November 23, 2022

Sergeant Edward Negron: Losing Both Lungs To COVID But Remaining a Warrior

November 23, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

Sergeant Edward Negron: Losing Both Lungs To COVID But Remaining a Warrior
By: Robert Florida

During his 24-year career, Sergeant Edward Negron battled many criminals, but the toughest fight he ever faced was losing both his lungs.

In 2021, while working as a detective to safeguard citizens, Negron contracted COVID-19. It compromised his cardiovascular system and impaired his lungs. He eventually underwent a double lung transplant. The operation was successful, but given the severity of his condition, he decided to retire from the Prosecutor’s Office on Aug. 1, 2022.

Negron was a beloved figure in the prosecutor’s office. His colleagues unanimously refer to him as a “brother,” and a “stand-up guy.” They all call him Eddie. So on the morning of Aug. 1, when Eddie walked out of the prosecutor’s office for the last time, a crowd gathered to bid him farewell. As he exited the office building and entered the parking lot, he walked into a blue wall of detectives, police officers, and prosecutors – colleagues who clapped, whistled and cheered him on.

At a makeshift gathering in the parking lot Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II awarded Eddie a plaque in honor of his 24 years of outstanding service to law enforcement.

“You deserve all this adulation from your colleagues,” said Stephens. “You are our brother, and we will always be here for you. You gave maximum effort to keeping our community safe, and we appreciate your service. Congratulations, my brother.”

Mitchell McGuire, Chief of Detectives, said when he first arrived in the prosecutor’s office, Eddie showed him what it is to be a “cop’s cop.”

“I speak for all of us here,” said McGuire, “when I say that you are a hero, and you are our brother. I’m sad to see you go, but happy you are moving onto a new phase of your life – family time.”

Eddie, flanked by two of his sons, thanked his colleagues for their support, especially when he was in the hospital for the double lung transplant surgery.

“I’m grateful to all of you for the support you gave me,” said Eddie. “It was hard, but I have another shot at life. Let’s see what happens next.”

Then it was time for his final radio call, a time-honored tradition for retiring officers. McGuire handed Eddie a police radio, and he dialed into dispatch for the last time.

“This is detective Negron calling in,” said Eddie. The dispatcher answered, and with her voice booming over a loudspeaker, read this response:

“Sergeant Negron began his career with the East Newark Police Department in July of 1998, where he worked tireless hours as a police officer. In May of 2005, he was hired by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, where he distinguished himself as a tenacious detective. He worked in the Adult Trial Section, Juvenile Unit, and the Narcotics Task Force, where he worked on many high-profile narcotics investigations that led to numerous prosecutions. He was also on loan to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for three years.

“In February of 2020, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant by Prosecutor Stephens and Chief McGuire. He was the supervisor of the Juvenile Unit for a short time, but his leadership left a lasting impact on the men and women he supervised.He is the proud father of three boys: Devin Negron, 20, Chase Negron, 15, and Mason Negron, 13.

“In 2021, he fell ill to COVID-19, and as a result underwent double lung transplant surgery. In true warrior fashion, he battled through his condition, and is an inspiration to us all. On behalf of your family at the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, thank you for 24 years of exceptional service Sergeant Negron. You are now officially retired.”

As the dispatcher’s voice faded, Eddie was enveloped by dozens of well-wishers, who reminded him that though retired, he would always be their “brother forever.”

Robert Florida is a veteran journalist and public-relations expert and is the Public Information Officer for the Essex County NJ Prosecutor’s Office. Born in Newark NJ, he was the first in his family to attend college (Rutgers University). He later earned a master’s degree from Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism, and a master’s in literature from Middlebury College. He has also studied literature at Oxford University’s Lincoln College and has taught journalism and writing at three New Jersey colleges.

November 23, 2022

Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Veteran’s Service Council Spearheads Respectful Flag Cremation Ceremony at Monmouth County Fire Academy

November 23, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Veteran’s Service Council Spearheads Respectful Flag Cremation Ceremony at Monmouth County Fire Academy
By: Michael Ferraro, Cynthia Scott, and Ted Freeman

At the Jan. 26,, 2022, meeting of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Veteran’s Service Council, discussion was held on destruction of American flags that were worn out, frayed or have served their normal lifespans and could no longer be respectfully displayed. A review of online resources to determine the proper means to collect and honorably dispose of the flags led the Veteran’s Service Council to Monmouth Council Boy Scouts of America and to Boy Scout Troop #66 in from the Aberdeen/Matawan community, who had previously conducted American flag disposal ceremonies.

As research revealed that the proper means to dispose of retired American flags is burning, a meeting was held with Monmouth County Fire Marshal Fred Migliaccio, and Monmouth County Fire Academy Director Anthony Avillo, to enlist the expertise of the fire service. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden was the genesis for the entire program. With Sheriff Golden’s support, an American Flag Drop Box was placed in front of the Sheriff’s Public Safety Center in Freehold, NJ to collect the retired flags. In a relatively short period of time, over 300 flags were deposited in the drop box, 1100 flags collected by American Legion Post #346 in Neptune and over 400 additional flags from other groups.

With the flags collected, and veteran’s groups such as Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 12, Association of the United States Army (AUSA), American Legion Post #346, Neptune, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2639 in Neptune, and Post #1838 in Manasquan publicizing a flag retirement ceremony, the Monmouth County Fire Academy was selected as the location for the event.

Veterans Service Council Liaison Mike Ferraro met with Fire Marshal Migliaccio and Fire Academy Director Avillo at the Monmouth County Fire Academy to examine the proposed site of the ceremony at the Fire Academy. The Monmouth County Fire Academy was selected as the location because that location had the capability of providing a safe environment for a live fire evolution, a safe area for spectators as well as safe accessibility for the Boy Scouts to safely apply the flags to the fire. The area also proved large enough to provide adequate viewing as well as safe fire control. A 10-foot by 10-foot fire pit enclosure was created for the ceremony with adequate fire protection provided on-site. After the ceremony, the fire pit was moved to another location at the Fire Academy where it can also be used for fire department training as well as future scheduled flag retirement ceremonies.

At that meeting, the subject of the burning of nylon flags was discussed.as they would likely melt instead of burn. Fire Marshal Migliaccio had the knowledge and resources to create a safe location with a non-flammable structure with a metal base in which to burn the flags.

In the early evening of June 7, 2022, with a light rain falling, the Flag Retirement Ceremony began at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. The ceremony started with brief opening comments, a poem read by Scoutmaster Robert Kee of Troop #66 and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag recited by all in attendance. As the properly folded flags were placed in the fire by Boy Scout Troop #66 from Aberdeen/Matawan, Echo Taps was played by two buglers. The opening comments and ceremony took approximately thirty minutes with all 1500-plus flags respectfully burned. Following the ceremony, the Fire Marshal’s Office collected the materials remaining and respectfully disposed of the remains of the flags.

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office recognized the assistance of the Veterans Service Council, Boy Scout Troop #66 from Aberdeen/Matawan, Fire Marshal Fred Migliaccio and Fire Academy Director Anthony Avillo for their assistance in putting the ceremony together. Based on the large number of flags collected, it appears that these flag retirement ceremonies should occur quarterly with the next one held in September 2022 coordinated by Veterans Service Council Liaison Michael Ferraro.

Director Anthony Avillo of the Monmouth County Fire Academy, a division of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, said, “It is especially heartwarming to see the passion and dedication to our flag and our country displayed by these young Scouts. The Monmouth County Fire Academy is proud to be able to provide a venue for this significant display of patriotism.”

“The flags we retired from service served many purposes”, said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “During their useful lifespans, they proudly hung from a flagpole in a front yard, were draped from a porch railing to show patriotism, rested on the coffin of a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his or her country, or a veteran, who served in the United States Armed Forces that was called home by the Lord. This service, and those which will follow, will remind each of us that the American Flag remains the symbol of freedom and democracy throughout the world.”

The success of the program was ensured by the collaborative efforts of all divisions of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office including the Veteran’s Service Council, Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, Monmouth County Fire Academy, working in concert with veteran’s groups such as Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 12, Association of the United States Army (AUSA), American Legion Post #346, Neptune, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2639 in Neptune, and Post #1838 in Manasquan.

For additional information about respectfully, appropriately and with dignity properly disposing of retired American flags, please contact Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Veterans Service Council Liaison, Mike Ferraro, at mferraro@mcsonj.org

November 23, 2022

YOU CAN’T POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP

November 23, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

YOU CAN’T POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP
By: Monica Eaton

As police officers, we endure many weeks of training in a police academy to learn how to do the job. Rarely are any classes taught on taking care of yourself, as the officer, to ensure you have a long and healthy career and retirement. Sadly, the topics of fitness and nutrition are almost always neglected and yet one of the most important topics that an officer needs to ensure they stay fit for duty.

While I can’t speculate as to why training hours aren’t spent investing in officer wellness, I am happy to help provide a guide to help all of law enforcement get the education they need to take care of themselves and to thrive within their careers. After all, our jobs require us to be at our best every day. But it’s simply not possible if we don’t take care of ourselves first. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Nutrition is the base of the health and fitness pyramid. You can't outwork a bad diet and you certainly will not reach your fitness goals by neglecting the foods you eat. Improving your nutrition should be step one in your health and fitness journey.

Here are three nutrition basics for law enforcement you can start doing today.

First, eat whole foods. Whole foods are anything that is naturally occurring in nature. Meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, dairy, whole grains, etc. Eating these foods in their most whole forms will provide you the most nutritious and lowest calorie value there is. For example, a plain baked potato is a potato cooked in its whole form. French fries are potatoes that are cut into pieces and deep-fried in oils. This is where you lose the nutritional value and add in extra calories and processed oils which contribute to a myriad of health problems. Stick to the whole foods in their whole form.

Second, cook your food at home. This alone will not only save you money over eating out, but it will also provide more health benefits. These meals can often be quick and easy to pack and take with you to work. Several chicken breasts, when cooked in a crockpot, can lend several meals worth of shredded chicken that can easily be paired with rice and veggies or turned into a burrito bowl.

Third, prioritize your protein. Protein mainly comes from animal meats and is the macronutrient that has the most benefits. Protein works to maintain lean muscle, help build new muscle, helps to burn fat and also helps to keep you fuller, longer. Each meal you eat should have at least 30-40 grams of protein. For reference, this is roughly a fist-sized portion of cooked chicken or beef. Once you have chosen your protein for your meal, add in some veggies and a starchy carbohydrate like rice, potatoes or pasta and you have yourself a balanced meal. If you can start with these three principles, I can guarantee you will immediately see improvement in your energy levels, your moods and your mental clarity. You may also start to come off the cholesterol and high blood pressure medications, too.

Small changes over time often lead to big results. Take control of your health and invest in yourself so you can thrive during your career, and retire happy and healthy too.

Monica Eaton is the owner/CEO of Five-0 Fierce and Fit which creates online nutrition and fitness programs designed to help female first responders lose fat, gain strength and take back their confidence in 90 days because “your family depends on you to be fit for duty.” Using her six-year Oklahoma law enforcement experience along with her 15-year background in fitness and nutrition she helps female first responders reach their full potential in life and career. Look her up on Instagram @five0.fierce.and.fit.

November 23, 2022

Police Recruiting in Today’s Challenging Environment

November 23, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

Police Recruiting in Today’s Challenging Environment
By: Ken Dye

We see it almost every day… “There aren’t enough cops” Here’s a news flash…there has never been enough cops. As a beat cop and supervisor, the beats were never fully staffed. You make adjustments based on current crime and activity patterns and deploy officers as needed. In essence, you work with what you have.

Departments throughout the country are making pitches to that ever-decreasing pool of candidates. Some offer high pay. Some offer excellent benefits and signing bonuses. Some ask retired officers to return. All work to an extent. What can a department do to increase its recruit flow? Here are a few ideas.

Some departments are using the “1 for 1” program. If an officer retired from a department and wants to make a change, they can make that lateral move. They are hired at their former pay rate and can keep their pension checks. Officers with less time can lateral with a pay grade based on their service. An officer with 10 years is hired at the rate of an officer who has 10 years’ service with the new agency.

One police department advertised at a job fair at a community center in a minority neighborhood. This brought mature adults who always wanted to be cops. Surprisingly, a number of professionals entered and completed the process.

Have the recruiting team visit colleges when they DON’T have a job fair with hundreds of companies vying for employees. When you set up, you’re the only entity recruiting. The students feel like you are there just for them. In fact, that’s exactly what you are doing

Military veterans are prime candidates. They understand rules and regulations. A good source is the local National Guard and Reserve units. Military bases have job fairs and return to civilian life programs. Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities.

Start/maintain your Police Explorer and cadet programs.

At the initial interview, set up a ride-a-long. Many applicants have no concept of police work. Applicants’ only knowledge of what police officers do is from exposure to television and the overpowering movie and streaming products.

At the initial contact, have the prospective officer fill out a basic application on an iPad. This way they feel they are part of the process. You will increase the level of interest.

Once you have applicants, stay in touch. Keep them aware of their step in the process. This may sound insignificant, but when engaging with the applicant, use their first name. Focus on the challenge and the positive impact of police officers in the community. In the recruiting portion of your department’s website, have a page for FAQ’s.

Look back and reach out. There may have been an applicant who dropped off the process. Review applications and reach out to those who did not finish the process.

Being a police officer is a noble undertaking. It’s not for everybody, but it is for some. Always remember what Joseph Wambaugh said in his novel “Hollywood Station”… “Doing good police work is the most fun you will have in your life.” A true statement based on the experience of many.

Peace.

Ken Dye is the author of five books about crime, cops and bad guys in the St. Louis area. He blogs under “Cops Perspective” and has over 20,000 followers. Ken served with the St. Louis County Police Department for 13 years and finished his LE career with the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority as the administrator for the statewide MEG’s and Narcotics Task Forces.

November 23, 2022

Utah Sheriffs Executive Board Castrated By Cop Haters

November 23, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

Utah Sheriffs Executive Board Castrated By Cop Haters
By David A. Clarke Jr., Sheriff (Ret.)

There is a reason that the thin blue line is a symbol for law enforcement. It represents the separation of good versus evil and it is the American police officer who stands in between those two forces to protect the good and fight the evil. The line is thin because there aren’t many of us. It is why we need to have each other’s backs when under attack. Street cops understand this better than anybody.

This profession has been under constant attack ever since Officer Darren Wilson was assaulted by a career criminal named Mike Brown who tried to disarm the officer. This local incident went viral and became the symbol for cop haters all across America under the lie of Hands Up, Don’t Shoot. From that incident forward, this profession that I had been a part of for nearly 40 years has been smeared, lied about, wrongly indicted, suffered deadly ambush attacks, spit on and had rocks and urine filled balloons thrown at them during riots. Calls began from these miscreants to abolish police and defund them. I waited impatiently for someone in a law enforcement executive position to defend the men and women who go out every day to do the best they can under sometimes impossible conditions to serve and protect their community. When no law enforcement executive stepped up, I decided to. I knew the perils associated with pushing back against this evil force but I had to. I put my own safety and well being aside because I as the top cop in Milwaukee County, sent front line deputies into harm’s way every day on a tour of duty. I wanted them to know that if they got into a situation that went to crap through no fault of their own, I would have their back publicly and politically. I don’t expect perfection from them. I do, however, expect excellence.

Sadly, I didn’t get much help from my fellow police chiefs or sheriffs. I was a man alone but I didn’t care. I found myself in the crosshairs of the cop haters from groups like Black Lives Matter, the NAACP and other nefarious groups using liberal media outlets as the vehicle to attack me. I didn’t flinch.

Ever since I retired, I have stayed with my mission to defend the courage, sacrifice, integrity, professionalism and the commitment of the men and women in uniform serving their communities. I travel all across their great country speaking to front-line law enforcement groups trying to strengthen their resolve and commitment at a time when people are leaving the profession in record numbers. I see a beleaguered bunch from department to department. I could feel it. I reminded them that but for them, their communities would disintegrate into chaos. Just look at the rising crime, violence and disorder that has a stranglehold on many cities and towns. What many officers tell me is that they don’t have the support of their law enforcement executives. My support for them has been full-throated, unambiguous and unapologetic. Officers know it and thank me for it. I am proud to do it.

The attacks against me continue to this day. Several incidents, however, cause me to call out the betrayal, the cowardice and caving to the very entities that hate us. You cannot appease Black Lives Matter, the NAACP or Antifa. When you give in to them, they demand more. I saw this happen as some law enforcement executives either sat silent or absorbed the unwarranted criticism of police agencies. I saw a picture of a police chief of a California police department marching in a protest holding a sign that read Black Lives Matter. I was disgusted. Abject pandering. Many others got on board in calls for police reform that weaken officers’ ability to effectively perform their duties and keep them safe.

That brings me to the title of this piece. I want to make it clear that I am not accusing every member in the Utah Sheriff’s Association of what I am about to say. I was invited as the keynote speaker to address the Utah Sheriffs Association conference in St. George, Utah. We had a signed contract. The local newspaper took notice and started fanning the flames to have me canceled. I know how this works. A local liberal media outlet contacts a cop-hating group and uses them as a catalyst to start a firestorm by asking them if they have a comment on my attending the conference to speak. The Salt Lake City Tribune then wrote a column blasting the Sheriff’s Association for inviting me. They called me controversial and divisive. It’s all boilerplate language used by the leftist media whenever they write about me. They bring up that I refer to BLM as Black LIES Matter and that I call them a hate group. The news story said that in 2015, I called the NAACP nothing more than a political propaganda entity for the left. All of that is true. I have said that and believe that to be the case to this day. I say what I mean and I mean what I say. The news article pointed out that the NAACP state chapter in Utah President Jeanette Williams told the reporter that she “spoke with the sheriff’s association by phone and sent emails to them saying that bringing in David Clarke was the wrong thing to do”. She said she, “was able to have Clarke’s appearance canceled.” Williams told the reporter that she, “was worried that having a speaker promote views like those held by Clarke to Utah’s law enforcement would damage the collaborative environment she has worked to create to foster better policing in Utah.” Williams said she was appreciative that the sheriffs listened to her concerns. Funny that Williams won’t listen to any of my views. The Utah Sheriff’s Association made a deal with the devil. But they didn’t listen to their membership.

Let me stop there for a minute. The Utah state chapter of the NAACP? Seriously, let’s do some math here. Utah has a black population of 1.2% out of a total population of nearly 3.3 million people. Even the Asian population is higher and stands at 2.3%. Why is there even a need for the NAACP to have a state chapter in Utah? What do they do? Here are some interesting points about the NAACP. They support abortion knowing that abortion kills more black babies than any other demographic. They oppose school choice even though it is black kids who are trapped in failing K-12 public schools ruining any chance at success in life. They also support defunding police efforts, which would harm black communities who need policing the most. The NAACP opposes voter ID laws. Black people when polled support voter ID by about 70%. The NAACP is disconnected from Black America. Everything they support is on the Democratic Party agenda. It is why I call the NAACP the propaganda wing of the liberal policy agenda. They are sell-outs. And they claim that former Sheriff David Clarke’s appearance to address the law enforcement officers and executives would be harmful? Really?

The news story goes on the say that neither Cache County Sheriff Chad Jensen, president of the association, nor its executive director Scott Burns, responded to a request for comment. Cowards. The people of Utah and their law enforcement officers deserve to know why they caved, why they folded like a cheap suit, why they didn’t have the intestinal fortitude to stand their ground against the cop-hating NAACP. With an opportunity to demonstrate leadership to the rank and file law enforcement officers, they genuflected and prostrated themselves to the demands of a cop-hating group. Disgraceful. Total capitulation. How can the executive board of the Utah Sheriff’s Association say that they support the Constitution’s First Amendment free speech aspect by not allowing someone with an opposing view contrary to the Salt Lake City Tribune newspaper writer or the head of the state NAACP to come speak? Opposing views matter. Opposing views are healthy in a constitutional democracy and should be welcome in a free society such a ours. It is important for me to point out that not all members of the association agree with the decision of their executive board. I received an email from one of the members who wrote, “Many of us attending this conference are thoroughly disgusted with the decision to cancel your appearance. Many of us do not support this decision, one that cancels free speech which is never appropriate and should never be tolerated, but especially because it is based solely on a disapproval of views. We are embarrassed about how you have been treated and wish you the best of luck. God help us if this is to be the future of this country”.

Now that is how you have someone’s back, especially a fellow law enforcement colleague. I feel bad for the officers still serving with this lack of leadership. Let me be clear that I will never stop on my mission to help law enforcement officers. I will use whatever platforms I have to accomplish this. I easily could have moved on and enjoyed my retirement, but I cannot leave those still serving behind to endure the nonstop cop bashing.

Memo to the president and executive director and of the Utah Sheriff’s Association: You didn’t have my back when you should have. Like the email I received from one of your members said: You should be ashamed. I’ll add, how do you sleep at night? Your front-line officers needed you to stare down the NAACP. You blinked instead.

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is former Sheriff of Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin, President of Americas Sheriff LLC, President of Rise Up Wisconsin INC, Board member of the Crime Research Center, author of the book Cop Under Fire: Beyond Hashtags of Race Crime and Politics for a Better America. To learn more visit www.americassheriff.com

November 23, 2022

WRIST LOCK: THE MARTIAL ARTS INFLUENCE ON POLICE USE OF FORCE

November 23, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

WRIST LOCK: THE MARTIAL ARTS INFLUENCE ON POLICE USE OF FORCE
By: Lt. Patrick J Ciser (Ret.)

Many regular readers here at Blue Magazine have read much of my work over the years, but today, I’m bringing you my professional opinion and review of a new documentary on Amazon Prime. Since I never mince words, I’ll tell you up front that the documentary “Wrist Lock” is absolutely worth the $4.99 providing that it’s a subject you are interested in, and you should be. Both working and retired police officers can glean some very useful information from the cast of expert martial artists and police officers demonstrating their discipline in the film. In today’s society with America’s alarming crime rate and uptick of assaults against cops, we can all use as many tips as we can get. Producer Jason Harney, a former Las Vegas police officer and police academy instructor, fully understands how important it is for our officers to be well-prepared when thrown into violent situations.

Currently, few police departments put in adequate time to train our officers in defensive tactics after they graduate from the police academy. And furthermore, while in the academy, recruits get very little self-defense training. In New Jersey I’d say that the mantra has become, “no rough stuff” as they eliminated boxing years ago. Now understand, when they did have boxing back in the day, it wasn’t so much about boxing as it was about testing your mental toughness. Case in point: A few years back I had a female come into my dojo telling me that she wanted to learn self-defense in order to be a police officer. For her introductory lesson, I brought her on the dojo floor and asked her while facing me, to hold up her right hand in front of her face. Suddenly, and without warning, I slapped her hand with my right hand. I’m sure that it stung a bit judging from her reaction. Then I asked her, “If that slap was to the side of your head, would you cower in fear, or fight back?” I then explained that cops always have to win in a civilized society, so I not only have to teach you self-defense, but also instill some mental toughness so you’ll, hopefully, survive the encounter. She never came back.

As a Japanese Karate-Do practitioner and striker for 50 years, whether on duty or off, I always acted like a hammer, in the sense that the hammer sees every problem as a nail. My overhand right always hit its mark as I’ve always been a no-nonsense kind of guy. But alas, as the years went by, somehow, cops aren’t allowed to defend themselves with that kind of force anymore, even when confronting a violent offender. Cops are, as Sly once put it, “expendable.” But if a perp points a gun at you, you are justified in shooting him, correct? So, if a perp takes a swing at you, why can’t you knock him out? Because, unfortunately, many politicians and even top cops have lost their balls when dealing with violent criminals; hey, it’s not their asses on the line.

Judo and Jiu Jitsu to the rescue, maybe. Even I would reserve my knockout punch for only the extremely violent offender. Most of my career I used foot sweeps, which not only puts a perp down on his ass, but also confuses them as you apply a proper rear choke hold if they’re sitting up. Reverse joint techniques are a beautiful thing, if you’re skilled enough to use them. We have to remember, though, that most of our students in the academy are basically white belts; so, keep it simple. I can show you a few ways to disarm a perp of the gun he’s pointing at your chest; however, I always teach the simplest technique to the novice. If the perp is a righty, you hold your hands up, as if submitting, at the same level as the gun. You would then, simultaneously grab the barrel of his weapon with your left hand and strike his wrist with your open right hand (think shuto, or karate chop) removing the gun before he blinks. This is just an example. Please see an expert instructor for more. Also understand that a gun in a holster is worthless if you’re already looking down the barrel of the perp’s gun.

Getting back to the documentary: “Wrist Lock”will open your eyes up to a wide range of martial arts styles and systems. I believe a little mix of the best and most basic techniques would serve us well. Jiu Jitsu too has its shortcomings, because police officers carrying many items on their duty belt really shouldn’t be going to the ground. There were too many instructors featured in the film to mention in this short article, so I suggest that you check them out and decide what a good fit is for you. Osu!!

Pat Ciser is a retired lieutenant from the Clifton Police Department, and a 7th Degree Black Belt. He was a member of 5 U.S. Karate Teams, winning gold medals in South America and Europe. He is the Author of BUDO and the BADGE; Exploits of a Jersey Cop (BN.com/Amazon), and is a guest writer for Official Karate Magazine.

November 23, 2022

TERRORISM ALERT: How Washington will LEAD America into WWIII

November 23, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

TERRORISM ALERT: How Washington will LEAD America into WWIII
By: Eric Caron

In November of 2021, Blue Magazine published my article entitled: “Are We On The Verge of WWIII? Peace and Global Security is Jeopardized”.

In summary, I outlined the incompetence and failures of the U.S. government in sustaining peace in Afghanistan. Also, how the U.S. believed money alone could purchase it by partnering with an international crime syndicate masquerading as a government. The U.S. was the biggest source fueling this corrupt government via fraudulent U.S. contract activities such as bribes and/or cash payments to corrupt Afghan officials, drug lords, bankers and thousands of others by our CIA.

I concluded the article by asking a question: “Are we on the verge of WWIII? Countries such as Russia, Iran, China, and other nations are aligning with the “new” Afghan/Taliban government. Will we capitulate to the Taliban and other Afghan terror organizations who are now well-equipped with sophisticated U.S. military weapons, free to move with impunity with a global terror reach? Since the Taliban re-takeover, the U.S. government is now seen as inept and timid and our adversaries around the world have taken note. I believe that obtaining global peace and security is now jeopardized for generations to come.”

Sadly, my Nostradamus predictions have come to fruition.

According to the CIA, there are no fewer than fourteen distinct terror groups operating in Afghanistan today, all with international ambitions. In addition, the new Afghan government headed by the Taliban formed a suicide unit called the Badr Martyrs’ Brigade. Human rights and freedom of the press no longer exist. Children have become the victims of starvation, child marriage, organ trafficking and are being sexually exploited. Young boys are often used as child soldiers. The Taliban government will continue to cultivate opium poppies, which will provide endless amounts of cash to purchase weapons, and execute operations inside and outside Afghanistan with impunity and build their regional and global dominance.

The disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan was seen by them, Russia, China and Iran as an indication of the decline of American leadership or dominance and as a result, these countries' alliances were deepened.

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Although Washington knew an invasion was imminent, President Biden failed to communicate or meet with the Russian leader. One would think, a half a century of a Cold War and two nuclear powers at odds would motivate President Biden to meet with President Putin to avoid a war on Europe's doorstep. Remarkably to date, no such face-to-face meeting has occurred.

This 9-month war has escalated with shared opposition of the United States by China, Iran and Afghanistan. These countries directly and indirectly are providing Russia with military advisors/personnel and or military armaments. For the first time, Iran is involved in a major war on the European continent.

The White House and Congress have led America, distracted with high inflation, crime and COVID, into World War III from which there is no easy escape.

It has been said, a way to predict the future is by looking at the past. The wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan cost trillions of dollars, over 70,000 U.S. soldiers and contractors killed. Many would say these wars failed to alter strategic reality in America’s favor in any sustaining real way. History has proven the only winners of these past wars are the military industrial companies and their shareholders.

Today, reports from Ukraine have at least 400,000 Ukrainian battlefield casualties including 100,000 killed in action. The Russian casualties continue to climb, with an estimated 100,000

Russian dead.

It appears that the Russian offensive in Ukraine may be stalled. The United States, United Kingdom and European Union and NATO have all committed tens of billions of dollars and sophisticated military equipment to Ukraine. The U.S. State Department noted, “50 Allies and partner countries have provided security assistance to Ukraine”. It has also been reported that the U.S. has advisors/trainers in Ukraine as well, further escalating this war.

Now the Iranians are providing military equipment and personnel to Russia to aid the offensive. It was recently reported that the Russians took Iranian military instructors to Crimea to launch hundreds of Shahed-136 kamikaze drones. It was also reported that 10 Iranians were killed in retaliatory operations by the Ukrainians. Further reporting states that Iran will provide short-range ballistic missiles, another escalation of the Iranian support for Russia’s war.

In addition, Moscow is now recruiting Afghan commandos that were trained by the United States. These abandoned Afghan special forces veterans trained by the U.S. Special Forces are getting job offers to fight in the Russia - Ukraine War. The United States spent almost $90 billion building the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. Now, they are jobless and hopeless and easy pickings for Russian recruiters. Estimates suggested up to 10,000 former commandos could be amenable to the Russian offers, and Afghan television reported that the recruitment offers include Russian citizenship.

China and Russian military cooperation and exercises have occurred for decades. They have ongoing collaborations in aviation, undersea and hypersonic-weapons technology. Furthermore, the U.S. intelligence community’s declassified “Worldwide Threat Assessment” in 2019 was the first such report to label China and Russia jointly as a regional threat. Russian state media has reported that China and Russia were developing a “top-secret submarine”.

President Putin, who rules the world’s biggest nuclear power, has repeatedly cautioned the West that any attack on Russia could provoke a nuclear response. Putin casts the war in Ukraine as an existential battle between Russia and the West, which he says wants to destroy Russia and grab control of its natural resources.

Given the death and destruction created by this war in less than a year, its global economic impact and the military escalation, the United States must lead peace talks now or risk a global nuclear catastrophe.

America must understand its past failures, and recognize there will be no “winner” in WWIII.

Eric Caron is a Special Agent (Ret) with 25 years of service. He is the author of "Switched On - The Heart & Mind of a Special Agent." His website is: Switchedonlife.com

November 23, 2022

Developing Buy-in: The missing piece to overcoming resistance to change

November 23, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

Developing Buy-in: The missing piece to overcoming resistance to change.
by Chief Ron Camacho

Headline: Ft Lauderdale (FL) police chief fired over minority-first practices in hiring and promotions, CNN, March 5, 2022

Headline: Aurora (CO) Police Chief Vanessa Wilson officially out: City manager 'seeks new leadership,’ Denver ABCChannel 7, April 7, 2022

Headline: -Richmond (VA) police chief resigns after over 2 years amid scrutiny, NBC Channel 12, October 25, 2022

There is a common theme connecting these local news headlines and others I could have included in this list: all of the chiefs were hired to be "change agents," but they either resigned or were fired because they lost the confidence of the rank and file officers within their departments; the very people who do the real job of policing and upon whom the department and the public depend. I am neither maligning nor diminishing these chiefs. I am confident they are good people with successful careers. Still, there is an issue when the push for reform in policing is enacted with little or no regard for the officers who are expected to implement the changes.

In the original post-Ferguson world of law enforcement, and now the post-Floyd world, the pressure placed on police chiefs to institute reforms is immense. That pressure starts as a steady stream with the public, but by the time it reaches the chiefs, it is a veritable torrent of public, media and city leadership pressure. That pressure is amplified exponentially because the mayors, city managers and politicians need to "do something." These excessive pressures lead to shortcuts in decision-making and planning. Again, the main issue is the inability to actually effectively and efficaciously manage the change that is suddenly being demanded from them.

Most police chiefs understand that many current aspects of policing have to evolve or change. That is not a new concept. Since its inception, the profession of policing has constantly evolved. However, effective, lasting change must be evaluated, planned and managed. As respected police trainer and author Lou Savelli once told me, "You don't change just to change; you change to get better, to improve." Changing to change, without any forethought, can and will bear unwanted, unintended and, at times, disastrous consequences. As law enforcement leaders, we should know better than to ever implement change without planning. However, many forget the essential aspect of effecting positive change: achieving buy-in. That means achieving buy-in from the rank and file, the very officers upon whom we and the public depend.

Peter Drucker, the father of the science of management, wrote, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." In police organizations, the quote should read, "Cop culture eats change for breakfast. "Law enforcement agencies have notorious reputations for resisting change. In some agencies, resistance transformed into stagnation in response to the defunding the police narrative that spread across the country. The good news is that resistance and stagnation can be overcome; once again, the key is developing buy-in.

"Buy-in" is gaining understanding, commitment and action from your officers to support the organization's goals. Not your goals or the officers’, but the organization's goals. The first step in achieving buy-in is to involve your officers – from the start. Too often, police command staffs make grandiose plans regarding the direction the department should be taking without involving the troops. For example, I worked for a captain who took pleasure in designing the inner configuration of the department's patrol vehicles. The first issue was that he no longer drove a patrol vehicle and had not been in one for many years. Second, he felt it was beneath him to seek input from the "customer," i.e., the officers and sergeants who drove the patrol units daily. The professionals who virtually lived in their vehicles and depended upon them for their very lives. Gaining information from the officers and sergeants regarding the optimal configuration for patrol vehicles makes sense. It is also a small but powerful token demonstrating trust and care for their expertise and concern for their well-being.

Another vital element for gaining buy-in is to explain the problem to the troops. Share what you’ve been charged with doing, and be transparent with them. Too many times, law enforcement leaders implement programs, policies or procedures without explaining the "why." Explaining the reasons why the change is necessary (or is being required by those above you) and inviting questions, comments and suggestions is an excellent method to remove barriers and resistance. During these sharing sessions, a humble leader will hear their officers' thoughts or ideas that influence or affect the proposed changes. It also might just end up providing you with a superior plan and approach to the one you had come up with by yourself. If opposition from the troops continues, another technique is to describe the proposed change's positive consequences and what can happen if the changes do not occur. Finally, including your officers in developing the plan to execute the necessary changes is vital. When officers are included, the plan is not yours or theirs but "our" plan.

Inclusion in the planning will lead to ownership of the plan by the officers and command staff. When everyone within the agency owns the plan, any resistance to its implementation will be easily defeated. That is the true power of developing buy-in. Way back in 1936, American writer and lecturer, and the developer of courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, and public speaking, Dale Carnegie, gave us a masterful book that only in recent years seems to have ceased being an essential resource and required reading for anyone and everyone in leadership positions: How To Win Friends And Influence People. This book brilliantly illustrates the tools I have offered here and many others to develop buy-in with the men and women under your command. The over-arching lesson from that book is that if you give people a chance to express their thoughts and you actually listen to them, you will earn respect and develop buy-in. In implementing unwelcome change as a top law enforcement executive, you may not win them all as “friends,” but you will undoubtedly be able to influence them and earn their respect. One of the essential benefits of buy-in is that, while you may not influence everyone in your department to advocate for your changes, there will only be a negligible amount of detractors. It is a book worth buying and reading.

Leaders cannot forget that we are in the “people business.” Only with our officers’ cooperation can meaningful change occur and take hold. Forcing change down the throats of our officers can result in resistance, low morale and a failed change-mission, just as happened to those chiefs I noted at the outset of this discussion. Instead, we need to engage our officers. Officers are the key to finding how best to implement change. Leaders using humility and inspiration will see positive change come to fruition when using buy-in. It is the most effective and efficient method of producing constructive changes in policing. Give buy-in a chance; transform your organization to the great benefit of your community – and quite possibly your jobs.

Want more detail? Works Cited:

Afshar, P., & Dominguez, C. (2022, March 5). Fort Lauderdale police chief fired over minority-first practices in hiring and promotions, report says. Retrieved from CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/05/us/fort-lauderdale-police-chief/index.html

Graff, H. (2022, October 25). Richmond police chief resigns after over 2 years amid scrutiny. Retrieved from nbc12: https://www.nbc12.com/2022/10/25/acting-richmond-police-chief-resigns-after-two-half-years-service/

Roznowski, B. (2022, April 7). Aurora police chief Vanessa Wilson officially out. Retrieved from Denver7: https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/aurora-police-chief-vanessa-wilson-officially-out

Chief Ron Camacho is an accomplished law enforcement executive who spent time as an advisor in Afghanistan and Mexico. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, has a master’s in criminal justice from Liberty University, and is the chief of the Chambersburg Pennsylvania Police Department. He is the owner of Camacho Consulting LLC, a leadership and management training company. Camachoconsulting.net

November 23, 2022

WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE, THERE IS HOPE

November 23, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE, THERE IS HOPE
By: Chris Amos

For the sake of this article, I use the name Tom, not his actual name. Tom was a happy-go-lucky guy. Happily married, loved his job as a police lieutenant, a bit quirky. What else would you call a guy who was known to ride a moped to work… in uniform. Tom was liked by his peers, even more so he was respected, a rare combination in our line of work. I had gotten in to work early that day when my phone rang. A couple of minutes later I hung up, wondering out loud if I had actually heard what I thought I heard. Within about ten minutes the information I had hoped I misunderstood was confirmed. Tom had shot his wife, then himself, killing both.

We would call it a murder-suicide but it was much more than that. Tom, I would later learn, had been having night tremors and was on a toxic mix of prescribed medications in search of a good night’s sleep. I believe, as well as many others, that Tom had a night tremor. He woke up enough to reach for his loaded 9mm pistol, shot his wife, and then having awakened fully and realized what he had done, he shot himself.

As Tom’s co-worker, friend and as an ordained pastor, I was asked to officiate the funeral service for both. As I look back on that tragedy, I am reminded of the act of grace shown by Tom’s mother-in-law. I sat in the funeral home with her as she insisted on giving up her burial plot so that Tom and her daughter, his wife, could be buried side by side. This dear old woman knew what many in law enforcement did not. In a very real sense, Tom did not take his life and that of his wife, this job did. Tom worked Homicide and Forensics, two of the most demanding and demoralizing jobs in law enforcement. They can take away a person’s ability to feel compassion, to empathize, to do something as simple as loving one’s spouse or kids. Back in the day, to be a Homicide detective inevitably led to two places, divorce court and 2:00 a.m. poker games at the FOP.

Tom was the exception to that rule, as somehow, he managed to not just stay married, but his marriage flourished in ways that few do within the LEO family. He loved his wife dearly, as did she him with no underlying affairs, abuse, financial concerns or medical issues other than the night tremors Tom could not shake. Remember, as a murder-suicide this incident was investigated thoroughly in hopes of trying to find answers to this inexplicable tragedy.

As a department we were left dumbfounded by this incident. As a pastor I understood all too well the price demanded of one’s soul by a job that provided front-row seats to the demonic carnage unleashed on society by a very real devil. Satan hates every person ever born, because we have all been born in the image of God. Satan hates cops even more. Why? Because these men and women have raised their hands to answer God’s call to serve as agents of His vengeance against lawlessness and those who prey on the weak, the disadvantaged, the helpless. Satan despises cops.

Friends, I do not have the words to adequately express the hatred Satan has for you. He hates you and as a law enforcement officer, he hates everything you stand for. He would love to entice you down the road of compromise, corruption and abuse. If that doesn’t work, he has the patience and resources to give you the vices necessary to lead to your own self-destruction. And if by doing so he can end your marriage and inflict unseen damage and injury on your children, all the better. And ultimately, if he can overwhelm you with so much anger, bitterness, hatred, hopelessness and despair that you hold a gun to the side of your head and pull the trigger, he in a very warped, perverted and sadistic way celebrates. He wants nothing more than to add you to his masterpiece of death and destruction he has been creating since time began.

Friends, I speak as one who, having fallen into a pit of despair and self-hatred, decided to take my life. My wife of two years and infant son deserved better, much better I reasoned as I held my .38 revolver to the side of my head. I watched my reflection intently in a mirror as the hammer moved slightly. Within less than an inch from death, I suddenly heard three words that saved my life, “There is hope.”

There IS hope my friends, my Brothers and Sisters in Blue. Sure, Satan has made, and continues to make, the lives of many cops a living hell, but I have news for you … and him. Satan is a defeated foe. He has not the power, strength or legal authority to rob you of your own life. He can be overcome, and through Jesus Christ we can become overcomers. Overcomers of Satan and the many influences and allies he employs to bring us down. From the anti-cop, demonize and defund air bags, to the criminal-embracing district and commonwealth’s attorneys around the country. These people can make an impossible job that much more difficult, but they do not have the power or authority to defeat us.

In Jesus Christ we are more than conquerors. We might lose a battle or two, but the outcome of the war was decided 2,000 years ago with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ! He conquered sin, death, the grave and any need or desire, great or small, for you or me to take our own lives. The truth is, there is still good in this world, causes worth fighting for. And you play a central role in this battle between good and evil, light and darkness, life and death; and for that reason you are feared by the enemy far more than you will ever know.

Friends, there is hope, peace, joy and life in Jesus Christ. He and He alone can evict those small voices of condemnation, shame, guilt and despair that seek to take up residence in our minds. Jesus is the light that pierces the darkness of the soul. If you have entertained the thought of suicide please, please, please reach out for help. Every department has an EAP. These are much needed to provide the temporary bandaid that can get you through the night. Jesus Christ has the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual healing that will lead you through the valley of the shadow of suicide and back to the sunlight of life, peace, hope and joy for all eternity.Give Him a chance, “THERE IS HOPE!”

See you at that finish line my friend.

Chris Amos is a retired officer and former spokesperson for the Norfolk Virginia Police Department. He is currently the pastor at Chr1st Fellowship Church in Norfolk. He is married for over 30 years and is the proud father of three children, two of whom are police officers. He serves as the volunteer Chaplain for Norfolk Police Dept. and Norfolk Sheriff’s Office.

October 21, 2022

BLUE Unity Night - A Rousing Success!

October 21, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

BLUE Unity Night - A Rousing Success!
By Joel E. Gordon

The BLUE Magazine and Moment of Silence once again provided for an incredible night in strong recognition of national law enforcement unity just as BLUE Magazine publisher and Moment of Silence Founder and Vice President Daniel Del Valle intended.

Despite Hurricane Ian, the “Sunshine State” didn't disappoint. On the heels of a nearly cloudless day, followed by a clear night, nearly 400 Blue Unity Night attendees converged upon the Signature Grand in Davie, Florida, on Sept. 30, 2022, to assemble en masse for an hour of mingling with new and old friends.

For starters, the Police Pipe and Drum of Florida along with the Davie Florida Police Department Honor Guard officially kicked off the night of recognition and festivities. And 15-year-old Alyssa Del Valle beautifully sang our national anthem.

Master of Ceremonies and BLUE Magazine mentor former NYPD Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik commanded the microphone to introduce our multiple worthy Valor Award recipients who received their honors to much-deserved resounding applause and ovations.

• Claudia Apolinar - Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department

• Emmanuel Perez-Perez - Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department

• Jacob Albarado - Border Patrol Agent, Texas

• Raffaello Cervera - Doral Florida Police Department

• Johnny Beautelus - Doral Florida Police Department

• Daniel Vilarchao - Doral Florida Police Department

Multiple presenters, including BLUE Magazine Editor-In-Chief George Beck, then went on to present the magazine's prestigious Senior Journalist Award earned by BLUE Magazine columnist Kirk Lawless. Law enforcement Leadership and Advocacy recognition awards were also presented:

• Chief Gustavo Medina -Tequesta Florida Police Department

• Pastor Paul Beresford - Tequesta Florida Police Department

• Joseph Occhipinti – National Police Defense Foundation

• Officer Frank Voce – New York City Police Department

• Chief Joel Gordon – BLUE Magazine Managing Editor

Although unable to attend while directing emergency operations throughout Florida due to Hurricane Ian, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated support of law enforcement.

A fantastic meal was served followed by words of wisdom and encouragement that were given by special guests former ICE Director Tom Homan, etired Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke and former Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Musical entertainment then commenced with a lively dance floor and much enjoyment. It was an event for the ages!

Thank you to all of our colleagues, writers, editors, officials and law enforcement advocates for which our efforts would not be possible. Thank you too for the incredible work done by all on staff who were also recognized for working tirelessly to make this event a true success.

As the wristbands given to event attendees said #blueunitynight… STAY IN THE FIGHT!

Joel E. Gordon, BLUE Magazine Managing Editor, 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. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

October 21, 2022

A SPECIAL THANK YOU…

October 21, 2022/ BLUE Magazine

A SPECIAL THANK YOU…

On behalf of Moment of Silence and the Blue Magazine, thank you to everyone who was part of making Blue Unity Night possible and a complete success. This event was to honor the great men and women in blue who have risked their lives in the line of duty and have shown courage with valor. Also, to the men and women in blue who have overcome battles with their mental health and to those who fight daily to live another day and are thriving.

It was very important to us to bring this message to the nation in the State of Florida, which is led by Gov. Ron DeSantis who we recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated support of law enforcement. We are fully committed to continuing the fight to stop law enforcement suicide and to acknowledge the great men and women who serve and protect.

Thank you to all our sponsors, honorees, guests and everyone behind the scenes who contributed to making Blue Unity Night possible. Never forget, never lose hope and always stay in the fight.

Moment of Silence & The Blue Magazine