose something irreplaceable, 

your marriage, your kids, your 

family, or maybe your life. 

Every wound can be treated 

differently. Some may 

just need a quick antibiotic, 

whereas others may take a 

longer healing process. But 

99.9% of all wounds are treatable, 

if they are addressed 

early on. 

It's time to stop putting 

Band-Aids on bullet holes. 

Rubbing dirt on it, walking it 

off and sucking it up, are the 

days of the past. 

We have the knowledge 

now to identify, address and 

treat every aspect of PTSD 

from the crisis onset to post 

outpatient care if needed. 

The Buy-in of each department 

is the key that will 

unlock the tools which can 

dismantle and Smash the 

Stigma. 

John and Sam host MAD (Making a 

Difference) Radio, Wednesdays 7pm 

central live on FB @Makingadifferencetx. 

For more about Sam & John 

and the wellness and resiliency 

workshops for first responders, visit 

ABadgeofHonor.com. 

The BLUES 

Delivered to Your 

Email Every Month 

click or scan here 


DARYL LOTT 

daryl’s deliberations 

yrs. 

“CHARGE!” 

Under intense artillery fire from 

British cannoneers, American 

General Casimir Pulaski lead 

French troops into a withering 

fusillade of English grapeshot. He 

was blown from his horse trying 

to break the Siege of Savannah in 

the Revolutionary War. He led the 

charge with the complete confidence 

of General Washington, 

having saved the future president’s 

life at the Battle of Brandywine. 

His battlefield wounds were 

mortal. 

General Pulaski died at a local 

plantation and was buried where 

he died. In 1825, the Marquis de 

Lafayette laid the cornerstone 

for a monument to 

Pulaski since he was leading 

French troops at the 

time of his death. In 1854, 

the monument was being 

created in Savannah and 

someone got the idea to remove 

the general’s remains 

and place them in the base 

of the monument. Workers 

respectfully moved the body 

and the general rested in 

peace under his monument 

until amateur sleuths came 

up with reasons why the 

body in the monument was 

not the general’s. 

The general’s body was 

disturbed, yet again, and 

over the course of nine 

years scientists applied 

modern forensics to prove 

the body in the monument was 

not the general’s. The initial 

forensic scientists were startled 

when they found the pelvic bone 

belonged to a female, rather than 

a man. The sleuths were right. Or 

were they? DNA was extracted 

and compared to known Pulaski 

descendants in Poland. The body 

was, indeed, Pulaski’s. 

Further detective work in Poland 

revealed that Pulaski was 

born with an unknown birth condition. 

Although his birth records 

did not reveal what the problem 

was, circumstantial evidence 

suggests he was a hermaphrodite 

or intersex. The extremely 

rare condition was something 

that could have limited his ability 

to live a normal life. He never 

DARYL LOTT 

married or fathered children. He 

chose to overcome any obstacles 

and pursue a life of military hardships, 

including the crossing 

of the Atlantic Ocean. 

He was a courageous 

cavalry general who led by 

example. He gave his life 

believing that our God does 

not create us to live with 

society’s limitations but to 

seize opportunities that fulfill 

our potential. Fortunately 

for us, General Pulaski still 

provides his adopted country 

with an excellent example of 

outstanding character and 

personal courage. A grateful 

nation proclaims him to 

be the “Father of American 

Cavalry.” The photo is of 

me visiting General Pulaski 

at his grave/monument in 

Savannah. Do statues really 

mean anything? They do 

indeed. Thoughts or comments? 

Email: DarylLott.Texas@ 

gmail.com 


HONORING FALLEN HEREOS 

yrs. 

“Honoring our fallen heroes 

through running while providing 

financial support to the families 

of our fallen Heroes, 

First Responders injured in the 

Line of Duty and Safety 

Equipment to K9s in need.” 

Zechariah 

Cartledge: 

a True American Hero 

AS OF 6/16/23 

Total Grants Awarded to Injured First Responders: 48 

Total Amount Awarded: $437,500 

Total Funds Awarded to Families of Fallen Heroes: 47 

Total Amount Awarded: $317,951 

Funds/Equipment Awarded to K9 Officers: $40,150.10 

Total Amount of Grants Given: $795,601.10 

- - - - 

2023 Run Tracker: 

Total Miles Run in 2023: (as of 7/1/23): 112 

- Zechariah - 46 

- Jayden - 9 

- Andrew - 14 

- Giuliana - 5 

- Anthony - 10 

- Morgan - 27 

- Theresa - 1 

Total Miles Run in 2022: 325 




Overall Miles Run: 1,538 

Overall Miles Run (K9’s): 72 

- - - - - - - - - 

2022 Run Stats: 

Total Miles Run for 2022 Fallen LEO’s (Non COVID-19): 135 

Total Miles Run for 2022 Fallen Firefighters (Non COVID-19): 80 

Total Miles Run for Non-LODD/Suicide: 13 

Total Miles Run for 2022 Fallen Canada LEO’s: 3 

Total Miles Run in 2022 for Fallen COVID-19 Heroes: 18 

Total Miles Run for 2021 Fallen LEO’s: 21 

Total Miles Run for 2021 Fallen Firefighters: 2 

Total Tribute Runs by State/Country: 17 

States/Cities Zechariah has run in: 

Florida - Winter Springs, Lake Mary, Clearwater, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Orlando, Temple Terrace, Blountstown, 

Cocoa, Lakeland, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Starke, Melbourne 

New York - New York City, Weedsport • Georgia - Cumming, Augusta, Savannah 

South Carolina - North Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Sumter • Pennsylvania - Monaca 

Illinois - Springfield, Naperville, Glen Ellyn • Texas - Houston (2), Fort Worth, Midland, New Braunfels, Freeport, Madisonville, 

Irving, Sadler, San Antonio • Kentucky - Nicholasville • Arkansas - Bryant, Hot Springs, Springdale, Prairie Grove 

Nevada - Henderson • Kansas - Overland Park • California - Mt. Vernon, La Jolla • Arizona - Mesa 

North Carolina - Concord, Raleigh • Virginia - Norton, Richmond • Tennessee - Bristol, Bartlett 

Oklahoma - Stilwell (2) • Delaware - Milford • Maryland - Towson • Minnesota - Arden Hills • Indiana - Sullivan, Spencer 

Mississippi - Grenada, Olive Branch • Missouri - Springfield, Rolla, Joplin • Iowa - Independence, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids 

District/Countries/Territories: Washington D.C. • Puerto Rico - San Juan 

146 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 

The BLUES 147


blue mental health 

The Emotional Toll of the 

Sheepdog Identity 

On June 29, 2023, journalist 

Terry Spencer with the Associated 

Press released the 

following story: “A Florida 

sheriff’s deputy was acquitted 

Thursday of felony child 

neglect and other charges for 

failing to act during the 2018 

Parkland school massacre, 

concluding the first trial in U.S. 

history of a law enforcement 

officer for conduct during an 

on-campus shooting. Former 

Broward County Deputy Scot 

Peterson wept as the verdicts 

were read. The jury deliberated 

for 19 hours over four 

days. After court adjourned, 

Peterson, his family, and 

friends rushed into a group 

hug as they whooped, hollered, 

and cried. “I got my life 

back. We’ve got our life back,” 

Peterson said as he exited the 

courtroom, his arm around 

his wife, Lydia Rodriguez, 

and his lawyer, Mark Eiglarsh. 

“It’s been an emotional roller 

coaster for so long. Calling 

Mark at 1 in the morning.” He 

also said people should never 

forget the victims. “Only one 

person was to blame, and 

it was that monster (Nikolas 

Cruz),” Peterson said. “It 

wasn’t any law enforcement 

officer who was on that scene. 

... Everybody did the best they 

could with the information we 

had.” 

“Peterson said he hopes to sit 

down one day with the Parkland 

parents and spouses to tell them 

“the truth” that he did everything 

he could. He could have received 

nearly 100 years in prison, although 

a sentence approaching 

that length would have been 

highly unlikely given the circumstances 

and his clean record. He 

also could have lost his $104,000 

annual pension. During their 

two-week presentation, prosecutors 

called to the witness 

stand students, teachers, and 

law enforcement officers who 

testified about the horror they 

experienced and how they knew 

where Cruz was. Some said they 

knew that the shots were coming 

from the 1200 building. Prosecutors 

also called a training supervisor 

who testified Peterson did 

not follow protocols for confronting 

an active shooter. Security 

videos show that 36 seconds 

after Cruz’s attack began, Peterson 

exited his office about 100 

yards from the 1200 building and 

jumped into a cart with two unarmed 

civilian security guards. 

They arrived at the building a 

minute later. Peterson exited the 

cart near the east doorway to 

the first-floor hallway. Cruz was 

at the hallway’s opposite end, 

yrs. 


firing his AR-15-style semiautomatic 

rifle. Peterson, who was 

not wearing a bulletproof vest, 

didn’t open the door. Instead, he 

took cover 75 feet away in the 

alcove of a neighboring building, 

his gun still drawn. He stayed 

there for 40 minutes, long after 

the shooting ended, and other 

police officers had stormed the 

building (Associated Press).” 

Peterson’s attorney, Eiglarsh, 

called several deputies who 

arrived during the shooting 

and students and teachers who 

testified they did not think the 

shots were coming from the 

1200 building. Peterson, who did 

not testify, has said that because 

of echoes, he could not pinpoint 

the shooter’s location. Eiglarsh 

also emphasized the failure of 

the sheriff’s radio system during 

the attack, which limited what 

Peterson heard from arriving 

deputies (Associated Press). 

When this news broke, I received 

numerous texts and calls 

from active law enforcement 

officers expressing their anger 

and frustration at Peterson’s 

actions (or lack thereof) and the 

consistent failure of the criminal 

justice system, especially as it 

related to this horrific event. On 

November 2, 2022, a Florida jury 

failed to return a unanimous 

verdict on a death sentence for 

Cruz. He was formally sentenced 

to life in prison without the 

possibility of parole for each of 

the 17 counts of murder to which 

he had pleaded guilty, with the 

sentences to run consecutively. I 

offered that their anger was justified; 

they are excellent officers 

who would not have hesitated 

to put their lives on the line to 

stop the threat. They are what Lt. 

Col. Dave Grossman would call 

sheepdogs; we need them more 

in our dangerous society. 

Since the Parkland massacre, 

there have been numerous examples 

during active shootings 

of bravery, courage, and dedication 

by officers who clearly 

view their role as “custodians 

or caregivers” of our children. 

In my counseling role with law 

enforcement, I learned that there 

are three major types of emotional 

betrayals for police officers. 

The first is the agency’s lack 

of support for officers who must 

use justified deadly force, especially 

in high-profile events. The 

second is the unjustified prosecution 

of officers who made a 

difficult split-second decision 

under extreme critical incident 

stress. The third is the inaction of 

Scot Peterson. It takes an emotional 

toll on officers who see 

their identity as the sheepdog 

and would never hesitate to act. 

click or scan 

here, for your 

FREE BLUES 

Subscription. 

I am deeply thankful for their 

service and, yes, their sacrifice. 

“The bravest are surely those 

who have the clearest vision of 

what is before them, glory and 

danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, 

go out to meet it. — 

Thucydides” 

Dave Grossman, On Combat: 

The Psychology and Physiology 

of Deadly Conflict in War and in 

Peace 


NOT SO BRIGHT AWARD 

Light Bulb Award 

AUSTIN DA - JOSE GARZA! 

Another Soros-backed DA signs off on plea deal for a woman who plead 

out to a Murder for Hire plot and gets probation!! WTF Garza! 

Residents of Austin, Texas, 

and crime victims’ families are 

speaking out after District Attorney 

Jose Garza signed off on 

a plea deal for a woman for her 

part in a murder-for-hire plot 

that targeted her in-laws. 

Jaclyn Alexa Edison was sentenced 

last week in Travis County, 

Texas, to 10 years probation 

after pleading guilty to conspiracy 

to attempt to commit 

capital murder by hiring two hit 

men who ultimately killed her 

then-husband’s father. The boyfriend’s 

mother survived. 

Edison’s husband, Nicolas 

Shaughnessy, and the two hit 

men accepted plea deals of 

35 years in prison. The victims’ 

families said that deal was too 

lenient, but Austin Police Retired 

Officers Association President 

Dennis Farris told Fox News 

Digital that Edison should have 

faced the same punishment as 

the others. 

“She should have gotten the 

same thing they got,” Farris said. 

“They literally are just as guilty, 

she’s just as guilty as the person 

who pulled the trigger.” 

Edison, who was 19 years old 

at the time of the crime, was 

offered “deferred adjudication,” 

which means she accepted responsibility 

for the crime but the 

conviction was not placed on her 

record. The lawyer for the surviving 

victim said he has never 

seen a similar outcome. 

“In the close to half a century 

that I’ve worked with criminal 

law as a prosecutor and a defense 

attorney … I have never 

seen anything like this,” attorney 

Steve Brittain told KXAN-TV. “I 

can’t put it together in my mind, 

and I just don’t understand it.” 

Edison and her now ex-husband 

were accused of hiring 

Arieon Smith and Johnny Leon in 

2018 to kill Shaughnessy’s adopted 

parents who owned Gallerie 

Jewelers in Austin in a scheme 

they hoped would net them their 

$2 million life insurance policy. 

Ted Shaughnessy was found 

dead of multiple gunshot 

wounds in a hallway of his home 

after his wife, Corey Shaughnessy, 

returned fire at the hit 

men until she ran out of ammunition 

and hid in a closet to call 

911, authorities said. 

“You can withdraw money 

from the bank to pay to have 

your in-laws killed, and this district 

attorney is going to let you 

basically walk away,” Farris said. 

“I mean this is just insane.” 

While part of Edison’s probation 

says she must check in to 

the Travis County Jail for two 

yrs. 

Wipe that smile off your face, 

you’re an idiot and the Winner 

of this Month’s Light Bulb 

Award. 

days each year on the anniversary 

of the murder as part of her 

probation, Farris told Fox News 

Digital that’s a slap on the wrist 

and that she will probably end 

up spending less than two days 

in jail based on the way the jails 

credit time served based on the 

time of day you clock in. 

Garza, who was backed by a 

PAC linked to billionaire George 

Soros, has been criticized for 

years for what the families of 

crime victims say is a soft-oncrime 

approach that stems from 

adherence to progressive politics 

and “reimagining” the justice 

system. 

CHICAGO MAYOR, 

STILL A MORON 

One of those family members is 

Nicholas Kantor, whose brother, 

Doug, was an innocent bystander 

when he was shot and killed 

in 2021 when two rival gangs of 

teenagers opened fire on each 

other in downtown Austin in one 

of the worst mass shootings in 

the city’s history. Two years later, 

Nicholas Kantor says Garza’s office 

has yet to deliver justice for 

his family and has even impeded 

progress toward that goal. 

Kantor told Fox News Digital 

in response to news of Edison’s 

probation sentence that people 

need to ask themselves how they 

would feel if Edison had killed 

their mother or their father. 

“Would you feel contentment 

that the DA provided you with 

justice and peace of mind to settle 

your heart?” Kantor said. 

“This is about the future of the 

justice system, if we continue 

to stand idle through deals and 

decisions like this without any 

protests and outrage, that this 

will become the new normal,” 

Kantor added. “And while today 

it may be somebody else’s 

broken heart, tomorrow it could 

very well be yours.” 

Garza ran on a platform of 

prosecuting police officers and 

has already gone after several of 

them, including the indictment 

of over 20 Austin police officers 

for their roles in subduing 

a Black Lives Matter riot in the 

wake of George Floyd’s death. 

He also worked to convict Army 

Sgt. Daniel Perry to 25 years in 

prison for shooting an armed 

Black Lives Matter protester who 

approached his car with a raised 

AK-47 style weapon. 

“This is a sweetheart deal,” 

Farris said. “Do you think he 

would offer or make a deal with 

the police officers he’s charged? 

Things are getting worse in 

Travis County because we are 

refusing to put people in jail for 

the worst crimes they commit.” 

Garza’s office did not respond 

to a request for comment from 

Fox News Digital. 

Reprinted from foxnews.com. 


“OK, I like it, Picasso” 

That little phrase made famous on Tik Tok sums up the reaction 

I have and many others I encounter on the water have about my 

new Axopar 37 Cross Cabin boat. I wrote about this new boat back 

in the October issue of last year. Well, she finally arrived in June, 

and we love it. We named her Rare Waters because of the beautiful 

Caribbean like water we like to hang around in near the pass to 

the Gulf of Mexico in Destin, Florida. 


For a 37-foot boat, it drives like 

a sports car. It gets up on plane 

quickly, turns on a dime, and 

with the pilot house doors and 

sunroof closed, you can hardly 

tell that you are cruising at 

40 mph. Or you can open them 

all up and you feel like you are 

running in a large center console 

fishing boat. The twin 300 

Mercury Verado outboards are 

great engines that I have noticed 

top out my boat at about 51 mph 

but cruise very fuel efficient at 

35-38 mph. Yes, I know with 

gas at the marinas running over 

$7.00 per gallon, it is a terrible 

time to be getting a new boat 

that gets 1.5 mpg, but it wasn’t 

like this a year ago when I ordered 

the boat. The good news 

is that I have found you can also 

enjoy the boat when it is just 

anchored! 

My friends often ask, what am 

I like most about the boat so far? 

For sure, the uniqueness of the 

boat grabs your attention right 

away and is a favorite feature. 

Having an enclosed pilot house 

is not something you see on the 

water much, but it is very nice to 

cruise with the doors open, but 

still have the AC vents blowing 

on you to counter the 95-degree 

days we’ve been having. Another 

favorite feature is the ease in 

which the boat handles. With 

having twin engines and a bow 

thruster, docking the boat has 

not been an issue at all. We also 

have enjoyed the full accessibility 

of the boat. Getting in and out 

of the V-berth is easy from the 

bow using the Gull wings and 

from the pilot house using the 

wide access door down to the 

shower and head then on to the 

sitting and sleeping area. We 

have used the shade awnings for 

the bow and the stern as well to 

hide from the sun when anchored 

out. 

So, what has been challenging 

about the boat? Well, it has 

to be the electronics. The glass 

touch screens SIMRAD navigation 

system is easy enough to work 

the basics, but still after 10 trips 

out, I have not begun to unleash 

its full potential. With every 

Youtube video, I get better, but 

wish I could just have an expert 

spend a full day with me and 

master it. Likewise, the safety 

features associated with boat 

have been equally challenging 

to fully understand and get 

operational. Between the VHF 

radio and the AIS system setup, 

I have become an FCC licensed 

radio operator and spent many 

hours researching exactly what I 

need to do to be prepared for an 

emergency at sea. 

While Axopar doesn’t try to 

compete in the fishing boat market, 

with some of their standard 

fishing options and my modifications 

it has done quite well, 

and I am happy to call it a fishing 

boat. The live well has plenty of 

capacity and is easy to use and 

clean. The added bait station table 

with trolling rod holders was 

a great addition along with the 

outriggers, large cooler, saltwater 

rinse, and storage cabinet for 

all of my gear. Now I just need 

to find and mark some great 

fishing spots because so far, we 

have caught some fish, but nothing 

to write about yet. However, 

that is what retirement is for. 

As I started this article, we 

love this boat and love sharing 

it with others. The last time we 

were on the water, I was idling 

in a no wake zone in the Destin 

Harbor and this fishing charter 

captain comes cruising up next 

to me and tells me he really 

likes the look of my boat and 

asks all kinds of questions. 

After about 5 minutes of me 

proudly describing all the features 

I love about my boat like a 

proud new papa, he smiles and 

says, “OK, I like it, Picasso” and 

speeds away. 


ADS BACK IN THE DAY 



ADS BACK IN THE DAY 


THERE ARE NO WORDS 

parting shots... 

yrs. 

... pardon our humor 

Headed into Academy in Cypress Texas. 

Maybe it’s time to start shopping at Dicks. 


yrs. 

Your Source for 

Law Enforcement 

Products & 

Services 


yrs. 

12722 HWY. 3 • WEBSTER, TEXAS • 281-488-5934 

AUTO FACELIFTS is an industry leader 

in auto upholstery in the Houston, 

TX area. We work on cars, trucks, and 

even boats, so no matter what you’re 

riding in, we can give it a facelift! 

4807 KIRBY DRIVE • HOUSTON, TEXAS • 713-524-3801 

RIVER OAKS CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP & RAM 

Alan & Blake Helfman are the named 

and primary sponsor of The BLUES. For 

over 65 years the Helfman’s have supported 

local area law enforcement and 

supported The BLUES since our first issue. 

There is simply no better dealership 

in Houston to purchase your Chrysler, 

Dodge, Jeep, Ram or Ford product. 

The sales team provide honest, no BS 

pricing and their service department 

ranks among the top in the nation. 

Call Alan or Blake Helfman at 713-524- 

3801 when you are ready to purchase 

your next vehicle. It will be the best 

car buying experience you’ve ever had. 

AUTOMOTIVE 

as has been the No. 1 Ford Dealer in 

the greater-Houston area for over 20 

years.* Our Ford dealership earns this 

distinction year after year because our 

team makes our clients and their vehicle 

needs our top priority. Planet Ford is 

part of the award-winning World Class 

Automotive Group. The dealership has 

earned many top honors, including multiple 

Triple Crowns, which is bestowed 

upon only the best. In order to be recognized, 

a dealership must receive 

all of Ford’s top awards, including The 

President’s Award for customer service. 

Planet Ford has been redesigned from 

the ground up to provide a superior 

customer experience. Planet offers over 

30 acres of new Ford inventory, Certified 

Pre-Owned Fords, pre-owned vehicles 

of all makes and models, as well 

as aftermarket and performance parts, 

service, commercial truck services, and 

collision repair. Beyond automotive services, 

the Randall Reed family and Planet 

team support and gives back to the 

community, from local charity events 

to sponsoring schools and veteran programs. 

Learn more at PlanetFord.com. 

E-BIKES 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE 

INFORMATION 

unwavering focus on delivering unrivaled 

performance, tactical attributes, 

and reliability. With its groundbreaking 

features and cutting-edge design, the 

ATR 528 sets a new standard for police 

eBikes worldwide. 

Public Safety Software 

In every community, ensuring public 

safety is of utmost importance, 

especially amid decreasing budgets 

and growing populations. For over 35 

years, the Cardinal Tracking Suite of 

Public Safety products offers agencies 

a cost-effective solution to gather 

essential information, meet reporting 

requirements, and enhance operational 

efficiency, policing effectiveness, and 

resident safety. 

With Cardinal Tracking, agencies gain 

access to software, hardware, and services 

that streamline report generation, 

enabling them to dedicate more time to 

other responsibilities. Our comprehensive 

product lineup includes: 

• Badge Records Management 

• CAD911 Emergency Dispatch 

• Court - Municipal Court Management 

• MobileCite - eCitation issuance 

• MobileLink - Field Reporting 

With over 20 years of NIBRS compliance, 

we ensure our products align 

with the latest reporting standards and 

regulations. 

POLICE SUPPLIES 

Starting in 2003, Cop Stop Inc. 

Opened with a vision and goal to 

service first responders; “Our everyday 

heroes.” Catering mainly to Police, 

Fire, Military and EMS, but also open to 

the public, Cop Stop offers a variety of 

products, gear and apparel. Open and 

operated by Rick Fernandez, a former 

officer of 10 years, he prides himself 

on maintaining the highest standards 

of customer service. Cop Stop understands 

its our customers who drive 

our success, and we strive to offer the 

best service to everyone who walks 

through our doors. At Cop Stop we 

offer quality products at great low 

prices. With access to over hundreds 

of brands and products, and constantly 

adding more, we are confident we can 

fulfill your needs. 

“If you provide good service and 

a fair price, customers will talk 

about you and come back. It’s that 

simple!” Rick Fernandez 

Supporting Law 

Enforcement in 

TEXAS 

GUNS/AMMO 

ProForce’s commitment to providing excellent customer 

service is a key element in the company’s success 

throughout the western United States. As a relative newcomer 

in the state of TEXAS ProForce has been welcomed with open 

arms by the law enforcement community. 

ProForce’s relationships with top industry manufacturers 

and vendors, as well as their sales volume, allows them 

to negotiate better pricing to meet the budgetary needs 

of law enforcement agencies. While some vendors may 

not always have product availability in a timely manner. 

ProForce’s industry relationships and direct contact through 

vendor representatives, the sales team is able to suggest 

and provide alternatives to meet specific requirements of 

agencies, ensuring that the agency’s needs are always met. 

“ 

Working with PROFORCE through the 

bidding and purchasing of the M&P 2.0’s was 

very easy and simple. We added the ACRO red 

dot along with the holster and the light. This 

purchase was simple and easy. 

The troops love the improvement to the 2.0 

and the red dot. 

Lt. Socha. Austin PD. 

“ 

#X300U-A #13353 #200691 

customer service and quality products. 

CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY is 

located at 1410 Washington Ave, near 

downtown Houston, but you can 

purchase everything you need online 

at: https://www.centralpolice.com/ 

Inset: Dan Rooney ProForce President 

The company features an excellent selection of high demand 

law enforcement firearms, equipment and accessories from 

great manufacturers such as: 

Axon/Taser, Aimpoint, Beretta, Colt, H&K, Bola Wrap, 

Bianchi, Smith & Wesson, Eotech, Daniel Defense, 

NightStick, Sig Sauer, Kimber, Otis, Defense Technology, 

Shadow Systems, Magpul, L3 Harris, Burris, Mossberg, 

Ruger, Streamlight, Safariland, Springfield, Blackhawk, 

Holosun, Trijicon, Vortex, Surefire, Us Peacekeeper ,OSS, 

Nightstick, FNH USA and UTM. 

Proforce takes great pride in distributing high quality public 

safety products from top tier manufacturers and this 

transaction has set a trend for many other law enforcement 

agencies in the State of Texas. 

Agency demonstrations, test and evaluation 

of products is available upon request. Ask us 

about trade-ins! We will buy your agency duty or 

confiscated firearms, any model and condition! 

First class customer support and quality service 

makes PROFORCE the number one choice for first 

responder equipment and accessories! 

Call (800) 367-5855 

Email: sales@proforceonline.com or 

visit our website 

www.proforceonline.com 

SEND US AN EMAIL 

SCAN THE QR CODE 

PLANET FORD IN SPRING, 20403 

I45 NORTH, SPRING TEXAS 

Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring, Tex- 

SAN DIMAS, CA – As law enforcement 

agencies strive to enhance their capabilities 

and adapt to the evolving needs 

of modern policing, one company has 

taken a giant leap forward in creating 

a purpose-built solution. Introducing 

the ATR 528 Law Enforcement eBike, by 

American Bike Patrol Services—a remarkable 

two-wheeled marvel meticulously 

crafted over 18 months with an 

CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY is 

your source for the best in police 

equipment. Based in Houston, 

we supply law enforcement 

with the equipment they need.” 

CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY has been 

serving Houston law enforcement for 

nearly 50 years with the absolute best 


yrs. 

POLICE SUPPLIES 

choose the heading 

LIST YOUR 

BUSINESS HERE 

FOR ONLY $50 

PER MONTH 

Starting in 2003, Cop Stop Inc. 

Opened with a vision and goal to 

service first responders; “Our everyday 

heroes.” Catering mainly to Police, Fire, 

Military and EMS, but also open to the 

public, Cop Stop offers a variety of 

products, gear and apparel. Open and 

operated by Rick Fernandez, a former 

officer of 10 years, he prides himself 

on maintaining the highest standards 

of customer service. Cop Stop understands 

its our customers who drive our 

success, and we strive to offer the best 

service to everyone who walks through 

our doors. At Cop Stop we offer quality 

products at great low prices. With 

access to over hundreds of brands and 

products, and constantly adding more, 

we are confident we can fulfill your 

needs. 

“If you provide good service and a 

fair price, customers will talk about 

you and come back. It’s that simple!” 

Rick Fernandez 

add your logo 

add a photo 

up to 250 word to describe your business 



NOW HIRING 

LE job positions 

Galveston Police Dept. Get Info PO Exam - Galveston Convention Center 07/21/2023 - 9am 

Abilene Police Dept. Get Info Cadet police academy applicants 07/23/2023 - 5pm 

Waco Police Department Get Info Police Officer 07/10/2023 - 5pm 

Waco Police Department Get Info Police Recruit 07/10/2023 - 5pm 

North Richland Hills PD Get Info Police Officer 07/14/2023 - 5pm 

Texas A&M Univ. Corpus Christi Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 07/15/2023 - 5pm 

Travis County Sheriff's Office Get Info Sheriff's Deputy - Facilities 07/15/2023 - 5pm 

Grimes County Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 07/15/2023 - 5pm 

Hemphill Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff - Patrol 07/14/2023 - 5pm 

City of Killeen - Municipal Court Get Info City Marshal 07/17/2023 - 5am 

TSTC Police Department Get Info Police Officer 07/18/2023 - 5pm 

Bovina Police Department Get Info Police Officer 07/18/2023 - 5pm 

Nacogdoches ISD Police Department Get Info Police Officer 07/22/2023 - 5pm 

Richardson Police Department Get Info Police Officer 07/23/2023 - 5pm 

Tarrant County Get Info Detention Officer 07/23/2023 - 11am 

Wilmer Police Department Get Info Police Officer 07/23/2023 - 5pm 

Floyd County Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 07/23/2023 - 5pm 

Paris ISD Dept. of Safety & Security Get Info Police Officer 07/23/2023 - 5pm 

Liberty Hill ISD PD Get Info Police Officer 07/25/2023 - 5pm 

Montgomery ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 07/21/2023 - 5pm 

City of Rollingwood Get Info Patrol Officer 07/26/2023 - 5pm 

City of Trinidad Police Department Get Info Police Officer 07/29/2023 - 5pm 

Schleicher County Sheriff’s Office Get Info Sheriff Deputy 07/29/2023 - 5pm 

Nacogdoches County 145th District Court Get Info Court Bailiff 07/29/2023 - 5pm 

Dallas County Marshal Service Get Info Police Officer 07/30/2023 - 5pm 

Tyler Junior College Get Info Police Cadet 07/30/2023 - 5pm 

Tyler Junior College Get Info Sergeant 07/30/2023 - 5pm 

Dimmitt Police Department Get Info Police Officer 07/31/2023 - 5pm 

City of San Elizario Get Info Deputy Marshal 08/30/2023 - 5pm 

Waller Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/01/2023 - 5pm 

Missouri City Police Department Get Info Police Officer/Cadet 06/28/2023 - 5pm 

City of Harker Heights Get Info Police Officer Trainee 06/30/2023 - 5pm 

Waller Police Department Get Info Detective 08/04/2023 - 5pm 

Austin County Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 08/01/2023 - 5pm 

City of Killeen - Municipal Court Get Info Deputy City Marshal 08/06/2023 - 5pm 

Alvin Community College Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/01/2023 - 5pm 

Alvin Community College Police Department Get Info Police Officer (Part Time) 08/01/2023 - 5pm 

North Richland Hills Police Dept. Get Info Lateral Police Officer 08/25/2023 - 5pm 

COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS Get Info State Police Officer/Investigator 08/07/2023 - 5pm 

Aubrey ISD Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/07/2023 - 5pm 

Morgan's Point Police Dept. Get Info Police Chief 08/08/2023 - 5pm 

Pflugerville Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/07/2023 - 5pm 

Nolan County Sheriff's Office Get Info Criminal Investigator 08/08/2023 - 5pm 

Nolan County Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 08/08/2023 - 5pm 

Conroe ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 08/08/2023 - 5pm 

City of Mathis Get Info Patrol Officer 08/11/2023 - 5pm 

Saint Jo Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/10/2023 - 5pm 

Hutchins Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/12/2023 - 5pm 

Alief ISD Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/12/2023 - 5pm 

Dallas Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer/Lateral 08/13/2023 - 5pm 

Lockhart Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 07/19/2023 - 5pm 

yrs. 

Stanton Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Division 08/09/2023 - 5pm 

Van Zandt Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 08/13/2023 - 5pm 

Kyle Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/10/2023 - 5pm 

City of Fort Worth Municipal Court Get Info Deputy City Marshal 08/13/2023 - 5pm 

Breckenridge Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/14/2023 - 5pm 

Nueces County Sheriff's Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff 08/14/2023 - 5pm 

Aransas Pass Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/14/2023 - 5pm 

City of Waxahachie Get Info Police Officer 07/14/2023 - 5pm 

Lakeway Police department Get Info Police Cadet 07/16/2023 - 5pm 

City of Caney City Get Info Police Chief 08/16/2023 - 5pm 

Anderson County Sheriff's Office Get Info Deputy 08/16/2023 - 5pm 

Anderson County Sheriff's Office Get Info Investigator 08/16/2023 - 5pm 

Elm Ridge Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/16/2023 - 5pm 

Argyle ISD Get Info Police Officer 07/16/2023 - 5pm 

Waco Police Department Get Info Police Recruit 07/28/2023 - 5pm 

Texas A&M University Police Department Get Info Police Cadet 08/01/2023 - 5pm 

Lago Vista Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 08/20/2023 - 5pm 

Alief ISD Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/18/2023 - 5pm 

Floresville ISD Police Department Get Info Peace Officer 07/21/2023 - 5pm 

City of University Park Get Info Police Officer 08/21/2023 - 5pm 

City of Baytown Get Info Patrol Officers 08/21/2023 - 5pm 

GALVESTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Get Info Telecommunicator 08/22/2023 - 5pm 

City of Wylie Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/21/2023 - 5pm 

GALVESTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Get Info School Liaison Deputy 07/10/2023 - 5pm 

Ector County ISD Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/25/2023 - 5pm 

Hutto Police Department Get Info Lateral Officer 08/25/2023 - 5pm 

Whitewright ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 08/21/2023 - 5pm 

Ingram Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/27/2023 - 5pm 

Ingram Police Department Get Info Police Chief 08/27/2023 - 5pm 

West Lake Hills Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/28/2023 - 5pm 

Manvel Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/28/2023 - 5pm 

Florence Police Department Get Info School Resource Officer 08/15/2023 - 5pm 

Alvin Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer 07/28/2023 - 5pm 

Eastland Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/29/2023 - 5pm 

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/30/2023 - 5pm 

Mt. Pleasant ISD Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/30/2023 - 5pm 

Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputies 08/30/2023 - 5pm 

Breckenridge Police Department Get Info Peace Officer 08/30/2023 - 5pm 

Victoria County Sheriff's Office Get Info School Resource Officer 09/03/2023 - 5pm 

Rusk Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 09/05/2023 - 5pm 

Saginaw Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/23/2023 - 5pm 

Bulverde Police Department Get Info Police Officer 09/04/2023 - 5pm 

Sterling Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff 08/31/2023 - 5pm 

Blanco Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff 09/05/2023 - 5pm 

City of Lakeway Get Info Police Lieutenant 07/16/2023 - 5pm 

Harris County Sheriffs Office Get Info LATERAL DEPUTY 09/04/2023 - 5pm 

Mesquite Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/09/2023 - 5pm 

Freestone County Attorney's Office Get Info Investigator 09/04/2023 - 5pm 

West Texas A&M University Police Department Get Info Police Officer 08/31/2023 - 5pm 

City of Leonard Get Info Police Officer 09/04/2023 - 5pm 

Beaumont Police Dept. Get Info Police Cadet 09/04/2023 - 5pm 

Beaumont Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 09/04/2023 - 5pm 

Northside ISD Police Department Get Info Police Officer 09/05/2023 - 5pm 

Port Aransas Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer 09/30/2023 - 5pm 

Trinity University Police Department Get Info Peace Officer 09/05/2023 - 5pm 


STATEWIDE VACANCIES FOR JAILERS 

North Richland Hills PD Get Info Detention Officer 07/14/2023 - 5pm 

Travis County Sheriff's Office Get Info Corrections Officer 07/14/2023 - 5pm 

Grimes Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Jailer 07/14/2023 - 5pm 

Richardson Police Dept. Get Info Detention Officers 07/23/2023 - 5pm 

Wilson Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Jail Administration 07/14/2023 - 5pm 

Farmers Branch Police Dept Get Info Detention Officer 08/06/2023 - 5pm 

Van Zandt Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Detention Officers 08/13/2023 - 5pm 

Nueces County Sheriff's Office Get Info Cadet Corrections Officer 08/14/2023 - 5pm 

Anderson County Sheriff's Office Get Info Jailer 08/16/2023 - 5pm 

City of Wylie Get Info Detention Officer 08/25/2023 - 5pm 

Victoria County Sheriff's Office Get Info Detention Officer 09/03/2023 - 5pm 

Rusk Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Detention Officer 09/05/2023 - 5pm 

Harris County Sheriffs Office Get Info Detention Officer 09/04/2023 - 5pm 

STATEWIDE VACANCIES TELECOMMUNICATION OPERATOR 

North Richland Hills PD Get Info Dispatcher 07/14/2023 - 5pm 

Richardson Police Department Get Info Telecommunicator 07/22/2023 - 5pm 

Wilmer Police Department Get Info Telecommunicator 07/23/2023 - 5pm 

Tyler Junior College Get Info Telecommunicator 07/30/2023 - 5pm 

Harris Co. Toll Road Authority Get Info Public Safety Dispatcher 08/02/2023 - 5pm 

Williamson County Emergency Communications Get Info Telecommunications Officer 07/21/2023 - 5pm 

Rowlett Police Dept. Get Info Communications Officer 07/15/2023 - 5pm 

University Park Police Dept. Get Info Communications Specialist 08/31/2023 - 5am 

Hutchins Police Dept. Get Info Communications Officer 08/11/2023 - 5pm 

City of Wylie Get Info Dispatcher 08/25/2023 - 5pm 

Dallas Police Department Get Info Telecommunicator 08/25/2023 - 5pm 

Rusk Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Telecommunicator 09/05/2023 - 5pm 

Harris County Sheriffs Office Get Info Communications Officer 09/04/2023 - 5pm 

City of Austin Get Info Emergency Communications Manager 09/05/2023 - 5pm 


JOIN OUR TEAM! 

ARANSAS PASS POLICE DEPARTMENT 

IS HIRING FOR 

TCOLE CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS 

The Aransas Pass Police Department is a progressive agency, employing some of the sharpest 

minds and equipping them with some of the best technology available. We continue to seek 

applications from those desiring to become part of our law enforcement family. 

Making a positive dierence in our community is what APPD is all about! Are you in? 

Opportunities 

Bike Patrol 

Crisis Intervention Team 

DEA Task Force 


Gang/Narcotics Investigations 

Criminal Investigations Div. 

Marine Patrol & Dive Team 

Mental Health Officers 

School Resource Officer 

TCOLE Training Instructor 

Salary 

Annual Salary: 

$44,200.00 Base 

$6,600 Retention Stipend 

Hourly Incentives: 

$1.50 Max for College Degree 

$0.50 Per TCOLE License Step 

$0.50 Bi-Lingual 

$0.50 Special Assignment 

Benefits 

Paid Bereavement Leave 

Cell Phone 

Holiday Pay/Leave 

Longevity Pay 

Paid Personal Leave 

Sick Leave 

TMRS Retirement (2:1 at 6%) 

Tuition Reimbursement 

Vacation Leave 

Weapon Purchase Program 

Point of contact: Administrative Captain Troy Poe (361) 758-5224 ext. 2421 or tpoe@aptx.gov 

For an application or more information visit: police.aptx.gov/jobs 


The City of Aransas Pass is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability.

ALDINE ISD 


JOIN OUR TEAMAPPLY AT 

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS 


• Paid Vacation 

• Paid Holidays 

• Personal Days 

• Teacher Retirement System 

TCOLE CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE 

• Intermediate PO: $2,400 

• Advanced PO: $4,800 

• Master PO: $7,200 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be 21 Years Of Age 

• Must Hold an Active Tcole Peace Officer License 

• Must Complete the Following: 

• Pass Physical Agility Test 

ALDINEISD.ORG 

STARTING SALARY $55,000 WITH NO EXPERIENCE 

UP TO $85,000 DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE 

ALDINE ISD PD OFFERS 

DEPARTMENT BENEFITS 

• Uniforms Provided, Including Duty Weapon 

• Department Provided Training 

• Starting Pay Depends on 

Qualifications / Experience 

• TCOLE Certification / Education Pay 

• Most Officers work Day Shift with Weekends Off 

(INCENTIVE PAY FOR DETECTIVES, K-9 HANDLERS, AND 

FIREARM INSTRUCTORS.) 

SPECIALIZED DIVISIONS 

• Criminal Investigations 

• Emergency Response Team 

• Honor Guard 

• Gang Task Force 

• Community Outreach Division 

• K-9 Division 

• Firearm Instructor 

$1,000 SIGNING BONUS 

• Background Investigation 

174 The BLUES 

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT 

• Psychological Evaluation 

The BLUES 175 

SGT. HALL AT 281.442.4923 

• Drug Screening 

OR VISIT ALDINEISD.ORG


austin officers 

austin dispatch 


NOW 

HIRING 

BIG SPRING PD IS NOW HIRING POLICE OFFICERS 

• 100% PAID ACADEMY TRAINING FOR 

NON-CERTIFIED CADETS 

• EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS ARE PROVIDED 

INCLUDING TAKE HOME VEHICLES 

• TMRS RETIREMENT (2:1 CITY MATCH) 

• 100% EMPLOYEE MEDICAL AND LIFE 

INSURANCE PREMIUM PAID BY THE CITY 

• PAID VACATION AND HOLIDAYS 

• PAID SICK LEAVE 

• LONGEVITY PAY FOR YEARS OF SERVICE 

• EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM 

• PROGRESSIVE ANNUAL IN-SERVICE 

TRAINING AND EXTERNAL TRAINING 

OPPORTUNITIES. 

• OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE 

EXPERIENCE IN ASSIGNMENTS SUCH AS 

SWAT, NARCOTICS, TRAFFIC, AND CRIMINAL 

INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION 

• $1500 ACADEMY REIMBURSEMENT AND 

$2400 RELOCATION PAY FOR CERTIFIED 

OFFICERS 

$55,900 STARTING ANNUAL SALARY FOR CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS. 

ENTRY LEVEL TESTING ON AUGUST 1, 2023 

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 26, 2023 

APPLY NOW AT WWW.MYBIGSPRING.COM 

THE CITY OF BIG SPRING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 



October 15 

WATCH FOR NEW TEST DATES 


Montgomery County’s 3 rd Largest Law Enforcement Agency 

FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER 

• $50,363 minimum starting salary 

• Certification pay: 

Int - $1,600, Adv - $2,400, Mstr - $3,700 

• Competitive insurance & benefits 

• Teacher Retirement System (TRS) 

• 20 paid leave days & 12 paid holidays 

Opportunity 

multiple divisions including 

Investigations, Patrol, and 

K-9 services 

Growth 

100+ annual training hours, 

promotion opportunities, 


Balance 

overtime pay, comp time, 

most weekends off, prior LE 

experience pay 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT 

HTTPS://POLICE.CONROEISD.NET/DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION/EMPLOYMENT/ 

186 The BLUESpolice.conroeisd.net 

CISDPolice @CISDPolice 

The BLUES 187


Paid academy up to 

$70,560 

Lateral pay up to 

$81,321.70 

Forney ISD 

Police Department 

Additional Pay 

Education Pay 

Bachelor's 

Intermediate Cert. 

Advanced Cert. 

Master Peace Officer 

Shift Differential 

FTO Pay 

Language Pay 

21-44 YEARS OLD 

45 COLLEGE 

CREDIT HOURS 

WE'RE 

HIRING 

300+ NEW OFFICERS 

$2,880/yr 

$3,600/yr 

$600/yr 

$4,800/yr 

$7,200/yr 

3.5%-6.5% 

$1,200/yr 

$1,800/yr 

MUST MEET ONE REQUIREMENT 

19.5-21 YEARS 

OLD 

60 COLLEGE 

CREDIT HOURS 


Pension plan 

Compensation plan 

15 paid vacation days 

12 paid holidays 

15 days military leave 

Additional 6 weeks paid 

parental leave 

Health/ Vision/Dental/ Life 

Insurance 

ACTIVE TCOLE 

LICENSE 

MUST HAVE VALID 

TEXAS PEACE 

OFFICER LICENSE 

Benefits 

3 YEARS 

ACTIVE MILITARY 

HONORABLE 

DISCHARGE 

Description 

School-based police officers work 

with school administrators, security 

staff, and faculty to ensure the safety 

and well-being of students at various 

campuses. This officer works as the 

main security arm of a school. 

Requirements 

U.S. Citizen 

Accredited High School Diploma 

or equivalent 

Valid Texas Peace Officer License 

Valid Texas Driver's License 

Two or more years of college or 

advanced training preferred 

NOW 

HIRING 

Police Officers 

Experience 

SBLE Experience preferred 

Demonstrate the ability to 

teach & engage with youth 

Positions starting 

at $29.89/hr 

Retention Stipends 

Clothing Allowance 

Health/Childcare Incentive 

Paid Training 

Lateral Entry 

dallaspolice.net/join-dpd 214-671-4409 

www.forneyisd.net 


Civilian positions available: (Apply at www.Dallascityhall.com) 

APPLY ONLINE TODAY!

GALVESTON 

COUNTY 

SHERIFF’S OFFICE 

Seeking Individuals Who Are Interested in a Rewarding Career in Corrections 

Begin Your Career Today! 

GALVESTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ESTABLISHMENT OF ELIGIBILITY 

Position: Corrections Deputy I 

Bureau/Division: Corrections/Jail 

Title/Rank: Corrections Deputy/Deputy I 

Reports to: Sergeant - Corrections 

Starting Salary: $51,250.00 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Maintains the security of the facility by conducting security checks, settling disputes, and performing cell searches and 

inspections; conducts outside perimeter checks. 

Preparation and proper completion in the documentation of inmate records. 

Issues inmate meals, clothing, linens, and personal items. 

Supervise inmate programs (recreational, legal, health care, visitation and religious services) 

Prepares reports on jail and inmate activities, enforce inmate handbook rules. 

Supervises inmates performing such assignments as cleaning and maintaining the jail facility and continuously observe 

locations and activities of inmates. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• High School / GED Certificate and must be at least 18 years of age. 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and resident of the contiguous United States for a period of time sufficient to conduct a 

background investigation. 

• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, holidays and mandatory shifts when needed. 

• Must be able to work during natural disasters and or under declarations. 

• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the Galveston County 

Sheriff's Office in effect at the time of application. 

• Must have favorable employment history. All information given regarding past employment will be thoroughly checked. 

• Must have a stable credit history. 

• Must possess good computer skills and demonstrate comprehensive reading and comprehension skills. 

• No conviction above a Class B Misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years nor have been on or 

currently on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense and no Family Violence 

convictions of any level. 

• Applicant must pass all phases of the required testing. 

• Must be eligible for licensing by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for the position applied for, if not 

presently licensed. 

TO APPLY 

An applicant interested in any of GCSO position shall first download, complete and return 

the Application Packet, per the instructions on the downloadable form. 

The Application Packet can be found at SHERIFF.GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV 


JOIN US 

VISIT SHERIFF.GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV TO APPLY! 

The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

CONTACT US 

409.763.7585 : SO.EMPLOYMENT@GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV



Place your department’s recruiting ad 

in The BLUES for only $250 for an 

entire year, only $20 a month. 


FOR A LIMITED 

TIME. 

The Harris County 

Precinct 4 

Constable’s Office is 

accepng 

LATERAL DEPUTIES 

The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office is searching for lateral 

transfer depues to be sworn in on September 14, 2023. 

Whether you have recently rered, looking for an opportunity to 

expand your current skill set or relocang to the Houston, Texas area, 

Constable Mark Herman would like to welcome you to our family. 

The physical and wrien test will be waived and up to 14 years of 

service will be credited for Lateral Transfer Depues. 

To Apply Contact 

Recruing at 

832-927-6229 or visit 

www.constablepct4.com 

STARTING SALARY up to $68,184.00 

Plus Thousands In Incenves Per Year 

Master Peace Officer $6,000.00 

Drug Recognion Expert $2,700.00 

LATERAL DEPUTY 

Bachelor’s Degree $3,180.00 

Accident Reconstrucon $2,700.00 

And many more 


WE ARE 

HIRING! 

BENEFITS 

• Free basic Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for 

employee 

• Free basic Life insurance 

• Long Term Disability (LTD) 

• Affordable Medical, Dental and Vision benefits for 

eligible family members 

• Flexible Spending Accounts 

• 10 paid holidays per year 

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) including 10 vacation 

days and 13 sick days per year accrued biweekly 

• Paid Parental Leave 

RETIREMENT 

• Harris County matches your investment at 225% 

• 7% of your salary is invested pre-tax in your 

retirement account 

• Retirement Vesting after 8 years 

• Eligible upon earning 75 points (age+years of service) 

SALARY SCALE 

INCENTIVE PAY 

CLASSIFICATION SERVICE HOURLY ANNUAL 

DEPUTY I 0-47 $26.23 $54,558 

DEPUTY II 48-83 $28.07 $58,386 

DEPUTY III 84-119 $29.73 $61,838 

DEPUTY IV 120-155 $31.23 $64,958 

TCOLE CERTIFICATION 

ANNUAL 

Intermediate $1,560 

Advanced $3,420 

Master $6,000 

EDUCATION 

ANNUAL 

Associate Degree $1,320 

Bachelor Degree $3,180 

Master/Doctorate $4,500 

LATERAL DEPUTY 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be a licensed Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law 

Enforcement (TCOLE) in good standing 

• Must be currently employed as a Peace Officer (any break in service 

will be considered on a case-by-case basis) 

• Must have a minimum of 12 consecutive months experience as a 

Peace Office at any one agency 

• Must successfully pass the HCSO Physical Abilities Test (PAT) 

• Meet HCSO firearms qualification standard 

• Must pass a thorough background investigation (criminal 

background check, fingerprinting, personal interview, etc.) as 

required by TCOLE 

• Must pass a physical and psychological evaluation as required by 

TCOLE 

• Valid driver’s license and liability insurance (Texas by start date) 

• Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20, normal color, and peripheral 

vision 

• Correctable normal audible range in both ears 

• A two (2) year minimum commitment to Patrol before being eligible 

to transfer to other Bureaus 

TO APPLY 

For additional information contact 

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Recruitment Unit 

(713) 877-5250 

Now Hiring 

OFFICERS 

TCOLE Certified Peace Officers 

Hutto ranked one of the 

safest cities in Texas. 

Our fast-growing City shows a trending decrease in crimes based 

on four offenses from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting. 

Additional Pay 

+ Education Pay up to $175/month 

+ Specialty/Certication up to $260/month 

Highlights 

Top-of-the-line Equipment 

and Technology 

Beards and Tattoos Allowed 

No Written Test for Most Lateral Officers 

To learn more or apply, visit or scan 

https: //linktr. ee/huttopd 

Benets 

Retirement 

2-to-1 City match with TMRS 

Take-home Patrol Car 

For officers living within 25 miles 

Starting Salary 

$62K to $81K 

Annual Leave Accruals 

12 paid holidays, 80 hrs vacation, 96 hrs sick leave 

Multiple Positions Available 

A wide variety of units and assignments available 

Sign On Bonus! 

$5,000* 

DEPUTY V 156+ $32.78 $68,182 

Questions? Email: PDrecruiting@huttotx.gov 

202 The BLUES 

Bilingual Pay $1,800 

Harris County 

The BLUES 203 

@HCSOTexas 

HCSOTexas HCSOTexas @HCSOTexas 

Tenure agreement required. 

Receive up to fourteen (14) years of credit for time served! (Restrictions apply) SCAN THIS CODE 

Sheriff’s Office


L A P O R T E 

P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T 

Lateral Police Officer 

Starting Pay $ 62,416. to $73,775. 

Effective October 1, 2022 

No prior experience required. High School diploma or GED required. 

Possession of Class C Texas Driver License. 

Must possess a TCOLE License or be enrolled in accredited Basic Peace Officer Academy. 

Certification Pay (bi-weekly): 

$46.15 - Intermediate Peace Officer 

$69.23 - Advanced Peace Officer 

$92.31 - Master Peace Officer 

Education Pay (bi-weekly): 

$46.15 - Associates Degree 

$69.23 - Bachelors Degree 

$92.31 - Masters Degree 

Employee Benefits: 

Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance 

Longevity Pay 


TMRS Retirement (2 to 1 match) 

ICMA Deferred Compensation/Roth IRA 

$1,000 Physical Fitness Program 

Weapon Purchase Program 

Take-home Vehicles 

Specialized Divisions: 

SWAT / Bomb Squad 

Bike Patrol 

Criminal Investigative Division 

Crime Scene Unit 

Drone Pilots 

School Resource Officers 

Traffic/DOT Officers 

Police Area Representatives 

Apply online at 

www.laportetx.gov/jobs 

Paid Leave Benefits 

15 days vacation (Civil Service) 

15 days sick leave 

Military Leave 

9 observed holidays per year 

2 employee holidays per year 

Bereavement Leave 

Comp Time 


LEWISVILL 

E 

Benefits and Additional Pay: 

• $2500 Sign - On Bonus 

• Lateral Entry Program 

• Take - Home Vehicle 

$77,314 - $97,679 

• Cross Fit G ym 

• 24 /7 Private Indoor/Outdoor Range 

• Load Bearing Vests 

• Tattoos and Beards 

• Tuition Reimbursement 

• 20 Year TMRS Retirement 7% , 2:1 match 

• 457 Deferred Compensation p lan with 3.76% city match 

• 3 Weeks Paid Vacation 

• 15 Days Paid Sick Leave 

• 9 Paid Holidays 

• Field Training Officer 

• Bilingual 

• Longevity 

• Education /Certification 

GET PAID FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A CERTIFIED OFFICER 

Specialized Units : 

• SWAT 

• Street Crimes 

• K - 9 

• Narcotics 

• UAS Drone 

• Bicycle Patrol 

• Criminal In vestigations 

• Traffic 

• DWI 

• Commercial Vehicle Enforcement 

• Training 

• School Resource Officer 

• Neighborhood Resource Officer 

• Co - Care Crisis Team 

www .PROTECTLEWISVILLE. com 

• 1 YEAR $83,566 

• 4 YEARS $93,677 

• 2 YEARS $86,877 

• 5 YEARS $97,679 

208 The BLUES • 3 YEARS $90,373 

The BLUES 209

- 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 

 

 

 

--- 

NOTICE OF CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION 

Police Officer 

EXAMINATION: DATE: Saturday, July 22, 2023 

TIME: 9:00 a.m. 

PLACE: Clark Library Annex-Council Chambers 

217 South Main Street 

Lockhart, Texas 78644 

ELIGIBILITY LIST: The Eligibility List established through this testing will be 

effective for twelve months from the date of the test or until 

exhausted, whichever comes first. 

INTENT TO TEST: Application packets can be obtained from the Civil Service 

Director at 105 S. Colorado Street, Lockhart, Texas 78644 

or on-line at www.lockhart-tx.org. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. 

ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS 

HOW TO APPLY: Submit application packet to the Director of Civil Service by 

deadline. 

Application packets may be returned: 

• In person at City Administration Building, 105 S. Colorado Street, 

Lockhart, Texas 78644; 

• By mail to City of Lockhart, Attn Julie Bowermon, PO Box 239, Lockhart, 

Texas 78644; 

• By email to jbowermon@lockhart-tx.org. 

PHYSICAL AGILITY & 

FIREARM QUALIFICATION: 

Faxed applications will not be accepted. Applications 

post-marked by the deadline, but not physically 

received by the Director by the deadline will not be 

accepted. 

Failure to return a completed application 

packet by the above date, time, and method of 

delivery shall render the candidate ineligible to 

take the examination. 

Physical Agility & Firearm Qualification will 

follow the written examination for top scoring 

applicants who pass the written examination. 

Candidates must be certified as a TCOLE Texas Basic Peace Officer OR expect to 

obtain TCOLE certification on or before October 1, 2023. Proof of certification must 

be given to the Civil Service Director by October 1, 2023 for that candidate to 

remain on the entrance eligibility list. 

 


LONGVIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT 

JOIN OUR 

$65,709-$67,685 

Based on Population and Experience 

TEAM 

2-TIER HIRING 

INCENTIVE 

STARTING SALARY 

$60,085 

$3,000 

25 YEAR STEP PLAN 

$60,085 - $84,308 

STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE 

Insurance 

120 Hours Vacation 

11 Paid Holidays 

80 Hours Sick Leave 

20-Year Retirement Plan 

2/1 City Match TMRS 

Beards & Tattoos Allowed 

Academy Pay 

Equipment Provided 

Excellent Training Provided 

Speciality/Cerification Pay 

Community Support 

Plentiful Outdoor Activities 

NEW POLICE STATION 

COMING 2023 


MEMORIAL VILLAGES POLICE DEPARTMENT 

Serving the Villages of Bunker Hill, Piney Point and Hunters Creek 

POLICE OFFICER 

The Memorial Villages Police Department is currently looking for experienced officers who are 

self-motivated, innovative, enthusiastic and love working for a community that supports them. 

5+ Years Patrol Experience Required 

Hiring Bonus $1,500 

Night Shift Differential $3,600 

E.C.A $1300 

Bi-lingual Pay 

Education Pay 

Intermediate, Advanced, Master 

Peace Officer Certification Pay 

Healthcare, Dental and Vision Insurance 

100% paid for employee, 75% for 

spouse/dependents. 

Paid long-term disability and Life Insurance 

for employee, additional life insurance 

available for spouse/dependents. 

Health Savings Account with Department 

contributions up to $4,200 annually. 

TMRS Retirement 7% w/ 2:1 match (20 yr). 

457 Deferred Compensation Plan with 

employer contribution of 2.5% of annual 

salary. 


Longevity Pay up to a max of $2,400 

annually at 10 years of service. 

12 Hour shifts with every other Friday, 

Starting at $83,459 up to $94,164 

Scan for more 

information 

W W W . M V P D T X . O R G 

214 The BLUES 

11981 Memorial Drive – Houston, Tx 77024 

713.365.3700 

The BLUES 215

NOW HIRING 

Community Supported Law Enforcement 

Advancement Opportunities: 

Criminal Investigations - Special Response Team - 

Honor Guard - Special Response Group - Swift Water 

Rescue Team - K9 - Mounted Patrol - Drone Team 

Overtime Opportunities: 

STEP - OT Initiatives - Special Teams - DWI 

Stipend Pay: 

K9 - Specialist - FTO Deputy 

Paid Time Off: 

Holiday - Vacation - Comp Time - Personal - 

Paid Training 

Qualifications: 

Current TCOLE License - No Convictions (including 

deferred) Class A or Above - No DWI Convictions - 

No Family Violence Convictions 

Salary - Step Pay Slotted Based on TCOLE Full-Time 

Years of Service: 

Under 2 YRS - $53,788.80 9 YRS - $65,644.80 

2 YRS - $56,472.00 12 YRS - $68,536.00 

4 YRS - $59,259.20 15 YRS - $71,968.00 

6 YRS - $62,171.20 16+ YRS - $75,566.40 

License Certification (up to $6,600) and Longevity Pay 

Civil Service Protected 

Application Process: 

1. Pickup and complete applicant questionnaire in 

person or apply online. 

2. Firearms qualification, fitness assessment and, 

written exam. 

3. Successfully passing candidates will receive 

personal history book. 

4. Oral board 

APPLY ONLINE: WWW.MOCOPCT4.ORG/APPLY 

Constable Kenneth "Rowdy" Hayden - Pct. 4 Constable, Montgomery County, TX 

21130 Hwy 59 Ste. C New Caney, TX 77357 

www.mocopct4.org - 281.577.8985 - @mocopct4 

216 The ____________________________________________________________________________ 

BLUES The BLUES 217


MAKE A 

DIFFERENCE 

IN YOUR 

COMMUNITY 

Welcome Aboard 

Lewisville Police Department 

LEWISVILL E 

We are looking for outstanding individuals to 

join our team! As a Pearland Police Officer your 

mission will be to prevent crime and disorder, build 

partnerships within the community, and positively 

impact the quality of life for all our residents. 

CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS 

• Competitive Salary • Outstanding Training 

• Career Advancement • Exceptional Benefits 

The City of Pearland is one of the fastest growing 

communities within the region. Pearland is located 

approximately 20 minutes south of Downtown Houston 

and the current population is approximately 130,000 

residents. 

JOIN OUR TEAM 

HIRING POLICE OFFICERS AND CADETS 

$5,000 Hiring Incentive for T.C.O.L.E Certified Police 

Officers who qualify with at least 2 years of experience. 

Benefits and Additional Pay: 

• $2500 Sign - On Bonus 

• Lateral Entry Program 

• Take - Home Vehicle 

$77,314 - $97,679 

• Cross Fit G ym 

• 24 /7 Private Indoor/Outdoor Range 

• Load Bearing Vests 

• Tattoos and Beards 


• 20 Year TMRS Retirement 7% , 2:1 match 

• 457 Deferred Compensation p lan with 3.76% city match 

• 3 Weeks Paid Vacation 

• 15 Days Paid Sick Leave 

• 9 Paid Holidays 

• Field Training Officer 

• Bilingual 

• Longevity 

• Education /Certification 

GET PAID FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A CERTIFIED OFFICER 

• 1 YEAR $83,566 

• 2 YEARS $86,877 

• 3 YEARS $90,373 

• 4 YEARS $93,677 

• 5 YEARS $97,679 

Specialized Units : 

• SWAT 

• Street Crimes 

• K - 9 

• Narcotics 

• UAS Drone 

• Bicycle Patrol 

• Criminal In vestigations 

• Traffic 

• DWI 

• Commercial Vehicle Enforcement 

• Training 

• School Resource Officer 

• Neighborhood Resource Officer 

• Co - Care Crisis Team 

www .PROTECTLEWISVILLE. com 

TEST DATE: 

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 8:30 A.M. 

Register by: April 12. 

WATCH FOR UPCOMING 

Pearland Recreation Center & Natatorium 

4141 Bailey TEST Road, DATES Pearland, TX IN 77584. 2022 

Doors Open: 7:15 a.m. No admittance after 7:45 a.m. 

Candidates must park in the north parking lot. 

SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL APPLY 

• Attendance limited to first 150 arrivals 

• Mandatory temperature checks 

• Masks required, hand sanitizer available 

• Candidates seated 6 feet apart 

220 The BLUES For additional information and to register for an upcoming Civil Service Exam, The BLUES visit 221 

pearlandtx.gov/PDCareers

PORT HOUSTON 


WE ARE 

HIRING 

SIGN UP TODAY! www.porthouston.com/careers-2 

BENEFITS: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 

eligible first day of employment 

• Wellness Program 

(can earn up to $600 credit per year if requirements met) 

• Enrollment with Calm App for Wellbeing 

• Defined contribution plan (401a) 

– Employer Sponsored 

• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan) 

– Employee Contributions 

• Vacation 


• Paid Holiday 12 days/year 

• Life and Accidental Death and 

Dismemberment Insurance 

• Short Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits 

• Flexible spending account (FSA) 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Pet Insurance 

• Legal and Identity Theft Protection 


Up to the IRS annual limit and a maximum lifetime 

reimbursement of $25,000 

• Onsite Credit Union – Port of Houston Credit Union 

Are you looking for a career with meaning? 

Do you want to make a difference in a highly 

supportive community? 

Join our team at Port Houston! 

STARTING PAY* 

$60,000 up to $71,000 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be 21 years old 

• Must have 2+ years of police officer 

experience 

• Must have valid Texas Driver’s License 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen 

• Must have an honorable discharge 

from the military (if applicable) 

• Must never have been convicted of a 

Class A Misdemeanor or above 

EMPLOYMENT 

TESTING 

Employment is contingent on passing 

any post-offer pre-employment 

screening as listed below: 

• Criminal background check 

• Motor Vehicle Record check 

• Drug screening 

• Physical exam 

• Psychological exam 

SCAN 

QR CODE 

TO APPLY 

• Not been convicted of a Class B 

• Additional as required 

* Salary depends on experience 

misdemeanor within the last 10 years 

• Must have a GED or high school diploma 



Rowlett Police Department 

Provide Exceptional 

Service to All! 

CONTACT 

US NOW 

NOW HIRING 

972-412-6240 

kharrelson@rowlett.com 

4401 Rowlett Rd., 

Rowlett, TX 75088 

Accepting Lateral 

Police Officers. 

Get paid for your 

experience! 

CURRENT SALARY 

Starting salary is $65,554 

Top Out Police Officer salary is $90,861 

Lateral Transfer - May be eligible for a starting 

salary of up to $75,221 

UNITS/ DIVISIONS 

Containment Team 

SWAT 

Bike Unit 

Community Services 



Criminal Investigations Division 

Traffic 

Crisis Assistance Team 

Crisis Negotiation Team 

BENEFITS 

TMRS Pension 7/14 

Medical Insurance 

Dental Insurance 

Vision Insurance 

10 paid vacation days during 

first year & 10 Paid Holidays 

Paid Sick 

Beards and tattoos are 

authorized 

Longevity Pay 

Long Term Disability 

Life Insurance 

Dry cleaning 

Three department issued 

firearms 


GROW WITH US!

CONTACT 

US NOW 

972-412-6240 

kharrelson@rowlett.com 

4401 Rowlett Rd., 

Rowlett, TX 75088 

Accepting Lateral 

Police Officers. 

Get paid for your 

experience! 

NOW HIRING 

CURRENT SALARY 

Starting salary is $65,554 

Top Out Police Officer salary is $90,861 

Lateral Transfer - May be eligible for a starting 

salary of up to $75,221 

UNITS/ DIVISIONS 

Containment Team 

SWAT 

Bike Unit 

Community Services 



Criminal Investigations Division 

Traffic 

Crisis Assistance Team 

Crisis Negotiation Team 

BENEFITS 

TMRS Pension 7/14 

Medical Insurance 

Dental Insurance 

Vision Insurance 

10 paid vacation days during 

first year & 10 Paid Holidays 

Paid Sick 

Provide Exceptional 

Service to All! 

Beards and tattoos are 

authorized 

Longevity Pay 

Long Term Disability 

Life Insurance 

Dry cleaning 

Three department issued 

firearms 

SPRING BRANCH ISD POLICE DEPARTMENT 

WE’RE 

HIRING 

Patrol & Onsite Officers (HS/MS) 

Gang Officer 

Mental Health Officers 

Community Relations Officer 

Emergency Management 

Criminal Investigations 

K-9 programs 

*All equipment provided including duty weapon 

**Training opportunities available 

DEPARTMENT 

HIGHLIGHTS 

55 officer department 

44 square mile district 

47 schools 

35,000 population 

24/7 Patrol 

We want you to preserve, protect, and defend our future. 

Starting Pay $63,000 (TCOLE Basic Peace Officer certification with no experience) 

Language pay 

Shift differential pay 

Intermediate, Advanced and 

Master Peace Officer 

certificate pay 

Paid time off 

Ample overtime opportunities 

Apply online today. springbranchisd.com/join-our-team 

226 The BLUES GROW WITH US! 

The BLUES 227




Alief ISD Police Department 

232 The BLUES 

The BLUES 233

FAMOUS LAST 

WORDS 

“ I never spoke to Hunter about 

his overseas business dealings ” 

JOE BIDEN 

234 The BLUES 

“ Hey dad, did you get the money? ” 

HUNTER BIDEN

JULY 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 7

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?