February 2006
The Traumas of Law Enforcement – Don’t Miss This Invaluable Training
Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS), with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, US Department of Justice, scheduled the highly regarded training “The Traumas of Law Enforcement” in seven different locations this year. Limited space remains available for the following dates and locations:
February 27-March 1, Littleton, CO;
March 6-8, Toledo, OH;
March 13-15, Pomona, NJ;
March 20-22, Eugene, OR.
Last month, 121 attended the session in Dallas, TX, and 80 attended the Huntsville, AL, session. Spaces fill quickly. Next month’s session in Pomona, NJ, is nearly filled to capacity.
This training is recommended for Chiefs, Superintendents, Sheriffs, Chaplains, Dispatchers, Benefits Assistance Officers, Planning and Research officers, Employee Assistance employees, Liaison Officers, Special Operations Divisions, Victim Assistance personnel, or any law enforcement officer or law enforcement family member.
These three-day sessions provide law enforcement agencies with the tools needed to develop general orders addressing traumatic issues affecting officers and to sensitize them to emotional support needs of a fallen officer’s surviving families. Other topics covered include appropriate death notification, funeral protocol, the need for emotional debriefings following critical incidents, law enforcement suicide, officer disability, traumatized officers, the effects of officer deaths on the co-workers, appropriate methods for dealing with survivors after the funeral, and the importance of support for officers that continue on the job. Information on how to obtain continuing education units for the class will be available at the training site. The training is FREE, however, pre-registration is mandatory. For a registration form, visit http://www.nationalcops.org/pr06.htm and fax it to the COPS office TODAY at 573-346-1414.
National Police Week 2006
Registration packets for National Police Week 2006 have been mailed to surviving families in the COPS database. Survivors who lost an officer in 2005 were mailed invitations via 1st class mail; invitations to 15,000 past-year survivors were mailed bulk rate. Agencies that lost an officer in 2005 will receive the same packet their surviving families receive. Participants are encouraged to respond by the deadlines listed in the information. Registration forms can be downloaded from the COPS’ website after February 15.
Law enforcement officers who plan to attend only the Candlelight Vigil on May 13 and/or the Memorial Service on May 15 need NOT register with COPS for National Police Week 2006 and may contact DC Accommodations for hotel rooms (202-289-2220). Survivors and Memorial Service escort officers should make hotel reservations through COPS on the form included in the registration packet. Transportation to and from the airport and to and from the planned activities is provided only for those staying in Conference hotels. Survivors not staying at one of the official Conference hotels will find it very inconvenient and will have to secure their own transportation to and from the airport and to and from all activities.
The official observance of National Police Week is always the week that contains May 15. In 2006, those dates are May 14-20. However, national activities in Washington, DC, will be held as follows:
May 11 - Early arrival day
May 12 - Official arrival day and check-in.
Refreshments sponsored by the Christopher M. Wouters Family Foundation in his memory, End-of-Watch 10/11/00.
National Association of Police Organizations’ TOP COPS Awards® Ceremony, Washington, DC
May 13 - First day of the 2006 National Police Survivors' Conference and "C.O.P.S. Kids/Teens" activities.
Survivors’ continental breakfast sponsored by the National Association of Police Organizations.
Morning coffee sponsored by the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association.
May 13 - Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and sponsored by NLEOMF.
May 14 - Second day of the 2006 National Police Survivors' Conference and "C.O.P.S. Kids/Teens" activities.
Survivors’ continental breakfast sponsored by the American Association of State Troopers.
May 14 - Troopers' Tour of the Capital for 2005 surviving families sponsored by State troopers’ associations.
May 15 - National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, West Lawn, US Capitol, sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Grand Lodge and Auxiliary.
May 15 - Picnic in the Park for survivors co-sponsored by the Blue Knights COPSRUN and the Woonsocket, RI, Police Department’s COPSWALK.
May 16 - Official departure day.
National COPS sponsors the National Police Survivors' Conference, which includes some meals for survivors. However, National COPS does not fund air travel or hotel costs for survivors. Agencies and local police groups are encouraged to financially assist surviving families so they can take part in the healing activities available in Washington when their officers are honored.
“Fly the Blue” Campaign in May
Concerns of Police Survivors is once again mailing blue ribbons for its “Fly the Blue” Campaign. COPS asks that blue ribbons be tied to vehicle antennas during National Police Week to show support for law enforcement and to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Each year COPS sends out 1.5 MILLION ribbons!
Ribbons will be mailed this month to previous recipients of COPS’ blue ribbons. Law enforcement agencies and civic organizations that have not previously requested blue ribbons may FAX their request to 573-346-1414. The request should be on letterhead, stating the number of ribbons requested, a contact person, and a mailing address. FAX ORDERS ONLY!
There has never been a cost to anyone requesting blue ribbons to participate in “Fly the Blue”. However, at 3 cents per ribbon, with 1.5 million ribbons, shipping and postage, the project costs well over $50,000. In order for this program to continue, COPS is requesting your assistance to help fund “Fly the Blue”. These ribbons may NOT be used to raise funds for any organization other than COPS.
Please visit the COPS website and download a Friends of COPS/Partners in Law Enforcement form (www.nationalcops.org/FOCPage.htm . We are asking that agencies and/or police associations join Partners in Law Enforcement; individual officers are asked to join Friends of COPS.
National Police Week Sponsors Needed
Each year, COPS expends $300,000 for the National Police Survivors’ Conference. Several sponsorship opportunities exist, and COPS works hard to let attendees know who funds the various activities.
The National Sheriffs’ Association has committed to again sponsor the souvenir totebags given to attendees. The Christopher M. Wouters Family Foundation is again sponsoring refreshments on check-in day at the Hilton Alexandria. State and local trooper associations have been asked to fund the Troopers’ Tour of the Capital for survivors, and several have responded. Breakfast on May 13 is sponsored by the National Association of Police Organizations. Breakfast on May 14 is compliments of the American Association of State Troopers, Inc. The Picnic in the Park on May 15 is again sponsored by the Blue Knights COPSRUN and the Woonsocket (RI) Police COPSWALK. S&T Truck Sales in Jefferson City, MO, is again helping COPS with a truck to take materials and supplies to Washington.
Contact Terrie Merritt at the COPS National Office for sponsorship opportunity information.
7th Annual NPC-50 is May 12
The 7th annual National Police Challenge 50-kilometer relay race (NPC-50) will be held May 12. The NPC-50 is a 50-kilometer (31-mile) relay competition among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies from around the world. The NPC-50 is run in conjunction with National Police Week held each May in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Secret Service and the U.S.S.S. Employee Recreation Association coordinate the race on behalf of the law enforcement community. For information and registration forms, visit www.secretservice.gov/npc50/ or email npc50@verizon.net. Proceeds benefit COPS and HEROES.
Have Some Time to Spare During National Police Week?
National Police Week 2006 will be here before we know it. Volunteers are needed to ensure Police Week is everything it should be for all of our survivors. If you will be in Washingotn, DC, during the National activities, won’t you consider helping? Call Carol Botts, chairperson of COPS’ Volunteer Committee, at 580-357-8179 or email her at carolann522@hotmail.com if you can help. Spanish-speaking volunteers are also needed.
Secret Service Hockey Team Beats FBI Hockey Team to Benefit COPS
Members of the United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation took to the ice last month to benefit COPS. The USSS team won the game and bragging rights, but due to the sensitivity of the issue, the exact score has not been released! COPS was the real winner, however. Ticket and raffle sales for the hockey game generated $2,048 for COPS, with an additional $1,000 donated by Sprint-Nextel.
COPSstore for National Police Week and COPS Merchandise
Work has already begun on the new designs for National Police Week 2006 merchandise. Roll Call items will be printed as soon as the list of those being honored is finalized. For those that will not be traveling to Washington, D.C., COPSstore will accept group orders for Roll Call shirts beginning April 1, 2006.
Although the shipping date is dependent on the finalization of the list, COPSstore guarantees that group orders will be delivered prior to May 15. Start working now on how many family members, coworkers, and community supporters will help support COPS through Roll Call t-shirt sales. See the website at www.COPSstore.com for further details. You may want to sign up for the COPSstore email list so that you receive updates on this year's Roll Call designs.
BJA Grant Approved
Concerns of Police Survivors recently received word that the grant application requesting $700,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance has been approved. During the coming month, COPS will expend these Federal grant funds for 7 regional “Traumas of Law Enforcement” trainings, portions of costs for National Police Week, COPS Hands-On Programs, travel to law enforcement/victims conferences, consulting counselors’ salaries, and a portion of staff salaries.
This grant is vitally important to COPS, yet it represents only 25% of COPS’ operating budget for the year.
California Correctional Peace Officers Memorial Run for Crime Victims
COPS and Crime Victims United of California will both benefit from the California Correctional Peace Officers Memorial Run for Crime Victims on May 20 at the California State Capital in Sacramento. Motorcycle-riding officers can email info@cpomr.com or queenofdiamonds@prisonbound.com for more information.
US Marshals Eastern District of Pennsylvania Charity Golf Outing for COPS
A benefit Golf Outing is being planned for June in the Philadelphia area. The US Marshals Eastern District of Pennsylvania is hosting this benefit for COPS. For more information, contact Kenneth.Fechter@usdoj.gov.
Sculptor's Work to Benefit COPS
Ron Petitt has been involved in many projects designed to honor the victims and heroes of civilian, military and police organizations. In 2004, he was commissioned to create a memorial to the 13 fallen officers of the Beaumont, Texas, Police Department. Ron was given complete artistic freedom in his design. Combining bronze, stainless steel, and black granite, he created a truly unique tribute to the fallen officers, their families, and those that continue to serve. The Memorial was dedicated August 17, 2005, and a picture from the dedication was carried in the COPS newsletter.
Any group or agency can receive a free consultation on design and cost analysis for a memorial project by mentioning COPS when first consulting Ron. Additionally, for projects that Ron completes, he will donate 10% of the cost to COPS. To see pictures of Ron's work or to contact him, visit http://www.ronpetitt.com/.
Run Through Central Park 5K Run & Walk
Gold Coast Runners and Kokopelli Traders, Inc. are hosting the inaugural "Run through Central Park" 5K Run/Walk at Central Park in Plantation, FL, on February 26, 2006, beginning at 7:30 a.m. This is a certified 3.1 mile course. The run is a chip timed event and all participants will receive a commemorative medal. Proceeds from the event benefit National COPS. For information, visit www.runnersdepot.com/gcr, or www.kokopellitraders.net.
True Crime Book to Benefit COPS
True Crime in Titletown, USA ~ Cold Cases takes you back to the days when the Tommy Gun ruled and the forbidden fruit was controlled by Prohibition. Over 90 sources were utilized to make these cold cases warm again. Solving a cold case is a challenging endeavor, but solving historic cold cases is another matter. Both are in a league of their own. The challenge of recreating these three true crime stories that rocked the community, mid-west, and even the nation, is the fact that many of the police reports were destroyed. Through extensive research, exclusive interviews, and investigative insight these true cold cases are brought back to life. Author Mike Knetzger, a Green Bay (WI) Police Officer, will make a donation to COPS for each book sold. Visit www.truetitletowncrime.com/
Officer Down Memorial Flag Benefits COPS
Steve Sabasky hopes that the Officer Down Memorial Flag will fly at our homes and in public displays as constant reminder of those police officers that have served our communities and made the ultimate sacrifice. Each Flag is hand crafted, 3' x 5' and made of durable polyester. The depiction on the flag is to represent the Sheriff Star and a Police and Federal Shield. The black band through the badges are to show our respect for the officer who made the ultimate sacrifice. Steve is donating $2.00 to COPS for every flag sold. Visit http://www.officersdown.com/index.htm for information.
is on an eggspedition to the USA, & COPS will benefit.
Northern Ireland- based Bernard Sparkes and his wife Patricia have created a new children’s animation from the collection of stories written by Patricia for her 14 children, two of whom are autistic. Bernard is a former law enforcement officer.
Concerns of Police Survivors has been awarded the "Best in America" seal of approval from Independent Charities of America. The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal. Visit www.independentcharities.org
Charity Navigator has named Concerns of Police Survivors a Four Star Charity - "Exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause." Visit www.charitynavigator.org.