Eagle Times Dispatch (July 2013)

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Official Newsletter of the U. S. Park Police Fraternal Order of Police--Statue of Liberty Reopens--U. S. Park Police Staffing Unsafe--Frederick Douglass Home Needs Better Security

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EAGLE times

Official Newsletter of the Fraternal Order of Police - United States Park Police Labor Committee

JULY 2013

Independence Day 2013
]StatuE of Liberty Reopens
[U. S. Park Police STAFFING unsafe

Chairman’s report
USpp officers receive Awards
Read the doi ig report on uspp weapons
Frederick Douglass Home needs better security

www.usppfop.org


EAGLE TIMES

It’s been more than 65 years since the annual
line-of-duty police deaths totaled less than 100.

Let’s Start Rolling Back the Clock—Now!
wear your belt.
wear your vest.
watch your speed.
wIN—what’s Important Now?
Remember: Complacency Kills!

The Life You Save May Be Your Own!
Sponsored by

An initiative from

www.Below100.com
July 2013

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EAGLE TIMES

Table of Contents
Chairman’s Report
Page 4

Fraternal Order of Police

United States Park Police Labor Committee
1320 G Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Telephone: 202-544-4813

Website: usppfop.org

Fax: 202-544-5918

Email: [email protected]

Executive Board

Gary Hatch
Vice-Chair

Mike Shalton
Executive Chief Steward- DC

Cotayba Al Saigh
Secretary

Darrel Gilliam
Executive Chief Steward- NY

Anthony McSherry
Treasurer

Bill Battista
Executive Chief Steward- CA

Shop Stewards

Read the DOI IG Report about USPP
Weapons Accountability
Page 8

District 3
Debyn Brown
District 4
Gary Hatch
District 5
VACANT
CIB
I.P. Edwards
K9
Charles Wilkins

Motors
Todd Hand
Services
Elizabeth Kessebeh
SWAT
Ernie Eclipse
Jack Eddington
Angelo Herron

U. S. Park Police USPPFOP Awards
Page 14 - 20

U. S. Park Police Awards for DC and NY
Page 22 - 27

Front page photograph taken by:

Ian Livingston
See some great tornado photographs:

San Francisco Office
CIB
Ezra Savage
HMP
Jason Raymos

Frederick Douglass Home
Needs Better Security
Page 11

Report From USPP SFFO Chief Steward
Page 21

Washington, DC

Midnights
Russel Kidd
Day Work
Michael Cameron

Photographs of the Reopening of the
Statue of Liberty
Page 7

U. S. Park Police Staffing Is Unsafe
Page 9

Ian Glick
Chair

District 1
Dave Crandall - Chief
Steward
Mike Russo
Sean Kellenberger
James Dingeldein
District 2
Anthony McSherry
Cotayba Al-Saigh

USPP NYFO Reopens Statue of Liberty
Page 5

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianlivingston/
Court Liaison
Bernard Durham

New York Office
Liberty District
Chris Kyriako
Harold Gonzales

Staten Island
Robert O’Brien

Brooklyn
Saoud Mohammed
Robert McGarry

The EAGLE TIMES is published quarterly by the Fraternal
Order of Police, United States Park Police Labor Committee
organized under the Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge
for the District of Columbia.
Media inquiries should be directed to the Fraternal Order
of Police, United States Park Police Labor Committee.

July 2013

Editors Note: I apologize that some of the photographs
in the DC & NY Award Ceremony section, due to technical issues, are not as clear as they should be.
---Peter Ward, Editor

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Chairman’s
Report
It's now July and I think I can safely say it has been one hell of a year. So far this year, we've battled sequestration, furloughs, an IG
report that looks as if it belongs in the "Science Fiction" section of a bookstore and the usual 'management doing stupid things'. I take
this position very seriously and hope that each and every one of our members can fully appreciate the behind the scenes work that goes
on by all of your Executive Board and Stewards.
For example, I've been up on Capital Hill creating and solidifying relationships with members of Congress and with local and
national media to help get your voice out there in the public eye. These meetings aren't always easy and sometimes it's daunting after
you've heard 'we'd love to help you but we just can't right now' over a dozen times in one week. But during the furloughs, I got a phone
call from one of our members. This member called me and asked me "Ian, are we going to get out from under these furloughs?" I told
him I didn't know but that I was going to try my damnedest to do everything I could. Knowing full well that we were up against serious
obstacles, I wasn't very confident and he could hear it in my voice. Just then, he began to cry. Not the sad sobbing you suffer when
you've just lost a loved one, but the kind of crying you do when you feel as if you've completely failed. He told me he was going to lose
his house and didn't know how he was going to feed his kids. After discussing secondary employment and TSP loan options, I told him
I would do everything I could and reassured him. I hung up and sat and wondered "Who's going to reassure me?" So, every morning
when I woke up, after spending many hours making calls, sending emails, brainstorming with our lobbyists, with our attorney and with
my closest friends, the night before, I would drag my butt out of bed and just as the clarity was reentering my mind, I would remember
that phone call. That was what motivated me every day and kept me going. There are a lot of victories to be had in my position. There
are just as many defeats, unfortunately.
My members have expectations and I have to live up to them. That's not always an easy task. Hell, that's NEVER an easy
task. Members look to me and the Union and expect that we're going to 'make everything alright'. A lot of times we do, I'm happy to
say, but sometimes we can't. Sometimes, there are too many political forces in play, too many budgetary constraints, too many outside
parties playing their hand and we just don't have the leverage to prevail. That's when I have to be the bearer of bad news. That's
never a good position to be in. Especially when you have to do it on a regular basis. Suspensions, letters of reprimand, discipline, the
loss of a take home car- these things happen and sometimes they're completely merited because of a bad decision made by a member.
It's during these times that I look to do everything we can to mitigate things to a
much lower but still acceptable end. If you ever find your self in a bad situation, I'm
going to tell you the truth and lay it out for you, usually worst case scenario. I have
to prepare any member who is facing discipline for the possibility that things aren't
'going to be alright'. These are the unfortunate facts of life. However, when we're
facing something as seeming insurmountable as furloughs, it's different. There are
no 'facts' other than those we get out to the public. There is only cause and effect:
less officers on the street means less public safety and more dangerous working
conditions for all of us. I am proud that we were able to help end the furloughs. In U. S. Park Police Greenbelt Park Station
fact, I believe it was the FOP who ended the furloughs through our congressional
Greenbelt, MD
meetings and media attention. But, more importantly, I am proud of how all of
you responded to the crisis of 'less officers-more work' and stepped up. There was
very little bellyaching and, for the most part, everyone pulled their own weight. You all allowed me the space to do what needed to be
done and we were successful. The fight is not over, though. We still have budgetary constraints nipping at our heels, every day. In DC,
officers are still working communications when they should be on the street. Wolf Trap has essentially stripped District 2 of personnel.
We still have some managers, in the NYFO, who believe that they can do whatever the hell they want thinking that the contract is more
of a suggestion than an obligation. There are still take home cars that have not been reassigned. We still have vacancies in the various
Task Forces to be filled. The list goes on and on and on. As we finish out the last half of this year, take a few moments to think about
the successes we've had and how we can prevent failures in the future. This is YOUR Union. It belongs to all of us and it will only work
when all of us play a part. Thanks and BE SAFE!
--- Ian Glick, Chairman, U.S. Park Police FOP
July 2013

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EAGLE TIMES

Statue Of Liberty Reopened on
Independence Day
NEW YORK July 4, 2013 — On July 4, 2013 the
officers of the United States Park Police (USPP) New
York Field Office overcame many hurdles to provide a
safe environment for the reopening of the Statue of Liberty. The officers have had to overcome the obstacles
caused by Hurricane Sandy and some unnecessary distractions in the workplace. They should be congratulated because the reopening was a success, a great display
of professionalism.
This is the first time since Hurricane Sandy that the
Statue was open to the public. Sandy didn’t do any damage to Lady Liberty but Liberty Island was devastated.
Three-Quarters of the island had been covered by water and its infrastructure had been destroyed. Electrical
and communications systems were gone; the walkway
and seawall around the perimeter of the island had been
washed away. The dock where the ferry lands was heavily damaged. Ellis Island had been totally covered by water and was so heavily damaged that it remains closed.
The National Park Service staff in New York worked
hard and fast to get the Statue reopened. National Park
Service Superintendent Dave Luchsinger and his staff
deserve the thanks of all for an outstanding job.
The Reopening Ceremony was presided over by
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. Sec. Jewell was
joined New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, U.S.
Senator Robert Menendez, National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis, United States Park Police Chief
Teresa Chambers, National Park Service Liberty & Ellis
Island Superintendent Dave Luchsinger and other dignitaries.
The remainder of this article is a reprint of the press
release issued by the U. S. Department of the Interior
regarding the reopening of the Statue of Liberty:
In a celebration of the Fourth of July, Secretary of
the Interior Sally Jewell today joined New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis,
and other dignitaries to reopen the Statue of Liberty to
the public for the first time since it was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy last October.
“It is hard to imagine a more appropriate or powerful way to commemorate our nation’s founding than to
reopen the Statue of Liberty, which is a symbol throughout the world of the freedom America cherishes,” Jewell
said. “Today, Lady Liberty also stands as a sign of the
resilience of the region – an area so badly battered by
Hurricane Sandy nine months ago, but that is on the rebound thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of so many
people.”
“Lady Liberty and her welcome to all who yearn to
July 2013

U. S. Park Police Honor Guard at Grand Reopening of the Statue
of Liberty on the 4th of July 2013. U. S. Park Police: Ofc. Baker,
Ofc. Vera, Ofc. Zamora, Ofc. Farjardo and Ofc. Mancuso.

DOI Secretary Jewell is welcomed to Liberty Island by the
U.S. Park Police New York Field Office. Director Jarvis and
Superintendent Luchsinger are on left side of photograph.
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breathe free are at the heart of what America is all about,” said
Bloomberg. “Thanks to the hard work of parks workers from around
the country, this national treasure is open once again. We’ve not
only repaired damage from Sandy, but we’ve also taken steps to
protect Liberty Island from major storms in the future – just as
we’re doing in the rest of our city, too.”
The national park serves as a huge economic engine for the
community. In 2011, a total of 3.7 million visitors to the Statue of
Liberty contributed $174 million to the New York area economy and
supported more than 2,200 jobs. Director Jarvis cited the importance of re-opening the Statue to the local economies, which were
badly hurt by the storm.
“Across the country, our national parks help drive local economies, with visitor spending providing a $30 billion boost to the
national economy in 2011,” he said. “The National Park Service, our
partners, and construction crews have been working around the
clock to get this tourism magnet back in business to attract visitors,
create jobs and help revitalize the tourism economy.”
On October 29, 2012, flood waters from Hurricane Sandy covered approximately 75 percent of Liberty Island and all of Ellis Island. While the Statue itself escaped unscathed, wind and flooding
from the storm destroyed most of the critical infrastructure on both
islands, including electrical, water, sewage, HVAC systems, phone
systems, security systems, and radio equipment. Both the main
visitor dock and the service dock on Liberty Island were severely damaged. The perimeter walkway and railings around Liberty
Island were also destroyed. Visitor security screening facilities at
Battery Park in lower Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey
City, New Jersey, were completely crippled.
After the storm, more than 1,000 Interior employees from
Alaska to Puerto Rico came to the area to help national parks damaged by the hurricane. They stabilized water-soaked buildings and
addressed dangerous conditions, including removing fallen trees
and debris and undertaking mold mitigation.
Interior estimates that it will cost $77 million to repair and restore Liberty and Ellis Islands, including replacement of the primary
and secondary heating and cooling systems, two new boilers and

relocation of critical equipment to protect it from future storms.
“National parks like ours belong to the whole nation, but Lady
Liberty really speaks to the whole world. She inspires lovers of freedom on every continent,” said Dave Luchsinger, superintendent of
Statue of Liberty National Monument. “We are delighted to reopen
Liberty Island in time for our nation’s birthday.”
During the closure, NPS staff worked at several national parks
in New York City that were also affected by Hurricane Sandy, including Gateway National Recreation Area and Federal Hall National
Monument. Since school groups could not go to the Statue, park
rangers took the Statue to them. Education staff conducted offsite
programs at schools and community centers in the metropolitan
area. Rangers visited 170 schools, conducting education programs
for approximately 5,500 students.
Repairs to the docks needed to transport visitors to Liberty Island were funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Lands Highways Program as part of $28 million committed to
roads and bridges in federal parks and recreation areas in New York
and New Jersey damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
As before, visitors will undergo security screening before
boarding ferries at Battery Park in lower Manhattan and at Liberty
State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Newer and more efficient
security equipment will permit U.S. Park Police to screen more visitors than ever before, which should cut down on time spent in line.
Ellis Island will remain closed to the public due to damage
sustained by Hurricane Sandy. The storm surge covered the entire
island during the hurricane, flooding the basement of the historic
Main Immigration Building and causing major damage to electric,
heating, cooling and telephone systems.
While the artifact and document collection at Ellis largely escaped immediate damage, the lack of a climate-controlled environment forced the National Park Service to relocate historic items to
its Museum Resource Center in Maryland. Items will remain there
until the island’s infrastructure is restored. The agency continues to
work on restoring these systems in a sustainable manner, so that
the park can recover more quickly from future storms of this size.

Planning a Trip
www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit

To find out important
information about visiting Liberty Island and
the Statue, including the
crown.
Tickets to the crown or
to the pedestal are limited and must be obtained
in advance at
www.statuecruises.com

or by calling

800-LADY-TIX
(800-523-9849).
July 2013

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EAGLE TIMES

Statue of Liberty Reopening
July 4th, 2013

July 2013

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EAGLE TIMES

DOI IG REPORT

U. S. Park Police Weapons accountability

LIN

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July 2013

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EAGLE TIMES

U. S. Park Police
Staffing Unsafe
The only, independent staffing analysis of the U. S. Park is 61 more officers than the 639 officers the NPS, currently
Police (USPP) was completed in 1999 and was conducted by claims is sufficient for safe and effective USPP operations.
Prior to the attacks of September 11, 2001, the United
the consulting firm of Booz, Allen & Hamilton (Booz-Allen). 
Booz-Allen concluded that the USPP needed 820 officers to States Capitol Police (USCP) and the United States Secret
operate safely and effectively. This study was conducted Service- Uniformed Division (USSS-UD) each had approxiabout 1 1/2 years prior to the attacks of September 11, 2001. mately two times more officers than the USPP had in the
These attacks resulted in the
Washington, DC area. At this
significant increase of law entime, the 639 officers of the
forcement personnel in many
USPP are distributed between
federal agencies. In 2003, the
the District of Columbia, New
USPP had approximately 620
York and California. Currentofficers. Currently, the USPP
ly, the United States Capitol
has 639 officers. Booz-Allen’s
Police has approximately
1999, staffing recommenda1759 sworn officers in Washtions have been ignored by
ington, DC and it is our unthe NPS and the USPP for
derstanding that the USSSover 12 years.
UD is similarly situated. By
In a December 3, 2003,
comparison, in the Washingarticle in the Washington
ton, DC Metropolitan Area the
Post, entitled, “Park Police
USPP has approximately 460
Duties Exceed Staffing; Answorn officers.
ti-Terror Demands Have Led The US Park Police San Francisco Field Office has a critical
Simply put, these other
shortage of officers. Action is required. Photo: DOI
Chief to Curtail Patrols Away
agencies have approximateFrom Mall”, USPP Chief Teresa Chambers is cited as stating, ly 3 times the number of officers that the USPP has in the
“In the long run, Chambers said, her 620-member depart- Washington, DC area.  While the FOP does not know what
ment needs a major expansion, perhaps to about 1,400 of- staffing analysis methodologies were used by the USCP and
ficers.”
the USSS-UD they are obviously quite different from the one
used by the NPS and the USPP. This conclusion is based on
the stark contrast between the staffing increases of the USPP
United States Park Police Staffing
and these other agencies over the last decade. In 2002, the
Year/Source
Sworn Officers
USPP had 620 officers and currently the USPP has 639 offi1999 Booz-Allen Recommendation
820
cers. Given the professional reputation of the USCP and the
2003 Actual
USSS-UD it would be difficult to imagine that they would both
620
use flawed or unprofessional methods to perform their staff2003 Chamber’s Recommendation
1400
ing analysis. These other agencies significantly expanded.
2013 NPS Sworn Officer Limit
639
The USPP added 19 officers. This leads the FOP to the con2013 Actual
639
clusion that the staffing analysis methodology used by the
The current staffing level of the United States Park Police
is 639 officers. The National Park Service (NPS) states that
the USPP only needs 639 officers. Chief Chambers is a law
enforcement executive with over 30 years of experience on
4 separate police departments. Even in the unlikely scenario
that Chief Chambers estimate is 50% inflated, due to mathematical error or faulty methodology, the number of sworn
officers needed by the USPP is 700.  Seven hundred officers
July 2013

NPS and the USPP was flawed.
A common sense analysis supports the conclusion that
the staffing analysis methodology used by the NPS and the
USPP was flawed. The result is that the USPP is dangerously
understaffed. While there is no universally accepted police
staffing analysis methodology the factors that are generally
considered in staffing analyses are ubiquitous. Let’s examine
a few of the factors that would be the basis of any police
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EAGLE TIMES

(UNSAFE-- Continued from Page 9)
staffing analysis of the USPP, the USCP or the USSS-UD in the
Washington, DC Metropolitan Area:
• Geographic Area: The size of the geographic area
of the USPP’s jurisdiction in comparison to the two
other agencies supports the conclusion that the
USPP should have at least similar numbers of sworn
officers.
• Visitation: The comparable visitation rates to the
areas under the control of the three agencies supports the conclusion that the USPP should have at
least similar numbers of sworn officers.
• Open Areas or Controlled Access: The areas patrolled by the USCP and the USSS-UD are generally
secured by security barriers and have controlled access. By comparison the areas patrolled by the USPP
are generally open to the public and do not have
controlled access. Given the increased difficulties of
providing public safety in facilities and areas with
uncontrolled access compared to facilities and areas
with controlled access, it is reasonable to conclude
that, at least, comparable numbers of officers would
be required by both of these operational environments to effectively provide public safety. 
• Threat: The threat to the areas under the control of
the 3 agencies is comparable. Given the hardening
of the areas patrolled by the USCP and the USSS-UD
the areas under USPP are under increased threat.
This supports the conclusion that the USPP should
have some level of parity in numbers of officers with
the USCP and the USSS-UD.

The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
whose conclusions were based on the myopic notions of
some in the NPS Bureaucracy provided recommendations
that the USPP needed to focus their attention to the security operations around the “ICONS”. The FOP never thought
the USPP wasn’t focused on ICON security but given the resources available to the USPP for that purpose it would be
easy to falsely conclude that they weren’t focused on ICON
security. NAPA made recommendations that the USPP should
not provide motorcycle escorts for dignitaries in Washington,
DC and that they should do away with narcotics enforcement
operations. NAPA by adopting the notions of the NPS had the
erroneous idea that the staffing problems of the USPP could
be fixed by implementing these changes. NAPA, with the eager assistance and support of the NPS, concluded that these
operations were outside the “Mission” of the NPS. The reality
is that even if you implemented these bizarre recommendations the USPP would still not have sufficient personnel to
safely perform their mission. The refocusing of the approximately 35 officers assigned to the motor and narcotics units
would do little to eliminate the staffing problem and would
significantly degrade USPP operational effectiveness. These
July 2013

units have capabilities that are needed at critical moments
such as, when the President needs to drive to Andrews Air
Force Base, being able to swiftly respond to incidents in gridlocked traffic or investigate violent crimes on the National
Mall. The FOP is troubled that many NPS Bureaucrats, who
oversee USPP operations, feel that providing for the safety of
dignitaries traveling over NPS lands is somehow outside the
USPP/NPS mission and that the use and sale of narcotics in
and around NPS lands in Washington, DC has no effect on
the safety of visitors. The USPP motor unit and the narcotics
unit do not cause the USPP’s staffing problem. The USPP
simply does not have the officers needed to accomplish the
mission safely.
The FOP rejects the NAPA and NPS concept that the
solution to the USPP’s staffing issues will be magically cured
by the elimination of duties that they have arbitrarily concluded as outside the mission of the NPS. Their concept is
unsupported by the facts. Should all of the USPP activities
NAPA has issues with be eliminated tomorrow the problems
with the USPP budget would not disappear. In fact, the parks
would become less safe. NAPA had issues with USPP officers
enforcing parking regulations but, monitoring cars parked
in and around park areas is an essential part of patrol and
counter-terror operations. Drug distribution activities in and
around parks endanger visitors and priceless cultural resources. Enforcing quality of life crimes in parks makes them
safer for the public to visit and contributes to counter-terror
operations.
When the robberies and sexual assaults occurred on the
National Mall in 2006 it quickly became international news.
Does the NPS think that officers who had mostly security
and protection experience expeditiously solved these heinous
crimes? The reality is that having officers capable of investigating and successfully prosecuting these crimes is a learning
process that takes years. Successful investigations of serious
crimes often depend on the ability to work with other local,
state and federal agencies. This is done by building relationships with other agencies by participating in task forces run
by the FBI and other agencies. NAPA expressed concern that
USPP officers serve on law enforcement task forces run by
the FBI, DEA and ATF. In the past, the USPP’s participation
on these task forces gave the USPP (The NPS) quick access
to the significant investigative resources (trained personnel
and technology) available to agencies that participate. When
investigations cross jurisdictional lines having officers from
all area jurisdictions on one team clears investigative roadblocks. Additionally, other agencies on these task forces have
investigative technologies that have not been bought by the
USPP because of a lack of support by the NPS. Participation
on the task forces gives the NPS quick access to those technologies at no cost.
Until recently the USPP had two officers assigned to the
FBI’s SAFE STREETS Task Force. They are no longer assigned
to SAFE STREETS because they were pulled back because of
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Frederick Douglass Home Needs Better Security

Photographs: Courtesy of the National Park Service, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site located at tem where trained background checked volunteers could mon1411 W ST SE, Washington DC 20020 (corner of 15th and W) itor the Douglass Home by computer. These volunteers would
is a valuable cultural resource honoring one of the finest Ameri- call or message U. S. Park Police Dispatch when they observed
cans. The proof of his greatness is that progressives and conser- trouble. This solution could be applied to many other NPS revatives claim Frederick Douglass
sources.
as a kindred spirit. There is no
If the passion many people
doubt that Mr. Douglass’ home
have for NPS resources could be
needs to be preserved for future
channeled to assist with the progenerations.
tection of those resources secuThe Douglass Home is not
rity would be greatly enhanced.
staffed 24 hours a day. At night,
Expensive preservation work
the alarms are set and the NPS
can be quickly undone by a
vandal with a hammer or an arRangers have to leave for the
night. The safety of the Dougsonist with a match. Given the
----- Frederick Douglass
lass Home is the responsibility
opportunity many NPS volunof United States Park Police Car
teers would participate in this
512, who is responsible for all the National Parks on the east important task.
side of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. Having such a
Watching video monitors is mind numbing work and after
valuable resource virtually abandoned at night is not accept- 20 minutes effectiveness quickly evaporates. The benefit of havable and given the capabilities of video security technologies ing many people volunteer for 20 minutes, a few times a week,
the Douglass Home could be virtually protected 24 hours a day. would be increased effectiveness. A boring task is much easier
This could be done by hiring personnel or perhaps developing a to tolerate when it is done sporadically rather than constantly.
system that could be staffed by volunteers using the Internet.
The Douglass Home is open for tours from 9am – 5pm
The NPS should explore installing a video security system during the summer. If you haven’t seen it, you should go. If you
that records and displays what is going on at the Frederick Dou- would like to help convince the NPS that they should work on
glass Home all day, everyday. This could be done by having this project information will be coming out soon on Twitter and
webcams displaying the Douglass home like the system installed Facebook (LINKS ABOVE) on how to help. --- Peter Ward, Editor
at “Old Faithful” or take a bigger leap and have a security sys-

“I would unite
with anybody
to do right and
with nobody to
do wrong.”

July 2013

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EAGLE TIMES

Consider that the New York City Police Department and the
(UNSAFE-- Continued from Page 10)
the furlough. Even though the furlough has ended they still DC Metropolitan Police Department didn’t stop providing poremain off the task force allegedly because of sequestration lice services after September 11, 2011. They obtained the
cutbacks. Currently, the USPP only participates in the FBI’s resources needed for more effective protective operations. 
Counter Terrorism Task Force. The number of officers asNAPA’s “have it both ways” concept reflects a post Sepsigned to that task force is two.
tember 11 theory touted by some NPS and USPP officials that
By severely limiting participation on task forces the USPP September 11 “changed” the USPP’s mission from whatever
is limiting its ability to make use of task force capabilities, they thought it was to protecting the ICONS. The FOP has
which over time will degrade the USPP’s investigative capa- always known that the protection of the ICONS and more imbility. Officer’s who are assigned to these task forces gain portantly the visitors to them was the bedrock of the USPP’s
valuable investigative experience and build useful relation- mission. The FOP wanted to better protect the monuments
ships that benefit the NPS. Many serious crimes that have and memorials way before they became the ICONS. The evioccurred on NPS jurisdiction were successfully investigated dence of this is that the FOP was asking for security systems,
because of task force resources and experiences. The lack security barriers, equipment (e.g. patrol rifles, vehicles, etc.),
of participation on these tasks forces seriously degrades the better training and increased staffing for this purpose at least
critical incident response capability of the USPP.
a decade prior to September 11, 2001. The FOP cannot grasp
The NPS has at times exhow anyone involved with
pressed concern about the
USPP operations before Sep“USPP cannot be expected to
cost of the USPP’s mission on
tember 11 could imagine that
NPS parkways and parks in
the protection of the ICONS
perform all its
Maryland and Virginia. There
was not part of the USPP miscurrent functions . . .
have been threats by the NPS
sion. However, history has
to turn those areas over to
demonstrated that the NPS
at current resource levels.”
the states. A threat thwarted
consistently ignores the leby the fact that Maryland and
gitimate safety concerns of
---NAPA 2004
Virginia were unwilling to take
USPP officers for reasons that
them. The reality is that the
the FOP cannot understand.
USPP’s mission in NPS parks
The USPP’s structure and
and parkways in Maryland and Virginia creates a seasoned the law enforcement tasks performed by its officers produce
force experienced enough for the NPS to effectively handle officers that are capable of effectively handling important
the large crowds that attend events on the National Mall and tasks for the United States Government, such as, the USPP’s
to effectively investigate crimes that occur in the high profile contributions on September 11th , the cleanup the “Occupy”
areas in DC, NY and CA. USPP officers are effective during encampment in McPherson Square ---after not being allowed
events on the National Mall because of the knowledge and to enforce camping regulations by the NPS---- and the pojudgment obtained by patrolling the diverse NPS areas in licing of the numerous large events on the National Mall.
Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
The severe shortage of personnel and equipment is creating
The 2004 NAPA report does arrive at a fundamental an unsafe work environment that needs to be immediately
truth. On page 34 the NAPA Panel states:
addressed.
“The Panel’s most important message to all who
In their reports, NAPA stressed that an independent staffmake decisions about USPP resource needs ---includ- ing study needed to be done for the USPP. NAPA was paid
ing Congress--- is that you can’t have it both ways. to do a staffing analysis but, for some unknown reason never
USPP cannot be expected to perform all its current did one. The FOP is not aware of any other independent
functions ---- essentially a full service urban police staffing study other than the one done by Booz-Allen in 1999.
department and guardian of national parks--- at curThe position of the International Association of Chiefs of
rent resource levels. If USPP is to do so, it needs ad- Police (IACP) regarding police staffing is that, “Ready-made,
ditional resources to do so effectively.”
universally applicable patrol staffing standards do not exist.”
(Emphasis added: Bold)
The IACP’s position regarding police staffing is summarized
NAPA confirms the long held position of the FOP, that by the following statement, “To prescribe patrol requirements
the USPP does not have the personnel, equipment and train- properly, a series of professional guidelines and departmening needed to perform its mission. The USPP and the NPS tal policy preferences must be explicitly considered and demust accept the fact that they have to have it both ways and liberately applied. These concern policing philosophy, service
provide the resource levels because the mission of policing philosophy, response time standards, and supervision phiand protection are intertwined. To do one to the exclusion of losophy.” The ability to swiftly and effectively respond to
the other dooms the chances of doing either one effectively. incidents is the core issue that must be addressed to resolve
(UNSAFE-- Continued on Page 13)
July 2013

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(UNSAFE-- Continued from Page 12)
the safety issues that put the visiting public and USPP officers at risk. Here is what the IACP has to say about response
times: “Response time to highest-priority calls must be as
rapid as possible. Highest-priority calls include those which
pose danger to the lives of citizens and/or police officers
and those which present opportunity to arrest an alleged offender. Absolute, formally-endorsed response time standards
have not been established. Response times, like other factors
discussed, have major impacts on manpower requirements.
The impact of response time goals is evident. The higher the
goal (the faster the desired response), the greater the staffing requirements.”
The USPP’s ability to detect, prevent and effectively respond to critical incidents like active shooters, bombings and
critical missing persons is crippled by the lack of personnel
and complicated by the USPP’s growing aversion to overtime
to meet critical mission staffing needs. For instance, in the
USPP’s Central District, even at ideal times, the USPP barely
has sufficient personnel available to cordon off an area, much
less quickly and decisively respond to an incident. The FOP
takes the position that the USPP must be able to effectively
respond to a critical incident with sufficient personnel on the
National Mall in less than 5 minutes. The FOP believes that
this is would be the publics expectation of the USPP’s ability
to respond to critical incidents. However, the public would be
rightfully shocked to learn that the USPP could not bring sufficient forces to bear on an incident on the National Mall in 5
minutes or less. This is a capability that the USPP simply does
not have. In the event, of a critical incident like an active
shooter, a bombing or a Mumbai style attack the inadequacy
of the USPP’s response capability will result in unnecessary
loss of life. In the aftermath of this, the NPS and USPP will
be devastated by the publics justified outrage over the inadequacy of the response. This must be fixed.
The point has been reached where the FOP can no longer just hope that things will get better. The safety of the
public and USPP officers demands that we take action to fix
the staffing and equipment problems facing the USPP. Quick
action on this issue is essential because USPP sites have become more attractive targets due to the hardening of other
targets. The USPP needs more personnel for response forces,
bomb detection canine units, patrol operations, crime patrol
units, investigative operations and intelligence operations.
There is also a great need for equipment such as, prepositioned medical equipment for an incident involving mass
casualties and security systems that are up to the task of
protecting the ICONS.
The effects of under staffing the USPP have gotten worse
over the last few years. Since, approximately 2003 the reduction of staffing during large public events, to limit overtime
expenses has slowly created a culture where cost concerns
have overshadowed safety concerns.  An event that in the
past had been a full force detail has over the last decade
become a much smaller detail. The influence of NAPA and
July 2013

the NPS appears to favor USPP officials with promotions
who were involved in the creation and implementation of
cost (Overtime, Holidays, etc.) cutting policies for USPP details and operations. In the past, overtime was used to staff
these details and operations because there were not enough
personnel on a given day to safely handle such events. The
combination of these cost cutting policies and a reluctance to
accept the reality that operational safety requires increased
staffing levels, has created a dangerous situation.
These cost reducing policies have been a source of ongoing concern to the FOP but, combined with the implementation of sequestration an organizational culture has been
created where cost considerations override common sense
and established practices. Management’s staffing policies,
over the last decade, combined with sequestration policies
have created a think cost first and last culture among many
USPP managers. This has degraded the effectiveness, continuity and safety of the USPP’s responses to critical incidents. 
Some examples of USPP policies that are endangering
the safety of officers are:
• Reassigning patrol units to staff USPP Communications because of a shortage of dispatchers.
• Closing down the USPP District-5 Station.
• Staffing Wolf Trap events by pulling officers off of
patrol beats.
• Staffing DC Area Districts with one officer.
The evidence clearly supports the conclusion that the
USPP is understaffed and that the implementation of sequestration has made a bad situation worse. The FOP is also
concerned that a continuation of these staffing policies and
practices will over time erode public confidence and support
for the USPP. This safety issue will become worse because
the USPP has no plans to hire officers this year or next. When
you consider the hiring freeze, attrition and the large number
of officers that are eligible to retire the USPP will shrink to
under 600 sworn officers before the end of next year. The
safety impact of this in DC will be devastating but in the near
future the USPP New York and California Field Offices will not
be able to function.

Short staffed U. S. Park Police New York Field Office,
ready for the opening of the Statue of Liberty.

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USPPFOP Awards in SFFO
Disturbed Woman Saved

Shots Fired Gun Recovered

Pictured Left to Right: Chairman Glick, NPS Lifeguard
James Matthews - Civilian Award, NPS Lifeguard Sean
Scallan - Civilian Award, Not Pictured: NPS Lifeguard
William Hood – Civilian Award

Pictured Left to Right: Chairman Glick, Officer Timothy
Cook - Meritorious Police Duty, Sergeant Lawrence
Morales - Meritorious Police Duty, Officer April Ramos
- Meritorious Police Duty Not Pictured: Officer Ryan
Evasick - Meritorious Police Duty, Golden Gate Bridge
Authority Officer Joshua Small - Certificate of Recognition, Golden Gate Bridge Authority Officer Robert
Smith - Certificate of Recognition

On August 22, 2011 at approximately 1901 hours USPP communications advised of a naked intoxicated female swimming at
East Beach. Upon arrival, officers attempted to call the subject to
shore due to the strong waves and extremely cold water. Instead
of returning to shore the subject continued attempting to swim
further into the water but the waves continued pushing her back.
This prompted the officers to call NPS lifeguards for assistance.
Several minutes later three lifeguards arrived, swam out to the
subject and asked her to come to shore which she refused. Seeing
that she was having trouble staying above water the lifeguards
had to forcibly bring her to shore. While doing so the subject was
punching, scratching, biting, kicking, doing whatever she could to
get away from the lifeguards, but they continued bringing her in
controlling her the best way they could. Once she was brought
to shore the officers took control of her and detained her for the
safety of all. After interviewing the subject she was transported by
medics for a mental observation and treated for hypothermia.
Two of the lifeguards sustained injuries including scratches
and bruises while rescuing the subject. The assistance of these
lifeguards was key in accomplishing the task of getting this woman
the help she needed.

July 2013

On February 24, 2011 at 0442 hours, Master Patrol Officer
April Ramos was on patrol in the Battery East parking lot when she
heard the sound of a gunshot coming from the Armistead housing
area. Golden Gate Bridge Authority patrol officers Joshua Small
and Robert Smith, who were nearby responded to assist, as did
several U.S.P.P. units, including Sergeant Lawrence Morales, Officer Timothy Cook, and Officer Ryan Evasick. A check of the area
by Officer Ramos’ revealed an empty handgun holster at the rear
entrance of the residence at 964 Lincoln Blvd. Upon entering the
home, Sergeant Morales, Officer Cook, and Officer Evasick were
able to safely detain its occupants and conduct a protective sweep
of the interior. Their efforts and dedication led to the recovery of
three firearms and the arrest of an armed felon.

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USPPFOP Awards in SFFO
Disturbed Man Detained

Suicide Prevented

Pictured Left to Right: Officer John Sioui - Certificate
of Recognition, ID Tech Kenneth Rawles - Certificate
of Recognition, - Motor Officer Jeffrey Floyd - Certificate of Recognition, Not Pictured: Officer Michael
Mertz, Certificate of Recognition {transfer to NYFO},
Lieutenant Thomas Hart - Certificate of Recognition,
Detective Robert Reidy - Certificate of Recognition,
Officer Vinh Nguyen - Certificate of Recognition, Officer Tiffany Reed - Certificate of Recognition

Pictured: Officer Tara McBride - Meritorious Police
Duty- Lifesaving Award Not Pictured: Lieutenant
Thomas Hart - Excellent Police Duty, - Lifesaving
Award, Officer Tiffany Reed -Meritorious Police Duty Lifesaving Award

On March 8, 2011 at 0908 hours USPP communications advised that a suspect who was recently fired from the Presidio Trust
and had been making threatening phone calls to his former supervisors was spotted by the Presidio maintenance facility at 1351
Battery Safford. Motor Officer Jeff Floyd was first on scene and was
interviewing the subject for a short while as he waited for additional units to arrive.
Approximately a minute later Officers Nguyen and Reed arrived and assisted in detaining the subject. Moments before this
incident occurred Lt. Hart and Det. Reidy briefed a training class of
about 15 SFFO Officers on this subject and a report that they had
received informing that the suspect was on his way to the Presidio
and should be considered armed and dangerous. Once the officers
were briefed they went to their lockers and changed into their uniforms. Minutes later Motor Officer Floyd advised he was with the
subject and due to the actions of Lt. Hart and Det. Reidy we had
more than sufficient officers to keep the situation under control.
Due to the subject’s physical size and apparent mental instability officers took extreme precaution when dealing with him. Officers Sioui and Mertz ended up transporting the subject to the
hospital for a mental evaluation.
The quick actions and tact showed by all involved is the reason
why this subject was taken into custody and processed incident
free.

July 2013

On June 11, 2011 at 1600 hours, Officer Reed and Officer
McBride responded to the cliff west of Battery Godfrey for report
of a mentally disturbed person. The officers met with the subject
who was standing near the edge of the cliff. He told them that
the Hell’s Angels were going to kill him and his family, and that
he had to take his own life before they reached him. He also
told them that he had been smoking crystal meth for the last five
days. Lieutenant Hart also responded to the scene to assist. For
nearly an hour, the officers and lieutenant remained on the cliff
side, pleading with the subject to climb back to safety. They finally
convinced the subject to leave the cliff’s edge and walk with them
back to the waiting ambulance. As they hiked back up, the subject
suddenly stopped, turned around, and ran back down towards the
cliff. He then charged into Officers Reed and McBride, who tried to
stop him as the subject attempted to knock them down on his way
towards the edge. Officer McBride effectively used her taser on the
subject, stopping him immediately. He was then handcuffed and
transported to the hospital without further incident. Under dangerously precarious circumstances, the steadfast actions and calm and
patient demeanor of Officer Tiffany Reed, Officer Tara McBride, and
Lieutenant Thomas Hart prevented this disturbed individual from
harming himself or them.

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USPPFOP Awards in SFFO
Trespassing

Shooting Suspects Detained

Pictured Left to Right: Officer Gerald Michael - Certificate of Recognition, -Officer April Ramos - Certificate
of Recognition

Pictured: Officer April Ramos - Excellent Police Duty,
Not Pictured: Officer Eric Cole - Excellent Police Duty

On June 30, 2011 at 2325 hours, Master Patrol Officer April
Ramos and Officer Gerald Michael responded to the Presidio Golf
Course for an alarm off. Upon arrival, Officer Michael saw three
suspects fleeing the scene and was able to detain one of them.
While on scene, this suspect provided information about the other two suspects to Officer Ramos, who was then able to contact
them via cell phone, and successfully persuade them to return and
surrender without incident. These officers’ prompt response and
effectual communication skills resulted in a burglary in progress
being foiled and the expeditious capture of all suspects involved.

July 2013

On February 22, 2012 at approximately 2200 hours, Officer
Ramos and Officer Cole, were canvassing the area of Muni Pier after receiving a BOLO for suspects who were involved in a shooting
several minutes prior, when they came across two individuals who
stated, “we are not the guys you’re looking for”. After a brief investigation Officer Cole noticed spots of blood on one of the guys face
and clothing, which came from one of the victims of the shooting.
Officer Cole then contacted SFPD who responded to the scene to
interview both subjects.

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USPPFOP Awards in SFFO
Stolen Bicycle Recovered Water Rescue

Pictured Left to Right: Investigator Ezra Savage- Excellent Police Duty, Investigator Steven Polianos- Excellent Police Duty, Not Pictured: Civilian Shad Hills- Civilian Award, Detective Robert Reidy- Excellent Police
Duty, Investigator Raquel Lopez-Milano- Excellent Police Duty
On May 23, 2012, at approximately 0930 hours, Civilian Shad
Hills, the victim of a larceny several days prior, contacted Inv. Lopez stating that he had located his stolen bicycle on Craigslist. Inv.
Lopez and Detective Reidy worked with Hills and set up a meeting
with the seller, where he was detained by Investigators Polianos
and Savage.

No, you don’t have a
Constitutional Right to
sit on my lap.

July 2013

Pictured Left to Right: Ofc. Timothy Cook - Lifesaving
Award, Sgt. Larry Morales - Lifesaving Award, NPS LE
Ranger Shannon Jay - Lifesaving Award, Not Pictured:
Andy Aglubat - Civilian Award, Divo Ferrer - Civilian
Award
On September 14, 2011 at approximately 2146 hours USPP
communications advised of a man in the water at Fort Point Pier.
Ofc. Cook was the first to respond. Upon arrival Ofc. Cook observed
two men at the end of Fort Point Pier, holding on to the end of a
crab net which was the only thing keeping the man who fell off the
pier. Ofc. Cook threw the man a floating ring to better assist him in
staying above the water.
About a minute later Sgt. Morales arrived with several other
officers. Upon speaking to the subject Sgt. Morales noticed that he
was beginning to go into hypothermia. Sgt. Morales then climbed
down to a lower platform between the pier and the water, and
assisted the civilians in keeping the subject above water and continuously communicate with the subject.
While this was going on Ranger Shannon Jay was at the base
of the pier changing from his duty gear into a wet suit. Ranger
Jay proceeded to swim out to the subject and physically hold him
above water because at this point the subject was unable to hold
on to the crab net or life ring any longer.
A Coast Guard unit arrived several minutes later and transported the subject to shore.
After receiving treatment the subject was transported to the
Sub-station where he stated that if not for the officers coming
along he would have given up. Due to the quick actions taken by
these officers and civilians this man is here today.

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USPPFOP Awards in SFFO
Counterfeit Merchandise

Possession of Stolen Property

Pictured: K9 Officer Nyhung “Neal” Wu - Excellent
Police Duty, Not Pictured: Detective Sergeant Robert
Jansing - Excellent Police Duty

Pictured Left to Right: Officer Michael Chang - Certificate of Recognition, Motor Officer Jeffrey Floyd - Certificate of Recognition, Not Pictured: ID Technician
Robert Whalen - Excellent Police Duty

On July 10, 2010 at 1418 hours, K-9 Officer Neal Wu and Detective Sergeant Robert Jansing responded to Crissy Field - East
Beach for a report of a possible auto burglary suspect casing cars
in the parking lot. The suspect was then reported to be leaving the
area in a red Toyota Camry, which was the same description of a
vehicle wanted in connection to an auto burglary that had occurred
the previous day. Officer Wu and Sergeant Jansing saw the Toyota
and conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle based on an observed
window tint violation. Their subsequent field investigation led to
a search of the vehicle’s trunk, revealing 172 counterfeit “Lacoste”
branded shirts, with a potential retail value of over $15,000.00. It
was later determined that this suspect had been previously arrested by the U.S. Park Police several months earlier for possession of
stolen property. Officer Wu and Sergeant Jansing collaborated with
the manager from Lacoste’s San Francisco retail store to further
the investigation. The quick response and dedication to duty of
K-9 Officer Neal Wu and Detective Sergeant Robert Jansing led to
the recovery of a large amount of contraband and the arrest of a
known criminal.

July 2013

On June 14, 2011 at 1701 hours ID Technician Robert Whalen
was on patrol along Mason Street when a lookout was broadcast for
a white Chevy pickup, with plate and suspect descriptions, wanted
in connection with an auto burglary that had just occurred in a
nearby S.F.P.D. jurisdiction. Approximately an hour later, ID Tech
Whalen observed the white pickup driving along Mason Street.
He stopped the vehicle and with the assistance of Motor Officer
Jeffrey Floyd, the two suspects were detained without incident, and
a subsequent search of the vehicle recovered property stolen in the
S.F.P.D. case. Officer Michael Chang had just taken a report of a
larceny from auto about a mile away from this stop and responded to see if there was any connection with these suspects. While
on scene Officer Chang noticed that some of the property inside
the white pickup matched descriptions of property stolen from his
victims vehicle. The diligence and attention to detail of ID Tech
Whalen, the quick response of Motor Officer Floyd, and the keen
observation of Officer Chang led to the arrest of two criminals, the
termination of their larceny spree, and the return of valuable property to innocent victims.

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USPPFOP Awards in SFFO
Heart Attack Victim Saved Robbery Arrest

Pictured Left to Right: Officer Steve Smith – Life Saving
Award, Motor Officer Jeff Floyd – Life Saving Award,
K9 Officer Neil Wu – Life Saving Award, Not Pictured:
Officer Raquel Lopez-Milano – Life Saving Award, Dispatcher Gary Barnes – Certificate of Recognition
On June 14th, 2011, at approximately 1440 hrs, USPP Dispatcher Gary Barnes received a call from 808A Quarry Road, reporting a possible heart attack victim who was not breathing. Dispatcher Barnes initiated an EMD Protocol with the caller and Officer
Jeff Floyd was dispatched to the scene. Upon his arrival, Officer
Floyd was directed to an elderly female who was not breathing and
had no pulse. He immediately started CPR on the victim. It was
determined that the victim had a history of heart trouble and was
currently under a doctor’s care. Officer Steve Smith responded
and assisted with rescue breathing. Officer Raquel Lopez-Milano
arrived on scene and administered an AED which issued an advisement of “no shock”. Officer Neil Wu also responded to assist.
San Francisco Fire Department EMT’s arrived and while they set up
their equipment, Officers Floyd, Smith, and Lopez-Milano alternated CPR, and Officer Wu administered oxygen to the victim.
Thanks to the actions taken by USPP personnel, the victim
was successfully transported by S.F.F.D. to California Pacific Medical
Center where she would receive further treatment for her condition.

July 2013

Pictured Left to Right: MPO Gregory Johnson- Meritorious Police Duty, Officer Theo Hall- Excellent Police
Duty,K9 Officer Jesse Peterson- Excellent Police Duty
On February 2, 2012, at approximately 0329 hours, while
transporting a prisoner to the county jail, Officer’s Greg Johnson
and Theo Hall, stopped in an unfamiliar location in downtown San
Francisco to assist Officer Peterson who was receiving a report from
a victim of a robbery, which had just occurred. Officer Peterson relayed the suspect descriptions as Officer Johnson canvassed the
area on foot and located the suspect several blocks away, where
Officer Johnson had to draw his weapon in order to successfully detain the suspect. While all this was going on Officer Hall maintained
control of his arrestee, all the while updating communications with
what was going on, and covering his partner.

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USPPFOP Awards in SFFO
Sick Person Revived

Gunman Arrested

Pictured: K9 Officer Nyhung Wu- Certificate of Recognition, Not Pictured: Civilian Jason Schmidt- Civilian
Award, Civilian David Yacubian- Civilian Award

Pictured Left to Right: Motor Officer Jeffrey FloydMeritorious Police Duty, MPO Jeffrey Halvorson- Meritorious Police Duty, Not Pictured: Officer Robert Whalen- Meritorious Police Duty

On March 30, 2012 at approximately 1408 hours, Officer Wu,
responded to a call of a sick person with CPR in progress. Upon
arrival Officer Wu quickly assisted by sealing the victim’s mouth
with his CPR mask and stood by as civilians Jason Schmidt and
David Yacubian performed CPR. An AED was already on scene and
hooked up to the victim. San Francisco Fire then arrived on scene
and took over. The victim was revived several minutes later and
transported to the hospital for evaluation.

On June 11, 2012 at approximately 1650 hours, Officers Whalen, Halvorson and Floyd responded to a call of a man with a gun
at a local Starbucks. Upon seeing the patrol cars the suspect began
fleeing from the officers. Officers Whalen, Halvorson, and Floyd
were able to box the suspect in with their vehicles several blocks
down the road and after a brief struggle were able to detain the
suspect.

ARE YOU SEARCHING AS
THROUGHLY AS YOU SHOULD?
Pen guns may come in various styles and finishes. The bolt head is pulled back and allowed to travel forward, firing a .38 special caliber cartridge.
(Source: FBI Unusual Weapons)

July 2013

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U. S. Park Police FOP
San Francisco Field Office Report
The San Francisco Field Office is literally a city within a city. We currently have five-thousand residents within The Presidio alone.
Within The Presidio we have LucasArts, Lucasfilms and Industrial
Light and Magic which was recently sold to the Disney Corporation for 4.5
billion dollars. Yes billion with a B, they did make Star Wars. In addition
we have:
• A college prep school (Bay School) that has a $37,600 annual
tuition.
• There are three child day care centers, a dance studio, athletic
fields, a bank, a trampoline park, a climbing gym and yoga studio, a YMCA, seven restaurants and a Starbucks.
• Residential leasing (rents) typically range from $2,900 to
$12,000.
• And of course there’s the bowling alley and golf course.
• During high visitation, which is any nice day, we are usually inundated with visitors. The Presidio and GGNRA claim 5 million
annual visitors.
Our typical calls for service run the full range of law enforcement services with burglary/larceny/robberies to domestics, vandalism and dead
bodies washing up on our beaches. You can’t swing a dead cat and not
find someone smoking “medical” marijuana here in the bluest of blue
states and the People’s Republic of Berkeley.
That’s just a sampling. We also support the Pacific West Region with
our SET Team. We are also fortunate to have many specialized positions
with MPO’s, ID, CIB, HMP, K9 and Motors.
Our property comprises the entire Ocean Beach of San Francisco
which I assure you is not Malibu. Homelessness is widespread and there
is a constant push of people moving back and forth between the beach
and Golden Gate Park.
San Francisco is the land of misfit toys. People reliving their adolescence and then there are the hipsters. Some people just shouldn’t wear
skinny jeans. There is a prevailing attitude that people should be able to
do whatever they want whenever they want; to include wandering naked.
San Francisco Police Department also experiences the pressure to
practice what I refer to as CP (Convenience Policing). Meaning that people
only want certain laws enforced at certain times. The prevailing attitude
is to let things be, each person should be able to do their own thing --- a
holdover from the 1960’s--- unless heaven forbid someone urinates in my
doorway or sleeps in my yard. Many people don’t want us to enforce the
alcohol/drug laws but blame the police for the after affects. Homelessness
is not a crime and neither is aimlessly wandering the earth but at times it
seems like it’s becoming license to do almost anything.
Despite this the quality of life in San Francisco is pretty great if you
can get over the sticker shock. One officer loves it so much he keeps
running all over the place to see as much as possible. And keeps running.
And keeps running. And keeps running.
If you’re thinking of visiting please feel free to email me through my
work email. Thanks.
---USPP San Francisco Field Office- Chief Steward Bill Battista
July 2013

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Man Shoots @ Coast Guard Helicopter
Barricades Himself On Sailboat

Chief Chambers with Major Patrick Smith, Lieutenants
David Schlosser, Simeon Klebaner, Robert LaChance,
Todd Reid, Sergeants Lelani Woods, Paul Brooks, Timothy McMorrow, Detectives Monique Pettett and Jose
Bumbray; and Officers Jared Tung, Thomas Twiname, Ansonne LeBlanc, Christopher Giblin, and Frank
Hilsher.

Chief Chambers with United States Coast Guard
Lieutenants Celina Ladyga and Nick Lajoie; Chief
Petty Officer Jason Hollopeter; Petty Officers Bobby
Bonsey, Shelby Thorson, Adam Wilk, and Chris Hudson; Seaman Jake Zimmerman; and Seaman Apprentices JR Knaub, Chris Sims, and Matt Harris

July 2013

Belle Haven Marina, VA--- On September 28, 2012, United
States Park Police officers responded to the Belle Haven Marina for
a report of sounds of gunshots. A witness claimed a male fired
multiple rounds from a handgun towards a United States Coast
Guard Helicopter. The suspect subsequently rowed a dingy from
the shore and boarded a sailboat anchored off shore in the Potomac River. Officers set up a perimeter, identified witnesses, evacuated citizens, and notified partner agencies. An incident action
plan was initiated and the USPP armored personnel vehicle (APC)
was deployed with Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel
and negotiators. Negotiations began with the suspect demanding
to speak with the United States Secret Service. After approximately one hour of negotiating, the suspect agreed to leave his handgun
on the boat and return to shore in the dingy. Upon reaching the
shore he was taken into custody.
The United States Coast Guard responded to Belle Haven Marina because their helicopter had been fired on by a suspect in the
area. The Coast Guard assisted the United States Park Police and
other responding agencies securing the area and collecting evidence. Coast Guard personnel transported members of the SWAT
team with their vessel to conduct a security sweep of the suspects
sailboat. The handgun was quickly recovered as it was in plain
view on the deck of the boat. The Coast Guard continued to assist
the operation by transporting members of the USPP Major Crime
and Identification Units to the sailboat to collect the pistol and
process the crime scene. In recognition and appreciation of the
professionalism, and teamwork, a United States Park Police Chief’s
Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to the responding United
States Coast Guard personnel. U. S. Park Police officers responding
to the incident were awarded a United States Park Police Chief’s
Certificate for Outstanding Police Service.

Belle Haven Marina is located south of Alexandria, VA
off the George Washington Memorial Parkway

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2112 Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler Rescue
USPP Officers Receive Award
Washington, DC---- On April 1, 2012, at approximately 0845 hours, Officers Jeffrey Soja and Roselyn Norment responded to a medical emergency at Ohio and Buckeye Drive
during the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler, for a report of a collapsed
runner. Upon arrival, the officers discovered a victim unconscious and bleeding from his nose with a laceration on his head.
Officer Soja immediately requested DC Fire and EMS because
the victim had stopped breathing and was in cardiac arrest. Officers Enjoli Tuitt and Shannon Smoot arrived . They assisted
with first aid and crowd control operations. Due to traffic conditions created by the footrace, Motor Officers Stephen Jones and
Michael Williams provided an escort for DC Fire. United States
Park Police Eagle One was dispatched to fly the victim to the
nearest hospital, due to the severity of his injuries and traffic
conditions. Sergeants Matthew D’Onofrio, John Gott and Officers Shannon Smoot, Matthew Cooney, Michael Blake, Enjoli Tuitt, Anthony DiPalma, and Roselyn Norment took on the difficult
task of clearing the runners, in order to create a safe landing
zone for Eagle One.

Chief Chambers presents Sgt. J. Gott,
Sgt. M. D’Onofrio, Ofc. Tuitt, Ofc. Smoot, Ofc. Soja
with USPP Chief’s Certificate for Outstanding Police
Service.

The outstanding teamwork, professionalism, and quick response displayed by these officers resulted in saving the life of
an individual. These officers earned a United States Park Police
Chief’s Certificate for Outstanding Police Service.
Prior to the arrival of Eagle 1, Officer James Laska assumed leadership of the medical team and assumed control
of the portable defibrillator device. When Eagle 1 landed the
victim was loaded onto Eagle one and flown to Medstar in
Washington, DC. Eagle One was piloted by Sgt. K. Burchell.
The Rescue Technicians were Sgt. D. Tolson and Sgt. M.
Varannelli . They continued to provide medical treatment until arriving at the hospital. Teamwork and a swift response by
these officers enabled this person to survive. Due to the professionalism, skill, and camaraderie exhibited by these officers they
earned the United States Park Police Lifesaving Award.
July 2013

GO TO TOC

Chief Chambers presents Sgt. K.
Burchell and Sgt. D. Tolson with USPP
Lifesaving Award.

Page 23

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EAGLE TIMES

Hudson River Rescue

U. S. Park Police NY Field Office
Battery Park, NY--- On August 25, 2012, while assigned to Pier 4 at Battery Park, NY, Officer John Lynch observed a man climbing over the fence and walking down the
ramp toward the water. Then Officer John Lynch and Officer
Kenneth May observed that the man had disappeared. When
they got to the ramp they saw the man face down in the water. The officers alerted Officer Kyriakou, who was nearest
the man’s location.
After a quick assessment Officer Kyriakou jumped into
the water and began swimming toward the man. He was
thrown a life ring
and reached the
man seconds later.
Using the life ring
to keep himself and
the man afloat, he
swam toward the
pier. Officer Lynch
and Officer May
working in concert
grabbed the man
and pulled him
onto the pier. Officer Kyriakou entered the treacherous waters of the
Hudson River to
rescue a fellow citizen. Officer Kyriakou’s judgment, skill
Officers John Lynch and Kenneth May fortitude and swift
receive USPP Lifesaving Award from action during this
Chief Chambers
incident saved this
man’s life. For his gallant action, Officer Kyriakou was awarded the United States Park Police Award of Merit.
Officer Lynch’s and Officer May’s quick actions helped
save the man. For their actions they were presented with the
United States Park Police Lifesaving Award.
The National Park Service is lucky to have such fine individuals serving the visiting public. The FOP congratulates
these officers on a job well done.

July 2013

Top: View of Pier 4 at Battery Park from Hudson River.
Above: Officer Christopher Kyriakou receives USPP
Award of Merit from Chief Chambers.

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Page 24

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EAGLE TIMES

USPP Saves Motorcyclist
Crashed On GWMP
Northern Virginia-- On

Ofc. B. Humbertson receives USPP Lifesaving Award
from Chief Chambers

USPP Eagle transported motorcyclist to hospital due
to gridlocked traffic and severity of injuries. This gave
the victim a better chance of surviving.
July 2013

March 19, 2013, United Stated Park Police, District Two Officers responded to a motorcycle crash on the George Washington Memorial Parkway near Fort Marcy Park. Officer
Brian Humbertson arrived on scene and discovered an
severely injured motorcyclist lying the roadway. Officer
Humbertson a paramedic quickly began treating the injuries. The motorcyclist was bleeding out due to an injury to
the femoral artery in one of his legs. Humbertson applied
pressure to the wound while calling for assistance. The
United States Park Police Helicopter, Eagle One was summoned and transported the critically injured motorcyclist
to MedStar where he was treated and stabilized. Without
the quick actions of Officer Humbertson, the individual
would have died. Officer Humbertson was presented with
the United States Park Police Lifesaving Award.
Sergeant Jeffrey Bloch, Officer Michael Brumbaugh
and Officer Calvin Nguyen arrived to assist Officer Humbertson by securing the scene, managing traffic, and
establishing a landing zone for the United States Park
Police helicopter. Without the quick actions of these officers, the individual could have died. These officers were
awarded the United States Park Police Chief’s Certificate
for Outstanding Police Service.

Chief Chambers with Ofc. M. Brumbaugh, Sgt. J. Bloch
and Ofc. C. Nguyen

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Page 25

www.usppfop.org


EAGLE TIMES

USPP Rescues Unconscious Male
@ East Potomac Golf Course

Chief Chambers with Ofc. Koehler, Ofc. Stone, Ofc. Wavra, and Ofc.
Ackerstrom

Washington, DC--- On September 20, 2012,
members of the Central District Station responded to
the East Potomac Golf Course for a report of an unconscious male. Officer Renee Stone arrived on
scene first and after advising of the patient’s status
she joined an off-duty firefighter in life-saving efforts.
Emergency medical services and an Automatic Defibrillator Device were summoned. Sergeant Michael
Johnson and Officers Eric Ackerstrom, Eric Koehler,
Timothy VanDyke and Daniel Wavra arrived on scene
and all took rotations of performing CPR on the victim until EMS arrived and they were relieved. The
subject regained consciousness and was transported to George Washington Hospital. The outstanding
teamwork, professionalism, and quick response displayed by these officers resulted in saving the life of the
individual. These officers were awarded a United States
Park Police Lifesaving Award.

USPP Rescue 19 From Overturned Boat
On Potomac River

Chief Chambers with Ofc. Coleman, Ofc. Hopkins, Ofc. McCarthy, Ofc. Norment, Ofc. Russo, Ofc. Stone, Ofc. Swarthout, Ofc.
Wavra and Ofc. Ackerstrom

July 2013

GO TO TOC

Washington, DC--- On September 8, 2012,
United States Park Police units responded south of Park
Police Headquarters at the Potomac River for a report
of an overturned boat with numerous people in the water. Seventeen adults and two children were found in
the water and although they were all wearing life preservers, many were a good distance from shore and
were struggling to move through the water. Officers
Matthew Hopkins, Patrick McCarthy, Julio Valega, Daniel Wavra, Eric Ackerstrom, Robert Marcoux, Roselyn
Norment, Michael Russo, Lucas Coleman, Renee Stone,
Shaun Siegel and Stacy Palmer; Canine Officers Charles
Wilkins and Kenneth Bentivegna; and Horse Mounted
Patrol Officers Justin Nolan and Katherine Swarthout responded to the scene and took decisive action. Each
took a role and worked as a team to get life preservers
out to the victims, reach out to them, and pull them to
the safety of the shore. The officers ensured that all
nineteen were accounted for and then began to medically evaluate the injuries. These officers were awarded a United States Park Police Chief’s Certificate for
Outstanding Police Service.
Page 26

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EAGLE TIMES

USPP SWAT School

USPP NYFO

Chief’s Certificate

Hurricane Sandy

Unit Citation

Chief Chambers with Lt. Adamchick, Sgt. Gilbert, Lt.
LaChance, Sgt. McMorrow, Ofc. Zarger and Ofc. Fermaint
Washington, DC--- The United States Park Police
SWAT team conducted a basic SWAT school from September 14, 2011 through October 7, 2011. This four-week school
is designed to take patrol officers with no tactical experience and train them in various tactical techniques to allow
them to function as an member of the SWAT Team. Due to a
shortage of personnel and sequestration required extraordinary
efforts from the entire SWAT team. Months before the school
began, SWAT officers wrote lesson plans, developed schedules, secured training sites, prepared equipment and
rehearsed courses.
During the course, they stayed late,
arrived early, and reported on sign-off days. On top of the class
schedule the officers also covered all their daily assignments which
included warrant service, escorts, POTUS events, demonstrations,
special events and patrolling of the ICON district. Through their
efforts, 14 students successfully graduated the SWAT school. The
successful completion of the SWAT school exemplifies the capabilities and excellent teamwork displayed by the United States Park
Police. For their efforts the SWAT team was presented with the
United States Park Police Chief’s Certificate.

Chief Chambers with Major John Lauro, Ofc. May,
Ofc. Lynch, and Ofc. Kyriakou
New York, NY-----In late October 2012, the entire east coast
of the United States was struck by one of the most devastating
storms in our nation’s history, Hurricane Sandy. With New York
and New Jersey predicted to be severely impacted, the United
States Park Police personnel assigned to the New York Field Office
prepared for the storm. To minimize the impact to sea-level
facilities, migration efforts of the field office required deliberate and
immediate action. The NYFO endured the storm, and then immediately began recovery efforts. Many parks remained closed due to
devastating impact; however, many others transitioned to disaster
relief sites for the surrounding communities. The NYFO personnel
responded to this challenge in an exemplary manner through their
selfless actions, commitment to their communities, leadership, and
dedication to the mission of the United States Park Police and each
other. Although, facing a many challenges, the resolve and noble actions of the NYFO personnel resulted in the resiliency and
sustainability of operations. The true meaning and spirit of the
core values of the United States Park Police, Honor, Integrity, and
Service, were apparent and exemplified. The United States Park
Police New York Field Office for their hard work, dedication, and
teamwork was awarded the United States Park Police Unit Citation
Award.

USPP SWAT Bearcat on Washington Monument grounds.
July 2013

GO TO TOC

Page 27

U. S. Park Police Ofc. Chin speaking with Superintendent Dave Luchsinger
just prior to the 4th of July reopening of the Statue of Liberty .

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