End Parole for Cop Killers

Officer Albert Claggett

On June 26, 1978, a 15-year-old criminal brutally gunned down two Prince George's County, Maryland, police officers. Officer Albert Claggett was booking the youth on a theft charge when the boy gained control of Officer Claggett's service weapon and shot him. He then shot Officer James Swart as he walked into the booking room seconds later.

Amazingly, the boy was convicted of only one count of manslaughter - for the murder of Officer Claggett. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity for Officer Swart's murder.

Officer James Swart

To add insult to injury, this double cop-killer was paroled after serving only 17 of his 25 year sentence. The community loved him. The media glorified him. And, as is no surprise to anyone reading this article, this "reformed, model prisoner" continued his life of violent crime upon his release. Thankfully, the next time he was cornered by police after robbing a bank he killed himself instead of turning the gun on the pursuing officers.

The only good that came out of this heinous crime was that this criminal's actions was the catalyst for the creation of Concerns of Police Survivors in 1984, and his subsequent early release and glorification by the media was what spurned me to create the Officer Down Memorial Page in January 1996.

Fast forward to December 26, 2010, in Woburn, Massachusetts. On a snowy night during a rush for after-Christmas sales, a lifelong criminal was prowling the streets a free man after being paroled from his three life sentences. Along with two accomplices, this lowlife walked into a busy department store and robbed the jewelry counter at gunpoint. As he fled the store he was confronted by 34-year police veteran Officer John Maguire. During the ensuing exchange of shots both Officer Maguire and the lifelong criminal were killed.

Officer John Maguire

Parole for killers, especially cop killers, needs to end for good. They are a danger to society and a lethal threat to police officers nationwide. Officer Maguire certainly wasn't the first, and sadly, he won't be the last police officer to be taken from us by a parolee.

In 2011 the ODMP will be launching a No Parole for Cop Killers initiative that will engage the entire law enforcement community to band together to fight the release of any cop killer who is eligible for parole. Please vow to join us in ensuring cop killers fulfill their entire sentences and don't set foot outside a prison wall a single day too early.

Christmas Day: A Dangerous Day to Be a Police Officer

In 1806, America was only 30 years old. A total of only four law enforcement officers had been killed during that 30 year period. The year was almost over and most people were celebrating Christmas - except for a group of New York City rioters that were wreaking havoc in Manhattan.

On that fateful day, New York City Watchman Christian Luswanger, became the first police officer in America to be killed on Christmas Day when he was stabbed while attempting to maintain order.

Det. Donald Miller
Slain Christmas Day 2001

Since Watchman Luswanger's murder in 1806, 82 other law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty on Christmas Day, more than half of whom have been fatally shot.

On average, any given date of the year has seen about 56 law enforcement officer fatalities. So why does Christmas Day, a day that is supposed to be happy and peaceful, have such a disproportionate number of deaths at 83?

As it turns out, families fight when they get together. And as every police officer knows, domestic disturbances often have violent outcomes. Not only are officers victims of shootings that stem from domestic disturbances, but they are often killed in automobile crashes while responding them.

For those of you officers who will be working this Christmas Day please be extra vigilant. Wear your vest. Wear your seat belt. Slow down. Wait for backup if feasible. Most importantly, go home at the end of your shift. That is the best way to honor the brave men and women who were taken from their families on such a special day.

For everyone else, please visit the memorial of an officer who was killed or died in the line of duty on Christmas Day and leave them a special Reflection. They will never be forgotten.

Watchman Christian Luswanger	New York City Watch, NY	1806-12-25
Watchman Henry Carroll	Cincinnati Police Division, OH	1853-12-25
Patrolman John D. Sullivan	Savannah Police Department, GA	1869-12-25
Deputy Sheriff John Green	United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs - Division of Law Enforcement, US	1878-12-25
Sheriff George Washington Epperson	Bradford County Sheriff's Office, FL	1885-12-25
Deputy Marshal Matthew Barnhill	Jesup Police Department, GA	1889-12-25
Chief of Police William James Kittrell	Gainesville Police Department, GA	1890-12-25
Deputy Constable Tom H. Loftin	Falls County Constable's Office - Precinct 7, TX	1894-12-25
Deputy Marshal Columbus Brown	Orleans Police Department, IN	1895-12-25
Patrolman Louis Klusman	Cincinnati Police Division, OH	1896-12-25
Chief of Detectives John Donahue	Hot Springs Police Department, AR	1902-12-25
City Marshal L. Elmer Ferguson	Ringwood Police Department, OK	1903-12-25
Deputy Sheriff Mack Roberts	Leslie County Sheriff's Office, KY	1905-12-25
Chief of Police James J. Mitchell	St. Petersburg Police Department, FL	1905-12-25
Deputy Chief Marshal James Leonard Holland	Booneville Police Department, AR	1906-12-25
Special Deputy Lee Eldridge	Sullivan County Sheriff's Department, TN	1907-12-25
Deputy Marshal John C. Mullins	United States Department of Justice - Marshals Service, US	1908-12-25
Corporal Juan Roig-Loyola	Puerto Rico Police Department, PR	1908-12-25
Deputy Sheriff David Olius (Ollie) Battle	Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, AL	1910-12-25
Deputy Sheriff John Ernst	Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, OK	1910-12-25
Policeman Floyd C. Eiler	Los Angeles Police Department, CA	1911-12-25
Police Officer William (Billie) Nelson	Midvale Police Department, UT	1912-12-25
Officer Otto Albertson	Poughkeepsie City Police Department, NY	1916-12-25
Police Officer Joseph A. Coghill	Dormont Police Department, PA	1921-12-25
Patrolman Joseph T. Connor	Quincy Police Department, MA	1922-12-25
Patrolman Neil McIntyre	South Bend Police Department, IN	1923-12-25
Chief of Police Nels H. Romer	Mandan Police Department, ND	1926-12-25
Detective Homer C. Nuckolls	Pine Bluff Police Department, AR	1926-12-25
Patrolman Walter E. Rauch	Dayton Police Department, OH	1927-12-25
Patrolman Herbert D. Allen	Boston Police Department, MA	1927-12-25
Deputy Sheriff Langford Hennessey	Marion County Sheriff's Department, TN	1927-12-25
Sheriff George Washington (Wash) Coppinger	Marion County Sheriff's Department, TN	1927-12-25
Border Patrol Inspector Robert H. Lobdell	United States Department of Justice - Border Patrol, US	1928-12-25
Sergeant Francis Cyril Guest	Coral Gables Police Department, FL	1928-12-25
Police Officer Raleigh W. Taylor	San Antonio Police Department, TX	1930-12-25
Patrolman James D. Turner	Louisville and Nashville Railroad Police Department, RR	1931-12-25
Deputy Sheriff Berry Palmer	Atkinson County Sheriff's Office, GA	1931-12-25
Deputy Sheriff Owen Woodford Sizemore	Harlan County Sheriff's Department, KY	1931-12-25
Patrolman Edwin D. Milam	South Carolina Highway Patrol, SC	1934-12-25
Patrolman Joseph P. Reiner	New York City Police Department, NY	1935-12-25
Policeman Thomas O'Neill	Butte Police Department, MT	1935-12-25
Special Agent William E. Smith	United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol Tax Unit, US	1937-12-25
Town Marshal John James Speed	Union Police Department, MS	1937-12-25
Officer Waldemar L. Jentzsch	San Francisco Police Department, CA	1937-12-25
Chief of Police Jasper Addison Gargis	Southern Pines Police Department, NC	1939-12-25
Policeman W. G. Chamberlain	Los Angeles Police Department, CA	1941-12-25
Policeman William J. Henderson	Philadelphia Police Department, PA	1941-12-25
Officer James J. Goodson	St. Petersburg Police Department, FL	1947-12-25
Sergeant Joseph L. Hojak	Johnstown Police Department, PA	1949-12-25
Deputy Sheriff Bill Miller	Magoffin County Sheriff's Office, KY	1951-12-25
Patrolman Joseph Pych	Enfield Police Department, CT	1954-12-25
Auxiliary Policeman William James Henhoeffer	Philadelphia Police Department, PA	1955-12-25
Police Officer Marvin Elton Wills	Fort Worth Police Department, TX	1955-12-25
Patrolman William Ligon Acker	Anderson Police Department, SC	1956-12-25
Assistant Chief Robert Henry Potter	Tulia Police Department, TX	1960-12-25
Police Officer Dominic Paparelli	Archbald Borough Police Department, PA	1960-12-25
Sergeant Jack Lee Cooper	Baltimore City Police Department, MD	1964-12-25
Deputy Sheriff James M. Alexander	Washington County Sheriff's Office, ID	1965-12-25
Deputy Sheriff Frank Earl Dannenberg	Cook County Sheriff's Office - Department of Court Services, IL	1967-12-25
Detective Kathleen M. Reilly	Nassau County Police Department, NY	1967-12-25
Patrolman James A. Traylor	South Carolina Highway Patrol, SC	1970-12-25
Patrolman Leonard Meeks Jr.	North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC	1972-12-25
Chief of Police George H. King	Evarts Police Department, KY	1973-12-25
Sheriff William M. (Billy) Phillips	Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, OK	1980-12-25
Patrolman Berry Joe McGuire	Amarillo Police Department, TX	1980-12-25
Officer Gerald Eldin Dormaier	California Highway Patrol, CA	1980-12-25
Police Officer Edward K. Alley Jr.	Birmingham Police Department, AL	1980-12-25
Officer Sam E. Etheredge Jr.	Daytona Beach Police Department, FL	1980-12-25
Corrections Employee Gregory J. Gunter	United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Prisons, US	1982-12-25
Policeman Guadalupe Sanchez-Morales	Puerto Rico Police Department, PR	1982-12-25
Detective Robert L. Zore	Metro-Dade Police Department, FL	1983-12-25
Lieutenant Thurman Earl Sharp	Marion County Sheriff's Department, IN	1988-12-25
Police Officer Freddie Dukes	Philadelphia Police Department, PA	1990-12-25
Officer George A. Dzyak	Rostraver Police Department, PA	1993-12-25
Deputy Darryn Leroy Robins	Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA	1993-12-25
Police Officer Jerome Harrison Seaberry Sr.	Lake Charles Police Department, LA	1995-12-25
Patrolman Mark Allen Swaney	Davidson Police Department, NC	1997-12-25
Detective Donald Miller	New Bern Police Department, NC	2001-12-25
Police Officer John Patrick Watson	Kenai Police Department, AK	2003-12-25
Police Officer Robert Nguyen	Jersey City Police Department, NJ	2005-12-25
Police Officer Shawn Carson	Jersey City Police Department, NJ	2005-12-25
Sergeant Marc Charles Wilbur	Avon Park Police Department, FL	2008-12-25
Corporal Dennis Edward Engelhard	Missouri State Highway Patrol, MO	2009-12-25

Sacrifice on the Border: 36 Line of Duty Deaths in 10 Years

Agent Brian Terry

With the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry overnight on December 14th, national attention has been focused on the war that is occurring along our borders. Although Agent Terry's death has been the most high profile this year, sadly his is the fifth death of a Customs and Border Protection law enforcement officer this year.

Protecting the American border is a complex task that involves a web of federal law enforcement agencies who have all experienced true tragedy. In the past 10 years a total of 36 law enforcement officers from seven  different federal agencies tasked with border or customs enforcement have been killed in the line of duty.

Tuesday's murder of Agent Terry is a perfect example of the ruthless criminals and inherent dangers CBP and ICE agents face every day. Agent Terry was one of four agents on an elite BORTAC team - Border Patrol Tactical Unit - that was tracking a group of subjects who were preying on illegal immigrants, robbing them of whatever money or meager belongings hadn't already been taken by the cartels.

In a remote, mountainous area miles from anything, a gun battle ensued in which Agent Terry was reportedly shot in the back with rounds from an AK-47. Of the five suspects involved in the battle, four were apprehended, including one who was wounded. The fifth suspect and one was able to evade immediate capture and, as of the time this article was published, is still on the run pursued by hundreds of local, state, and federal officers.

As the border wars continue, mostly along our southern border, please keep in mind the agents and officers who have fallen, their families, and their fellow agents who keep on fighting to keep drugs and terrorists out of our country.

Since 2000, the following 36 federal law enforcement officers from seven different agencies responsible for border protection, customs enforcement, and/or immigration enforcement have been killed in the line of duty:

Senior Customs Inspector Richard Anthony Forde	United States Department of the Treasury - Customs Service, US	2000-09-12
Border Patrol Agent Daniel Miles James Jr.	United States Department of Justice - Border Patrol, US	2001-03-03
Border Patrol Agent Jason Christopher Panides	United States Department of Justice - Border Patrol, US	2001-04-04
Petty Officer Scott Chism	United States Coast Guard Office of Law Enforcement, US	2001-03-24
Seaman Christopher Everett Ferreby	United States Coast Guard Office of Law Enforcement, US	2001-03-24
Inspector Thomas Murray	United States Department of the Treasury - Customs Service, US	2001-10-30
Border Patrol Agent Eloy Hernandez	United States Department of Justice - Border Patrol, US	2002-01-16
Border Patrol Agent Roberto Javier Duran	United States Department of Justice - Border Patrol, US	2002-05-06
Senior Patrol Agent Catherine Mary Hill	United States Department of Justice - Border Patrol, US	2002-10-25
Enforcement Agent Lorenzo Roberto Gomez	United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, US	2003-11-08
Border Patrol Agent James Paul Epling	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2003-12-16
Senior Patrol Agent Jeremy Michael Wilson	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2004-09-19
Senior Patrol Agent Travis Wayne Attaway	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2004-09-19
Senior Patrol Agent George Brian DeBates	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2004-12-19
Assistant SAC David Gray Wilhelm	United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Office of Investigations, US	2005-03-11
Senior Patrol Agent Nicholas D. (Nick) Greenig	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2006-03-14
Senior Patrol Agent David Norman Webb	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2006-11-03
Border Patrol Agent Ramon Nevarez Jr.	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2007-03-15
Border Patrol Agent David Tourscher	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2007-03-16
Petty Officer Ronald Gill	United States Coast Guard Office of Law Enforcement, US	2007-03-25
Air Interdiction Agent Clinton B. Thrasher	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine, US	2007-04-25
Border Patrol Agent Richard Goldstein	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2007-05-11
Air Interdiction Agent Robert Smith	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine, US	2007-05-22
Border Patrol Agent Eric N. Cabral	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2007-07-26
Air Interdiction Agent Julio E. Baray	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine, US	2007-09-24
Senior Border Patrol Agent Luis Alberto Aguilar	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2008-01-19
Border Patrol Agent Jarod C. Dittman	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2008-03-30
Border Patrol Agent Intern Nathaniel A. Afolayan	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2009-05-01
Border Patrol Agent Cruz C. McGuire	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2009-05-21
Border Patrol Agent Robert Wimer Rosas Jr.	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2009-07-23
Border Patrol Agent Mark Van Doren	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2010-05-24
Officer Charles Collins	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US	2010-07-11
Border Patrol Agent Michael V. Gallagher	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2010-09-02
Officer John Zykas	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US	2010-09-08
Petty Officer Shaun Lin	United States Coast Guard Office of Law Enforcement, US	2010-10-13
Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry	United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol, US	2010-12-15

Helping Survivors Survive the Holidays

Last night I had the privilege of having dinner with two very good friends, who happen to have very important jobs they never wanted: President of Concerns of Police Survivors, Linda Moon Gregory (surviving sister of Officer James Moon), and Director of National Outreach, Jennifer Thacker (surviving spouse of Investigator Brandon Thacker). You see, they never wanted their jobs because you have to be a survivor of a fallen officer in order to have them.

During the course of discussion the topic of the holidays came up, specifically how hard it is for "new" survivors to make it through the season without their loved one. I asked them for a little guidance that I could share with both survivors and law enforcement officers on how to cope during such an emotional period. Here's what they suggested:

 For members of the fallen officer's agency:

1. Simply send a Christmas or holiday card saying "we're thinking of you."
2. Invite the surviving family (spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.) to any holiday socials the agency or association is planning, and don't be offended if they decline or don't show up.
3. Send a gift or gift card.
4. If you setup a Christmas tree in the lobby or at the FOP/association building, invite the family to decorate it. Ask them to make or buy a special ornament that remembers their officer. Consider decorating the tree with blue lights.
5. With anything you do, include ALL family members. Losing an officer impacts not only the spouse, but also the children, parents, siblings, grandparents and other close extended family.

For the survivors:

1. If invited to the department's holiday party, attend if you feel up to it, but don't feel obligated to go if you're not. The officers won't be offended if you're a no-show.
2. Establish a new tradition to honor your officer like lighting a candle or buying/making a special ornament.
3. Surround yourself with "safe" people; family and friends who can listen and be there to support you.
4. Don't feel like you have to decorate for the holidays.
5. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to family, coworkers, or other survivors if you need help with something around the house, shopping, or just to talk.

On that last point above, if you have no one else to talk to, call another survivor from COPS. COPS members are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The COPS National Office can provide contact information for appropriate points of contact in any state by calling 573-346-4911 during business hours. After hours, you can call a representative from your local or state chapter. If your state doesn't have a chapter, call a rep from a neighboring state.

Lastly, for everyone reading this, you can show your support for all fallen officers and their survivors by participating in Project Blue Light. It's as simple as sticking a blue light in one of your windows throughout the holiday season.

As a fundraiser, COPS sells a special LED candle designed by Streamlight®. Order one (or more) today and display it proudly for all of your neighbors to see. If you have other interesting ways you participate in Project Blue Light, post it in the comments section below so others can get ideas on how to participate as well.

Conservation Law Enforcement: More Dangerous Than You Think

WCO David Grove

Earlier this month Wildlife Conservation Officer David Grove conducted a traffic stop of a suspected poacher just outside of the Gettysburg National Military Park. The poacher turned out to be a convicted felon who was determined not to return to jail. As Officer Grove placed handcuffs on the man a struggle ensued and the felon shot him several times, killing him. Officer Grove's murder made national news. After all, how often is a "game warden" killed, let alone gunned down, in the line of duty?

The answer is "too often." Of the five conservation officers killed so far this year, four have been killed by gunfire. In addition to Officer Grove, two rangers with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and an officer with the U.S. Forest Service have been fatally shot.

Because most people live their lives without ever coming into contact with a conservation officer, it is easy to understand the misconceptions the general public has about their duties and the dangers they face. National Geographic's new program 'Wild Justice' does a wonderful job in profiling the extreme dangers that these protectors face. Of particular concern these days is the use of wildlands by cartels to harvest their marijuana crop. These cartels will stop at nothing to protect their crop - even if it means killing a law enforcement officer who stumbles across the grow.

Another major concern: Just about everyone a game warden encounters during hunting season is armed. The overwhelming majority of hunters are responsible, practice appropriate gun safety, and respect both the environment and authorities. But there are those irresponsible hunters, and even criminals like Officer Grove's killer, who are out there and pose a grave danger to officers and other hunters alike.

Officer Chris Upton

C/O James Spignesi

Officer Chris Upton, with the U.S. Forest Service, was fatally shot by a hunter who mistook him for a coyote while on patrol in Georgia earlier this year. In 1998, Conservation Officer James Spignesi, with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, was fatally shot by a poacher who claimed the shooting was an accident. What made Officer Spignesi's death all the more tragic, was that the shooter was an off duty corrections officer.

Whether they're enforcing hunting laws, fishing laws, protection conservation areas and natural resources, or investigating illegal wildlife trade, conservation officers and game wardens have an incredibly tough job. Their backup may be literally hours away. With high profile cases like the murder of Officer Grove bringing attention to the dangers, and programs like 'Wild Justice' promoting the profession in a positive way, my hope is that conservation officers will continue to be acknowledged, recognized, and thanked for the extremely important work they do every day and every night. And for those who few conservation officers and game wardens who never made it home from patrol, we will remember you always.

Since the first known deaths in 1886, 284 game wardens / conservation officers / natural resource officers from 65 different agencies have been killed in the line of duty. They will always be remembered.

• Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
• Alabama Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game
• Alaska State Troopers - Fish and Wildlife Protection
• Arizona Department of Game and Fish
• Arizona Livestock Sanitary Board
• Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
• California Department of Fish and Game
• Colorado Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Division
• Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
• Georgia Department of Natural Resources
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game
• Illinois Department of Conservation - Division of Law Enforcement
• Indiana Department of Conservation
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources
• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Law Enforcement Division
• Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
• Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
• Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife - Warden Service
• Maryland Board of Public Works - State Fishery Force
• Maryland Natural Resources Police
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Enforcement Division
• Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
• Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
• New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
• New Jersey Divison of Fish, Game and Wildlife
• New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
• New York City Board of Water Supply Police
• New York State Department of Conservation - Division of Lands and Forests
• New York State Environmental Conservation Police
• North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
• North Dakota Game and Fish Enforcement Division
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Wildlife
• Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
• Oregon Game Commission
• Pend Oreille County Game Commission (Washington)
• Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
• Pennsylvania Game Commission
• Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
• South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
• Spokane County Game Commission (Washington)
• Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
• Texas Game and Fish Commission
• Texas Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Law Enforcement Division
• United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations
• United States Department of Defense - Fort Bragg Conservation Law Enforcement
• United States Department of the Interior - Fish and Wildlife Service - Division of Refuge Law Enforcement
• United States Department of the Interior - Fish and Wildlife Service - Office of Law Enforcement
• United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service - Office of Investigations
• United States Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigations Division
• Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
• Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
• Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
• Washington Department of Fisheries
• Washington Department of Wildlife
• West Virginia Department of Natural Resources
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
• Wyoming Department of Game and Fish

Fire Marshals: Straddling the Line Between Detective and Firefighter

Fire Marshal Ronald Bucca

As the World Trade Center towers burned, hundreds of law enforcement officers and firefighters rushed into them in an effort to save the thousands of citizens inside. One of those men was Fire Marshal Ronald Bucca.

Although he worked for the New York City Fire Department, Fire Marshal Bucca was actually an armed law enforcement officer, tasked with investigating very serious and deadly crimes involving arson and explosives.

Depending on the jurisdiction, law enforcement fire marshals have been around for quite a long time. I remember my first encounter with one when I was an Explorer for the Fairfax City Police Department in Virginia in the early 1990s. I was assisting with crowd control and other Explorer-duties during the city's annual 4th of July Fireworks display when I met the local fire marshal. I was surprised to learn that he was allowed to carry a gun and wear a vest, but I was even more surprised to learn he was supposed to keep them both in his trunk unless he really needed them (even as a teenager I couldn't find the logic in that!)

But how times have changed. No longer are fire marshals in Fairfax required to keep their guns and vests tucked away in their trunks. That same trend of legitimizing their law enforcement status is taking off around the country as they fulfill a critical - and very specialized - role within the greater law enforcement field, and that role doesn't come without sacrifice.

Unfortunately, Fire Marshal Bucca never came back out of the World Trade Center. He became the first law enforcement fire marshal to be killed in the line of duty in the United States when the towers collapsed. Since his death, only one other law enforcement fire marshal has been killed in the line of duty: Staff Chief Bryan Zollner, of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, was killed in an automobile accident while en route to an out-of-state meeting.

The next time you see one of your local law enforcement fire marshals stop them and thank them for what they do. Although it's not a "traditional" law enforcement job, it's one that is not without risk.

Honoring Veterans Who Died as LEOs

On this very special day, Veteran's Day, all of the staff and volunteers here at the ODMP would like to thank all U.S. military veterans across the world for their selfless service in protecting our safety and defending America from our enemies.

Throughout American law enforcement history there has been a very strong connection between the military and civilian law enforcement. It is a natural progression for service members to transition out of the military into a para-military organization like as a police department or sheriff's office. In fact, many agencies - particularly federal agencies - now give preferential treatment to veterans in the hiring process.

Officer Ryan Bonaminio

Unfortunately, many of these American heroes who pinned on a badge after getting out of the service have been killed in the line of duty protecting America's streets. Just five days ago, on Sunday, November 7, Police Officer Ryan Bonaminio was shot and killed while serving with the Riverside, California, Police Department. Officer Bonaminio had survived not only one, but two, tours of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom only to be taken from us by a thug who had stolen a vehicle. In fact, veterans from just about every war - from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan - have been killed in the line of duty while serving as law enforcement officers.

Although we don't track military service specifically in our database (partially due to incomplete records submitted to the ODMP), we know of almost 1,000 veterans who have been killed in the line of duty as law enforcement officers. I would estimate the actual number to be at least twice, and possibly three or four times this. There are too many fallen veteran to list here, but I have picked a few randomly who represent all veterans from all periods in America's history who died serving their country as law enforcement officers.

I thank these men and women for their service, for making America great, and for ensuring our children and grandchildren will continue to live in the greatest country in the world:

Sheriff Robert Maxwell
Greenville County Sheriff's Office, SC
Revolutionary War

Captain John Bird
Texas Rangers
War of 1812

Police Officer Alexander Algeo
New Orleans Police Department
Mexican-American War

Captain John McKinstry
Mattoon Police Department, IL
Civil War, USA, P.O.W.

Guard Supra C. Woodroof
Virginia Department of Corrections
Civil War, CSA

Captain James Meehan
Franklin Police Department, PA
Spanish-American War

City Marshal Albert Suverkrubbe
Fort Calhoun Police Department, NE
WWI

Police Officer Wallace Chapman
Philadelphia Police Department
WWII

Investigative Aide John McAuliffe
United States Postal Inspection Service
Korean War

Police Officer Joseph Zanella
Verona Police Department, PA
Vietnam War

Police Officer Nick-Tomasito Birco
San Francisco Police Department, CA
Gulf War

Trooper David J. Lane
New York State Police
War on Terror, Iraq & Afghanistan

Personalized Memorial Items from the ODMP Gift Shop

With the holidays fast approaching, many visitors have inquired about personalized items from the ODMP Gift Shop. We'll providing more information about all items in the gift shop as we get closer to Thanksgiving, but I wanted to address the questions about what personalized items are available now, because some items can take 1 - 2 weeks for delivery.

The ODMP Gift Shop has a full line of shirts, sweatshirts, decals, plaques and other keepsakes that can be personalized with the name, agency, end of watch, photograph, or patch for any officer who is honored on the ODMP:

ODMP Memorial Line Candle

After several requests, one of the newest products we have introduced is the ODMP Memorial Line Candle. This 6 3/4" keepsake candle is hand-poured soy wax with clean burning up to 70 hours. The Memorial Line Candle takes 1 - 2 weeks for delivery.


Click here for more info or to order the ODMP Memorial Line Candle.

Remember the Fallen Decal

One of the most popular items is the bumper-sticker sized (3" x 11")decal. Available in either magnetic mount or adhesive, these decals are suitable for use on patrol cars, special unit vehicles, or even for display on an office filing cabinet or desk.

Click here for more info or order the Remember the Fallen Decals.

ODMP Memorial Bracelets

The ODMP Memorial Bracelet is available in blue or black aluminum, or stainless steel. The bracelet has three lines available for customization that typically include the officer's title and rank, department name, and end of watch date, but can be customized with any other information within the size constraints. Bracelets take 1 - 2 weeks for delivery.

Click here for more information or to order an ODMP Memorial Bracelet.

Personalized Window Decal

The Personalized Window Decal is a 4"x4" reflective badge with mourning band decal that can be applied to the outside of a window or other item. The decal can be customized with the officer's rank and name, department, and end of watch.



Click here for more information or to order an Personalized Window Decal.

Personalized T-shirt and Sweatshirts

The Personalized ODMP T-shirt and Sweatshirts have a large badge with mourning band on the back, customized with the officer's rank and name, agency, and end of watch. The front left chest area has the ODMP logo. Shirts and sweatshirts area available in sizes Medium - 3XL. 


Click here for more information or to order a Personalized T-shirt or Sweatshirt.




In addition to the items listed above, custom orders and designs can be made by calling Lou Jordan at 1-800-367-0382. Check back soon for more information about other ODMP gifts and stocking stuffers that are available through the ODMP Gift Shop.

Protecting the President: Dangers for All Levels of Law Enforcement

Protecting the president is no small task. It takes tens of thousands of law enforcement officers and billions of dollars each year to ensure any president's safety.

The Secret Service is the elite agency tasked with the mission of presidential protection, but they couldn't succeed in that mission without the critical assistance of officers from local, state, and other federal agencies across the country. From providing motorcade escorts, traffic control, aerial support, and inaugural security, these officers step up to ensure nothing happens to the president in their towns.

And because of that fact, local, state, and federal officers are put in harms way. Eighteen law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty while assigned to presidential protection details or by offenders who planned to harm the president.

Officer Leslie Coffelt

One of the most widely known cases was the 1950 murder of Officer Leslie Coffelt, who served with the White House Police Force (the predecessor to today's Secret Service Uniformed Division). Officer Coffelt was shot and killed during a daring raid on the Blair House by Puerto Rican nationalists who were attempting to assassinate President Truman. Despite being mortally wounded himself, Officer Coffelt was able to return fire, killing one of the would-be assassins and effectively stopping the attack.

Officer Neal Ramsburg

A much lesser known assassination attempt that resulted in the murder of a police officer occurred on February 22, 1974, when a man attempted to hijack a plane at BWI Airport with the intent of flying it into the White House to kill President Nixon. Airport Police Officer Neal Ramsburg was fatally shot by the man as he attempted to stop the hijacking. Another police officer shot and wounded the suspect, who then committed suicide.

Incidents such as the Blair House attack and attempted hijacking are the exception, rather than the rule. The majority of officers who have fallen on presidential protective details have been killed in accidental situations: Motorcycle accidents, vehicle crashes, heart attacks, etc. And most weren't even Secret Service agents or officers. Of the 18 LEOs who have been killed, only six served with the Secret Service or White House Police Force.

We salute all the brave men and women who sacrifice so much to ensure our nation's presidents are always safe. We especially honor these 18 men who gave their lives doing so:

Operative William Craig	United States Department of the Treasury - Secret Service, US	1902-09-03
City Marshal R. S. St. Clair	Malden Police Department, MO	1917-12-21
Captain Edward J. Masterson	Marion City Police Department, OH	1922-07-04
Officer Edward Baerwald	Wausau Police Department, WI	1928-08-15
Inspector Phillip C. Via	Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles - Enforcement Division, VA	1929-01-11
Operative James A. Hollinger	United States Department of the Treasury - Secret Service, US	1936-07-26
Operative August Adolph (Gus) Gennerich	United States Department of the Treasury - Secret Service, US	1936-12-01
Officer Leslie William Coffelt	White House Police Force, US	1950-11-01
Special Agent Thomas B. Shipman	United States Department of the Treasury - Secret Service, US	1963-10-14
Officer J. D. Tippit	Dallas Police Department, TX	1963-11-22
Special Agent J. Clifford Dietrich	United States Department of the Treasury - Secret Service, US	1973-05-26
Officer George Neal Ramsburg	Maryland Aviation Administration Police Department, MD	1974-02-22
Criminal Investigator Manuel Zurita VII	United States Department of the Treasury - Customs Service - Office of Investigations, US	1998-01-06
Detective John Michael Gibson	United States Capitol Police, US	1998-07-24
Officer Jacob Joseph Chestnut	United States Capitol Police, US	1998-07-24
Officer Steve Bastidas Favela	Honolulu Police Department, HI	2006-11-26
Officer Germaine Casey	Rio Rancho Police Department, NM	2007-08-27
Senior Corporal Victor Antonio Lozada Sr.	Dallas Police Department, TX	2008-02-22

Sacrifice Overseas: LEOs Killed Protecting Americans Across the Globe

Most citizens probably don't realize that there are thousands of American law enforcement officers protecting our streets who aren't even in America. The growing American influence of the 20th century demanded that American LEOs be deployed overseas to protect our embassies and other interests. The vast majority, but not all, of these men and women who are serving in foreign lands are federal agents. Believe it or not, the NYPD has permanent duty stations in Canada, Australia, Israel, Jordan, Singapore, Dominican Republic, England, and France.

Lt. Joseph Petrosino

In fact, the NYPD was the first and only city-level police department to have an officer killed in the line of duty while deployed overseas. On March 12, 1909, Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino was assassinated in Sicily, Italy, by the Italian mafia. Lt. Petrosino was in Italy with orders to infiltrate the mafia in order to reduce their influence on crime in New York City. Lt. Petrosino's work fighting the mafia stateside drew national news and his murder created outrage across the country. An astounding quarter-million citizens attended his funeral.

In total, 64 American law enforcement officers have been killed in 24 different countries. In addition to Lt. Petrosino of the NYPD, 58 federal law enforcement officers and five Texas Rangers have been killed in the following countries:

Afghanistan Argentina Aruba Bosnia Canada Colombia Germany India Iraq Ireland Italy Japan

Kosovo Kuwait Mexico Peru Phillipines Scotland South Korea Surinam Thailand The Bahamas Turkey Vietnam

S/A Enrique Camarena

One of the most horrific losses was that of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena. Special Agent Camarena was in Mexico conducting an undercover assignment in 1985 when he was exposed as an agent and abducted. He was tortured by members of a drug cartel for two days before finally being murdered. His body was recovered one month later.

The sacrifices of brave LEOs who are killed overseas, like Lt. Petrosino and Special Agent, all too often go unnoticed by the American public. However, their law enforcement brothers and sisters will never let their sacrifices be forgotten.

Click on any LEOs name below to learn about their sacrifice, made thousands of miles from home while protecting America:

Private Augustus Smith	Texas Rangers, TX	1855-10-03
Private William H. Clopton	Texas Rangers, TX	1855-10-03
Private Willis E. Jones	Texas Rangers, TX	1855-10-03
Private H. K. Holland	Texas Rangers, TX	1855-10-03
Captain Frank Jones	Texas Rangers, TX	1893-06-30
Lieutenant Giuseppe (Joseph) Petrosino	New York City Police Department, NY	1909-03-12
Operative Robert K. Webster	United States Department of the Treasury - Secret Service, US	1927-08-07
Coast Guardsman Sidney C. Sanderlin	United States Coast Guard Office of Law Enforcement, US	1927-08-07
Coast Guardsman Victor A. Lamby	United States Coast Guard Office of Law Enforcement, US	1927-08-11
Immigration Inspector Laurence E. Doten	United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service, US	1930-08-24
Immigration Inspector Lawrence C. Jones	United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service, US	1930-08-24
Operative August Adolph (Gus) Gennerich	United States Department of the Treasury - Secret Service, US	1936-12-01
Special Agent Percy E. Foxworth	United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US	1943-01-15
Special Agent Harold Dennis Haberfield	United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US	1943-01-15
Special Agent Walter Edward Snyder	United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, US	1948-05-09
Special Agent Lee Charles Hitchcock	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	1967-09-10
Investigator John Albert Hanson	United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, US	1970-05-09
Special Agent Raymond R. Round	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	1970-09-12
Special Agent Harry J. Schanz	United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service, US	1972-10-29
Special Agent Richard Heath Jr.	United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, US	1973-04-01
Special Agent J. Clifford Dietrich	United States Department of the Treasury - Secret Service, US	1973-05-26
Special Agent Norman Emmett Larson	United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, US	1973-09-24
Special Agent James T. Lunn	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1976-05-14
Special Agent Ralph N. Shaw	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1976-05-14
Special Agent Octavio Gonzales	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1976-12-13
Special Agent Robert C. Lightfoot	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1977-11-23
Security Policeman Robert Scott Gray	United States Air Force Security Forces, US	1978-01-06
Security Policeman William C. Herrington	United States Air Force Security Forces, US	1980-11-15
Special Agent Larry N. Carwell	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1984-01-11
Special Agent Enrique Salazar Camarena	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1985-02-09
Special Agent Dirk A. Miller	United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, US	1985-12-12
Special Agent Jerry William Kramer	United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service, US	1988-03-17
Special Agent Douglas Brian Kocina	United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service, US	1988-03-17
Assistant Deputy Director Michael S. Bernstein	United States Department of Justice - Office of Special Investigations, US	1988-12-21
Special Agent Ronald Albert Lariviere	United States Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service, US	1988-12-21
Special Agent Daniel Emmett O'Connor	United States Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service, US	1988-12-21
Special Agent Rickie C. Finley	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1989-05-20
Immigration Inspector Reynaldo G. De La Garza	United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service, US	1990-01-07
Investigator Joseph Emanuele	United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service, US	1993-10-16
Special Agent Frank S. Wallace Jr.	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1994-08-27
Special Agent Juan C. Vars	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1994-08-27
Special Agent Frank Fernandez Jr.	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1994-08-27
Special Agent Jay W. Seale	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1994-08-27
Special Agent Meredith Thompson	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	1994-08-27
Special Agent Duane R. Christian	United States Department of Commerce - Office of Security, US	1996-04-03
Special Agent Harrison Dean Pulliam	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	1997-03-02
Security Policeman Charles V. Campbell Jr.	United States Air Force Security Forces, US	1998-10-14
Security Policeman David R. Schroeder Jr.	United States Air Force Security Forces, US	1998-10-14
Sergeant First Class Jeanne M. Balcombe	United States Army Military Police Corps, US	1999-08-21
Military Police Officer James Thomas Sakofsky	United States Army Military Police Corps, US	2001-06-01
Special Agent in Charge William Thomas Parr	United States Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigations Division, US	2002-01-17
Special Agent Rick Alan Ulbright	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	2004-08-08
Special Agent Edward J. Seitz	United States Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service, US	2004-10-24
Special Agent Stephen Eric Sullivan	United States Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service, US	2005-09-19
Special Agent Daniel Joseph Kuhlmeier	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	2006-02-20
Special Agent Ryan A. Balmer	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	2007-06-05
Special Agent Matthew Joseph Kuglics	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	2007-06-05
Special Agent Michael Walter Thyssen	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	2007-06-09
Special Agent David A. Wieger	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	2007-11-01
Special Agent Thomas A. Crowell	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	2007-11-01
Special Agent Nathan J. Schuldheiss	United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, US	2007-11-01
Special Agent Chad L. Michael	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	2009-10-26
Special Agent Forrest Nelson Leamon	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	2009-10-26
Special Agent Michael E. Weston	United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, US	2009-10-26

Yes, Campus Police Are 'Real' Cops Too...

This article is a followup to the highly popular article "Yes, Airport and Hospital Police Are 'Real' Cops." This is the second in a series of articles honoring the sacrifices of police officers who serve in specialized law enforcement fields.

One of the most high profile, yet misunderstood, areas of law enforcement is campus policing. The moniker "campus police" itself is a reflection of how misunderstood the field is and I use it in the title of this article simply because it gets the point across. The professionals who serve in this important area of police work will tell you it's an obsolete term that's a carry over from when college and university police officers were more security guard than cop. In fact, one of the most highly attended and acclaimed conferences for this line of police work doesn't even have the term "campus" in it: The College & University Police & Investigators Conference (CUPIC) is hosted annually by the George Mason University Police Department in Fairfax, Virginia. I have the privilege of knowing Detective Thomas Bacigalupi, who developed this conference and plans it each year. I highly recommend attending if you're a college/university police officer or a local officer that has a college/university in your patrol area.

Now that each new school year seems to bring with it a new campus shooting or other high profile crimes, the police departments that are chartered with protecting the students, staff, and visitors are under unprecedented attention from politicians and the media alike. Throw into the mix helicopter parents, students who despise all authority, and college administrators who don't want to draw attention to crime on campus, and you've got yourself a real mess if you're a police officer.

But thankfully there are thousands upon thousands of men and women who serve with distinction in this environment, and it doesn't come without sacrifice. Thirty-two police officers with post-secondary institutions have been killed in the line of duty. In fact, the first known death of such an officer was the murder of Night Watchman Joseph Self, of the University of Kentucky Police Department. Watchman Self was fatally shot as he checked the occupants of a car that had come onto campus late at night. Although being shot, Watchman Self returned fire and wounded the suspect. Those wounds ultimately led to the man's arrest the following day.

Sergeant George Sullivan

Just like their city, county, or state counterparts, college and university police officers are not exempt from being targeted just because they wear a badge. In one particularly horrific attack, Sergeant George Sullivan, of the University of Nevada Reno Police Department, was attacked with a hatchet and killed over the school's Christmas break in 1998. He was targeted and murdered for no other reason than he wore a badge. His killer had no connection to the school. He just had a hatred for law enforcement and took the first opportunity he saw to attack a police officer.

As college and university police departments continue to professionalize, it is important to pause to honor those officers who were taken from us too early, but will be remembered forever:

Night Watchman Joseph M. Self	University of Kentucky Police Department, KY	1923-02-10
Officer John E. Sutton	University of Maine Police Department, ME	1963-09-20
Police Officer Thomas A. Burner	University of Nevada Reno Police Department, NV	1968-12-06
Police Officer George Mann	University of South Florida Police Department, FL	1970-09-13
Chief of Police Edward O. Kanz	University of Washington Police Department, WA	1971-03-31
Police Officer James Joseph Doyle	Ventura County Community College District Police Department, CA	1975-03-23
Police Officer Stanley Henney	California State University Hayward Police Department, CA	1977-05-31
Police Officer Gary Hart	California State University Hayward Police Department, CA	1977-06-01
Detective Richard E. McGilvery	Rutgers University Police Department, NJ	1978-10-06
Police Officer Carlton Wayne Sudduth	Livingston University Police Department, AL	1980-06-21
Patrol Officer Steven Mitchell	University of Chicago Police Department, IL	1983-08-13
Police Officer Edward James Burch	Los Angeles Community College District Police Department, CA	1984-12-18
Captain Frank Clements	Amarillo College Police Department, TX	1985-05-16
Sergeant Gary F. Beringause	Georgia Institute of Technology Police Department, GA	1986-11-28
Patrol Officer Joseph Francis Doyle	Brown University Police Department, RI	1988-05-08
Chief of Police Robert L. Brown	Cuyahoga Community College Police Department, OH	1988-09-21
Officer Philip J. Stabile	Long Beach Community College District Police Department, CA	1990-01-26
Corporal Kevin Weadock Barleycorn	University of Arizona Police Department, AZ	1990-08-24
Patrolman Ronald Hoytt Davis	Belmont Abbey College Police Department, NC	1993-05-20
Lieutenant Herbert Berkeley Stovall Jr.	Peralta Community College District Police Department, CA	1995-08-16
Sergeant Gilbert J. Mast	Tulane University Department of Public Safety, LA	1996-01-20
Police Officer I Carmen J. (Skip) Renda Jr.	Youngstown State University Police Department, OH	1996-03-16
Police Officer Michael Blankenship	Ohio State University Police Department, OH	1997-02-10
Police Officer Peter Conrad Johnson Jr.	North Harris Montgomery Community College District Police Department, TX	1997-06-08
Sergeant George Daniel Sullivan	University of Nevada Reno Police Department, NV	1998-01-13
Corporal Phillip Lorenzo Lee	Alabama State University Police Department, AL	2000-12-01
Police Officer James L. Davis Jr.	Butler University Police Department, IN	2004-09-24
Detective Anthony J. (Tony) Hosey	Illinois State University Police Department, IL	2005-04-25
Corporal Mario Roberto Jenkins	University of Central Florida Police Department, FL	2005-09-24
Police Officer Robert Michael Langley	University of Mississippi Police and Campus Safety Department, MS	2006-10-21
Police Officer Thomas Devlin	Boston College Police Department, MA	2007-04-06
Staff Sergeant Steven Raul Medeiros	Kennesaw State University Department of Public Safety, GA	2008-09-26