ASSIST FALLEN OFFICER FUND

By Michael J. McGregor
FALLEN OFFICER FUND DIRECTOR

As you read this article, we hope you have all had a wonderful holiday season. Since the last issue of Managing Security Today, there have been no reported line-of-duty deaths. I would like to relate some statistics in regards to line-of-duty deaths in the United States for security officers.

Recent writings indicated two disturbing facts when it comes to security officer line of duty deaths. First, they receive little publicity. From the 9/11 attacks that left 33 security officers dead to recent events, these incidents receive little publicity or exposure. This leads to a false sense of security among officers, causing them to forget that we work in the deadliest profession in the U.S.

Secondly, statistics show that approximately 50 security officers are murdered each year in the line of duty. When you add this to the rising frequency of attacks and lack of respect for law enforcement and security, those numbers are destined to rise. Security officers are the true first responders when arriving on the scene while situations play out before the arrival of law enforcement.

Currently, the number of security officers murdered annually in the nation is higher than the number of police officers murdered. We need to approach these alarming statistics with ongoing efforts of training and pushing for legislation to reduce those numbers.

Encouraging officers to seek training on their own outside of what is offered or required by their company is just the beginning. Incentives for officers to obtain and wear Kevlar vests, which offer protection to the officer from more than just gunshot wounds, are critical to their safety.

Officers need to be constantly aware of the events occurring around them and have to be trained to realize when a situation is deteriorating. In some cases, a tactical withdrawal is a better solution before the situation escalates. Returning with additional resources sufficient to handle the situation is not cowardly or ego threatening, but rather a tactical decision to prevent injury to the officer or others. It is much more important to avoid injury to the officer, allowing them to continue their duties instead of rehiring and retraining a replacement as well as the additional costs that are incurred when an officer is injured.

Kevlar vests can help limit the numbers of security officers that are killed or injured in the line of duty. Vests offer protection from many threats and have been proven to prevent injuries from not only gunshots, but also knives and blunt trauma.

While the Fallen Officer Fund can help the survivor’s families, reducing the numbers of officers killed prevents the tragedy from ever occurring in the first place.

Currently, the FOF is pursuing various projects. We continue to pursue our non-profit charity status from the IRS. We have dissolved the previous incorporation and a new corporation with a different charter and structure that is more suitable for IRS approval is currently in the developmental stages. In addition, we are discussing some new fundraising ideas.

The North Texas Chapter is planning to change their annual symposium to a breakfast meeting format and adding a shooting competition in the afternoon. The event is scheduled for June 17, 2011 - so mark your calendars. Discussions will be held at the January board meeting in regards to placing donation canisters at various locations (including company offices) to allow more opportunities for everyone to contribute to the FOF. In addition, the creation of a logo and brand, as well as having shirts and jackets with the logo available for sale will be discussed.

On a personal note, my family and I would like to thank the ASSIST board and ASSIST members for your thoughts and prayers during the recent loss of my daughter and grandson in October, as well as my recovery from surgery. What makes this profession great is the constant drive we have to support each other and make things better, not just for ourselves, but for the people of Texas.

If you have questions regarding the Fallen Officer Fund or want to advise us of an officer who has died in the line of duty, feel free to contact me. Anyone needing information on donating or participating in the FOF, call me at 214-729-0667 or by e-mail at fallenofficer@assisttexas.org.

Until next time, remember the officers that go out every night and protect their community.

Mike McGregor
Fallen Officer Fund Director
ASSIST State Secretary