LAW ENFORCEMENT TODAY

Augusta, Georgia

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Sheriff Motor Officer James D. “J.D.” Paugh

End Of Watch: 10-23-11

Deputy James Paugh, 47, was ambushed and gunned down when he stopped to assist a motorist. At 0118, Deputy Paugh was heading home after his shift when he noticed a suspicious vehicle. As he stopped, before even engaging the kickstand on his Department motorcycle, he was met with gunfire. Deputy Paugh managed to return fire but was struck by multiple bullets, which proved too much for our Warrior Brother. The Cop Killer then took his own life. Prior to Deputy Paugh’s arrival, the gunman, National Guardsman Christopher Hodges, had fired off several dozen rounds from an M4 semi-auto at passing motorists. Our Brother had not known this prior to him stopping to assist. Deputy James Paugh was ambushed upon arrival. It was later determined that there was a female passenger in the gunman’s vehicle and if Deputy Paugh had not stopped, even though he was not working at the time, this woman may have been killed. This is an ongoing investigation.

Born with a soul that had courage to wear the badge, Deputy Paugh had been Saving, Serving and Protecting the People of Richmond County for more than 17 years. A favorite among his peers, Brother James was a joy to be around and work with. His charming personality and fun disposition made even the real bad days tolerable. Tough, but fair on the road, this Warrior knew when, and how, to balance his work. With his winning smile, he was able to put people at ease which enabled him to gain trust and get to the truths. Even if you found yourself on the wrong side of a simple ticket, Deputy Paugh managed to have you drive away with a smile. When he found himself in tense situations, he was all business and his years of experience and training was admired and sought out by his co-workers. Living As Only A Hero Could, James was a great friend to all, young and old. With a heart of gold, he was the first to volunteer his time for anyone who needed assistance … or even just an ear. When not in uniform, James loved to cook and would often do so for his fellow Deputies. And to keep his mental balance, you could often see him riding his motorcycles to clear his head, though his favorite thing was simply when spending quality time with family and friends … who will miss him so very much … and will never forget.

Our Heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Paugh family and all the Men and Women of the Richmond County S/O as well as all surrounding agencies whom have had the privilege and the pleasure of working along side this Hero.

Our Brother, as you now patrol the streets of Heaven, may you continue your vigilant watch over us all as we carry on in the battles to come … In Our Brother’s Honor. We thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. We thank you for your life. Job Well Done Sir.

Rest In Peace Deputy Sheriff Motor Officer James D. “J.D.” Paugh … We have the watch from here. SALUTE!

~Written by Nessie~

RCSO: http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=294

Cop Killer Christopher Michael Hodges, 26, deceased.

Law Enforcement Today

Albany, Georgia

Albany Police Department

Police Officer Terry Lewis-Flemming

End Of Watch: 10-28-11

Officer Terry Lewis-Flemming, 36, was killed in a vehicle crash while in pursuit of armed robbery suspects. During a pursuit of the fleeing gunmen, several agencies were involved. Officer Lewis-Flemming and Officer Batson collided. Ofc. Lewis-Flemming’s cruiser burst into flames, causing critical injuries. Officer Batson also suffered injuries. They were transported to Trauma but injuries to Ofc. Lewis-Flemming proved to be too much and she succumbed to multiple blunt force trauma. The second Officer, Ofc. Gregory Batson, is stable and doing as well as can be expected. The suspects rammed several cruisers before they flipped their own vehicle. Even upon arrest, the suspects put up a fight. Money and weapons were recovered at the scene of the crash. This is an ongoing investigation

Born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge, Officer Lewis-Flemming has been Saving, Serving and Protecting the People of Albany for 5 years. Our beautiful Sister had the biggest smile and even bigger heart. She was made for this work no doubt. Tough as nails when needed be but also had an amazing compassion for those in need. Terry would often take time to stop and talk with the citizens and really listened to their concerns. She gained their trust and was an wonderful example to the People of how the Police are there to help. Officer Lewis-Flemming truly did us all proud. She took great pride in her uniform and the work that goes with wearing the badge. Serving every day with the utmost Honor and Integrity, Living As Only A Hero Could. Our Sister was just starting a whole new life. Currently attending college and newly married just 4 months ago on June 18, 2011. Her greatest joys came from spending time with her beloved and three children. Terry was also a huge Atlanta Falcons football fan and would often lose her voice cheering them on. It goes without saying how incredibly much this amazing Warrior will be missed by so very many … never to be forgotten.

Terry leaves behind her newly-wed husband Henry Flemming and three children. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Lewis and Flemming families as well as to all the Men and Women of the Albany PD and all surrounding agencies whom have had the privilege and the pleasure of working alongside this Hero. Thoughts are also with the Albany Fire Rescue and we thank them for doing all they could. Special healing prayers are with our Brother Gregory.

Our beloved Sister, you entered the battle and gave your life As Only A Warrior Dare so that others may live. As you now look down from the Heavens, may you continue your vigilant watch over us all as we carry on in the battles to come … In Our Sister’s Honor. We thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. We thank you for your life. Job Well Done Ma’am.

Rest In Peace Police Officer Terry Lewis-Flemming, We have the watch from here. SALUTE!

~written by Nessie~

APD: http://www.albany.ga.us/content/1798/2879/2939/default.aspx

(photo sent in to us by family, it was one of their favorites of Terry)

Kentrell Bernard Butler, 22, and Wesley Martavi Wilkerson, 22, charged with murder (felony), armed robbery, aggravated assault (three counts), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

LAW ENFORCEMENT TODAY

Patrolman Derek Kotecki was ambushed and gunned down
RIP Patrolman Derek Kotecki
http://lawenforcementtoday.com/2011/10/13/r-i-p-patrolman-derek-kotecki-end-of-watch-10-12-11/

New Kensington, Pennsylvania

Lower Burrell Police Department

K-9 Officer Patrolman Derek Kotecki

End Of Watch: 10-12-11

Patrolman Derek Kotecki, 40, was ambushed and gunned down by the subject of a weeks long manhunt. On Oct. 2, one Charlie Post had fired several shots at his boss. The authorities had been hunting this bastard down ever since. At one point, a Detective made contact by phone with the gunman to try and get him to surrender. The suspect’s words to the Detective were “My gun

is loaded with 14 bullets. 13 for the cops and one for me.” The Police got a tip stating that the suspect would be at the Dairy Queen at a certain time. Multiple Officers responded at 1900 this evening, including Ptl. Kotecki. As our Brother exited his cruiser, the suspect jumped from his vehicle and immediately opened fire, striking and killing Patrolman Derek Kotecki. The killer tried to flee on foot but came across a fence that blocked his escape. Officers were right on his tail. The gunman turned facing the Officers, pointed his weapon at the Police and then shot himself just as the Officers also opened fire. Post died at the scene. It has not yet been determined if the cop killer took his own life during the shoot-out or if hit by Police gunfire. It is possible that the person who called in the “tip” was Post himself in order to set up this ambush. This is an ongoing investigation and I will update as permitted.

Born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge, Patrolman Kotecki had been Saving, Serving and Protecting the People for more than 18 years with dedication and devotion. Before coming to LBPD in October of 2003, Derek worked part-time with the Ocean City, Maryland PD. This Hero was not just adored by his colleagues but also the citizens of Lower Burrell Township. Derek was so incredibly friendly and warm. His larger than life personality always left you smiling … and usually laughing. Derek had an amazing sense of humor and was known for his goofy jokes. This veteran knew how to balance the good with the bad out there and he made sure his Brothers and Sisters knew to do so also. Derek was like everyone’s big Brother. And his heart was definitely big enough to handle everyone. But make no mistake, this Warrior was always ready for the battle and very proactive in his policing. He and his partner, K-9 Odin were all business when called to assist in narcotic detection, tracking suspects and searching for lost loved ones. Ptl. Kotecki was also involved with the D.A.R.E. Program. When not in “Warrior mode”, this dynamic duo, who have been partnered since February of 2008, would win over the crowds at community events, often demonstrating their skills. The only thing Derek enjoyed doing more than his work, was spending quality time with his young family and friends. An avid basketball player and fan, this gentle giant will be tremendously missed by so very many … forgotten by so few.

Derek leaves behind his beloved bride, two sons and 4-legged partner, K9 Odin, 5. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Kotecki family as well as to all the Men and Women of the Lower Burrell PD and all surrounding agencies whom have had the privilege and the pleasure of working along side this Hero.

Our Brother, you were out there trying to get a violent offender off the street to protect the innocents. Though you knew this was very dangerous, you did so with no hesitation nor reservation … as Only A Warrior Dare. We thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. We thank you for your life. Job Well Done Sir. As you now patrol the streets of Heaven, may you continue your vigilant watch over us all as we carry on in the battles to come … In Our Brother’s Honor.

Rest In Peace K-9 Officer Patrolman Derek Kotecki … We have the watch from here. SALUTE!

~written by Nessie~

LBPD: http://www.cityoflowerburrell.com/government.htm#PoliceDept

COP KILLER Charles A. Post, 33, … deceased

Law Enforcement Today

Grenada, Mississippi
Grenada Police Department
Captain John Wayne Haddock
End Of Watch: 10-07-11

Captain John Haddock, 49, was struck and killed by a vehicle as he was attempting to save the lives of innocents. Police were chasing a possible stolen vehicle linked to an earlier burglary when the suspects headed right into Grenada. Captain Haddock knew he had to get this vehicle stopped before it hit the main intersection. The driver was traveling near 100 mph. As the Captain exited his vehicle to retrieve the spike strips from the trunk of his cruiser, the fleeing vehicle and pursuing cruisers were upon him. Capt. Haddock ran to a spot he thought he would be safe, raised one hand to signal them to stop while attempting to grab his weapon with the other. He had no time. The suspect vehicle veered across two lanes at this high rate of speed, directly into the path of our Brother. He was hit by the suspect driver and thrown nearly 200 feet. The impact caused the fleeing vehicle to wreck and two of the occupants were taken into custody and transported to the hospital (one critical, though unknown if is the Cop Killer). Captain John Wayne Haddock was killed … after he achieved the one thing he wanted more than anything … this Hero gave his life to save those of the innocents in the path of this out-of-control driver. This is an ongoing investigation and I will update as permitted. ~Nessie~

Please, take a moment to read of how this Hero LIVED by clicking on this link –> http://lawenforcementtoday.com/2011/10/07/r-i-p-captain-john-wayne-haddock-end-of-watch-10-07-11/

September 28, 2011 in featured,

L.E.T.’S FAVORITE LEOS by Nessie

OREGON POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES RETURNS TO DUTY! On January 23, 2011, Lincoln City Police Department’s OFFICER STEVEN DODDS, 45, was critically wounded by several gunshot wounds while trying to apprehend a fleeing motorist. His wounds included (but not limited to) being shot in his abdomen and also had a major artery severed. Brother Steven was on a ventilator for about two weeks while he underwent numerous surgeries. But this True Blue Warrior fought like hell and with the expertise of his surgeons and medical staff, along with his daughter Megan, 18, and friends by his side, Ofc. Dodds never gave up … and neither did his family of Blue … and of Red …

While recovering, many fundraiser benefits were held to assist our Brother, including a “Fill The Boot” event that the Lincoln City Fire Department held for their Brother Of Blue, raising (more than ten) thousands of dollars. WAY TO GO FIREDAWGS!!

This 6 year Police veteran stood a much better chance of survival because he was in amazing physical and mental condition. Something we all need to really keep in mind of and learn from. On April 9, Officer Dodds was released from the hospital where he then underwent additional surgeries and continued painful rehab. Talk about one tough Cop eh? There was never a doubt he would return to doing what he does best. What he was born to do … Save, Serve and Protect the People of Lincoln City. And return he did … today, September 27, nearly 8 months to the day. Officer Dodds was no doubt born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge. In 2008, he was named DUII ENFORCER OF THE YEAR, and LINCOLN CITY’S OFFICER OF THE YEAR for 2009 & 2010.

Brother Steven, you have shown us all what it means to never give up and taught us the importance of staying physically and mentally fit. Your courage, determination and will to live shall be thought of by so very many of us. We thank you and we are so very proud of you! WELCOME BACK OFFICER STEVEN DODDS!!

~written by Nessie for Law Enforcement Today~

After an extensive week long manhunt in Waldport, Oregon to find our Brother’s shooter, to no avail, the F.B.I. has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Ofc. Dodds’ would-be killer:

WANTED FOR THE CRITICAL SHOOTING OF OFFICER STEVEN DODDS:

David Anthony Durham

white male

age: 43

ht: 6’3″

wt: 160-185 lbs

long brown hair; blue eyes

last seen wearing full green camouflage clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants and tan or dark-colored boots and a dark-colored beret.

Durham is an avid outdoorsmen who knows how to live off the land. He also creates his own camouflage clothing.

He is considered ARMED & EXTREMELY DANGEROUS; Do not attempt to apprehend alone. Anyone with information about where Durham is, please contact the Lincoln City Police Department at (541) 994-3636 or dial 911

LCPD: http://police.lincolncity.org/index.html

UPDATED: The High Court declined last minute stay of execution … FLORIDA COP KILLER HAS BEEN PUT TO DEATH BY LETHAL INJECTION: Manuel Valle has (now) been executed for the April 2, 1978 cold-blooded execution murder of CORAL GABLES POLICE OFFICER LOUIS PENA. K-9 Ofc. Pena, 41, was conducting a traffic stop which turned out to be a wanted parolee in a stolen vehicle. Officer Pena, an 11 year vete…ran, died a short time later from bullet wound to the neck. The Cop Killer was tried not once, but twice, both times resulted in a sentence of death. After 33 years of appeals, hearings, motions, stays etc., which amounted to cruel and unusual punishment for the Pena family, Cop Killer Manuel Valle, 61, was pronounced dead at 7:14 this evening, September 28, 2011. He made no final statement. TO READ THE FULL STORY (written by Nessie for Law Enforcement Today), FOLLOW THIS LINK –> http://lawenforcementtoday.com/2011/09/29/florida-cop-killer-has-been-put-to-death-by-lethal-injection/
fn: this is a repost due to yet another last-minute delay by the prison who was waiting for an order by the U.S. Supreme Court (not sure why they did not have this already at the scheduled execution time of 1600) I truly apologize. The Miami Herald reported he had been pronounced just after 4 p.m. – That was not the case) ~N~

Law Enforcement Today

Bismarck, North Dakota
Burleigh County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Sheriff Bryan Sleeper
End Of Watch: 09-28-2011

Just after midnight, Deputy Bryan Sleeper, 39,

was assisting Deputy Jon Eide with an arrest following a traffic stop of an impaired driver, when suddenly he just collapsed after an intense struggle.

TO READ THE FULL STORY OF HOW THIS HERO LIVED (written by Nessie for Law Enforcement Today), PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK —> http://lawenforcementtoday.com/2011/09/29/deputy-sheriff-bryan-sleeper-end-of-watch-09-28-2011/

Law Enforcement Today

OREGON POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES RETURNS TO DUTY! On January 23, 2011, Lincoln City Police Department’s OFFICER STEVEN DODDS, 45, was critically wounded by several gunshot wounds while trying to apprehend a fleeing motorist. Talk about one tough Cop eh? There was never a doubt he would return to doing what he does best. What he was born to do … Save, Serve and Protect the People of Lincoln City. And return he did … today, September 27, nearly 8 months to the day. Officer Dodds was no doubt born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge. TO READ THE FULL STORY (written by Nessie for Law Enforcement Today), CLICK ON THIS LINK —> http://lawenforcementtoday.com/2011/09/28/oregon-police-officer-who-was-shot-multiple-times-returns-to-duty/