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<title>Backing The Blue - Friends of Law Enforcement</title>
<link>http://www.backingtheblue.com</link>
<description>Backing The Blue - Friends of Law Enforcement</description>
<image>
       <url>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Img/JusticeBadgeOnWhite.jpg</url>
       <title>Backing The Blue - Friends of Law Enforcement</title>

       <link>http://www.backingtheblue.com</link>
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<language>en-us</language>

<item><title>A film to come out after Police week sometime.</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=147</link><description><![CDATA[I was asked to forward on this information to as many people as I can. This film is looking like it will be a good one that honor's law enforcement everywhere.

We recently launched our Facebook page at Facebook.com/heroesbehindthebadge  Please &quot;Like&quot; &quot;Share&quot; and follow us!


Twitter: @HeroesBTB


Www.heroesbehindthebadge.com (Contact Us to be added to the pre-order list)


50% of the proceeds will go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund  (Press Release Below)


Please, help us spread our message and support our law enforcement heroes. Take a stand! Forward this message to friends, family and co-workers!


Thanks for your support and interest.


Bill Erfurth, President
MODERN CITY ENTERTAINMENT
www....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=147">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:15:55 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>The Watchmen MC</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=146</link><description><![CDATA[The Watchmen MC is a newly created Brotherhood for sworn members of the law enforcement community. When forming this tightly knit brotherhood, we recognized law enforcement motorcycle clubs were a dime a dozen and have been main stream for quite some time. We understood that forming, yet another LE club, it would have to strive to be something new, exciting, and different. We wanted a club of like minded brothers who were motivated, dedicated, and share the love for the open road. 

http://vimeo.com/37097345

http://watchmenmc.com...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=146">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 18 Mar 2012 18:28:11 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Swat Tourniquet/Tactical Casualty Care Hand Book Combo </title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=145</link><description><![CDATA[Swat Tourniquet/Tactical Casualty Care Hand Book Combo 
Item Code: SWAT-T/TCCHB 

&quot;A Police Officers Guide and Handbook to Tactical Casualty Care (Under Fire) First Aid and Self First Aid for Law Enforcement,&quot; and the SWAT-Tourniquet&#8482; a unique and multipurpose dressing. Its name provides a description for usage Stretch, Wrap, and Tuck, but also the communities for whom it was developed - military and civilian Special Weapons and Tactics teams. These teams operate in an environment that has a high incidence of penetrating trauma, and most (two-thirds) of preventable deaths in the operational environment are from extremity bleeding. The SWAT-Tourniquet&#8482; allows a more rapid means to control extremity bleeding and allows application high...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=145">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:09:58 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Motorcycle Safety tips from a London Officer and advice to young drivers</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=144</link><description><![CDATA[Thought it was nice to see the public safety clips being done by London officers. Check out their You Tube Channel...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=144">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:50:18 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Well done video supporting officers</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=143</link><description><![CDATA[Just wanted to share this video because it is nicely done and I thught it was touching to see officers at work and at play, and shown for the great people they are. Enjoy....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=143">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:51:11 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Christmas Lights for a great cause</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=142</link><description><![CDATA[Milt Warrell of Falls has an 80,000 light display set to music that raises money for the Bucks County Heroes Fund, which supports children of police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel who are disabled or killed in the line of duty.

...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=142">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:31:36 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Beverly Hills Cop Christmas Light Show</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=141</link><description><![CDATA[Found this and thought it was just a bit of a fun spin on Christmas. Enjoy!...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=141">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:26:05 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Shop with a Cop</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=140</link><description><![CDATA[Many departments participate in Shop with a Cop, with some focusing on helping kids buy gifts for their families, and others helping kids get the things they need. 

Officers have such big hearts to serve their communities and volunteer their time to take kids out to &quot;shop with a Cop&quot;.

Enjoy these videos from a few departments....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=140">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:23:18 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Occupy Portland</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=139</link><description><![CDATA[I usually re-post things here from other sources, that show the positive view that people everywhere have of law enforcement, but this time I'm going to post what I am hearing locally and seeing for myself. 

I live near Portland Oregon, and have been seeing the results of Occupy Portland which started out as a part of Occupy Wall street. I have watched as the protestors have destroyed the parks they &quot;occupied&quot; and noticed the change of consumers here, and that people went to outlaying cities to do business and go for entertainment as the Occupy movement was making people want to avoid business near their encampment. 

In all of this, I've watched officers getting yelled at and spat on, even as they used so much professionalism and restraint to...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=139">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:26:20 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Portland Oregon Police and Sunshine division</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=138</link><description><![CDATA[One of the things I think is awesome, is that Portland Oregon Police actually have a division dedicated to helping the families in their area. Sunshine division is always filling boxes of food for needy families, and volunteers come out every year to make sure there are plenty of food baskets for the holidays as well. It is wonderful to see such a large donation as this going out to help so many people. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=138">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:49:17 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Law Enforcement handbook</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=137</link><description><![CDATA[http://thelawenforcementhandbook.nelson.com/ 

The above link is offered by Jim Bailey is a former journalist from Mississauga and Stephen Rowland is a Detective with the Peel Regional Police Service and the son of Desmond Rowland.

Feel free to visit their website and spread the word about them. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=137">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:16:47 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Officers represent safety...</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=136</link><description><![CDATA[Just sharing my own personal experience this time. I am very thankful for law enforcement officers. Not just the ones I work with, but all of them. Recently I had an accident on my motorcycle, and started to go into shock surrounded by strangers and overwhelmed by seeing my injury and realization of having to deal with an ambulance and my bike laying on the ground. Once I saw an officer in front of me, all the panic and shock started to ebb away because I knew that as long as an officer was with me, everything was ok and would be taken care of. 

It made me think about people who don't have that same feeling of security. They have lived a life where they are made to believe that officers are out to punish them, and can't find the same calm as I found. I th...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=136">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:26:33 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>23rd annual candle light vigil</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=135</link><description><![CDATA[Highlights from the 23rd Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during National Police Week 2011, featuring Sgt. Michael Devine of the New York City Police Department.

As posted on youtube...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=135">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:46:13 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Video posted by Portland Oregon Police</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=134</link><description><![CDATA[This video was posted as an upload by Portland Oregon Police. There has been a lot of gang violence lately, and it is inspirational to see the youth that are writing poems like this, and speaking out against the violence....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=134">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:28:40 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Portland Oregon Police Memorial</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=133</link><description><![CDATA[This video was produced by Portland Oregon Police and posted on Youtube. 

The second video (Also from Portland Oregon Police)( Shows how even when a hero has gone, their good work goes on. The second video is the Z-Man Auction which goes towards scholarships for kids. 

Thank you Portland Oregon Police!

It Starts with me is a good motto....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=133">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 07:10:43 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>imposters of Backing The Blue</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=132</link><description><![CDATA[If you have been approached by anyone saying they are affiliated or showing any documantation saying they are an affiliate of Backing the Blue, it is NOT true. This site is a private blog site built by my husband. It has been brought to my attention that some people are claiming to be affiliated with our site and calling it a company. Do not fall for this. 

The website is a fan website and has social network links. It is here to praise officers and show support of law enforcement officers everywhere. I have been way behind in blogging lately due to some family health issues, and also concerns about some of the people claiming to be part of Backing the Blue. 

Please continue to show your support of law enforcement by commenting and sharing stories with ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=132">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 18:48:04 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>The Heros Behind the badge</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=131</link><description><![CDATA[Actually these are a few good videos...
Enjoy.
Thank an officer....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=131">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:50:04 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Pain behind the badge trailer</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=130</link><description><![CDATA[Stumbled over this video and thought it was worth sharing....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=130">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:38:34 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Blue Mondays! Show support for Law Enforcement!</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=129</link><description><![CDATA[Show support for law enforcement! Wear Blue on Mondays, especially the first Monday of every month! Tie a blue ribbon on your car antenna. Blue is the color for peace and law enforcement. It shows thanks for the job they do. If you support police, please share this with your friends on your social page, or in e-mails! 

...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=129">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:31:32 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>NEW FANS NOTE: Cafe press site was asked for by fans.</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=128</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.cafepress.com/BackingTheBlueFans is the site for products we've tried to produce for fans. The cafe press site was only created because fans wanted to know how to get products with our logo. I am not a sales person...never been good at that. Just wanted to offer what I could for the fans. 

The lateset design is Blue Monday badge which I hope inspired fans to create their own e-mails to send on, posters to create, and ways of spreading the word. Let's all wear Blue on Mondays to show that we support law enforcement officers and be a visible way of saying &quot;thank you for keeping the peace so that we can maintain our normal lives.&quot;

This site and options like this are all paid for out of our own pocket. We are just working class and do ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=128">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 06 Mar 2011 21:18:35 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Police Support ribbons by Backing the Blue</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=127</link><description><![CDATA[I created only 70 of these ribbons this year. They are made of 1 1/2 inch wide (wired) ribbon which is about 9 1/2 inches tall by 5 1/2 inches wide. If you would like me to send you one, the five dollar charge covers my materials and the shipping. The link below can be cut and pasted into your browser to place an order.
* https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?business=laurie%2ewinslow%40comcast%2enet&amp;cmd=_xclick&amp;currency_code=USD&amp;item_name=Police%20Officer%20Support&amp;20Ribbon&amp;currency_code=USD&amp;amount=5.00&amp;quantity=1&amp;undefined_quantity=1...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=127">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:27:14 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Norfolk police Kids Bike Rodeo</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=126</link><description><![CDATA[Kid's Bike Rodeo - Norfolk Police teach youth about cycling safety in the city 

This is a very nice video clip that shows officers showing kids how to be safe with their bicycles. Enjoy!...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=126">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:26:00 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Portland Oregon Police videos</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=125</link><description><![CDATA[Here are a couple of new videos from Portland Oregon Police regarding the Z-man foundation and wrestling. The kids have a great time and have a safe outlet for their pent up energy doing this. What I am most impressed by is the appreciation given to all those officers who do so much for their community. Please watch these videos and enjoy. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=125">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:01:20 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Police drive training at PIR</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=124</link><description><![CDATA[The following news clip mentions that Police do not have a training facility for their drive training and have to borrow time at Portland International Raceway parking lots. It should never be that way. We should have the budget for police and all the tools and training that they need. 
...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=124">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Jan 2011 08:40:06 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Portland Police Awards highlights</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=123</link><description><![CDATA[Listen to this and realize just how important our officers are, and they are doing such a good job of keeping us safe....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=123">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Jan 2011 08:34:20 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Fan response to showing how far officer response goes.</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=122</link><description><![CDATA[Response in less than 24 hours to the facebook page. The following post was to see if we could find out how far support for officers reach. The names were removed, but the locations are all listed here. Officers are still heros in the eyes of many people. 

Backing the Blue / Friends of Law Enforcement
Would like to have fans post pictures. Please post a landmark where you are, let's see how many places our fans are from. If you can't post a picture, text your city, state and country. Let's show the officers watching this page how far their support reaches!

Acworth, GA

Martinsburg,WV

St. Clair Shores, Michigan 

Clinton, Michigan. (I'm southwest of Ann Arbor, MIchigan)

Hesston Pennsylvania USA

Batavia, Ohio

Mission, Texas..

Sunland,...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=122">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:58:52 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>RIP Officer Nehasil (Forwarded by a fan of backing the blue)</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=121</link><description><![CDATA[Larry Nehasil 

Nehasil was with the Livonia Police Department for more than 20 years. He was a former Wayne County Sheriff. He was a husband and father of two, Stevenson said.

&quot;Larry was highly decorated,&quot; Stevenson said. &quot;His family is obviously devastated by their loss, and we ask all of you to join in our prayers for them in their time of need. Larry will be remembered by his smile, his hard work ethic and will be missed by all of his coworkers.&quot;

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office will be investigating the shooting, Stevenson said.

Stevenson said this is the first time in the history of the city that a Livonia police officer has been killed in a &quot;violent felony.&quot;

Officials say a 20-year veteran with the Livoni...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=121">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:31:04 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>End of Watch design</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=20</link><description><![CDATA[This is the link to our End of watch design. there are a number of different products available with this design. This is a nice design to show your support when an officer is lost. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=20">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 19:52:58 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Blue Alert January 14, 2011</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=120</link><description><![CDATA[UPDATE!!! The suspect has been captured!

**BLUE ALERT: COP KILLER AT LARGE** LAKEWOOD, NEW JERSEY; **ARMED &amp; DANGEROUS**
JAHMELL CROCKAM; 19 years; BACK MALE; 5'7&quot;; HEAVY WEIGHT; SUNKEN EYES, PUFFY CHEEKS; WEARING BLACK HOODED SWEATSHIRT; BAGGY DARK BLUE JEANS; GREY BOXER SHORTS; LAST SEEN AT THE 1500 BLOCK OF AUGUST DRIVE, LAKEWWOD

WANTED FOR THE EXECUTION STY...LE MURDER OF A LAKEWOOD POLICE OFFICER THAT OCCURRED THIS EVENING. EVEN IF NOT IN THE STATE, GET THIS PASSED AROUND BECAUSE YOUR FRIENDS, THEIR FRIENDS MAY BE. 

THERE IS A $40,000 REWARD OFFERED AT THIS TIME
Anyone who might know this individual or can help police with information should call Lakewood PD at 732-363-0200 or the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office at 732-929-2027.

...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=120">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:17:31 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Denver Police Department names mechanic its civilian employee of year</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=119</link><description><![CDATA[Original story on link http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_17039875

Posted: 01/08/2011 01:00:00 AM MSTUpdated: 01/08/2011 01:04:30 AM MST

A mechanic who keeps Denver police vehicles rolling with &quot;care and devotion&quot; has been chosen by co-workers as the department's civilian employee of the year.

Police Chief Gerald Whitman presented the award to Jeffrey A. Navarro this week.

A line mechanic supervisor, Navarro has worked for the City and County of Denver since Aug. 3, 1998. In announcing the award, the city gave several examples of occasions where he has gone beyond his job description to help other employees, the Police Department and the residents of Denver. He once insisted on driving an ill, uncooperative co-worker to the hospital. Wit...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=119">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 09 Jan 2011 15:51:43 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Rainier shooting suspect appears in court; memorial date set</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=118</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.koinlocal6.com/news/local/story/Rainier-shooting-suspect-appears-in-court/AGnKH4D8C0-A9Lk7RGnT1Q.cspx 
is the original story reposted here. 

Reported by: The Associated Press 
Published: 1/07 4:40 pm 
Last Update: 1/07 7:12 pm 

ST. HELENS, Ore. - The man accused of killing the police chief of Rainier is being held without bail after his arraignment on Friday on an aggravated murder charge.

Judge Ted Grove has ordered 21-year-old Daniel Butts to remain in the Columbia County Jail.

Butts appeared in court by a video feed. His attorney, Patrick Sweeney, did not return a call from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Grove says the case will go to a grand jury, and Butts could then be arraigned again.

Butts is being held in jail ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=118">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 11:28:47 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>An officer's car...</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=117</link><description><![CDATA[I have heard people worry about their loved ones who are out fighting crime and thought I would put this article together to quell some of those fears. 
I am very thankful to Beaverton Police Department (Beaverton, Oregon) for answering my questions, and allowing me to take pictures. It was a very chilly and wet day, but the Public Information Officer was gracious enough to share an hour of her time answering my questions and opening cars for me to be able to take pictures for this article.

There is a misconception that officers sit around in a precinct all day waiting for something to happen that they can respond to, and that there are only a few officers who walk a beat and answer questions. The truth is, officers are set up in their vehicles to be min...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=117">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 11:13:22 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Our Cafe Press store</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=116</link><description><![CDATA[Due to demand for products with our logo, we did come up with a site at http://www.cafepress.com/BackingTheBlueFans where you can order many different products.

When you go to the site, click on the product description on the left hand side, and it will show you all the products that are available with that design. We are still researching the possibility of getting stitched patches and collectible badges, but for now we are only offering our logo in prints on these products. 

http://www.cafepress.com/BackingTheBlueFans/7537079 is the address for the badge and products offered. 

There are more designs. Just click on the description and view all the choices. We tried to make the title match the description so that you can choose more easily what you ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=116">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 21:29:31 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Dispatchers deserve to be honored for all they do.</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=115</link><description><![CDATA[I asked about Allentown PA and the average numbers that dispatchers work with. They average about 500-600 calls on a day shift. So while most people who work a regular business day, and think they have been swamped with calls, imagine the numbers dispatchers are working with. That number goes up on middle shift which is about when most people are heading home. They may be calls of homeowners finding they have been burglarized while they were at work, or they could be domestic violence calls, or any number of emergencies. As most people are going to sleep for the night, night shift call volume drops off a lot. 

Allentown, PA have 18 police departments they dispatch for, 52 fire departments and 13 EMS departments...almost all of our fire departments are vol...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=115">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:04:26 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Our Logos and work on Cafe Press</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=19</link><description><![CDATA[Now you can buy products form Cafe Press with our logo badge and support ribbon! As you buy from our cafe Press shop, it helps us continue to run this site. 

We pay for everything to run this site out of our own pockets. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=19">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:04:49 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>In Memoriam Lakewood, WA Police officers</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=114</link><description><![CDATA[http://connect.lawofficer.com/video/in-memoriam-lakewood-wa 

From Law Officer Connect

In Memoriam: Lakewood , WA Police OfficersAdded by Law Officer WebTeam on November 29, 2010 at 5:07pm

Tribute to the four officers murdered in cold blood on 29 Nov. 2009. Sgt. Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Gregory Richards, and Officer Ronald Owens.

...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=114">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:28:56 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Project Blue Light</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=113</link><description><![CDATA[This video is of the 2009 Project Blue Light. Let's all hang a blue ribbon for our law enforcement and light a blue light in our window to show officers our support. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=113">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:22:27 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Help find Bane fundraiser</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=112</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/notes/find-bane/paypal-donation-information/131102306947939 

Is the link to paste in your browser window. 

We have prepared a PayPal account using the email account findbane@hotmail.com based upon suggestion of viewers from this page. As previous postings have indicated we appreciate your willingness to contribute to the reward fund in hopes that it will bring forward tips and information leading to the return of Bane.

 

The PayPal account creates a convenient method that will allow you to donate to this cause. This also assures that financial transparency and responsibility is retained through an accepted and proven accounting system.Donations to the fund will continue to be accepted by mail or through deposit...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=112">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:46:23 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Help find K9 Bane and bring him home to his handler</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=111</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=541833
Please cut and paste the above link in your browser. Help bring Bane home.

Even if you don't live in the area, spread the word, Someone you know, may have connections where this dog is. K9 officers and their dogs are partners which some dog lovers can appreciate, but they rely more on each other. It is very important that this dog gets to come home.

Article as posted on the above link...Please open link to the original post to watch the video. 

The search continues for Bane, the missing MSP K-9 
by Andrew Keller
Posted: 11.16.2010 at 6:30 PM

Dog went missing Saturday, and troopers are hoping they can bring him home

Read more: Local, State, News, Bane, Missing, K 9, Dog, Drug, Tracking, Pr...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=111">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:21:31 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Search and rescue with Canadian forces and Marine unit</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=110</link><description><![CDATA[Training with officers so they are always prepared to save a life....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=110">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:55:12 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Iraqi police save lives in combat</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=109</link><description><![CDATA[This is a nice story on officers. It also shows how tough their jobs are, and the media is reporting in a positive light....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=109">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:42:00 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>A mother's message</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=108</link><description><![CDATA[Las Vegas lost an officer a year ago, yet that officer's mother delivers a wonderful message at his memorial service recently. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=108">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:32:34 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Brotherhood of the badge corrections</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=107</link><description><![CDATA[www.brotherhoodofthebadgeint.org notified me of a link I had posted under our projects tab. When I posted it, I thought it was for their organization which is a very good cause. (When I post links to sites, I send them a message asking for them to correct my info if needed and ask if it is ok to post. Apparently, this time I was sending the message to the for profit company instead.) Thankfully my site is being viewed by enough people now, that I was able to be contacted by the correct people at Brotherhood of the Badge and we were able to correct the information on my site. This message will populate on the facebook, and twitter pages as well. Please make sure that you note the corrections if you had bookmarked their page. 

Thank you again to the person ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=107">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:19:45 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>OnStar helping fallen officer's families</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=106</link><description><![CDATA[Onstar is using facebook as a platform to raise money to help the families of fallen officers. If everyone who is a fan of backing the blue clicks like on their facebook page, and then shares that link with all of their friends, we could make a difference in the lives of some of those hurting families this Thanksgiving. They are only doing this through the end of THIS month, so pleas act quickly. Spread the word....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=106">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 07:38:27 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Girl Strength. An excellent empowerment program by Portland Oregon Police</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=105</link><description><![CDATA[While there may never be a way to completely protect our children, Portland Police have a program for empowering middle school aged girls to be able to protect themselves and make good choices for themselves. The program has been working well to teach young ladies self confidence and helps them get themselves out of bad situations and trust their intuition. 

The program is a very good model to help young ladies everywhere....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=105">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:24:59 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>K-9 Danny award </title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=104</link><description><![CDATA[It is with great sorrow that we learned K-9 Dany was put to rest November 2, 2010. ; He will be remembered as one best K-9's to serve with the Portland Police Bureau's K-9 Unit...

...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=104">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:14:35 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>BLUE ALERT!!!  Officer Ryan Bonaminio; End Of Watch: 11-07-10</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=103</link><description><![CDATA[Relayed message from http://www.facebook.com/#!/law.enforcement.today

Law Enforcement Today
&#253;**TWICE THE HERO**
Riverside, California
Riverside Police Department
Officer Ryan Bonaminio; End Of Watch: 11-07-10
Officer Ryan Bonaminio, 27, was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a hit-run suspect on foot. At 2145 hrs, Officer Bonaminio, attempted a traffic stop on a suspected hit-run driver of a big rig semi. The suspect ...eventually pulled over after running red lights and not yielding to the lights and sirens of Officer Bonaminio's patrol car but jumped out of the vehicle and ran into a park. Officer Bonaminio chased him on foot and within moments, he was gunned down by this scumbag. Fellow Officers responding for back-up found their b...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=103">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:10:25 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Keith Morse one year ago...</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=102</link><description><![CDATA[One year ago Keith Morse was the Commander at SE Precinct in Portland Oregon. Saturday November 6th, we lost him after a battle with illness. I was fortunate enough to have worked with him, even if only a few months, and felt he deserved a tribute on the site. 

Rest in Peace and may your family and friends left behind find peace and know how lucky we were to have you be part of our lives. You will be missed. 

Ceremony marks official closure of Southeast Precinct
By David F. Ashton

The Bee, Jul 1, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009 

(Photo info: David F. Ashton / THE BEE 

Flanked by former East Precinct officers Lt. Kelly Sheffer, Matt Wagknecht, and Lt. Dave Hendrie, Commander Keith Morse accepts a commutative plaque from his staff. 


After servi...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=102">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:48:31 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Tribute to K9 officers</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=101</link><description><![CDATA[This is a very good video clip in memory of a K9 officer. I'm aware of loosing two of Portland Oregon's officers recently and felt the timing was good to post this clip until more info on the Portland dogs becomes available. 





...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=101">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:34:29 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Officer Shawn Turner's story</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=100</link><description><![CDATA[The following was sent to me and it is a good example of how a good officer can be dragged down and disappointed by the system they have to work in. Officers are already having to deal with an environment where they see people at the worst the majority of the time, and have to deal with things the rest of the public doesn't want to. It is easy for an officer to become overwhelmed and it is even worse if the system they work in is broken. It is bad for the community, as they loose faith in law enforcement, but this officer's story is an excellent example of how one officer can stand up and restore the public's faith because the officer takes courage and stands against the broken system for the people he or she serves. 

I have included the information which...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=100">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:13:08 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Willie Halliburton Comedy Cop</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=99</link><description><![CDATA[This is an officer I worked with when I was at the desk at SE Precinct. Yes, that is me answering the phone and Willie trying to turn in his partner Dan on the second video. 

Willie is an amazing person who can keep a positive outlook and really cares deeply about the community where he works. He is serious when he needs to be, but is a great entertainer who can help bridge the gap between officers and the public they serve. 

You can find his station at MrFunnyCop on youtube....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=99">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:02:50 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Marine Corps 235th Birthday</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=98</link><description><![CDATA[original link is http://www.usmcbirthdayball.com/

2010 Commandant's Marine Corps Birthday Ball

celebrating the 235th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps


The Commandant of the Marine Corps invites you to celebrate the Marine Corps' 235th Birthday at the Commandant's Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 13, 2010, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. 

The Commandant's Marine Corps Birthday Ball is the official ball of the Marine Corps, and is open to all hands. The celebration is a national-level event, attended by active duty and retired Marines and their families, as well as influential national, community, and civic leaders.


This year's ball will continue the proud tradition of celebrating the birthday o...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=98">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:38:53 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Lakewood Four story Komo News Nov 29, 2009</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=97</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.komonews.com/news/local/78088192.html is the original link in case anyone wants to research further. 
After Timothy Brenton's death, and then this assination, Backingtheblue was created. This site is designed to honor thier memories and to support the officers out there who are standing that thin blue line to protect us.

Story Published: Nov 29, 2009 at 9:53 AM PDT 
Story Updated: Mar 18, 2010 at 12:05 PM PDT 

LAKEWOOD, Wash. - Four uniformed police officers were shot and killed in a bloody Sunday morning attack at a Lakewood-area coffee shop, and investigators are seeking a person of interest in the killings, officials said.
Pierce County Sheriff's Office spokesman Ed Troyer said the person they are seeking is Maurice Clemmons, who is a ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=97">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 07:06:49 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>KATU News link of Timothy Brenton's death 1 year later</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=96</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.katu.com/news/local/106421688.html#IDCThread is the original post. I will not post the photo of his killer here. I will post the rest of the story as published on KATU page asn Timothy Brenton's photo published there. Please go to their webpage and view the videos.

Story Published: Oct 31, 2010 at 7:24 PM PDT 
Story Updated: Oct 31, 2010 at 7:24 PM PDT 


SEATTLE - A memorial to fallen Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton was dedicated in a special ceremony Sunday, at the exact location where he was shot dead in his patrol car exactly one year ago.

The beautiful autumn day clouded over as the ceremony began - almost mirroring the emotions that so many felt on this spot a year ago.

Among those in attendance was Brenton's widow, Lisa....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=96">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 06:51:33 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Anniversary of Timothy Brenton's assasination</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=95</link><description><![CDATA[October 31st 2009, officer Timothy Brenton and his trainee officer Sweeny were singled out for a horrific assasination. Officer Brenton was killed. In the days that followed and the shock that was felt durring the manhunt, the foundation of this site backingtheblue was laid. 

Watching the funeral broadcast on News stations throughout the northwest, I was trying to figure out some way to honor his memory and build the connection back between the public and law enforcement. I knew I couldn't do much, but had to stand up and do SOMETHING. The minority that would find it acceptable to murder an officer and hide the killer had to know that society does not condone what was being done. I was not sure how to go about it though.

Not long after the funeral, the...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=95">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 06:44:05 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>NY Daily news reports Mexican police force attacked by drug Cartel all resigned.</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=94</link><description><![CDATA[By Bravo/Reuters

A policeman walks among bullet-riddled patrol trucks after an attack at a police station in the town of Los Ramones. Gunmen shot more than 1,000 rounds and launched six grenades at the building. The entire police force in a small Mexican town abruptly resigned Tuesday after its new headquarters was viciously attacked by suspected drug cartel gunmen.

All 14 police officers in Los Ramones, a rural town in northern Mexico, fled the force in terror after gunmen fired more than 1,000 bullets and flung six grenades at their headquarters on Monday night.

No one was injured in the attack. Mayor Santos Salinas Garza told local media that the officers resigned because of the incident.

The gunmen's 20-minute shooting spree destroyed six pol...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=94">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 31 Oct 2010 14:03:24 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Officer down Alert posted by Brotherhood of the badge</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=93</link><description><![CDATA[Officer Paul Dittamo departed our ranks to join an eternal brotherhood of warriors in heaven, standing at the side of God; they and thousands of our brothers and sisters are watching over all of us who continue to do our part to keep the streets safer for future generations.

Brotherhood of the Badge Remembers:
...Officer Paul Dittamo
Metropolitan Police, Washington DC
EOW: October 30, 2010
Age: 32
Badge Number unavailable
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Weapons used: None

Details: Officer Dittamo and his partner were responding to a call at 1:30am on October 30th. Their patrol car was traveling Northeast on Martin Luther King Jr, Ave when it struck a utility pole. Officer Dittamo was killed and his partner sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Our th...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=93">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:14:40 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Ideas to cheer an officer over the holidays</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=92</link><description><![CDATA[I had thought that the best way to show officers that they have the support of the public, was to send cards of thanks to the precincts. I figured that way the officers would be able to hear how their job matters to the public when they are taken away from their families over the holidays. A simple thing that might just mean the world to a tired officer who might just need it. 

The holidays are often a time of stress and depression. My friends who work in the medical and mental health fields say they see a jump in suicide attempts and also a spike in domestic viloence abuse cases. It stands to reason that while most of us are looking forward to holidays with our families, and the warmpth of homes filled with love, our officers are not only dealing with be...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=92">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:54:07 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>51st officer killed in line of duty...from Law Enforcement today</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=91</link><description><![CDATA[The following was posted on Law Enforcment today Facebook page... 
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/law.enforcement.today

Law Enforcement Today &#253;**TWICE THE HERO**
San Diego, California; San Diego Police Department
Officer Christopher Wilson
End Of Watch: 10-28-10
Officer Christopher Wilson, 50, was gunned down upon entry into an apartment room in an attempt to serve a warrant. At approximately 2245 hrs, when Officer Wilson accompanying Federal Probation Officers a...nd members of the U.S. Marshals to serve an arrest warrant on a man who was on probation for assault with deadly weapons at an apartment, someone had initially opened the door but then immediately slammed it shut upon seeing the lawmen. The Officers then kicked in the door and gr...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=91">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:47:43 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Mounted police demonstration</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=90</link><description><![CDATA[Very nice video clip showing how an officer on an 18 hand high horse makes an arrest while seated in the saddle! 

2nd video shows how they train the horses in a demonstration done for a Florida citizen's academy....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=90">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:35:00 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>cafe press page</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=89</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.cafepress.com/BackingtheBlue is the store that fans have asked for. So far I am still working on designs, to meet the expectations of fans. Normally this site is all about supporting law enforcement, and all out of our own pockets. We only offered these shirts because we were asked, and thought it might help offset our costs in maintaining the site. 

Feel free to offer us feedback and suggestions for what we should offer in the future. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=89">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:08:54 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Memorial clip in honor of law enforcement</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=88</link><description><![CDATA[This is a video I put togeter with the song from Nickelback &quot;If everyone cared&quot;. It is my first real try at making a movie clip so please disregard the photo title it keeps putting up there for a motorcycle.

Most of these photos are a collection of images sent to me, and frequently they are Portland Oregon officers since I live out here and have the most contact with them. This really is meant to honor all officers and their families and friends....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=88">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 06:43:20 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Brotherhood of the Badge</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=18</link><description><![CDATA[The following message was sent in effort to correct information on our site. Apparently some for profit company was using the name of Brotherhood of the Badge without permission. It is important that this site also corrects any information sent to us in regards to matters like this. Brotherhood of the Badge is a very noble organization that deserves support. Please take note of the correction here. 
Thank you to Brotherhood of the Badge for bringing this to our attention as well. 

Hello
We are the Brotherhood of the Badge www.brotherhoodofthebadgeint.org , since 2003, a 501c3 organization who are providing Iraq and Afghan Police Officers - a Law Enforcement/Miltary Partnership - with ballistic vests and law enforcement equipment. We have journeyed to th...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=18">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:27:35 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Community Academy Portland Police</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=87</link><description><![CDATA[Very nice video clip that gives a better idea of what officers have to deal with. Training for involvement with the community and how to deal with people who are in crisis is a high stress thing. I'm glad our officers train so extesively so that when they face the real event, it is often resolved peacefully and the person in crisis is given the help they need. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=87">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:48:08 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Law Enforcement memorial 2010</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=86</link><description><![CDATA[19 years of tribute to our officers who gave their all. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=86">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Oct 2010 20:16:48 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Chicago breaking news story...</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=85</link><description><![CDATA[Found this story in Chicago Breaking News...
link to original story http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/07/off-duty-police-officer-shot.html 

Chicago police officer shot, killed in Park Manor
July 18, 2010 4:50 PM 

A police officer coming home from an overnight shift guarding Mayor Richard Daley's home died after exchanging gunfire with men apparently trying to steal his new car or rob him in his South Side neighborhood, police said.

Michael R. Bailey, 62, a 20-year veteran weeks from retirement, was shot a little after 6 a.m. while cleaning his Buick -- a retirement gift to himself -- in the 7400 block of South Evans Avenue, police said. 

He was pronounced dead at 6:41 a.m. at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, police said. 

Bailey was ass...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=85">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:13:33 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>video of old police cars</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=84</link><description><![CDATA[This is a cool video showing lots of old police cars....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=84">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:55:07 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Final inspection, by an eleven year old</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=17</link><description><![CDATA[I stumbled on this video and was deeply touched to learn it was put together by an eleven year old as a gift to her dad! ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=17">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 23 May 2010 14:09:19 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Police Star Award to officer Haunsperger</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=83</link><description><![CDATA[On May 17, 2009 at 2215 hours, Portland Oregon East Precinct Officer Natasha Haunsberger responded to Rocky Butte regarding a suicidal female who was reportedly going to attempt to kill herself by driving her car off of the cliff at that location. The initial call information indicated that the female was also armed with a knife. Subsequent information indicated that the subject has stabbed herself and had taken an overdose of prescription sleeping pills. 

Officer Haunsperger arrived at the top of Rocky Butte and observed the female's vehicle. When Officer Haunsperger initiated a traffic stop on that vehicle, the female eluded and drove her car off the cliff. Officer Haunsperger notified dispatch and requested Code 3 cover, Fire and EMS.

Sgt Jerome Rus...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=83">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 22 May 2010 16:31:07 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>100,000 people in Greece protesting Financial Crisis</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=16</link><description><![CDATA[This is some amazing footage in Greece where officers are able to gain ground and hold a perimeter against 100,000 protestors....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=16">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 18:33:21 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>The Greater Victoria Police Chorus</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=15</link><description><![CDATA[The following is on GVPC History page along with great photos. Very nice site and worth a good look! Please check it out!

On January 11 1984, twenty members of the various area police departments met for their first practice at the Victoria Silver Threads Centre. Their goal was to bring together officers from separate forces with one common interest - music. The Greater Victoria Police Chorus was founded and soon they were singing for schools, hospitals, charitable fund raising venues and public events. Greater Victoria Police Chorus is one of a few police chorus' in western Canada.   
The Greater Victoria Police Chorus is comprised of serving, retired and reserve police officers, plus some non-police performing members, all proud to be serving their com...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=15">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 16 May 2010 19:48:49 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Motorcycle Drill teams</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=82</link><description><![CDATA[Got started posting stuff for Police week 2010, but thought some of the motorcycle skills of our officers was pretty amazing, and thought I'd post some video clips of them here. 

Some are American officers, but there are a few other countries represented as well....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=82">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 16 May 2010 15:00:13 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>2010 National Police Week</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=81</link><description><![CDATA[This video is a bit quiet, but it is a touching tribute to the men and women who stand guard on that thin blue line....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=81">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 16 May 2010 14:33:53 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Officers Ford and Dalton Officers of the month</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=80</link><description><![CDATA[Sergeant Steve Ford and Detective Dalton of Morgantown Police Department in West Virginia came across an accident scene apparently not long after it occurred. They had been on their way back to the station when they saw a box truck that had crashed into a power pole and a wall. The male driver inside was blue and purple and had no pulse. He was a larger male and Sergeant Ford and Detective Dalton tried to assist him, at which time, he gave a gasp, but still had no pulse. The officers set to work administering CPR in an effort to give this guy the best possible chance of survival. EMS came on the scene but was pretty much over seeing the work already in progress. Their efforts saved the man's life. 

Previously, Sergeant Ford had received letters of thanks ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=80">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 19:06:43 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>City of Flagstaff Mourns Police Officer Michael Terrin (with video)</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=79</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.naztoday.com/news/local-news/2010/04/city-of-flagstaff-mourns-police-officer-michael-terrin/ is the link to the original story.

City of Flagstaff Mourns Police Officer Michael Terrin (with video)
By Bianca Strong on April 28, 2010


Flagstaff  (NAZ Today) - Sgt. Mike Terrin of the Flagstaff Police Dept. has passed.  Sgt. Terrin was a public information officer for the city as well as the D.A.R.E. officer.  He has worked with NAU students explaining  the operations of police department.  He worked for Flagstaff Police Dept. for over 25 years.  He is survived by his wife Charlene, his daughters Christin and Danielle, his son Michael and two grandchildren.

A malignant tumor was found on Terrin's liver several months ago and a  facebook site...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=79">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 19:04:25 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Bumper ride for frightened feline trapped in police car bumper in Sydney From: The Daily Telegraph</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=78</link><description><![CDATA[Bumper ride for frightened feline trapped in police car bumper in Sydney 
From: The Daily Telegraph April 26, 2010 11:48AM 

Lucky escape ... a Police Highway Patrol Officer found this cute and scared kitten in the bumper of his Ford Turbo. Photo: Police Media Source: Supplied 
 Lucky escape ... a happy ending for the kitten, who was removed safely from the inside of the Ford Turbo after becoming trapped and the officer who heard his cries. 

Photo: Police Media Source: Supplied 

A HIGHWAY patrol officer's car engine was literally purring like a cat after a cute kitten was found trapped inside the front bumper of the Ford Turbo. 
The policeman was surprised to find the furry friend while conducting a patrol in Sydney's southwest.

About 9.30am on...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=78">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:11:43 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>A note of thanks to those who allow me to interview them</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=77</link><description><![CDATA[I have to say I feel very honored every time I get to talk to an officer to post a story or picture here on my site. Or should I say your site? It seems that this site is quickly being seen all over the world and traking says about a hundred new people become fans on it[s social net work pages every day. I only pray that I can make this a valuable service to all who enjoy it, and it might show officers how very much you are valued world wide. 

I've noticed that every time I talk to an officer, they are hesitant to tlak about the stories where someone calls them a hero. They down play what they do and are very humble. They also seem a bit suspicious of me, like I might ask something of them or somehow make them look bad. This makes me sad. I feel like they...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=77">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:01:43 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Skillet &quot;hero&quot;</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=76</link><description><![CDATA[This is a nice music video done for our heros both fire and police. Enjoy....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=76">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:50:41 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>For those of you in the northwest who ride motorcycles </title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=75</link><description><![CDATA[http://lakewoodmotosports.com/Events.asp is the link to Triumph of Tacoma website and events page.

FIRST ANNUAL RATT RALLY June 12, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010 08:00
Triumph of Tacoma 12007 Pacific Hwy S Lakewood, WA 98499
Day of Registration 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Check in for Pre Registrants 9-10:00 a.m. 
Groups Released on Time Intervals between 10-11 a.m. 

The Rally is a timed event and NOT a race.
The rally will run over a predetermined route.
Participants will leave in groups of 6 or less.
There will be a $10.00 entry fee per bike with proceeds
going to the Fallen Lakewood Police officers fund.

Starting times are between 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The route should take approximately 4-5 hours
including a designated gas and lunch stop.
Rally...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=75">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 18 Apr 2010 06:42:28 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Stopping is not an option </title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=74</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/print_story.php?story_id=127085077941983200 is the site of this article. The officer is a really great person and he has given me permission to repost this article here. 

 
Guest Opinion 
Stopping Is Not Optional
Off-duty Portland officer explains why he cited a driver in Gresham
By Tom Rhodes 

, Apr 10, 2010 

I am a 23-year veteran officer of the Portland Police Bureau, and I work as a uniform patrol officer at East Precinct.

I am writing in response to a letter to the editor regarding a citation I issued to a Gresham driver. I was off duty and driving my personal vehicle when I saw a driver ahead of me approaching Southeast 210th Avenue and Stark Street.

As we approached the intersection, the light...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=74">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:10:36 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>How to sign THANK YOU to our officers</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=73</link><description><![CDATA[This video came out a while ago to show support for our military, but is also a good way to show support for all law enforcement officers....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=73">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:50:11 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Forgotton LEO Hero of Austrailia</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=14</link><description><![CDATA[I found this website and thought it might be of interest. Austrailia has a police hero and legend who really existed and this website is a good one to learn about him. 

...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=14">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:16:27 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Coast Guard Canine saving lives</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=72</link><description><![CDATA[This video shows officers in the Phillapines and their canine partners. It is a well done clip that shows how well officers are trained and how well they work with their canine partners....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=72">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:01:42 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Canine Jocko is making a difference in Mulberry</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=71</link><description><![CDATA[It's a shame that some one set fire to the officer's car, but obviously adding police and a K9 unit to the force is helping cut back on crime and drugs. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=71">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:53:17 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Why we created Backing the Blue</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=70</link><description><![CDATA[I've seen a few comments on the face book link and they elude to a belief that I am an officer and have been asked if that is why I started this website. I feel it is important that I clear that perception. I am NOT a sworn officer. I respect them, but I am not one. I am a simple administrative support person. I do work in a precinct, but I work at a desk with paperwork and phones and if a person has to report a crime, I refer them to an officer to do so. My husband is a webmaster. He is not an officer either. His day consists of working on computer issues and Information Support. He's often in an office without windows working next to the hum of servers and works as technical support for the systems they use in his company.

We do not get funding to do th...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=70">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:43:59 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Press release from Portland police</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=69</link><description><![CDATA[This is what Portland police released about the most recent fatal police shooting. It is also right after protesters had advanced on the traffic division and one of them even threw a bicycle at an officer. 

The second clip says protesters went to the East precint, but that is actually the traffic division. The precinct involved was not even the one they went to....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=69">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 28 Mar 2010 06:03:07 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Canine officers and handlers are officers of the month</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=68</link><description><![CDATA[Thank you to the K9 officers and their handlers

Our Law Enforcement all around the world have sometimes included a very rare combination of skills that can only be housed in the body of a canine officer. I've researched a bit and learned a lot. Here's what I've learned so far. 

Starting out with a dog, is not like going to the shelter and picking a cute fuzzy face. The dogs are chosen because they pass a number of tests that tell the handlers the dog is mentally healthy and well adjusted and also has a personality and desire to do law enforcement work. Sometimes they are further tested to define if they will go into patrol work, or drug or bomb detection. Maybe only one dog out of a hundred will be chosen. That even goes for dogs from breeders claiming...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=68">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:39:05 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>public voicing support of officers</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=67</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.kptv.com/news/22929380/detail.html is a link to a recent story about protesters who were marching against police and one even threw a bicycle at the officers. With recent events and the visit of Rev Jesse Jackson inciting hatred of officers by parading around for press time instead of learning anything about what was going on, and not caring that instead of healing a community he was further deteeriorating situaons. I don't know him, obviously, but personally disagree with the stance he took and feel angry that he stuck his nose in and messed things up in our community like he did.

People have been talking. It's been quiet like whispers in the background that I'm sure officers were not hearing, but It's been growing. I've been hearing little me...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=67">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:02:35 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>A great article letting officers know the public has their backs.</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=66</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.oregonlive.com/hovde/index.ssf/2010/03/many_of_you_have_police_office.html is the link to the original post. 

Many of you have police officers' backs
By Elizabeth Hovde, Oregonian columnist 
March 08, 2010, 9:45AMPolice don't feel supported in this community. That should come as no surprise. In addition to putting their lives on the line in the course of a day's work, officers' reputations and character are also on the line. And, lately, they're feeling like they've been hung out to dry.

But after receiving around 300 responses from my recent column about Portland police officers and the tragic death of Aaron Campbell, it's clear many people in and around Portland have police officers' backs. And I thought it would be useful to share some ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=66">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:30:26 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Officer injured a mile from my home</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=65</link><description><![CDATA[I woke this morning to the sound of helecopters hovering near my home. As I drove to work a few hours later, I saw the flashing lights and stopped at a gas station. I was told that at three AM an officer was on his way to a call, when someone came off the freeway and T-boned the officer. The following story was posted on my local news. Since then, the news reports that the officer was sent home from the hospital. I also understand the alarm the officer was going to was a place I've gone for dinner a few times. I am keeping this officer and his family in my prayers and hoping he is able to recover very quickly. I feel very fortunate that these officers are out there keeping us safe while we sleep. I feel badly that they are sometimes injured while making the ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=65">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:20:18 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Tribute to fallen Arizona officer Chris Marano</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=64</link><description><![CDATA[Tribute to fallen Arizona DPS Officer Chris Marano, who died in the line of duty on December 17th, 2009. He leaves behind his wife and four daughters.

Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer Christopher R. Marano #6759. Officer Marano was deploying stop sticks in an effort to disable a vehicle fleeing from officers when he was struck and killed....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=64">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:48:50 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Video of Canadian forces and Royal Mounted Police</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=63</link><description><![CDATA[This is a very good video. While most of us go the the theater or rent a movie and enjoy the suspense for an hour or two in the safety of our homes, there are men and women like these who are out there all day and night living in the conditions on this video, and only their gear and fellow officers are there to keep them safe along with God's grace. 
This is a very well done video. Enjoy it. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=63">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:13:17 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>&quot;Who wants to be a police officer in Portland?&quot; reposted with permission by Elizabeth Hovode</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=62</link><description><![CDATA[The following was printed in the Oregonian and the link to the original story is http://www.oregonlive.com/hovde/index.ssf/2010/02/post.html 

I don't normally contact reporters, but this was a nice article which I felt needed to be shared on the site here. When she gave me permission to print this, one comment she made stuck with me. &quot;Keep up the good work in support of law enforcers. They have a lot of fans out there. I got a landslide of email in support of them.&quot; 
Enjoy her article.

Who wants to be a police officer in Portland?
By Elizabeth Hovde, Oregonian columnist 
February 27, 2010, 7:30AM
Who wants to be a police officer in Portland? It's a marvel the city has anyone willing to serve here, given the beatings the bureau gets from a...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=62">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:21:04 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>God bless the officers in Chile</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=61</link><description><![CDATA[even in the face of such devistation, officers are trying to keep the peace and help where they can in Chile. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=61">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:09:02 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Chicago officer would like your votes</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=60</link><description><![CDATA[Sharon Kirby Mottola wrote in on our facebook fan page asking for our help to 

&quot;Please help a Chicago Police Officer in need. Quadriplegic from a horrible car accident and an offender climbing into his squad car, stealing Densey Cole's GUN and wallet, threatening Officer Cole and wrenching his neck and spine doing further harm. He was in a coma for four weeks, but we were married in the hospital w......hen he awoke. ... Please Vote for Mary and Densey Cole in Ultimate ...Wedding Contest. Please click the link below and vote for Mary and Densey. They deserve the Wedding and Honeymoon and a sorely needed break. TY for your support.
www.ultimateweddingcontest.com..entries...on the pull down bar go to most votes...
Go to In Support of Police Officer De...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=60">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:59:11 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>759th Military Batallion</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=59</link><description><![CDATA[This is a well done slide show to music. It shows Military Police in Iraq. Enjoy!

The second one is a great combat dancing video. These guys have to get in a little fun, right? Srcond clip is not the same Batallion, but is well worth a look....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=59">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:53:26 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Thank you New York Police!</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=58</link><description><![CDATA[These are a couple of nice tribute videos to New York Police officers. It shows what the kind of work they do is like. 

...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=58">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:04:12 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Police one article Ga. cop ambushed, killed with high powered weapon First Atlanta-area officer to be killed since 2008</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=57</link><description><![CDATA[By Dan Raley
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



Trouble viewing the video? Download Flash player here 
Related Articles:

Policing rural America: Lone officer vehicle contacts
Counter-ambush tactics for patrol officers
Ambush! Don't let your car become your coffin

Related Feature: 
 Are America's officers at war?
Who is &quot;hating the cops&quot; and why? Based on analysis of news reports, the primary instigators are anarchists, activists, attorneys, academicians, and arrested persons' relatives. 

Related content sponsored by:
 
 

CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS, Ga. - People come to Chattahoochee Hills to escape the urban encroachment and anger.

Yet on Monday, even this idyllic countryside setting southwest of Atlanta couldn't provide a safe...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=57">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:52:34 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>$26K Reward Offered In Shooting Of Trooper</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=56</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.kptv.com/news/22555570/detail.html is an article from Oregons12 in Portland Oregon

LONG BEACH, Wash. -- A Washington State Patrol trooper survived being shot in the head early Saturday during a confrontation in the southwest Washington town of Long Beach.

Trooper Scott Johnson was taking inventory of a car waiting to be towed on State Route 103 near 12th Street when a man walked up to him. There was a short verbal exchange between the man, a tow truck driver and Johnson before the man pulled out a small caliber handgun and fired two shots, police said.

Johnson suffered two gunshot wounds, one of them to his head, a police spokeswoman said in a news release. He was able to return fire, but it's unknown if the man was hit.

Paramedics rus...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=56">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:09:26 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>33 years of service, and Jim Hawkins is officer of the year 2010</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=55</link><description><![CDATA[The video sound is a little bit scratchy, but this is a really nice award ceremony for a Sebastopol Lt who is retired now. 

Enjoy the video....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=55">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:27:26 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Detective Paul reno remembers his grandfather and his grandfather's partner</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=54</link><description><![CDATA[This is a touching tribute. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=54">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:39:57 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Touching story of a teen thanking police for saving his life</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=53</link><description><![CDATA[This 17 year old had been trapped in his car for 32 hours and suffered multiple broken bones and collapsed lung. He credits the police with saving his life because they didn't give up looking for him when others had. 

True to form, the officers humbly say yhe teen refusing to give up is the hero....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=53">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:48:02 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Blue alert is a geat idea! from concerns of police survivors COPS</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=52</link><description><![CDATA[There's Amber and Silver.....How About Blue??
 
Based upon the success of the Amber and Silver Alerts and by using the same notification system, Concerns of Police Survivors is asking law enforcement officers, agencies, and survivors to help put a Blue Alert in effect nationwide.  Recently the Blue Alert was put into effect in Texas, Florida, and Oklahoma. As you may know, the Amber Alert is in effect for missing children and the Silver Alert is for missing senior citizens. Theses alerts function in many states across the nation. The Blue Alert will provide the means to speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously wound local, state, or federal law enforcement officers. 
 
The Blue Alert would also be a cooperative effort between Sta...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=52">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:43:03 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>K9 Rocky tribute / End of watch Dec 30, 2009</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=51</link><description><![CDATA[This is a touching tribute to a K9 officer and the training and handlers he worked with. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=51">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:41:00 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>A place to honor your heros</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=13</link><description><![CDATA[I'm working on getting the logo to upload, but this is a very nice site where you can write a tribute to your favorite officer. Everyone can share and remember their favorite heros here....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=13">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:30:58 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>A place to honor your heros</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=12</link><description><![CDATA[I'm working on getting the logo to upload, but this is a very nice site where you can write a tribute to your favorite officer. Everyone can share and remember their favorite heros here....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=12">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:30:28 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Lynn Mass commendation site. </title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=50</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.lynnpolice.org/commendations.htm is a really good site which is or Lynn Massachusetts and shows every year's commendations for their officers. It's inspiring me to do something like that here as well. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=50">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:27:14 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Photo Contest Show that you back the blue</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=49</link><description><![CDATA[We are asking you to be creative, but tasteful. Keep in mind that little kids look at this site too. The rules are pretty simple...Make some wort of sign that shows that you support Law Enforcement and take a picture of it. Post it here and we will all vote on Valentine's day to see which one wins. 

All pictures will be left on the site for all to enjoy, and winners will be re-posted with a letter of thanks. Sorry we can't send gifts or offer a trip, but we are all volunteer here.

Thank you and have fun. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=49">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:10:37 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Contest NLEMF Will always remember...</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=11</link><description><![CDATA[National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund is holding a contest in which the winner will be given a trip to the memorial and VIP seating at the vigil. Click on the link to download the sign, add your name and pose for a picture with that sign. Winners will be chosen in March so plan and pose fast! ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=11">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:49:26 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>They don't take a break</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=48</link><description><![CDATA[I've had time to think while recovering from being sick and while taking a nice trip with my husband and realized that officers don't take a break from what they do. They work when they don't feel well. The Lakewood officers went to work and faced the Media while still grieving the loss of their fellow officers. While they may take time off to go on a vacation with thier family, should an incident come up, they go right to work protecting the strangers around then wherever they are, like the officer in the mall with his pregnant wife when a gunman came in and started killing. 

I may not be able to add something new every single day, but keeping in mind that our officers never take a break from proteting us, I intend to not take a break from backing office...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=48">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:00:52 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Officers through the eyes of a police wife</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=47</link><description><![CDATA[This is another great video which was produced by the wife of an officer. They are also such unsung heros, kissing their spouse good bye and hoping they come home safe each day. They are there to calm the nightmares the job sears into an officers nights, and a positive light when the officer's day is darkened by angry people who don't want to listen. They nurse the injury when an officer is scraped and bruised on the job. 

...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=47">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:40:34 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Nice video and Tribute to UK Police</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=46</link><description><![CDATA[This was a very nicely done tribute clip and I think it is well worth sharing. Officers are on the front line dealing with some pretty bad stuff every day and don't often hear &quot;thank you&quot; which is why Backing the blue was started. We need to say thank you more often...

I&quot;m grateful to be finding more people who are also posting clips to say thanks, and websites and fan pages to offer their support. No matter how humble, it is nice to see an attempt to nod a thanks to those who keep us safe. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=46">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:00:08 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>New Beaverton Police Motorcycle lighting...</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=45</link><description><![CDATA[Siren Net produced this brand new video which shows the newest off the line lighting packages on the Police motorcycles. Looks like it also says Beaverton Police. Hopefully this is bright enough to keep officers safe. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=45">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:39:10 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Department of the Month Bartlett Police Department.</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=44</link><description><![CDATA[I first noticed Bartlett Police Department because of one of their social pages where the public was responding favorably to their department. I was able to communicate with Detective Halford and learn more about the department and the kind of people who work there. 

Bartlett Police Department is in Shelby County in West Tennesee and has about 109 officers. Most recently they had the opportunity to save the life of a 10 year old boy and it is such a moving story, that it is important that it is shared with you here. 

The following articles are stories done by the media in the area, and it tells of how the little boy fellinto the water and the boys he was with raced for help calling dispatch at 1:03pm and the air above water was 25 degrees. At 1:07 the ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=44">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:25:24 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Books by Sgt Michael S. East</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=43</link><description><![CDATA[The facebook page for our website gained a new fan today, and he is also an author. Sgt Michael S East has books that tell it like it is from the cop's perspective. his website http://www.hockeycop.com/ has links to buy his books. There is also a link back to his Facebook fan page on Backing the Blue / firends of law enforcement's page as well with facebook, and this will also be posted on the backing the blue twitter account. 

The following is the biography when you buy his book...

Saginaw, Michigan  
Biography: 

Sergeant Michael S. East is a 15-year veteran of the Saginaw Police Department, where he has also worked as a Field Training Officer, Background Investigator and Recruiter. Michael has been recognized by his department with two Exceptiona...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=43">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:32:31 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>PAL Auction invitation - where every kid can be a star</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=8</link><description><![CDATA[Thank you for all the ongoing support of the Police Activities League of Greater Portland (PAL).  This year, we will continue to provide crucial programs to low-income youth in the after school and summer hours including activities at Youth Centers throughout the area, Spring Break &amp; Summer Camps, youth football, tutoring and more.

We have attached our early invitation to the PAL Live and Silent Dinner Auction, scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the Holiday Inn - Airport.  Reservations are now open, although payment is not due until April.  Several sponsorship opportunities are also available and items are still needed - beach homes for a weekend, baskets of goodies, and gift certificates for example.

This is PAL's primary fundraiser of the yea...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=8">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:36:45 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Citizen's Portland Police Retirement Committee</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=7</link><description><![CDATA[The Citizens Police Retirement Banquet is coming up on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 located at the Embassy Suites Downtown Portland.  

Attached is the web site for more information.
...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=7">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:31:57 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Goodyear Arizona Police Charity Foundation GYPOA</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=10</link><description><![CDATA[WHO WE ARE


Goodyear Police Officers Association Charity Foundation is an Arizona non-profit foundation created to enhance public safety and law enforcement in the Goodyear Community. The GYPOA Charity Foundation does this by raising funds for initiates aimed at reducing crime and improving quality 
of life for all citizens in our City.  

We raise awareness of important needs that improve crime prevention and law enforcement efficiency. We put tax deductible contributions to work in the community
...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=10">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:26:18 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Tasmania Police Charity Trust. </title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=9</link><description><![CDATA[The Tasmania Police Charity Trust was established in December 2006, to provide the opportunity for police officers and State Service Employees of the Department of Police and Emergency Management to work together, with the community, towards a common goal of fundraising to support nominated charities within the State....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=9">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:27 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Camden Community policing in the UK. </title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=8</link><description><![CDATA[Similar to neighborhood watch programs in the united states and other police and public partnerships. Very nice site to get involved. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=8">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:19:49 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Independence police department projects in Oregon</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=7</link><description><![CDATA[Thois site has a bunch of different ideas for things that can be done to work with the police. They have community clean up day, Reserves and cadets, as well as ride alongs and community policing programs. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=7">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:16:25 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Project R.E.S.P.E.C.T.</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=6</link><description><![CDATA[Project R.E.S.P.E.C.T. was developed by the Chief of Police Craig R. Novick. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. stands for Responsibility Ensuring Senior Citizens and Police Enjoy Common Trust. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=6">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:12:33 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Officer of the week Sgt Phil Blanchard</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=42</link><description><![CDATA[Officer of the week of January 17th through the 23rd 2010 is Sgt Phil Blanchard of the Portland Oregon Police. 

Sgt. Blanchard Started his career in Law enforcement in 1986 at Colorado Springs Police department and coming to Portland Police department in 1992. 

He's accumulated 35 Commendations, 3 Medals, and an unknown number of letters of thanks directly from the public. He's well liked by the people he works with as well as within the public. This week I'm listing him as my officer of the week because of my own interaction with him when I needed an officer's help. His professional and caring attitude was impressive and I believe that if this is any indication of how he works with people, it is no wonder that he has numerous commendations and letters...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=42">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:05:52 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Awards for police 2009</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=41</link><description><![CDATA[A few clips honoring officers in 2009....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=41">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:05:12 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Funny calls and clips</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=40</link><description><![CDATA[You've probably already seen this one, but it is a light hearted fun clip. Amazingly these calls to dispatch were real. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=40">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:37:14 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Rest in Peace &quot;Koda&quot; Midland K9</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=39</link><description><![CDATA[This clip is a news broadcast about the funeral service for K9 officer Koda who was shot and killed while chasing a bad guy on New Year's 2010. Many people feel a connection to the Canine officers because many people are animal lovers, This story may make some of them sad. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=39">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:28:48 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>New York officers and their K9 partners helping in Haiti</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=38</link><description><![CDATA[I ran accross this You tube and discovered that these dogs and their handlers have been sent to Haiti to look for survivors after the devistating earthquakes. It's just one more story showing how officers are doing all they can to help and make a difference. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=38">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:37:58 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Dash Cam news footage. Shots fired.</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=37</link><description><![CDATA[Keep in mind that this is disturbing video for younger children. The officer is nearly shot, and the suspect is killed, (Although clip cuts away before that) Our officers are put into a fight for their life, and then they have to think about being tried in courts and media after they are forced into a situation no one wants. 

I have children, and I would hope none of them are ever in the same spot that this suspect was in, but I have always taught my kids to respect the police. I can't imagine anything would make my kids think it would be ok to fight an officer, let alone pull a gun and try to shoot an officer in the head. I would never wish the situation on anyone in either the officer's place, or the suspects. I just think it is further evidence that th...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=37">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:19:00 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Officer down Corporal Mike Roberts Augus 26, 2009</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=36</link><description><![CDATA[Corporal Mike Roberts was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious person in the Sulphur Springs area of the city. He noticed the man pushing a shopping cart along the roadway and stopped. 

Read more on the YOUTUBE link. 

Our officers risk their lives every day in even the most &quot;routine&quot; tasks. They work hard to keep us safe. This memorial of an officer down radio broadcast and pictures of the officer we lost is very touching. 

You can hear the officer talking to dispatch, then the dispatcher tries severel times to get the officer to answer. Then you hear another officer say that the officer is down. These officers are so professional even in a shocking and devistating moment like this.  ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=36">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:00:40 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Protect our protectors</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=35</link><description><![CDATA[The following story was posted on komonews.com and is further evidence that we need to back the officers who protect us. These men and women put themselves out there for us, and their families bravly support them. Husbands, wives, fathers mothers, sisters, brothers, cousins, and family friends are all affected and seem to be shuffled into silence. This is a sad story, but maybe we can do something about it. Spread the word, Share the story and site and check in your area to see if your officers have a bill in place to look after them and their families. 

SEATTLE - All police officers promise to serve and protect. But one Seattle officer says no one's protecting him or his family.

Jason McKissack was severely beaten on the job, and he's losing his medic...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=35">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:16:15 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Officer killed</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=34</link><description><![CDATA[Police officer is struck, killed on Delaware River bridge
By The Associated Press 
January 16, 2010, 1:42PM

AP Photo/Delaware River Port AuthorityIn this undated photo provided by the Delaware River Port Authority, Cpl. Christopher Milito poses for a portrait.PHILADELPHIA - A police officer from suburban Philadelphia has died after being hit by a car overnight while helping with an accident investigation on a bridge between the Philadelphia area and southern New Jersey.

Delaware River Port Authority spokesman Ed Kasuba said Port Authority Police Cpl. Christopher Milito of Media was struck by an eastbound car on the Philadelphia side of the Walt Whitman Bridge at around 1:45 a.m. this morning.

Kasuba said the 40-year-old officer died from his injur...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=34">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:58:57 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Just for fun!</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=33</link><description><![CDATA[Lets start sharing our favorite tv officers. Reply to this blog with who you remember, either on TV sitcom, Comedy show, or cartoon, and see how many people remember the same. 

How many people remember the line &quot;Car 54, where are you?&quot; 

What was the type of car that was the sheriff in the pixar film cars? 

The list could go on for pages...lets have a little fun! ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=33">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:23:41 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Developing and looking for feedback...</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=32</link><description><![CDATA[Right now inteviews are going on for two department stories and an officer. I plan to post officers of the week on Sundays and post department or division of the week on Wednesdays. Each day I will post something else, which may be a story or video clip, or charity. At times there will only be one new post, but I'll frequently have more than one new post a day. New posts here go to the facebook page and then gets forwarded to the twitter account. Keep checking back, and keep spreading the word. Let's make sure officers everywhere know that they are appreciated.

...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=32">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:35:47 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Impressionable kids</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=31</link><description><![CDATA[When I was growing up, my cousin was trying to be popular and went to a &quot;keg&quot; party while she was still underage. Well, the party got busted and kids ran every drection...except my cousin and her best friend They thought they could spy on the officers from behind a log and were spotted and hauled in. My cousin was put in the back of the patrol car in handcuffs, and taken to the holding cell. She didn't know it, but the officer called her mom while she was still being held in the cell and told her everything. My cousin was still in the dark about that while my aunt and the officer concocted a plan to see if she could be honest. THe officer told my cousin he was only able to let her go because he had somehting big he had to take care of and there was...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=31">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:23:08 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Want to make a difference for a good officer?</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=30</link><description><![CDATA[Officers harden themselves to do their jobs every day. They encounter people who argue when they get tickets, and people engage them in fights on a regular basis. They are used to people flipping them &quot;the bird&quot; and being generally shunned. It is not as common for them to have a commendation, or hear thank you. It can be hard too, because if you want to buy an officer a cup of coffee, they often turn it down so they won't be thought of as accepting a gratuity. 

If you have a good experience with an officer, it is really helpful and generally well recieved if you contact that officer's supervisor and send a letter of thanks praising the job they did. This would be placed in their file, which can help them in their career and is often kept by the ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=30">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:26:33 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>What is a Policeman?</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=29</link><description><![CDATA[This is a good video with a Naration telling it like it is. Officers are truely cut from a different cloth. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=29">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:46:16 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Concerns Of Police Survivors Dollar a Payday</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=6</link><description><![CDATA[Usually this is reserved for Law Enforcement Officers only, but there doesn't seem to be any reason why anyone should be excluded from supporting this way. It only takes a few dollars from each of us to support the families of our line of duty deaths.  Help us help our families by having one dollar a pay day deducted from your salary.  It is easy through automatic payroll deduction.

SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT

THROUGH PAYROLL DEDUCTION

Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) is a non profit organization supporting families and coworkers of officers killed in the line of duty.
All contributions are tax deductable.

  
   For as little as the price
      of a cup of coffee!
     
  	  For more information, contact
                         Carol...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=6">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:46:01 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>1st officer of the week is the Sunshine Division in Portland Oregon</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=28</link><description><![CDATA[I have found that the officers I've met are the most caring and big hearted people I've ever met. I've heard over and over again of officers finding a person who is down on their luck, and the officers pull money out of their own pockets to help. There are numerous stories of officers being a &quot;Big brother&quot; or &quot;big sister&quot; mentor to kids, and they will do everything they can to help out where they can. The story of the Sunshine Division is a good representation of what I find officers to be.

The following was taken directly from the info off of their facebook page. Enjoy!

The Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division was started by Captain H. A. Circle in 1923. His thought was that no one should ever have to commit a crime to provide ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=28">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:53:58 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Law Enforcement &amp; Police Memorabilia</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=27</link><description><![CDATA[Into collecting law enforcement and police memorabilia or looking for gift ideas? Visit the collectibles page at http://www.BackingTheBlue.com/Collectables.asp for ebay listings of badges, patches, pins, hats and police/law enforcement gift ideas.
Because of our partnership with ebay to bring you these listings, when you find items on our website, then click through to purchase them off of ebay, you are helping to keep Backing The Blue &amp;#149; Friends of Law Enforcement online.
We definitely appreciate your support as we help support the men and women in blue!...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=27">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:50:28 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Pass it on!</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=25</link><description><![CDATA[Just for fun...

Send this message on to all your friends! At www.backingtheblue.com we are trying to show Law Enforcement officers our support. For the next 24-48 hours, post the name of your favorite officer (First or last is ok) as your status on Facebook, Myspace, or other social networks. Nothing else, just the name. If there are lots of names, write one, followed by 2many. Let people guess what it's for until they get the message. Thanks! BTB/FLE (Backing the Blue / Friends of Law Enforcement) Keep this message going!

Basicly we are passing on a virtual note in class and hoping it gets seen by officers. That way when all these names begin to pop up, officers will get to see that they are making a difference. Let's make this little whisper of admir...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=25">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:02:51 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>A tribute to those that wear the shield / facebook cause</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=5</link><description><![CDATA[This is the facebook cause of the person who posted the tribute to those who wear the shield. Her fundraiser is for American Federation of Police and Concerned Citizens, Inc. Take a look and enjoy her video posts....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=5">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:16:34 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Great video to say thanks to officers</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=24</link><description><![CDATA[The following video was recommended on my youtube account and it was jsut such a good one that I had to post it here. 

I can't say thank you enough for the officers everywhere who look out for us....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=24">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:37:01 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Portland Police Association / First ever fundraiser</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=4</link><description><![CDATA[The PPA Cover Foundation will have it's first ever fundraiser, a dinner auction called the Black &amp; Blue Nite Out on February 6, 2010 at the Downtown Hilton. All proceeds will benefit the Cover Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity that is designed to provide financial support for active members of the Portland Police Bureau when injured or suffering from significant life setback.
1313 Northwest 19th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209-1602
(503) 225-9760...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=4">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:09:41 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Safety tips</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=23</link><description><![CDATA[I was neighborhood coordinator and had an incident once where officers were blocking each intersection on my street. I witnessed my neghbors walking out of their homes or sending their small children out to go talk to the officers. Although officers may want to know if you have seen anyone matching a description of who they are looking for, they generally are looking for a &quot;bad guy&quot; that is loose in the neighborhood. It is probably a much better idea to keep kids inside and let the officers work. 

Also, if you get pulled over, you should keep your hands on the steering wheel. With all the officers who have been killed in &quot;simple&quot; traffic stops, it just helps if you put the officers at ease by not reaching for things as the walk up on t...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=23">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:25:18 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>officers and kids</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=22</link><description><![CDATA[Norman Rockwell created &quot;The runaway&quot; Which I have a framed copy of on my wall. It reminds me of my youth. Although I never ran away, I would often be out wandering around in Clatskanie which was my summer home, and feel that the officers there had a part in keeping me out of trouble. The chief lived next door, City Hall was behind the house, and just to the corner of the house was the police station. As a kid, there was no place more magical and wonderful than the station. Any time the officers stopped and cleaned out their cars at the station, I would scamper over and beg to see the car. Sometimes I got to talk into the PA and play with the lights or siren. Other times I might be tossed a towel so I could &quot;help&quot; wipe down the freshly wa...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=22">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:26:16 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Cops are tops down under</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=19</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.copsrtops.org.au/ is a site for New South Wales and Australia where the rotary club nominates and awards their top officers of the year. 

I thought I would post their site here for viewing as they claim cops are tops down under. Austrailia has a pretty good thing going there, where they praise thier officers. 

I also saw that Parade magazine posted a top officer of the year article, and included ten other stories. http://www.parade.com/news/2009/10/04-americas-top-police-officers.html is a link to that article....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=19">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:42:12 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Looking for stories...</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=18</link><description><![CDATA[We ar looking to do a story of an officer each week and are looking to find our first great story to share. If you have a great story to share, let us know. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=18">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:35:49 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Fundraiser for the Mendenhall Family. </title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=3</link><description><![CDATA[Sgt Craig Mendenhall, of the Portland Police Bureau, died of a heart attack, leaving his wife and four children. Wells Fargo has set up an account to help the family.  You can donate at any Wells Fargo Financial Branch, using account number 5053447420.&amp;#8203; 
The ATM machines have options to donate at the machines as well. 
 
One of the bright blue lights of our life has gone out now. I suppose Heaven needed a good Sgt, but he will be missed here. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=3">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:10:39 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Supporting the families of the slain Lakewood Police officers in Washington</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=2</link><description><![CDATA[Those interested in supporting the families of the slain officers are welcome to make a donation through the Lakewood Police Independent Guild (LPIG) Benevolent Fund at PO Box 99579, Lakewood, WA 98499. Please visit their website for more information visit www.lpig.us....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Projects.asp?IDNum=2">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:07:39 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>police week 2008</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=17</link><description><![CDATA[I'm still looking for the videos with the blue beam of light, but this is a good vdeo of Police week 2008...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=17">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:43:26 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>police week 2009</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=16</link><description><![CDATA[This was an amazing video done at the National Law Enforcement Memorial and the candlelight vigil is amazing. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=16">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:37:31 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Blue Knights</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=15</link><description><![CDATA[I just  had to post this link. Blue Knights is a motorcycle club of law enforcement officers, and they do lots of great charity work. Usually each chapter serves the area where most of the members live, but they often bring in donations for local food banks, families and children charities. 

This slide show was a nice one....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=15">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:11:31 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Cambridgeshire Police video</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=14</link><description><![CDATA[Youtube has the following video which was posted by Cambridgeshire Police. It shows the way Law enforcement officers everywhere are working on that thin blue line. They often meet people in their times of most distress, and only occasionally enjoy a handshake and a &quot;Thank you&quot;. 
Enjoy the video! ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=14">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:45:57 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Police and Kids Academy</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=13</link><description><![CDATA[(WWLP) - Amherst and UMass police officers took some local children for a week long academy adventure. http://www.wwlp.com   

Channel 22 did a nice job sharing this story....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=13">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:30:36 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Comic Cop</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=12</link><description><![CDATA[This video has been drifting around Youtube for a while now. Enjoy! 

Willie Halliburton is a really great person and works for the Portland Oregon police. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=12">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:16:32 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Now a twitter account too</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=11</link><description><![CDATA[We now have a Twitter account. follow on http://twitter.com/backingtheblue which is a public timeline.

...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=11">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:07:52 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>facebook fans</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=10</link><description><![CDATA[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Backing-the-Blue-Friends-of-Law-Enforcement/228556931451?v=photos#/pages/Backing-the-Blue-Friends-of-Law-Enforcement/228556931451?v=wall

We have a fan page on facebook and already have 44 new fans. This is only after a couple of days! There are lots of people who are Backing the Blue and Friends of Law Enforcement. So far, we are already getting messages and photos from people through our facebook link to be able to post here. 

Become a fan. We will post changes on the website on our facebook fan page as well.  ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=10">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:43:54 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Article from Maxine Bernstein December 28, 2009, 8:41PM for the Oregonian</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=9</link><description><![CDATA[The Oregonian

Sergeant's death hits Portland police hard

Sgt. Craig Mendenhall inspects the basement of a home that was broken into the day before. At the time, he and other officers were working to crack down on gang violence. Fellow officers are stunned by the sudden death of Sgt. Craig Mendenhall, a well-liked Portland police street supervisor who died Sunday after suffering a massive heart attack at his home on Dec. 20. 

Mendenhall was 38. He leaves his wife, Teresa Carpenter Mendenhall, three sons, ages 9, 8 and 4, and a daughter, 3. 

&quot;Everybody remembers his positive influence. He just set an example of what officers should be like -- one of those cops everybody looked to for guidance,&quot; Officer Mike Gallagher said. 

Mendenhall ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=9">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:51:57 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Can't forget the Z-man Scholarship!</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=8</link><description><![CDATA[www.zmanscholarship.com is a very good site which was sent to the facebook link. This was another officer who made such a difference, that even after death, his memory still helps others....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=8">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:33:24 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>In Memory of Joe Campbell</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=7</link><description><![CDATA[The following picture was posted on the facebook page for our site. Feel free to cotribute here, or at the facebook page 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Backing-the-Blue-Friends-of-Law-Enforcement/228556931451?v=photos#/photo.php?pid=2200605&amp;op=1&amp;o=global&amp;view=global&amp;subj=228556931451&amp;id=613098567...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=7">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:30:30 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Z-man Scholarship</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=5</link><description><![CDATA[After we lost Z-man, his memory goes on. A Scholarship fund was set up in his memory and he continues to help others even after his death....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=5">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:15:16 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Sunshine Division</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=4</link><description><![CDATA[Helping Portlanders since 1920. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=4">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:33:02 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=3</link><description><![CDATA[The national wall of law enforcement officers names honoring those who gave their all to keep us safe. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=3">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:22:44 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Officer Down Memorial Page</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=2</link><description><![CDATA[Shows fallen officers and the patch of their departments.
...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=2">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:16:52 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Concerns of Police Survivors</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=1</link><description><![CDATA[Concerns of Police Survivors also has good information about Project blue light and the Blue Ribbon Campaign....<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Charities.asp?IDNum=1">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:14:44 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>The Black Band</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/History.asp?IDNum=9</link><description><![CDATA[For those of you that wonder about the black band that is sometimes worn on the badge of an officer or the black ribbon pinned on their shirt, here is a bit of history that I've dug up about the evolution which has come to today's public display of grieving. 

Asia in the 1600s had a fashion of stitching a band of color to the sleeves of clothes. It was often 5-7 inches and the color would indicate what was happening in the wearer's life. White stood for mourning, and would be plain in the front, and often have impressive designs stitched along the back. The wearer would often fold this band like a cuff and women developed the habit of holding their hands folded in front which showed off the designs delicately embroidered on the back. This was custom not o...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/History.asp?IDNum=9">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:04:28 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Patch collections. </title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=6</link><description><![CDATA[I'll be adding pictures over time of some of my patch collection. I started collecting patches when my Mum and dad went to Germany. On their visit, they had spoken with an officer and told him about my interest in law enforcement and he took a badge on a leather strap off his uniform and told my parents it was a gift for me. After that I was hooked. I thought it was amazing that such a gesture would be made from Germany to a simple person like me in America. I looked over the words on the badge and tried to learn more about the city and region where that officer worked. 
Now I collect patches and my mum and dad have their pictures taken with an officer every time they travel. It's amazing to me to learn about the patches and what they represent. I have two ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=6">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:27:46 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>The reason behind the site. </title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=5</link><description><![CDATA[With all the tragedy lately, I felt it was time for someone to sound the rally call for friends of law enforcement everywhere. I had noticed that after 9-11 people were reminded again that officers were heros, but that didn't seem to last. Firefighters are still considered heros, but officers aren't as much. The only difference between these heros, is that the percieved view of them seems to be that fire fighters do things FOR you, and Police officers do things TO you. Even a straight laced soccer mom will sometimes see a police officer driving behind them and worry that the officer is going to give them a ticket. I know because I was one! It still happens even after I've worked with officers, been through citizen academies, and done ride alongs. I see an of...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=5">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:12:54 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Fundraiser for the Mendenhall Family.</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=4</link><description><![CDATA[Sgt Craig Mendenhall, of the Portland Police Bureau, died of a heart attack, leaving his wife and four children. You can donate at any Wells Fargo Financial Branch, using account number 5053447420.&amp;#8203; 

One of the bright blue lights of our life has gone out now. I suppose Heaven needed a good Sgt, but he will be missed here. 

This was the first blog posted on the site, and is also under the charities link. ...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/Blog.asp?IDNum=4">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:10:41 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>K9 officers in law enforcement</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/History.asp?IDNum=8</link><description><![CDATA[The dogs hired to work in police work are very well rounded and self assured animals. They not only do wonderful work searching out, people, articles, or chemicals, but also work easily in public relations. Often the same dog that will track down and hold a suspect, has earlier in the day been to a local school where school children have happily been petting them and watching the dog show how it can track, and then chewed happily on a favorite toy which is the reward for doing its work. Suspects see the dog as all teeth and flying fur, and sometimes people wonder if the dogs are abused or trained to be mean. These dogs go home and are part of the officer's family. They are happy and well treated. In fact, they are possibly better cared for than most people's...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/History.asp?IDNum=8">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PDT</pubDate></item>
<item><title>Women in law enforcement</title><link>http://www.backingtheblue.com/History.asp?IDNum=7</link><description><![CDATA[In 1908 the Portland Oregon Police Bureau formed the Women's Protective Division and named Lola Baldwin the head of it. She was the first woman hired by an American municipality to carry out regular enforcement duties. She was sworn in on April 1, 1908 at the age of 48 and was sworn in as a &quot;female detective to perform police service&quot;. She had previously in the summer of 1905 worked for the Travelers' Aid Society trying to keep juveniles and young women safe from &quot;Moral Pitfalls&quot; and referred to herself as a &quot;Municipal Mother&quot;. She did not wear a uniform, rarely flashed her badge, and seldom if ever made arrests, but worked in crime prevention and social work. Her office was also at the YWCA. Gloria Meyers wrote a Biography abou...<a href="http://www.backingtheblue.com/History.asp?IDNum=7">View Full Article</a>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PDT</pubDate></item>
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