SWAT Officer Robert Hornsby KPD EOW 7/14/13

SWAT Officer Robert Hornsby KPD EOW 7/14/13

It is with deep regret we report the loss of a fallen Brother from the Killeen Police Department in Texas in the Line of Duty. Officer Robert Hornsby was shot and killed while performing his duties as a SWAT team member. A second Officer was shot and injured during the incident and remains in serious condition at the time of this posting.

Officer Hornsby is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and two children. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they struggle through their loss.

Officer Hornsby, tonight we will shine our blue lights towards the night sky to guide you home. We honor your service and sacrifice in the line of duty by ALWAYS keeping a blue light glowing. Your family and the Killeen Police Department are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest easy Sir... we will take the watch from here.

www.facebook.com/BlueLineAcrossAmerica

A memorial page to honor Officer Hornsby is located below to post memories and sympathy.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/SWAT-Officer-Robert-Hornsby-KPD-EOW-71413/561659373875268

There is also a fundraising page that has been set up and approved by his wife located here.

https://www.wepay.com/donations/1097767873

#BlueLineAcrossAmerica
#HeroesMemorial
#LODD
#Killeen
#NationalBlueAlert

Photo Credit: -Herald/TJ MAXWELL

City of Killeen, Texas - 

Killeen Police officer killed, another wounded in deadly shooting

The Killeen Police Department received a 911 call at 11:40pm on Saturday, July 13, 2013, telling officers there was a man causing a disturbance in the pool area of the Grandon Manor Apartments located at 1611 Grandon Dr.  The caller advised a white male resident came out of his apartment with a weapon and walked to the pool area and threatened the people in the pool; he then walked back into his apartment. 

The officers arrived at the complex to find the male inside apartment #6E holding a long rifle in a threatening manner. The Tactical Response Unit was deployed to 1611 Grandon Dr. at 11:56pm.  The tactical officers were attempting to speak with the armed male when he fired one shot.  The male then came to the door with his hands up but failed to come outside, the officers attempted to take the suspect into custody when he backed into his apartment and armed himself with the AK47 and began shooting at the officers. 

Two Killeen Police Tactical officers were wounded; officers returned fire killing the suspect.  Both officers were transported by ambulance to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition.  One officer was stabilized and subsequently transferred to Scott & White Memorial Hospital; he is undergoing surgery at this time.

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you the second officer succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at 1:27am.  Justice of the Peace Garland Potvin has ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

“Early this morning, this community experienced the loss of one of Killeen’s finest.  The days ahead will be challenging, but for now, we are mourning the loss of a great officer.   Our hearts and prayers go out to the officer’s family during this difficult time” said Chief Dennis Baldwin.

The names of the officers will not be released at this time and the families have asked for privacy during their time of grief.  Funeral Services are pending at this time.

Justice Potvin also ordered an autopsy on the suspect to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas; his name has been withheld pending the notification of his next of kin.

This case continues to be investigated and information will be provided as it becomes available.

Carroll Smith

Public Affairs

Killeen Police Department

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: Latest Memorial Fund Research Bulletin

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: Latest Memorial Fund Research Bulletin

According to preliminary data compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 51 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty during the first half of 2013. This is a nine percent increase over the same period in 2012.

Read the Report

Sgt. Leonard Luna of the Hawthorne Police Department Killed In Motorcycle Accident On I-105 Freeway | Hews Media Group-Community News

Sgt. Leonard Luna of the Hawthorne Police Department Killed In Motorcycle Accident On I-105 Freeway | Hews Media Group-Community News

An off-duty Hawthorne police officer who was killed Monday night in an accident on the 105 Freeway has been been identified as Sgt. Leonard Luna.

Several news outlets confirmed Luna’s identify including NBC LA and KTLA.

It is being reported that Luna was a 10-year veteran of the department and commanded the traffic bureau.  It appears that Luna was on his own motorcycle when the crash occurred about 5:30 p.m. on the eastbound 105 Freeway near Long Beach Boulevard.

–Sources NBC LA, KTLA
#HawthornePD
@HawthornePD

SMSO Deputy Killed in Motorcycle Crash | KATC.com | Acadiana-Lafayette, Louisiana

SMSO Deputy Killed in Motorcycle Crash | KATC.com | Acadiana-Lafayette, Louisiana

A St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Deputy was killed when his motorcycle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic and struck an SUV in Morgan City on Sunday.

According to a news release from the Morgan City Police Department, on June 30, 2013, at 8:41 pm the MCPD received a call of vehicle crash on LA Hwy. 182 near Aycock Street. The release states the motorcycle left its lane and crossed the center line into oncoming traffic. The motorbike struck the SUV head on. Deputy Carril J. Cooks, 46, of Houma, was ejected and later pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV along with three occupants had minor injuries.

The investigation is still ongoing by officers who are attempting to determine what caused the motorcycle to leave its lane and also awaiting toxicology results as is customary in fatality crashes.

Here is a statemnet from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert:

"This is a sad time for the men and women of the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office. On June 30, 2013, Deputy Carril J. Cooks, a 6 year veteran of our agency, was killed in a motorcycle crash while off duty. Anytime we lose a member of our SMPSO family it is difficult. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the Cooks family. We stand ready to assist them and his many friends in any way we can."

"With three years prior experience in law enforcement, Cooks began his career at the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office as a road deputy in 2007. He moved into the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division in 2009. In addition to his position as a narcotics detective, Cooks also served as a member of the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Special Response Team and worked as a training instructor in our academy. His dedication to service and the security of our community will continue on through those he worked with and taught."

No cause of death for Gloucester County corrections officer 'Gus' Fare yet, officials say | NJ.com

No cause of death for Gloucester County corrections officer 'Gus' Fare yet, officials say | NJ.com

Corrections Officer Agostino "Gus" Fare,
who died suddenly Wednesday while on duty.

WOODBURY — Officials said they do not yet know how Gloucester County corrections officer Agostino “Gus” Fare died Wednesday while on duty.

County spokeswoman Debra Sellitto said Fare was driving a corrections van on state Route 77 in Bridgeton to pick up a prisoner when he lost consciousness. A fellow corrections officer with him was able to turn off the ignition and pull the van to the side of the road, Sellitto said.

The officer called for assistance and flagged for help, she continued, before beginning CPR. Fare was taken by ambulance to Inspira South Jersey Medical Center where his death was declared.

Fare began working for Gloucester County corrections division in August 2002.

“The Freeholders and all the employees of Gloucester County express their sincere condolences to the Fare family on their loss,” a statement released by Sellitto said.

Former Jackson Township Police Officer Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Texas

Former Jackson Township Police Officer Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Texas 

FRISCO, TEXAS – John Libby, a former Jackson Township and Pine Beach police officer died while off-duty here after his motorcycle crashed into an SUV on Memorial Day.

The 38-year-old New Jersey native was driving northbound on Custer Road at approximately 11:40 am when he collided with a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was making the turn onto Custer Road, according to the Frisco Police Department. He was pronounced dead after being taken to Baylor Medical Center.

“The McKinney Police Department is saddened to report the death of Officer John Libby. ” said Sgt. Chad Barker, a spokesperson for the McKinney Police Department where Mr. Libby has worked since moving to Texas from New Jersey in 2007, “He has honorably served the citizens of McKinney for nearly six faithful years. John’s commitment to his family, community and fellow officers will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Libby family during this difficult time.”

Libby was hired by the Jackson Police Department in 2007 and graduated from the 77th class of the Ocean County Police Academy in February of 2002 as one of twelve new police officers hired by the township that year.

Jackson Police Officer Fred Meabe, who attended the police academy with Libby said,  ”John Libby was, is a good man, great father and was a respected officer. John was always a fun guy to be around,”

“I have so many memories and stories of John that I will always remember. I remember when he told me that he was moving to Texas to take a police job and, selfishly, I didn’t want him to go.”

Libby also worked for the Pine Beach Police Department. There are no drugs or alcohol suspected. No charges have been filed in this case at this time. The collision is still under investigation.

“He always cared for others, but no more than he did his wife Jen and their kids. John treasured family, and most importantly his. He went to the ends to make sure that they were always secure and taken care of, regardless of what he had to do,” Officer Meabe said.  ”He wanted nothing more than to become a police officer, and he was so proud of the fact that he made it. He is going to be a huge loss to the town of McKinney, to his friends in both New Jersey and Texas and more importantly, to his family. My prayers go out to them forever and always.”

BREAKING: Deputy dies from complications following Windsor Green fire - MyHorryNews.com: Carolina Forest

BREAKING: Deputy dies from complications following Windsor Green fire - MyHorryNews.com: Carolina Forest

A first responder who provided security during the Windsor Green fire of March 16 has died.

Tim Causey, who had been in a medically induced coma following the March 16 fire, passed away Sunday morning, according to the Horry County Sheriff's Office.

"It is with deep regret that we have to report that our friend and coworker, Deputy Sheriff Tim Causey, passed away this morning as has gone to be with the Lord," the sheriff's office said on its Facebook page.

"He passed away around 9am at the Medical University of South Carolina," the post continued. "Please pray for peace, strength and understanding for the Causey family. We will pass along the arrangements as soon as we get them."

Causey worked in the warrants division of the sheriff's office. The Loris area man is survived by his wife, Donna, and two daughters.

Horry County Fire-Rescue released a prepared statement Sunday shortly after news of Causey's passing became public.

"Horry County Fire Rescue is deeply saddened by the news of the loss of Horry County Sheriff’s Deputy, Tim Causey," the statement said.

"It was apparent during the Windsor Green Fires that Deputy Causey had not only a passion for the betterment of the community he served, but for those he worked along side of as well.

"Deputy Causey will be deeply missed, but will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his immediate family, as well as his brothers and sisters in service," the statement concluded.

Horry County Police also released a statement on its Facebook page.

"The Horry County Police Department family mourns with our brothers and sisters at the Horry County Sheriff's Office at the death of Deputy Tim Causey," the statement said. "Rest in Peace Tim, your watch is over. Please pray for his family as well as his law enforcement family during this time."

A few days after the fire, Causey became ill and went to the hospital.

Doctors determined Causey was suffering from smoke inhalation with acute respiratory failure. He was flown to MUSC, where he was also diagnosed with the swine flu.

In April, dozens of residents turned out to Lake Swamp Baptist Church in the Finklea community for a barbecue plate fundraiser for Causey and his family.

“The whole situation is just stressful,”  Sommer Causey, his oldest daughter, said during the benefit. “He’s always been kind and strong. He’s never been selfish. He always cares about others.”

Deputy Causey was helping others when he responded to the Windsor Green fire, which destroyed 26 condominium buildings in Carolina Forest.

Sgt. Jeff Benton, spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said Causey was working within the confines of the Carolina Forest subdivision for three days after the fire.

Benton, the sheriff’s office spokesman, said deputies who worked the fire aren’t exhibiting similar symptoms, and Donna Causey said her husband has never experienced breathing problems in the past.

“We miss him. We are anxious to get him back,” Benton said. “We continue to ask for prayers for this public servant, who has worked tirelessly for 25 years.”

Arrangements hadn't been set as of this posting.

Officer Daryl Raetz Obituary: View Daryl Raetz's Obituary by The Arizona Republic

Officer Daryl Raetz Obituary: View Daryl Raetz's Obituary by The Arizona Republic

Police Officer Daryl Raetz, a six-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department, was struck about 3:30 a.m. on May 19, 2013, near 51st and Cambridge avenues, Phoenix Police Department spokesman Sgt. Tommy Thompson said.

Raetz was standing in the road processing a suspected DUI driver with two to three other officers when he was struck by an SUV that was going north on 51st Avenue, Thompson said. The SUV driver fled, turning left on Thomas Road.

Raetz was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. He was 29 and had a wife and child. He was also a veteran of the Iraq War.

Published in The Arizona Republic from May 19 to May 20, 2013

Richmond deputy dies from wreck injuries | The Augusta Chronicle

Richmond deputy dies from wreck injuries | The Augusta Chronicle

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle deputy Alton Creech was remembered Friday as a devout Christian, loving husband and loyal public servant.

Several hundred people gathered outside Georgia Regents Medical Center’s emergency room on a warm, humid night to pray for Creech, who died Friday afternoon from injuries he sustained in an off-duty motorcycle crash Thursday.

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life? I’m going to tell you that Alton sure did,” said Rev. Kevin Steele, pastor of National Hills Baptist Church where Creech was a member. “While he wasn’t perfect, he understood that he served a perfect maker.”

Creech died at Georgia Regents Medical Center about 4:15 p.m., according to Columbia County Coroner Vernon Collins.

Creech, 32, was approaching the Belair Road westbound exit on his Harley-Davidson about 5:15 p.m. Thursday when he hit the back of a 1999 Toyota Camry, said Columbia County sheriff’s Capt. Steve Morris.

Creech was airlifted to the hospital.

Skid marks from Creech’s motorcycle, stretching 90 feet, showed he tried to stop before striking the Toyota, Morris said. The driver of the Camry, Rex Reed, 25, of Martinez, was uninjured.

At the candlelit vigil, Richmond County Sheriff’s deputy Billy Hultman urged the gathering to remember Creech’s wife, Amanda, and family in prayer.

“These folks are going to need a lot of shoulders of the next several weeks and months,” Hultman said.

Hultman first met Creech more than 10 years ago when both were teenagers. The two friends reunited when they joined the police force and worked the same shift.

In 2010, Creech won the title of “top shot” in a sheriff’s office shooting competition for the third consecutive year, which was a first for the agency.

“Christ came into this world to give you hope and life,” Steele said during the vigil. “Though it may seem sometimes darkest in the night, know that the dawn always comes in the morning.”

Richmond County Sheriff’s Lt. Lewis Blanchard said funeral arrangements will be announced today.