PAX Centurion - May / June 2013

Page 24 • PAX CENTURION • May/June 2013 617-989-BPPA (2772) 1.866.357.3845 www.armorexpress.com IT’S TIME FOR A REVOLUTION IN CONCEALABLE ARMOR VISIT AAA POLICE SUPPLY TO VIEW OUR ENTIRE COLLECTION OF SOFT ARMOR, CARRIERS, TRAUMA PLATES, TACTICAL, AND HARD ARMOR OPTIONS. ABOVE: REVOLUTION ARMOR SYSTEM BELOW: ARA-SHOCK ICW 781-326-8845 and inherent responsibilities of our profession. Maybe it is time to let the world know how our city really feels about the men and woman of public safety in the shadow of April 15, 2013. Please tell me I’m wrong, better yet please show me I’m wrong. I apologize if the above article appears to some to be whining, but enough is enough. It’s time for someone to stand up and make an honest decision. It is time to end this foolishness and settle this contract, either turn it over to theArbitrator or make the call! It’s time to pay us what we are entitled to, what we deserve, what our family deserves and what we warrant; a decent livable wage with decent working conditions and a little time off once in while to visit our family! New equipment B y the time you read this article, we will have conducted a ‘shoot test’ of all Bullet Resistant Vests that the department is considering and hopefully will have started the wear testing to be conducted this summer. The team, (comprised of all ranks and ratings), working this project are very hopeful to complete all aspects of testing by the fall 2013 with a complete comprehensive written evaluation and recommendation to the chairman. Part of that evalua- tion and recommendation process will include the different outer vest carriers. In my last article I incorrectly identified the authorized outer car- rier as a ‘Dragon Skin’, a Dragon Skin is a manufacturer name of a ballistic vest NOT a carrier, ( so much for proofing my own work ). The current authorized outer UniformVest Carrier for the BPD is called an ‘Armorskin ballistic vest carrier’, (model #8370 Dark Navy) by Blauer Manufacturing. Special Order #12-032 authorizes this along with some other more comfortable uniform pieces. I am happy to report that we have entered into legitimate initial discus- sions with the department concerning the training of and issuing of so called long guns. We must all give the department time to conduct a proper public relations campaign in order to achieve the public support necessary to field this and other needed equipment. This Union has already reached out to our Federal friends looking for the dollars needed to field this and other projects such as more Ballistic capable K-9’s etc. We are actively involved in supplying the depart- ment a comprehensive after action report from the bombing. Part of that report is identifying needed equipment. We are still looking for all members to identify issues to their respective representatives to forward to me for inclusion. I would also like to report out that the department, in cooperative talks with the unions, has identified the need to have vehicles in eachAREA/District, preferably a SUV, most likely a PS vehicle that will be stocked with additional supplies such as batteries, ammunition, weapon systems, water and some type of emergency rations, etc. to be available 24x7. As you can see, we are moving forward with the department insofar as needed equipment and I hope that this cooperative effort continues into the future. As always, be careful out there, back each other up, please look out for each other!You and I both know how crazy it is and can be. Remember your first responsibility is to get home safe and sound to your family. Enough is enough From Secretary on page 7