In DC, Philadelphia Honors Another Fallen Hero

Few people were probably surprised when John Pawlowski decided to join the Philadelphia Police Department. After all, he came from a large family of Philadelphia cops. His father, John Sr., is a retired Philadelphia Police lieutenant and now works for the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Brother Bobby is an officer. Uncle Ken Linneman, a lieutenant. Aunt Mary Linneman, an officer who was in the Academy at about the same time as John Jr. Uncle Fran Ansel, a retired homicide detective.

On Thursday, many of those family members traveled to Washington, DC, to join John Jr.’s wife, Kim; their 10-month-old son, John III; Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, and dozens of Philadelphia Police officers to witness the engraving of the name John Pawlowski on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Fourteen months earlier, on the night of February 13, 2009, Officer Pawlowski and his partner responded to the report of an argument between a taxi driver and an unruly man in the Olney section of the city. The officers soon located a suspect, but instead of complying with the officers’ orders to show his hands, the gunman opened fire, striking John Pawlowski twice. A member of the 35th District, John had been a Philadelphia cop for nearly six years. At the time of his death, Kim was five months pregnant.

Under crisp blue DC skies on Thursday, Kim; her parents, Ed and Sharon Lee; her sister, Colleen, and other family members were front and center as engravers Kirk Bockman and Jim Lee artfully inscribed Panel 41-West, Line 27. When the two craftsmen removed the sand-blasted stencil and carefully revealed the names, Memorial Fund Chairman and CEO Craig Floyd invited Kim to come forward and do the first rubbing of the freshly engraved name of her husband. She was followed by a steady stream of family members and police personnel, including Commissioner Ramsey; John McNesby, president of the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5; and Captain John McCloskey, John Pawlowski’s commanding officer in the 35th.

Toward the end of the ceremony, young John III, with the guiding hand of his mother and other relatives, wobbled forward to the Memorial’s wall, to touch the name of the father—the law enforcement hero—he would never know in person.

Visit the Philadelphia Police Department's online Memorial to fallen officers.

Pennsylvania State Trooper's Name Added to Memorial Walls

Earlier today, Pennsylvania State Trooper Joshua D. Miller's name was added to the walls of the the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Beginning this week, the names of Trooper Miller, along with 323 other law enforcement officers, are being engraved on the Memorial's marble walls. When the engraving process is completed, some 18,983 fallen heroes will be honored on the nation's monument to law enforcement service and sacrifice.

On June 7, 2009, Trooper Miller engaged in a 40-mile vehicle pursuit attempting to rescue a 9-year-old boy who had been kidnapped by an armed offender. When the chase ended, the suspect shot both Trooper Miller and his partner, Trooper Robert Lombardo. Trooper Lombardo sustained serious injuries but has recovered from the incident. The little boy was saved. Trooper Miller was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Trooper Miller first joined the Pennsylvania State Police in April 2003. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Trooper Miller's death touched the law enforcement community inside and outside Pennsylvania. In July 2007, Trooper Miller was part of a law enforcement team that captured two of the men responsible for the murder of New York City Policer Detective Russel Timoshenko. Last year, the Fraternal Order of Police, Police Detective Russel Timoshenko Memorial Lodge #714 in Staten Island donated $1,000 to memorialize Trooper Miller in the National Law Enforcement Museum's "Thin Blue Line."

More information about Trooper Miller can be found at http://www.trooperjoshuamiller.org/.

Remembering Montgomery County (MD) Police Officer Hector Ismael Ayala

By Karen L. Bune

The first Hispanic police officer in the Montgomery County (MD) Police Department to die in the line of duty and the 16th in the department’s history, Officer Hector Ismael Ayala, ended his watch on Sunday, April 4, 2010. He succumbed to injuries sustained in a single vehicle crash of his cruiser that impacted a tree while he was responding to a call for officer assistance for a fight in progress at a local restaurant/bar.

Throughout his seven-year tenure on the department, Officer Ayala worked the midnight shift. In his jurisdiction, he was valued in the Hispanic community. Fluent in Spanish, Officer Ayala frequently served as a translator for the department and provided assistance to Hispanic community members. “The department has lost a true asset. Officer Ayala was always helpful to his fellow officers and devoted to serving the Hispanic community. He will be deeply missed,” District Commander Nancy Demme said.

Officer Ayala was a strong advocate for traffic safety and blazoned a trail for enforcing traffic laws in Montgomery County. One year alone, he issued 800 traffic citations, and he would take time to politely explain to the driver the nature of the violation.

In 2005, he was instrumental in helping to save a man’s life who was attempting to commit suicide by jumping from the roof of the Glenmont Metro Station. Officer Ayala, along with two of his colleagues, was able to prevent the man from actually jumping by physically subduing him. He spent his entire career working in the 4th District of the county and served as a Field Training Officer to new officer graduates. Throughout his career, he was nominated for several awards and commended for his exemplary work in the law enforcement sector.

Officer Ayala was well liked and respected by his colleagues. It was not unusual for him to offer to babysit the children of his colleagues when they had a circumstance arise and a need for his help. He also taught many of his recruits how to box since he was known to be a boxing enthusiast.

Married with a 14-month old son and triplets due in June, Officer Ayala is survived by his wife, Melissa, and his parents, Hector and Luz, a 20-year-old brother, Geovani, and a 12-year old sister, Jenny Marie.

“Officer Ayala gave his life doing what he loved--being a police officer serving the people of Montgomery County. A select few raise their right hand and take the oath of service, an oath that puts their life second to those they protect. Officer Ayala took his oath and served proudly since his first day at the academy,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger.

The Washington Metropolitan region and the broader public safety community mourn the loss of Officer Ayala. Though his tour of duty ended too soon in life at too young an age, he made his mark in the profession. His proven record will serve as an inspiration to others in the field to be the best they can be, and his memory will never fade.

Karen L. Bune is employed as a Victim Specialist in the domestic violence unit of the State’s Attorney’s Office for Prince George’s County (MD). She serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at George Mason University in Fairfax (VA) and Marymount University in Arlington (VA), where she teaches victimology. Ms. Bune is a consultant for the Training and Technical Assistance Center for the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U. S. Department of Justice. She is a nationally recognized speaker and trainer on victim issues. Ms. Bune is Board Certified in Traumatic Stress and Domestic Violence, and she is a Fellow of The Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and the National Center for Crisis Management.

And The Winner Is.....

Tiffany Galer of Martinez, CA! Tiffany's picture, which honors Officer Larry E. Lasater (EOW 4/24/2005), received the most votes in the Memorial Fund's WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER photo tribute contest.

Officer Lasater served the Pittsburg (CA) Police Department for three years. Tiffany's husband, a sergeant with the Pittsburg Police, served alongside Officer Lasater.

Tiffany's photo features Cody, Officer Lasater's 4-year-old son who was born two months after his father was killed. Cody and his mother are planning to attend National Police Week 2010 this May.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the Memorial Fund's WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER photo tribute contest. The participation, creativity, and support for our fallen law enforcement heroes were truly amazing.

To view all of the photos submitted to the WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER contest, please visit, http://www.flickr.com/photos/nleomf/sets/72157621461765196/.

A Sinister Threat: Nine Indicted in Mass Ambush Plot on Law Enforcement

Throughout U.S. history, more than 1,600 law enforcement officers have been intentionally ambushed and killed by cold-blooded assassins, according to research records kept by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Like the fatal shootings last November of four officers from Lakewood, WA, almost all of these ambush killings have involved a single killer targeting a single officer or small group of officers.

Now, however, comes stark evidence of a far more sinister and potentially far-reaching threat to America’s law enforcement community. Nine members of an anti-government extremist group known as Hutaree have been indicted in federal court in Michigan for plotting to kill individual police officers, then, as officers gathered at the funerals, to use homemade bombs and other methods to kill even more officers. After staging these attacks, the group allegedly planned to retreat to ''rally points'' to wage war against the U.S. government, defending its positions with trip-wired and command-detonated IEDs (improved explosive devices). According to the indictment, Hutaree members view local, state and federal law enforcement as the “brotherhood,” their enemy, and have been preparing to engage them in armed conflict.

The mass ambush plot was planned for was early as April 2010, but thanks to the work of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, it never had a chance to materialize. Instead, nine of the Hutaree’s members—including leader, David Brian Stone, also known as ''Captain Hutaree”—are behind bars facing federal charges including seditious conspiracy, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, teaching the use of explosives and attempting to use weapons of mass destruction. Eight of the suspects were arrested over the weekend in FBI raids in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

“This is an example of radical and extremist fringe groups which can be found throughout our society,” said Andrew Arena, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “The FBI takes such extremist groups seriously, especially those who would target innocent citizens and the law enforcement officers who protect the citizens of the United States,” he said.

Added United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade, “Because the Hutaree had planned a covert reconnaissance operation for April which had the potential of placing an unsuspecting member of the public at risk, the safety of the public and of the law enforcement community demanded intervention at this time."

Both officials praised the federal, state and local law enforcement partners who are members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and the Michigan State Police.

Read the full indictment here

Read the FBI news release here

Representative Brady Honors Officer Marcello Muzzatti, NLEOMF Board Member

On Wednesday, March 17, 2010, Congressman Robert Brady, of Pennsylvania's 1st District, delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives honoring Officer Marcello Muzzatti of the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, DC. Officer Muzzatti represents the Fraternal Order of Police on the Board of Directors of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Congratulations, Marcello -- a well deserved recognition!

SPEECH OF HON. ROBERT A. BRADY OF PENNSYLVANIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize one of law enforcement's outstanding leaders. Marcello Muzzatti, currently a police officer with the Washington Metropolitan Police Department K9 unit, has been a member of the Fraternal Order of Police since 1981. He currently serves as President of the Washington, DC Fraternal Order of Police Lodge number one, after having served fourteen (14) years as Vice-President.

In 2002, Officer Muzzatti was appointed Chairman of the National Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Committee, by the late FOP President, Steve Young. One of his first orders of business as Chairman was planning the National Police Memorial Service. The Service includes all of the fallen law enforcement officers from across the Country, including those killed during the attacks of 9/11. He made many positive changes to the National Memorial Committee and took the National FOP Memorial Peace Officers Service to a new level of excellence.

Officer Muzzatti has also worked tirelessly to strengthen and improve the relationships with many organizations. He volunteers his own time to reach out to the fallen officers' children by attending various retreats and events sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors. He is also involved with the planning and implementation of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Museum project.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the hard work of police officers like Officer Muzzatti. He serves as an example to all and today, I salute him.

Police Week - Just Invite 'Em!

The Brotherhood Calls to You and Me

By Jim Donahue

Special Topics Contributor for Officer.com. Article originally published on March 2, 2010.

If you are a regular reader of my columns, you know that I am wound pretty tightly to Our Brotherhood and to the National Memorial/Museum in Washington D.C. and all that they imply. In the opinion of this humble writer, Police Week trumps all of the activities, ceremonies and functions held by and for cops anywhere at anytime.

I have been blessed because I have been able to attend each year for nearly a decade. It is always fresh. It is never the same. Each person there does make a difference.

This year, I have tried a new tactic that I want to share with you. I encourage readers to give a try, as well. Here it is: Just Invite 'Em. The response has surprised me, in a positive way.

I have done it in lots of places. There are the two cops I know from the gym. There are cops in classes that I've either taught or attended. Then there is that cop that always catches coffee at the local McDonald's. Not too long ago, I was the beneficiary of a motorist assist from a nearby agency. I invited him, too.

I worked up my courage and just invited them.

Most cop reactions have been something like, "I have wanted to go," or "I thought only the honor guard members could attend," with some expressing surprise, "You mean any cop can go?"

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

I am thinking about those of us who have been to Police Week before. You already know that going to D.C. and really participating in the events of the week makes an indelible mark on an individual. The first Police Week experience changes a cop's outlook, their priorities and their emotional ties to The Brotherhood.

However, I judge there is a gap. We need to close it. There is an untold number of cops who want to go, mean to go and don't know how to go about it.

I believe that all of them simply need to BE PERSONALLY INVITED BY SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE. They want to know that someone will show them the ropes. Their fear of the unknown is real. If you have been to Police Week previously, you can take that fear away on a buddy's first trip.

A WAR STORY (MAYBE TWO)

Last December, I was on a flight from Florida to Michigan. Seated a few rows back was a group of people who were having way too much fun. They were laughing, joking and just having a good old time from the moment that they boarded.

About an hour into the flight, a young man was standing in the aisle next to my seat. He was a cop: haircut, stance, and overall appearance gave him away. He had recognized me from my picture with these articles. He invited me back to join the group of fun-seekers. By the time we were ready to land, the 7 of them had been invited to Police Week and heard about some of the experiences. I believe many of them will be there this year for their first time.

There is a father/son cop duo from a local department who workout at my gym. I have come to know them pretty well. Yesterday, I broached the issue and invited them to Police Week. The son said he has wanted to go for a few years. Dad said their department always sends the honor guard. I told them that everyone is welcome and needed. I told them I would show them around and answer any questions. I could even help them get a room for their stay, if they would like. We could fly together. I suspect they will be there.

There was the phone call I got a midnight last night from across the country to ask me if I would show someone the drill for Police Week. There are email messages, as well. My point is this: there will be new faces at Police Week this year simply because a veteran took the time to invite them.

If YOU are a veteran, reach out to someone right now. Ask them to go with you. Tell them you will show them the way. They do not need to fear the unknown - you will be with them all the way.

TELL THEM YOUR STORY

The city is swarming in cops. Most are in plain clothes. Some have badges hanging around their necks. Others don't. But there is no mistaking them for who and what they are: COPS. When you first get there, it feels like you are arriving at a huge family reunion that is already underway.
The Wall is divided into two large sections. On each section are the names of the 18,661 fallen officers that have been etched into its stone surface. The newest names are always on the very bottom rows of each panel. You now have a sense of what it's like from a physical standpoint.
There are usually throngs of people there. Along the Wall are mementos that have been left there by friends, by survivors, and by agencies from all across the country. Those mementos tell a message of love and of loss. Some start out, "Dear Daddy, I miss you."

The totality of the experience is overwhelming to say the least. Grown men are shaking hands as old friendships are renewed. There are pats on the back. There are eyes filled with tears and hearts filled with pain, everywhere.

Each year, I have worried that I won't feel it. That hasn't happened so far. Each year is as touching as the first time I was there. I hope it always will be that way.

Sharing a beverage is also a must-do function on the Washington tour circuit (wink). There are a few nearby haunts: The Irish Channel, Kelly's and the FOP Beer Tent, to name a few. In those places life-long friendships are created and renewed. It is common to meet someone and within minutes feel like you have known them all of your life.

By late evening, the local establishments will be jammed with cops. Yet, there will be no arguments. Aaaah yes, cops, guns, and alcohol - what a great mix. Everyone acts as if you are their best friend, I guess, because you are. There are no strangers here: only family.

To me, the Candlelight Vigil is the high-point of the week. I am awed as I watch a sea of 25,000 candles come sweeping to light as we hear Amazing Grace sung while watching a laser driven Thin Blue Line appear over our heads.

Then, there is the Final Roll Call where the name of each officer who has been added to the Wall each year is read aloud one, last time. 25,000 of us stand together. We cry together. We pay our respects together. We grieve together. We try to support the survivors whose pain is even greater than our own.

At the end, we migrate, en masse to the FOP Tent and fine solace in the company of one another along with some liquid refreshments.

The annual Police Memorial Service is held on May 15th on the steps of the Capitol. It is always attended by thousands of cops from around the world. There are speeches, songs and tears. That is the day and time when we pay homage to those who have given everything in service to our country.

THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON TO BE THERE

There are the survivors. They are the families who have lost a loved one. They are the cops from agencies who have suffered the loss of a brother or sister. We are there to remind them: they are not alone. They are surrounded by warriors who share their grief and support them.
Whose job is it to minister to the survivors? It is yours, mine and it belongs to the new people that we can bring, as well. Which one of us will end up being very important to someone at Police week this year? Only God knows.

A few years ago, I decided to take one last walk by the Wall on the night before our return trip home. I had been with brothers, consuming a few barley pops, and thought it would be my last chance to see it for another year.

THE LETTER

Just before leaving the Memorial grounds, I came upon the most profound memento of the entire week.

I saw a single sheet of loose-leaf paper, complete with 3 holes that had been taped to a very low spot on one of the panels. The writing was in pencil. I stooped over to read it. It looked like a memo, with headings and all.

Realizing what it was, I checked the area, and sat down right on the ground in front of this panel so that I could fully absorb that letter.

TO: Officer Joshua Mathew Williams FROM: Your daughter, Lisa

Dear Daddy,

I am 13 now, and am really growing up fast. I'm very different, looking like a young lady. My mouth looks like the front end of a Cadillac because, you see, I have braces.

I am playing soccer this year and I was in the school play. I just had a small part, but I did my best, because that's what you taught me to do.

Johnny is 10 now, and he really makes me mad sometimes. But, Mom says that I have to be patient because he's my little brother and we all need one another. We're doing OK, but I know that Mom really misses you. I see her sitting in her favorite chair looking at your picture. I think she cries sometimes.

We miss you, Daddy, and we wish so badly that you could be here. Love, Lisa

P.S. Thanks for taking the time to paint the pictures of the sunsets, Daddy. They are hanging in the hallway. I see them every morning when I get up. They remind me of you and how lucky we are to have a Daddy like you.

EPILOGUE

I have read that letter to the students of every class that I have taught since that day. I've made sure that a copy is in their student books.

We cannot tell this story too much.

Now, the time is right to share the story with your buddies and pals - cops who have thought about going to Police Week. There are plenty of cops who are not sure of exactly where to sign up, where to stay and what to do once they arrive. If you have been to Police Week, you already know.

Just Invite Them! Take away their fear of the unknown. Show them the ropes. It is a real treat to be along with a first-timer just to see their reaction to all that is unfolding before them for the first time.

Mention it at roll call. Talk about it over your lunch break. Throw it out there while you are waiting your turn to testify at Court.

If a person is a cop because it is in their heart, I say to them: "You deserve to be there - at least once," knowing full well that once they have experienced it, they will likely return. That is just the way it is.

Police Week is the experience of a lifetime. Please come. I would be happy to show you around.
Be safe, my brothers & sisters. I hope to see you in person in D.C. in May.

Comments or questions are welcome. Email messages can be sent by simply clicking on my name below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jim Donahue is a native of the Midwest, getting his education at Michigan State University. He is now training patrol officers on Technology & Tactics which translates for street cops into how to use patrol car computers -- safely.

Jim has recently earned his peace officer certification in the State of Florida. Previously, Jim worked with U.S. Customs & Immigration at the Detroit/Canada border in the year following the attacks of 9/11. He has also worked as a reserve patrolman on the streets of a suburban Detroit community.

Jim has been named an Ambassador for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C.

Jim has worked with police departments across the country on process improvement at the patrol car level, focusing on technology to improve tactics, safety, and productivity. He instructs in a variety of police academies and having taught "Technology and Tactics" to thousands of cops in-service nationally. He is an accomplished grant writer. Jim is a certified ILEETA member.

Jim is married to Paula and they have two children. He is a competitive bodybuilder, with six contests to his credit. Jim is active in his community and his church.