By Tracy Jordan, Allentown Morning Call (Pennsylvania)
Easton Police Department’s SWAT Team officers have been barred from wearing a pin with an emblem they designed because it generated false rumors in the community about the department’s having a secret “Nazi hit squad,” according to an internal police memo.
Police Chief Stephen A. Mazzeo said Friday that a resident notified him of the rumors, and his investigation determined the source to be a German inscription on the SWAT Team’s emblem, “eines fumlr alles,” which in English means “all for one.”
The emblem, two swords with wings, wasn’t based on any Nazi or anti-Semitic symbol, but Mazzeo said he decided the Special Weapons and Tactics Team members should stop displaying it because of its negative connotation.
He said his decision also was based on his desire to protect and improve the department’s image, which has been damaged in the last three years as a result of federal civil rights lawsuits alleging police brutality.
“The saying is in German and it’s kind of military, so I decided to be proactive and get rid of it,” Mazzeo said. “We have an image challenge, and I’ve done everything I can, and will do everything I can, to mitigate this challenge.”
Patrolman Tim Lambert, commander of the 10-member SWAT unit, said the officers were disappointed with the chief’s order but understood his reasons.
“We took it kind of personally because this is kind of our team logo,” Lambert said. “We wanted to keep it, but he’s the chief so we don’t wear it anymore. It’s not really a big deal to us.”
The SWAT Team members used their own money to buy the pins as well as sweaters bearing the emblem, which they designed based on those worn by other SWAT Teams.
Lambert said the swords represent strength and precision and the wings symbolize speed and compassion, like an angel.
Mazzeo said the SWAT Team members started wearing the emblem in 2003 without obtaining approval and before he became chief. Mazzeo said he would consider alternative designs, but Lambert said the officers aren’t interested at this time.
Since Mayor Phil Mitman took office last January and appointed Mazzeo as chief, the administration has tried to improve the department’s image through more community policing and an internal reorganization.
Police union officials have said the demotions and policy changes have caused rifts within the department. The most recent policy changes have rankled SWAT Team members.
A month ago, the administration decided three detectives should no longer be allowed to serve on the SWAT Team because too many investigative hours were being lost to SWAT training.
The union president could not be reached for comment Friday regarding the SWAT Team’s emblem.