One of the big issues in any election is taxation. After all, it was taxation that sparked our American Revolution. Recall the cry against Britain’s “taxation without representation” at the 1773 Boston Tea Party we learned about in seventh grade history class? Whether it’s taxes or some other political issue, law enforcement officers are often caught between the government and citizens. Sometimes the cost of being caught in between is deadly.
Established in 1819, Andes is a small village nestled in the wooded western foothills of the Catskill Mountains of New York State. It was in this picturesque setting that 35-year-old Undersheriff Osman Steele was murdered on August 7, 1845.
Property in Andes, that was seized for unpaid taxes, was set to be sold. Some citizens didn’t agree with the government’s seizure of the property and tensions were high. Amid the public spectacle, three law enforcement officers and a lawyer were dispatched to complete the sale. When the four arrived at the property, they found several spectators around the property. Also present was the previous owner, who refused to allow any of the officers on the property.
Undeterred the by crowd, the officers proceeded forward to settle the matter when a large group of citizens from Andes dressed as Native American Indians appeared. The lawyer tried to push through the group so he could enter the disputed property. The “Indians” started shooting at the officers and Undersheriff Steele was struck three times and died several hours later. After the mayhem settled down, several suspects were arrested and charged with Steele’s murder.
At the trial, in October of 1845, several people were convicted. Two were sentenced to death, three were sentenced to life, and several others received lesser sentences for their part in the killing. A month later the two death sentences were commuted to life. Undersheriff Steele was survived by his wife.
Books
David Mitchell, Sr., ThD, recently sent this email to the Strong Blue Line:
For the past two years I have been studying and recommending “Pistol in the Pulpit” to my friends and others. It is truly an incredibly informative book and guide to aid and equip the House of Worship. Because I am very familiar with the subject matter, I would like to share the approach with others that seek to emulate some of its content or would care to adopt certain aspects of the book, or information therefrom to help with establishing their own Church Security Team. In keeping with what is right, fit, just and proper; I am asking for your permission to do so. I have not taught the book or any portion of it but would like to do so with permission….
Of course, I was both pleased and honored that Dr. Mitchell would use “Pistol in the Pulpit” to teach from. Although we don’t actively seek to do church security seminars, occasionally we are asked and are happy to present when it fits into our schedule.
On the Road
Early last month, we traveled north to Protector’s Peak, a first-responder’s retreat center located in the St. Joe mountains of the Idaho Panhandle. We were there for a leaders’ summit hosted by Mission First Alliance. Sherry and I had a wonderful time reconnecting with Nate and Becky Harder of Protector’s Peak, and I was happy to introduce Sherry to two other couples I met last year at the summit. While at the retreat we were encouraged to expand our service to the law enforcement community and are planning new ways to meet the needs of officers and their families.
After a short trip back home, we headed for San Antonio, TX. On the way, we stopped to celebrate our 38thwedding anniversary by riding the Cumbers and Toltec railroad. The expedition didn’t disappoint as the old steam train weaved its way through the scenic mountains of Colorado and New Mexico.
In San Antonio, we presented a “Winning a Gunfight” seminar hosted by the Selma PD. We also spoke at the Make It Clear 50th Anniversary Celebration and Anchor Baptist Church, two of our supporting organizations. Please consider supporting the Strong Blue Line Foundation’s mission of making stronger officers with stronger relationships.
Pray for your police.
