The Government Shutdown You Thought Wouldn’t Affect You Think Again.

THE SHUTDOWN YOU’LL FEEL AND WHY WASHINGTON NEEDS TO WAKE UP

By The Blue Magazine Editorial Team

The federal government shutdown has stretched into its fifth week, and America is starting to feel it where it counts not in Washington, but in everyday life. Flights are being delayed, veterans are missing paychecks, and millions of families are left wondering how long their country can run without leadership.

The Federal Aviation Administration has already confirmed air-traffic controller shortages that are disrupting major airports, including Orlando, Dallas, and Washington. If things don’t change soon, landings in Orlando could be suspended entirely. With the holiday season approaching, what began as political gridlock is turning into a national slowdown.

Military families are living one paycheck at a time. The Pentagon has been shifting funds just to keep payroll running even accepting a $130 million donation from businessman Timothy Mellon to cover short-term gaps. It was an extraordinary act of generosity, but it shouldn’t take a private citizen to pay America’s troops. If Congress doesn’t act, the next pay cycle could collapse, leaving the people who protect this nation unpaid.

At home, the safety net is fraying. More than forty million Americans rely on federal food-assistance programs, and those benefits are days away from running dry. States like New York have already diverted emergency funds to keep food banks open. The Department of Veterans Affairs has missed pay for more than 37,000 employees, stretching hospitals and clinics to the edge. From inspections to infrastructure, progress has frozen in place.

Every American needs to stop and analyze what’s happening because whether you realize it or not, this will touch you. Some think, “It doesn’t affect me. I’m not in the military. I’m not on government aid.” But you’ll feel it in travel delays, slower mail, reduced services, and higher costs. When the system breaks, it breaks for everyone.

This shutdown stopped being about numbers a long time ago. It’s about accountability and a Congress that seems to have forgotten what it means to lead. Some are dragging this out for political leverage, others are afraid to compromise, and together they’ve turned governing into a staring contest while the country waits.

It reminds us of a football game we recently watched. One team was up by three touchdowns total control. But in the final eight minutes, the other team came roaring back. The leading team looked lost, like they were in a trance. The crowd started shouting, “Wake up!” And somehow, they did. They snapped out of it just in time and held on to win.

That’s what America needs right now leadership that wakes up before it’s too late. Because this isn’t about Republicans or Democrats anymore. It’s about responsibility. It’s about recognizing that while they argue, real people are the ones paying the price.

Every day this drags on, the nation loses more than time. It loses faith that someone in Washington still remembers who they work for. The politicians won’t feel the pain of this shutdown the way the rest of America will. They’ll keep their paychecks, their perks, and their platforms, while the country absorbs the cost of their inaction.

Wake up, politicians. Wake up, America. Because the real win isn’t in Washington it’s out here, where people still care enough to fight for what’s right.

Food Kills

Everything you eat or drink will either help you or hurt you. 80% of the population has a weight problem and being overweight sets off many preventable diseases. Most food is specifically and scientifically designed to be addictive, cause weight gain, make you sick, and eventually kill you. As a doctor, I see the end results everyday in my practice.

Yes, the food is addictive. Addiction is a behavior we know is bad for us, but we can't stop. However, it is possible to change that and develop new habits, improve your health, and feel 18 again. I know because it has affected me, and I educated myself and got healthy and now share that information with my patients. Most diseases are preventable. My practice focuses on prevention and early detection of disease. We can prevent most illnesses or at least find it at its earliest stage when it is treatable and curable. It has helped me and my patients. I plan to continue practicing medicine as I always have and should be patient first.

WHO'S THE DOCTOR

Very often when you seek medical care at a hospital, urgent care center, or medical office you no longer see a doctor or have a choice. It may be a nurse practitioner, physician's assistant or someone else. They have their roles in certain capacities however I have been a medical doctor for 35 years and have learned by experience and listening to patients and constantly getting educated. I am shocked on a daily basis at what diseases I find in my patients.

I am constantly checking, testing, and looking for diseases at an early stage before symptoms develop. There is no way a partially trained medical person who did not get years of extensive training can understand, look for, or know what to do with all the problems that arise. When I am in doubt, I have a network of excellent specialists I can consult on a daily basis to help my patients. Again, finding disease at its earliest stage before symptoms develop is the only way to properly treat and cure disease. In addition, I preach what I practice and get myself checked on a regular basis. I try to be a positive role model for my patients.

Mens sana ni corpore sano: A sound mind in a healthy body. That's my goal for myself and my patients.

THE LIONS

Doctors were the "Lions of the jungle". They controlled the entire medical field. Your doctor was a critical person in your life. You went to him when you had a problem, and he helped you. He was a trusted family member. People were proud, honored and privileged when they spoke of their doctor. "He/She is my doctor." It's all over for now.

Most doctors work for large corporate medical groups. They have lost their independence. It is not what they signed up for. Everything a doctor does is now monitored, checked, and evaluated by someone sitting behind a desk far removed from the actual patient who is suffering. Yet they control what doctors you see, what hospital you go to, what tests and treatments you are allowed.

The health care system has become expensive, dysfunctional and heartless. It is not sustainable. Everyone knows it. The only sensible approach for the individual is prevention and early detection of disease. Basically, avoid getting sick or at least find disease at its earliest stage when it is treatable and curable. I am still in private practice and intend to take care of my patients every day and for years to come. With that in mind, I practice modern medicine but retain traditional values.

Introduction

Dr. robert w. boyajian

My name is Dr. Robert W. Boyajian. I am a medical doctor in general practice in Secaucus, New Jersey for the past 30 years. I've seen many changes when I started the formal road to becoming a doctor. Go to medical school, do your residency and then open your practice. Practice good medicine and be kind. If not, you would be out of business quickly. The medical field has changed drastically. It is no longer controlled by the individual doctor. It is now controlled by insurance companies, large hospitals, Wall Street, pharmaceutical companies, and big corporations. Corporations mean we take your money, don't care and there's nothing you can do.

The healthcare system has been expensive, dysfunctional, and heartless. The human factor and kindness have been eliminated. Bad for everyone and it is not sustainable. People are sick at an earlier age. People live longer, but with chronic diseases and more suffering and disability. There is a better way through prevention and early detection of disease. It works. It helped me personally and my patients. Look for my articles in the future as we analyze the problem, educate ourselves and get healthy together.

Dr. Robert W. Boyajian is part of The Blue Health Network.

The Blue Magazine Honors REALTOR® Janet Larrain — “Listed by Janet” — With a Lifetime Commitment to Service Award

By: The Blue Magazine editorial team

The Blue Magazine proudly recognizes Janet Larrain, founder of Listed by Janet with Real Broker LLC, for her sixteen years of excellence as a REALTOR® and her extraordinary dedication to the law-enforcement community.

For more than a decade, Janet Larrain has guided countless families through one of life’s biggest transitions buying or selling a home with compassion, integrity, and professionalism that define the best in her field. She has devoted her expertise and heart to serving first responders and their families, helping officers and their loved ones find places of peace, safety, and new beginnings.

“I’m humbled to receive this award from The Blue Magazine,” said Janet Larrain. “It means so much to me. Law enforcement and first responders are in my heart, and I’m so happy to always be there to help them find their home.”

Through her ongoing partnership with The Blue Magazine and support of Moment of Silence, Janet Larrain has repeatedly stepped up to raise funds, support mental-health outreach, and assist with toy drives and community initiatives that benefit both law-enforcement families and the neighborhoods they serve. Her presence is constant, her reliability unmatched. When the charity or a department needs help, Janet shows up and she delivers.

Known among peers as “the sunshine in the room,” Janet’s energy radiates through every event, open house, and community gathering she touches. She is more than a Realtor she’s a trusted friend to the men and women who wear the badge. Many officers across New Jersey have become homeowners because of her commitment and care, and each success story reflects her belief that service should never end at the closing table.

The Blue Magazine is proud to honor Janet Larrain with the Lifetime Commitment to Law Enforcement & Community Service Award, recognizing her loyalty, compassion, and advocacy for those who serve.

“Janet has consistently gone above and beyond,” said Daniel Del Valle, publisher of The Blue Magazine. “Her professionalism, warmth, and integrity reflect everything our mission stands for service, support, and gratitude for the heroes who protect us.”

For law-enforcement officers, first responders, and families across New Jersey, The Blue Magazine encourages you to consider our trusted partner and award recipient Janet Larrain for all your real-estate needs. Her honesty, professionalism, and understanding of our community’s values make her one of the most respected Realtors in the state.

Outside of real estate, Janet Larrain is happily married and a proud mother of a beautiful 10-year-old daughter a reminder that her success is grounded not just in hard work, but in family, faith, and gratitude.

For more information or to connect with Janet Larrain:

🌐 https://www.ListedByJanet.com

📧 info@listedbyjanet.com

📞 609-477-6395

📍 Real Broker LLC – Offices in Haledon and Hillsborough, New Jersey

⸻

About The Blue Magazine

For more than sixteen years, The Blue Magazine has stood as the national independent voice of law enforcement providing an unfiltered platform that seeks truth through journalism and insight. Our mission is to inform, empower, and prepare law-enforcement professionals to think critically, serve with integrity, and strengthen the communities they protect.

Will Artificial Intelligence Replace the Human Officer?

By: The Blue Magazine Editorial team

Somewhere in Silicon Valley, engineers are already imagining the perfect cop a machine that never sleeps, never hesitates, never feels anger, and never makes an emotional mistake. While they debate algorithms and ethics in sleek boardrooms, command rooms across the country remain mostly quiet. But silence doesn’t mean safety.

Artificial intelligence isn’t coming. It’s already here and it’s learning to police.

Across the world, the transformation has begun. In Dubai, robotic patrol units greet tourists in shopping centers and help direct crowds. In Singapore, AI-driven surveillance monitors movement patterns and flags potential threats in real time. In Los Angeles, predictive software now determines which neighborhoods receive extra patrol coverage. The technology isn’t just supporting the officer it’s beginning to become the officer.

What makes AI so appealing to policymakers is simple: it doesn’t tire, fear, or hate. It doesn’t get emotional, distracted, or politically pressured. It never lets emotion interfere with judgment. Artificial intelligence can be programmed for empathy without ego, restraint without rage, and precision without fatigue. To city leaders juggling liability, staffing shortages, and budget limits, the idea of a flawless officer one immune to human error is irresistible.

Consider how rare mistakes define perception. In the few instances when an officer uses excessive force, it’s rarely out of malice. It’s emotion the surge of adrenaline, the chaos of the moment, the human reaction that goes one step too far. A single extra strike after control is gained, one second too long in the heat of tension and it becomes an “incident.” Those moments, though statistically small, are magnified nationally. They create the narrative. Artificial intelligence wouldn’t have that moment. It wouldn’t feel frustration, fatigue, or fear. It would stop exactly when programmed to stop.

Now picture a homicide scene. A human detective spends hours collecting evidence, mapping bullet trajectories, and sketching the crime scene. An AI system could scan the entire room in seconds re-creating the scene in 3D, identifying heat signatures, determining time of death, calculating the angle of every shot, and even matching shell casings to weapon databases before the first detective finishes taking notes. What takes a team of investigators half a day, AI could do instantly and perfectly every single time.

That’s not a theory. In Boston and New York, law-enforcement agencies have already tested Boston Dynamics’ robotic units for tactical reconnaissance. In China, facial-recognition patrols identify suspects in real time. The line between “tool” and “teammate” is fading fast.

But as technology advances, there’s an uncomfortable truth to acknowledge: no human being can ever be flawless. Law enforcement is built on real-life experience judgment calls, instincts, and emotion. It’s a profession where officers risk their lives daily, face unpredictable danger, and still choose to serve. Mistakes happen because humanity happens. And yet, the majority of officers do the job right. They show up, serve their communities, and go home quietly without praise or recognition. The Blue Magazine has stood by them for nearly two decades because we know the heart behind the badge.

That being said, the reality is that human policing will always fall short of machine perfection. Officers are human and humans get tired, emotional, and uncertain. Artificial intelligence doesn’t. It processes data at impossible speed, detects danger without bias, and acts without hesitation. When policymakers and technologists see that kind of performance precise, emotion-free, and cost-efficient they will ask the hardest question: why keep funding imperfection when perfection exists?

The answer isn’t fear. It’s foresight.

The Blue Magazine isn’t sounding an alarm we’re starting a conversation. Our role is to assess, to observe, and to prepare law-enforcement leaders for what’s coming. While we may not be discussing it in every command room yet, those conversations are happening in Silicon Valley and when that world perfects its model, policymakers will take notice. Because once technology becomes both flawless and affordable, replacing human officers will shift from science fiction to fiscal logic.

This is why the conversation has to begin now not to resist the future, but to shape it. Law enforcement should have a voice in defining what “AI policing” means, alongside the innovators creating it. Who writes the protocols? Who sets the ethics? Who ensures accountability when decisions are made by code instead of instinct? Those answers should involve collaboration between the profession, policymakers, and the private sector — not be written in isolation.

Artificial intelligence will not replace officers overnight. But piece by piece through automation, surveillance, analytics, and robotics it will redefine what it means to serve. The choice before us isn’t whether AI should exist in policing; it’s whether those who wear the badge will have a role in how it’s used.

The Blue Magazine takes pride in law enforcement’s tradition, courage, and humanity. But we also recognize the future won’t wait. We owe it to the men and women who serve to study, question, and anticipate what comes next before technology decides for us.

The uniform may still shine. The badge may still gleam. But the next time it salutes, it might not be human it might be artificial intelligence.

AI won’t just change policing it will challenge it. So the question is, when the flawless officer arrives… will your job be next?

Forget the National Guard – Send the Coast Guard to Portland and Chicago

By: John Giduck J.D./Ph.D.

Pres Trump’s efforts to arrest and prosecute or deport illegal criminal aliens and other vicious criminalshas hit several roadblocks. Federal judges have issued injunctions against him calling up and deploying the National Guard (NG) to cities, especially those facing rampant crime, to include out-of-control gunfire and murder. Though he seems to win on appeal, that takes time. Meanwhile, people get murdered, shot, carjacked, raped, robbed and live in fear.

The NG operates under two primary authorities: Title 32 of the US Code which places them under state control for state-level missions while receiving federal funding, and Title 10, which signifies federal control and command for national missions, similar toactiveduty forces. Title 10 is the law that has seen the NG deploy as activeduty troops to Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terror. But in deploying the NG to US cities, Pres Trump has been relying on Title 10, which has been met with objection by many sources.

However, there is one “military” branch that is already statutorily authorized to be usedfor law enforcement anywhere in the country. That is the United States Coast Guard (CG). The CG can be deployed in a law enforcement role in the interior of the country because it is a federal law enforcement agency with explicit statutory authority and is exempt from the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 (PCA), unlike other military branches. Operating under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since the 9/11 terror attacks, the CG's responsibilities include both maritime and certain land-based law enforcement functions, enabling it to make arrests and conduct investigations on land within US territory to fulfill its missions.

During peacetime, the CG operates under DHS, a civilian agency, rather than the Department of War. Its mission extends beyond just maritime activities; it also has responsibilities for national security and border protection that can extend inland. This allows it to carry out federal law enforcement duties without being subject to the same restrictions as the Department of War's military branches.CG personnel can make arrests and conduct other law enforcement actions on land to support their overall missions.They are not only authorized to board vessels, but are empowered to conduct searches and seizures, and make arrests where US jurisdiction applies, including inland waters and lands under US control.Also, unlike the NG, it is constituted of full-time, active-duty operators, engaged in tactical missions on a regular basis. Make no mistake, these are no “weekend warriors” but serious operators, quite a number of whom have the Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon (CGCAR).

Specifically, CG can do thisunder 14 USC §§ 101-1171, specifically §§ 501-510 and §§ 527-528. The statutes give them authority in immigration, counter terrorism, counter espionage, drug interdiction, etc, primarily “on, through, under, and around” US territorial waters and the coast. However, 14 USC § 553 references 46 USC § 70101 which gives CG law enforcement authority in other places under limited conditions.The CG can collaborate with agencies from DHS to address issues pertaining to immigration. This collaboration is legal and is carried out under various statutes and executive orders that govern federal law enforcement and immigration enforcement.

The Department of Homeland Security Act of 2002 established and outlined the roles of its various agencies in enforcing immigration law and ensuring border security. The CG, as a part of DHS, has the authority to work with other agencies within the department, such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) andImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).CG has specific authority to enforce US immigrations laws at sea and land and have the legal authority to detain individuals where appropriate.

Through Memoranda of Understanding, the CG often participates in joint operations or task forces that involve multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to enhance inter-agency coordination on issues, including illegal immigration. The CG can enter into agreements with other DHS agencies to define the roles and responsibilities of each agency during operations targeting illegal immigration.

And it's not as though the president would have to bring them all up from Texas or some other remote place, as with the NG soldiers going from Texas to Chicago. The Coast Guard can and does operate in Portland, Oregon, through its Sector Columbia River command. That unit of the Coast Guard's Oregon jurisdiction extends far beyond the coast to include areas around major navigable rivers like the Willamette River, which runs through Portland, and the Columbia River.

Questions surrounding such a move include there being too few bodies in the CG to have an actual effect, and, outside of the Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRTs) and Patrol teams, most members are not trained in the LE role. MSRTs are elite; deployable units focused on maritime counter-terrorism and high-risk law enforcement missions. However, the NG never assumes a LE role and is not a LE agency for any purpose, ever. Therefore, the CG is far better suited to serve alongside LE in this capacity. As important, is the fact that the numbers of NG deployed to any one city have not been that great. That is part of the reason why actual arrests are quite low. What is needed from the military is more of a security function, the success of which has been proven just from their presence in Washington, DC.

Another criticism is that with the CG deployed to the interior, there won’t be anyone to continue to meet their regular duties. To this, I would offer that this very LE function is part of CG’s regular duties. It says so in the statutes and in the missions they exist to execute. It’s important to keep in mind that in times of crisis, all resources get stretched thin. The solution is never to say that“there’s no solution”. In fact, the NG soldiers that have been blocked by federal judges could be sent to the CG bases and satisfy what security and other functions they regularly perform. That could include the 19th and 20th Army National Guard Special Forces Groups that few people realize exist. As Green Berets, they are highly-trained, most are combat veterans, and they also possess maritime operations capability. Doing so would be a bit like playing government and military whack-a-mole, moving these different groups around like chess pieces, but that is the position these judges have put the Trump administration and the nation in.

While I’m sure there are other complex federal laws that could be trotted out to try to resist this effort, the fact remains that the forces arrayed against the use of the NG would not likely anticipate it and the brave men and women of the Coast Guard could be saviors of cities like Portland. They would help keep their fellow Homeland Security agents from ICE safe in the execution of their duties - all for the protection of America and her citizens.

The era of excuses is over: Trump ushers in the the reckoning

The Reckoning: President Donald J. Trump and the Return of Accountability

An Editorial by The Blue Magazine

President Donald J. Trump has lived through what few leaders ever face — the full weight of the American justice system aimed directly at him. After years of investigations, indictments, and headlines, he now leads an administration determined to ensure that the same system finally measures itself by the standard it once demanded of him.

The defining moment came in 2022, when FBI agents executed a search warrant at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Helicopters circled as agents combed through rooms, boxes, and even the former First Lady’s wardrobe. Reports at the time described investigators inspecting her private clothing, a scene millions of Americans viewed as humiliation disguised as procedure. Trump called it “a raid that never should have happened,” a moment that transformed frustration into resolve. Having endured that level of intrusion, this presidency now operates from a single principle: if the system can do that to a former president, it can hold anyone accountable — including those who abused it.

Evidence of that new posture is visible across Washington. Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted for falsified surveillance procedures tied to the 2016 Russia investigation. Former New York Attorney General Letitia James, once a relentless adversary in court, faces federal fraud charges. Both deny wrongdoing, yet the symmetry is impossible to ignore — the prosecutors of yesterday now stand before the same justice they once wielded.

The inquiries climb higher. Former CIA Director John Brennan has been referred to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution after House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan alleged he misled Congress about the agency’s role in shaping the Russia-interference assessment. The DOJ confirms that Brennan and Comey remain active subjects of criminal review.

Then came the declassifications. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released hundreds of pages of memoranda showing that parts of the collusion narrative were disputed inside government before they reached the Obama White House. Gabbard has asserted that former President Barack Obama and senior aides “knew the narrative was false” yet permitted it to move forward. Those claims are now under DOJ evaluation; analysts agree the documents expose major procedural failures, even if intent remains unproven. Still, the disclosures have forced Washington to confront what it long avoided — the possibility that politics, not proof, guided the nation’s most consequential investigation.

To The Blue Magazine, the pattern is unmistakable. Having been searched, charged, and publicly ridiculed, President Trump now presides over a Justice Department that applies the law without exemption. His administration’s tone is not revenge; it is restoration. Transparency, not theater, has become the measure of power.

Critics call it retribution. Supporters call it balance. We call it justice finding its way back to center. The same government that once pursued a sitting president is now compelled to examine those who used its power to do so. The phrase no one is above the law has become a test, not a talking point.

If investigators confirm that Obama-era officials knowingly advanced false intelligence, the repercussions will be historic. If the evidence shows negligence instead, disclosure alone may still restore faith through honesty. Either way, the truth no longer belongs to politics — it belongs to the record.

Trump’s demeanor today is quieter but more deliberate. The man once known for rallies and sound bites now relies on documents and sworn testimony. Those close to the process describe a president focused less on vindication than verification — letting the evidence speak where politics failed.

For more than sixteen years, The Blue Magazine has chronicled American law enforcement and public integrity. We have seen the cost of selective justice — and the strength that comes from confronting it. A nation that weaponizes its institutions loses moral authority; a nation that forces those institutions to answer for their conduct regains it.

And now the country watches. Former directors, attorneys general, and intelligence chiefs stand where Trump once stood — under review, under oath, and under pressure. Each disclosure raises a sharper question: how far will this reckoning reach?

Because if the evidence continues to climb toward the top of the previous administration, the question may soon shift from how far — to who.  And if the findings confirm what the documents already suggest, even former President Barack Obama may find himself needing the one thing no legacy can protect — a lawyer.

President Trump’s “Dream Team” Moves Fast — George Santos Walks Free

By: The Blue Magazine Editorial Team

White House Dream Team: President Trump Commutes the Sentence of George Santos

President Donald J. Trump has commuted the federal prison sentence of former U.S. Representative George Santos, ordering his release less than three months after he began serving time. The move followed a rapid internal review and once again showed a White House operating with striking precision and unity.

That same discipline was on display just weeks earlier, when the administration helped broker a breakthrough Middle East peace deal that led to the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides of the Gaza conflict. The agreement—facilitated in part by Senator Marco Rubio and senior U.S. envoys—was praised as a rare moment of calm in one of the world’s hardest places to find it. Together, these moments have drawn a new label from political observers: the White House Dream Team — shorthand for an administration that executes like a single, focused unit.

Santos, expelled from Congress in 2023 after convictions on fraud-related charges, had been serving a seven-year term at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey. While the commutation does not erase his conviction, it ends his sentence and places him under supervised release.

In his statement, President Trump acknowledged that Santos was “somewhat of a rogue” but said the punishment had gone too far. He cited reports that Santos had spent extended time in solitary confinement and called the treatment “horrible.” Then, in a closing line that spread quickly online, he wrote: “Good luck, George — have a great life.”

Behind the decision stood a coordinated team of officials and allies who worked quietly but effectively. Inside the Department of Justice, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Associate Deputy Attorney General Diego Pestana, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Prisons Joshua Smith, U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin, and Senior Advisor Neil McCabe oversaw the internal review and clemency process. On Capitol Hill, Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna, and former Representative Matt Gaetz pressed for leniency, with Greene later stating, “We all deserve second chances — because we are all sinners; there are no exceptions.”

Attorney Joseph Murray, a retired NYPD officer who represented Santos, described the process as “functional, efficient, and cooperative in a way Washington rarely sees.” His words mirror what has become characteristic of this administration: quick decisions, clear communication, and unusually cohesive execution across multiple agencies.

That same pace extends beyond any single case. From foreign diplomacy to domestic operations, the administration has made speed and coordination its signature. Border encounters have dropped sharply, federal agencies report stronger collaboration, and by most accounts, cities across the nation are safer under new directives. The Dream Team’s approach—fusing White House leadership with departmental precision—has redefined how this administration governs.

The commutation of George Santos reflects that same method: swift, structured, and deliberate. It unfolded with the kind of clarity that has come to define this presidency—an administration confident in its calls, unafraid of speed, and determined to deliver results.

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