Make Memorial Day special -- seek out veterans.

Its Memorial Day weekend. Fun, sun, BBQ's, golf and the end of the school season. All great ways to celebrate. But, lets not forget the real meaning and purpose of the holiday.

Look for, be aware of, and seek out veterans and their families. If a car at the gas pump has a veteran sticker or plate, thank the driver. If you see a soldier, airman, marine or swabby in uniform at a restaurant, offer to pay their meal or pick up the tip. Visit elderly veterans in your neighborhood and cut the grass or offer a cold one.

Likewise, do the same for veteran's families.

Thank you to all who have served, continue to serve, and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Tom Sullivan

Support OHPD Sunday

A group of biker are holding a ride and rally at city hall Sunday to show solidarity for Mike McClosky. If you encounter them please follow the law and ideal of courtesy and decency.

However, wear your OH colors stand along Indian Road to show your support. Make the bike ride a positive experience. Attending at Village Hall will not help the PD. So show your support elswhere in the village.

Regardless of your beliefs about the McClosky shooting, our villiage and Police Dept. deserve our support.

Thank you.

Tom Sullivan.

OHPD Video Released.

I posted quite a bit about this case when it happened, cautioning everyone to save judgment until the facts were known.

The video is very damning. Ofc. White is in serious legal trouble, criminal and civil. I can't speak to his mindset, but, I think its likely he made the CARDINAL MISTAKE of putting his finger on the trigger when he should not (rule #2), and had a negligent discharge.

Thus, he may escape an aggravated assault conviction, with a reduction to some reckless or negligent level, but his civil case is going to be an uphill battle towards settlement.

A tragedy for all.

TAHL

Cuts and Concessions before Police Layoffs

Every city employee should pay their own retirement contribution with the city's matching capped at 5%.

Every city employee should pay 20% if their health care premium, with standard deductibles and co-pays.

Every city position possible should be eliminated before a single police officer is layed off, even if the Mayor has to answer his own phone.

If contracts are preventing this from happening, then the City should declare insolvency, go into receivership, and let a state trustee determine new contracts, benefits and wages.

We Are The World Foundation

Settlment in Lima Shooting case Does Not Equal Guilt

It has been announced that the City of Lima's insurer has agreed to settlement with the estate of Tarika Wilson, the woman shot and killed during a drug raid last year. According to GCJ, citing the Lima paper, the settlement was agreed to by the insurer, OVER THE OBJECTION OF THE CITY.

The local NAACP is already claiming settlement proves guilt, because, in their view, no person would settle a case if they were guilty. First, civil law is about liability not guilt, with a much lower level of proof needed to find negligence. Second, the insurer - holding a non-consent policy- did not need the City or Sgt. Chavalia's consent, and made the decision to settle on its own. Insurance companies are doing business. It simply calculated the cost of defense, the risk of losing in front of a Lima jury, and the potential verdict at trial, and settled.

Nothing in the settlement equates to GUILT. It is simply a risk decision by insurance company representatives.

Regardless of the responsibility held by Ms. Wilson, or the drug dealing boyfriend, her children will have a nest egg - a huge nest egg - to survive on. Let's hope it is not waisted by well meaning family.

TAHL

Drunk, Doped........and Deadly Force.

From the title you may think this post is an attack on TPD officers who have been involved in recent deadly force shootings such as the incident with Linda Hicks, the 64 year old, African American, armed, schizophrenic who was shot and killed last week. It is not.

Ms. Hicks was was a mentally unstable, armed threat to herself, her housemates, and the officers who responded. Had TPD officers not done anything, and she had hurt someone else or herself, they would have been derelict in their duty. From what I have read the officers used the force continuum appropriately when verbal commands, and the taser were ineffective. Any person who calls for non-deadly response to a citizen armed with a knife or other sharp weapon (in this case scissors), does not understand the dynamics of armed conflict; such weapons are deadly weapons. Officers are not - and should not- be trained to meet deadly force resistance with non-deadly force.

HOWEVER, this post is not a TPD cheering session either. Recently we learned that TPD officers who were intoxicated on duty and tested positive for marijuana use, will be suspended, not fired. This is a travesty. Police must be held to a higher standard when their profession is enforcing the law. Had I reported for duty drunk, EVER, I would have been summarily fired on the spot -- and rightfully so.

This is the result and example of the damage unions can do to a modern work force, community, and economy. The union in fact decried the 90 day suspensions as overbearing and overreaction. WHAT??!!! With a straight face the men and women who represent the TPD officer's union claim that drunk cops on duty who get suspended are being treated too harshly. Their hypocrisy is self explanatory.

The TPD has to fight a constant PR battle, doing the right thing under immeasurably difficult situations, while being constantly examined and second guessed by the citizenry. Their effectiveness is only undermined further when misconduct of this type is allowed to continue. For the hundreds of well trained, professional, dedicated officers on the TPD who don't deserve the attacks they receive, these four have made their jobs and safety much more tenuous.

Be safe.

TAHL

Animal House Rescue Charity Event -- Sunday July 26th

ANIMAL HOUSE RESCUE CHARITY EVENT

BIG DOG WALKJuly 26, 2009Walk:9 A.M. - 11 A.M.Secor Room Activities: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Secor Metro Park http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metroparks/maps/
Register and donate on-line, or in person with cash at any AHR adoption
http://www.ahrescue.org/

Short Walk: Woodland Pond Trail, 0.3 mile Long Walk: Swamp Forrest Trail, 1.2 miles

Grand Prize Raffle: $250.00 Visa Cash Card: Need not be present to win.Silent Auction in Secor Room 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (bidding ends at 12:30 p.m.)Raffle Drawing at 1 p.m. in Secor Room



Adoptions in Secor Room11:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. Entertainment, food, beverages, variety of specialty vendors, samples, games, prizes, and more……

$20.00 registration donation includes t-shirt, water bottle, samples, and coupons Pre-registeredWalkers check-in between 9 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday Morning. Official start 9:30 a.m.*

Follow the AHR BIG DOG WALK SIGNS*Register at any adoption event Saturday, July, 18th at Anderson’s, 503 Illinois Ave., Maumee, Ohio, between Noon and 3 p.m. or; Saturday July 25th, at PetCo on Monroe Street between Noon and 3 p.m. $25.00

Same Day Registration Donation 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. in the Secor Room.Additional t-shirts available for $10.00 donation on event day.

To register and pay online, go to http://www.ahrescue.org/.Click on the link for Walk Registration, fill out and submit the form.Then click on the PayPal link to pay your $20.00 Registration Donation.

For details or space rental: ahrdogsncats@yahoo.com***25 Free AVID micro-chips, available to registered walkers at 9:00 a.m.*** Reduced Cost Shot Clinic 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.***Restrictions apply. See website for details***

CopArazzi

Yes, the paparazzi have the right to take photos of celebrities in PUBLIC, but none of us support or condone their METHODS.

Yes, police have a DUTY to keep our streets safe, but, red light cameras are not the proper METHOD.

They have become the CopArazzi, lost is the spirit and intent of their job and purpose. Lost to the all mighty dollar. The perfect analogy.


IN FULL DISCLOSURE - I heard this term on Bob and Tom today, from comedian Augie Smith.

TAHL

I want to live in a community.................

Where the police know the residents, including the kids, by name; and watch, investigate, inquire, or contact strangers at night or if they suspect wrongdoing.

Where the police aggressively enforce traffic laws so its safe for me and my kids to drive, ride or walk on the sidewalk and streets on the way to the park; and where the community benefits from the investigations that start as traffic stops.

Where drunk, reckless, negligent, unsafe drivers know they should avoid my community because there is a higher risk the police are being vigilant and the chance of being discovered and prosecuted is real; so they choose to drive around my community.

All these things most every honest person would admit they too would like in their community. Yet they are the things being used to attack the Ottawa Hills PD in the wake of a shooting incident following a felony chase, in which a motorcycle rider may have become paralyzed.

I remain proud to live in a clean, safe, well maintained, lighted, diverse community with a pro-active police force. I thank them for their service every chance I get.

TAHL

Support our Cops -- Wait for the facts.

Standing in the street as cars go buy can get you killed. Thats called a traffic stop - the most dangerous activity a police officer does.

Driving fast on side streets in a 3000 pound car can get you killed. Its what cops do every day.

Confronting people who are drug crazed, angry, intoxicated or just simply bad people can get you killed. Its what cops do every day.

So before we race to judgment about the shooting of a suspect by Ottawa Hills police, the community I live in, and officers I know; lets wait to find out the facts. Recognize and revere their sacrafices, and wait to pass judgment in haste.
TAHL

Cops Subdue Young Teen

Fox news showed a story recently about the arrest of a 14 year old African American boy, which unfortunately lead to a physical confrontation between the officers and the young man.

www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/wupw_caught_on_tape_family_wants_justice_sharia_davis_may_2009

As stated by the reporter, we don't know all the facts, or how and why this incident escalated into a physical confrontation. I did notice two aspects of the video which are concerning. I am not a TPD academy graduate, or an OHP graduate. I attended the police academy in another state, however, most PMA tactics (Physical Means of Arrest) are standardized; and choking techniques are not generally taught anymore.

The video shows one officer both choking and smothering (hand over mouth) the subject. This is a problem. Granted, in a struggle technique often gets thrown out the window and in tough struggles at times you have to do what it takes to survive, but as shown the incident does not appear to be at a high enough level to require or justify choking. Chokes are very dangerous, and can lead to terrible, unintended consequences.

I don't have the facts of this incident, but as it developed, there are some problems to be addressed. If TPD teaches or allows chokes, then perhaps this arrest was within policy. The smothering is both dangerous (human bites are very infectious) and unnecessary. While there is rarely a legitimate or smart reason to struggle with police, if the hood was hot enough to burn this young man's face, PERHAPS, it is understandable why he would continue to raise his head off the vehicle.

Regardless, I hope this incident is used in a positive way to address tactics, decision making, and techniques for TPD.

TAHL

Dedicated Toledo Workforce

Its nice to see that not everyone is using the cold weather as an excuse not to head out to work. While closings are rampantly streaming across the bottom of our TV screens, the thieves of Toledo are hard at work.

My truck was broken into yesterday, during work hours, in the Port Lawrence parking garage downtown. Toledo thieves, undeterred by weather, are out doing their best to stimulate the underbelly of the economy. While I applaud the thief's dedication, I question his/her talent.

First, I drive an old truck. "Old" in this context does not mean "classic" or "vintage," it means crappy. A rusted out 1991 Ford Ranger to be specific. However, because the prior owner was a young kid, it did have a kickin stereo, so the choice was not completely unreasonable.

I must take issue, however, with how this citizen applies his craft. I naively still expect workers to know their trade, study the masters, and apply it with journeyman skill. My thief is either an apprentice, or is resting on his laurels.

Gone are the days when a man took pride in his work, sought excellence, and the results were self evident. My salvage technician obviously has not studied the masters. He surely has not watched: The Heist, Oceans 11, 12, or 13, or The Ref; as he clearly is unaware that the goal is to steal with such precision and finesse that the mark remains unaware that they have been had for days or even weeks.

Clearly, the person who is re-using my stereo did not do their homework. They obviously did not study the dashboard schematics of the Ford Ranger, and must not have called upon a collegue or former UAW Ford plant "source" who could provide them detailed diagrams of the Ford truck interior, thereby allowing him to effortlessly release the dash and remove its contents with speed and minimal effort. My recycler brutishly pried my dash from its moorings, braking it in the process, leaving clear evidence of his presence through tool marks on the trim, and even destroying his tool, lazily leaving it on my floorboard.

Additionally, he lacked the attention to detail and thoroughness required to excel in any profession. He missed several premium CD's affixed to my sun visor, including Botchelli and Dave Mathews, BOTCHELLI FOR GOD'S SAKE! With even a cursory look behind the seat it would have been clear that my speakers were ripe as fresh apples for picking, as I had not actually mounted them and they were simply resting behind the seat held in place by their magnets. Finally, the briefest glance into the glove box (step #3 in "Auto Burglary for Dummies") would have shown the treasure hunter that his new stereo included a REMOTE.

So not everyone is using the weather as a reason to rest at home on the couch watching Regis and Kelly. Some "go getters" are out braving the elements to ply their craft and provide much needed, gently used electronics, to themselves or their pawn dealer. All is not lost, Toledo does have dedicated, hard working, citizens willing to get out there and profit.

TAHL

Toledo Bucks a Trend

While the national numbers for murder are reportedly down, it seems Toledo is on the Rise!

Two more shootings this weekend in the Toledo area, added to many recent killings in our city. Reports of reduced police recruit classes and nation leading unemployment, bookend the daily accounts of violence and death on our streets. The victims are of all ages, with the two most recent being teenage males. Questions such as where were their parents? why were they out so late? and the myriad of excuses and rationalizations will no doubt abound.

For me, the questions blare in my mind; IS IT SAFE HERE? SHOULD I BE ARMED DAILY? and SHOULD I MOVE MY FAMILY SOMEWHERE ELSE?

Sure, my block might be safe generally, and my kids school a good place to attend; but I drive downtown every day, and home after dark every night. Thus, my answers are: NO, YES, and MAYBE. No, Toledo is not a safe city. Yes, I should be armed. And, maybe we should consider moving away.

My in-laws visited from Florida last week for Christmas, and explained how they had to turn back and head home initially after leaving because they forgot the handgun they travel with. Now, their decision to travel armed is not based on the fact that they were headed to Toledo, (they now travel armed on all trips) but I know it was a factor.

GENERALLY, I feel I can keep myself and my family safe by making good decisions as to when, where, and how we move about the city, its events, and its locations. But, I also know I cannot control others, cannot predict where and when violence will occur, and it seems more and more lately, I cannot count on my instincts and wits to ensure I get home safe every day. Regardless of my ability to make good decisions, I fear the day my rationality is overcome by the irrationality or drive of an assailant, and I find myself unprepared to defend me and my own.

I don't know how many spouses gave their loved ones tuition to a concealed carry course for Christmas, but Mrs. TAHL may have a late present coming, and a new New Years Resolution to adopt.

TAHL

The Danger and Dissapointment of Distraction

As I drove home down Dorr street last night I found myself trailing a TPD cruiser, and I noticed how bright the in-car computer screen was. As I moved closer I saw that the computer was not displaying a LEADS or NCIC screen, but SOLITAIRE.

This made me think of many things. First, I have spent countless hours in a patrol cruiser and I know, even in a city the size of Toledo, Police work entails hours of boredom. So I get it.

And while boredom is common for cops, complacency and distraction are a dangerous combination for a cop's safety. I would hate to have a cop killed because he was playing on the computer and failed to see a dirtbag walk up to the car and stick a gun behind his ear, or to the window.

Secondly, although I did not see if there were two cops in the cruiser, I assume the driver was not playing cards while driving. Regardless, there is enough stuff going on each day and night in Toledo that a patrol cop needs to be focused on the job. I would likewise hate to have a TPD cruiser miss a back alley drug deal, drunk driver, or citizen in distress because he or she was working a computer card game.

Lastly, with all the budget talk, worries about police management and resources, and the common attacks of TPD on the Internet -- its disappointing to see a TPD cop put themselves and the department in a position to defend this occurrence.

Why is solitaire even on their systems?

I like cops. I support cops. I respect cops. But, lets be real, keep an eye on the ball and the street, not on whether a there is a black jack to put your red 10 under.

TAHL

BP Tragedy

The BP killing, and the actions of the citizen who stole cigarettes while he lay dead or dying on the floor have raised issues of crime, punishment, and many others. I frequent this store, shop there at night and in the early mornings and drive by twice a day heading to and from work. This killing, more than any others, is likely to change my behavior.

On the issue of capital punishment.

Capital punishment does have a deterrent effect.

1) Specific individual deterrence - that criminal will never victimize anyone else, either on the street or while in prison (a common occurrence given that the most heinous criminals often hit the street again, and they all victimize in prison).

2) Because the potential offenders who are deterred by the threat of capital punishment DON'T BECOME A STATISTIC the effect is hard if not impossible to measure, but it does exist.

3) For those fond of comparing evil America to our more enlightened neighbors in the world (an apples to starfish comparison I disagree with), the countries with the harshest punishments for crimes have the least amount of crime, death penalty or not.

The callousness of the cigarette stealer is a sadder testimony of the state of our city and society then the killing. However both deserve the maximum. If there is any chance the victim was alive when the cigarette thug ignored him - he should be charged with felony murder.

I join in congratulating the officers who knew their beat, knew their jobs, and helped nab these dirt bags. There is no substitute for cops on the street, who know their area, and are proactive in traffic enforcement as a method to uncover other crimes.

TAHL

A Jury Sees Through the Rhetoric

A Lima Jury has found Ofc. Chavalia not guilty of charges related to his shooting of Tarika Wilson during the service of a warrant at her home earlier this year. All ready the clamor of racism (the jury was white!), corruption, facism and fear has begun. Many of the comments in the blogosphere and print media mix two separate issues.

The planning and execution of this warrant should have been done better. A no-knock entry, for this suspect (given the time frame of the investigation and results), at a time when it was more likely children would be present was a mistake. Command and staff officers of the Lima PD, must address this problem and make appropriate changes.

That being said, as the facts apparently showed the jury - Officer Chavalia's split second decision to shoot/not shoot, was reasonable given the facts known at the time, the suspects actions, and the situation. Rhetoric and politics aside, Tarika Wilson's decisions and actions impacted her fate. Ofc. Chavalia must live with the fact that in the performance of his duties he took a life. That does not make him criminal, negligent, or incompetent.

The dynamics of such a situation cannot be understood by those who have not experienced it, period. Of this I know what I speak.

TAHL

12..........13.....!!!!

A 19 year old man was shot and killed outside a church festival this weekend, by my math the 12th murder this year. Now I realize festivals in this area are large fund raising activities with alcohol served and a carnival atmosphere, so I don't want the venue to become the subject. Another shooting occurred outside a club, that "victim" apparently lived.

More shootings in Toledo, another death. Racially motivated, perhaps - regardless another sign of the lawlessness that has become Toledo, and a stark reminder that a situation can turn deadly at any time. Yes, alcohol, youth, crowds and racial tension (gangs) are a bad mix, but another citizen died on his way to work last week.

Is the lesson ban guns, no. The lesson is be self aware, make good decisions regarding your safety and the safety of your family. Unfortunately the safest place for you to be late on a weekend night is home with your doors locked.

But is that the society we should have to live in? No. We should be safe and comfortable attending a festival without fear of being caught in a cross fire. Personal safety is about decisions and options, and the absolute requirement that all citizens take part in making our society civil. How? Don't stand for criminal behavior in your area, call police, know your neighbors, increase the lighting in your area, hold people (youth and adults) accountable. Prevent this tragedy by refusing to let groups of minors and young adults congregate at your event.

"But, AHL, how can I stop these groups from attending without being called a racist?" Unfortunately you can't, but being called a racist does not make you a racist. Forget politically correct fear, stand for the rights of everyone, and hold all races colors and creeds to the same standards.

After my years in law enforcement I never thought I would carry a weapon on a daily basis. I truly thought my decision making and personal choices could keep my family and I safe. Tragically, in Toledo (and many other cities), that simply is not true despite my years of training and experience. Looks like Clelands is getting at least two new CCW class members, Mrs. AHL and I.

Would a legally armed citizen in attendance at the festival this weekend have prevented this shooting, perhaps not. But once the criminal element realizes that at any time they may attacking or endangering a well trained, honorable, legally armed citizen...it will.

TAHL

Defend Thy Self or Leave the Field of Battle!

That is unfortunately becoming the mantra of Toledo's street thugs. Yesterday a man was shot and killed while bicycling to work. According to the Blade (sorry, my only current source) witnesses heard two men arguing, with the suspect "standing over" the man on the bike, and then shooting him in the head.

Another man was stabbed last night after a fight with a large group of people. Its a miracle Wednesday's killing was only the 11th of the year.

And last night ABC chronicled the tragic story of two teenage girls forced into the sex slave business IN TOLEDO, revealing TPD took 90 minutes to respond when her father found the house she was being kept (and then only after the criminals were beating him with rocks). That was a few years ago, but the pimp got 4 years in prison, the females who supervised the sex slaves got 6 1/2 each. Travesty.

As a father and armed citizen, the 90 minute response time would have been 89.5 minutes to late. I would have killed the pimp outright, and depending on the actions of the females sat on the porch and waited for TPD to arrive. Murder? Maybe. Any doubt in my mind? None.

I live in a nice suburb of Toledo, keep my kids out of the city, Toledo Public Schools, and the mall for these very reasons. We attend Mud Hens games which end after dark, but I park in my work building and walk with them to and from the car keeping them close. We even attended the July 4th fireworks downtown, but again parked in my work building and avoided Promenade Park.

Do I bring a gun to the games, not yet. But I avoid driving home along Dorr street after dark, a route I drive to work every day. Do I bring a gun to work, not yet. Have I brought a gun to a festival or event downtown, not yet. But as Toledo gets more and more violent I am faced with the very real choice of, Arming myself or leaving the field of battle.

TAHL

The Armed citizen.

Recently the criminal violence of citizens - some armed with guns - has made the local news. A 40+ year old man shot and killed a 17 year old teenager who was allegedly in a dispute with the older man's nephew. A 21 year old man, defended himself from a robbery, killing a 22 year old man (who was accompanied by two conspirators) when the criminals pointed a gun in his face. The citizen was licensed to carry a concealed weapon and used it to protect his life.

Blade


Greater regulation of the law abiding citizens will do nothing to stop the crimes of the non-law abiding citizen. However, legal gun ownership, responsible use, and freedom will.

“On Sunday, Victor Wiggins, 22, of 2433 Glenwood Ave., was shot in the chest by a man he was attempting to rob, police said.” Mr. Wiggins was shot and killed by another citizen, same race and nearly the same age, who was licensed to carry a concealed weapon and defendned himself when Mr. Wiggins and two associates, pointed a gun in his face.

What caught my eye after reading a recent post on Glass City Jungle on this topic, was the lead in “Irresponsible gun ownership creates scenarios over and over again where the circle of violence is played out.” The criminality of the offenders (yes plural) created the violence.

Had the deceased been hit with a hammer, stabbed - like a recent high school student - or clubbed with a baseball bat, the post would not have lead with; “irresponsible athletic equiptment storage creates scenerios over and over again where the circle of violence is played out.”

But the “victims” would still be dead, and the tragedy still a reality. A gun is an assemply of metal and plastic parts, designed for legitimate purposes, which, like many other tools, gets misused. No one is calling for a ban on Mr. Gagnon’s Ford F350that killed a family of 5 on the highway recently, they are holding him responsible. Although there has been a cry for more street signs.

The A-Hole.