The vast majority of officer-involved-shootings involve uniformed LEOs. When officers are promoted or transferred to a plainclothes unit, it’s easy to become complacent. Uniformed officers condition themselves to “turn-off” when the uniform comes off. It’s impossible to remain in “condition yellow” all the time. I recall when I was promoted to detective, it was strange to be “on-duty” in street clothes and for the first few months I had to consciously remind myself to be aware of my surroundings.
On Monday morning, November 9th, Detective Brandon Bolt and his plainclothes partner from Baltimore PD’s Warrant Apprehension Task Force were in an unmarked van surveilling Rodney Eubanks. The 25-year-old was wanted on a domestic violence warrant. Unexpectedly, Eubanks drove up, exited his car, and approached the detectives. As he did so, he opened fire. Detective Bolt was hit in the thigh and returned fire. Eubanks was fatally shot. Detective Bolt is expected to make a full recovery. Investigators are at a loss to why Eubanks fired on the officers. However, they suspect it might have had something to do with the recent murder of Eubanks’ brother. His older brother was murdered two weeks earlier at the same location by unknown suspects and Eubanks may have mistaken the officers for criminals coming for him. Was Eubanks’ intention to assassinate the officers or was he trying to prevent his own murder? We may never know. Nonetheless, a man lost his life, and the officers must deal with the aftermath of the incident. Thank the Lord no officers were killed in the exchange. Pray for the officers and Baltimore PD as the investigation continues.
2020 Hindsight
As 2020 draws to a close, most Americans are thankful the year is finally over and look forward to the new year. The Strong Blue Line ministries were critically affected. All seminars from May through the end of the year, and even into 2021 were canceled. With continued concern about the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re still not having any success in scheduling seminars into 2021. But I know we’re not alone. No doubt, 2020 has been a tough year for most Americas, and especially for American law enforcement officers (LEOs). As the year ends, the election is behind us, and we find ourselves in the middle of the holiday season, let’s not forget to be thankful. The Bible tells us Israel’s downfall was her poor memory. Before Israel entered the Promised Land, God warned the people through Moses, “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth….”[1] America is the most prosperous county in the world. We are blessed with freedom and prosperity beyond what most of the world could ever hope or think. The paradox is this: the more we are blessed, the less thankful we tend to be. While many of us are concerned about the future of our country, let us never forget to be thankful for God’s blessing on our nation.
Audio Books Coming Soon!
Gary Austin, the voice of TheREV radio agreed to record several of my books in audio format. He’s already finished Winning a Gunfight, Winning is More than Suriving, and Suicide is Not an Option. We are in the process of formatting them to be published on the Audible.com platform. I met Gary when he invited me to record promotional spots for Cop Church. Shortly after that, he interviewed Christa Trencheria and me about the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Idaho (LECI). Since that time, Gary has become a cherished friend who zealously supports the law enforcement community. TheREV can be heard in Idaho on FM channels 90.1 (Idaho Falls); 88.7 (Throughout the Valley); and 90.3 (Pocatello). Of course, you can stream TheREV on the internet or download their app to listen on portable devices.
LECI
On November 19th Community Chaplain Class 20-B graduated ten new LECI Community Chaplains bringing the total number of Community Chaplains to 22. The goal for serving Bonneville County is 30 chaplains. We hope to be at 100% staffing by early spring. The new chaplains are completing their on-the-job training by being on call to respond with an advisory chaplain. Keep the chaplains in prayer as they minister to those in crisis.
Cop Church
At our November 15th service Paul and Melonie Verhoeven prepared and served up a great Thanksgiving Dinner of deep-fried turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Others provides pumpkin and sweet potato pies. It was a great time of enjoying food and the company of LEOs and those who support them.
Pray for your police.
[1] (Deut. 8:18)
