“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.

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.