As I write this article in the shadows of The Fourth of
July, these lyrics from America the Beautiful come to mind:
O beautiful for heroes
proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self
their country love
And mercy more than
life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be
nobleness,
And every gain divine!
These uplifting lyrics from one of our nation’s most
cherished songs, are applicable not only to our armed forces sacrifices, but to
all who serve our communities.
The devotion of these sacred souls, dedicated to
safeguarding our nation and communities, must forever inspire us.
American Law
Enforcement Sacrifices
During the last twenty-five years, I have focused nationwide
presentations and published works focused
on ethical leadership, violence
prevention, and public safety.
Inseparable from this dedication is the remembrance of all
who have offered the ultimate sacrifice, in our military, and also in our
communities.
During the last few months, the heart-wrenching continual
reminder of law enforcement sacrifices throughout the nation has been
relentless.
As we reflect on a selection of these servants, let us be
grateful for their sacrifices.
Let us also ignite leadership, vigilance, and collaborative
action for their loved ones, communities, and colleagues.
And let us pray for all hearts broken by tragedies, and for
the reawakening of America from our culture of violence.
Deputy Sheriff
William Butler, Jr., Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, Michigan
End of Watch
Thursday, June 27, 2024
“Deputy Sheriff Bill Butler, 51, was shot and killed while
assisting another deputy with a traffic stop…
“The driver had warrants out for his arrest and did not
cooperate with the deputies. During the struggle, the subject pulled out a gun,
striking Deputy Butler before fleeing on foot.
“Deputy Butler was transported to the hospital where he
succumbed to his wounds.
“The subject was found about two miles away several hours
later. When he fired on troopers, they returned fire, killing the subject.
“Deputy Butler was an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and
had served with the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office for 12 years. He is
survived by his wife and five children.”
NYPD Officer Emilia
Rennhack, Suffolk County, New York
Date of Death, June
28, 2024
Although not a line-of-duty death, a remembrance of this
NYPD officer, and all who died with her
deserves our remembrance:
“The Suffolk County Police Department released the
identities of the four people killed Friday when an SUV crashed into a Long
Island nail salon.
“Jiancai Chen, 37, of Bayside, Queens; Emilia Rennhack, 30,
of Deer Park; Yan Xu, 41, of Flushing, Queens; and Meizi Zhang, 50, of
Flushing, Queens were killed, the Suffolk County Police Department said in a
release Saturday.
“Nine people, including a 12 year old girl, were injured in
the crash.
“Customers and staff were at Hawaii Nail & Spa on Grand
Boulevard in Deer Park when an SUV crashed through the front window, police
said.
“Rennhack, one of the victims, was an off-duty NYPD officer
who was getting her nails done at the time of the crash.
“She was an officer at the 102nd Precinct in Queens. A
spokesperson for the New York City Police Department confirmed her death
Saturday.
“The NYC Police Benevolent Association said its “hearts are
breaking” over Rennhack’s death.
Deputy Sheriff
Bradley J. Reckling, Oakland County Sheriff's Office, Michigan
End of Watch
Saturday, June 22, 2024
“Deputy Sheriff Bradley J. Reckling, 31, was shot and killed
while conducting surveillance on a stolen vehicle in Detroit at about 10:00 pm.
“He and other detectives with the Auto Theft Unit were
searching for a car stolen from the Red Oaks Water Park earlier in the day.
Detective Reckling located the vehicle with three occupants and started
following it as he coordinated with the other detectives. While he continued
surveillance of the vehicle the driver suddenly stopped, and the occupants
opened fire on Deputy Reckling's vehicle.
“Deputy Reckling was transported to a local hospital where
he succumbed to his injuries.
“The three occupants of the vehicle fled but were
apprehended a short time later.
“Deputy Reckling had served with the Oakland County
Sheriff's Office for nine years and was assigned to the Auto Theft Unit. He had
received numerous awards during his career. He is survived by his expectant
wife and three children.”
Detective Ryan So, Scottsdale
Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch
Thursday, June 13, 2024
“Detective Ryan So, 38, was accidentally shot and killed
after serving a search warrant and conducting
an arrest on 78th Street near N
Greenway Hayden Loop in Scottsdale.
“At 7:30 p.m., while unloading equipment from a vehicle, a
rifle fell out of the bag, hit the ground, and discharged, striking Detective
So. Despite fellow officers rendering aid, he succumbed to his wounds at the
hospital.
“Detective So was a United States Navy veteran and had
served with the Scottsdale Police Department for nine years. He is survived by
his wife and three daughters.”
Police Officer Jamal
Mitchell, Minneapolis Police Department, Minnesota
End of Watch
Thursday, May 30, 2024
“Police Officer Jamal Mitchell, 36, was shot and killed
after being ambushed while responding to a shooting call.
“Just after 5:00 p.m., officers responded to a shots fired
call…near Blaisdell Avenue in Minneapolis. When officers arrived, the suspect
fired at officers, and a gunfight ensued.
“Officer Mitchell stopped to render aid to who he thought
was a wounded victim when that man shot him multiple times. Two officers
arriving on the scene witnessed the suspect shooting Officer Mitchell. The
suspect turned and started shooting at them. They returned fire, killing the
suspect.
“Two shooting victims were found at the scene. One was
pronounced dead, and the other died 11 days later. Another officer and
firefighter were wounded with non-life-threatening injuries. An innocent
bystander was also shot.
“Officer Mitchell was transported to Hennepin Healthcare where
he succumbed to his wounds.
“Officer Mitchell had served with the Minneapolis Police
Department for two years. He is survived by his son and fiancée.”
Trooper First Class
Aaron Pelletier, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut
End of Watch
Thursday, May 30, 2024
“Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, 34, was struck and
killed by a truck while conducting a traffic stop on I-84 East near Exit 31 in
Southington.
“At 2:45 p.m., Trooper Pelletier pulled over a vehicle on
the right shoulder of the highway with his emergency equipment activated on his
cruiser. While he was speaking with the driver of the car, a truck crossed the
dividing line into the shoulder lane, sideswiped his cruiser, and struck him.
The driver fled
in the vehicle and was apprehended approximately five miles
away in a wooded area.
“Trooper Pelletier was killed instantly. His canine partner,
Roso, was in the cruiser when it was struck, but he was not injured.
“The subject was arrested and charged with evading
responsibility for a crash causing death, illegal operation of a motor vehicle
under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in the proper lane,
second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, failure to move over, and
illegal operation of a motor vehicle without a driver's license.
“Trooper Pelletier had served with the Connecticut State
Police for nine years and was assigned to Troop H in Hartford. He is survived
by his wife and two children.”
Deputy U.S. Marshal
Thomas M. Weeks, United States Marshals Service, Investigator Alden Elliott and
Investigator Samuel Poloche of the North Carolina Department of Adult
Correction, and Police Officer Joshua Eyer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police
Department
End of Watch Monday,
April 29, 2024
“Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks, 48, Investigator Alden
Elliott, 46, and Investigator Samuel Poloche, 42, of the North Carolina
Department of Adult Correction, and Police Officer Joshua Eyer, 31, of the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department were shot and killed while attempting
to serve a warrant in the 5500 block of Galway Drive in east Charlotte.
“At 1:30 p.m., members of the U.S. Marshals Carolinas
Regional Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve a felony warrant for possession
of a firearm by a convicted felon. The wanted subject ambushed them with a
high-powered rifle and engaged them in a prolonged gun battle.
“Deputy U.S. Marshal Weeks, Investigator Poloche, and
Investigator Elliott were killed at the scene. Officer Joshua Eyer succumbed to
his wounds several hours later. Three officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Police Department and a second Deputy United States Marshal were also wounded.
“The wanted subject was shot and killed, and two subjects
were taken into custody for questioning.
“Deputy U.S. Marshal Weeks had served with the United States
Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service for 13 years and
previously served with the United States Department of Homeland Security -
Customs and Border Protection for eight years. He is survived by his wife and
four children.”
Master-at-Arms Lyndon
Joel Cosgriff-Flax, United States Navy Security Forces, U.S. Government
End of Watch Sunday,
April 28, 2024
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class LJ Cosgriff-Flax, 22, died when he
fell overboard while conducting training
at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown in
Yorktown, Virginia.
He was conducting familiarization training on the York River
with his harbor security boat team when he fell overboard at about 8:05 pm. MA3
Cosgriff-Flax suffered fatal injuries during the incident.
MA3 Cosgriff-Flax had been stationed at NWS Yorktown for two
years. He is survived by his mother, father and stepmother, brother, sister,
and grandparents.
Deputy Sheriff
Christina Musil, DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, Illinois
End of Watch Friday,
March 29, 2024
“Deputy Sheriff Christina Musil, 35, was killed when her
patrol car was struck by a commercial vehicle on Illinois 23 south of Perry
Road at about 10:40 pm.
“She was parked on the shoulder of the roadway when the
approaching vehicle struck the rear of the patrol car. She was transported to a
local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
“The driver was originally cited for failing to reduce speed
to avoid an accident, improper lane usage, and operating an uninsured motor
vehicle. But, six days later, he was charged with three counts of aggravated
DUI and one count of reckless homicide.
“Deputy Musil was an Illinois Army National Guard Military
Police Afghanistan War veteran and had served with the DeKalb County Sheriff's
Office for five years. She is survived by her three children, parents, brother,
and sister.”
Detective Jonathan
Diller, New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Monday,
March 25, 2024
“Detective Jonathan Diller, 31, was shot and killed during a
traffic stop…in the Far Rockaway area of New York City.
“At 5:50 p.m., Detective Diller and his partner approached a
vehicle that was stopped in front of a bus
stop. Despite being asked numerous
times to exit the vehicle, the subject refused. He pulled out a gun and shot
Detective Diller in the stomach, striking him under his vest. Detective Diller
was able to get the gun away from the subject, and his partner wounded the
suspect.
“Detective Diller was transported to Jamaica Hospital where
he succumbed to his wounds.
“The subject, who had an extensive criminal record, was
taken to Jamaica Hospital and is in stable condition.
“Detective Diller had served with the New York City Police
Department for three years and was assigned to Patrol Borough Queens South
Community Response Team. He is survived by his wife and one-year-old son.
“He was posthumously promoted to Detective First Grade and
given a new shield number, 110, his son's birthday.”
Police Suicides:
Awareness, Compassion, Action
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in
crisis, or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988.
As a follow-up to my article in the May 2, 2024 edition of
The Chief of Police, it is essential to pause in prayerful remembrance of all
who have lost their lives to suicide including:
Patrolman First Class
Ramon Goux, 31, Elkins Police Department
Statement from Elkins
Police Chief T.C. Bennett
“Yesterday, [June 14, 2024] the Elkins Police Department
suffered a devastating loss, as one of our officers took his own life.
“My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved
ones of Patrolman First Class Ramon Goux.
“To Ramon’s family: Thank you for
making him the person he was and thank you for sharing him with us. We are all
better people and better police officers for having him as a part of our
department family. Also, know that this department is here to stand beside you
and support you no matter what.
“To the officers of the
Elkins Police Department: We have been through a lot together over the
years. We will get through this too and we will get through it together. We
will get through it by leaning on each other, supporting, and taking care of
each other.
“To the citizens of Elkins and the surrounding communities: Thank you from the
bottom of my heart for the overwhelming support and love that you have shown
us. It is an honor and pleasure to serve and protect you.
“Ramon, We love you
and we will miss you every day! Rest easy brother, we’ve got it from here.”
Final Reflections
Every hero who died protecting and serving our communities
deserve America’s eternal gratitude, remembrance and honor.
America is the land of the free and home of the brave
because of these faithful servants.
We will eternally honor them and forever hold their
families, friends and law enforcement colleagues in our prayers.
N.B. This article was published in the August 29, 2024 edition of The Chief of Police Magazine, a publication of the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
About the Author
Vincent J. Bove is a national speaker and author. He
authored eighteen cover stories for The Chief of Police, and 300 additional
articles for numerous publications. His most recent books are Reawakening
America and Listen to Their Cries.
Bove is recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership
Award, and former confidant for players from two world champion New York Yankee
teams.
He developed “Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning,
Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention” keynotes to safeguard New York
City at sites including:
·
Museums
hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
·
Corporations
hosted by The New York Stock Exchange
·
Hospitals
hosted by Rockefeller University
·
Properties
hosted by The Union Club of New York
·
Universities
hosted by Columbia University, the New York Athletic Club and Fordham
University.
Bove has conducted extensive leadership presentations for
the FBI, the United States Military Academy, law enforcement, educators,
security professionals, and students nationwide. www.vincentbove.com
“We must all
serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces, schools, communities, public
spaces, and houses of worship. Public
safety demands leadership, vigilance, and collaboration. Security demands comprehensive enhancements,
on-going training, effective response to warning signs, and building bridges
with law enforcement, private security, and every member of the community.” Vincent J Bove
Related Articles:
Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action
REAWAKENING THE NATION, In Memoriam: America’s Fallen Police Officers
An American Police Officers Prayer
Fallen Police Officers Demands America’s Reawakening
Never Forget America’s Fallen Officers
America's Fallen Officers: Compassion, Vigilance, Unity
Fallen Police Officers: Honoring American Sentinels
Special Report: National Fraternal Order of Police
Officers Shot and Killed for the Month of July 2024
Photos:
1. Deputy William Butler Jr., (Photo Credit: Hillsdale
County Sheriff’s Office lt. / Salute the Blue, rt.)
2.
NYPD Officer Emilia Rennhack. (NYPD / Salute the
Blue)
3.
Deputy Brad J. Reckling. (Salute the Blue /
Illustration by Reawakening America LLC (RALLC))
4.
Trooper Aaron Pelletier. (Courtesy: Connecticut
State Police)
5.
Deputy Christina Musil. (Courtesy: Dekalb County
Sheriff’s Office)
6.
Detective Ryan So. (Courtesy: Scottsdale Police
Department)
7.
Police Officer Jamal Mitchell (Courtesy:
Minneapolis Police Department)
8.
In Memoriam; Thomas Weeks, Joshua Eyer, Samuel Poloche,
William Elliott. (Credit: Salute the Blue)
9.
Master-at-Arms Lyndon Joel Cosgriff-Flaz (Credit:
U.S. Navy)
10.
NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller. (Courtesy NYPD)
11.
In Memoriam: Patrolman First Class Ramon Goux.
(Credit: Elkins Police Department / Illustration RALLC)
Labels: In Remembrance, Law Enforcement, Policing
