During ILEETA 2014 a couple of weeks ago, I attended an evening seminar presented by my very good friend and Police1 colleague, Sergeant “Little Joe” Ferrara and co-presenter, Sergeant Gary Lask — both of whom work for the Southfield (Mich.) Police Department, just outside of Detroit.
The seminar contained countless tactical tips which will appear in this space for many weeks to come, but today I want to discuss readiness “even at home” and/or in the place you least expect it.
You will recall that on Veteran’s Day 2012, a 64-year-old man entered the lobby area of the Southfield police station, brandished a handgun, refused commands to drop it, and opened fire.
One officer was injured (I am happy to report that he has since returned to duty), and the gunman was killed. Because of the quick thinking, fast action, and tactical prowess of SergeantLask, the threat in the Southfield PD lobby was promptly ended on that sleepy, Sunday afternoon.
I elect to bring this up today because just yesterday we had yet another example of a gunman opening fire inside a police station. In this case, the gunman walked into the lobby of LAPD’s West Traffic Division station, said “I have a complaint,” and opened fire. One officer was struck (he is reported to be in good condition), and the suspect was stuck several times during the ensuing gunfight.
Officers — and civilian employees alike — feel completely “at home” at the station. The common thinking is that the station is “the safe place where you can take off your vest and let your guard down.”
As we have seen too often, it’s not.
Nor are myriad other places.
Take a moment today to think about someplace you’d least expect to be attacked. That fishing hole you hit during days off in the summertime. That little league game where you stand behind home calling calls and strikes for the PAL. That ... you get the idea.
Stay safe out there my brothers and sisters.
