PAX Centurion - November / December 2015

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • November/December 2015 • Page 31 Activists at Harvard Law School are urging the institution to drop the school’s logo because it’s racist. It depicts sheaves of wheat from the family crest of Isaac Royall, the school’s original benefactor who owned slaves. Silly me, I thought they were mad because it says “TRUTH” (VERITAS). H H H H H H H H H H H H H Starbucks served up a seasonal controversy, after revealing its Holi- day cups. The all red cups with the mermaid logo don’t sport the usual generic PC “Joy” or Happy Holidays” greetings, but I’ll cut them some slack though because the seasonal brew is aptly called Christmas 2015 Roast, AND the barista had tinsel instead of a nose ring. H H H H H H H H H H H H H After Muslim terrorists shot 14 dead in San Bernadino, CA, and wounded many more, I had to applaud the Police response. As survi- vors were evacuated, they exited the building holding their hands up. What was surprising was, the bloodthirsty cops didn’t shoot any of them… TAKE THAT #BLM!!! H H H H H H H H H H H H H I call it a foot chase, because if I don’t catch the bad guy within 12 inches, he’s GONE! H H H H H H H H H H H H H You know, this is the Christmas issue, and as this most hectic year comes to a close, I’ve lost my way. Working too much, and the ever- increasing stress of our job has left me contemplating my role as a Police Officer in today’s society. I knew when I took this job, thank you’s would be few and far between, but the outright contempt for our profession has reached an all time high, fueled by political rhetoric, media bias, and activists like #blacklivesmatter. The disdain with which we are held makes it harder to do our job, and coming to work has become a task for many of us. The hours have gotten longer, the danger has increased, and the micro-managing of every facet of our job both internally and externally only adds to the stress. YET, every day, we go out there and do our best, despite what has been stacked against us, and with that in mind, I wish you all a very Merry Christ- mas, and a Happy NewYear, may we all stay safe. H H H H H H H H H H H H H And if anyone wants to get me a gift, I’m looking for a sense of humor, I misplaced mine… THE BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT PEER SUPPORT UNIT We are a peer-driven support program for police officers and their families. Our program is completely confidential and is available to ALL police officers and their families. Group or individual help with handling family and life issues, alcohol, drugs, anger and domestic issues. Referral for specialist as needed. 251 River Street, Mattapan, MA 02126 Office: 617-343-5175 (M-F 9 am-5 pm) Off-Hours, On-Call Peer Counselor: 617-594-9091 Sometimes even WE need a little help from our friends! BPD Softball Tournament Committee says thanks W e would like to take this opportunity to thank the BPPA for their generous donation to theAnnual BPD Softball Tourna- ment which was held at M Street Park on Saturday, October 10, 2015. Over 300 BPPA members, BPD members and their families enjoyed the food and beverages served by the BPPA volunteers in the BPPA Food Truck also. This was a great success because of the contributions of the BPPA. We are very grateful for your kind contributions of food, bever- ages and staff who worked hard throughout the day to ensure that everyone had a great time. Again, thank you very much. – Dave Malcolm & Ed MacPherson, Co-Chairs, BPD Softball Tournament Committee A letter of appreciation O n behalf of myself and the Flaherty family, I would like to thank the members of the Boston Police Department for their support shown to us at Deb Flaherty’s passing. Everyone that attended, from Commissioner Evans, to past and active officers, fellow police cadets and academy classmates, your presence and kind words were, and are, most appreciated. If there is any good that could come from this, it would be a reminder that we need to watch out for each other. If you know someone in similar circumstances, reach out, because you never know until it’s too late. Thank you again and stay safe. – Dan McMorrow