August, 2014 Volume 2, Issue 8

Shield Magazine

WBTB #notjustacop campaign..2-3

LE Cold Water Challenge.....4-5

10-8 With The Chief .......6-7

Forums Big Sister ~ August ~......8

Golfing For A Good Cause...9

Badges Against Bullying....10-11

2014 Community Hero Award..12

WBTB Spouse Scholarship..13

WBTB Recipe Book.15

Auxiliary Highlight ~ Michigan~.......16

Auxiliary Events.......17

BLK.....18-20

Hero Of the Month..21

Stress Training for Our Partners In Crime ~ Under The Shield ~ ...22-23

KARE..24-25

Fit To Enforce ~ Interview~ ..26-27

HALOS...28-37

WBTB Stores.....38-39

Blue Lights Specials .....40-43

Partners ...44-46

April Calendar .....48

WBTB References ..49

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

#NotJustACop Campaign

Cold Water Challenge

Badges Against Bullying

Under The Shield

Fit To Enforce

If you would like to

participate in this

campaign, please

submit up to three

photos to

juli@wivesbehindthe

badge.org and include

your state. Please

allow up to one

month for your

images to appear. We

encourage you to

"like" your state

auxiliary page, as well

to stay informed on

happenings near you

and throughout your

state!

#NOTJUSTACOP BY CARA CARL

2

BE A PART

OF THE

CAMPAIGN

64. Sixty-four. As I sit down to write this article, that is the number of police officers that have been killed in the line of duty in 2014. That number does not include the ten K9 officers also killed in the line of duty this year. These numbers are unsettling. The average age of an officer killed this year is 41. Forty-one is not a full life. These officers are missing out on many of their families important moments and even just the everyday things. Why? Why dont people understand what they are doing when they take the life of an officer? It is because when they look at an officer, they see a uniform, a badge. They dont see the person under that uniform. They dont see the family and friends that make up the officers life. They dont see the almost 100 children who lost their parent in the line of duty this

year. The only thing they see is a cop.

On June 8th, 2014, two Las Vegas police officers were gunned down. Many other officers have been killed this year, in tragic and unnecessary ways. These two officers deaths hit a cord with me. Why? Because they were gunned down while eating lunch. They were not in a dangerous situation or even performing regular duties. They were eating, probably catching a break during a stress filled day like many of our LEOs face daily. When I heard their story, I felt helpless. What can I do, from across the country, that is going to make any difference? I wanted to do something that would honor these officers, and also help people understand that officers are real people. That real people were affected by these deaths. That while the public may see just a uniform, these officers have family and friends that love and care about them and NEED them. I thought about my husband and my children who

adore their father. I thought about what it would be like if he didnt come home. Then a voice inside reminded me of the #moveover campaign, started after a Trooper in Florida was struck and killed because someone didnt respect the flashing lights on top of a police car. That campaign spread far and wide and Im sure reminded some individuals of the law that requires motorists to move to the opposite lane to keep our first responders safe. I thought, what could we do to stop the violence against our officers? After some reassurance from my fellow Ohio volunteers, I posted this photo on our auxiliary Facebook page:

3

I wanted people to look at a picture of my husband, who is a Deputy, and see him as a Daddy. I wanted people to understand that if he were gone, my daughters life, our lives, would never be the same. I asked people to stand with us in stopping violence against police officers and helping people understand that they are real people with real lives. This campaign was quickly picked up by our Illinois and Maryland auxiliaries who helped by adding their own tag lines: #humanizingourheroes, #notjustacop and #morethanabadge. In a very short amount of time, it spread to the national level, with pictures coming in from all over the country. Our National Media Team took on the role of creating beautiful collages for every picture sent in. We got so many amazing photos of law enforcement officers, some that made us laugh, and a lot that made us cry. The hardest were the ones that came in from families or friends of fallen officers, who want the public to understand how their lives are different with out their family member, who chose to be an officer. The campaign continues, with many photos still to come. Whether we are making a difference or changing anyones mind remains to be seen, but the fact remains. The people who choose to put on a uniform everyday are not defined by their uniform, badge, or gun. They are people, just like you and I, who chose to make a difference and protect and serve.

These next couple things were submitted by a couple of our fans to add to our campaign:

Burke Brownfield (Alexandria, VA) to the Editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

In light of the recent assassinations of two Las Vegas police officers, I bring attention to the dangerous matter of violence against the police. Why does society seem to be increasingly more accepting of killing police officers? According to the Officer Down Memorial page, 105 police officers died in the line of duty across the United States in 2013. So far in 2014, line-of-duty deaths caused by gunfire are up by 31 percent. Virginia is no stranger to losing the lives of police officers. Just last month, Officer Brian Jones of the Norfolk police department was gunned down on the job. Historically, 54 percent of all police line-of-duty deaths in Virginia are caused by gunfire. Despite what many may believe, police officers are targets and live with a very real fear of being attacked, injured or killed on the job.

Behind every uniform and badge is an individual with a family, a home and a desire to live. When police officers find themselves in a dangerous situation, onlookers today are quicker to produce cellphones to videotape rather than have the courage to lend a helping hand. We have taken away the individuality of each police officer in favor of a more simplistic, anonymous view of representatives of the state. Perhaps this makes it easier to throw a bottle during a

riot or pull a gun at a traffic stop. It is time we valued the lives of police officers and remember that every time they go out on patrol, they risk their lives so that we can sleep peacefully.

K. Hahn:

Not Just A Cop

He has a family just like you and me

A girlfriend, a wife maybe a father to be

Fighting crime day and night

Never off duty, fighting the good fight

Enforcing the laws and protecting the street

Wearing holes in his boots, walking the beat

He wears his badge proudly on his chest

And walks that thin blue line, his family crest

Comes to the rescue and holds a hand

Defends and comforts a child who can't take their own stand

He says his prayers each and every night

Asking for courage, strength and might

He misses holidays, parties, dinners and dates

Overwhelmed with paperwork and comes home late

He's close with his brothers no matter brown or blue

There's not a call he won't respond to, nothing he wouldn't do

Please view him as a person, not just a cop

Possibly a hero, sworn to protect until his heart stops

So when you see him, give him a wave or even a smile

Because me and my family, we'd like to keep him around for a while

In the spring of 2014, a new campaign to raise awareness hit Facebook and went viral. Members of law

enforcement agencies started getting called out to partake in a cold water challenge with the donations

made to support different LE charities.

The way the campaign works is as follows. You are nominated by someone who has taken the chal-

lenge. You have 24 hours to complete the challenge and donate $10 to the charity of choice by the per-

son who calls you out. If you choose to not take the challenge, you then pay $100 to said charity. Dollar

amounts have varied. To prove that you have fulfilled the challenge, you then upload video and call out

the people you wish to challenge with the charity of your choice.

My husband was called out to participate and donate to C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors). He

watched numerous videos and decided that he didnt just want someone to dump a bucket of ice water on

him. He wanted to take his a step further. He filled a kiddy pool with several bags of ice and then

proceeded to lie down in the pool and get an ice bath. His charity of choice after calling out his partici-

pants was the Oklahoma Officer Down Memorial Fund.

While many of they challenges have had a fun and almost comedic feel to them, there have been many

that were done in a true sense of honor and dedication.

One such case is in Nash County, North Carolina. On June 9, 2011, Investigator Warren Sneak Lewis

was shot and killed in the line of duty while serving a search warrant with the United States Marshal

Service. The Nash County Sheriff's Office made a foundation in honor of him called The Warren

"SNEAK" Lewis Foundation. He is described by a close friend and co-worker as A great guy and friend.

Always there for anyone. When this friend was called out to take the cold water challenge, The Warren

SNEAK Lewis Foundation was his charity of choice..

*editors note* While working on this

story, an article by abc11 news was

released, revealing that one of 4 peo-

ple charged in the murder of Deputy

Warren Lewis pled guilty and will face

sentencing on November 3, 2014.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/20871-

investigator-warren-basco-sneak-lewis-iii

Story by Melisa Cross

COLD WATER CHALLENGE CONTINUED

The North CHU Unity of the Los Angles

County Sheriffs Office showed the unity of

the thin blue line across the nation as when

they stepped up to take the cold water

challenge, they did so on behalf of the

family of fallen Minnesota officer, Scott

Patrick.

Wives Behind the Badge would

like to thank Officer Chad

Brooks and Officer Matthew

Murphy with the Rockport, Texas

Police Department for taking the

cold water challenge and choosing

WBTB as their charity. See

Officer Brooks challenge video

here, and Officer Murphys Challenge

video here.

From Jae Lynn Hosking: We took the cold water challenge for the Officer

Down Memorial! It definitely went through our whole police department,

sheriff's department and some of our highway patrol got involved! The

wives began being called out and some of the children! It was so fun seeing

everyone get involved!

From Michelle G. : Hubby (Larimer County SO Deputy, Colorado) did the

cold water challenge for the LEOMF.

My life is forever changed and I have a greater appreciation for what these men and women do, for what they experience and for what they have to live with for the rest of their lives.

As a police wife, I can promise you that one of the most wonderful sounds in the world is to hear the Velcro as my husbands vest is taken off at the end of a shift. This sound means that he made it home safe after another day on the streets.

While the downside to wearing the vest, especially in the summer time, is how hot the officer gets. While the heat can indeed be a concern, I feel better knowing that while he may be hot out on that traffic stop, should it go south, he has some sort of protection on. My husband will be the first to tell you, no matter how hot and uncomfortable he gets, there is no way that hes going on shift without his vest. It is just not worth the risk.

Sadly, not every officer is equipped with vest protection.

Be it due to not enough budget, or a non mandatory part of the uniform, many of our officers are out on the street, vulnerable and exposed.

10-8 WITH THE CHIEF

WEAR YOUR VEST

My husbands department has a ride along policy. This enables me to go on

what I call Ride Along Date Night. In all actuality, it enables me the

spouse of an officer to see his training first hand, sometimes even up close

and personal, and in doing so, it has given me a greater appreciation for

how well-trained he really is.

There are many discussions that take place during these ride alongs. We

have discussed everything from 10 codes to what we are going to buy the

kids for Christmas.

To say the least, every time I go out with him, it is a new learning experience

for me. The more I learn, the more I understand the different things he

deals with on the streets. It not only helps me as a LEOW, it helps me in my

roles with WBTB to encourage and support other spouses. Especially those

whose spouses departments may not have a ride along policy.

This column is the insight and ramblings of Lahoma Police Chief Wife, and

Shield Editor, Melisa Cross. All content is from personal perspective and

not that of the Lahoma PD.

6

While not every agency or personal budget may be able to afford the

purchasing of vests, there are organizations in place that are dedi-

cated to helping officers obtain them.

Armor of God and Fallen Officers Remembered are two such agen-

cies dedicated to helping vest officers.

http://www.odmp.org/info/free-bulletproof-vest-partnerships

Human officers are not the only officers in need of vests. From 2013

to date there have been 9 K9 officers killed in the line of fire due to

gunfire. Organizations such as Vest N P.D.P and Vested Interest In

K9s, Inc are dedicated to making sure that our K9 officers are not

left unprotected while they are out helping serve and protect.

26 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty to gun related inci-

dents so far in 2014, and there have been countless situations of gun related

injuries. While we know there will still be situations happen, even if an

officer is wearing their vest, we know that the outcomes of those situations

can take a different turn simply because of that piece of equipment. Do not

just wear your vest for you. Wear your vest for your family. They want to

hear the sound of Velcro at the end of every shift.

MLC

newsletter@wivesbehindthebadge.org

Over Or Under Vest

My husband has both

and wears them for

different situations. If

he is wearing his dress

uniform, the undervest

is worn. But if he is

wearing his daily shift

uniform, he goes with

the over vest.

Regardless of which

vest he is wearing, I

have that assurance

and piece of mind that

he is protected.

7

Follow Shield

Magazine on

Twitter for

Ride Along

Post A Thons

The August 2014 Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. Big Sister of the Month is Sam. Sam has been a member of the forums since May of 2009 and became a big sister in 2010. She took a break to focus

on other things and re-joined the big sister staff in 2014.

Along with the forums, Sam is active in her states auxiliary and is currently the social media liaison.

Wivesbe-hindthebadge.org/forums

8

9

Golfing For A Cause BY CHRISTY FABER

Each year, our heroes in blue, swing into action for the LEOpen Benefit Golf Tournament at the Heritage Park Golf Course in Olathe, Kansas. The tournament is sponsored by the police and District Attorneys Office with Johnson County, Kansas and benefit an officer or family member of an officer in our area. There are approximately 20 police municipalities located within Johnson County Kansas and all are invited to participate in this great event by playing in the tournament or volunteering.

This years beneficiary is Gabe Putthoff, (age 9) son of an officer with the Prairie Village, Kansas Police Department, Josh Putthoff and his wife Trisha. At age 2, Gabe was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma. He has endured an unbelievable amount of chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and other medical procedures. He has also had numerous cancerous tumors/spots on many parts of his body. For the last 7 years, the Putthoff family has fought tirelessly against this disease in hopes that it would just disappear. Unfortunately, their battle just got harder, as Gabe was diagnosed with a brain tumor in April 2014.

This years tournament will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014. Money raised by the golf tournament/donations will go to Gabe and his family to help with medical expenses.

To donate: make the checks out to LEOpen and send them to 501 East 56 Highway, Olathe, KS 66061

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the third leading cause of death in young people today is suicide, resulting in 4600 deaths per year. Yale University has conducted an independent study regarding suicide in our youth and discovered that the victims of bullying are between 2 to 9 times more likely to think about suicide. Approximately 50% of youth suicides are related to bullying. Other frightening statistics show that 1 out of 4 children think about suicide, and those individuals

have a plan on how to end their lives, and every 7 minutes, a child is bullied.

Deputy Sheriff Mario Zepeda of the Stanly County Sheriffs Department in North Carolina and his partner Mike Haigler (who has 20 years of law enforcement experience) have stepped up to fight against the epidemic of bullying with the Facebook page: Badges Against Bullying. Deputy Zepeda stated, I have committed too many young lives into mental health facilities for attempted suicides and self mutilation because others make them feel like they have no reason to breathe, let alone belong in a particular social group or have some sort of popular status. It has

to stop and we are the ones that need to do something about it.

The Badges Against Bullying Facebook page makes every effort to create an alliance between law enforcement and communities, churches, schools to educate on the issue of bullying. Deputy Zepeda said, We (BAB) aspire to offer hope, information, and education not just on how to deal or cope with bullying but how to successfully help in the fight to end bullying worldwide. My biggest goal is to create leaders among all the children so that they no longer just stand by and watch, but act when they see an act of bullying going on in their presence because without children getting involved in a peaceful and non aggressive manner, we will always be behind the eight ball.

BADGES AGAINST BULLYING

BY CHRISTY FABER

11

The members of Badges Against Bullying share their message with students and their family members by getting involved within the community, going to church functions, scout meetings, community meetings etc. They inform their listeners about the local laws regarding bullying and educate them on how to identify bullying and what to do during a bullying situation. Deputy Zepeda has pamphlets and a presentation available to send to officers throughout the country who would be willing to join the fight against bullying.

With the support of his loving family and community, Deputy Zepeda has stepped up to make a difference in the lives of our youths with his organization. He encourages any officer to get involved in the community to help spread the word regarding the affects of bullying and let our children know that they are not alone.

Together we can not only change lives but we can save lives Deputy Sheriff Mario Zepeda

For more information regarding Badges Against Bullying or get information on how to combat bullying, please visit their Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Badges-Against-Bullying/795017827192754?sk=info.

Christy Faber is a member of

the Wives Behind the Badge,

Inc. Kansas Auxiliary,

joining in 2014, and

recently joined Shield

Magazine as a staff writer.

She is married to a Field

Training Officer with a

Kansas Police Department,

and has a beautiful

daughter and two crazy dogs!.

Wives Behind the Badge,

Inc. is currently seeking

nominations for

outstanding agencies that

go above and beyond

within their communities.

Police work isnt simply

keeping the streets safe,

but also giving back to

those they serve and

protect.

In 2013, Chief Brian Oxley

of the Nitro Police Department was nominated and awarded for his participation in the West Virginia Auxiliarys

Heroes and Handcuffs baseball game, which is a fun-filled day for children with special needs who enjoy an

exciting game of baseball with police officers from throughout the area of Charleston.

While this is only one example of a former nominee, we are now seeking entire squads and/or departments who

always seem to go one step further to ensure their communities are not only safe, but happy.

If you would like to nominate a squad, department or agency for the Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. Community

Hero Award, please send an email to: brooke.lowe@wivesbehindthebadge.org and include the agency/

department name, the names of the officers and a brief description that states the reason for which they are

worthy of a Hero Award. All nominations must be received by September 5, 2014. The winner will be announced

September 20, 2014 on Thank a Police Officer Day.

WIVES BEHIND THE BADGE SEEKS COMMUNITY HEROES

12

13

Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. Opens

Spouses' Scholarship Opportunity

Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. (WBTB) has released the application for its

2014 Law Enforcement Spouses Scholarship Program. The scholarship

provides financial assistance for the higher educational needs of the

spouses of law enforcement officers. Applicants must be a spouse or

registered domestic partner of a local, state, or federal law enforcement

officer (full-time active service, retired, or killed in the line of duty), must

be enrolled at or accepted to an accredited four-year college/university or

community college, and must be active in the community through

volunteer work. One $1,000 scholarship award is available this year.

Applicants must complete and submit an application by October 15,

2014. The scholarship committee will review applications and the WBTB

Board of Directors will announce the winner during the second week of

November 2014. To download the complete scholarship information and

application, please visit http://www.wivesbehindthebadge.org/our-

work/scholarships/.... For more information about the scholarship

program, email scholarships@wivesbehindthebadge.org.

WBTB is continuously seeking

funding through private donations,

corporations, police associations, and

grants to help support its projects

and programs. For more information

on how you can get involved, please

visit www.wivesbehindthebadge.org

or email

info@wivesbehindthebadge.org.

14

Wives Behind the Badge Seeking

Recipes

Beginning immediately, Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. (WBTB) is

seeking recipes to include in an exclusive cook book that will be used

as a source of fundraising.

Recipes are sought that will be broken into categories matching WBTB

programs, such as K.A.R.E. (K-9 Resource Assistance Education),

which will be included in the pet-friendly section, Blue Line Kids,

which will consist of kid-friendly and kid-created selections and

H.A.L.O.S. (Helping Aid Lost Officers Survivors), which will include

freezer-friendly meals. Other sections will include cocktails, recipes

directly from our valued Forums members and Auxiliaries, as well as a

unique section straight from the men and women in blue who have

special recipes they would like to share.

Participants are asked to submit all recipes

to recipes@wivesbehindthebadge.org no later than September 30. A

committee, organized and led by Emily Logan from our South

Carolina Auxiliary, will review recipes to be presented to the Board of

Directors in October. The Board will review the submissions and

make final selections at that time. The cook book is anticipated to be

available for purchase on December 1, 2014 for holiday delivery. All

funds raised through the

sales of the cook book will

be used to continue to

support WBTB programs,

all of which are funneled

directly into the assistance

of law enforcement families

throughout the country.

15

#16, Michigan Our 16th auxiliary out of Michigan is one of our

benchmark auxiliaries. Led by Director Angelle and

Assistant Director Jamie, the volunteers are helping law

enforcement families all across the state.

One of their favorite

outreaches was featured in our

April 2013 issue, when they

gathered patches from all

across the United States, used

them to make a quilt, and

presented it to a Jackson

County Deputys young son who is fighting Leukemia.

They continue to support and cheer him on in his fight.

The auxiliary has helped many other officers and their

families through fundraising, making handmade bears

for children, and being there for them during the hardest

time in their lives.

The auxiliary has a lot of exciting events coming up,

including a blood drive on August 28th second annual

LEO family trunk or treat. If you would like to get

involved with our Michigan auxiliary, email Director

Angelle at michigan.auxiliary@wivesbehindthebadge.org,

like them on Facebook, or visit our website.

Story by Cara Carl

Angelle Director

Michelle

Danielle D.

Pam

Octavia

Mallory

Shellie Halos

Regina

Ann

Elizabeth

Caryn

Mary Kae

Danielle P.

Jamie Assistant Director

and treasurer

Christine

Stephanie

Jessica

Amber

Krista

Lorrie

Sarah

Kristia

Chandra

16

UPCOMING

AUXILIARY EVENTS

AUXILIARY PROGRAM

Our auxiliary program is

designed to be the boots on

the ground of Wives Behind

the Badge, Inc. by bringing

our programs to the state and

local level. With an auxiliary

in nearly every state, we are

able to be a positive voice in

each state by hosting events

and fundraisers and sharing

our resources with agencies

and law enforcement families

first hand.

Our auxiliaries not only

focused and participate just

on the state level, but are

instrumental on the national

front as well, taking part in

national fundraisers and

events such as National Po-

lice Week by helping out at

our annual booth in Tent City.

17

Blue Line Kids is a program centered around the lives of police kids. Through our forums and local events, we hope to create a fun, educational, and supportive group for our kids.

When Families Behind the Badge was created in the spring

of 2011, Wives Behind the Badge wanted to also create a

safe and fun environment for the children of law enforce-

ment officers. We wanted a place, a forums section on the

Wives Behind the Badge forums, for kids ages 9 to 17,

where they could safely gather to meet other kids living the

same lives they live, as police kids. After much thought and

consideration, Blue Line Kids was born.

Blue Line Kids is not only a forum, but also a program cen-

tered around the lives of police kids. Through our forums

and local events, we hope to create a fun, educational, and

supportive group where our kids feel comfortable and wel-

come and find lasting friendships.

18

BLK Movie Tours

19

IT IS CONTEST TIME! Blue Line Kids will be conducting

BLK Movie Tours

across the states. We

will show the kids a

movie, provide

popcorn and drinks,

and tell you and your

kids about Blue Line

Kids. Some states will

even have door prizes!

So to go along with

that, I will provide a

Movie Prize Pack to

the 550th child that

signs up for Blue Line

Kids! We have so

many more awesome

programs that go along with BLK that I know your child

would love! So get those applications in! You can send an

email to bluelinekids@wivesbehindthebadge.org or you can

submit it online at http://www.wivesbehindthebadge.org/

our-work/blue-line-kids/.

20

NB ~ No-

New York City Police

Department

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/home/home.shtml

HONORING OUR HEROES

Fearless does not begin to describe the New York City

Police Department for their actions in April. Only one day

had passed since a NYPD officer had succumbed to injuries

sustained while responding to a fire in Brooklyn, before they

were faced with that situation again. Just hours before the

fire on Scholes Street, officers had just been briefed on new

protocol for responding to fires safely and efficiently.

Officer Dennis Guerra passed away from injuries from an

intentional fire set in a Coney Island apartment building.

Guerra was the son of a retired NYPD detective and leaves

behind his wife Cathy and four children. The other officer

on scene, Officer Rosa Rodriguez remained in critical condition in the

Manhattan burn unit.

Nevertheless, Sergeant Adrian Harris and Officer Aml Elsokary were

called to a two-alarm fire on the second floor a of a three-story building

at one in the afternoon. The officers arrived before firefighters and

immediately started evacuating tenants. Officer Elsokary said although

the recent incident before was in the forefront of her mind, she could just

hear a baby in the building

screaming and knew she had

to do anything she could to

help.

Sgt. Harris and Officer

Elsokary were rushed to

Woodhull Medical Center

for smoke inhalation

treatment and were in a

stable condition. They were able to rescue an elderly man and a one year

old girl. and the families praised the officers for their heroic actions.

http://nypost.com/2014/04/10/smoke-from-williamsburg-blaze-sends-2-

hero-cops-to-hospital/

The men and women who make

up our nations law enforcement

community daily perform acts of

heroism and bravery. Each

month, Shield Magazine takes a

look at some of these incredible

and noble deeds to share with

you. If you know of an officer

who deserves to be featured as

our Hero of the Month, please

contact staff writer Noelle to

share your story at:

Noelle@wivesbehindthebadge.org

21

Partners in Crime is the affectionate term we use at Under the Shield for the Heroes who support and love our Warriors at home. As a 20 year Partner in Crime to a Narcotics Agent, training for this lifestyle was something that was foreign all of us and was never offered. As a Stress Coach for law enforcement, military and families, I quickly learned that Stress was a major factor in all the negative Statistics and I was driven to try to make a difference in a way that was never offered to me. So here goes!

I am always amazed when I teach a class and ask law enforcement officers and their partners in crime is anyone having an issue with stress and the majority will raise their hands. Stress certainly impacts all of us physically, emotionally and psychologically. One place that it has the most negative impact is on our sleep patterns, which in turn affects our mood, appetite, energy levels, outlook etc. Then I ask the question: What is Stress? I usually get some interesting answers but it has become apparent over the years that the definition and concept of stress is very confusing to most people. So I took it upon myself to try to simplify this complex and unavoidable bi product of life that often is debilitating to officers and fami-lies.

Several years ago I Federally copyrighted a definition that most people seem to relate to and understand. Stress is Change; Stressors are the activating event that brings about the Change; and Stress reactions are based on the individuals perception about the Change.

Now that we have a more manageable definition, what do we do about it? There are many things that people can do to help mitigate the negative effects of stress (Change). However the following is one of top Stress tips I have provided to law enforcement, military and their families around the world in the last two decades and in which I have received the most positive feedback.

First, how many of you suffer from any of these symptoms? 1.) Mild depression 2.) Loss of energy 3.) Irritability 4.) Sleep pattern changes 5.) Eating pattern changes 6.) Inability to concentrate? With these symptoms your doctor would most likely prescribe a form of antidepressant in the SSRI and/or SNRI family. These can be very useful drugs however I do not believe in going straight to prescription solutions because all too often these are actually symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency. Several things you need to know about vitamin Bs. You never take just B6 or B12 without a B Complex. The vitamin Bs need each other to fully metabolize in your system. The next thing is to be very careful to read labels and make sure that the vitamin B complex that you take has a B12 called Methylcobalamin and not Cyanocobalamin (Cyanide). If there is nothing behind the B12 on the label it is Cyanocobalamin. You will be surprised at how many things we consume that are made with Cyanocobalamin, mainly because it is cheaper. 5 Hour energy for example is loaded with it as are many of the energy drinks.

Next the instructions on the B Complex will usually tell you to take one a day. Because these are water soluble vitamins you need to take them 3 times a day with your last dose being taken WHEN YOU GET IN THE BED (whatever time that is for you). You will metabolize these in your sleep, energy stores and it will jump start you at the beginning of your day (again whatever time that is for you). This will also help you to achieve REM sleep which is very important because it is the restorative sleep our bodies need. Be aware that because the Bs are water soluble vitamins you it is almost impossible to hit a toxic level like some other vitamins. Your urine should turn bright yellow if you are taking enough of it and is the indicator that your body is absorbing what it needs and eliminating the rest. If you are not eliminating any, there is no way to know if you are getting enough. Do NOT spend a lot of money on this vitamin because you will be flushing some of it down the toilet.

According to Psychology Today, Chicago Researchers at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging believe all the Bs play a critical role in brain function, from manufacturing neurotransmitters to regulating energy release in brain cells. B3, Niacin seems to have a particularly potent role in maintaining mental agility, regenerating brain cells and may protect against the mental ravages of age--Alzheimer's disease and the cognitive decline associated with aging. This alone is a great reason to make sure you are getting your vitamin Bs on a daily basis. For those in high stress jobs like Law Enforcement, Military etc. and those living with these vital professionals, it is impossible to achieve this goal through diet alone so we must supplement in order to mitigate and reduce the negative physiological reactions caused by the deficiency!!!

www.undertheshield.org

By Susan Lewis Simons, M.S., B.C.E.T.S., D.A.A.E.T.S.

Stress Training for our PARTNERS IN CRIME

Stress Management in Law Enforcement

Spotlight: Susan Lewis Simons

Under the Shield Inc.

23

On May 28, 1992, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Doug Althouse and a Jefferson County AL deputy were on surveillance in Birmingham, Alabama, when they stopped at a gas station just outside the city to use a phone book to order a pizza. It was then that Eugene Clemons came around the corner of the building with the intention to steal Althouses vehicle. Shots were fired and Althouse was killed. At the time of this tragic incident, Susan Simons was married to a DEA Special Agent in the Montgomery, AL, office and this tragic event brought to light the inadequate support for law enforcement and families. Soon after Agent Althouses death, Simons quit her job as a litigation paralegal and decided to go back to school to get her Masters in Counseling at Troy State University in Montgomery, Alabama. Her desire was to make a difference in the world of law enforcement by providing the support and counseling shown to be greatly-needed by the Althouse incident.

While working on her Masters, Simons founded Under the Shield, Inc., where she offered free counseling to law enforcement officers and family members. It became clear in the course of her counseling that the greatest demand was for stress management.

After discovering that the vast majority of contemporary research was completed purely by academics who lacked any experience with law enforcement officers, she developed her own set of research based off experience and field work with officers and families. I personally feel that because law enforcement is a lifestyle, it is important that it [training] be taught by someone who has lived this lifestyle either by working in the field, married to it, or raised by it Simons stated. This research resulted in two new programs. The first focusing on general stress management for supervisors to help them identify potential issues in those they supervise titled, Why Good Cops Make Bad Decisions. The second, titled Warrior Survival at Home and on the Streets, focuses on the needs of officers, both at work and at home and is unique in that it involves both officers and their spouses/significant others or as Simons affectionately refers to them Partners in Crime.

Having been married to a DEA agent for 20 years, Simons knows and understands the lifestyle, and in 1994, her own ability to manage stress was tested. While shopping for Christmas presents in a Montgomery area mall, her husband and two children, ages 4 and 7, were approached by the brother of a man who had received a life sentence without parole in a major trial. Despite this individual being armed with a 9mm handgun, her husband and children were thankfully able to escape harm.

The Simons family later learned this would be attacker knew the location of the childrens school, and the children were accompanied by a police escort for a period of time. He was eventually arrested and has spent the last 16 years in a federal facility, but is scheduled to be released this summer. Simons said, this threat and all that followed only reinforced my commitment more than ever to provide support for law enforcement and families. Due to this incident, she expanded her stress management program to encompass all emergency services and the military.

As with her own family, she stated one of the biggest fears her clients (warriors) have in seeking help is retribution. To make sure the warriors and their families feel safe during their time with Simons, she guarantees no paper-trail -- taking no notes and keeping no records. She also allows clients to remain anonymous.

Simons and her husband divorced in 2003; and remain good friends. Her son, now 24, is a Cpl. in the United States Marine Corps Reserves with one completed tour of duty overseas. He is in his junior year of college in a Criminal Justice program, pursuing a career in law enforcement after graduation. Her daughter, now 27, is married to a 1st Lt. in the United States Army currently stationed in Germany.

Simons has had many incredible experiences since starting Under the Shield. She was involved with Critical Incident Stress Management through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and was able to spend 5 weeks with Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA) helping the NYPD after 9/11. She has also had the privilege to work alongside Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Officer Mike Neal with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Simons is a tenured keynote and motivational speaker at law enforcement seminars, ceremonies, and training events throughout the country, including many Narcotics Officers Association annual training conferences. She continues to reach out to our communities to provide training, stress coaching, and support through education and public awareness.

For more information about Under the Shield or to view upcoming training schedules or events, please visit www.undertheshield.org.

K9 Assistance Resources Education Noelle Butler ~ Noelle@wivesbehindthebadge.org

Deputy Sheriff Brian has been a police officer for

nine years and an experienced K-9 handler for five

year with K-9 Ramzes. Recently, Wives Behind the

Badge welcomed his wife Crystal to our forum

family. Brian and Crystal have a son, Adam, and a

daughter, Jessica, as well as a cat named Dora and a

second German Shepherd named Dakota.

Our lives have changed the most

from the addition of K-9 Ramzes by

the amount of time that not only

Brian has to spend with him

training, but also all of the hours of

tending to him, taking him to vet

appointments, keeping our K-9 as

ready as our LEO is to go out there

and do his best in anything that the

team is faced with, Crystal shared.

K.A.R.E

Deputy Sheriff Brian

&

K-9 Ramzes

The Wives Behind the Badge, Inc.

K.A.R.E. program offers assistance and

resources for K9 officers and educates

the community on K9 programs and

the vital role they play in law

enforcement.

24

As well as raising a family with a

hectic K-9 schedule, Crystal also

works in quality assurance for a

pharmaceutical research company.

Being a K-9 family is a unique

experience. Not only does the

family have find the right dog that

is a perfect fit for the family, but be prepared for the training time

needed to adjust the other pets in your house to the new dog if

you bring your K-9 home with you at night. We know many

other handlers who have kept [their pets] separated. We are so

proud to be able to have Ramzes not only as part of our

department but also a part of our family, said Crystal .

Lastly, Crystal shared

with us her favorite part

of being a party of Wives

Behind the Badge: My

favorite thing about

WBTB is really feeling

part of a community that

understands your life-

style. Everyone is willing

to support you in

anything, whether its a funny joke, planning a party, dealing

with typical LEO life issues or something bigger. Not everyone

can understand what the typical LEOW goes through, but these

ladies do, and its an honor to be on here with them.

NOELLE BUTLER

Noelle Butler is not

only a member of the

Shield Magazine Staff

but is also volunteers

on the Wives Behind

the Badge, Inc.

National Media Team

and is the director for

the New Jersey

Auxiliary.

Noelle is the wife of a

New Jersey police

officer , who also is a

volunteer firefighter,

making her passion

for supporting first

responders two-fold.

A strong writer with

a heart for all

avenues of law

enforcement, Noelle

became the feature

writer for the KARE

section of Shield to

showcase our K9

families and to honor

our 4 legged officers

and give them the

recognition they truly

deserve.

Noelle@wivesbehindthebadge.org

25

When did you start fit to enforce?

I started Fit to Enforce when I was looking for guidance as to how best to train the police

academy where I work. Fourteen years ago I was asked to take over the program and did not

have the experience to know how best to train them in a para-military environment. When I

[began looking] for companies to help me do that- it seemed like it was impossible. Most of

the companies I found were teaching traditional weight room methods of cardiovascular fitness

and resistance with equipment. I couldn't find any company to train with little to no equipment

outside and I was looking for that kind of guidance. The setting for law enforcement in the

academy is completely different than a traditional gym setting. I felt there was a need for some

mentorship because I needed it too. After a couple of years figuring out what worked best, I

started Fit to Enforce. There is typically a lot of turnover, for various reasons like officers

being promoted or transferring, at departments that are looking to train their academy, it is

sometimes hard to have some degree of continuity. I guess fortunately for me, I was able to

really see what is effective for the needs of law enforcement because I have been working in

that capacity for 15 years. When I started Fit-to-Enforce, it was based on those observations

and my own practical and educational background in fitness.

Why police? What made you become interested in instructing specifically for police?

I was teaching as an adjunct professor at Florida International University and I was aware of a

fitness center at a Police Department in my community because I had worked there previously

as a contracted instructor. I called them and asked them if there were any openings. I always

was interested in the Fitness Manager's position at the time because I felt like it was meaningful

to have a chance to make an impact on such a large number of important people that protect the

community. Eventually, I was hired in a position as a trainer and the Manager left a year later.

So I interviewed and was promoted into his position and took over training the academy soon

after that. It was then when I realized how much of a need there was for good solid information

on fitness training and basic nutrition.

Fit to Enforce is a new outlook on police training that began with a forward thinking

fitness instructor, Kelly Kennedy. Wives Behind the Badge had the privilege of learning

the behind the scenes scoop on Fit to Enforce.

Interview by Noelle Butler

26

Do you have any family in law enforcement?

My father was a Fireman, but no law enforcement in my family at that time. I now have a cousin that works

as a Corrections Officer.

How difficult is it to train officers with varying schedules?

I know it is difficult for officers that are routinely changing their schedules- I have set hours to train based on

my schedule- but I think in general, success for anyone has to do with prioritizing time to make the most out of

every workout. When you are working out you work hard and when you rest, you are really resting. I think

sleep disruptions are some of the most destructive problems for officers that are trying to make gains in the

gym.

Are classes/certification meant to teach others how to run fitness classes for a department?

Yes the certification is designed to allow departments to standardize information on best practices to teach

their academies or for officers at districts.

Is the fitness meant to be on going or similar to a police training course that lasts a short period of time,

but they are given knowledge to be carried out?

The course is designed to provide lifelong skills to allow the certified officer fitness trainers to get the

information they need based on current guidelines and how to create programs based on their goals.

Is this available in other states or just Florida right now?

Yes, we teach all over the country and outside the country. The classes are based on the host agency and

when they are looking to have the class. We usually require 20 students to enroll in the class but provide two

free spots to the host agency as a thank you. We just finished teaching a class in Tennessee and we are

working with several other departments around the country.

Any upcoming events?

We are planning a class in Miami Beach by the end of the year. The date is still to be announced. But we will let you know when we are able to establish the date of the class! Follow their Facebook for close updates https://www.facebook.com/FitToEnforce.

Best contact information for fit to

enforce?

The main line is 305-389-5399 or email us at Kennedy@fit-to-enforce.com

Check out their website at: http://

www.fit-to-enforce.com/

HALOS STAFF

HALOS DIRECTOR ~ Melisa Cross

West Coast HALOS~ Niki Tallent

East Coast HALOS~ Jan Miller

Central HALOS ~ Beth Dhonahue

BLK HALOS ~ Erin Kutter, and Jen Montey

Banners

Molly Bowe

The Cop Shop

Bracelets

and Lapel Pins only $5

P.O. Box 3126

Quartz Hill, CA

93586

Every purchase goes to

support the programs of

Wives Behind the Badge, Inc.

WBTB Merchandise

WBTB Bracelet

FBTB Bracelet

BLK Bracelet

HALOS Bracelet

WBTB Lapel Pin

Tel: 661-202-8604

dontate@wivesbehindthebadge.org

WBTB

Get Yours Today!

Tel: 555 555 5555

Zazzle

Our Caf Press and Zazzle stores

offers a variety of LEO themed items

for everyone in your family, including

your four legged family members.

Check out the unique items available

online now.

Click on the store name or the photos

to be taken directly to the items show.

Caf Press

Autumn Rock Jewelry

Distributors: Amy Bachert and

Autumn Bergling

alpharockjewelry@gmail.com

www.alpharockjewelry.etsy.com

Avon

Distributor: Juli McCoy

juliraye@hotmail.com

Beach Body

Distributor: Maureen Ortega

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/

home/REENO26

Christine's Impressions

Distributor: Christine

Robertson

www.etsy.com/shop/

ChristinesImpression

Color Your Pride

Distributor: Morgan Horacek

mghoracek@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/

ColorYourPride

Heroes In Glass

Distributor: Robert James

rjames@heroesinglass.com

heroesinglass.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/

Heroes-In-Glass/105248672905263

Jirley's Treats for

Canines

Distributor: Jirleymar Morgan

Facebook.com/

JirleysTreatsforCanines

Lilly B Haven LLC

Distributor: Lilly B Haven

lillybhaven@gmail.com

http://www.lillybhaven.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/

Lilly-B-Haven-

LLC/202784316428107

Origami Owl

Distributor: Jennifer Robison

http://JenniferR.OrigamiOwl.com

www.facebook.com/

OrigamiOwlbyJenniferR

Distributor: Meagan Monger

www.meaganmonger.origamiowl.com

www.facebook.com/yourcharms

Distributor: Juli McCoy

julimccoy.origamiowl.com

juliraye@hotmail.com

Distributor: Kristin Meyer

http://

kristinmeyer.origamiowl.com

createyourstory@hotmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/#!/

OrigamiOwlKristinMeyerIndependan

tDesigner

Partylite

Distributor: Shay Clement

http://partylite.biz/shaytastic

https://www.facebook.com/

partylitesarasota

shay.partylite@gmail.com

Scentsy

Distributor: Dawn Eiduk

https://dawneiduk.scentsy.us/

Scentsy/Home

5302-6957

Distributor: Meghan Floirendo

https://warmingwithmeg.scentsy.us/

Scentsy/Home

https://www.facebook.com/pages/

Meghan-Floirendo-Independent-

Scentsy-

Consultant/433841576692378

Distributor: Suzanne Gonzalez

suzannegonzalez.scentsy.us

Distributor: Ashley Heath

http://

www.ashleyheath.scentsy/

Colleen Dalton Etsy Shop

Thin Blue Line Pillow Cases

http://www.etsy.com/

listing/173999019/police-bule-line-

pillow-cases

Dalton1119@gmail.com

Shaklee!

Distributor: Trully Luke

http://www.shaklee.com/us/en/

Thirty One Bags

Distributor: Kathy Everman

www.mythirtyone.com/256762

Distributor: Morgan Horacek

www.mythirtyone.com/

morganhorace

Plexus

Distributer: Shelbi Potter

www.ShelbiPotter.com,

http://facebook.com/PlexusPalooza

Damsel In Defense

Amanda Ornelas

208-309-2929

www.mydamselpro.net/popowife

http://facebook.com/

sunvalleydamsel

sunvalleydamsel@yahoo.com

Savvy Designs

Custom signs, tumblers, car decals

and more

www.facebook.com/savvydesigns1

Use code:LEO14 for 10% off.

Art and

Photography

Box Five Police Art

Randy Sappo

Www.BoxFiveArtStudio.com

Www.BoxFivePoliceArt.com

art_of_andy_sappo@yahoo.com

Lambs & Limes Photography

& Designs

Lindsey Bright

LambsLimesDesigns@gmail.com

614-348-5257

Michelle Romanowski

Photography

www.MichelleRomanowski.smug

mug.com

www.facebook.com/

MichelleRomanowskiPhotographer

PARTNERS

Wives Behind the Badge is proud

to partner with and support many

other law enforcement groups

throughout the country. Please

take a moment to visit their

websites.

The Police Wife Life is dedicated to

brining awareness to the need for changes

in laws to protect our officers, as well as

offering support to the spouses and

families of officers.

44

https://www.facebook.com/

Thepolicewifelife

https://twitter.com/

The50WifeLife

https://www.facebook.com/

Bullets.in.the.Washing.Mach

ine

https://www.facebook.com/

treadmillperspectives

Together with our partners we can make a difference in law enforcement families all over the nation.

The NobleHeroes Foundation is a national

501(c)(3) organization dedicated to

providing financial and social

assistance to severely injured and disabled

first responders and their families.

Safe Call Now is a confidential, comprehensive,

24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety

employees, all emergency services personnel and their

family members nationwide.

Safe Call Now provides education, healthy alternatives

and resources to save lives and put families back

together. 45

http://

safecallnow.org/

http://

safecallnow.org/

contact.php

https://

www.facebook.co

m/safecallnow

https://

twitter.com/

safecallnoworg

http://

www.nobleheroes.org/

https://www.facebook.com/

NobleHeroes

P.O.L.I.C.E. Families, written by Mendi

Keatts, is designed to help integrate

law enforcement life into family life.

Taught by an officer and spouse, the

course is presented to officers and

family members.

The class has been accredited for Men-

tal Health by Oklahoma CLEET in

2012, received copyright in 2013 and is

now an official partner with Wives

Behind the Badge, Inc.

POICE@wivesbehindthebadge.org

https://www.facebook.com/

PoliceFamiliesTrainingCourse

P.O.L.I.C.E. Families is for all

types of law enforcement

families. Designed to help

promote a better understanding

of each side of the law

enforcement relationship and

learn some of the

communication tools

that can make the

relationships

successful.

Taught to officers and

family members in a

comfortable and casual

atmosphere. Children

are welcome with some

activities and snacks provided -

the class is made as accessible

as possible. It's all about the

family.

SERVE & PROTECT

Serve & Protect is dedicated to the HOMELAND HEROES who

serve or have served in Law Enforcement, as a Firefighter, EMT, or

Corrections Officer. The dedication and sacrifice of these brave men

and women who keep the homeland safe is unsurpassed by any

profession.

Founded by Robert Michaels, who served with the 229th Military Police

Battalion VANG, and Norfolk Police on patrol and as a detective, we provide

services with a boots on the ground understanding of the job.

*Every 17 hours an officer commits

suicide.

*75 percent of our officers have

been divorced 87% of our

firefighters! *40 percent of officers are

involved in domestic violence

* The avg. lifespan of a Corrections

officer is 58 years

* 85% of first responders and 35%

of dispatchers experience some

symptoms of PTSD. 46

http://serveprotect.org/

https://www.facebook.com/

ServeProtect

https://twitter.com/

ServeProtect

47

August 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Week 1

National Simplify

your Life Week

Week2

National Smile

Week

Week 3

Friendship Week

Week 4

Be Kind to

Humankind

Week

1

National Raspberry

Cream Pie Day

2

National Ice

Cream Sandwich

Day

National Mustard

Day

3 4

US Coast Guard

Day

5

Work Like A Dog

Day

6

Wiggle Your Toes

Day

7

National

Lighthouse Day

8

Sneak Some

Zucchini Onto

Your Neighbors

Porch Day

9

10

Lazy Day

National Smores

Day

11

Presidential Joke

Day

Son and Daughter

Day

12

Middle Childs Day

13 14

National

Creamsicle Day

15 16

National Tell A

Joke Day

17

National Thrift

Shop Day

18 19

Aviation Day

20

National Radio

Day

21 22

Be An Angel Day

National Tooth

Fairy Day

23

Ride the Wind Day

24 - Vesuvius Day

31 - National Trail

Mix Day

25

Kiss and Make Up

Day

26 27

Global Forgiveness

Day

Just Because Day

28

Race Your Mouse

Day

29

More Herbs, Less

Salt Day

30

Admit Youre Happy Month

Family Fun Month

National Golf Month

Peach Month

Romance Awareness Month

Water Quality Month

National Picnic Month

National Catfish Month

BY

Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. is dedi-

cated to providing resources and emo-

tional support to law enforcement

families, and serving as a positive voice

for law enforcement in the community.

We are an all-volunteer national non-

profit corporation with 501(c)(3) sta-

tus. Our membership is made up of our

board of directors, support staff, online

forums members, committee mem-

bers, and volunteers from throughout

the United States and the world.

Our programs are 100% funded

through grants, special fundraisers,

and donations from our supporters and

partners. The majority of our funding

goes directly back into programs that

enrich and improve the lives of the law

enforcement families we support.

OUR PROGRAMS

Support Forums ~ forums@wivesbehindthebadge.org

Families Behind the Badge ~ families@wivesbehindthebadge.org

Blue Line Kids ~ bluelinekids@wivesbehindthebadge.org

HALOS ~ halos@wivesbehindthebadge.org

Auxiliaries ~ http://www.wivesbehindthebadge.org/our-work/auxiliary-committee/

please visit the link above and click your state

for contact information

Scholarships ~ scholarships@wivesbehindthebadge.org

KARE ~ kare@wivesbehindthebadge.org

By P.O. Box 3126

Quartz Hill, CA 93586

Phone: 661-202-8604 Fax: 559-408-5570

E-mail: info@wivesbehindthebadge.org

newsletter@wivesbehindthebadge.org