Massachusetts Law Enforcement Network

Massachusetts Police News, Information and Discussions on MassCops

Posted by: SinePari

Slain San Francisco Officer Mourned, Pursuits Questioned

Late Wednesday afternoon the San Francisco Police Department identified a slain officer as Nick Birco. Birco died from injuries he suffered when his police vehicle was hit by a van involved in a chase just after 1 a.m.

Officer Birco was on the police force for five years. During that time he was awarded a Police Commission Commendation for his bravery in executing a search warrant on a man whose house contained numerous firearms and rounds of ammunition. Birco was also awarded 11 Captain Complimentary awards. He also received two letters from citizens impressed with his service and professionalism. Birco was 39 years old. He worked in the Bayview District.

San Francisco Police Chief Heather Fong held a news conference early Wednesday to explain the chain of events that led to the officer's death. Fong said a man was robbed at a bus station in the 500 block of Bayshore Boulevard in the Bayview neighborhood at about 12:30 a.m. When police arrived, the victim got in the patrol car to help officers search for the van in which the robbers were last seen. Police said they spotted a van matching the description in a McDonald's parking lot on Bayshore Avenue. Police said the driver drove off when police approached, and a pursuit began down southbound Interstate 280. The chase continued on northbound 280 and finally onto surface streets at the Geneva Exit.

Birco was not involved in the pursuit. He was arriving at the scene to offer assistance when the van hit his vehicle, causing it to hit a curb and flip on its side. The police cruiser also hit a utility pole. According to residents, the minivan was traveling down Felton Street when it attempted a sharp turn at Cambridge Street. That's when it hit the officer's car.


Firefighters extricated the officer from his vehicle, started cardiopulmonary resuscitation and transported him to San Francisco General Hospital. Hospital staff continued "a valiant effort to save the officer's life," Officer Maria Oropeza said, but he died shortly after arriving. Officers could be seen running to the emergency room at the hospital throughout the early-morning hours. The police chief said the entire department is in a state of mourning.

The flag outside the Bayview Station where the officer worked was lowered to half staff Wednesday in honor of officer Birco. Members of the San Francisco Police Commission said the tragic death prompted them to cancel their regular Wednesday night meeting. San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Tom Ammiano said the city should investigate police pursuit policy.

"You have to look at the value of human life, especially our police officers, and so whatever the protocols are, they're either not being followed or they're not tight enough," Ammiano said. "And I know a number of supervisors have wanted to have a hearing. I think the police commission needs to really look into this thoroughly."
In April, suspects trying to escape a chase that ended on Treasure Island rammed San Francisco officers.

Four years ago, Officer Jon Cook was killed in the Mission District when his police car and another cruiser collided while answering an emergency call.

Here's the union boss responding to their pursuit policy. Great press conference!
http://www.ktvu.com/video/9591734/index.html

---

Posted by: tazoez

Well, I wouldn't want to be one of those Judges that let the Felon go. I have a feeling that this guy is going to make their lives a living hell until the next election (where hopefully they lose).

---

vBulletin Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Limited.
vB Easy Archive Final ©2000 - 2008 - Created by Stefan "Xenon" Kaeser