PAX Centurion - September / October 2015

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • September/October 2015 • Page 25 Heard on the Hill: Lawrence A. Calderone, BPPA Legislative Agent Proud to honor BPD heroes O n September 29, 2015, I had the honor to represent the BPPA at the Trooper George L. HannaAwards for Brav- ery at the State House. I’d like to take the opportunity to recognize the heroism displayed by these Boston Police Officers and congratulate them once again for their bravery. They make all Boston Police Officers proud to wear the uniform and report for duty on a daily basis. Boston Police Officers John Burrows, Joseph Connolly, Brian Delahanty, Christopher McCarthy , and Michael Szegda were recipients of Meritorious Recognition . This is awarded to a police officer who demonstrates actions above and beyond the call of duty. Boston Police Officers Paul Dok and PamelaWilson were recipi- ents of the Medal of Valor . This is awarded to a police officer who demonstrates actions above and beyond the call of duty, disregarding the potential for danger to him/herself. Boston Police Officer Burrows, Connolly, and Delahanty are members of theYouthViolence Strike Force and are responsible for over 100 arrests, 1600 Field Interrogations, and the removal of more than 25 guns from the city streets and have conducted multiple operations which have reduced gang violence throughout the city. Boston Police Officers McCarthy and Szegda are Officers assigned to District A-1. On October 22, 2014, they responded to a call for “jumper” at the Sudbury Street Parking Garage. Upon arrival, the officers observed a female crouched over the ledge on the floor getting ready to jump. Boston Police Officer Paul Dok (also on scene) jumped over the ledge, lowered himself down, and grabbed the victim to prevent her from jumping. Officers McCarthy and Szegda immediately grabbed Officer Dok’s belt and body securing his safety. Officer McCarthy then jumped out onto the ledge as well; further securing Officer Dok and the victim. Together, the three Boston Police Officers pulled the female victim safely back into the garage. Boston Police Officer Pamela Wilson is assigned to District C-11. On Friday, April 11, 2014, Officer Wilson responded to the area of the Shawmut T Station for a “shots fired” call. Upon ar- rival, Officer Wilson observed two males in the lobby of the T Sta- tion matching the description broadcast over the radio. Fearing that they may attempt to flee, Officer Wilson notified Operations and entered the T Station. As she began “pat frisking” the first suspect, she immediately recovered a firearm from his waistband. While shouting verbal commands to the second suspect not to move, she continued to frisk the initial suspect where she now recovered a second firearm from his person. Officer Wilson, still alone at this time, physically secured two firearms and suspect number one. While at the same time, was able to use her presence and verbal commands to keep the second suspect on scene as help arrived from other Boston and MBTA Police Officers. Once again, Congratulations to all of you!You make us all proud! The Legislature is running back at full capacity after the summer break. First thing taken up on our behalf was HB 2339, The Boston Police Detail Retiree Bill. Once again, this law gives the Boston Police Commissioner the authority to appoint retired Boston Police Officers as Special Officers, thus allowing them to perform “paid de- tails” after retirement. Although there was a minor setback due to The Federal Department of Labor’s concerns on “unemployment com- pensation Language,” the Bill is alive and working its way through the process. With the support of the Governor, House, Senate, and the Mayor, I expect to report positive news on this piece of legislation shortly. There are many Bill Proposals filed on the Hill that could affect our members. Here is a short list of some that I am paying close at- tention to in the House: HB 1162 – Establishing penalties for filing false police reports against police officers (filed by Rep. Ayers) HB 1227 – Maintaining the integrity of the Judicial System (Rep. Carvalho) this title is NOT what it seems.It is clearly written giving authority to theAttorney General initially, but then mandates the Appointment of a special prosecu- tor in all police involved deaths. HB 1243 –Access to Public Records (Rep. Collings) HB 1526 – Impersonating a Police Officer (Rep. Orrall) HB 2106 – Uniform use of Deadly Force Guidelines (Rep. Carvalho) HB 2107 – Concurrent Jurisdic- tion on Massport Properties (Rep. Collins) HB 2113 – Critical Incident In- tervention by Emergency Service Providers (Rep. Coppinger) HB 2170 – Promoting the use of body cameras by law enforce- ment personnel (Rep. Provost) HB 3467 – Public Safety and Public HealthWorker Protections (Rep. Collins) HB 3480 – Establishing an Independent Review Board for Police Shootings (Rep. Gentile) Please keep in mind that this is short list of some the issues we are paying close attention to on the House side. In our next issue, I’ll provide a list and description of some of the Bills filed by the Senate that pertain to law enforcement. Please feel free to contact me directly if there’s a specific Bill you’re interested in or if there’s a rumor of a proposal you heard. Please keep me informed of anything you might here on the street. In closing, I’d also like to thank all of the members that showed up to Representative Michael Moran and City Councilors TimMcCarthy and Michael Flaherty’s events over the last couple of months. Our presence is appreciated and has been noticed by others. We need to stay involved with all of our Elected Officials. We need to support those who support us. The BPPA plans on being heavily involved in the upcoming City Council Elections on November 3, 2015. Please join me in showing others our unity and strength! Thank you and be safe!