psdiver

Long Beach jury urges death in killing of off-duty county deputy

Frank Christopher Gonzalez was convicted of murdering the deputy as

part of robbery in 2006. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.

By Associated Press

11:07 AM PDT, May 9, 2008

A Long Beach jury has recommended the death penalty for a man

convicted of first-degree murder for the 2006 shooting of an off-duty

sheriff's deputy during a robbery.

The verdict in the penalty phase of Frank Christopher Gonzalez's

trial was read Thursday.

Deputy's death was no accident Frank Christopher GonzalesGonzalez

was convicted April 22 of murdering Los Angeles County sheriff's

Deputy Maria Cecilia Rosa.

Gonzalez and Justin Ashley Flint tried to rob the 30-year-old deputy

in the driveway of a friend's home.

Flint was sentenced to 29 years to life in prison in January.

A sentencing hearing for Gonzalez is scheduled for Monday.

From one of my LEO groups:

3 accused of using corpse head to smoke pot

By BRIAN ROGERS

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Two men and a juvenile are accused of digging up a corpse,

decapitating the body and using the head to smoke marijuana,

according to court documents.

Matthew Gonzalez and Kevin Jones have been charged with the

misdemeanor offense of abuse of a corpse, said Scott Durfee, a

spokesman for the Harris County District Attorneys Office.

According to documents filed in the case, Gonzalez, Jones and an

unnamed juvenile on March 15 went to an Humble cemetery, dug up a

man's grave, left with the head and turned it into a "bong."

Gonzalez told authorities about the incident Wednesday, and showed

officers the defaced grave, including a 4-foot hole. Because of a

heavy rain, officers were unable to determine whether the casket or

the body had been disturbed.

The Arizona Republic

Two people in a suspected get-away car blew through red lights and

roared off-road before bailing out of the disabled vehicle and

running into the desert.

Then things got worse.

Police said Christopher Psomas, 38, and Ashley Strahan, 20, rolled

through cholla cactus, covering themselves with needles.

"I am so stupid," Psomas said through tears as hospital workers

plucked spines from his body. "This is what I get for trying to run

from the police."

Police said they received a call around 6 p.m. Tuesday about a woman

attempting to pass a forged check at a business in the 1100 block of

East Broadway Road.

As a squad car pulled into the parking lot, Strahan jumped into the

passenger side of a vehicle driven by Psomas, police said.

Psomas hit the gas and sped north on Stapley Drive as police followed

in a helicopter. Psomas ran through red lights and crossed the center

line into oncoming traffic causing several cars to stop to avoid

being hit head-on, according to a report.

He continued through Mesa until the road ended and attempted to drive

through the desert, police said.

The vehicle was eventually disabled on the Salt River Reservation

where Salt River Police Department officers searched for the couple

after they fled on foot.

Both were eventually caught, but not before rolling through several

cactus, police said. They were taken to Banner Desert Medical Center.

Psomas was booked on suspicion of felony flight; no charges have

filed against Strahan, who was admitted overnight for observation.

Philadelphia Inquirer

May 06, 2008

PHILADELPHIA – Nancy Braun was sitting on a couch watching one of her favorite TV shows, Trading Spaces, when gunfire erupted down the street yesterday morning.

“I heard three shots – real loud,” Braun said from a rocking chair on the front porch of her Schiller Street rowhouse. “Then a lady started screaming, ‘A police officer’s been shot!’ “

Braun and her boyfriend, Joe Czarnik, both 43, bolted out of the house and ran to Schiller and Almond Streets, she said. She was not wearing shoes at the time, she said, and ran in her socks.

In the street next to a compact police cruiser, Braun said, she saw Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski. Others were trying to apply pressure to his stomach and an arm.

Keith Petaccio, 45, was at his front door greeting his wife as she came back after walking their dogs.

A police cruiser “flew by,” and Petaccio stepped outside to see what was going on just as the gunfire started, he said. He said he had run to Liczbinski.

Throughout the block as noon approached, chaos ensued.

A woman spun around yelling that a man had put a gun to her head and threatened to kill her. People young and old poured out of houses and onto their porches. One man chased the shooter’s stolen Jeep as it bolted south on Almond Street. Others called 911 on cell phones.

An older man nearby had taken the fallen officer’s radio and was saying, “A police officer is down. He’s shot multiple times. Get an ambulance,” Braun said.

Braun yelled at another neighbor for towels to try to stop the gushing blood. She grabbed four kitchen towels and gave them to those trying to stop the bleeding, she said.

A neighbor tying to help Liczbinski looked up at Braun and said, “His arm is just dangling off.”

Petaccio said he had stayed with Liczbinski talking to him as he tried to save his life.

He said Liczbinski had looked at him and said, “I want you to tell my wife I’ll miss her.”

Joe Farrell was cooking breakfast for his children, he said, when he heard the shots feet from his porch. He yelled at the children to get down on the floor and ran out the door to help.

“They were holding rags on him trying to stop the blood from pumping out,” Farrell said. He said he had helped get Liczbinski into the back of a police car.

Minutes later, swarms of police and detectives arrived. They quickly strung yellow police tape for blocks around the intersection.

“I feel bad for the family and the police,” Braun said. “What they have to go through today, it’s horrible.”

Petaccio said that on Saturdays the neighborhood streets were usually filled with children playing. Yesterday few people were outside when the drama began.

“My heart goes out to his family,” Petaccio said. “I can’t believe it happened.”

Many of the porches in the neighborhood have colorful flowers hanging in baskets or in pots.

By 6 p.m., when most police cars had left and the police tape had been collected, some had placed flowerpots at the curb where Liczbinski fell.

(c) 2008 YellowBrix, Inc.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pray for the Men in Blue"

It takes a very special person to wear the blue.

Most people do not understand what we do

We made a commitment to protect and serve.

We work hard to provide the safety you deserve.

No normal shifts, not nine to five.

We work 24/7 to keep you alive.

Holidays and weekends don’t mean a thing.

We work night and day, just give us a ring.

Our loved ones and children pray every night.

That we will return at the break of daylight.

We carry guns and wear vests to help us get through.

You couldn’t imagine some of the things we must do.

We see accidents and blood and small children crying.

We also see death and it’s not just old people dying.

Abusive spouses and parents that don’t seem to care.

These are just a few of the things, to make you aware.

Drug dealers and drunks are a regular sight.

We go to the bars for fight after fight.

Responding to calls day after day.

Not allowing our personal lives to get in the way.

You complain all the time when you see us on a break.

We just drive around in cars and oh, the money we make.

Stop for a second and try to assess

Who’s always there to clean up the mess.

We do all we can to help and provide.

To make you feel safe and secure inside.

Please remember all of the things that we must do.

And next time you pray, include the men in blue.

I just received this violation notice from Yahoo answers because I ANSWERED a question in FRENCH!! One of the 2 official languages of CANADA!!!!

Hello psdiver (psdiver)

You have posted content to Yahoo! Canada Answers in violation of our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. As a result, your content has been deleted. Community Guidelines help to keep Yahoo! Canada Answers a safe and useful community, so we appreciate your consideration of the rules.

Question: Are my classes fine for Law Enforcement?

Question Details: My next year’s classes are going to be, 1, English (C) 2, Mathematics (C) 3, Religion 4, Civics& Careers 5, French (I am French but I want to Master it LOL) OR Biology??? 6, Law 7, Co-op (2 Credits with Local Police Department) 8, Co-op Afternoon Co-op. Mon-Fri Just want to make sure if this is fine for Law Enforcement. Is there anything I Should Change? HEY T! Just want to make sure with you if this is ok, if there is anything you have in mind about it tell me I did not confirm it yet. I told my counselor, I must ask you before anything. PS: I must do Civics& Careers Since I have been dropped last Semester for taking Science. And I don’t think I need gym class since I go to the gym every day.

Deleted Answer: A cours en francaise?? Non, biologique!! Cours de Religion?? Pourquai?? Cest non neccessaire!! T.

Violation Reason:Not in Correct Language

Correct me if I'm wrong but when did FRENCH not become one of the 2 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES OF CANADA???

And even your email address CA-answers-abuse proves that this site is in CANADA!!!!

An Orleans Parish judge today sentenced a 25-year-old Algiers man to a century in prison for trying to murder New Orleans police officer Andres Gonzalez nine months after Hurricane Katrina

A jury found Eddie Harrison III guilty of attempting to murder Gonzalez, who was left a quadriplegic from the run-in.

Prosecutors Greg Thompson and Rhonda Goode-Douglas asked Criminal Court Judge Julian Parker to give Harrison the maximum penalty as a repeat offender in Louisiana: 50 to 100 years.

After delivering a searing lecture to Harrison, Parker handed down the sentence, calling it an even trade for the fate Harrison sentenced Gonzalez to that fateful day.

"He was willing to fight you hand-to-hand like a man," Parker told Harrison, who appeared in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. "But you chose to try to kill him. You have sentenced him to a life sentence in a wheelchair. He can't give his parents grandchildren....He's going to be sentenced to life at home watching television with his mother and father, who will help him use the bathroom. All because of you. All because of you."

Parker said that all Gonzalez ever wanted to be was a cop, and that all Harrison wanted to be was a robber, landing in court at age 15 on charges of armed robbery. He was tried as an adult and pleaded guilty, receiving a minimal sentence, Parker noted.

For that crime, a Jefferson Parish judge on May 10, 1999, gave Harrison five years -- a second chance, Parker surmised. But instead of changing his ways, Harrison only learned "how to be a better criminal."

Gonzalez, dressed in his black NOPD uniform, delivered a brief yet succinct victim's impact statement to the court before the sentencing.

"The defendant has no remorse and he is not sorry for his actions," Gonzalez read, seated in his motorized wheelchair. His black leather NOPD jacket hung from the back of the chair. He listed the surgeries he has had - for facial reconstruction, his bladder, and his teeth. Most of the right side of his face is now made of titanium. He has been going to physical therapy three times a week since June 2006.

"How many other people have to get hurt or who are hurt that we don't know about?" Gonzalez asked. "This is the career I always wanted and now it's gone. I'll never walk again. I'll never work again. You should never walk free again."

First-degree murder carries either mandatory life in prison or death by lethal injection upon conviction, Gonzalez noted.

"Do not reward him with a lesser sentence for not being successful," Gonzalez said. "Since he didn't finish the job off. Why should he be free if he just didn't finish the job he started? That's all I have."

Attempted murder carries 10 to 50 years in prison for a first offender. But Harrison has a prior armed robbery conviction -- which doubled the possible punishment.

After a four-day trial that included 23 state witnesses and 123 exhibits, a jury found Harrison guilty of the attempted first-degree murder of a police officer.

The verdict was unanimous, although only ten of the 12 jurors needed to agree in order to render a legal verdict.

On the afternoon of May 22, 2006, Harrison surprised officer Andres Gonzalez during a foot chase in Algiers Point when he stuck a .40-caliber gun in the young officer's face, according to testimony. What began with a routine traffic stop when Gonzalez and his partner noticed a car with illegally tinted black windows ended with a police officer trying not to choke on his own blood as he lay on the pavement.

"In all likelihood, he saved someone else," Police Superintendent Warren Riley said after the verdict.

Harrison shot Gonzalez four times with the gun that he ditched before his arrest the same day, prosecutors said. The first bullet severed Gonzalez's spinal cord, instantly paralyzing him. Another went into his face and exited the back of his skull. A third shot struck the bullet-proof vest that covered the officer's abdomen.

The fourth was yet another attempt to end his life, Assistant District Attorney Rhonda Goode-Douglas said.

"Eddie Harrison wanted to make sure that Officer Gonzalez couldn't radio for help," Goode-Douglas said. "He shot into his police radio. That is specific intent to kill

Nine ways NOT to start your police report:

1) It was the best of times, it was the worst of times ...

2) The names contained in this report have been changed to protect the innocent ...

3) The mayor then made an illegal left hand turn onto Mulraney at which point I opened fire ...

4) Before I get into the details, I've got a few "shout-outs" for my homeys in the command staff ...

5) It was so dark and wet that night you could almost eat the mist. The radio call penetrated the eerie silence with such piercing intensity that for a moment, I was sure I'd lost my mind ...

6) Got call. Responded. Arrested bad guy. The end.

7) Mye pertnar an eye wher on petrol wen we seen a man act suspishushly...

8) The suspect then tried to assualt me by repeatedly slamming his face into my fist ...

9) A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away ...

Osama Bin Laden, your time is short;

We'd rather you die, than come to court.

Why are you hiding if it was in God's name?

Your just a punk with a turban; a pathetic shame.

I have a question, about your theory and laws;

"How come you never die for the cause?"

Is it because you're a coward who counts on others?

Well here in America, we stand by our brothers.

As is usual, you failed in your mission;

If you expected pure chaos, you can keep on wishin'

Americans are now focused and stronger than ever;

Your death has become our next endeavor.

What you tried to kill, doesn't live in our walls;

It's not in buildings or shopping malls.

If all of our structures came crashing down;

It would still be there, safe and sound.

Because pride and courage can't be destroyed;

Even if the towers leave a deep void.

We'll band together and fill the holes

We'll bury our dead and bless their souls.

But then our energy will focus on you;

And you'll feel the wrath of the Red, White and Blue.

So slither and hide like a snake in the grass;

Because America's coming to kick your ***!!!

CE Questions about SSA

1) What are the advantages of SSA?

a) Extended bottom time

b)Surface control of dive

c) Communications ability

d) All of the above? ANS D

2) What are the disadvantages of SSA?

a) More expensive than SCUBA

b) Low search areas due to bottom time constraints

c) May require a low pressure compressoe

d) Both a and c are correct? ANS D

3) SSA can be ideal for when you might require surface tending such as under ice.

a) True

b) False ANS True

4)WHEN COMMUNICATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL, HARDWARE SYSTEMS ARE MORE RELIABLE THAN WIRELESS SYSYTEMS?

A) True

B) False ANS True

5) SSA isn't for use in every OP, what problems may be encountered?

a) Snagging of umbilical

b) Cutting of umbilical due to sharp metal objects or edges

c) Your umbilical can free float

d) A + B but not C ANS D

6) How many personnel are required to use SSA?

a) 1

b 2

c)3

d) 5 or more ANS B but C is preferable!!

7) Which are needed for SSA Op's?

a) The diver

b) The standby diver

c) The boat operator

d) The Manifold operator

e) A B + D But not necessarily C ANS E

8) During the SSA dive, which flag should be displayed?

a) Blue and white flag Alpha

b) Red and White diver down ANS A

9) Why did you choose this answer??

a) Everybody knows the red and white dive flag

b)Flag Alpha indicates a vessel is restricted in it's movements because a diver is attached

c) Only the red and white diver down flag is used in North America ANS B

10) Boats supporting an SSA dive OP should use a minimum of how many moorings?

a) 1

b) 2

c) 3

d) 5 or more ANS B but C is preferable

11) Where should the moorings be placed?

a) Bow and stern

b) Bow and portside

c) Portside and stern

d) Port and Starboard ANS A

12) When requiring more umbilical the diver should say:

a) I need more hose!

b) Slack the diver ______ ft.!

c) Play out more hose until I stop!

d) None of the above ANS B

Homework :

While the manifold operator doesn't have to be a diver, what should they know??

The answers could include the complete understanding of the use of the manifold, emergency procedures, diving physiology regarding decompression, pressure laws

For recovery ops at depths greater than 100 ft what will be needed??

The answers could/should include K Bottles, low pressure compressors, and a boat at least 22ft/7 m. or larger

What things should your topside tender monitor, and when should he/she slack the hose, etc.

Answer should include :

Watch for boat traffic slack only when requested monitor hose tensions to monitor for diver problem's or emergencies.

In December, NLEOMF Chairman Craig W. Floyd and Congressman Filner presented the petition to Mr. David Failor, USPS Stamp Manager. Mr. Failor submitted the petition to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), which is currently considering the proposal. We hope the CSAC will recommend to the Postmaster General that the stamp be issued in 2009, the same year we plan to open the National Law Enforcement Museum. To contact the CSAC directly, please visit their website at:

Sylvia Simons-Trembelas and Marie Conroy (Survivor 1989) were the motivating forces behind the Stamp Petition initiative. The initiative's congressional sponsors were Congressman Robert Filner (D-CA) and Darrel Issa (R-CA).

Craig Floyd, NLEOMF Executive Director, David Failor, USPS Stamp Manager, and Congressman Bob Filner (CA)

Dear Friends,

In less than six months, with your help, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) collected more than 25,000 signatures in support of a U.S. Postal Service stamp commemorating law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty their families, partners and fellow officers. On Wednesday, October 19, on the steps of the United States Capitol, Sylvia Trembelas, who along with Marie Conroy was a prime motivating force behind the initiative, and I presented the petition to Congressman Robert Filner (CA - 51), one of the two lawmakers who proposed the Resolution (H. Con. Res. 85).

Representative Filner, a Democrat, and Representative Darrell Issa (CA-49), a Republican, partnered to create the Resolution. More than 50 Representatives have signed on as co-sponsors, demonstrating that the Resolution has significant bipartisan support.

Handing the large bound book of roughly 25,800 signatures to Congressman Filner, I said, "The Memorial is a place of honor for officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect public safety. Efforts such as this will encourage millions around the nation to remember them and their families. I am enormously grateful to you and Congressman Issa for championing this effort."

Rep. Robert Filner, Sylvia Trembelas

and Craig Floyd

Congressman Filner is a true friend of law enforcement. He assured me — and the thousands of you who signed the petition — that his effort and support would not end with merely accepting the signatures. He told me how important he feels it is to support law enforcement and thereby promote public safety as well. He said, "law enforcement is a demanding and dangerous profession, and we need to do everything in our power to support the men and women who keep our communities safe. That's why I introduced the Law Enforcement Equity Act, which is supported by more than 120 co-sponsors. It grants greatly improved retirement benefits for law enforcement officers who have devoted most of their lives to creating law, order, justice and freedom.

Rep. Robert Filner

and NLEOMF Chairman Craig Floyd

"But there is so much more that we can, and must, do. A commemorative stamp honoring law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty will carry this familiarity, affection and respect across the nation. It's a simple yet significant way to ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.

Congressman Filner thanked me, Sylvia, and the rest of the NLEOMF staff for working with us to carry this effort forward, and assured me of his continuing support in the months and years ahead.

I'm honored to pass along this information to you, because without your help and support, we would not have been able to present him with such an impressive document. Rest assured that we at the NLEOMF will continue to work to ensure all of our nation's law enforcement officers — past, present, and future — are given the recognition they deserve.

Sincerely,

Craig W. Floyd, Chairman

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund