End of Watch: March 2012

Monday, April 2, 2012
Dale Stockton

In the last two months, our country has lost 10 officers: five in February and five in March. The last time we had two months with losses this low during an entire calendar year was more than 50 years ago in 1957 (April and December). Perhaps even more notable is that the last time we had a February and March period this low was back in 1943. That’s almost 70 years ago!

According to our partners at ODMP, here’s where we are compared to last year:

• Line of duty deaths – Down 55%
• Gunfire deaths – Down 58%
• Vehicle related deaths – Down 44%

There are so many reasons why this is happening but the bottom line is this: You are making the difference and you deserve the credit! And if we’re going to continue making gains and saving lives, it’s important that we continue every day, every hour, with the awareness that officer safety begins with individual responsibility.

For those who might be thinking that one person can’t really make a difference, you’re wrong! Here are some real life specifics that have been shared with us about what others are doing:

• An academy instructor started wearing body armor as an example for others, resulting in all academy instructors doing the same and sending a powerful message to the trainees.
• A field supervisor is now having courageous conversations with officers driving too fast to calls.
• There’s a southern training coordinator known for “going Below 100” on officers not wearing their body armor.
• A range master incorporated tactical seat belt removal into firearms training.
• A SWAT trainer made t-shirts with the Below 100 tenets for his team so that when they’re on a run the officers will be looking at the basics of officer safety.
• A chief obtained a state grant to bring in officers from surrounding areas for Below 100 training.
• A watch commander uses patrol briefings to challenge subordinates to regularly think WIN – What’s Important Now?
• A veteran detective survived a horrific crash two weeks after being convinced by a nagging partner to start wearing his seat belt.
• An officer who, using his own money, designed a large Below 100 magnet and placed it on the metal door leading to the patrol parking lot.

These are only a few of the stories we’ve heard about. Together we can forever change the perception that monthly losses will be double digit and that the annual LODD number will come in well over 150. There are officers alive today because they have made the choice to wear their seat belts, wear their armor and drive at speeds reasonable for the circumstances. We have the absolute evidence in real lives saved to prove it. Let’s continue improving basic safety awareness and practice common sense so we can send more officers home to their families instead of funeral homes.

Make no mistake, each of the men and women lost during February and March was irreplaceable. The value of their lives was priceless, particularly to their loved ones and their agencies. Every loss should be viewed as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to improve officer safety—both individually and across the profession.

Let’s remember and honor those who have died in the line of duty during March. On behalf of Law Officer, I extend heartfelt condolences to each agency, coworker and family member. 

Deputy Barbara Pill
Brevard County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department
EOW: Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Cause of Death: Gunfire

Corrections Officer Britney Rachelle Meux
Lake County (Ind.) Sheriff's Department
EOW: Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault

Sergeant Ruben Howard Thomas III
Florida Department of Corrections
EOW: Sunday, March 18, 2012
Cause of Death: Stabbed

Trooper Javier Arana, Jr.
Texas Department of Public Safety
EOW: Saturday, March 24, 2012
Cause of Death: Automobile collision

Deputy Michael Walizer
Charles City County (Va.) Sheriff's Office
EOW: Saturday, March 31, 2012
Cause of Death: Automobile collision

For more information on Below 100, check out www.Below100.com.