Local Breaking Police News
6 hours ago
Paul Pierce makes bold declaration about treatment of Boston Celtics star
Paul Pierce has had a front row seat to Jayson Tatum’s ascension over the last few years, being a regular attendee during the team’s playoff runs at TD Garden. The former Celtics All-Star knows a thing or two about playing in the limelight after an Hall of Fame career in Boston as well. With Tatum in the midst of one of arguably his best season of his career coming off a championship, he looks like a guy playing with a chip on his shoulder. In an interview with NBC Sports Boston before Friday’s game against the Suns, Pierce elaborated on where he thinks that motivation is coming from. “When I watch Tatum on and off the court, he’s humble, he works hard,” Pierce said. “I have a chance to watch him workout in LA every year, he loves the game. He has something to play for because he’s probably the most disrespected superstar in our league. The motivation is always there for him. Look what they did to him at the Olympics. It seems like its always something with Jayson Tatum that doesn’t sit well with people and year in and year out, he’s first team All-NBA, he won a championship and then there’s something else.”When pressed by Brian Scalabrine about whether playing in Boston led to some of that disrespect nationally, Pierce strongly agreed. “I do,” Pierce declared. “I think playing for the Boston Celtics and we can go back to Bill Russell winning 11 championships. At no point did they say he was the greatest ever. It was always Wilt and Kareem. It’ something about people hating the city of Boston but all we do is win.”Tatum is currently poised to be selected to his fourth straight All-NBA team and is threatening to post career highs in both rebounds and assists per game. However, Tatum still ranked 4th in ESPN’s latest MVP straw poll released last week. Joe Mazzulla spoke about his MVP qualities on Friday night. “I think the first one that comes to mind is just the leadership, and he’s one of the guys that sets the atmosphere for the organization,” Mazzulla said. “You heard after the Brooklyn game what Kristaps said about [how he] sets the tone from his availability and playing every night. Just his impact he has from a leadership standpoint. And then the on-court stuff speaks for itself, his rebounding, his ability to be a playmaker, his potential assists, his assists. In the end, only one guy can win (the award), and I still think whoever doesn’t is still of an MVP caliber. At that to me is more important, how you’re able to do that, and that’s something he does well.”
6 hours ago
Council approves money for demolition of former Blessed Sacrament Rectory
WESTFIELD — On April 3, the City Council unanimously approved an appropriation of $243,000 for the demolition of the former Blessed Sacrament Rectory on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, to make way for a new police station for Westfield.Purchasing Director Tammy Tefft presented the item to Finance. She said they opened bids for the demolition and had seven responses, and chose the lowest bid of $223,000 from Associated Building Wreckers out of Springfield.
6 hours ago
Westfield Health Bulletin: a thank you to a devoted health care champion
Stan Strzempko’s last official shift in Noble Emergency Department as an ER doc was Feb. 28, 2025. It seems these days that my peers in health care don’t truly retire. They continue working per diem or start a new job or business. Retirement is defined as “the action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work.” Stan’s day-to-day coworkers will feel his absence most acutely, missing those small moments he made special. But the city as a whole is not losing a thing. Stan doesn’t plan to stop contributing to the community any time soon.For anyone who knows Stan, he probably will not stop working until he is horizontal and in a box. He actually really likes his chosen profession.With a work ethic similar to the likes of respected and past Noble physicians who worked til they were in their eighties, Dr. Douglas and Dr. Long, he is not really leaving. He is staying on as per diem in the emergency department but you will likely not see him on his least favorite night shifts. He is also starting an adjunct career in urgent care.
6 hours ago
From Longmeadow to Hollywood: Actress Meghann Fahy reflects on Western Mass upbringing
Meghann Fahy has an undeniable gift.The A-list actress has been on fire these past few years — from a standout performance in the HBO series “The White Lotus,” to a lead role in the upcoming thriller “Drop,” set to hit theaters April 11. If a scene calls for a humor, Fahy brings it full force. If a scene calls for mind-bending drama, she conjures it effortlessly and makes her craft seem easy. It all comes naturally to her, considering she has been performing songs in front of family and friends since she was 8 years old.“There were so many birthday parties and Girl Scout troupes and hockey games at that point in my life that they all sort of blend together,” said Fahy. “Singing was kind of what I always wanted to do. I think the acting thing sort of happened much later for me.”Not long after moving away from Longmeadow, Fahy played the role of distressed daughter Natalie in the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Next to Normal.” When she wasn’t on Broadway, she could be found on TV, playing Hannah O’Connor on the long-running ABC Daytime soap opera, “One Life to Live."So, just how does Fahy have the energy to move between such career-defining roles? The actress gives a lot of credit to the love and support of her mother. A mother’s loveMeghann Fahy is pictured with her mother, Tammy. (Submitted photo)SubmittedThough it was her father John’s idea to choose the name Meghann, her mother Tammy stamped her official seal of parental approval once she saw her daughter’s blue eyes.“She looked just like a Meghann,” said Tammy. “We didn’t have a name picked out until a little while after she was born… but with those eyes… I thought, ‘oh my gosh,’ of course. It just made sense.”Tammy’s unfailing support has helped her daughter succeed to seemingly unreachable heights.“I think one of her adorable charms is that she is more a protective mom than anything,” said Fahy. “She’s the best. She has been so supportive, really my whole family has, but especially her — of my career and wanting to sort of take a nonconventional path in my life since I was kid. So I am endlessly grateful to her for that.”In 2009, Fahy starred as Dorothy in a Longmeadow High School production of “The Wizard of Oz.” That was the first time she seriously considered pursuing a future as an actress. However, according to her mother, there were a few roles Fahy starred in prior to her seminal senior year debut - one of which was a performance in the show, “How to Eat Like a Child.”As a child, Meghann Fahy performed in a production of "How to Eat Like a Child" at a summer acting camp. (Submitted photo)Submitted“She was just so precious, even at a young age, you know?” said Tammy. “This was so cute — listening to the people all around our family, all of them just giggling because they’d say, ‘oh look at that little one over there with the big eyes!’ She even had a little solo… the acting wasn’t even a huge part until later on. It was mostly her singing.”Fahy still remembers her early performance in the show, recalling that the role took place during an acting camp for kids she attended.“It was one of my first experiences doing a camp like that,” said Fahy. “Meeting kids and learning a thing and then presenting it, it was sort of a formative experience for me. I remember being really shy as a kid — painfully shy. I had a lot of performance anxiety, and I just remembered that once I started, I just couldn’t get enough of that feeling… so I was still very very shy for many years after that. I still am sometimes, but that was the first time that I knew what it felt like to kind of… I don’t know. It was just that energy that everybody always talks about when they talk about performing, whatever their art form is, and that was sort of my first taste of that.”Celebrating every triumphMeghann Fahy as Daphne and Will Sharpe as Ethan in season 2, episode 7 of "The White Lotus" (Photo: HBO)Despite her fame, as well as being raised on ′80s rock staples like Guns n Roses and Journey courtesy of her parents, Fahy still makes time to keep up with modern music.“I just kind of got into Lizzy McAlpine,” said Fahy. “I hadn’t listened to too many of her songs previously. Gracie Abrams, I’m a big fan of hers… always a little bit of Kacey Musgraves in there too. Those would be a couple of the gals that are on my mix.”As for her go to comfort films, Fahy mentioned romantic-comedy classic “Notting Hill” and the live-action adaptation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” as two of her favorite movies. (The latter of which she believes Jim Carrey was robbed of an Academy Award.)“That is one that I revisit frequently,” said Fahy. “I think it is actually a really incredible performance, and I talk about it all the time, I actually do. I think Jim Carrey should be retroactively nominated for an Oscar, but that’s just me!”Fahy starred in the family drama, “The Unbreakable Boy,” which was released last month, and recently attended the Sundance Film Festival for her performance in 2025’s “Rebuilding” The project follows a community of people who bond at a FEMA camp after losing their homes to wildfires. “Sundance was wonderful,” Fahy said. “Max Walker-Silverman, who directed ‘Rebuilding,’ is so unique as a creator and it was sort of sad that the film ended up being so relevant with everything that has been going on in Los Angeles. I think that it is kind of amazing that the film came out in such timing because it really offers a message of hope and focuses a lot on community and how we can, as communities, lean on each other and use each other to get us through the hardest moments of life. I’m very proud to be a part of that film.”For each of her achievements, from Fahy’s role in the Netflix summer smash “The Perfect Couple” to her much-anticipated performance in the dark comedy series “Sirens,” Tammy’s pride and unwavering support for her daughter helps Meghann push for even greater heights.For more on Meghann Fahy, follow her on Instagram @meghannfahy. For the full unedited interview, follow @cppr_live or @harveypizza.
6 hours ago
Why Jaylen Brown is studying Boston Celtics legend amid knee woes
BOSTON — Jaylen Brown does not look close to 100 percent on the court as he deals with a bone bruise in his knee. However, he’s not letting it keep him from playing effective basketball as the Celtics gear up for the postseason. The All-Star erupted for 31 points in 28 minutes in Boston’s blowout win over the Suns on Friday night but did so playing at a much slower pace than usual due to the knee issue. Brown explained how the lingering knee issue is forcing him to make tweaks within his own play. “Just learning to make adjustments,” Brown said. “I probably relied on my athleticism a lot this season. But like, using more of my skill, you know, playing a little bit slower, which can sometimes be a good thing. So it’s all about just figuring that out, and I’ve been using these games to kind of figure it out, and just take it one day at a time.”One Celtics legend came up when Brown described who he is turning to figure out some tricks in his current form. “It’s funny because he was at the game today, but before the game, I was watching some Paul Pierce footage, just getting to your spots, playing at a certain pace,” Brown explained. ‘And today I felt like I didn’t have my normal burst, but I was still able to be effective.”Pierce was never the fastest or most athletic wing but the Celtics legend always found a way to get to his favorite spots on the floor, which allowed him to become to score the second most points in franchise history. With Brown’s explosiveness uncertain to return this season as he battles a knee injury, Pierce is a smart player to look at when trying to be efficient at a slower pace. “As we continue to move forward, I’m hoping to feel better and better,” Brown said. “But there’s no guarantee that rest or anything like that is going to make this thing better, so kind of figuring it out and going through it and getting ready for the playoffs.”The Celtics have five more regular season games to experiment before getting nearly a week off before the postseason begins. In the meantime, Brown is looking forward to making the most of his situation, whatever it ends up being. “Obviously, I haven’t felt my best over the last couple of days, the last couple of weeks, but you kind of just got to roll with the punches, I guess. It is what it is. It sucks. I wish I could share more details, but whatever my team needs, whatever I can do, whatever I got, I’m gonna give. So I’m looking forward to just taking it one day at a time.”
6 hours ago
Westfield Woman’s Club announces honorees for annual Garden Tea
WESTFIELD — The 27th annual Garden Tea hosted by Westfield Woman’s Club will return on Wednesday, June 18, from 1-4 p.m. at Stanley Park, and the club has just announced its honorees for this year’s celebration of women and community in Westfield.This year’s honorees are Westfield Food Pantry Executive Director Rebecca Hart and Program Director Melissa Cahalan, and Westfield High School Senior Jillian Battles. Battles has supported community through her “Bags for Battles” program among other initiatives including offering assistance to the food pantry. The was also named of the Sons of Erin’s colleen for 2025.Members of the Woman’s Club themselves would say the annual event is more than a chance to dress up, eat delicious scones, and wear fancy hats. It’s also a celebration of the city, its people, the connection amongst them and the spirit of volunteerism that lives on in the community.
6 hours ago
State public hearing April 29 on Jupiter Power’s request for zoning exemptions for BESS in Westfield
WESTFIELD - In February, the Department of Public Utilities transferred to the Energy Facilities Siting Board the requests by Jupiter Power to construct and operate two 114 kilovolt underground transmission lines, and for comprehensive zoning exemptions from the City of Westfield’s zoning laws, both in connection with the company’s proposed construction of a 200-megawatt 800 megawatt-hours battery energy storage system (BESS) in Westfield known as Streamfield Energy Storage. A description of the project is on the website at streamfieldenergy.com in English, Spanish, Ukrainian and Russian.Briefly, Jupiter Power proposes to construct a 200 MW/800 MWh battery energy storage system, including two underground transmission lines and two project substations, on approximately 34.9 acres of land on Medeiros Way in Westfield. The two proposed transmission lines are approximately 1,800 feet and 600 feet long, respectively, and would connect the BESS with the Buck Pond Substation, also located on Medeiros Way. The project would use lithium-ion batteries housed in approximately 219 above-ground enclosures.
6 hours ago
Mass. has 2 of the best places to visit in April, Good Housekeeping says
Massachusetts has two of the best places to visit in April, according to Good Housekeeping.The publication’s list of the “20 Best Places to Visit in April” included Boston and Cape Cod as must-visit destinations.Good Housekeeping encouraged parents with high schoolers to check out colleges in Boston during their kids’ spring break.“With Berklee College of Music, MIT and more than two dozen institutions of higher learning, the Boston area may very well be on your teen’s radar,” the outlet wrote. Other notable Boston activities include walking the Freedom Trail and eating at Quincy Market. Good Housekeeping also suggested that families stay at The Verb Hotel in Fenway. Whale watching season also starts in mid-April, and those looking to get in on the action should consider visiting the Cape.“Be among the first to see them by spending an afternoon aboard the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch cruise, which resumes on April 19,” Good Housekeeping wrote. “The cruise is guided by a naturalist who takes part in yearly training to be up-to-date on the ever-changing marine habitat.”Other top attractions on Cape Cod include the Whydah Pirate Museum, Atlantic White Shark Center and Cape Cod’s Children’s Museum.Good Housekeeping also suggested staying at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club because of its heated indoor pools and direct access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
6 hours ago
Jayson Tatum explains Boston Celtics starter needs more ‘street cred’
BOSTON — When the TD Garden announcer declared that Derrick White picked up a technical foul, the Celtics starter was immediately befuddled. He was confused as to why he picked up the tech as Jayson Tatum stood up from the C’s bench to celebrate the infraction.The chaos was sorted through moments afterwards. Instead of a tech on White with 10:06 left in the Celtics’ win over the Suns, it was actually Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer who was assessed the foul. Tatum was clearly frustrated by it, throwing a bench into the second row of the Celtics bench. He explained why he acted like that after the win.“I’m no stranger to getting techs,” Tatum said. “D-White has never got a tech since he’s been in the league. I don’t know if anybody’s ever seen the reference in ‘The Longest Yard’ and when they was doing the recruiting and Chris Rock was like, ‘Man, I got half a star.’ So I told D-White like, you gotta get one tech and get your street cred up. So I got excited when I thought he got a tech. I kind of campaigned for him to get one, one day. So we’ll see.”Now, White does have a technical foul in his career — just one. It came on a play back on Jan. 22 against the Clippers. White went up to contest a shot and hit Amir Coffey in the face. So that was actually the first tech of White’s career after review.But Tatum likely means he wants White to complain and earn a tech in a different fashion by jawing at the refs. As Tatum mentioned, he knows what it’s like to pick up technical fouls. He has a career-high 14 of them this season, two away from an automatic one-game suspension. Tatum also has 66 techs throughout his career.Now, White probably prefers not to pick up those technical fouls. Each one of them costs $2,000 each to start and gets more expensive the more assessed over the course of the season. But it sounds like Tatum just wanted his pal to know what it’s like to give the referees an earful every now and then.“It’s been a longtime discussion,” Tatum said. “We’ve been talking about this for a long time. I just heard technical foul D-White, so I got excited. I was going to go give him a huge hug or something.”
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April 2, 2025
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez Goes to State Supreme Court in Lunsford Case and Argues on Behalf of Perjury
In response to allegations that a juror hid their anti-police bias in order to get on a jury, New Mexico’s anti-police biased Attorney General has gone to the New Mexico Supreme Court to argue in support of citizens using deception by omission to get on a jury. In the case of former Las Cruces police officer Brad Lunsford, convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Presley Eze, post-trial revelations have surfaced, alleging that Juror #8, who served as the jury foreperson, deliberately concealed a pronounced anti-police bias during voir dire—the jury selection process. This juror’s undisclosed history purportedly includes participation in anti-police protests, membership in activist groups advocating against law enforcement, and public statements condemning police. A potential juror concealing such relevant information during jury selection process in the trial of a police officer, if proven, constitutes a blatant act of perjury, undermining the officer’s right to fairness and tainting the verdict rendered. In response to defense motions highlighting potential misconduct, A.G. Torrez has submitted a filing to the New Mexico Supreme Court contending that scrutinizing a juror’s political beliefs equates to harassment and violates First Amendment protections. He asserts that a defense’s reliance on a juror’s deceptive omissions during jury selection precludes them from challenging the juror’s impartiality post-conviction. This argument not only dismisses legitimate concerns of juror deception but also sets a perilous precedent wherein dishonesty during voir dire is championed by the state. Defending juror misconduct under the guise of protecting political expression conflates the absolute right to hold beliefs with the absolutely impermissible concealment of those beliefs to corrupt judicial proceedings. By suggesting that potential jurors may withhold or misrepresent critical information without consequence, A.G. Torrez effectively endorses a “right to perjury,” a concept antithetical to the very essence of justice. Voir dire serves as the mechanism by which biases are identified and addressed, ensuring that both the prosecution and defense can exercise informed judgment in juror selection. Voir dire relies on honesty and full disclosure. To permit deception by omission in this process is to invite partiality into the jury box, thereby jeopardizing the fairness of trials and the legitimacy of their outcomes. No doubt A.G. Torrez wants to protect his wrongful conviction of a police officer who defended his life and the life of another against an armed assailant, but the price A.G. Torrez is willing to pay is too high. Juror integrity is the bedrock upon which fair trials are built. A.G. Torrez’s arguments, if left unchallenged, threaten to dismantle this bedrock, replacing it with a system in which deception is permissible and outcomes are suspect. This trajectory must be halted by the New Mexico courts to ensure that the rights of all—defendants, victims, and the broader community—are safeguarded against the perversion of justice.
April 2, 2025
The National Police Association Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Use Christopher Schurr Case to Curb Abusive Litigation Against Law Enforcement
The National Police Association (NPA) has filed an amicus brief in Schurr v. Lyoya with the U.S. Supreme Court, supporting a case that aims to break the judicial paralysis strangling American law enforcement. At issue: whether former Grand Rapids, MI, Police Officer Christopher Schurr—now facing legal fire for a deadly use-of-force encounter with an armed resisting suspect—will finally receive the protection in civil court that the Constitution and common sense demand. “For too long, America’s police have been dragged through the mud by activist attorneys, agenda-driven courts, and politicians who tremble at the sound of a protest chant,” said Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.), spokeswoman for the NPA. “We are seeking a return to constitutional clarity, where officers are not at risk of being sued for doing the dangerous job society depends on them to do.” The NPA criticizes the 2009 Pearson v. Callahan decision for undermining the development of vital constitutional precedent, rendering qualified immunity a legal minefield. Under Pearson, courts are allowed to skip over whether an officer’s actions violated the Constitution—as if it doesn’t matter—the result: a game of legal limbo where the rules are never written. And who pays the price? The patrol officer answering a 911 call. The Schurr case, involving a violent struggle with a suspect who attempted to flee, fought the officer and took the officer’s Taser, is the perfect vehicle to confront the issue. If the Court fails to act, the NPA warns, the message to police across the country is chilling: hesitate and die—or act, and be destroyed in civil court. With violent crime still plaguing America’s cities and police recruitment at historic lows, now would be a good time for the Supreme Court to put an end to the judicial second-guessing of split-second decisions made in life-or-death situations. America cannot survive without peacekeepers. Peacekeepers cannot survive under a legal regime that punishes courage and worships chaos. The National Police Association is represented by Robert S. Lafferrandre and Jeffrey C. Hendrickson of Pierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger & Green, L.L.P., in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The full brief is available on the Supreme Court docket under case number 24-886 and can be read here. About the National Police Association: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and law. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 27, 2025
The National Police Association Supports the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act: Defending Those Who Defend Our Borders
Indianapolis – March 27, 2025. The crisis at our southern border has created a range of perilous situations for American citizens, law enforcement officers, and migrants. One scenario involves traffickers who pack vehicles with illegal immigrants, then engage in high-speed chases to avoid capture. These encounters too often end tragically, claiming innocent casualties. One of these was Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who sustained injuries and subsequently died as a result of pursuing illegal migrants. The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (S. 512 / H.R. 35) is a federal bill that would provide severe punishments to those who intentionally flee from law enforcement when near the U.S. border. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) on the Senate side and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee. The companion bill, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), has already passed in the House of Representatives. The text for the Senate bill is here, and the text for the House bill is here. The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act creates a new federal offense for intentionally fleeing a federal, state, or local police officer by vehicle when located within 100 miles of the U.S. border. Penalties would increase depending on the level of injuries the victim sustains. Basic evasion would translate to a maximum of two years imprisonment and a possible fine. For evasions resulting in a serious injury to the victim, the penalty would increase to five to 20 years imprisonment. If it results in the victim’s death, the penalty would range from 10 years to life in prison. Additionally, non-citizens who commit this offense would qualify for deportation and be ineligible for admittance to the U.S., even if seeking future asylum. The U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security would also be required to submit a detailed annual report to congressional judiciary committees about these offenses. “Whether they work at the local or federal level, law enforcement officers place their lives at risk to prevent criminals who cross our border illegally from preying on innocent civilians. This level of sacrifice deserves support from the American people via legislative protections,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “This bill honors the sacrifice of Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who lost his life while in pursuit. It also sends a clear message to traffickers, smugglers, and other criminals that lawlessness and attacks on the men and women of law enforcement -even if those attacks are indirect- will not be tolerated. The NPA thanks Sen. Cruz and Rep. Ciscomani for crafting the Raul Gonzales Officer Safety Act, a bill that demonstrates respect for law enforcement and better protects American lives. We ask other members of Congress to work to ensure the bill’s passage. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 22, 2025
The National Police Association Supports a West Virginia State Bill to Create Harsher Penalties for Harming a Police Dog
Indianapolis – March 22, 2025. Police dogs are essential to law enforcement’s mission of maintaining order and keeping our communities safe. These four-legged heroes help locate missing people, track criminal suspects, detect drugs and explosives, and protect their human partners. Because these dogs work on the frontlines, they are subject to being assaulted and killed, just as human officers are. Thankfully, a growing number of states are recognizing that police K-9s need stronger protections, especially in an environment where officers are being targeted in greater numbers. One such state is West Virginia, where a bill (H.B. 2628) was recently introduced to increase the penalties for harming a police dog. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Delegate Clay Riley (72), and is currently in the State’s Justice Committee. The bill’s text can be found here. Under current West Virginia law, injuring a police dog is classified either as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the viciousness of the attack. The maximum possible punishment for these crimes is a sentence of three years imprisonment and a possible maximum fine of $5,000 dollars. What H.B. 2628 does is amend current West Virginia law to define an actively working police dog as a law enforcement officer. This would ensure that these animals receive the same legal protections as their human counterparts. Maliciously or intentionally assaulting a law enforcement in West Virginia is a felony that carries a prison sentence of up to fifteen years, which is three times the current maximum sentence for injuring a police dog. “Police canines are public servants who work tirelessly to keep our streets safe. They’re loved by their communities, and develop strong bonds with their human partners, who are deeply impacted when one of these dogs is injured,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association. “Police K-9s are deserving of respect and more robust legal protections. This West Virginia state bill would go a long way in accomplishing this,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA applauds Delegate Riley for introducing this important bill that would classify police dogs as law enforcement officers, thus ensuring more stringent penalties for injuring one. We ask all members of the West Virginia legislature to support this bill, and we encourage every state in the union to adopt similar legislation. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 21, 2025
The National Police Association #31 Toyota Spotlights Missing Person at the ARCA Pensacola 150
Indianapolis/ March 29, 2025/ — The National Police Association’s #31 Toyota, driven by full-time police officer and Rise Motorsports co-owner Rita Goulet, will feature a photograph of missing Pensacola teenager Caleb Nathaniel Cook during the ARCA Menards Pensacola 150 race at Five Flags Speedway. The event will be streamed live on FloRacing at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 22nd. In a collaborative effort to raise national awareness about Caleb’s disappearance, Goulet and the NPA will use the high-profile platform of motorsports to bring attention to the case. Caleb Nathaniel Cook, a 17-year-old from Pensacola, FL, has been missing since December 7, 2024. “The National Police Association is committed to supporting the search for missing children across the country,” said Rita Goulet. “By featuring Caleb’s image on our race car, we hope to reach a large audience and generate vital leads that could assist in finding him.” Goulet’s dual role as a police officer and race car driver allows her to uniquely connect public safety with the expansive reach of motorsports. In addition to raising awareness about Caleb’s case, Goulet and the NPA aim to promote their broader #SupportThePolice initiative during the race. Anyone with information regarding Caleb’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (Florida) at 1-850-436-9620 or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 19, 2025
The National Police Association Statement Responding to Swatting Surge
INDIANAPOLIS, March 19, 2025 / — There has been an alarming rise in “swatting” incidents primarily targeting conservative media figures and social media influencers. The National Police Association denounces this weaponization of law enforcement against its own citizens and urges the media, political leadership, the public and American law enforcement to be aware of and speak out against this disturbing trend. The false reporting of a violent act in progress is a crime and should be rigorously investigated and prosecuted. “Swatting” is an act of violence against both law enforcement and those being targeted. It is designed to not only physically harm people, but to drive a wedge between police officers and the citizens they are trying to protect. The NPA encourages potential targets of this crime to contact their local law enforcement agency and do the following: Explain why you are a potential victim Advise them of any “swatting” threats you receive Provide them with your cell phone number(s) Stay in touch If you see the police surrounding your property, call 911 and advise the dispatcher of the situation. Follow all directions by law enforcement until the incident has been declared over. It is essential that the public understands the extraordinarily dangerous nature of this trend. We are grateful that FBI Director Kash Patel is publicly addressing this issue and we encourage all law enforcement leadership in the United States to work together to stop and prevent these heinous acts. – Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret), NPA spokesperson The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 19, 2025
The MN Department of Corrections Needs to Hear from You. Killer of Claremont Police Chief Up for Parole.
INDIANAPOLIS, March 19, 2025 /Press Release/ –The National Police Association is asking supporters of law enforcement to email the Minnesota Department of Corrections. A man convicted of murdering Claremont Police Chief Greg Lange in 1988 is scheduled for a parole hearing on April 11. Andrew Salinas, along with his brother Robert, attacked, shot, and killed Chief Lange, 39, while he was responding to a domestic disturbance. The brothers then disposed of his body in an alley. Salinas will face the parole board for the fifth time, having last appeared in 2023. Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose, a longtime advocate for fallen officers and their families through his Officer Down Memorial Podcast, has been a vocal supporter of the Lange family. “Andrew took Greg’s gun, placed it on his back—just about an inch away—and pulled the trigger, ensuring he wouldn’t survive,” Rose said. He emphasized the emotional toll these hearings take on families. “For these families, it’s brutal to go through this over and over again,” Rose stated. Sheriff Rose is urging the public to submit letters to the parole board advocating for the denial of Salinas’ release. He stressed that every letter is reviewed and considered by the board. “The board needs to understand how important it is to the public that he remains incarcerated,” he said. “We must take a stand against those who murder police officers. The Lange family was sentenced to life without a father, a husband, and a police chief. This community believes Andrew Salinas should serve no less than life in prison for his crime.” In a 2020 interview, Lange’s widow, Sue, spoke about her commitment to seeking justice. “One of the last things I promised him at the cemetery was that we would fight for justice,” she said. Letters opposing Salinas’ parole are due by March 21 and can be submitted via mail or email. Sample letters and additional details can be found on the Officer Down Memorial Podcast website. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 16, 2025
Talladega, AL Police Reserves Awarded Grant by the National Police Association
Pictured left to right: Officer Andre Golden, Interim Chief Ron McElrath, Administrative Assistant Anna Eliuk, City Manager Derrick Swanson, and Officer Jason Robinson. (Indianapolis, IN) March 16, 2025 – The National Police Association announced today it has awarded the Talladega, AL Police Department’s Reserve Program a $1000.00 grant. Police reserves perform many important functions, including preserving life, protecting property, and serving their community. Reserves uphold these responsibilities by assisting regularly appointed full-time police officers in their routine duties and supporting the efforts of other law enforcement and community organizations that share this conviction. “The National Police Association is proud to support the Talladega Police Department’s Reserve Officer Program with this donation. Reserve officers play a vital role in strengthening public safety, and we are committed to providing resources that help law enforcement agencies enhance their effectiveness in serving their communities. We appreciate the dedication of Talladega’s reserve officers and their commitment to protecting and serving.” – Spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 14, 2025
The National Police Association Backs the 287(g) Program Protection Act
Indianapolis – March 14, 2025. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rely on the assistance of local law enforcement agencies to help identify and remove illegal migrants suspected of violent acts. Given that ICE is overtaxed, these partnerships have become even more of a necessity. A new federal bill called the 287(g) Program Protection Act (H.R. 756) would strengthen these alliances and make them more readily available to police agencies across the country. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill’s text is here. The 287(g) program -named for Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)- is a product of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This voluntary program allows local law enforcement agencies to enter into working agreements with ICE and receive dedicated training. The program has unfortunately been underutilized. Just 135 of approximately 18,000 state and local law enforcement agencies currently participate in the program, and no new agreements have been generated since 2021. The 287(g) Program Protection Act would amend the INA to strengthen this crucial program, ensure that it’s working as intended, and make it widely available to law enforcement agencies across the country. This bill seeks to do the following: Require ICE to approve new agreements with state and local police agencies within 90 days of application. The agency would be required to notify Congress when it issues a denial. Prohibit the federal government from canceling current agreements with state and local police agencies unless a solid reason is provided. Agencies would be given an opportunity to challenge the decision. Mandate the Department of Homeland Security to publish annual reports describing the program’s progress. Design a plan to recruit police agencies for participation in the program. Provide funding to help local law enforcement agencies train officers and enforce the program. “Americans overwhelmingly support the removal of dangerous illegal migrants from our streets. It is an effort that requires collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “The 287(g) Program Protection Act would facilitate this endeavor by making improvements to this vital program and expanding its use,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA extends its gratitude to Rep. Cloud for introducing the 287(g) Program Protection Act. We have confidence that if this bill is passed, it would foster greater cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement agencies, which will ultimately aid in keeping our communities safe. We urge members of Congress to prioritize the welfare of the American people by supporting this bill. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For additional information visit NationalPolice.org ###
March 9, 2025
Did an Anti-Police Activist Lie to Get on the Officer Brad Lunsford Jury?
Per a new court filing, the trial of former Las Cruces police officer, Brad Lunsford, who was wrongfully charged for defending himself and his partner from an armed suspect, was poisoned by an anti-police activist who managed to get on the jury through perjury. The filing alleges that “Juror #8” concealed outrageous bias before and during the trial. Misconduct that would not only eliminate the fairness of the verdict but also violate the law. The filing states Juror #8 failed to disclose anti-police social media activity, anti-police protest participation, anti-police activist group membership, and past anti-police authorship all pointing to a clear and strong bias against police. The filing can be read here. In voir dire (the jury selection process), the potential jurors were asked if they had strong feelings about a case involving a white police officer and a Black suspect – essentially probing for attitudes on police use of force and racial issues. Juror #8 stayed silent, implying they had no such bias. Per the filing, however, it was later discovered that this juror had a documented history of anti-police sentiment, which they did not reveal. For example, defense investigators found that Juror #8 had participated in protests over police shootings and even appeared on a podcast discussing racial injustice and police violence, where the juror stated that American society “is founded on racism” and continues to be racist (a viewpoint suggesting a predisposition against a police defendant). Additionally, Juror #8’s social media activity showed they had retweeted calls to cancel TV programs like “COPS” and “Live PD,” which indicates a clear negative view of law enforcement. All of these activities should have been disclosed during voir dire, especially when the court asked about any potential bias or familiarity with the case – but Juror #8 said nothing. By remaining silent, Juror #8 lied by omission to the court. If a potential juror knows they have strong preconceived opinions that could favor one side, they must alert the court. Here, Juror #8’s purported bias was directly relevant: the case involved a police officer’s use of force on a person of color, exactly the kind of scenario about which the juror had strong feelings and opinions. By concealing this, Juror #8 unfairly got onto the jury and even became the foreperson (the juror who leads deliberations). When a juror conceals bias or gives false answers during voir dire, the law provides a remedy: the verdict can be thrown out and a new trial granted. The right to an impartial jury is fundamental. Both the United States Constitution and the New Mexico Constitution guarantee criminal defendants a trial by an impartial jury. And lying to get on a jury is a crime. Prosecuting a dishonest juror would serve two main purposes. First, it holds the individual accountable for violating the law and violating the defendant’s rights. As alleged, this juror’s actions forced a defendant to face conviction without a fair jury – a very serious harm. Second, prosecution would send a message that juror misconduct has consequences, helping deter future jurors from similar deceit. In New Mexico, a conviction for perjury can result in prison time, reflecting how severe the offense is considered. Under New Mexico law and precedent, the alleged misconduct demands a new trial for Brad Lunsford and a perjury trial for Juror #8.
March 6, 2025
The National Police Association Supports New York State Bill Criminalizing the Menacing of Law Enforcement Officers
Protesters Menacing a Police Officer The war on police transcends the shootings, stabbings, and other malicious assaults that have spiked in recent years. Law enforcement officers are also subjected to being menaced, harassed, and threatened simply because of the uniform they wear. In some states, like New York, these egregious acts -that include throwing water on a police officer- do not always count as crimes under penal law. It’s why the National Police Association (NPA) is heartened by a new bill (S. 615) introduced in the New York state legislature by Sen. Anthony Palumbo to address the attacks on officers that are too often overlooked. This bill, which is currently being deliberated on in committee, creates two new criminal offenses to penalize threats, assaults, and menacing of law enforcement officers. The bill’s text can be found here. This New York state bill creates the offense of first-degree menacing of an officer, classified as a C felony and punishable by up to 15 years in prison. It is defined by knowingly placing an officer in fear of physical danger by displaying a deadly weapon. A second-degree offense, classified as a D felony and punishable by up to seven years in prison, includes assaulting an officer by throwing or spraying water, urine, or other substances. The bill also modifies the terms related to appearance tickets by listing these new offenses as serious felonies. “Menacing, harassing, and threatening officers of the law is not just disrespectful and a source of demoralization for them. Police officers have no way of knowing whether a substance being thrown at them is toxic, or if the person making the threat plans to carry it out. These shameful acts distract officers from performing arrests and investigations, which places them, their colleagues, and civilians in danger,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “Sen. Palumbo’s bill addresses these often-unpunished offenses at a time when assaults on police officers continue unabated and are originating from a myriad of directions,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA commends Sen. Palumbo for recognizing that threatening and menacing creates a hazardous work environment for the men and women of law enforcement. We ask Sen. Palumbo’s colleagues to support this legislation. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
