The Heart That Doesn’t Quit — Joel E. Gordon’s Story

By: Daniel Del Valle for the BLUE Magazine Team

Inside every great publication there is a quiet constant — someone who carries the mission through good times and hard ones. For The Blue Magazine, that person is Joel E. Gordon.

A former Baltimore City police officer who began his career in 1980, Gordon has lived the kind of life that defines endurance. From the streets of Baltimore to the mountains of West Virginia as a chief of police, from patrol cars to the editor’s chair, he has worn more hats than most could manage in a lifetime — officer, instructor, chief, mentor, writer, and now editor-in-chief of The Blue Magazine.

His path was never easy. Decades of service brought him heart attacks, surgeries, diabetes, and, most recently, the amputation of his left leg. Yet even from a hospital bed — while fighting through pain most would find unbearable — Joel was still editing stories, mentoring writers, and planning the next issue. When others might have asked for rest, he was asking about deadlines.

What defines him isn’t only endurance but perspective. He jokes on phone calls about the “new model” leg and laughs through discomfort that would silence others. That optimism isn’t a show — it’s who he is. It’s the same spirit that’s carried The Blue Magazine through its toughest chapters.

Over the years, Joel has been an essential force behind The Blue Magazine’s most defining work — including the landmark interview with Border Czar Tom Homan and The Blue Magazine’s exclusive interview with President Donald J. Trump. As both journalist and editor-in-chief, his steady hand and instinct for truth align seamlessly with The Blue Magazine’s mission — strengthening the voice, credibility, and integrity that have defined the publication for more than sixteen years.

In 2025, Joel E. Gordon was named to Marquis Who’s Who in America for his decades of dedication and contribution to law enforcement and journalism. He is also a past recipient of The Blue Magazine’s Senior Journalist of the Year Award (2017) and the 2022 Award for Excellence in National Law Enforcement Leadership.

Ask anyone who’s worked with him and they’ll tell you the same thing: Joel E. Gordon doesn’t just lead the newsroom — he lifts it. He reminds every contributor, from new recruits to senior editors, why The Blue Magazine matters: because it stands for truth, service, and heart.

And now, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to law enforcement, journalism, and the mission of The Blue Magazine, Joel E. Gordon will receive the 2025 Blue Magazine Lifetime Service Award — a tribute to a man whose courage continues to define the standard of dedication we strive to uphold.

The heart that doesn’t quit.

Good Job, Mr. President

By: The Blue Magazine Editorial Team

A breakthrough arrived in October 2025 that few believed possible. Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered plan. Guns quieted under a cease-fire. The remaining Israeli hostages came home. Israel freed nearly two thousand Palestinian detainees, many held for years. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey helped bring both sides to the table — but it was President Trump who drove it, brokered it, and sealed it. For decades, world leaders had tried and failed. This time, peace took hold.

It happened aboard Air Force One. President Trump told reporters, “The war is over.” A reporter pointed out that Prime Minister Netanyahu had not yet used those words. Trump didn’t hesitate: “The war is over — you understand that.” The moment captured more than confrontation — it revealed how deeply some parts of the press have become conditioned to frame every development through conflict. Questioning is the duty of journalism; distortion is not. Even when the truth is clear, too many remain committed to finding a negative narrative, unable to accept good news at face value.

“The war is over you understand that”

— President Donald J. Trump, aboard Air Force One

Shortly after, the claim met reality. All twenty living Israeli hostages were freed after two years in captivity. Israel released nearly two thousand Palestinian prisoners as part of the first-phase exchange. Humanitarian corridors opened. The cease-fire held. These are not slogans; they are facts! Two sworn enemies, bound by grief and mistrust, released captives and gave the world a pause in bloodshed. For the first time in years, actions spoke louder than promises.

If those who hate each other most can see the light, America can too. Yet too many at home remain hostage to bias and misinformation — unable to admit when something good happens simply because of who achieved it. We’ve allowed politics to imprison honesty. The same courage that brought captives home in Gaza is the courage America now needs to tell the truth about its own leader. For years, critics painted Trump as chaos incarnate, unfit for diplomacy. Now that peace has begun to take hold — with hostages returning and the guns finally quiet — many who once preached compassion have fallen silent.

Where are the voices that once filled headlines demanding justice? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib. Their public reactions so far have been muted — silence that lands louder than speeches. They’re mentioned here not to attack, but because their voices once defined the public outcry for peace. If they were loud in war, they should be loud in peace. In Gaza and Israel, enemies freed hostages. In America, it’s time to free our own — from the grip of selective silence and the comfort of false narratives.

“If those who hate each other most can see the light, America can too. ”

— (Referring to Israel and Hamas finding common ground through the peace agreement.) The Blue Magazine Editorial Team

The Nobel Peace Prize this year went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado — a worthy laureate. But prizes and magazine covers don’t free people; actions do. Hostages came home. Prisoners walked free. The war stopped — at least for now. History remembers outcomes, not narratives.

The Blue Magazine asks a fair question of those who once filled the airwaves demanding peace — Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Tlaib: what exactly is left to evaluate? The facts are in. The hostages are home. The war is over. What more must be studied before saying the words every American should be able to say: “Good job, Mr. President.”

President Trump is no stranger to peril. In July 2024, an assassin’s bullet struck his ear during a campaign rally — a near-fatal moment later confirmed by federal investigators. He’s endured indictments, ridicule, and relentless attacks, yet he continues to stand.

You don’t have to be deeply religious to wonder how a man who’s been shot at, indicted, and written off so many times still stands — and now delivers peace. Maybe it’s grit. Maybe it’s grace. But one has to ask: is there something larger at work here?

“Trump isn’t the story. Peace is. But peace wouldn’t have happened without our President, Donald J. Trump.”

— The Blue Magazine Editorial Team

This is bigger than politics. It’s bigger than parties. This moment doesn’t belong to one man — it belongs to everyone whose life will no longer be threatened by rockets, raids, or revenge. It belongs to humanity. It belongs to a world that, even for a brief moment, exhaled.

Trump isn’t the story. Peace is. But peace wouldn’t have happened without our President, Donald J. Trump.

Editor’s Note

Behind the scenes, The Blue Magazine had the honor of interviewing President Donald J. Trump in 2023 — a conversation arranged by the late Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik, our top senior advisor and cherished mentor. Commissioner Kerik, who served as New York City’s Police Commissioner during the September 11th attacks, embodied courage and loyalty — values that remain central to this publication.

The interview was conducted by The Blue Magazine’s lead journalist, George Beck, under Commissioner Kerik’s guidance. It had been scheduled months in advance, long before anyone could have known that it would coincide with the day the President was indicted and scheduled to be arraigned in New York. On the morning of the interview, many expected a call to postpone or cancel. That call never came. President Trump kept his commitment — a quiet act of steadiness that revealed the same resolve seen throughout his public life. It was a moment that reflected discipline under pressure and strength of character — qualities that Commissioner Kerik deeply respected and lived by himself. His legacy continues to guide The Blue Magazine today.

Chicago Mayor Johnson Needs to resign. Absolutely disgraceful.

Chicago Deserves Better: How Mayor Brandon Johnson Is Failing the People Who Need Him Most

By The Blue Magazine Editorial Board

Every day in Chicago, children walk to school having to watch their back — not because they did anything wrong, but because the city no longer protects them from assault, robbery, gunfire, drugs, and the criminal activity that has consumed so many neighborhoods. The sense of safety that once held communities together has been replaced by fear, and Mayor Brandon Johnson continues to look the other way.

Let’s be real — the families living on the South and West Sides of Chicago know this reality better than anyone. That’s where the crisis is. This isn’t Lincoln Park or the North Side, where people have the privilege of saying they don’t need help or protection. Those communities live in a different Chicago — one defined by fear, sirens, and survival. It’s easy to say you don’t need the National Guard from behind the comfort of safer neighborhoods. But residents in the South and West Sides know the truth. They need help. They need protection. They need leadership that truly cares for their community — not with speeches, but with action.

The South and West Sides are home to some of Chicago’s most diverse and resilient communities — neighborhoods made up primarily of African-American and Latino families who have carried the city on their backs for generations. These are the very residents suffering most from the violence and neglect. And that makes the current silence from City Hall even harder to accept. Leadership should understand their struggle, not distance itself from it. When minority communities cry out for safety and stability, they deserve more than slogans — they deserve results.

Mayor Brandon Johnson promised reform but has delivered instability. His words of compassion ring hollow as families continue to bury loved ones and neighborhoods remain terrorized by gangs and violence.

From his earliest days in office, Johnson’s approach to public safety has made one thing clear: the message is unmistakable — criminals are treated with empathy, while the men and women wearing the badge are treated with suspicion.

He has refused to allow Chicago police to cooperate with federal immigration agencies such as ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, making it harder to remove illegal immigrants. Whether one’s politics lean left or right, one truth is undeniable: that is the law. And if someone disagrees with it, then the debate should take place in Congress or the Senate — not on the streets. Laws are made to be upheld, and if change is needed, it must be done the right way.

Even the national police union publicly condemned reports that Chicago officers were told not to assist ICE agents, calling it a shocking departure from basic law-enforcement duty and a failure of leadership to protect its own. That criticism underscores how deeply trust has been fractured between City Hall and the very officers sworn to defend the city.

His leadership is negligent. He fears strengthening President Donald Trump’s law-and-order agenda by supporting federal enforcement or the National Guard, but the people of Chicago don’t care about political optics — they care about surviving the night. When law and order return, when criminals face real consequences, Chicago’s South and West Sides can finally begin to rebuild.

Each weekend, at least a dozen people are shot across the city — many of them in the same neglected neighborhoods. Some weekends, the toll climbs past thirty victims in just three days. Yet Mayor Johnson continues to deny the crisis that everyone on those streets already knows exists.

The results of these failures are visible everywhere. Carjackings, robberies, and shootings still haunt communities struggling just to survive. Businesses are shutting down under the weight of lawlessness. Families continue to walk the Chicago streets with fear, unsure of what each day will bring. The moral contract between citizens and government — to protect, to serve, to enforce — has been completely broken.

While officers remain sworn to protect those neighborhoods, too many now feel abandoned and misunderstood. These are the men and women who still put on their uniform every morning, knowing the risks and the weight that comes with that badge. What they want isn’t special treatment — they just want respect. They want to do their jobs without being treated like criminals for enforcing the law. Politicians should watch our officers’ six.

Mayor Johnson has often spoken publicly about his Christian faith, describing himself as a man guided by prayer and moral conviction. That makes the city’s growing crisis even harder to reconcile. Faith, at its core, calls on leaders to protect life — to act when lives are at risk. If even one child loses their life to violence that could have been prevented, then the mission of leadership — and the calling of faith — has fallen short. Compassion in words is not enough; compassion must lead to action.

Crime doesn’t fix itself; it festers where leadership fails. Every shooting, every grieving family proves that slogans can’t substitute for solutions. Real leadership restores order — not excuses chaos.

Chicago deserves leadership that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its citizens and those who defend them. Real leadership protects the vulnerable, enforces the law without apology, and restores peace to every neighborhood — not just the privileged ones.

Until that happens, Chicago’s children will keep walking to school with fear in their eyes — and the nation must ask why one of America’s greatest cities continues to pay the price for failed leadership. Mayor Brandon Johnson is another disappointment. He should never be trusted with public office again after his disastrous failure as mayor of such a great city.

— The Blue Magazine Editorial Board

The National Independent Voice of Law Enforcement

Editor’s Note: This article reflects the opinion and editorial stance of The Blue Magazine Editorial Board. It is intended as commentary and analysis concerning current public policy and public-safety leadership in the City of Chicago.

Blue Health Network Launches for Government Employees and Veterans

The Blue Magazine Launches Blue Health Network to Serve Public-Sector Heroes

On September 18, 2025, The Blue Magazine officially unveiled the Blue Health Network at La Neve’s Banquet Hall in Haledon, NJ, before more than 200 invited public-sector professionals. The event united law enforcement, firefighters, Department of Public Works staff, educators, veterans, and government employees for an evening of connection, healthcare introduction, and shared mission.

For over 16 years, The Blue Magazine has championed law enforcement nationwide. With the Blue Health Network, that dedication now extends to all public-sector workers — ensuring access to trusted medical providers who prioritize care, transparency, and respect.

Extending the Brotherhood Across Public Service

The Blue Health Network emerged from a vision: to extend the bond of trust and support beyond law enforcement to all public servants. From first responders to teachers, city staff to veterans, the Network bridges public-sector professionals with healthcare providers who deeply understand service and sacrifice.

“It was truly inspiring to witness first responders, educators, doctors, and other public professionals coming together — shaking hands, and building relationships,” said Daniel Del Valle, founder of The Blue Magazine and creator of the Blue Health Network. “This embodies our mission: to create stronger connections and ensure those who serve always have access to the best healthcare they deserve. Now this can be done by a simple phone call to our hotline when the the time is needed.”

Knowledge Is Power

Healthcare too often is clouded by confusion. The Blue Health Network changes that. Confidentiality is our priority. Members can call a dedicated hotline — 855-331-PAIN — and confidential coordinators will guide them to the right specialists in pain management, orthopedics, spine, foot and ankle, mental health, and more. Patient Care Coordination at its best.

The Network empowers members to:

    •    Understand their insurance and benefits

    •    Know their rights and responsibilities

    •    Choose providers who put people first

    •    Navigate their wellness journey with clarity

    •    Demand care delivered with dignity, integrity, and discretion.

dr. homam badri speaking at the blue health network event

Leadership and Recognitions

At the helm of the Blue Health Network is Dr. Homam Badri, a Harvard-trained Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgeon. Dr. Badri was chosen as Medical Director because of his dedication, clinical excellence, and passion for putting patients first. His stewardship anchors the Network’s commitment to compassionate, expert care.

At the launch, several professionals were acknowledged for their lasting commitment to the public-sector community:

    • Dr. Steven Waldman – Interventional Spine & Surgery Group
A fellowship-trained spine specialist and nationally recognized leader in pain management, Dr. Waldman is a cornerstone of Interventional Spine & Surgery Group. For decades, he has been one of the most dedicated supporters of law enforcement and first responders, making him an integral part of the Blue Health Network.   

 •    Dr. Nabil Aydin – Aydin Center for Plastic Surgery, Skin Care & Lasers
A premier plastic surgeon in New Jersey and a longtime ally of law enforcement and first responders, Dr. Aydin has helped countless members of our profession—providing trusted care, exceptional expertise, and a personal commitment to those who serve.

    •    Dr. David Basch – Spine & Orthopedic Center of New Jersey

Distinguished Neuro-Spine Surgeon Specialist with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Basch’s expertise and consistent support of the first-responder community have made him a respected partner in advancing care and recovery.

    •    Dr. Rishi Sheth – Spine & Brain Surgery
A renowned Neuro-Spine Surgeon recognized for his compassionate, patient-first approach, Dr. Sheth exemplifies the highest standards of medical excellence. His leadership and expertise continue to strengthen the Blue Health Network’s commitment to quality care and innovation.

dr. michael bizzarro from penn medicine princeton house behavioral health accepting the cop & boy statue for lifetime dedication to mental health and wellness of law enforcement.and first responders. Retired law enforecment officer ken Burkert, Senior Outreach coordinator with his mentor Dr. Bizzaro.and Sheriff David Clark (REt.)

    •    Dr. Michael Bizzarro – Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health

Honored for his lifetime commitment to mental health and wellness in the law-enforcement and first-responder community. For over 30 years, Dr. Bizzarro has led with empathy and purpose, helping countless officers, veterans, and their families find hope and healing.

    •    Janet Larrain — “Listed By Janet” with RealBroker

Trusted realtor and a steadfast ally to first responders and their families. Through her dedication and heart for the community, Janet has helped countless officers and public professionals find not just houses, but homes — bringing comfort, stability, and happiness to those who serve.

Sheriff david a. clarke speaking at the blue health network.

A Night to Remember & a Future to Build

VIP guest Ret. Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. praised the Network as “something that’s needed.” Presentations were delivered by Holly Finley, Executive Director; George Beck, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief Emeritus; and Jenny Caraballo, Medical Administrative Expert.

“The Blue Health Network is more than a resource,” said Jenny Caraballo. “It’s a promise — to guide, to educate, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with the blue-collar community. Together, we demand more: more transparency, more compassion, more care.”

As the public sector joins forces with medical excellence, the Blue Health Network isn’t just launching — it’s leading a movement to bring care back to healthcare for those who serve us every day.

About The Blue Magazine

For over 16 years, The Blue Magazine has been the national independent voice for law enforcement. Beyond journalism, it has built bridges between protectors, communities, and business allies. With the launch of the Blue Health Network, that mission now expands to include all public-sector professionals, giving them a trusted ally in care. Our community can depend on us to quarterback their needs b making a phone call to our direct Patient care Hotline.

Truth Dies in Darkness

By: Lt. Joseph Pangaro, CSO, CPM   

The feeling of danger is palatable. We all live with it. Some of us feel it more as a constant presence because of where we live or work and others feel it when they have to leave the relative safety of their homes for any other reason.

The never ending threat of being robbed, attacked, or otherwise brutalized has been crystalized in recent days by the very public and brutal murder of an innocent young woman from Ukraine who came to America for a better life. Her throat cut while sitting on a train doing nothing to deserve her fate.

The school shootings we see all across the USA on a regular basis makes us nervous and afraid to send our children to school, and the devastating live action murder of Charlie Kirk at the University of Utah sent shock waves across the country.

These horrific events and many more that are less publicized but are just as terrible take place every day at what seems like a heightened pace have left most of us shaken.

And what causes this wave of violence, death and destruction?

While I can site many reasons such as crime in general, a lack of respect for our fellow citizens, and an attitude adopted by many that they are entitled to hurt and steal because of their circumstance, there is are bigger reasons at work.

These reasons we don’t talk about so openly because to do so would open a person up to criticism for being “uncaring, racist, religious haters, cold hearted and bigoted” and any other slur that can be leveled at a person to shut them up.

In this age we find ourselves in a place where truth is shunned because it is considered hurtful, offensive to point out facts, and makes some people look bad in their choices and actions no matter how detrimental those choices are to the person themselves and everyone around them.

We are told through the popular culture that it is better to ignore truth as it makes people uncomfortable; it is better to live a lie and pretend not to see the truth than to see things as they actually are. This goes for many of today’s problems and they stand at the doorstep of leftists, liberal, socialist thinking.

While most of us have known this to be true all along we have stayed quiet in the background so as not to be targeted for recognizing actual truth and not going along with the lies being pushed on our country and people.    

We have seen the era of big liberal ideas, beliefs, concepts, and theories take hold of our nation and the utter destruction these things offer in real life, defined by pools of blood and shattered lives. We have seen the power of the media, who have clearly taken sides and joined with the anti-truth crowd, to push lies, misconceptions, twisted thoughts, and illogical thinking to advance an agenda that is based on a misplaced sense of “Being nice, understanding people’s feelings”, and allowing horrendous behavior to be excused as society’s fault and not the fault those who engage in the negative behaviors.

We are suffering a mental health crisis that has added to the carnage offered by leftist beliefs and ideas. We have accepted the idea that it is better to let people live in a delusion rather than to help them cope with their problems.

We force the entire society to “Pretend” these delusions are real and to go along with them in some bizarre belief that living a lie will make it real. And voicing any opinion different than the approved version of reality can subject you to being cancelled, ostracized, called names, or shot through the throat in front of your family on a beautiful sunny afternoon in Utah.

And to demonstrate the depth to which these beliefs and concepts have overrun us, we see thousands of unhinged, morally bankrupt individuals posting on social media that the brutal murder of a man simply speaking his opinion is a great thing.

We see people dancing with joy because a voice they disagree with was silenced. Instead of debating these different ideas and opinions they revel in murder and bloodshed.

For many years we have refrained from defining this mindset so as not to offend. We ignore truth and pretend that bizarro world is real; we allow thousands of our fellow citizens to be murdered every weekend in our cities without addressing it for fear of revealing truths that would be inconvenient. And we accept the attacks on like-minded, clear thinking people, because we don’t want the evil eye of the politically correct to be focused on us.       

The result of our silence; a dead woman on a train, school children shot down like animals, women sexually assaulted on a daily basis, children trafficked by evil people, and a mans voiced and life taken from him, his family and the world.

These are the results of living lies.

These lies are supported and propped up by an ideology of hate, revenge, narcissism, self-pity, self-righteousness, fear, rage, purposeful misinterpretation, manipulation of the weak in spirit and weak in mind, and the cowardice of those who see the truth, know the truth but do not speak up. This will lead to doom for all of us.

It is clear the world we are living in is suffering from the reality of this leftist ideology that has afflicted our society and many other societies across the world. We can see parallels in other western countries where these same left wing beliefs, policies, and practices have been allowed to take hold to the ruin of many people. To ignore this reality or to refuse to see it is a symptom of a much deeper problem; a problem that will affect all of us sooner or later.

How do we recover from this dark place we have found ourselves?

The answer is not hard to find, it has always been with us, but it is much harder to live because it demands we address the lies, refute the lies, and accept truth.

Let’s ask a few tough questions…

Does seeing, and speaking the truth mean we cannot be understanding and compassionate to the suffering of people who struggle with mental challenges, or those whose moral underpinnings have been damaged for decades and led to parts of our society that don’t behave and interact with the world around them appropriately?

The answer is no; we must use compassion to understand peoples struggles. But we don’t further damage them by lying to them.

Seeing and living the truth is the first step. Next comes the responsibility to heal those afflicted, help them overcome their challenges, and take concrete actions to make the world a better place.

We must commit ourselves to speaking the truth even if it offends, even if it makes us uncomfortable, even if it is interpreted as hurtful. What is more hurtful pointing out truth and helping people overcome their struggles so they can have a better life, or continuing to spout lies so they can pretend they are living a better life? And we must stand together to demand a new era built on truth, reality, decency, and love as we support the voices of truth.

Lofty goals indeed, but where has the current way of life gotten us, how has living the lies made our country a better place for all?

It hasn’t. We suffer citizens being slaughtered in the streets in American neighborhoods because we won’t confront crime and the actual sources of crime because it’s uncomfortable? How is that compassionate? How is that in the American tradition? To not address this truthfully puts the blood of innocent people on all of our hands.

How do we ignore the rule of law because criminals find themselves suffering for the consequences of their actions? Is it better to ignore the truth and allow people to destroy lives and our way of life to pretend crime cannot be stopped?

No it is not better. Human nature tells us that if we allow criminals to act as they choose, it is the innocent who will suffer and that is not a good exchange for the perceptions that criminals cannot control themselves or society made them rape, rob, and murder. We must face the truth and protect these communities from the people who would destroy them.  Every citizen in every community deserves to live free and safe.

In the end the list of things we must readdress and reevaluate under the bright light of truth, and I will address them in the future, for now this piece has broached the subject.

Are you a person who wants to live truth or will you hide under a rock to protect lies?

Tonight a young woman who could be anyone’s daughter lies in her grave. A voice of a generation will never hold his wife or children again and countless other people will suffer from living lies and not facing truth.  This must change.

This article originally appeared on AmericaOutLoud and is reprinted with permission of the author.

Joseph Pangaro is a 27-year veteran of law enforcement. He retired in 2013 at the rank of Lieutenant and currently serves as the Director of School Safety and Security for a large school district in NJ. He is also the owner of Pangaro Training and Management, a company that provides training to the public and private sector on a host of topics. Email: Joe@PangaroTraining.com, www.PangaroTraining.com. “The Blue Heart Webcast”www.YouTube.Com/@BlueHeartWebcast & host of  “The Human Equation” at 9 PM on AmericaOutLoud. news Thursdays and Fridays.

Congratulations to George Beck

Much respect to this true leader. Congratulations to the newly appointed Chief of Police of Palisades Park NJ, George Beck. We here at the Blue Magazine are proud to see this much deserved promotion. George is an intelligent good hearted tough individual who always stands for good. His work and leadership with Blue Magazine throughout a decade has led us to be one of the leading law enforcement magazines in the nation. Thank you always for your intellect, dedication and LOYALTY to our profession.

An Open Letter to Judge Steven Hippler of the Idaho 4th Judicial Circuit Court

By Lt. Joseph Pangaro CPM, CSO, MOI

Judge Hippler:

It is with all due respect that I write this open letter to you as you prepare to sentence Bryan Kohberger, the killer of four innocent college students in Idaho who will appear in your court in a few days. My purpose is to offer you an opinion from a former law enforcement officer, criminal investigator, police instructor, a father, and a citizen of the United States.

I have kept up on the case since it was first reported, as have many in the law enforcement community. The recent developments in which the defendant has agreed to accept a plea deal is an accepted and common occurrence in many criminal cases, including ones in which the crimes were so heinous as to shock the consciousness.

I have followed the published comments of the grieving families as they come to grips with the reality of a plea deal in place of a trial. From these comments we know that some of the families are in favor of this and others are not; I’m sure those sentiments are shared by many Americas across this nation. The benefits of a plea deal and a just punishment bring an end to this painful chapter in the lives of the families and friends of the victims. The addition to the plea deal of a stipulation that the defendant also gives up his right to any future appeals will save the families’ years of agony as those appeals would open the wound of this tragic situation for the rest of their lives.

I know this to be true having dealt with numerous families during my career and watching them suffer time and time again each time the defendant tries to overturn the justice they received in their sentencing with an appeal.

And while I understand the frustration of the parents that feel they were not properly consulted prior to the plea deal being created and accepted, I know that over time they will most likely learn that it was in their best interest.

That being said the ultimate purpose of this letter is ask you to consider demanding a full and complete confession from the defendant as part of the plea deal and sentencing.

I ask this as a criminal investigator who has sought justice for victims for over 30 years but it is not just for the victims in this case but for future victims who may suffer a similar tragic attack.

In the world of criminal investigation we often rely on our experiences and knowledge gained from previous cases to help us solve new crimes. Understanding the motives and actions of a criminal suspect helps every investigator to see potential connections between events and evidence, words and actions by other suspects so inclined to commit such terrible crimes. It helps us pursue justice.

We have learned much from the study of killers from the past such as Ted Bundy, The BTK killer, of Jeffrey Dahmer. Understanding their mind sets, thoughts, plans, and concerns helps us identify other killers. An especially in case such as this where the murderous act itself does not seem to fit any understandable reasoning.

By making the defendant explain himself, his motivations, how he planned the crime, how he carried it, and why can save future lives or solve future crimes. There is a societal value in understanding how and why these young people lost their lives that goes beyond this one defendant and his plea to save himself from the death penalty.

While the plea deal will save the families from additional emotional turmoil and pain it also saves the killer from the ultimate penalty; forfeiting his life for his actions. In a world of justice that gift he is receiving, that gift of life, should not be without a cost. The cost is full disclosure.

As an investigator I would want to know, at a minimum the following 15 things from this defendant:

1. When did he first consider committing this crime?

2. What were the thoughts that led him to plan this crime? Has he thought about this for a long time? Did he plan or commit any other acts leading up to this

3. Were the victims the specific targets of his attack and if so why?

4. If the victims in this case were not the specific targets, then what were the things that drove him to commit such a crime?

5. Why did he stop killing when there were other potential victims in the house?

6. Was he drawn to the victims for a specific reason, did they represent anything else besides themselves that he chose to attack?

7. Was it just the females he was targeting, if so why was the young male victim killed?

8. Why did he choose the specific weapon used in the crime? What does it represent? Why did he choose the method of murder (Stabbing) as opposed to a different method? Where is that weapon now?

9. Did he conduct any dry runs of the attack? If so when and why did he do that?          

10. What benefit did he get from committing this crime?

11. In the planning stage did he make any mistakes that could have led to his discovery?

12. Did anyone else know about his thoughts?  Did he correspond online, in writing, or in person with similar like-minded people?

13. Did he come into contact with the victims as a group or individually prior to the attack and what were the circumstances?

14. Did he consider what his actions would do to the victim’s lives and families, if so what did he consider and why?

15. Could he have been stopped prior to committing the crimes? If so what could have stopped him?

In addition to these questions, I would want the suspect to be interviewed by a trained investigator and a psychiatric expert to fully understand why this horrible crime happened and what lessons can be learned to prevent future crimes.

When I teach law enforcement officers to conduct complete and thorough investigations I tell them that the “why” of an event is often the hardest element to obtain. The more personally invasion the crime, the harder for a person to explain, but the explanation and the motivation, can open an understanding into the  mind of the perpetrator and that can help you identify evidence you may not have considered.

It is for these reasons Judge that I ask you to consider my request. Justice is a deep and wide ocean, the more we can understand why people do what they do the better we can protect society.

I do not see it as unreasonable to require this full confession, in fact, if I may be so bold, it would seem to be the minimum thing the defendant could do to take responsibility for his actions. It will bring additional peace and closure to the victim’s families, which should be a priority of our justice system, and it will help investigators across the nation now and in the future to protect and serve their communities.

This letter and request is respectfully submitted,

Lt. Joseph Pangaro      

Enough is Enough!

On December 18, 2014, President Barack H. Obama signed an executive order that laid the groundwork for significant advancements in policing practices across the country. This executive order led to the establishment of a BIPARTISAN Task Force on 21st Century Policing, tasked with identifying best practices and providing recommendations on how policing strategies can effectively reduce crime while fostering public trust.

The recommendations of the Task Force, which were also embraced by President Donald J. Trump, are structured around six key pillars that have been instrumental in guiding law enforcement agencies toward a more community-oriented and transparent approach:

Pillar 1: Building trust and legitimacy

Pillar 2: Policy and oversight

Pillar 3: Leveraging technology and social media

Pillar 4: Community policing and crime prevention

Pillar 5: Officer training and continuing education

Pillar 6: Officer safety and wellness

It is no secret that law enforcement at the federal, state, county, and local levels has faced numerous challenges, and the shortcomings within the law enforcement community are well-documented. However, we have made significant strides forward, and those accomplishments should not go unnoticed.

In recent years, police departments across New Jersey have embraced the principles of 21st Century Policing, focusing on maintaining trust and legitimacy while prioritizing policy and oversight. We have fostered community policing initiatives, provided extensive training and continuing education for our officers, promoted officer wellness and resiliency, and leveraged technology—all while rapidly adapting to the law enforcement reform policies established in New Jersey.

Key initiatives have included:

- Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Training: ✅️

- Integrated Communication and Tactics (ICAT) Training: ✅️

- Crisis Intervention Training: ✅️

- Body-Worn Cameras Mandate: ✅️

- Use of Force Policy Update: ✅

- Vehicular Pursuit Policy Update: ✅

️ - Overhaul of Dealing with Barricaded Subjects: ✅️

- De-escalation Training: ✅️

- Implicit Bias Training: ✅️

- Internal Affairs Overhaul: ✅️

- Enhancing Diversity within the Department to reflect the communities served: ✅️

- Random Drug Testing: ✅️

- Early Warning Systems: ✅️

- Community-Law Enforcement Affirmative Relations (C.L.E.A.R.) Training: ✅️

- Expansion of Community Policing: ✅️

- Defensive Tactics Training: ✅️

- Guidelines for Dealing with Barricaded Suspects: ✅️

- Law Enforcement-Immigrant Trust Initiatives: ✅️

- Law Enforcement Licensing: ✅️

While our work continues, it is evident that the New Jersey law enforcement community is diligently upholding its responsibilities. The recent incident in the City of Newark, where a 14-year-old opened fire and killed a police officer, is a stark reminder of the work that still lies ahead. It is crucial to understand that a local police officer is not just a law enforcement official; they are an integral member of the community—just like residents, business owners, clergy, and elected officials. Attacking a police officer, especially one who is a devoted member of the community, is absolutely unacceptable!

Public safety is a shared responsibility, and law enforcement in New Jersey is committed to building bridges with our communities every day, in accordance with the pillars of 21st Century Policing. It is paramount for the public to engage in and uphold their part in this collaborative effort. We are all in this together, and while much healing remains to be accomplished, we can and must achieve it!

This should not be a political issue; it shouldn't be partisan; it should not be about left or right. It does not require intervention from the Department of Justice. It's simple, WE JUST HAVE TO BE GOOD NEIGHBORS, and we must RESPECT one another!

Lastly, as we seek to make public safety the #1 priority for EVERYONE, those who engage in violent behavior must be held accountable. We must ensure that law enforcement receives the necessary support in this regard. We ALL share the responsibility of educating our loved ones about behaviors that may lead to criminal consequences; any violence toward anyone—especially a duly sworn law enforcement officer—WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

Rest in Power, Detective Joseph Azcona of the Newark Police Division!

Enough is enough!

Most sincerely,

George Guzman, Jr.

Chief Joel Gordon (Ret.) Promoted to Editor-in-Chief of Blue Magazine

Blue Magazine is honored to announce the promotion of Chief Joel E. Gordon (Ret.) to editor-in-chief. Chief Gordon has distinguished himself over the past nine years at Blue Magazine. Starting as a contributing writer, Chief Gordon was quickly promoted to associate editor as his passion, intellect, journalism, and editing abilities were impressive and unmatched. In 2021, Chief Gordon was selected as managing editor, where he continually worked to lead Blue Magazine to higher levels of success.  

Chief Gordon is a former field training officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. He is the author of the book “Still Seeking Justice: One Officer’s Story” and founded the popular Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Chief Gordon is the past recipient of our most prestigious award for Senior Journalist of the Year and has earned several additional journalism awards.

Congratulations, and thank you, Chief Gordon, for all you do for our publication and law enforcement on the national stage. We are honored to have you now serve as the editor-in-chief of Blue Magazine. We wish you much success in your new position.

George M. Beck, Jr. Ph.D.

Executive Editor/Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

Congratulations to BLUE Magazine Editor-in-Chief George Beck

Congratulations go out to BLUE Magazine Editor-in-Chief George Beck on his recent promotion to the rank of Captain and in doing so achieving status as second-in-command for the Palisades Park NJ Police Department. Another example on how some of the best in law enforcement are making a positive impact on our profession and also through our literary endeavors as we continue to share our knowledge and expertise!

2025 is shaping up to be a great year of progress for all here at BLUE Magazine. Stay connected.

RESULTS MATTER... Congratulations to Chief Ron Camacho on his leadership and well-earned continued success!

From the Chief: I wanted to share something with you...

During the North Charleston Chief of Police process six finalist names were released. The men and women of the department frantically searched the internet for any bit of information they could gather on the finalist. Luckily for me, The Blue Magazine gave me a platform to share my ideas on leadership, management, and modern effective policing. The officers devoured my articles and it helped in my gaining favor for the position.

Nobody knew me here, it was all based on the research they did on my writings, my media presence, and website (which contains all of the articles I have written for the magazine). So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a "writer."  I know, without a doubt, that the articles helped me make a dream come true, becoming the Police Chief of a large agency (300 officers on the books but authorized to 340). I had 38 officers at Chambersburg. Theoretically, I should not be here, but I am three weeks in and I am loving the department and life.

The other day a Sgt quoted a passage from my "No More Mister Nice Guys" article I wrote a few years ago.  Amazing!!!

I am hitting the streets with the troops :)        

Dr. Ron Camacho
Owner 
Camacho Consulting
Camachoconsulting.net 

WESLEY WISE: A LIFE WELL LIVED

By: Joel E. Gordon

We have lost one of our own. Frequent BLUE Magazine contributing writer Wesley Wise passed away peacefully early on the morning of January 19, 2024. He was a wonderful husband to Margaret, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to so many. He was a published author, and a well respected law enforcement professional, earning the rank of Major within the Baltimore City Police Department. He was a coach and mentor to so many during his career of 36 years.

Wes retired in 2006 as the Police Commander of the city’s 911 System. While recovering from a stroke in 2014, he wrote three books all of which are available on Amazon.com:

·      A Blue and White Life: Policing Baltimore in the 1970’s & 1980’s

·      A Life in Blue

·      Wise Musings: A collection of Essays

 Wes also assisted in the self-publishing of fourteen books for other writers.

He was a prolific writer of books, articles and Facebook posts and was never one to mince words. He was a master of the art of writing expressing his thoughts succinctly and devoid of double meaning. His teachings and opinions were always well thought out with logical thought behind them. Who would have known that his final published article in the BLUE Magazine would be titled IN THE END where Wes reflected on a life well lived while encouraging us all to live life to its fullest. But that was Wes, on-point and timely.

A life well lived and an impactful legacy that will be remembered serving as an example to all. His written words left behind will be everlasting. He is missed. May he rest in eternal peace.

Navigating The Housing Market: A Guide for Law Enforcement Professionals

Hello, fellow law enforcement professionals! As the proud leader of the Listed By Janet team, I wanted to take a moment to provide you with valuable insights and guidance on navigating the ever-changing housing market. Whether you're considering buying or selling a home or an investment property, understanding the current state of the market is crucial for making informed decisions. So, let's dive in and explore what you need to know!

The housing market has experienced notable shifts in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced buyer preferences and market dynamics. Despite these changes, it's important to note that buyer demand remains strong and a location with diverse neighborhoods and excellent amenities makes an attractive place to call home and this continues to be in high demand. 

Currently, the housing market in many parts of the United States is experiencing a seller's market, where demand exceeds supply. This means that there are more buyers than available homes for sale. While this limited inventory situation can create challenges for buyers who may face increased competition and higher prices when searching for their dream home, opportunities still exist with the right strategies and guidance.

One common concern in a seller's market is the limited inventory of available homes. It can be frustrating to struggle finding properties that meet your specific needs and preferences. However, as part of my commitment to serving law enforcement professionals like you, I have access to off-market listings and can keep you informed about new properties as soon as they become available. Rest assured that I'll work tirelessly to find your dream home within your budget.

Another worry among homeowners is high interest rates, which can impact purchasing power. While rates may be relatively high compared to previous years, it's important to note that they are still historically low overall. Waiting for rates to decrease is not guaranteed and may result in missing out on potential opportunities in the current market. By exploring different financing options tailored to your specific needs, you will feel confident in navigating these conditions and securing a favorable rate.

Did you know that the average homeowner in the United States has more than $290,000 in equity? This means that homeowners have significant financial resources that they can leverage when buying or selling a home. Having a customized strategy during the process of buying or selling a home is essential and will help you to confidently navigate the current market conditions.

For buyers, getting pre-approved for a mortgage can help strengthen your position when making an offer. This, combined with the equity you may have in your current property, can give you a competitive edge. Sellers can take advantage of the high demand by strategically pricing their homes and leveraging our effective marketing strategies to attract motivated buyers.

As members of the law enforcement community, you deserve the support of a trusted real estate professional who understands your unique needs. The Listed By Janet team is dedicated to providing personalized guidance and exceptional service to help you achieve your real estate goals in this housing market. Don't let limited inventory or high interest rates deter you from making a move towards finding or selling your perfect property. Reach out to me today for a complimentary consultation and let's embark on this exciting journey together!

Janet Larrain, a St. John's University graduate with a B.S. in Finance, expertly bridges law enforcement and real estate as a Law Enforcement Real Estate Liaison. Her years in NYC's financial services industry and her thriving investment property portfolio attest to her multifaceted expertise. Janet's unique blend of financial acumen and real estate savvy makes her an exceptional guide for clients in home or investment property transactions. Leading the esteemed "Listed by Janet" team, she upholds a stellar reputation for discretion and professionalism. Additionally, as an Honorary Board Member of Moment of Silence, Inc., Janet is committed to giving back to the law enforcement and first responder communities.

www.ListedByJanet.com

True Warriors Boxing Dominates the 2023 New Jersey Golden Gloves

True Warriors Boxing Dominates the 2023 New Jersey Golden Gloves
By George Beck, Ph.D.

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Paterson, New Jersey, is known for silk and boxing. It is named the "Silk City" for its once-dominant role in silk production during the late 1800s. However, the silk factories have faded into yesteryear while boxing in Paterson still produces many prolific fighters.

Paterson is New Jersey's third-largest city, with a current population of 154,594. It showcases a long and storied boxing history, including during the 1920s when young Paterson native Lou Costello, later of the famed comedy team Abbott & Costello, boxed at the many gyms in the neighborhood. During the 1930s, Abbott and Costello performed at the local Hinchliffe Stadium before boxing matches. Many fighters have come up in the city gyms, rugged men, such as Paul Cavalier, who Gene Tunney called the "cleverest heavyweight in the world." Cavalier became the first to defeat Jim Braddock, "The Cinderella Man," in 1927. Others include Rubin Carter, Frankie Toledo, Omar Sheika, Vince Martinez, Pat Comiskey, George Khalid Jones, Curtis Harris, Henry Crawford and the list goes on.

From the numerous gyms that once flourished during the 20th century, boxing in Paterson has consolidated into two: Ike & Randy's Boxing and True Warriors Boxing & Fitness Club. Both are firmly established and respected in the sport, each producing some of the toughest fighters to get in the ring. Both are nonprofit 501 (c)(3) gyms focused on keeping young people off the streets where dismally gunfire, gang warfare, and social and economic blight envelope the city. Both gyms are making a significant difference in the lives of children living in a despondent city by offering encouragement, leadership, skills and hope.

The husband-and-wife team Jose and Ramona Concepcion run True Warriors. The Concepcions have produced many talented amateur and pro boxers and have a heart of gold for the youth. They also officiate boxing matches.

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Jose and Ramona Concepcion

"Jose and Ramona are not here for the money," amateur boxer Alberto Palacios told Blue Magazine as he trained, hitting one of several heavy bags in the gym. "They care about the kids, and they care so much for these kids you can see it in the gym's atmosphere. It's old school around here."

Palacios is speaking of the many rules of respect the gym has for its members and guests. Cursing is not allowed. Respecting the facility is mandatory, and respecting each other is strictly enforced. This, in turn, has created an environment where boxers from beginners to advanced work together to develop their boxing skills irrespective of the ways of the bustling city streets outside their doors. The gym has become a sanctuary for youth looking to establish themselves and have the most incredible opportunities life offers them.

A mother watching her son during their afternoon kid's class told Blue Magazine that she'd noticed a tremendous improvement in her son since she enrolled him in True Warriors. "We've been here for six months now, and everyone tells me how respectful and calm my son is. His teachers and even family members ask me what I did for this to happen," she said. "I tell them it wasn't me. Jose and Ramona deserve the credit."

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(left to right: Devine Guzman, Xavier Correa, Dennis Guzman, and Daniel Guzman)

The Concepcions’ strategy for turning young men and women into respectful children while teaching them boxing skills is a proven recipe for success. True Warriors Gym entered the New Jersey State Golden Gloves this year and produced five champions. Dennis Guzman, 10; Daniel Guzman, 16; Devine Guzman, 18; Xavier Correa, 18; and Justin Wiesner, 19, each won the tournament in their respective divisions. These young men not only experienced the accomplishment of success, but they learned how to overcome challenges through hard work, dedication and perseverance — all essential qualities needed to navigate the road of life ahead.

The Blue Magazine congratulates True Warriors 2023 Golden Gloves Champions and offers a genuine and heartfelt sense of gratitude to the Concepcions who, through boxing and kindness, provide kids with leadership and opportunity in a world where many have turned a blind eye. We see you and appreciate all that you do!

Retired Cop and Pro Boxer Team Up to Catapult Young Fighter to Win New Jersey Golden Gloves

Retired Cop and Pro Boxer Team Up to Catapult Young Fighter to Win New Jersey Golden Gloves
By George Beck, Ph.D.

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(left to right Richard Pierson , Justin Wiesner, and Rodney Picott)

Everything is possible with the right combination of talent, fierce commitment and determination. Justin Wiesner, a humble and polite 19-year-old man from Jersey City, NJ learned this in an impressively short period of time. His road to victory at the recent 2023 Golden Gloves began during the first week of February, 2023, when Richard Pierson, 42, a retired professional boxer, and Rodney Picott, 57, a retired Clarkstown, NY cop and former amateur boxer, teamed up to train the ambitious young man.

"Justin told us he wanted to fight in the 2023 Golden Gloves," Pierson said. "That gave us a short time to get him ready. Rodney and I knew it was possible, and we saw he had that drive. We had a lot of work to do fast."

The trio went right to work. They met Wiesner every day and trained, first outdoors at the Riggins Field in East Rutherford, NJ— braving the winter cold; however, fortunately this past New Jersey winter was absent of much snowfall, allowing the team to drill the boxing fundamentals for hours on end, before eventfully finding a home at True Warriors Boxing in Paterson, NJ.

"True Warriors was the right fit for us," Pierson said. "Owners Jose and Ramona Concepcion accepted us with open arms. They gave us excellent advice and a premier boxing facility with everything we needed to succeed. We had great sparring there, too. Former professional boxer Freddy Cadena was tremendously helpful and sparred many rounds with Justin to get him ready."

Moving from the athletic field to True Warriors Boxing Gym accelerated the young fighter’s progress in the sport.

"Everything clicked and we got into stride quickly," Picott told Blue Magazine. "Justin worked hard and his natural athletic ability helped him."

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Wiesner was in expert hands. Picott's experience as a fighter includes winning at the Daily News Golden Gloves in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 2001, as well as the New York Empire Games in 1994, and competing as an open-class heavyweight since 1992. Pierson started boxing at 20, winning the 2002 New Jersey Golden Gloves; four years later turned pro and fought at many of the top fighting venues across the country, such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Hard Rock Times Square New York City, and others with an impressive 11-3 record with eight wins coming by knockout.

By mid-March, the Golden Gloves competition began and Wiesner with his coaching team entered the competition and fought six fights to the top of his division, three of which wins came by stoppage. On Sunday, April 16, 2023, Wiesner's dream came true. Standing there with Pierson and Picott by his side, he thrust the New Jersey Golden Gloves Championship trophy into the air — a smile touching both ears. The trio had done what to many would deem impossible. Wiesner’s success is a testament to what can happen when talented, selfless men work toward accomplishing a dream for a kid who needed a chance.

"I left boxing in 2012 to raise my family and for business," Pierson told Blue Magazine. "But this recent experience Rodney and I had with Justin over the past few months has reignited that fire inside me that wants to help kids achieve through boxing. We are actively discussing ideas for us to give more to the amateur youth boxing world."

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“I couldn’t be more blessed to have a team supporting me like Coach Rich and Coach Rodney,” Wiesner said. “They treated me like family, and that’s who they are to me.”

The Blue Magazine congratulates Wiesner on the impressive win and commends Picott and Pierson, who made a kid's dream come true out of the goodness of their hearts. Job well done. We salute you!

Prominent Pastor Michael D. McDuffie Leads Officers Locally and Nationally

Prominent Pastor Michael D. McDuffie Leads Officers Locally and Nationally
By George Beck, Ph.D.

Pastor Michael D. McDuffie, 59, of Paterson, NJ, has spent his entire adult life serving the Lord. At 18, McDuffie accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, ascending on a spiritual journey of growth that has sustained him for more than 40 years. Formally educated in Biblical scripture and preaching, the charismatic McDuffie has led many city churches and Christians in Paterson and beyond. In addition to being a pastor, he is also an author whose literary ministerial works have and continues to bless those who have had the opportunity and privilege to read them. McDuffie's wife, Jamie, is also a minister. The happily married couple has one daughter, Makiyah, one son TaJuan, and two grandchildren CaJuan and Cherrish.

In the law enforcement community, McDuffie is a godsend, known as the preacher on a quest to save lives by instilling hope, faith and courage in the hearts and minds of our nation's finest. He is actively working with Blue Magazine and their sister organization — the NPO — Moment of Silence, Inc., to combat blue suicide and increase the quality of officers' lives through spirituality. McDuffie appears at many blue suicide events hosted by Blue Magazine and Moment of Silence, offering wisdom and encouragement.

"Law enforcement is a unique profession," McDuffie said. "Officers choose their careers to do their best in our communities by helping those in need. My goal as the Blue Magazine national law enforcement chaplain is to help officers be the best they can be."

McDuffie is always ready to take those tough calls from officers in urgent need. McDuffie frequently joins officers at the Blue Magazine office in Haledon, NJ, to offer spiritual guidance, mentoring and motivation, always providing prayer and inspiring messages for officers to consider.

McDuffie tells how, sometimes, when he meets officers for the first time, he notices a bit of shyness or hesitancy. However, "the Holy Spirit opens that door, allowing me to walk in and build a lasting relationship with the officers. They know I support them and want what's best for them. It’s all about trust."

McDuffie's appointment as Blue Magazine's national law enforcement chaplain came many years ago when a young magazine publisher and Paterson native, Daniel Del Valle, met McDuffie in Paterson.

"I knew he was special from the moment I met him," Del Valle said. "He's truly a prophet from God. He's helped so many officers, including my family and I. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for all his work with officers here in New Jersey and in many states in our nation."

Del Valle encourages officers to reach out to Pastor McDuffie. “They will find that Pastor McDuffie is passionate, brilliant and a charismatic preacher who understands relationships better than anyone and can help increase their spiritual awareness which greatly increases the quality of their lives. I am living proof.”

For all Blue Magazine readers who want to meet Pastor McDuffie and experience his wisdom and guidance up close, come to our next Blue Suicide/Law Enforcement Appreciation event at the Brownstone Catering in Paterson, NJ, on June 2.  McDuffie will be available on this special night for everyone who would like to meet and speak with him. Should any officers reading this need access to Pastor McDuffie before then, reach out, and we will connect you.

Blue Magazine thanks Pastor McDuffie for the many lives he helped save over the years. We appreciate your dedication and hard work in the law enforcement community and the inner city. You are indeed an inspiration!

Professional Boxer Rickey “Superstar” Edwards Wins Induction into the New Jersey Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame.

Professional Boxer Rickey “Superstar” Edwards Wins Induction into the New Jersey Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame.
By George Beck, Ph.D.

Rickey “Superstar” Edwards, 32, of Paterson, NJ, was one of five boxers selected for the New Jersey Association of Boxing in partnership with the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, inductee class of 2023. The recent event held at the Brownstone in Paterson celebrated Edwards for his stellar achievements during his amateur boxing career and his success as a pro inspiring young athletes to one day receive such honorable recognition.

It was a long and arduous road for Edwards, the humble and tenacious lightweight/super lightweight fighter, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He started boxing at eight, fighting out of the True Warriors Boxing Gym in Paterson, NJ, formerly known as the Joe Grier Boxing Gym. As an amateur fighter, Edwards sparkled at a young age, becoming the Junior Olympics National Brownsville champion and the New Jersey Junior Olympics champ in 2005. Edwards fought on to win the NJ Golden Gloves in 2008 and 2012. He won the NJ State Championships in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The young fighter was the USA Boxing Region 1 Champion in 2009 and 2010. While Edwards was racking up these impressive championships in his home country, he fought on the international stage, becoming the USA vs. Ulster champion and the USA vs. Ireland International champion in 2010. He was also the USA vs. England Champion and the New Jersey vs. Puerto Rico champion in 2009.

After a widely successful amateur career, in 2003, at 22, Edwards turned pro and went on an exciting journey fighting at many of the elite boxing venues a kid from Paterson could only dream of reaching. These venues include the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Foxwoods Resorts in Connecticut, and the AT&T Center in San Antonio, to name a few. Edwards boasts a record of 13 wins and five losses, still staying laser-focused for upcoming fights later this year. Al Haymon, who also managed fighters such as Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, manages Edwards.   As a pro fighter, Edwards has sparred with World Champion Shakur Stevenson and former world champions Yuri Foreman Regis Prograis and Teófimo López. He is regularly seen training at True Warriors Boxing Gym, where he also trains aspiring fighters and others fitness enthusiasts seeking better health through exercise.

After many years of boxing success, Edwards wanted to make a difference in his community. Growing up in Paterson, a city known for some of the toughest streets in the country, bullying is a significant problem for many city youths who sometimes sadly seek no other escape than suicide. Edwards came up with a combat plan and went to work. Using his boxing platform and notoriety, he started an anti-bullying boxing camp where he instructs kids how to defend themselves while boosting their self-confidence to persevere during their formative years and for the rest of their lives. 

“Fighting against bullying is a fulfilling experience like no other. Boxing had given me so much; I knew I had to give back to the kids and my community,” Edwards said. “I want the kids to know not to let anyone tell them they can’t achieve their dreams. Everything is possible with hard work and determination.”

Blue Magazine congratulates Edwards on his Hall of Fame induction and appreciates his work to make a difference in his community and beyond. We salute you!

WBU & WBC Champion “Little Mac” McDermott to be Inducted into NJ Boxing Hall of Fame

WBU & WBC Champion “Little Mac” McDermott to be Inducted into NJ Boxing Hall of Fame.
By George Beck, Ph.D.

Danny "Little Mac" McDermott of North Bergen, NJ, earned his spot in the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. McDermott will be honored at the 53rd Annual Induction Ceremony set for Nov. 9, 2023, at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.  He is one of twelve inductees for 2023.

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McDermott, 43, held the WBU Super Lightweight world championship and the WBC Silver Super Lightweight Asia title from 2014 to 2016. Defeating Ronnell Esparras in the Philippines in 2014 distinguished McDermott as the first North Bergen, NJ native to win a title since James J. Braddock in 1936. McDermott's victory made him the first American to win a world title in the Philippines. McDermott is the protégé of the late, great hall of fame boxing champion Arturo "Thunder" Gatti.

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McDermott started boxing when he was 12. His father, Marine Corps Corporal John J. McDermott was the first to train him before joining the North Bergen PAL training with “Irish” Pat Murphy. McDermott eventually relocated to Jersey City’s Marciano Gym, where boxing legend Jimmy Archer quickly noticed him and took the young, ambitious fighter under his wing. McDermott excelled in the NJ and NY amateur circuit. He made four appearances in the NY Golden Gloves making it to the semi-finals representing East Harlem’s Thomas Jefferson Boxing Gym, where he got the name “Little Mac.” He was a two-time finalist in the NJ Golden Gloves and Diamond Gloves. He also won the bronze medal for the USA Boxing Team in 2004, representing New Jersey in an international competition at the Aponte Games in Caguas, Puerto Rico. It was at this point McDermott decided to turn pro, under the management of Mike Skowronski, a prominent member of Arturo Gatti’s team.

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McDermott's decision to turn pro took him on a magnificent adventure. He’d fight at Madison Square Garden, the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, and became a regular main event fighter in his hometown. He traveled the world, facing such fighters as Italian lightweight champion Floriano Pagliara who McDermott KO'd in two rounds. Arturo Gatti hired McDermott as his chief sparring partner when Gatti prepared for Leonard Dorin, Jesse James Leija, Floyd Mayweather and Carlos Baldomier. McDermott was also the chief sparring partner for Junior Jones when he won his world title fight against Marco Antonio Barrera. McDermott's list of world champions he sparred includes Bones Adams, Gerry Penolosa, Paul Malignaggi, Yuri Foreman, Ivan Robinson, Vivian Harris and Macho Camacho.  He was trained early on in his career by legendary trainer Buddy McGirt. McDermott's professional career lasted 19 bouts, losing five, before transitioning to training aspiring fighters.

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McDermott is still active in the sport. He runs and operates Little Mac Boxing in North Bergen. He and his gym are hosting the upcoming New Jersey Golden Gloves finals on April 14 and 15 at the North Bergen Recreation Center. He is routinely seen around New York and New Jersey training fighters for competitions and helping his clients get in shape and live healthy lifestyles. He started the Little Mac Youth boxing program, which serves kids in several New York and New Jersey communities. He is also responsible for spearheading the statute projects for James J. Braddock in North Bergen, and Arturo Gatti and Mike Tyson in Atlantic City.

McDermott thanked NJ Boxing Hall of Fame President Henry Hascup, Treasurer Dennis Murphy and all who voted for him. “I am humbled and honored,” McDermott said. “God has bestowed many blessings upon me in my life and I am forever grateful.”

Blue Magazine congratulates McDermott on his well-deserved induction into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame!

Technology : Updated Legal Resources for our Nation’s Law Enforcement Officers; now easier and more convenient

By Lieutenant Joseph Bucco

Tired of lugging code books and reference material around on patrol? Would you like current and validated legal publications that can be easily accessed right from your hand-held or in-car smart device?  With over a quarter of a million officers across the country currently utilizing their publications, Blue360 Media is the leading legal information supplier to the law enforcement community.  Started in 2017 by a team of successful business executives with decades of legal publishing experience, this group answered the request made by thousands of officers nationally to have easier access to the required information they need daily. The new Blue360 Media mobile application allows officers to have digital access to essential resources in a user-friendly, searchable format.

Based in Park City Utah, Blue360 Media provides legal content covering 47 states plus the District of Columbia and professional development material to all 50 states.  Their publications include law enforcement manuals, code books, field guides, and an Officer Series focused on topics such as Interview and Interrogation, Search and Seizure and Impaired Driving.  Their staff is a dedicated team of experienced legal publishers, legal editors, attorneys, technology developers, former law enforcement officers and even active law enforcement officers who provide crucial guidance in the ever-changing climate of the law enforcement industry.  Whether it is providing the most current and up-to-date laws, guidelines and training material to the rookie street cop or the seasoned investigator, their mission is to inform the people who keep our communities safe.

Found on the App® Store or Google PlayTM, the new Blue360 Media mobile application can be tailored specifically to the agency’s needs. In addition to the material published byBlue360 Media, the agency may add local ordinances, accreditation material, rules and regulations or any material they deem appropriate. Digital quarterly updates in select jurisdictions are available for subscription-based customers, so there is no need to wait until the following year’s publication for a new law or legislative change.

Most recently, Blue360 Media acquired Looseleaf Law Publications, Inc., adding more than 150 publications from this companyto its portfolio of products to better serve law enforcement professionals. Founded over 50 years ago, the Queens New York-based Looseleaf Law Inc.titles include: Magill’s Manuals for Local NYS Courts, Connecticut Criminal and Motor Vehicle Laws, Effective Police Leadership, and penal and traffic laws serving police academies across the country.  At a time where people may find it easier to conduct a Google search for a specific code or statute and hope to get it right, the team of experienced lawyers at Blue360 Media spend hours ensuring they have captured all the statutory changes that impact law enforcement in any given year. Blue360 Media then provides simple to read legislative highlights that make it easier to know what changes occurred during that legislative session. They also include a “search” feature, allowing users tolook for specific statutes or key terms without going through the entire publication. There is also a Favorites tab where the user can store their most frequently used references.  The Recents tab allows users to easily return to a recently used resource. As a police officer for two decades, I have found that having all this information digitally at my fingertips mitigates risk to the agency by providing validated and manageable access to essential material.  Currently, at a time when police officers are constantly facing scrutiny on multiple fronts, this is a need-to-have not a nice-to-have application.

Joseph Bucco is a Municipal Police Lieutenant in New Jersey.  He is currently in his 20th year of service and is assigned to the patrol division as a supervisor. A certified police instructor since 2011, Joe has taught a variety of topics at police academies across northern New Jersey. Some of his past assignments include the departments’ Detective Bureau, Street Crimes Unit as well as an on-loan assignment with a multi jurisdiction Fugitive Task Force. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a Master of Arts from Seton Hall University’s Police Graduate Studies Program. In 2018, Joe accepted a position as a Business Development Manager with a national communications and media company that is solely focused on serving our nations law enforcement officers.         

America is still behind us

By: Dr. Richard Rosell

I often wonder what that world would be like if the majority of the news media were as honest and transparent as law enforcement.  I don’t ponder that for long, though.  It will never happen in our lifetime.  It may never happen in 100 lifetimes.  The data is there for them, should they desire to use it honestly.  Sadly, it is much more convenient for them to consistently ignore the facts in order to create chaos and instigate mistrust against us.

   Consider that a 2022 Gallup poll reported that 41.5 percent of both black and white Americans had faith in the police, 56 and 27 percent by whites and blacks respectively.  This data represents an increase from the 37.5 percent total in 2020.  But the most interesting aspect of this increase is that, while there was no change in the percentage of white Americans (56%), confidence among black Americans jumped 8 percent, from 19 to 27 percent.   When all Americans are included, the average confidence in law enforcement jumps to 48 percent. Only two institutions of the 16 included in the poll, small business and the military, top confidence in law enforcement, garnering 68 and 64 percent respectively. Now, I know what you are thinking.  “Gee, we only have a 48 percent confidence rate?” While I would love to see that percentage double, when you put it into the proper perspective, we are doing much better than most institutions.

  The Supreme Court, the institution upon whom we depend to properly interpret our most sacred document, the United States Constitution, only enjoys the confidence of 25 percent of Americans.  The American public school system, responsible for educating the next generation, and all subsequent generations, of American children, rates only slightly better than the Supreme Court at 28 percent. Confidence in the presidency has dropped dramatically to 23 percent.  Without getting political, I think we all know why.

 At the bottom of the 16 institutions included in the poll, we find the United States Congress, with a mere 7 percent confidence rating.  How disturbing is the state of our republic that the institution charged with creating federal law and providing for the common defense can boast that 93 percent of Americans polled have no confidence in them.  In my humble opinion, they certainly earned that 7 percent rating. While I take no joy in that fact that many of our institutions have become so morally and ethically corrupt that they no longer enjoy the confidence of the average American, I am not surprised.  Nor am I shocked that Gallup reports that only 11 percent of Americans have a “Great Deal” of confidence in television media, and 16 percent in print media.  Don’t you remember when these embarrassing stats appeared on the front page of the New York Times and the Washington Post, on the same day?  Oh, wait, that’s right.  That didn’t happen.  

 I’m not satisfied with 48 percent, but I am also mindful of the possibility that if the media portrayed law enforcement as we truly are as opposed to how they want us to appear, our confidence percentage would be significantly higher.  So, keep your chins up and continue to do your best.  It could be worse; we could be Congress.

Dr. Richard Rosell is currently the Police Chief and Public Safety Director for the Town of Indian River Shores, Florida, the former Director of Public Safety for the Town of Dover, NJ and Township of Springfield, NJ, and a 27-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police, retiring at the rank of Captain.