PAX Centurion - September / October 2013

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • September/October 2013 • Page 39 From Big Fat Mouth on page 38 Me and my big fat mouth (or pen in this case) sidearm is accurate in most average hands for about 25 yards, give or take. A laser can shine a light on a target that may be 75 yards away, BUT that distance would (again in most cases) be outside the effective range of this weapon, and its ammunition. It certainly makes sense to me, explained in this manner. However, the Patrol Rifles will be fitted with some type of combat optic-zeroed to the rifle. Another accessory, the tactical light is being tested by several members of the Department. It also has some shortcomings. One being the Department is con- cerned some Officers would use it as their only source of illumination. Imagine the outcry as a cop fills out an FIO at night using his pistol to light up the form. Take a look around the guardroom, as you weigh this, and I bet you could pick out one or two cops who would probably find themselves in this situation. But again, they are being field tested, so the light will get a thumb up or down in the near future. The feasibility of a Canteen truck, which could replace or supplement the much maligned “Water Truck” is also being talked about. The most important, yet frustrating problem was communica- tion. With that many agencies, frequencies were needed to relay info between a myriad of departments and agencies. It takes time, and everything needs to be confirmed. Steps need to be taken to prevent information overload, which leads to more confusion. The Chief even played a recording of the gun battle that took place between the two terrorists and Law Enforcement Officers. In typical BPD fashion, he used a boom box he claimed was not present at Meigs Field during his teenage years. True to his statement, he ordered the information of this event broadcast to BPD units immediately after he got it. Any delay was not the result of a BPD “secret squirrel” operation, but rather a combination of information being relayed through many sources, and geographical inconsistencies – many units simply didn’t know their way around town. I believe the issue of communication was more between agencies, not among us (BPD). So, as we concluded our “debate”, we both agreed that it was a learning experience for everyone involved. It was an Operation the likes of which we had never seen in our careers, and we both con- cluded that we could gladly go into retirement without having to do it again. But, the Chief assures me that IF something of this nature, or anything even remotely on this scale occurs, the lessons we learned will not be ignored. One lesson I’ve learned is you never know who’s reading this stuff! FUEL OIL • PLUMBING HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING 617-282-4300 1146 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02125 PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE BPPA! CALL FOR ALL YOUR FUEL OIL AND PLUMBING NEEDS: • Oil heating & gas •Bathroom& kitchen • Installations and repairs remodeling • Hot water heaters our specialty •General repairs • Gas fitting & appliance installations •Senior discounts Master Lic.. #12430 Proud Supporters of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association 101 Federal Street, Suite 1900 Boston, MA 02110 www.msasecurity.net Contact: Marc Murphy @ 617-342-7145 mmurphy@msasecurity.net heads high because you are Boston’s Finest! Always check your back for puncture wounds after a politician slaps you on it telling you what a great job you’re doing, etc. Be prepared to answer the call for help as we always have and always do, regardless of the slanted, grotesque, slimy, hateful way in which certain people and institutions attempt to portray us. Stay strong, be careful and back each other up out there. Sometimes I really believe we only have each other. Re- member,Your number one responsibility is to get home safe to your family. God Bless. There are NO RULES in politics From Secretary on page 7