Nationwide Blue Alert System Would Help Catch Criminals Who Harm Cops

Nationwide Blue Alert System Would Help Catch Criminals Who Harm Cops

WASHINGTON– A bipartisan group of senators and representatives, including Sen. Ben Cardin, argued Tuesday for a national alert system to widely distribute information when police officers are in danger, saying it could save lives.

The legislation, introduced earlier this month, directs the attorney general to establish a National Blue Alert communications network within the Justice Department to distribute information about threats to law enforcement officers.

Maryland approved a Blue Alert system in 2010 after the shooting death of State Trooper Wesley Brown in Forestville.

Cardin, D-Md., along with Reps. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., and Bill Pascrell, Jr., D-N.J., spoke in support of the bill at a press conference outside the Capitol. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also sponsors the legislation but couldn’t attend the press conference because the Senate was voting.

Hagerstown police chief Mark Holtzman and four Anne Arundel County police officers were also present.

Holtzman said communities like Hagerstown located near other states need a national alert system.

“We are 10 minutes from West Virginia, 10 minutes from Pennsylvania and 30 minutes from Virginia,” he said. “It’s pretty much assumed in our community that anybody who would assault a police officer is going to flee the state.”

The Blue Alert system was started in Florida in May 2008 with the help of disabled U.S. Army veteran Tom Berry and modeled after the Amber Alert and Silver Alert systems that help to find missing children and senior citizens. The Blue Alert System is now in 21 States with 10 States working on getting it passed in their states this year. (Blue Alert Web Site) 

Blue Alerts can be issued in cases where the suspect is wanted, not yet apprehended and there is sufficient descriptive information of the suspect involved, including vehicle information.

The alerts would be issued in cases where a law enforcement officer has been killed or seriously injured in an attack, missing in the line of duty or if there is confirmed information about “an imminent and credible threat” on law enforcement officers.

The bill would also assign an officer at the Department of Justice to act as a national coordinator of the Blue Alert network.

The legislation is named after Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, two New York Police Department officers killed last year while sitting in their squad car. Their killer, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, had shot his girlfriend in Towson earlier in the day.

Cardin said the legislation is an opportunity for communities to help the police officers who keep them safe.

“We owe them the opportunity to help when we can and apprehending violent criminals who have injured or killed police officers should be a top priority for everyone in our country,” he said. “Everyone wants to help.”

Reichert and Pascrell are former law enforcement officers. In closing the press conference, Reichert nearly broke down in tears remembering fellow officers who had been killed in the line of duty.

Blue Alert would replace what Holtzman called an antiquated system that uses Teletype to get information across state lines.

“The dispatchers have to radio and then broadcast to all police departments and then they have to keep rebroadcasting it over and over every shift to make sure everybody has been updated about it,” he said.

And that system doesn't help keep the public aware of a potential cop killer on the loose.

“We may be updated but the public isn't looking for them,” Holtzman said. “You know they’re our eyes and ears out there on the street. …They tell us where the problems are and then we go and fix them. That’s how it works.”

The goal is to pass the legislation by National Police Week, which starts May 10. Similar legislation was introduced in 2013 but failed.

The bill will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

It has been endorsed by police groups, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations and the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department.

Get your "Honor Roll" T-Shirt to Honor those we lost in 2014 and help Donate to the National Law Enforcement Memorial

The Blue Alert Foundation is pleased to offer this 'Limited Edition' National Police Week 2015 Honor Roll shirt to serve as a 'walking memorial' to the men and woman who gave their lives in the line of duty during 2014.  

We are pleased to offer this 2ND RELEASE of Blue Line Across America's National Police Week 2015 'HONOR ROLL'.  The design contains the names of 130 of law enforcement's fallen heroes who were lost in the line of duty in 2014.

****CLICK TO GET YOUR T-SHIRT HERE****


Join us in honoring the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women!

We will also Donate a portion of the proceeds to the National Law Enforcement Memorial.

We are also working hard with Congress to get the "Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015" (H.R. 1269) & (S.665) to establish a National Blue Alert system to help apprehend criminals who have seriously injured, killed, captured, or made imminent and credible threats of serious injury or death towards police officers.

OUR MISSION:

Operate, maintain & improve the National Blue Alert System that enables communication between law enforcement, transportation & news/social/wireless medias.

Work to bring support to the families of fallen officers. The unexpected loss of life & loss of everyday function puts a strain on these families. 

Work Nationally to bring Body Armor, Body Cameras, Squad Car Cameras & more to the law enforcement agencies that are not able to obtain this critical safety equipment.

Statement today from Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers

Statement today from Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers

Statement today from Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers.

Bridget FitzpatrickCrime Prevention Specialist Omaha Police Dept.

“My ISIS is the police,” Chambers said, adding police can get away with shooting people if they “think” they’re going to do something — like pull a weapon.
“The police are licensed to kill us — children, old people,” he said.
“I wouldn’t go to Syria, I wouldn’t go to Iraq, I wouldn’t go to Afghanistan, I wouldn’t go to Yemen, I wouldn’t go to Tunisia, I wouldn’t go to Lebanon, I wouldn’t go to Jordan, I would do it right here,” Chambers said. “Nobody from ISIS ever terrorized us as a people as the police do daily.”

“If I was going to carry a weapon, it wouldn’t be against you, it wouldn’t be against these people who come here that I might have a dispute with. Mine would be for the police,” he said. “And if I carried a gun I’d want to shoot him first and then ask questions later, like they say the cop ought to do.”

In one of my recent posts I wrote about John C. Mohammad who claimed to be a city manager in Uplands Park Mo. He basically claimed that two Ferguson police officers were shot because of a conspiracy by the police. I wrote that I thought he was a scary dude in a government position. Well, turns out he wasn’t exactly who he said he was and he has no governmental powers.

Nebraska Senator Ernie Chambers is a completely different story! He has been a Senator for more years than I have been an adult! He makes crazy statements all of the time but this time the has rattled top government leaders who are standing up and condemning his comments. Rightfully so!

Senator Chambers is the Nebraska version of Al Sharpton but he is a government employee!! He is very dangerous and has the ability to incite violence against police. The fallout from his comments has just begun. As if our police weren’t already on hyper-vigilance, this is going to increase that vigilance tenfold!

The good news regarding all of this is our Chief, Todd Schmadderer came out very quickly with this comments to the press and to the public. He said, “"The comments that Senator Ernie Chambers made today at the Nebraska Unicameral are not only reprehensible but are completely without merit. The comments are unbecoming of a State Senator and have brought no value to the discussion of police community relations. I stand with my Omaha Police Officers as they are hardworking dedicated professionals" We have an outstanding Chief of Police!

Next our Mayor and two more State Senators stepped up and took selfies with a sigh that said #supportblue and tweeted them out challenging others to step up and do the same! Now we need all supporters of police to condemn Senator Chamber’s rhetoric and show their support. This cannot and should not be allowed to go uncontested.

SupportBlue is a campaigned designed to support all law enforcement. Let’s see if this is the trigger to get law enforcement supports to throw their hands in the air and say “We support our law enforcement!” Will you be one of those?

Please consider using #supportblue and spread the support.

ICYMI: Reichert, Pascrell, Cardin, Graham Urge Swift Passage of National Blue Alert System

ICYMI: Reichert, Pascrell, Cardin, Graham Urge Swift Passage of National Blue Alert System

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Representatives Dave Reichert (R-Wash.-08) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.-09) and U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) joined with members of the law enforcement community Tuesday to urge swift passage of Senate and House bills to create a nationwide alert system to apprehend violent criminals who have injured or killed police officers or who have made an imminent or credible threat to the cause serious injury or death of a law enforcement officer. Modeled after the successful Amber Alerts, this legislation, (S. 665 /H.R.1269) The Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015, is strongly supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department (SBA) and many other organizations.

"By keeping our law enforcement officers safe, we help keep our communities safe," said Congressman Reichert. "Creating a National Blue Alert system is a critical step towards achieving that goal. When law enforcement officers are harmed, everything in our power should be done to swiftly apprehend those who harmed them and prevent any further injury or loss of life. Quickly disseminating information to citizens and public safety officers will empower communities and add to the tools at the disposal of law enforcement for keeping America safe."

"Blue Alert is bipartisan, bicameral legislation to protect law enforcement officers and the public. When a credible threat is made, an officer is injured, or worse; we owe it to law enforcement to help however we can," said Senator Cardin. "A National Blue Alert system would ensure that citizens across the country can work in concert to help protect those who put their lives on the line to protect us. I'm proud to join law enforcement nationwide and colleagues from both the Senate and the House in calling for the passage, finally, of this important public safety legislation."

"Last year, we mourned the loss of Jersey City Officer Melvin Santiago, who was killed in the line of duty responding to a gang-related robbery," stated Congressman Pascrell. "Officer Santiago's death set off a series of targeted threats against New Jersey police officers from the assailant's fellow gang members. When threats like this occur, the rapid dissemination of critical, time-sensitive information is essential; and the National Blue Alert System would provide that."

"While almost half the states have implemented some form of a Blue Alert system, there is currently no national Blue Alert system to coordinate alerts across multiple states. There also is not a federal official designated to coordinate the Blue Alert system and share best practices with the states," Senator Graham said. "Our bipartisan legislation enhances and integrates the Blue Alert plan throughout the United States. It will help rapidly disseminate information and notify law enforcement, media, and the public about dangerous criminal suspects. I hope it can soon be passed into law."

"As one of the prime sponsors and authors of the Blue Alert Act of 2015, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association looks forward to the swift passage of this bill that will help combat the rise of targeted violence against law enforcement officers and those that seek to attack the American way of life," said Don Mihalek of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA)

"Make no mistake - law enforcement officers in uniform are the targets of those who want to make a headline by killing a cop," said Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police. "Officers Ramos and Liu were two of nine officers killed from ambush last year and the attempted murder of two police officers in Ferguson is a stark reminder of the danger these brave officers are in on every shift."

"Our community in Western Maryland is called the 'Four State Region' for good reason: Hagerstown is 10 minutes from Pennsylvania, 10 minutes from West Virginia and 30 minutes from Virginia. We anticipate in our community that anyone who would assault a police officer is going to flee the state, so getting information out to other law enforcement and the public as fast as we can is going to make a real difference in getting these individuals off the streets," said Chief of Police Mark Holtzman of the Hagerstown Police Department. "One unique things about law enforcement is that if someone wants to harm the police, they don't care what uniform you wear. Use of a National Blue Alert system will get information out to where it needs to be fast, and use the leverage of the public we serve, to help apprehend these individuals. I believe we will have a much safer community."

"The SBA is grateful to Representatives Reichert and Pascrell, and Senators Cardin and Graham for their unwavering efforts to pass a national 'Blue Alert' Act," said Vice President Robert Ganley of the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD. "We are especially grateful for their willingness to rename this legislation after hero officers Ramos and Liu, and to amend the bill to reduce the odds that such vicious, unprovoked, and calculated attacks against police officers will succeed in the future. Had such a Blue Alert network been in place last December, it would have increased the likelihood that their murderer could have been stopped before he was able to carry out his cowardly attack."

"NAPO is grateful to Congressmen Reichert and Pascrell and Senators Cardin and Graham for introducing the Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015. This important legislation honors two heroes and members of NAPO, NYPD Detectives Ramos and Liu, who dedicated their lives to protecting the public," said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). "Passing this bill will ensure the wide dissemination of information on suspects connected with the injury or death of a law enforcement officer, as well as information on credible threats to law enforcement, like the threats posted by the individual who killed Detectives Ramos and Liu. Passing this bill will prevent future tragedies during a time when individuals are increasingly willing to attack law enforcement officers. It is our duty to provide this protection to the men and women who work tirelessly to protect us. We are not going to rest until this legislation is passed."

Blue Alerts can be issued in the event of:

· an attack on a law enforcement officers leading to his / her death or serious injury;

· a conclusion a law enforcement office is missing in the line of duty; or

· a confirmation by a law enforcement agency that an imminent and credible threat exists to kill or seriously injure one of its officers.

The legislation would assign an existing DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator of the Blue Alert communications network. This Coordinator will, among other things:

· Provide assistance to State and local governments that are using Blue Alert plans.

· Establish voluntary guidelines for states and local governments to use in developing such plans.

· Develop protocols for efforts to apprehend suspects, including the use of public safety communications and command center operations.

· Work with states to ensure appropriate regional coordination of the network.

· Establish an advisory group to assist all entities involved in the network with the facilitation, promotion, and implementation of Blue Alert plans.

· Act as the nationwide point of contact for the development of the network and the regional coordination of Blue Alerts through the network.

· Determine what procedures and practices are in use for notifying law enforcement and the public of Blue Alerts, and which of the procedures and practices are effective and do not require the expenditure of additional resources to implement.

· Establish guidelines that provide mechanisms to ensure that Blue Alerts comply with all applicable privacy laws and regulations.

· Direct the Coordinator to submit an annual report to Congress on the Coordinator's activities and the effectiveness and status of the Blue Alert plans that are in effect or being developed.

- See more at: http://www.noodls.com/view/0DC384FDCC93A5A9A3AE0E9DBB9AAC388D32BB1B?6584xxx1427316304#sthash.n93Ac9AO.dpuf

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Please get at least One T-Shirt, if not more, for Friends and Family. Please show your support and get your T-Shirt before they are GONE. 

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Pinellas, FL: Suspect Arrested After He Fights And Chokes Deputy

Pinellas Co., FL: On March 22, 2015 at approximately 2:23AM Deputy Jason Fineran was on patrol and observed a male riding a bicycle without lights in the area of 60^th Street North and  137^th Street North. Dep. Fineran exited his patrol vehicle and attempted to make contact with the subject, Justin McGirt, for the bicycle violation.   

McGirt immediately tried to leave the area and ignored commands to speak with the deputy. In an attempt to keep McGirt from fleeing the area Dep. Fineran grabbed McGirt’s left hand. McGirt immediately struck the deputy with a closed fist causing a laceration above the deputy’s left eye. Dep. Fineran was able to radio for assistance and continued attempts to take McGirt into custody.

McGirt resisted violently and at one point in the altercation wrapped his inner thighs around the deputy’s neck reducing the deputy’s ability to breath. Upon the arrival of back up deputies it was necessary to deploy an electronic control weapon and use multiple deputies to take the suspect into custody.

Deputy Fineran was transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Arrested for Attempted Homicide on Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest with Violence, Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officer. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

His photo will be available once the booking process is complete.

Dozens ride to commemorate DCP officer killed in line of duty

Dozens ride to commemorate DCP officer killed in line of duty

ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

Dozens of motorcycle riders came out to commemorate a Dougherty County Police Officer killed in the line of duty five years ago.

Riders met at the American Legion Post 30 on Gillionville Road for the 5th annual Cliff Rouse Memorial Dice Ride.

More than 100 riders from around Georgia and Florida rode 70 miles through Dougherty, Baker and Calhoun Counties today. Dougherty County Police Lt. Cliff Rouse was shot and killed pursuing a convenience store robber in December of 2010.

"It really keeps his memory alive,” said Lt. Eric Herman, Dougherty County Police Officer. “He was a very dedicated officer, he was one of the best persons you could know. Great family, father, husband. Everybody loved him, everybody respected him."

Proceeds from the ride and auction will benefit the Georgia Cops Foundation which supports families who have lost loved ones killed in the line of duty

Police: Man beat wife, mother before killing Navajo officer

Police: Man beat wife, mother before killing Navajo officer 



By FELICIA FONSECA
Associated Press

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - In the hours before a deadly shootout on the Navajo Nation, authorities say the gunman hit his wife and mother with a pistol, taunted police by making a U-turn in front of a command station, and disabled a police vehicle that was chasing him.

The pursuit ended 40 miles away in a community near the Arizona-New Mexico border when 24-year-old Justin Fowler crashed his own vehicle, Deswood Tome, chief of staff for Navajo President Ben Shelly said Friday.

Fowler then opened fire on officers, killing one and wounding two others, before he was killed by police in the shootout Thursday night in Red Valley, authorities said.

The incident highlights the danger that tribal officers can face when patrolling the huge reservation - sometimes alone. The tribe has a policy on domestic violence calls that requires two officers to respond.

Police were initially called by Fowler's brother, who reported that Justin Fowler was assaulting family members and had fired a gun toward his mother at a home near Shiprock, New Mexico.

The first officer to reach the scene was immediately shot at and took cover.

"The suspect went on the offense and shot his AR-15," Tome said.

Fowler then fled, and police had a full description of his silver Ford Flex when he pulled up to a police command center about six hours later and made a U-turn "as a taunt," Tome said.

Officers were called in from around the reservation to pursue Fowler. At one point, he pulled off to the side of a road and fired at a police lieutenant's vehicle, stopping it in its tracks, Tome said. Fowler then drove another 11 miles, crossing the New Mexico border into Arizona before he crashed and began shooting at police, Tome said.

Officer Alex Yazzie, 42, was killed on scene. He had worked for the tribe's Shiprock police district since 2012. Officers James Hale, 48, and Herbert Frazier, 41, also with the Shiprock district, were hospitalized and expected to survive, Tome said.

The Associated Press called a phone number listed for Fowler's mother, Cecelia Begay, but it went unanswered Friday. Begay told the Farmington Daily Times (http://bit.ly/19FqyAa ), "we're sorry for the loss of their loved one."

News of the deaths and injuries prompted prayers from tribal officials and the Navajo Nation's representative in Congress, and on social media.

"We send our condolences to the family of the Navajo police officer who gave his life in the line of duty," Shelly said in a statement.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered Saturday from sunrise to sunset to honor Yazzie. Shelly ordered all Navajo Nation flags flown at half-staff on the vast reservation until sunset Monday.

U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick said she is heartbroken by the news.

"This tragedy is a reminder that the men and women who work in law enforcement risk their lives every day to protect our communities," she said.

The FBI sent investigators to process the crime scene and talk with family members and witnesses.

In all, 30 of the Navajo Nation's 234 commissioned peace officers responded Thursday from five police districts across the reservation. Police on the reservation get roughly 250,000 calls a year for service, with alcohol and domestic violence factoring into many crimes.

In October, Officer Joseph Gregg was seriously wounded in the face with a shotgun and survived after responding to a domestic violence call in Kaibeto. Raymond Herder was indicted on charges of assault with intent to commit murder and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. He's set to go on trial in June.

Three years earlier in the same town, Navajo Officer Sgt. Darrell Curley was shot and killed while responding to a domestic dispute. Curley, who showed up at a home where two brothers were fighting to back up another officer, was killed by the brothers' father who was upset that Curley was arresting them, according to court documents.

The officer's wife, Pauline Curley, said Friday that her husband always was concerned about Navajo Nation officers responding alone.

"I know it is ongoing and then when it's addressed to the high commanders, it always falls back down to funding," she said. "It's just a lack of manpower."

Family of Cop Who Killed Tony Robinson Defends Officer

Family of Cop Who Killed Tony Robinson Defends Officer

The family of a Madison, Wisconsin, police officer who fatally shot an unarmed man earlier this month on Thursday released a statement defending the officer and saying that they are "deeply saddened" by the killing.

Madison Police Officer Matt Kenny, a 12-year-police veteran, fatally shot Tony Terrell Robinson Jr., 19, after responding to reports that a man was jumping in and out of traffic and may have assaulted someone on March 6. The shooting of Robinson, who is half-black, by a white officer sparked protests.

"We are deeply saddened by his loss. We know he mattered, and we wish that this tragedy could have been avoided," Amanda Kenny said in a statement distributed by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. Her exact relationship to Matt Kenny wasn't clear.

"Madison, as a community, can do better for all its citizens. We must discuss, perhaps with more urgency, how our community handles racial inequality and then do something about it," the statement continued.

"And while we acknowledge that Madison has problems, we also feel that my brother is not one of them. Matthew is an exemplary officer who operates with the highest level of integrity, judgment, and restraint," the statement said.

The state Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting. Police have said Robinson entered an apartment, Kenny forced his way in after him, and the officer fired after he was attacked. An autopsy found that Robinson was shot in the head, torso and upper body.

Kenny previously served on the Coast Guard and in extensive travels has had "contact with people of all cultures and backgrounds," the family statement said.

Kenny, 45, was involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting in 2007, but police characterized it as "suicide by cop" and he was later cleared.

NBC NEWS

 
 
 

Blood on gloves in bomber's car matched that of dead officer

Blood on gloves in bomber's car matched that of dead officer

BOSTON — The blood of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer appeared on white gloves found in Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's car, a DNA expert testified Wednesday as prosecutors tried to show he played an active role in that killing days after the bombings.

Tsarnaev, 21, faces the possibility of the death penalty for his role in the 2013 deadly bombings. Three people were killed and more than 260 were injured when two pressure-cooker bombs exploded near the finish line of the marathon.

Tsarnaev's lawyer admitted during opening statements that he participated in the bombings but said his older brother, Tamerlan, was the mastermind. His lawyer also said it was Tamerlan, not Dzhokhar, who shot Officer Sean Collier as the brothers tried to flee.

Jennifer Montgomery, a DNA analyst with the state police crime lab, testified Wednesday that Collier's blood was on a pair of gloves found near the gas pedal and driver's seat of Tsarnaev's Honda Civic. Prosecutors have said the brothers fled the scene of Collier's shooting in the Honda.

An MIT graduate student who was riding his bike by the scene of the shooting identified Dzhokhar Tsarnaev as the man he saw leaning into Collier's police cruiser the night he was killed. Collier was shot six times, including three times in the head at close range.

During cross-examination by Tsarnaev's lawyers, Montgomery said she also tested blood on the sweatshirt Dzhokhar wore when Collier was shot. None of the blood was Collier's; it was all Dzhokhar's blood, she said.

After Collier's killing, the Tsarnaevs had a wild shootout with police in Watertown. Tamerlan Tsarnaev died following the gunfight and being run over by his brother as he fled. Dzhokhar was found hours later, wounded and bloodied, hiding in a boat parked in a backyard in Watertown.

During earlier testimony Wednesday, jurors were shown two pipe bombs hurled at police during the shootout. Neither of those bombs exploded, but a third pipe bomb did. A pressure-cooker bomb similar to the bombs used in the marathon attacks caused a powerful explosion that shook houses on the street and sent debris raining down on police. Trooper Robert McCarthy also showed the jury a Tupperware container filled with explosive powder and fuses found in a car stolen by the Tsarnaevs just before the firefight with police.

Tsarnaev's lawyers showed the jury a photo of receipts Tamerlan had from a gun and ammunition store and for two backpacks and a soldering gun purchased in the days and weeks before the marathon bombings, apparently in an attempt to show that Tamerlan had a larger role in the bombings than Dzhokhar did.

While cross-examining a fingerprint expert, Tsarnaev's lawyers asked him to identify receipts found inside Tamerlan's wallet. Also in the wallet was a MoneyGram receipt reflecting a $900 transfer to Russia by Tamerlan.

Testimony is scheduled to resume Thursday.

Funeral planned Friday for Clayton County officer killed in wreck

Funeral planned Friday for Clayton County officer killed in wreck

The funeral service will be held Friday for the Clayton County officer killed in a crash while responding to a call.

Darryl Wallace, 26, died Sunday night when he tried to avoid striking another motorist and instead over-corrected and left Tara Boulevard, police said. Wallace had graduated from the police academy in November.

A public viewing will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Tara Garden Chapel, 581 North Ave., Jonesboro. Visitation will be at the chapel from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The funeral for Wallace for will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Divine Faith Ministries, 9800 Tara Boulevard, Jonesboro, with Bishop Donald Battle officiating. Interment will follow at Kennedy Memorial Gardens, 2500 River Road, Ellenwood.

Wallace is survived by his parents, fiancee, six siblings and several other relatives, according to his online obituary.

Cardin Condemns Attack on Police Officers in Ferguson, Missouri

Cardin Condemns Attack on Police Officers in Ferguson, Missouri



Mar 16,2015 - Cardin Condemns Attack on Police Officers in Ferguson, Missouri 



WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the shooting of two police officers at a protest outside the Ferguson, Mo. Police Station.

“The cycle of violence in Ferguson must be broken. We can never accept or justify this type of violence in our society as commonplace or in any way justified. This heinous attack targeted two law enforcement officers and the rule of law they, and all men and women in uniform, swear to uphold. My prayers are with the two wounded officers, their families, as well as the St. Louis County and Webster Groves Police Departments. I call on the Justice Department to do all in its power to bring the shooter or shooters to justice. Now should be a time of national togetherness and healing for the people of Ferguson.”

Last week, Senator Cardin reintroduced legislation to create a National Blue Alert System (S. 665). It would create a nationwide alert system to apprehend violent criminals who have injured or killed police officers or who have made an imminent or credible threat to cause serious injury or death of a law enforcement officer. The Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015 is named in honor of two New York City Police Officers who were assassinated while sitting in their police patrol car in December 2014.

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Remember Our 2014 K9 Heroes - Fundraiser to get K9 Vests ends Sunday Night

Help us raise funds to purchase ballistic vests in honor and memory of 2014's fallen K9 heroes.  (Ends Sunday Night)

 (Click to Order Here)

Blue Alert Foundation wishes to purchase ballistic vests for K9 Officers who currently serve as a tribute to the 20 K9's who were killed in the line of duty during 2014.   

In 2014, 20 K9 Officers gave their lives in the line of duty from across the country.  Gunfire contributed to 5 of these losses; 2 as the result of stabbings.  We wanted to create a 'walking' tribute to honor these fallen K9 heroes.  We also want to take advantage of this opportunity to protect as many of our K9 Officers as resources will allow.  Proceeds from your t-shirt memorial purchases will be used to outfit as many of our four-legged warriors as possible.  

The t-shirt design contains the NAME and DEPARTMENT of all 20 K9s lost in the line of duty during 2014.  


Blue Alert Foundation serves to honor ALL our fallen heroes and those who continue to serve keeping our communities safe.  As members of our 'Blue Alert' community... please support our fundraising effort.  

(We will purchase as many ballistic vests as proceeds provide for.  In the event that we have a short fall... or have proceeds remaining from our vest purchases...  the additional funds will be donated to the Foundation to Help the Families of Fallen Officers where needed.)

3/5/15 - Officer Died Following Shooting Inside North Phila Game Stop

Officer Died Following Shooting Inside North Phila Game Stop



NORTH PHILA –Philadelphia Police Officer, Robert Wilson III, died following attempted robbery around 4:40pm on Thursday inside of Game Stop located on the 2100 block of Lehigh St.

Officer Damian Stephenson from the 22nd District were inside the store checking in when two male suspects announced they were going to rob the store. 

The officers engaged the suspects who continued to fire at them. Officer Wilson continued to fire until he was fatally struck in the head.

He was rushed Temple University Hospital's trauma unit by fellow officers. 

A suspect was also wounded from gunfire and taken to Einstein Hospital.

Two suspects are now in custody. A source tells us witnesses are also being questioned by police at the Homicide Unit. Responding officers recovered two weapons from the scene. 
 
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter stated, “Too many times individuals engage in aggressive activity with people who already put their lives on the line each and every day."

The Philadelphia Police Department tweeted about the incident late Thursday afternoon saying, "Prayers for our officer - Philadelphia's officer - who was shot while protecting all of us."

Officer Wilson leaves behind a family with a one year old child and a nine year old child. 

"He was a brave individual," said  Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. "Say a prayer for Officer Wilson's family."

The Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have introduced legislation (S. 665) that will create a nationwide alert system to apprehend violent criminals who have injured or killed police officers or who have made an imminent or credible threat to the cause serious injury or death of a law enforcement officer.  Blue Alerts also could be issued when a suspect is wanted in connection with a law enforcement officer who has gone missing in connection with his or her official duties. Based on the success of the Amber Alerts for missing children, a nationwide Blue Alert system would be used to disseminate critical information to law enforcement agencies, the public and the media.

Each day, more than 900,000 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. Tragically, sometimes the unthinkable happens and a police officer is seriously injured, killed, or goes missing in the line of duty. In such instances, the rapid dissemination of important critical, time-sensitive information about suspected criminals is essential to keeping our communities safe.

“I want every law enforcement officer in Maryland and across the nation to know that we value their daily courage and sacrifice. If someone is brazen enough to attack one of our law enforcement officers, for the safety of other officers and the community at-large, we need every tool at our disposal to apprehend the individual responsible – even if they cross state lines. Seamless integration across the broadest audiences can reduce the risk of additional victims,” said Senator Cardin.  “I am proud that Maryland has been a leader in the use of the Blue Alert System because it works. We should no longer delay putting in place a national alert system that will ensure the speedy apprehension of violent criminals who have injured or killed law enforcement officers.”

“While almost half the states have implemented some form of a Blue Alert system, there is currently no Federal national Blue Alert system to coordinate alerts across multiple states,” said Senator Graham.  “There also is not a federal official designated to coordinate the Blue Alert system and share best practices with the states.  Our bipartisan legislation enhances and integrates the Blue Alert plan throughout the United States.  It will help rapidly disseminate information and notify law enforcement, media, and the public about dangerous criminal suspects.  I hope it can soon be passed into law.”

The Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015 is named in honor of two New York City Police Officers who were assassinated while sitting in their police patrol car in December 2014. U.S. Representatives Dave Reichert (R-Wash.-08) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.-06) have introduced companion legislation in the House. Similar legislation has been introduced in previous Congresses, passing the House and the Senate Judiciary Committee, with bipartisan support.

In 2008, Florida was the first state to implement a Blue Alert System and since then a total of 20 states have created similar alerts programs, but there is no national coordination for this voluntary program. In June 2010, Maryland State Trooper Wesley Brown was murdered outside a restaurant in Forestville, MD. Shortly after, Gov. Martin O’Malley signed an executive order creating the Maryland Blue Alert System.  South Carolina’s Blue Alert Program was signed into law by Governor Nikki Haley in February 2012. Arizona become the 20th State to sign the Blue Alert into law by then, Governor Jan Brewer in July 2014 with the Founder of the National Blue Alert System, Disabled, U.S. Army Veteran, Tom Berry, (74-95) 31B/MP & 31Z/Signal Corp.

S. 665, Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015, is strongly supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department, and many other organizations.

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation being introduced directs the Attorney General to establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Justice Department to issue Blue Alerts through the initiation, facilitation, and promotion of Blue Alert plans at the federal, state, and local levels.

Blue Alerts can be issued in cases where the suspect is wanted, not yet apprehended, and there is sufficient descriptive information of the suspect involved and any relevant vehicle and tag numbers. 

Blue Alerts can be issued in the event of:

• an attack on a law enforcement officers leading to his / her death or serious injury;
• a conclusion a law enforcement office is missing in the line of duty; or
• a confirmation by a law enforcement agency that an imminent and credible threat exists to kill or seriously injure one of its officers.

The legislation would assign an existing DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator of the Blue Alert communications network. This Coordinator will, among other things:

• Provide assistance to State and local governments that are using Blue Alert plans.
• Establish voluntary guidelines for states and local governments to use in developing such plans.
• Develop protocols for efforts to apprehend suspects, including the use of public safety communications and command center operations.
• Work with states to ensure appropriate regional coordination of the network.
• Establish an advisory group to assist all entities involved in the network with the facilitation, promotion, and implementation of Blue Alert plans.
• Act as the nationwide point of contact for the development of the network and the regional coordination of Blue Alerts through the network.
• Determine what procedures and practices are in use for notifying law enforcement and the public of Blue Alerts, and which of the procedures and practices are effective and do not require the expenditure of additional resources to implement.
• Establish guidelines that provide mechanisms to ensure that Blue Alerts comply with all applicable privacy laws and regulations.
• Direct the Coordinator to submit an annual report to Congress on the Coordinator's activities and the effectiveness and status of the Blue Alert plans that are in effect or being developed.