Sunday, September 11, 2011

What 9/11 taught America about first responders

Ten years ago to this very minute, America was assaulted by a form of evil that many were previously unaware of.  Over 400 heroes were killed in the terrorist attack, including 72 law enforcement officers. 42 more LEOs have passed away as a result of exposure while working at Ground Zero.  It was, by far, the most deadly day for law enforcement and all first responders in the history of the United States.

Click here to view all 114 law enforcement officers killed as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

While thousands of victims fled the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, having come face-to-face with evil, these heroes ran towards the danger.  On the surface it may seem extraordinary, but it isn't.  What is extraordinary is that because of first responders across the nation, Americans are able to live peaceful lives often unaware of the many evils that surround us.  Law enforcement officers face these dangers every day.  Not because it's what they do, but because it's who they are.  And that is extraordinary.

It's important that we never forget what happened on September 11, 2001.  And while we reflect on the 114 officers who gave their lives to the events of that day, let's also remember the 1,582 officers who have died in the line of duty in ten years since then.  And, finally, let's thank the law enforcement officers and all first responders that continue to live extraordinary lives on a daily basis.

114 officers killed as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks

New York City Fire Department, New York
New York City Police Department, New York
New York County District Attorney's Office, New York
New York State Office of Court Administration, New York
New York State Office of Tax Enforcement - Petroleum, Alcohol and Tobacco Bureau, New York
New York State Office of Tax Enforcement - Revenue Crimes Bureau, New York
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, New York
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Government
United States Department of the Interior - Fish and Wildlife Service - Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, U.S. Government
United States Department of the Treasury - Secret Service Special Services Division, U.S. Government
Posted by Mike Schutz at 8:46 AM
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Thursday, September 8, 2011

Summertime Deaths of Police Officers Up 10%

Deaths of law enforcement officers during the summer months (June, July & August) rose 10% in 2011 compared to the previous year. When compared to the 10 year average of 2000 through 2010, fatalities rose 4%.

A total of 44 law enforcement officers were killed this summer, up from 40 in the summer of 2010. On average, 42 officers were killed during summer months in the preceding decade.

Of particular note, this year:

  • Felonious gunfire deaths rose 13%
  • Non-felonious auto-related deaths dropped 17%
  • Non-felonious auto-related deaths dropped 7%
  • All auto-related deaths dropped 10%
More detailed information, including a complete break down of causes of death for all of 2011 or any previous year can be found by visiting the Officer Down Memorial Page.
    Posted by Chris Cosgriff at 10:14 AM

    Saturday, August 27, 2011

    The Dangers of Hurricanes

    Twenty-three law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty as the direct results of hurricanes or their aftermath. One of the most deadly hurricanes for law enforcement struck Texas almost 100 years ago.

    The Hurricane of 1919 claimed the lives of Police Officer L.B. Prater of the Corpus Christi Police Department, and Captain Joe Williams and Game Warden Harry Raymond or the Texas Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission.

    We will never forgot the sacrifices officers make who stay behind during evacuations, facing hurricanes and other natural disasters head-on:

    Storm of 1900
    Police Officer Samuel Eugene Tovrea ~ Galveston Police Department, TX

    Hurricane of 1919
    Captain Joe Williams ~ Texas Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission
    Game Warden Harry Raymond ~ Texas Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission
    Police Officer L. B. Prater ~ Corpus Christi Police Department, TX

    Hurricane Barbara (1953)
    Police Officer Talbot Barrow ~ Norfolk County Police Department, VA

    Hurricane Carol (1954)
    Trooper Daniel L. O'Brien ~ Rhode Island State Police

    Hurricane Dianne (1955)
    Patrol Officer Billie D. Ellis ~ Princeton Township Police Department, NJ

    Hurricane Donna (1960)
    Trooper Donald A. Strand ~ New York State Police

    Hurricane Betsy (1965)
    Auxiliary Captain Owen Bender ~ Florida Highway Patrol

    Hurricane Beulah (1967)
    Border Patrol Inspector Elgar Holliday ~ United States Border Patrol

    Hurricane Agnes (1972)
    Officer Gordon Hufnagle ~ Lewisburg Police Department, PA
    Police Officer Leo Paul Van Winkle ~ Philadelphia Police Department, PA

    Tropical Storm Davis (1979)
    Patrolman Alvin Williams ~ Woodbridge Police Department, NJ

    Tropical Storm Isabel (1985)
    Policeman Herminio Lopez-Pilar ~ Puerto Rico Police Department
    Policeman Homero Ortiz-Martinez ~ Puerto Rico Police Department
    Sergeant Francisco Diaz-Melendez ~ Puerto Rico Police Department
    Policeman Pedro Burgos-Lacourt ~ Puerto Rico Police Department

    Hurricane George (1998)
    Aviation Supervisor Pedro Jose Rodriguez-Franco ~ United States Customs Service
    Agent Pablo Alvarez-Carrión ~ Puerto Rico Police Department

    Hurricane Ivan (2004)
    Police Officer Matt Rittenhouse ~ Harriman Police Department, TN

    Hurricane Rita (2005)
    Chief of Police Dion Rastus Nelson, Sr. ~ York Police Department, AL

    Hurricane Katrina (2005)
    Deputy Sheriff Gary Frederick Labenz ~ Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, AZ
    Police Officer Christopher John Doyle, III ~ New Orleans Police Department, LA
    Posted by Chris Cosgriff at 3:32 PM
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