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A Bad Day in MASS. for Law Enforcement.

5K views 27 replies 12 participants last post by  HistoryHound 
#1 ·
I don't have all the details and unlike the media, I won't make shit up and I won't just pretending to sound well informed.
Two Police Officers were wounded in Braintree after responding to a domestic situation. Both appear to have NON-Life Threatening wounds. One to South Shore, one to BMC.

A Worcester Officer was trying to rescue a child in a pond and went under. He did not resurface on his own but was pulled up. His condition is not known at this time.

Pray for our people out there and pray we lose no more.
 
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#7 ·
Thankfully the two Braintree officers sound like they’ll pull through and it looks like they can thank their partner here for saving their lives.

Anyone who says dogs aren’t the best, clearly haven’t met the right dogs. RIP Kitt, you did good.

 
#9 ·
10572


WORCESTER — A city police officer drowned Friday while attempting to rescue three teens who were struggling to stay above water at Green Hill Pond. A 14-year-old boy, whom officers tried to save, also lost his life. Enmanuel Familia, 38, a member of the Worcester Police Department for five years, was pulled from the pond by divers from the Worcester Fire Department.
Manny, as his colleagues called him, leaves a wife and two children. One of the teens and the officer were rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The teen has not been identified."The Worcester Police Department has lost a brother, a friend and a partner," said Police Chief Steven M. Sargent at an evening news conference in front of headquarters. "The city of Worcester has lost a hero." About 1:30 p.m., onlookers at the pond called police with a report of three swimmers needing help. Five officers hurried to the scene, among them Familia.
All of the officers went to the aid of the swimmers, one of them toward the middle, his arm reaching above the water, the chief said, explaining the scene. The officers brought two of the swimmers to shore, the chief said. It was soon realized Familia and one of the teens were not accounted for. Fire Department divers were summoned. Within the next two hours, the two people were pulled from the water. Green Hill Pond is an occasional spot for swimming, although it's not allowed. A large contingent of police officers remained at the park for several hours. Meantime, on social media, police departments are offering words of condolence to the Worcester Police Department. "We have learned that a Worcester police officer drowned today while trying to save the life of a child," wrote Boxboro police on Twitter. The Boston office of the FBI offered its sympathies. At the scene, witness Ayeh Tanteh said she called 911 at 1:35 p.m. after hearing cries for help from three teenagers in the water. Witness Sheryl Lamonda said officers arrived after one of the teenagers went under, and three arriving officers and a woman went in the water to try to help. Lamonda said she tried to direct the officers to where the teenager had disappeared and watched in horror as the officer went under the water. “It was just horrible,” Lamonda said. Two officers and the woman emerged from the pond shortly thereafter, with one of the officers guiding two of the teenagers to safety. Roughly a half-hour later, Lamonda said divers pulled an individual from the water. The individual was taken to UMass Memorial by ambulance. At approximately 3:30 p.m. a second individual was pulled from the water, the individual hidden by blankets held by some of the large crowd of police officers, fire officials and other rescuers at the scene. At 8:15 p.m. Friday, a vigil for the two who died was planned for Summer Street. Return to telegram.com for more on this story.
 
#11 ·
There'd best be a battered woman that required this level of sacrifice.

I'm highly suspicious of "domestic" calls these days... they always seem to be ambushes.
Domestics are always a multi-officer response, an ambush ruse would be something mundane on its surface. A parking complaint, loud music, dog barking, etc., where a single officer would respond. Once the ambush is sprung, more officers can be drawn into the kill zone.
 
#14 ·
Another example in a long list of examples of how this already dangerous job can turn deadly at a moment's notice. Be it standing tall in a gunfight or jumping into a pond to save a stranger, heroes all around. Thank God for the people in our profession.

Hopefully the people in these communities will recognize the sacrifice officers are willing to make and the danger we potentially face on a daily basis.
 
#16 ·
Absolutely terrible news. RIP and speedy recovery for all our brothers....................
 
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#18 ·
And how many domestics have we responded to that was far from anything other than a yelling match, but it's always that ONE that can truly put us in danger. Anyone can tell you that, WHERE you work matters not. Us campus guys have responded to horrendously violent domestics, down to a slap fest, down to a simple, "YOU'RE MEAN!"/"NO, YOU'RE MEAN!" But you have to approach every single one like it's the real deal because any of them can BECOME the real deal without noticed. This became BEYOND the real deal and I thank GOD both Officers will recover.

As for Officer Familia, he didn't think twice (if he did, you'd never guess it) he saw a need and he jumped in, literally. To all the guys who responded, you showed amazing courage and commitment to protecting life. I'm so incredibly sad we lost one, but I'm relieved we didn't lose more of you.

God Bless you all.
 
#20 ·
No way I can attend, way too much going on, but to any/all who can, represent us all and stand tall and proud while honoring one of our own.

Because, as morbid as this is, tomorrow, it could be you...

And for the most part, only OUR FAMILY will truly care.
 
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#21 ·
Thank you for all my Sisters and Brothers who are attending the funeral in Worcester today for Officer Familia. I couldn't make it but I'm grateful for those who do.
 
#22 ·
I copied this from FaceBook. There's a lot to say about this, but I don't think anyone could say it better than she did.

MA Law Enforcement Support
25m ·

A very powerful statement written by Officer Familia's widow, Jennifer.
https://www.facebook.com/jenny.fami...3_EJEPlK0ANsUpFzu9twonwza0&[B]tn[/B]=<<,P-y-R
Jenny Familia is at Worcester Police Department (Official).
21h ·
I wanted to take a moment first to thank Chief Sargent and the Worcester Police Department, all of the other agencies and law enforcement officers who attended the funeral service, and the Worcester community at-large, for the outpouring of support our family has received following the passing of my beloved husband, Manny. I could have never imagined the support that has been expressed to me and our family and it has given us great comfort during this difficult time. We will never forget the love you have shown us.

A special thanks to Manny’s brother and sister officers in the Worcester Police Department. Manny and I often discussed how difficult the political environment had become for police officers. The recent irresponsible public statements of many public servants regarding the Worcester Police and Worcester Police Officers troubled Manny very much. He loved his job and his fellow officers and believed in his mission.

Finally, it has come to my attention that certain local officials have commented regarding my request that they not attend the services for Manny. I want to state clearly that the request not to attend came directly from me because it was consistent with my husband’s wishes. The fact that the day after I had to bury my husband, the father of my children, I had to interrupt my family’s mourning to respond to these false narratives by a few public officials is disgusting and disrespectful to a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his community. Such individuals seek to make political points or further divide our wonderful community.

Over the past couple of years my husband and I have had to listen to the political grandstanding by a few who were spewing and continue to spew their disdain for the men and women who protect our community day and night. To these politicians you have exposed yourselves to be exactly the people we didn’t want attending a hero’s send off, because unlike my husband, you have shown that your selfishness exceeds the true values that this community holds.
As for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette and the reporter who wrote the story a day after Manny’s funeral, you exemplify the reason why your industry and your newspaper are failing miserably.

Jennifer Familia
 
#23 ·
Braintree Police Department News
Posted on: June 11, 2021Press Release relating to the Officer Involved Shooting on June 4, 2021
thumbnail_BPD - Press Release

On June 4, 2021, Braintree police officers responded to a call for a domestic dispute involving a firearm in Braintree Village, located on McCusker Drive. Officers responding to the scene were updated that the subject had fled the apartment complex on foot and had entered into a thickly wooded area armed with multiple firearms. Several officers, including K9 Officer William Cushing and his K9 Kitt, Officer Matthew Donoghue and K9 Officer Richard Seibert, entered the area in search of the subject. As the officers approached the subject’s location, the officers were ambushed and gunfire was exchanged at close range. Officers Cushing and Donoghue sustained multiple gunshot wounds and Officer Seibert, a former combat medic of the United States Army, provided immediate medical attention before the officers were transported to area hospitals for further treatment. Each officer displayed remarkable bravery, calm and professionalism. Officer Seibert was instrumental not only in helping Officers Cushing and Donoghue mitigate the threat, but also in immediately rendering aid to the injured officers. Officer Seibert’s extensive training and experience certainly contributed to a more favorable outcome for the Braintree Police Department.
“Without hesitation, our first responders put their lives on the line to protect and serve our community,” said Mayor Charles C. Kokoros. “We should all be proud of our men and women in law enforcement and I want extend my sincerest thanks to the Braintree Police Department for their selfless acts of bravery and Brewster Ambulance for their professionalism in administering lifesaving care, not just on June 4th, but every day they put on the uniform and go to work.”
Officer Seibert is a 16-year veteran of the Braintree Police Department, currently assigned with Narcotics K9 Officer Lucky. During his career, Officer Seibert has served in the Firearms Unit as both a Firearms Instructor and Department Armorer. Officer Seibert is a veteran of the United States Army, where he served in the Military Police, as a member of the Special Response Team and as an EMT/Medical Specialist.
Officer Donoghue began his law enforcement career with the Duxbury Police Department in 2014 and transferred to the Braintree Police Department in January 2018. Officer Donoghue is a veteran of the Army National Guard and during his time with the Braintree Police Department has been the recipient of several letters of appreciation, the Life Saving Medal and the Police Award Certificate. Since being released from the hospital, Officer Donoghue has been home recovering with his family. Officer Cushing is a nearly 16-year veteran of the Braintree Police Department and has worked as K9 Officer Kitt’s handler since July 2010.
Officer Cushing has served the Department as a Field Training Officer and is assigned to the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (METRO-LEC) SWAT Team. Officer Cushing is a recipient of numerous commendations, including the Robert F. Dana Award. In 2018, Officer Cushing and five other officers were given the Trooper George Hanna Medal of Honor, the highest and most prestigious award given to a police officer who demonstrates actions above and beyond the call of duty. Officer Cushing was released from the hospital earlier today.
All officers involved wish to express their sincere thanks to their fellow officers and the community for their support during this time. “The outpouring of support from the community during this difficult time has been nothing short of incredible,” said Police Chief Mark Dubois. “We have been overwhelmed by the volume of calls, e-mails, cards, posters and generous contributions in support of the Department and our officers. Your sincere well wishes and generosity have had a positive impact department-wide and on behalf of the Department, I want to say thank you.”
K9 Officer Kitt was mortally wounded during the attempted apprehension of the subject. K9 Kitt, a Belgian Malinois, was born in August of 2009 in Slovakia and imported into the United States by Connecticut Canine Services. K9 Kitt and Officer Cushing attended the Canine Academy and were certified by a Master Canine Trainer upon completion. In addition to his service to the Town of Braintree, K9 Kitt was assigned to the METRO-LEC Swat Team, where he assisted numerous communities within the Commonwealth. K9 Kitt specialized in tracking, locating missing people, finding crime scene evidence and apprehension. In 2016, K9 Kitt was awarded the Braintree Police Medal of Valor for his protection of several officers during an armed confrontation. In July 2020 K9 Kitt and Officer Cushing located the person responsible for a shooting incident at the South Shore Plaza that resulted in serious injuries and a property lockdown.
On June 4, 2021, as the subject repeatedly fired his weapon in very close range at Officers Donoghue, Cushing and Seibert, K9 Kitt heroically advanced towards the subject causing him to turn his attention away from the officers. If not for the actions of K9 Kitt the circumstances that afternoon could have been dramatically different. K9 Kitt valiantly gave his life for the life of his beloved handler and his partners and died a true hero that afternoon.
Services to honor the life of K9 Kitt are being planned for the week of June 21st. Details to follow
 
#24 ·
Braintree Police Department News
Posted on: June 11, 2021Press Release relating to the Officer Involved Shooting on June 4, 2021
thumbnail_BPD - Press Release

On June 4, 2021, Braintree police officers responded to a call for a domestic dispute involving a firearm in Braintree Village, located on McCusker Drive. Officers responding to the scene were updated that the subject had fled the apartment complex on foot and had entered into a thickly wooded area armed with multiple firearms. Several officers, including K9 Officer William Cushing and his K9 Kitt, Officer Matthew Donoghue and K9 Officer Richard Seibert, entered the area in search of the subject. As the officers approached the subject’s location, the officers were ambushed and gunfire was exchanged at close range. Officers Cushing and Donoghue sustained multiple gunshot wounds and Officer Seibert, a former combat medic of the United States Army, provided immediate medical attention before the officers were transported to area hospitals for further treatment. Each officer displayed remarkable bravery, calm and professionalism. Officer Seibert was instrumental not only in helping Officers Cushing and Donoghue mitigate the threat, but also in immediately rendering aid to the injured officers. Officer Seibert’s extensive training and experience certainly contributed to a more favorable outcome for the Braintree Police Department.
“Without hesitation, our first responders put their lives on the line to protect and serve our community,” said Mayor Charles C. Kokoros. “We should all be proud of our men and women in law enforcement and I want extend my sincerest thanks to the Braintree Police Department for their selfless acts of bravery and Brewster Ambulance for their professionalism in administering lifesaving care, not just on June 4th, but every day they put on the uniform and go to work.”
Officer Seibert is a 16-year veteran of the Braintree Police Department, currently assigned with Narcotics K9 Officer Lucky. During his career, Officer Seibert has served in the Firearms Unit as both a Firearms Instructor and Department Armorer. Officer Seibert is a veteran of the United States Army, where he served in the Military Police, as a member of the Special Response Team and as an EMT/Medical Specialist.
Officer Donoghue began his law enforcement career with the Duxbury Police Department in 2014 and transferred to the Braintree Police Department in January 2018. Officer Donoghue is a veteran of the Army National Guard and during his time with the Braintree Police Department has been the recipient of several letters of appreciation, the Life Saving Medal and the Police Award Certificate. Since being released from the hospital, Officer Donoghue has been home recovering with his family. Officer Cushing is a nearly 16-year veteran of the Braintree Police Department and has worked as K9 Officer Kitt’s handler since July 2010.
Officer Cushing has served the Department as a Field Training Officer and is assigned to the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (METRO-LEC) SWAT Team. Officer Cushing is a recipient of numerous commendations, including the Robert F. Dana Award. In 2018, Officer Cushing and five other officers were given the Trooper George Hanna Medal of Honor, the highest and most prestigious award given to a police officer who demonstrates actions above and beyond the call of duty. Officer Cushing was released from the hospital earlier today.
All officers involved wish to express their sincere thanks to their fellow officers and the community for their support during this time. “The outpouring of support from the community during this difficult time has been nothing short of incredible,” said Police Chief Mark Dubois. “We have been overwhelmed by the volume of calls, e-mails, cards, posters and generous contributions in support of the Department and our officers. Your sincere well wishes and generosity have had a positive impact department-wide and on behalf of the Department, I want to say thank you.”
K9 Officer Kitt was mortally wounded during the attempted apprehension of the subject. K9 Kitt, a Belgian Malinois, was born in August of 2009 in Slovakia and imported into the United States by Connecticut Canine Services. K9 Kitt and Officer Cushing attended the Canine Academy and were certified by a Master Canine Trainer upon completion. In addition to his service to the Town of Braintree, K9 Kitt was assigned to the METRO-LEC Swat Team, where he assisted numerous communities within the Commonwealth. K9 Kitt specialized in tracking, locating missing people, finding crime scene evidence and apprehension. In 2016, K9 Kitt was awarded the Braintree Police Medal of Valor for his protection of several officers during an armed confrontation. In July 2020 K9 Kitt and Officer Cushing located the person responsible for a shooting incident at the South Shore Plaza that resulted in serious injuries and a property lockdown.
On June 4, 2021, as the subject repeatedly fired his weapon in very close range at Officers Donoghue, Cushing and Seibert, K9 Kitt heroically advanced towards the subject causing him to turn his attention away from the officers. If not for the actions of K9 Kitt the circumstances that afternoon could have been dramatically different. K9 Kitt valiantly gave his life for the life of his beloved handler and his partners and died a true hero that afternoon.
Services to honor the life of K9 Kitt are being planned for the week of June 21st. Details to follow
I love dogs
 
#25 ·
Massachusetts city council changes rule that would have denied drowned hero cop’s wife his full pension

A local city council in Massachusetts unanimously approved a petition to support the family of a Worcester police officer who drowned while attempting to rescue three teen swimmers.

"A police officer gave up his life and we have to make sure his wife and his kids are taken care of. That's our responsibility as a community, as a city family," Councilor Morris Bergman said. "We certainly want to make sure that the city where Officer Familia served and sacrificed his life is participating and leading the effort."

Under current state law, the wife and two children of fallen Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel "Manny" Familia would not have been entitled to his full pension because drowning is not a line of duty death.
Massachusetts city council changes rule that would have denied drowned hero cop’s wife his full pension

Ok I guess I'm just dense, but how is this a thing that's even possible? It shouldn't even be a question that his family receive his full pension.
 
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