The Glendale Law Enforcement Association (GLEA) released this statement on behalf of its members to the media 05.11.2011.  We will continue to provide assistance to any member and their family that was affected by the unfortunate incident that occurred 05.10.2011.

“Glendale officers have been extremely affected by the shooting that took place yesterday morning,” says Officer Justin Harris, President of the Glendale Law Enforcement Association (GLEA). “No officer wants to encounter a situation where they have to deploy their weapon. It is difficult for officers to be prepared emotionally after a deadly altercation, let alone find out a suspect is related to a well-respected police officer in our department. Our department is truly a family. The Glendale Law Enforcement Association officers are reaching out to the officers, their families and especially the Palomino family, who have all suffered from a stressful and traumatic experience.”

“The Buckeye tragedy still weighs heavy on our hearts, the country is currently remembering fallen officers during National Police Week, and then Glendale has a close call to losing another officer,” adds Harris. “Glendale officers are dealing with many emotions right now. However, every officer is thankful for their life-saving training skills and that we all went home safe to our families yesterday.”

Founded in 1998, the Glendale Law Enforcement Association’s mission is to promote the positive role of Law Enforcement Professionals, and to protect and secure rights and benefits for our members through effective representation with local, state, and national governments. The organization is currently the largest association representing active Glendale Police Officers.

whistleblower

Today’s signing of SB 1235 into law by Governor Jan Brewer signaled a new day for law enforcement officers throughout the state.  A late amendment to this bill provides that a law enforcement officer from municipalities can be protected under the state’s whistleblower law from disciplinary action by their department or city personnel director should they disclose information related to a violation of law or a gross waste of money or an abuse of authority by their employer.

In the past reporting such incidents could land the employee in serious hot water and could subject the employee to disciplinary action by the employer.  With the signing of this bill officers who make such a report and who are subsequently disciplined by their employer make seek redress through their city or town personnel board. 

This amendment was sought by the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) due to recent actions by City of Phoenix Police management personnel against members of their association who were targeted by retaliation for disclosing bad business practices.

After the pension bill passed the committees last week, Arizona Police Association (APA) members groups agreed that the solutions we (police and fire organizations) proposed to sustain the retirement fund fell on deaf ears. We have taken every step to be proactive in sustaining PSPRS, and be a part of a solution. It is clear that the political careers of a few elected officials weighed far heavier than taking care of the promises made to the men and women in blue that put their lives on the line every day. APA affiliates voted last week to roll out a campaign in order help educate the public on the truth about our benefits and pensions. Help us engage the community! Encourage family and friends to understand and advocate for our profession. GLEA is proud to be a part of positive program to help the citizens we serve understand SB 1609. The impact of this bill will have lasting effects on public safety services and financially strain retirees and the families of fallen officers. Help save our pension!

www.Respond4AZPolice.com

How you, your family, retirees and friends can help:

1. Check for updates and new content on www.Respond4AZPolice.com regularly.

2. Contact all members of the legislature & the Governor’s office. Help advocate for our profession. Let them know SB 1609 is unconstitutional, breaks promises to all current and retired PSPRS fund employees and will create costly lawsuits for Arizona. The impact of this bill will have lasting effects on public safety services and financially strain public safety retirees and the families of fallen officers.

3. Retirees & Veterans: Know a retired officer or a veteran with Arizona law enforcement experience?  They should consider calling or emailing their elected official and schedule a meeting. We are encouraging as many retirees and veterans as possible to meet face-to-face with their elected officials. CLICK HERE FOR YOUR DISTRICT & ELECTED OFFICIALS. If they are interested in speaking at a hearing, please email info@respond4azpolice.com.

4. Suggest our social media applications to friends and family.

Facebook:Respond4AZPolice

Twitter: @Respond4AZPolice #Respond4AZPolice

Youtube: www.youtube.com/Respond4AZPolice

5. Download graphics and posters to help display your support. You can find them on the website: www.Respond4AZPolice.com.

Justice was served for Officer Jeremy Esh, as the criminal that shot him in 2006 was sentenced to 24 years behind bars. The Glendale Law Enforcement Association considers Esh a real hero because he came back to a profession where he continues to be put in harm’s way.  GLEA will also be holding the courts to those 24 years, because we do not need this criminal back on the street.

You are a real hero, Officer Esh.  Thank you for your service.

Click here for the Arizona Republic Interview

Click here to view the KPHO Interview with Officer Esh

Click here to read the article from KPHO about his interview

Click here to read the Arizona Republic Article about the sentencing

Click here to read “Your West Valley’s” article about the sentencing

Click here to read the Peoria Times article about the sentencing

The month of January 2010 was one of the deadliest months for police across the nation.  According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), law enforcement deaths are up 31% over last January 2009 nationwide.  However, the Glendale Law Association (GLEA) reminds the public that officers remain committed to their duties, and will continue to serve their public.

“Clearly, the deaths of Lieutenant Eric Shuhandler and DPS Officer Chris Marano have sent shockwaves throughout the law enforcement community,” states Justin Harris, President of the Glendale Law Enforcement Association.  “These losses have reminded all officers how important their training is and how fast one could lose their life.”

NLEOMF released that there have been seventeen (17) officer fatalities this month, six (6) of which were from gun fire and up 500% from last January.  “Officers have a duty to protect and serve,” adds Harris. “The law enforcement professionals I have spoken with continue to take pride in their jobs despite the dangers.”

Officers continue to deal with the unknowns of any traffic stop, which is one of the most dangerous jobs in law enforcement.  “People continue to fight back against our officers in efforts to not go to jail, or other personal reasons,” says Harris.  “This adds additional dangers to our job.”

GLEA’s mission is to promote the positive role of Law Enforcement Professionals, and to protect and secure rights and benefits for their members through effective representation with local, state and national governments.

Tracy, and her two boys, Christopher and Kyle, were adopted by the members of GLEA this Christmas.  The single mother works with a few off-duty officers at Fry’s Grocery Store and supports her two boys, including one with special needs. On December 21st, GLEA members and their “Blue Santa” delivered much needed clothes and toys for the family, along with a food gift certificate to make sure they had a nice Christmas meal.

“When you meet Tracy, you know she has a great heart and would do anything for her two boys,” states Justin Harris, President of the Glendale Law Enforcement Association.  “It was very fulfilling for Glendale police officers to make sure a Glendale family received special Christmas gifts for the holidays.”

This was the first GLEA Adopt-a-Family Christmas project, but it will not be the last.  GLEA plans to do this every year for a special Glendale family in efforts to further a positive rapport with our community.  “It is important that law enforcement build lasting relationships with our Glendale children.  They should always know we are here for them, now and later in life,” adds Harris.

GLEA’s mission is to promote the positive role of Law Enforcement Professionals, and to protect and secure rights and benefits for our members through effective representation with local, state, and national governments.  The organization is currently the largest association representing active Glendale Police Officers.

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GLEA is adopting  a local Glendale family in need this holiday season.  Our “Blue Santa” will be delivering gifts to the family.  More information will be available as soon as we decide on a date for the delivery of their gifts…

If you would like to participate with this holiday event, please contact Justin Harris at president@azglea.com or 623-205-9843