I mourn

Author Unknown

     I mourn for the NYPD of my youth. In the mid-eighties, many of the seasoned veterans that I came in contact with told me about “The Good Old Days”. They told me how great it was to be a New York City cop in 1966 and for some real old-timers with thirty years on the job, what it was like in 1956. They would often comment on how the job had changed over the years. They were happy that they were retiring, and couldn’t stand to think what the job would be like when I would be the old-timer. Nevertheless, I went to work everyday. I sat on D.O.A.’s, hospitalized prisoners, and E.D.P.’s., I flew to details, and felt fortunate when I stayed in the command, and walked a foot post, or rode in an R.M.P. for the tour. All in all, I think back at that time and find myself referring to “it” as “The Good Old Days” (And they truly were)

     We were fortunate enough to be allowed to be “Cops”, and we were taught how to handle almost any situation without getting the boss involved. The Sgt.’s were “king” and together with the Lt.’s (when they were available) were allowed to run the command as they saw fit. I remember driving the boss one day, and him telling me that unless we were responding to a 10-13 or other heavy job in progress, to make sure that we always arrived to the job after the assigned M.O.S. could “handle things” as they saw fit. The Captain’s all worked M-F from 9-5, and very rarely came out of their office, except to attend a community meeting or address roll call occasionally, and Compstat wasn’t even born yet.

     Collars were made, and summonses were written “when appropriate”. October Collars brought Christmas Dollars, and many of us made collars for dollars. The 9 squad chart allowed everybody to get to work with each other, and we “policed” ourselves, ensuring that each sector (or foot post) handled their respective assignments. Those that goofed off, soon found subtle reminders from the others on how to properly handle their jobs. They didn’t goof off often, and certainly not repeatedly. The job was definitely tighter back then as well. We came to work to be with our friends, and all to often didn’t take a day off, because we didn’t want to miss anything that happened at work (or when we went out afterwards). 4x12’s were 4x4’s. Sundays were considered “a cops day”, and we all understood the meaning of what is was like to work in a “paramilitary organization”. We all wore one uniform too! There were not different variations of dress, everywhere we turned. I am not talking about issues like cargo pants, and boots that make sense depending upon your assignment. I am talking about cops not never being caught dead wearing skull caps or knit hats like I see many of today’s cops wearing. “Out of uniform”, usually meant that a guy was wearing a short sleeve shirt before the weather warmed up prior to them being authorized, not the guy that chose to wear whatever he felt like on that particular day.

     Recruitment & retention problems did not exist either. Granted we didn’t make a fortune, but we were higher paid than Nassau, Suffolk, Port Authority and the New York State Troopers, all of whom surpassed us over the years. You took the test because your friends and family, who were already on the job, told you that it was a job worth taking. Similarly, you passed that information on to your friends and family as well, and were happy for them when they too were sworn in. Now, nobody in their right minds would refer this job to a friend or family member.
     All in all, as I sit here in the twilight of my career, I am glad that I will be retiring soon. I could not bear to think about being a rookie in today’s police force, and I wonder if the cops retiring in 2026 will think back upon 2006 as “The Good Old Days”, and how they will describe “The Job” to those rookies at that time.

     I can honestly say that I don’t hate this job. I actually love this job; unfortunately, it is the department that has ruined things for me over the years. It is the department that I have mixed feelings for. It is “The City of New York”, not New York City that treats us with disdain.

     All that being said, I mourn for the NYPD of my youth!

HELP SUPPORT JACK BROWN and his FAMILY!

     Jack Brown, 5, is suffering from a rare childhood cancer, neuroblastoma.

     All Jacks parents want is Jack’s recovery. At times that is touch and go. They are so appreciative for this opportunity to save their son, but they need our prayers and support. For the past 4 months Jack, his parents, brother and sister have lived in one small room at the McDonald House while Jack has been going through this very rare cancer. They will probably have to do so for another 4 months.

     Jack and his family are living in a foreign country, without family, friends, or co-workers to support them.

     Right now the Brown’s are scared and lonely, but we can help. All we have to do is give a little family compassion. We can raise funds; take the family to a baseball game, or to a family restaurant for a meal. Perhaps take them to the beach or a picnic.

     No family should have to go through what Jack and his family is going through. So let’s be good neighbors and good friends and help this family out in their time of need.

     Neuroblastoma is a solid tumor cancer which spreads rapidly. Recurrence after treatment is currently considered non-curative in the UK.

     Thanks to the tireless efforts of friends, family, the general public and the Met Police, Jack was able to undergo the first stages of antibody treatment to fight recurrence. On 27th November, Jack started complaining of severe head pains. CT scans revealed a tumor in his brain, 2.5 inches in size. The brain is the only part of the body the antibody treatment cannot reach; indicating Jack's original treatment was successful within its scope.
     This relapse is considered non curative except at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. MSK has developed a range of options including liquid radiation directly to the NB cells in the relapsed area; this has been shown to be 100% effective.

     All 10 patients treated in the same way over the past three years have remained disease free; this is very significant.

     When a parent is about to lose their child, these statistics are vitally important.

A further $750,000 is urgently needed to complete this treatment.

PLEASE VISIT THE JACK BROWN APPEAL HOME PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

     There is currently no UK government funding for this treatment, so this is the only hope for Jack and his family. Jack's parents, both Detective Sergeants at the Metropolitan Police, have moved their family, including his brother Connor, 10, and sister Rhian, 7, to the US, where they continue to support Jack's relentless fight to beat this disease. They are staying in a room at Ronald McDonald House, which provides a "home away from home" for families whose children are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals. Please help us raise funds for Jack's treatment.

Read updates on Jack's progress...

There are so many ways to get involved:

Make a donation through The Simple Trust (Reg. Charity No 1113954)

Make a donation through IRONSHIELDS.ORG IRONSHIELDS c/o Jack Brown PO BOX  585, East Islip, NY 11730-0585

Send a check to The Jack Brown Appeal, c/o The 2Simple Trust, Enterprise House, 2 The Crest, Hendon, London, NW4 2HN

MURDERED POLICE OFFICER DANIEL FAULKER

     This is a total insult and a slap in the face to every law enforcement officer in the world. New Jersey Police Officer Delacy Davis is a DISGRACE!!! All the brave men and women who wear the “badge” should demand that he is FIRED immediately!!!

http://www.njlawman.com/news/mumiabirthday.htm

This is an OUTRAGE, "REST-IN-PEACE" Police Officer Daniel Faulker.

NJ Officer Among
Supporters Celebrating
Cop Killer's Birthday

Police and Law Enforcement News
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 1:20 p.m.

Last week convicted cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal celebrated his 53rd birthday from behind the walls of the Greene State Correctional Institution in southwestern Pennsylvania. Mumia is currently on death row for the 1981 murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner.

Across the state a second celebration took place. Friends and supporters of Mumia held this event in Philadelphia.

Among the supporters and speakers were actor Danny Glover, representatives from various Mumia support groups, and New Jersey Police Officer Delacy Davis.

Davis served as an officer with a city police department in Essex County until his apparent recent retirement.

During his career he founded the organization Black Cops Against Police Brutality (B-CAP) which has participated in actions against officers from various New Jersey police departments including Keansburg and Freehold Borough.

Davis expressed support for Mumia and took black officers to task. “Black officers are part and parcel of the problem.” “My black colleagues had the opportunity tonight to come stand shoulder to shoulder with people of all shoulder with people of all races, of all divisions, of all creeds to say we call for justice for Mumia!” “Their absence and their silence is deafening. And, I am going to continue to call them out.”

He finished the rally with loud resounding “Free Mumia!” which was met by cheers and applause by those in attendance.

A second march and rally held by the Philadelphia FOP was led by Officer Daniel Faulkner’s widow Maureen Faulkner. About 100 strong, the group marched to the location of the Mumia birthday celebration. Outside, rather than vocalize a quarter century of frustration with chants and shouts, they offered a silent protest.

In contrast, Mumia supporters hurled profanities and insults towards Officer Faulkner’s widow and the FOP members.

Mumia, whose real name is Wesley Clark, shot Officer Faulkner in the back while he was on a motor vehicle stop back in December of 1981. After Officer Faulkner went down, Mumia stood over him and fired four more rounds into the injured officer including one to the face at close range killing him. Officer Faulkner did get off one round injuring Mumia.

Police and Law Enforcement News
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 1:20 p.m.

Boycott these Convicted Cop-Killer Supporters!

At a recent National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) conference, the delegation in attendance voted unanimously to begin a boycott of  persons, products and companies associated with the supporting of  convicted cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal. In case you don't know, he was convicted in the 1981 killing of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner under overwhelming evidence. The act was an especially brutal and sadistic murder that still haunts the family, friends and coworkers of Officer Faulkner. The New York Shields presented Officer Faulkner's family with a Medal of Valor at their 1999 Police Memorial Breakfast.

Convict Abu-Jamal has written a book, "Live from Death Row," and attempted to place himself in a celebrity status as a result of his criminal behavior. Others have supported his pathetic attempt to gain stardom and freedom, all the while spitting in the face of Officer Faulkner, his family and every single law enforcement officer in the United States. 

The FOP has announced the formal boycotting of the following:

1. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Products (donators to a defense fund for the killer). 

2. Actor Paul Newman and his products (an outspoken supporter of the killer)

3. Actress Susan Sarandon (supporter of this convicted killer).

4. Filmmakers: Spike Lee, Oliver Stone and John Landis (supporters of the killer).

5. Writers Norman Mailer and Joyce Carol Oates (supporters of the killer).

6. Super-model Naomi Campbell (supporter of the killer).

7. Musicians: Sting, David Byrne and Michael Stipe of REM, (supporters of the killer)

8. The Backstreet Boys who performed "free" benefit concerts for the killer's defense fund. One of their "benefit concerts" scheduled for Baltimore, Md. had to be canceled when Baltimore police officers refused to work the overtime shifts for security at the concert. As you may not know, a tape recorded statement made by this heinous convicted killer, was played at the graduation commencement ceremony of EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE IN WASHINGTON STATE in June 1999. This resulted in over 800 graduates walking out and another two dozen turning their backs during the killer's three minute diatribe of hate.

The FOP's position is getting widespread coverage in the media, as well it should. The members of the New York Shields stand with our  fellow brothers across this country in strongly supporting this boycott and honoring the memory of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner. We urge you to participate in this boycott and request that you pass this information on to your co-workers, partners, family and friends. 

Senator Santorum Condemns French Honoring

of Convicted Murderer of Philadelphia Police Officer

Please contact your Senator and ask them to support this resolution.

June 15, 2006
     Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today introduced a resolution condemning the decision by the city of St. Denis, France to name a street in honor of Mumia Abu-Jamal, the convicted murderer of Philadelphia Police Officer Danny Faulkner. Representative Fitzpatrick (R-PA-8) has introduced a similar resolution in the House of Representatives.
     “I am outraged that the municipal government of St. Denis, France would make such a thoughtless and insensitive decision as to name a street after the murderer of a Philadelphia police officer,” said Senator Santorum. “This is a monumental insult to the memory of Danny Faulkner, to his family, and to the courageous men and women who put on a police uniform every day to protect our communities.”
     The resolution condemns the murder of Officer Faulkner and urges the municipal government of St. Denis to take immediate action to change the name of “Rue Mumia Abu-Jamal.” If such action is not taken, the resolution urges the French Government to take appropriate action against the city of St. Denis to change the name of the street. Finally, this resolution appropriately commends all police officers for their commitment to public service and public safety.
     In July 1982, Mumia Abu-Jamal was convicted of murdering Officer Danny Faulkner and was sentenced to death. Abu-Jamal has had numerous legal appeals, including to the PA State Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court, and his conviction has been upheld each time.

     Please pass this information on and remember the pain and anguish this family has endured over the years. This is an absolute slap in the face to the Faulkner family and the law enforcement community.

Please ban all French products and travel to France.

TO: ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS 

SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO SUSAN ROSENBERG

THAT’S RIGHT SHE WORKS AT JOHN JAY SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE.  ROSENBERG WAS INDICTED IN THE 1981 BRINKS ARMOR CAR ROBBERY THAT LEFT A BRINKS ARMOR CAR GUARD AND TWO NYACK POLICE OFFICERS DEAD. ROSENBERG WAS CONVICTED ON THE 1984 WEAPONS CHARGES AND WAS SENTENCED TO 58 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON. THE STATE CHARGES AGAINST HER IN CONNECTION WITH THE BRINK’S ROBBERY WERE DROPPED. READ MORE ABOUT BRINK’S: http://www.crimelibrary.com/terrorists_spies/terrorists/brinks/13.html?sect=26

jstewart@hamilton.edu
President
Hamilton College
Office of Admission
198 College Hill Road
Clinton, NY 13323

jtravis@jjay.cuny.edu
President
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
899 Tenth Avenue
New York, NY 10019

http://www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org/index.htm

http://clinton.senate.gov

From the NY Post By ERIKA MARTINEZ and LARRY CELONA

November 29, 2003 -- The Police Department is investigating an argument that allegedly led an officer to tell a police widow: "At least I'm alive to be a disgrace" to the NYPD uniform.

The widows pulled up by the female officers to ask directions to the Midtown North Precinct, where they planned to park, sources said. When the widows asked the cops how far it was to the precinct, Officer Havonia Holley pointed out Gunn wasn't wearing her seat belt, sources said. That led to a heated squabble between Holley and the two widows.

When Gunn finally handed over her license and registration, Holley proceeded to write her a summons for not wearing a seat belt. Gunn - the widow of Detective William Gunn, who was shot in the head in 1989 as he went to a Brooklyn apartment to arrest a wanted murderer and later languished in a coma for nearly four years - continued to argue. As the war of words escalated, Officer Chanae Martin demanded Gunn show "some respect," sources said. Gunn told Martin she was a disgrace and should not be wearing an NYPD uniform. "At least I'm alive to be a disgrace in this uniform," Martin shot back.