Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors

Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors
July, 2014
Reaching Out to the Survivors of Michigan’s Fallen
Law Enforcement Heroes for 26 Years
Volume25, Issue 2
Address: P.O. Box 508, DeWitt, MI 48820-0508
Phone: (877)4MI-COPS / (877)464-2677
Email: survivor@mi-cops.org; Website: www.mi-cops.org
An all-volunteer organization
President’s Message
With National Police Week behind us and summer here, now is a good time to enjoy the weather and
take care of yourself. I would encourage you to take part in one of the sponsored events over the summer.
It’s fun to take part and a great way to meet and keep in touch with others survivors.
Remember that mourning the loss of a loved one takes a while-there is NEVER a time limit. I have found
that connecting with other survivors has helped me so much.
In the next couple of months National C.O.P.S. will be holding their Hands-On programs for survivors
and affected co-workers. I strongly encourage you all to try and attend. The new Extended Family Retreat
is for surviving brother’s in-law, sister’s in-law, mother’s in-law, father’s in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and
nephews and grandparents who have also suffered a tremendous loss. You will meet other survivors
who may help you or you may help them without you even knowing it.
Remember that we are here for you also and you are not doing this alone. Everyone have a fun and safe
summer.
Karen Black
A Question Asked of a MI-C.O.P.S. Volunteer: Paying it Forward
While pinning blue ribbons on family, officers and community members at a funeral, an
officer thanked the volunteer and then asked, “Why do you do this?”
The answer was quick and simple: “Because someone who knew what we were going
through did it for us.”
Receive the Newsletter by Email
If you would like to receive the newsletter by email, please notify us at:
survivor@micops.org.
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MI-C.O.P.S. Mission Statement
Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors (MI-C.O.P.S.) provides resources to assist
in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers,
killed in the line of duty as determined by federal criteria. Furthermore, MIC.O.P.S. provides training to the law enforcement agencies on survivor’s
victimization issues and educates the public of the need to support the law
enforcement profession and its survivors.
MI-C.O.P.S. is a nonprofit, tax exempt organization, incorporated in 1988. It is one
of 48 state chapters of Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. The MI-C.O.P.S. newsletter is a publication
distributed free to over 2400 families, individuals, and agencies. It is an independent newsletter which
does not represent any police department, police organization, or social organization.
What Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors Does
MI-C.O.P.S. is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to helping surviving family members and coworkers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. It helps with hands on programs based on
strong peer support. Programs include “COPS Kids” counseling reimbursement program, “COPS Kids”
Summer Camp, “COPS Teens” Outward Bound experience for young adults, National Police Survivors’
Conference held each May during National Police Week, scholarships, peer-support at the local, state and
national levels, hands on retreats for spouses, parents, siblings, adult children, in-laws, significant others
and affected co-workers, trial and parole support as well as other assistance programs. MI-C.O.P.S. board
members speak at law enforcement conferences and honor guard schools.
MI-C.O.P.S. operates under the same by-laws and rules followed by National C.O.P.S. MI-C.O.P.S.
officers submit regular financial reports and executive board minutes to the C.O.P.S. board for their
review. MI-C.O.P.S. attends C.O.P.S. national board meetings and takes part in annual chapter trainings
provided by C.O.P.S. that are intended to keep chapters informed and strengthen ties between them. All
prospective MI-C.O.P.S. officers and trustees sign pledges of confidentiality regarding survivors as well
as pledges that they will work in the best interest of C.O.P.S. and MI-C.O.P.S.
Please look for:
Roll of Honor
Past Officers Honored in D.C.
Sgt. Michael Scarbrough Outing
FOP #128 Car Show
Kazoo Area Foot Chase
Foot Chase Photos 2013
Thank You!!!
C.O.P.S. Hands-On Programs
MI-C.O.P.S. Travel Reimbursement
Policy for Hands-On Programs
21st Annual Michigan Law Enforcement
Officers Candlelight Memorial
Page 3
Page 3
Page 4
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 6
Page 7
National Police Week
Page 10
Letter from First-Year Survivor Page 10
Did You Know…
Page 11
Alpena Special Investigator
April “Officer of the Month” Page 11
Michiganders Ride into DC
Page 12
Van Buren County Deputy
June” Officer of the Month” Page 13
Charitable Status & Donating Page 14
Page 7
MI-C.O.P.S. Store Coming
Page 14
Your MI-C.O.P.S. board
Page 15
Page 8
Support Group Meetings
Page 15
Board meeting schedule
Page 15
Our thanks to all who provided photos and articles for this issue of our newsletter. If you
have an article or photograph, please send it to survivor@mi-cops.org.
Roll of Honor
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Roll of Honor
Correctional Officer Chad Charles
Michigan Department of Corrections
End of Watch: Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Past Michigan Officers Honored in Washington, DC
Deputy James Pollock, Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, End of Watch 10-08-1913
Deputy James Pollock was shot and killed by striking miners at
the Isle Royale Mine near Houghton. He was shot in the back of
the head by one of the miners and then beaten by a group of men
after falling to the ground. Several men were arrested in
connection with his murder. Deputy Pollock was survived by his
wife and two daughters.
Deputy Keeper George W. Haight, MI Department of Corrections, End of Watch 03-27-1893
Deputy Keeper George Haight was killed after an inmate poisoned his food with
a mixture of opium and prussic acid (cyanide) at the Michigan State Prison, in
Jackson, during an elaborate escape attempt. The inmate tricked the night captain
into believing he’d buried treasure in Rhode Island and would share it with him.
The promise of the treasure prompted the captain to give the inmate additional
liberties and freedom to move around the prison at night. Despite serving a life
sentence for poisoning his mother, and being suspected of poisoning his father,
the night captain allowed the inmate to order prussic acid from an outside
pharmacy. On the night of the inmate's escape, the inmate assisted in preparing
meals for the guards and poisoned them with the mixture. As the guards ate and drank their meals they
immediately because extremely ill and unable to move.
When Deputy Keeper Haight collapsed from his chair he knocked down several plates, causing a loud
noise that drew the attention of another guard who hadn't been poisoned. When the other guard came to
investigate he discovered the inmate tending to Deputy Keeper Haight. The inmate told the guard that
the keeper was dying and was subsequently sent to get help. The inmate instead took the prison keys,
two revolvers and walked out of the prison. He was arrested several days later and charged with
murdering Deputy Keeper Haight. The night captain was also arrested and charged with being criminally
negligent. Deputy Keeper Haight was a Civil War veteran and had served at the Michigan State
Penitentiary for eight years. He was survived by his wife and five children.
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Events – You’re Invited!
Micheal A. Scarbrough Memorial Golf Outing, Saturday, July 26
All the foursomes are full and the
dinner reservations have been filled
as well.
Thank you so much to all the
organizers, friends, supporters &
sponsors of this wonderful event!
2nd Annual Southwestern Oakland FOP Lodge #128 Classic Car Show
Saturday, August 9
The Second Annual Classic Car Show will be
held at the Southwestern Oakland FOP lodge
#128 on Saturday August 9th, 2014. Registration
begins at 10 am with the show beginning at 11
am. Preregistration is $12 while day of
registration is $15.
There will be 50/50 raffles, door prizes, and
plenty of food and refreshments. Proceeds will be
donated to the Michigan Law Enforcement
Memorial as well as MI-C.O.P.S. The show is
open to all American classic, customized,
modified, or stock vehicles. Come on out and have some fun!
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Kazoo Area Foot Chase, Saturday, September 6
The 13th annual Kazoo Area Foot Chase is happening in Portage
on Saturday, September 6, 2014. Come join in a 3.5-mile
adventure run that is a simulated police foot chase of fleeing
suspects. The run kicks off as participants watch a criminal
incident unfold. At some point, after suspects flee from the scene,
runners are released at the sound of gunshots to head out and find
the suspects around the course. Runners must find “witnesses” to point them where to head next, and if
they catch a suspect or spot and recover
“contraband” dropped around the course, they
earn prizes at the end. The unconventional course
covers a variety of terrain and includes a number
of obstacles - as a real police foot chase might.
Prizes are also awarded to the fastest runners in
each age/gender bracket, and special prizes are
awarded to the fastest law enforcement
professionals in the run. Recruits from
Michigan’s various police academies can also
participate and represent their program for a
chance to take home the “Fastest Police
Academy” in the state award – a challenge that
has been enjoyed by many.
Don’t feel like running? No problem. We also offer a non-competitive neighborhood foot patrol event
for those who would rather stroll than run. While on the beat, participants in the foot patrol are tasked
with finding “wanted” people whose photographs they have been shown at the start of their shift.
Correctly identifying and “arresting” a wanted person may earn rewards on the spot. Meanwhile, a
range of law enforcement displays, exhibits and demonstrations are provided for all to enjoy.
The Kazoo Area Foot Chase is held each September as a benefit for Michigan Concerns of Police
Survivors. Each year the event is dedicated to a recent
Michigan line of duty death and also an officer from the
past. Event cofounder and organizer, Officer Holly Cerny of
the Constantine Police Department, stated, “We say that we
never forget and by each year honoring a fallen officer from
the past as well as a recent death we make sure that we
don’t.” This year, the Foot Chase will be honoring West
Bloomfield Police Department Sergeant Patrick O’Rourke,
EOW 09/09/2012 and Cass County Deputy Sheriff Shane
Britton, EOW 07/19/2000.
All proceeds from the event go directly to MI-C.O.P.S. to help the organization
serve Michigan’s police survivors. For more information on this year’s Kazoo Area
Foot Chase, please visit www.kazoofootchase.com. Please contact Dave Ostrem at
(269) 321-9264 or ostrem@kazoofootchase.com with questions, or if you or someone
you know would like to join our great team of sponsors of this fun and exciting
event.
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Kazoo Area Foot Chase Photos
Thank You!!!
MI-C.O.P.S. has been blessed with the continued support of organizations throughout the state. Their
fundraising on behalf of MI-C.O.P.S. allows us to provide services to all surviving family members and
co-workers and the law enforcement community throughout the state.
7th Annual Constantine Public Schools Staff vs Police Basketball/
Bake Sale Fund Raiser
Karen Black, MI-C.O.P.S. president, was on hand on Friday, March
21, at Constantine High School for the 7th Annual Constantine Public
Schools Staff vs Police Basketball/ Bake Sale Fund Raiser. All
proceeds this year went to MI C.O.P.S. Karen spoke about our
organization and what we do for survivors and law enforcement
departments. She further reported it was a great game!
We want to thank the Constantine Public Schools staff members, area
law enforcement officers and the Constantine community for their
continuing support.
Branch County Conservation and Sportsman's Club Falling Plate Shoot
MI-C.O.P.S. vice president Harold Sneath thanked members of the Branch
County Conservation and Sportsman's Club for their benefit held on behalf of
MI-C.O.PS. The Falling Plate Shoot was held Friday evening, May 23. In
addition to their regular group of shooters, members of the local law
enforcement community and members of the Hillsdale County Sportsman's
Club participated in the shoot. Everyone had a great time. All of the proceeds
from this event will be donated to MI-COPS. With entry fees and a 50-50
drawing, the club gave MI-C.O.P.S. a generous donation. Harold thanked the
group, as well, for their interest in supporting the mission of MI-C.O.P.S.
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C.O.P.S. Hands-On Programs
C.O.P.S. provides Hands-On Programs designed specifically for each survivorship to help rebuild their
shattered lives. Parents’ Retreat provides surviving parents of the fallen officer with strong peer support
to help cope with the pain of losing their child. Spouses Retreat is a “challenging” weekend getaway for
surviving spouses where debriefers and strong peer support infuse surviving spouses with a significant
dose of self-esteem and new found confidence. Siblings Retreat is a weekend where brothers and sisters
have access to mental health professionals and can meet others who lost a sibling in the line of duty help
deal with their pain. Adult Children’s Retreat is for surviving adult children 21 years and older and
provides counselors and strong peer support to help deal with the death of their parent. Extended Family
Retreat assists the surviving brother’s in-law, sister’s in-law, mother’s in-law, father’s in-law, aunts,
uncles, grandparents, nieces and nephews who have also suffered a tremendous loss.
Kids Camp
Dates: July 28-August 3
Salvation Army Lake Camp - East Troy, WI
Outward Bound ® Adventure
Dates: July 27-August 3
White Water Rafting in Canyonlands
National Park- Cataract Canyon, UT
Fiancés/Significant Others Retreat
Dates: August 15-18
YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO
Siblings Retreat
Dates: September 5-8
YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO
Spouses Retreat
Dates: September 19-22
YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO
Co-Workers Retreat
Dates: October 3-6
YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO
Extended Family Retreat*
Dates: October 17-20
YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO
Rock, AR
*Formerly the In-Laws Retreat
Parents Retreat
Dates: October 24-27
C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center - Little
Registration information will be in the mail or check the National C.O.P.S. website at
www.nationalcops.org.
MI-C.O.P.S. Travel Reimbursement Policy for Hands-On Programs
Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors (MI-C.O.P.S.) provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the
lives of surviving families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty as
determined by federal criteria. In accordance with our mission, MI-C.O.P.S. is pleased to be able to assist
all survivors to attend retreats and first-time survivors to attend National Police Week in Washington,
D.C. Reimbursement requests for retreats/Police Week must be submitted no later than sixty (60) days
after the last day of the program/event. The sixty day time frame is endorsed by National C.O.P.S., and
supported by IRS Guidelines (Section 1.62-2(g)(2)(i)), and is specified in our Travel Policy as adopted in
2012. Barring any extraordinary and reasonable exceptions (as there are exceptions to every rule), anyone
submitting receipts for reimbursement for retreats/Police Week after the sixty day time frame would
forfeit their claim for reimbursement.
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21st Annual Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Candlelight Memorial
Service held on Capitol Steps May 5
Seven new names were read in Lansing at this year’s Candlelight Memorial Service. Each family placed a
flower in the wreath at the foot of the Capitol steps and lit a memorial candle. Those honored were:
Rescue Diver John M. Makuch
St.Clair County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team E.O.W. 05/01/2011
Officer Robert W. Dooley
Detroit Police Department E.O.W. 09/15/2012
Officer Timothy A. Huffman
Arizona Department of Public Safety E.O.W. 05/06/2013
Deputy Sheriff Chad D. Shaw
McCracken County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky E.O.W. 08/06/2013
Trooper Paul K. Butterfield
Michigan State Police E.O.W. 09/09/2013
Officer Rodney W. Jones
Detroit Police Department E.O.W. 09/14/2013
Officer Patrick E. Hill
Detroit Police Department E.O.W. 10/19/2013
Also honored were past officers and those still serving throughout the state:
Past Line-of-Duty Deaths - Kitrina Van Popering-Serna, Surviving
Adult Child of Officer Bruce J. Van Popering, E.O.W. 07-17-1994,
East Grand Rapids Department of Public Safety
Injured in the Line-of Duty - Retired Inspector John Kopacz,
Michigan State Police
Died While Actively Employed - Sharon Cracchiolo, Spouse of
Sergeant Tony Cracchiolo, E.O.W. 01/17/2006, Livonia Police
Department
Died Following Retirement – Susan MacDonald and Family,
Daughter of Police Chief Louis Frighetto, Caspian Police
Department
Representing Retired Officers – Delbert Jennings, Detroit Police
Department
All Active Police Officers – Officer Scott Johnson, Walker Police
Department
Keynote speaker, Colonel Kriste Kibbey Etue of the Michigan State Police,
spoke of the bravery of all officers killed in the line of duty and the sacrifice
made by the families and co-workers of those officers. She further spoke of
the valor and commitment shown by officers serving throughout the state.
Colonel Etue noted that law enforcement, while a difficult and demanding
job, remains a noble pursuit that deserves the thanks and support of all
citizens.
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The program concluded with the 21-gun salute by the Livonia Police Department, the playing of Taps by
Heidi Williams of the East Lansing Police Department and the ceremonial helicopter flyover by the
Oakland County Sheriff's Aviation Unit. Our thanks to the many honor guards, the Metro Detroit Police
and Fire Pipes and Drums, Tammy Jex Mayrend and our chaplains for their contributions to the program.
To the families, co-workers, friends, departments, academies, FOP and FOP Auxiliary members,
motorcycle clubs and citizens who attended, our thanks. Remembering and honoring all law
enforcement officers is a worthy endeavor.
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National Police Week, Washington, DC
National Police Week is a time full of emotional and growth
experiences. We go to remember. We come home with new friends
and networks, a profound sense of pride in those who have lost their
lives and a whole suitcase full of memories. For some, it is their first
time going and that is an overwhelming and tiring experience.
Hopefully, for everyone, there were times that will stay with you and
sustain you.
From the Candlelight Vigil to the National Police Officers Memorial
Day to the COPS Survivors seminars and events, there was something that grabbed at each person
attending Police Week. There were the bike rides that raised funds for C.O.P.S., the National Law
Enforcement Memorial and the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Motorcycles roared from JFK Stadium to the Wall. Honor
Guard units and motorcycle units assisted with all the survivor
families and escort officers. It was a busy week.
While we weren’t able to host our Michigan picnic, MI-C.O.P.S.
was there at the host hotel and at events. We hope that this
time was a building block for each of you.
What This Month of Memorials Means
A letter was received by MI-C.O.P.S. president, Karen Black from a first year survivor. She wrote:
Dear Karen,
I’m home from DC and trying to get back into the routine. I wanted to thank you and all those with Michigan
COPS for the time and work you did to stage the Memorial Service and reception in Lansing. It was very touching
with the bagpipes, 21 gun salute and taps.
Thanks to COPS and all the officers and departments that participate. They really do create “catch your breath’
moments.
I also want to thank you for the times you talked with me on the phone to explain the DC events and offered support
and suggestions. I’m very glad I went to D.C. for a peaceful visit at the wall.
I’m sorry we didn’t get to visit more in DC but it really is a hectic week with little social time. Thanks also to your
family for tolerating the interruptions to their life during these events.
Hope to see you soon.
A first-year survivor
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Did you know…
That MI-C.O.P.S. past president,
Denise Scarbrough, spoke at
the DFL Honor Guard School
for airport firefighters in the fall
and for police officers this June?
That MI-C.O.P.S. trustee, Diane
Philpot, spoke at the dedication
of the Wayne County Law Enforcement Memorial and
the Lenawee County May Memorial?
Grand Haven Officer Scott Flahive, E.O.W. 12/13/1994; Flint Officer Owen Fisher,
E.O.W. 07/16/2005; Mattawan Officer Scot Beyerstedt, E.O.W. 07/26/2005 and Public
Safety Officer Eric Zapata, E.O.W. 04/18/2011 were included in retired Kalamazoo
Public Safety Officer Todd Christensen’s new book, Out of the Darkness and Into the
Blue? The book covers PSO Christensen’s career as an officer, field training officer,
Honor Guard member and Kalamazoo Valley Community College Police Academy
training officer.
Numerous communities throughout the state held commemorative programs to
honor fallen officers and all of law enforcement? Delta County was the site for this year’s U.P. Peace
Memorial with several hundred in attendance. It was hosted by the Gladstone Post of the Michigan
State Police, Delta County Sheriff’s Department, Escanaba Public Safety, Gladstone Public Safety,
Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Hannahville Tribal Police Department. MI-C.O.P.S.
was pleased to provide blue ribbons for the program. Let us know of your department or community
memorial or Project Blue Light programs and we will place it in our calendar of events.
Special Investigator Phillip Seguin is April “Officer of the Month”
A second Michigan officer has been honored as “Officer of the Month”
by the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. Special Investigator
Phillip Seguin, of the Alpena County Sheriff’s Department, received
the honor for the month of April. Phillip Seguin began his law
enforcement career with the Montgomery (AL) Police Department in
1974. After one year, he returned to his hometown of Alpena, MI, where
he served for 10 years as a deputy sheriff with the Alpena County (MI)
Sheriff’s Office. During that time, he worked with the K-9 unit and
received the department’s Policeman of the Year Award.
In October 1985, Investigator Seguin relocated to Florida and accepted a
position with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD). For the majority of his 20 years with the
FLPD, he continued to work with the K-9 unit. He and his four-legged partners conducted an estimated
1,200 apprehensions, with less than 20 percent of those resulting in any injury to the perpetrator.
According to the United States Police Canine Association, this is well below the national average. During
his years at the FLPD, Investigator Seguin also developed a keen interest in technology used in police
cruisers and became proficient in making repairs when needed.
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In 2005, after 20 years of service, Investigator Seguin retired from the FLPD, hoping to spend more time
with his family. Unfortunately, tragedy struck less than one year later, when on February 16, 2006, Phil
Seguin’s only son, Broward County (FL) Deputy Ryan C. Seguin, was killed in a hit-and-run incident on
a busy Florida highway. To cope with their grief, Phil and his wife, Lori – herself a former law
enforcement officer – created the Deputy Ryan Seguin Memorial Fund, which helps support law
enforcement agencies in the northern Michigan area with equipment and training programs. To help
finance that project, they also established the Deputy Ryan Seguin Memorial Golf Scramble. To date, the
Golf Scramble has raised approximately $175,000 for their cause. The Deputy Ryan Seguin Memorial
Fund also awards two scholarships each year to worthy individuals who are interested in pursuing a
career in law enforcement. After his retirement from the FLPD, Investigator Seguin moved back to
northern Michigan where he keeps busy by using the expertise he developed in electronics to repair and
upgrade the cruisers operated by the Alpena County (MI) Sheriff’s Office. In volunteering his time and
skills for this project, he has saved the department approximately $70,000 in repair costs. In 2011, the
Alpena County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office hired Investigator Seguin as a part-time special
investigator, a position which is funded by the Alpena County (MI) Sheriff’s Office. With his vast array of
experience in the law enforcement profession, he was considered ideal for this position. According to
Alpena County Prosecutor K. Edward Black, "With Phil, our office gains insight and intelligence which
would ordinarily not be available to anyone but perhaps a federal prosecutor. The corresponding number
of convictions for life and capital crime offenses by plea is a credit to his hard work.”
Many Michiganders Rode into DC Having Participated in the Law
Enforcement Bike Rides
They were riding for the common cause of supporting and remembering those who gave so much. Each
participant - police officer, surviving coworker and family survivor - rode for an officer killed in the lineof-duty.
Groups from throughout the state flew to the east coast,
unpacked their bikes and started their three-day trek to
Washington, DC. For some, the camaraderie along the
grueling ride through rain, heat and hills was what got
them through.
One thing everyone needs to know: everyone
wearing one of these jerseys honored an
officer, raised money and rode hard – all for a
good cause. And, each rode with a blue
bracelet engraved with the name and end-ofwatch of a fallen officer on it.
Congratulations on a successful ride!
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Deputy Brian Matthews Receives June “Officer of the Month” Award
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has announced the
selection of Deputy Brian Matthews, of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s
Office, as the recipient of its Officer of the Month Award for June 2014. He
is the third Michigan officer honored this year.
On March 2, 2013, after completing a week’s training in Arizona, 19 newly
certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) trained officers and instructors
were on a flight back to Michigan. An hour after takeoff, a flight attendant
called for a medically trained passenger to assist another passenger in need.
DRE Deputy Brian Matthews offered to help.
Deputy Matthews recognized the passenger in distress as a fellow officer,
Muskegon (MI) Police Officer John Burns, who had just completed the DRE training as well. Deputy
Matthews stabilized Officer Burns using the limited equipment he had on hand and assessed that Officer
Burns was suffering a stroke. Realizing that his condition was worsening, Deputy Matthews informed the
flight attendant that Officer Burns needed immediate medical attention and advised that the aircraft
should make an emergency landing.
The pilot safely landed the plane in Des Moines, Iowa. Deputy Matthews stayed with Officer Burns,
improvised an oxygen mask from an overhead compartment mask and kept Officer Burns as comfortable
as possible during the landing. Deputy Matthews directed another fellow officer to take notes of his
assessment to give emergency medical personnel on the ground.
Officer Burns, who was unconscious at this time, was immediately transported to a Level 1
Trauma/Stroke facility in downtown Des Moines. With the information provided by the notes of the
assessment, hospital personnel estimated that 83 minutes had passed from the time the symptoms began
to the time medical personnel administered the medicine, Tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA), which is
most effective when administered within three hours of the onset of symptoms in order to reduce the
impact of the stroke. If Deputy Matthews had not taken the quick action in requesting an emergency
landing, the plane’s next stop would have been Chicago, which would have likely been too late for the
medicine to work effectively. Two days after the incident, Officer Burns was walking with assistance,
though he still showed signs of the stroke.
Deputy Brian Matthews has served with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office for six years and has over
12 years of experience in law enforcement. He was recently certified as one of only 50 DREs in the state of
Michigan. He is currently assigned to traffic enforcement as well as taking on the duties of Traffic
Accident Investigator, Crime Scene Technician, and Honor Guard member. He was awarded the
Department’s “Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office 2012 Deputy of the Year” Award.
"As coworkers at the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, we are all extremely proud of Deputy Matthews
being named the June Officer of the month," said Sheriff Dale Gribler, Van Buren County (MI) Sheriff’s
Office. "Deputy Matthews is a fine recipient of this prestigious award and is an officer who gives his
absolute best every day in service to his community."
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Is MI-C.O.P.S. a Reputable Charity? YES!
Our IRS link: The Michigan Chapter of C.O.P.S. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all
contributions are tax deductible. A link to our IRS 990 filings: http://www.eri-nonprofit
salaries.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=NPO.Summary&EIN=382850738 &Cobrandid=0fdn.
We are listed as a charity on the Michigan Attorney General’s site: Look on the Michigan Attorney
General’s website to locate Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors (MI-COPS) under “Consumer
Protection”, “Search for Charities.”
C.O.P.S. received highest rating from Charity Navigator: National C.O.P.S has received Charity
Navigator’s 4-Star Rating “for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. As
the nonprofit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy donors are demanding more accountability,
Our goal in all of this is to provide donors with essential information needed to give them greater confidence in the
charitable choices they make.” As with the federal IRS evaluation, this evaluation extends to all chapters
including MI-C.O.P.S.
Donations to Support MI-C.O.P.S. May be Made on the Website or
Mailed to:
MI-C.O.P.S. Treasurer
P.O. Box 508,
DeWitt, MI 48820-050
Please make all checks and money orders payable to MI-C.O.P.S. or Michigan Concerns of Police
Survivors.
We Still Need You!
Whether making and pinning ribbons, manning a booth, providing financial support or serving on the
board or a committee, you make a difference. Because of you, we are able to assist new survivor families
to attend National Police Week when their officer is honored. Because of you, we are able to help with
transportation to camps and retreats for Michigan survivors and co-workers. Because of you, we are able
to bring survivors together for support and fellowship through the State Memorial Service, our Christmas
gathering and other activities and events. If you would like to volunteer, please call (877)464-2677 or
email survivor@mi-cops.org.
On-Line Shopping with MI-C.O.P.S.
Watch for our new on-line shopping store on the website. We have golf shirts, tshirts and sweatshirts (both pullover and hooded) as well as caps. Some are
embroidered; others are screen printed. The quality of the merchandise is very good
and the embroidery and silk screening is excellent. There will be new car magnets
and lapel pins featuring our new chapter logo. Other merchandise may be added as
sufficient requests are received. Merchandise will also be available at events around
the state. So, if you are at a MI-C.O.P.S. event, the new merchandise will be there to
look at and purchase. On-line purchasing will be on a secure site.
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Your MI-C.O.P.S. Board
Officers
President: Karen Black, s/00
(616)818-8054
Secretary: Cheryl Farquhar, s/11
(517)388-1562
Past President: Denise Scarbrough w/05
(734)934-2799
Trustees
Curtis Caid, Livonia PD, in/11
(734)466-2302
Sergeant David Ellis, Lansing PD
(517)483-6842
Vida Fisher, p/05
(810)919-1712
Delbert Jennings, Detroit PD, cw/11
(313)870-9301
Scott Johnson, Walker PD, cw/11
(616)293-5926
Richard L. Migala, PC
(269)353-8200
Dave Ostrem, Mattawan PD, cw/05
269-321-9264
Diane Philpot, w/95
(313)598-1131
Northern Representative
Gloria Egelski, p/94
(989)464-0646
Vice President: Harold Sneath, cw/74
(517)227-4687
Treasurer: Phil Bailey, CN Police, cw/86
(517)927-7736
Frank Rubino, Mattawan PD, cw/05
(734)717-0135
Jim Salo, MSP/ Burton Chaplain
(810)730-8975
Sarah Samborski, w/08
(517)449-4920
Kitrina Serna, ac/94
(616)218-4572
Kevin Sommers, cw/00
(586)634-4290
Shannon Thielen, Lansing PD
(517)290-8726
Connie Zapata-Bernal, p/11
(616)644-2310
Sunshine Committee
Jo Duyst, p/94
Audrey Stewart, p/02
Eastside Support Group Coordinator
Debbie Nagle, p/02
(586)216-5533
Survivor Support Group Meetings
Support group meetings will resume next fall. For the Eastside Support Group, please contact Debbie
Nagle at (586)216-5533. The Westside Support Group meets the 2nd Sunday at 1 PM, beginning
September 14, at the Grand Rapids Police Department, 1 Monroe Avenue. Please contact Karen Black at
(616)818-8054.
Next Board Meeting: 1:00 PM, Sunday, October 5, Southside Community Center, 5815
Wise Rd, Lansing, MI 48911. All members are welcome.
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Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors
P.O. Box 508
DeWitt, MI 48820-0508
DEPARTMENTS - PLEASE POST
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