The weight of the Glock 9mm feeling strange in my hand, my partner and I step out of our patrol car.
The call came in for an individual lying on the cement in an aqueduct near a busy overpass. A pair of tunnels under the road stretching away to the right, we approach the prone man. A senior patrolman warns us that only one of his hands is visible.
And even though I know that I’m standing in Edgewood Hall at Harford Community College, not in east Los Angeles, and even though the gun in my hand is part of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office electronic Firearms Training System, I’m weirdly on edge.
Moments later, the attack comes—not from the man on the ground, whom we’ve trained our guns on, but from another man who steps out from the shadows of the underpass and lets loose with a nasty-looking shotgun.
My partner’s first shot catches him in the shoulder, while mine sails just above his head. Virtual bullets fly, as he blasts away and our rounds go wide, but miss their mark. Though we’d almost certainly have been hit, thanks to our crappy shooting, the digital assailant flops to the ground as if shot.
The scenario apparently over, I break my shooting stance and begin to joke with my partner about hitting white whales on black backgrounds.
That’s when the guy on the ground flips over, pistol in hand.
Holding the Glock only in my left, shooting hand, I quickly aim and with a snap shot put a single round perfectly into his center mass. But, caught up in the moment, I return to the proper two-handed stance and let loose six or seven more rounds as he falls, until my partner pulls me back to reality: “Easy, Tex, you got him.”
In one simple scenario, I’ve learned three important lessons: 1) shoot straight and remove the threat, 2) don’t assume a situation is over until every possible threat has been checked and 3) it’s a lot easier to get caught up and blast away—known as “sympathetic shooting” moments—than you’d think.
That’s the point of the Firearms Training System, or FATS—to expose deputies to real-life decision making and teach them to evaluate a situation, even when the truth isn’t always obvious.
According to DFC Tony Boer, the Sheriff’s Office rangemaster, the $80,000 system is used to train new deputies and those in need of extra instruction without wasting ammunition at the agency’s range in Broadcreek. A compressed air tank and tube cause the gun to recoil, and each trigger pull causes an authentic gunshot sound, though both are far less intense than the real weapon causes. A hit camera tracks where the weapon is pointed and determines whether each shot is a miss, a wounding hit, or a likely fatal hit.
In that way, the system resembles a complicated video game. But while the class members of the Citizens Police Academy were allowed to enjoy the experience on that level, actual deputies would be required to speak to the non-responsive screen. Officers would not necessarily have their gun out when the scenario began (Boer: “We don’t walk into every situation with our weapon drawn.”), and would have to choose when to draw it, how to call out for their digital opponents to explain their actions, and when to them to drop a weapon, before ultimately firing at a suspect.
“That’s our biggest tool—verbalizing, talking people down from something,” Boer said. “We have to go straight to the gun sometimes…but most of the time, we will try to talk a person down.”
When that doesn’t work and a deputy is forced to fire, Boer said they’re trained to aim for a suspect’s center mass. Head shots are covered, he said, but only in the context of past incidents, such as the infamous North Hollywood shootout in which suspects wore body armor which protected them from patrol officers’ standard weapons.
“We don’t teach deputies to kill people, we shoot to remove a threat,” Boer said. “If I was teaching them to kill, I’d arm them with the best rifle I could find, like the military does. That’s not what we teach.”
The scenarios included in the FATS computer run the gamut from situations which obviously call for a weapon to be fired to longer ones in which Boer can control certain elements, such an active shooter in a school who might surrender if the deputy is convincing in their efforts to speak to him, or who might choose to fire on the officer if they aren’t.
For the Citizens Police Academy, most of the scenarios trended toward the former—sometimes laughably so. A few scenarios were more nuanced, including several in which the suspect does not draw a weapon and one in which a suspect reaches to his back and pulls out…his wallet, oddly presaging the Amadou Diallo incident, since the video for the FATS system was filmed sometime in the 1980s. But others seemed more like a highly realistic version of “Duck Hunt,” such as when a suspect attempting to break into an ATM was confronted by officers and, after a long moment of reflection, said “Aw sh*t” and drew a weapon on them anyway—only to go down in a hail of simulated bullets.
But, for the most part, the scenarios felt at least a little realistic. Even without the protocols followed by regular deputies, the system was effective in instilling a moment of doubt in each situation, before the bullets began flying.
“No officer out there can tell you when to shoot. It’s a life or death situation,” Boer said. “You have to be not just tactically ready, but morally ready, because you may be about to take someone’s life.”
——————–
After 15 weeks of detailed explanation, on June 14 the 18th class of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy graduated in a ceremony held in Edgewood Hall at Harford Community College.
In his commencement address, Sheriff Jesse Bane highlighted the mental toll the job takes on his deputies, saying he himself is haunted by the death of a young child, which he investigated years ago.
“I dream I am there at the time, and try to stop the father from beating and severely damaging an 18-month-old child,” he said.
Bane said the academy class members had gained an inside understanding into the agency, and the sacrifices made by those who wear its uniform.
“Hearing this, one wonders why we do what we do, and now you know,” he said. “Without the support of you and those we serve, our jobs become that much harder.”
“You are our ambassadors,” he said. “Come to our defense when others speak badly of us.”
The Dagger extends its thanks to the graduates of the 18th class of the Citizens Police Academy, which include:
Robert Aims
Lou Ann Bane
Darlene Belfiore
Gary Businsky
Aaron Cahall
Arthur Coates
Vivian Copeland
Curtis Croom
Sherryl Del Colliano
Kirsten Dize
Mark Elloff
Mike Hayden
Sue Hayden
Darlene Hendershot
Christopher Hoover
Stanley Jankowski
Darryl Joyner
Karen Kelley
Susan Lochary
Joshua Moog
Todd Nicodemus
Cleopatra Pappas
Leonard Parrish
Paul Phillippi
Colleen Roberts
David Rode
Carol Ruskey
Teresa Schwind
Michael Sichette
Richie Slaysman
Susan Smith
Tyrell Tabron
Raymond Traube
Sharon Walker
Elaine Williams
Robert Williams
The Dagger also thanks the men and women of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, who dedicated their time both to explain their work to the class.
Sheriff L. Jesse Bane
Major Christina Presberry
Major Dale Stonesifer
Capt Duane Williams
Capt Jim Eyler
Capt John Bowman
Capt Mike Gullion
Capt Steve Thomas
Capt Tanya Jackson
Capt Tim Keggins
Captain Dan Galbraith
Captain John Bakie
Lt Doug Reppar
Lt Mike Crabbs
Lt Veto Mentzell
Sgt Chris Parrish
Sgt Chris Crespo
Sgt Dan Staniewicz
Sgt Donald Gividen
Sgt Ian Loughran
Sgt Kevin Thomas
Sgt Lynn Chester
Sgt Paul Cole
Sgt Rich Miller
Cpl Bryan Oleszczuk
Cpl Ken Perry
Cpl Lisa Lane
Cpl Pete Georgiades
Cpl Ron Sherman
DFC Brad Crossley
DFC Javier Moro
DFC Jamie Krampert
DFC Jan Ryan
DFC Ken Smith
DFC Khalid Mitchell
DFC Lori Denbow
DFC M Schleper
DFC Marty Hoppa
DFC Nick McGowan
DFC Richard Hardick
DFC Ryan Hall
DFC Shawn Forton
DFC Tom Walsh
DFC Tony Boer
Deborah Bradley
Mike Sherman
Monica Worrell
Sheriff’s Office Coordinator – Cpl James Pangratz
Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association Liaison – Christine Sullivan
Sheriff Jesse Bane and the author
Ol bane and wife, to make it look good
The only mental toll on the deputies is wondering which one of them Bane is going to get rid of next. I doubt he is haunted at night of the careers he has destroyed, the families he has ruined, and the suffering he has caused.
When he looses the next election, and he will. How would you like to be the deputy who stops him for a traffic violation? Imagine writing that e ticket!
Congratulations to all graduates. You now have more qualifications to be Sheriff of Harford County the Jesse Bane. You all now know more about police work then Jesse Bane. When will he be adding the classes on how to get rid of sick deputies or punish others for expressing their rights during elections? Or how to make gangster drug dealer videos? Monster let me have it now.
This program was started I believe by Sheriff Meadows and I taught in a few of them, it is a good program.
In his commencement address, Sheriff Jesse Bane highlighted the mental toll the job takes on his deputies, saying he himself is haunted by the death of a young child, which he investigated years ago.
“I dream I am there at the time, and try to stop the father from beating and severely damaging an 18-month-old child,” he said.
I would love to see if this report actually exists?
Huge mistake sheriff. The employee you fired when he was healthly was one of the finest deputies I have ever worked with. Shame on you.
Sheriff Bane how could you do this to such a great family man. The man would do anything for a coworker or citizen that was in need. You and your command team turned your back on him shortly after he started having health issues and your commanders started making his life miserable. This makes me sick knowing that you terminated him leaving him with no income and no health insurance to get better. The problem with you right now is you are so worried about the perception of the community and how to get re-elected that you are not even taking care of your own people. So this year when you do your Christmas drive make sure you save presents for his children. He has asked that his familys privacy be respected as they try and deal with this so I WILL NOT go into further details.
You think this is the first. I drove a friend to the Sheriff’s Office for his day with Bane. Steve walked in with a job, insurance, and a future and walked out with none of it. Eventually he got his retirement. After many months of having to worry about how to feed his family, pay for medical should something arise. I talked to him often Bane how many times did you call to see how he was doing? Oh wait I know NONE. The most serious injury you have ever came across may have been a paper cut. You have no clue what the people working the streets go through. Not only does the stress of the job destroy a little each day then you have to worry about you and your back stabbing crew. 198 you know who I am talking to. Jesse are you at all religious? My mom would tell me that you will reap what you sow, and what goes around comes around. I hope this is all fresh in the minds of voters in 2014, I know I will do my part to see that it is. Or as your FOJ Monster would put I will continue with my axe to grind. A lot of people retiring Jesse, and I feel the flood gates on your kingdom will crumble under the flood waters that will come out. You always were a bad man and always will be a bad man. You were never apart of the brother hood that we real Cops shared. You care more about some dead gang banger then you do your own people. Your job is to take care of the people who put their lives on the line every day for you. Not kick them to the curb like a used up patrol car that can no longer be used. All I ask from the new Sheriff who ever it may be, just let me know when Banes last day is so I can watch him walked to his car with his box of belongings. Let the FOJ carriers begin.
You know how to contact me.
Did you get all your little friends together to flame this particular story with comments not remotely related to the story? You really are pathetic. Repeat a lie loud enough and long enough and eventually it will be believed. You aren’t scoring any PR points here. This is a charade organized by charlatans.
Dave, when have you ever heard anything like this about any other Sheriff? Sheriff Meadows screwed up and stepped down. I had to retire under Meadows and Iwas offered a job. I didn’t take it but it was offered to me. Why? We took care of each other that’s why. In my 22 injured deputy’s who had to retire we’re offered civilian jobs within the department when available. This is not about the upcoming election this is about a very evil person. If I am repeating lies where is Bane denying them.?
Another thing Porter, I am not trying to score any PR points with anyone! I have my retirement and a job. I am not looking to ever go back to Harford County Sheriff’s Office For a job when Bane loses this election. I will not endorse any other candidate. This is and always has been about Bane and what he is doing to people who are not singing his praises. I will gladly set down with Bane with a reporter from the Dagger and repeat anything I have I have ever posted and let him try and deny them. I am a nobody with no political ambition. I had my share IA complaints. One thing about me I DO NOT LIE! So you and the rest of the Bane protectors think and post what you want to.
Putting me down, calling me names will not make me go away.
I question your motivations. It’s clear you have a hard on for Sheriff Bane. I suspect the sycophants that you have engaged to flame this article are similarly disenfranchised.
Dave, my motivation is simple. Our police and correctional officers deserve to be treated with respect! I know Bane and his tactics first hand. I can not be fired or transferred or screwed with in any way by him so I have my voice and the voice of those who are working under him. They have no voice at this time. With all your fancy and big words that you use even you should be able to understand my 12th grade education answer. Your a Baner with a FOJ card, I will never change your mind, but your just one vote. Please feel free to tell me what you think my motivations are, use little words please.
Then pretend you have integrity and pursue change through the system instead of these little character assassinations you seem to relish in this forum. Act on your words with something more than these posts you place here to illicit a response from the other unhappy people these posts seem to represent, all three of them.
Dave I was taught in my academy to be fair, ethical and above all take care of the man or woman beside me no matter what my personal feelings for the person was. A leader should not divide, build an environment of us vs them among his people. It would appear Bane missed those classes or ignores it. The office of the Sheriff should be respected, I just find it hard to have respect for this Sheriff.
Porter, Marc Eaton isn’t trying to score PR points like Bane does, he is merely speaking the truth on behalf of those who can’t. Thank you Marc, for being the mouthpiece for those of us who will get fired if we speak out. The election is a long way off, but hopefully you have the stamina to see it through to the finish. Porter, you have no idea.
Ah another pretender playing a supposedly real person. At least Marc has the guts to post with his real name… at least once.
Porter what do you know about be a cop? Where you ever a cop? Please do not use words like “charade organized by charlatans”. Cops have no clue what your talking about. You get on here and you are critical of Marc Eaton and “others” who are using forums to speak their mind. Do you work for Bane? Have you ever been on a domestic, seen a dead body, met a family that has nothing, been yelled at by a motorist after stopping them for a traffic violation, had a gun pulled on you, stood out in an intersection directing traffic during a natural disaster, been in a physical fight for your life with a bad guy, worked nights, worked weekends and worked holidays…etc?????? I think not you take all this for granted everyday. All we have out on the streets are each other and we know that. So when one of our own has his back turned on him by the 2nd Floor, we got his back. I saw this in an earlier post and it could not have been said better- Here was a Corporal that would do anything to help one of his own in need. He would take the time to call or visit a fellow deputy that was in need, even if he was going through hard times himself. Sir im sorry to see you go, you will be missed, thank you for being there for me and my family when we needed you I will never forget it.
BINGO Truth Be Told! Great post.
Hey Truth be Told. Post with your real name… otherwise you really have no more credibility than any of the other aliases here… and they may actually only represent two or three disgruntled people that have a problem.
Whining disgruntled disenfranchised employees of some organization who cannot use the system to address their personal beefs, that choose instead to smear others in an online forum hiding behind false names and have learned how to scam the Dagger Forum with multiple alternate aliases. There is so much love for the frauds and so much disdain for the guy calling you out as frauds – it’s clear what the story is. The data is there for anyone to see. And before you start assuming things about my employment or political affiliations, understand that you do not have to be a farmer to know what a pig looks like.
Well, you would know what a pig looks like, that much is certain. You do not know much about the HCSO, its people, or how it operates, that much is also certain. You pass out labels to other posters, yet you resent being labeled by them. If posters on this site use an AKA, but are posting in support of Sheriff Bane, do you also accuse them of being frauds?
Porter did stay at a Holiday Inn Express one time, does that count????
Now that was funny I dont care who you are!
Marc you are judged by your virulent posts and the people you admire and those that you hate. I suppose you may even claim to be a Christian. Good for you… another carelessly applied label to discredit anything you choose to associate with.
Dave I hate no one, I hate what he is doing to people, friends. I would really be upset if I found out you were Bernie. This is a place to post what ever you want to say. I have said not that is not true. I do need to however pace myself because 2014 is a good distance away. If any Deputy posts under a fake name who does not carry the FOJ card I understand that. The people who claim to be supporters of Bane who post under fake names I will never understand. What are they afraid of. Dave, thanks for not using those big words, I get tired of looking them up.
Porter: You say this- “You really are pathetic. Repeat a lie loud enough and long enough and eventually it will be believed. You aren’t scoring any PR points here. This is a charade organized by charlatans.”
Who’s Lying, this is the truth. Here we got a guy that has been side by side with us for a long time. He gets sick and his is trashed. For the cowards on here that wanna give a thumbs down(one of which is porter, 2 is probably monster, 3rd dont know but probably a paper pushing coward)shame on you cowards. To be sick sucks and then on top of that you get shunned by your bosses and then fired?
Karma: What comes around goes around.
You are no different than any of the other pretenders on here. You found a way to scam the site and post with as many aliases as you care to create. Bye bye Uncle Benny… or whatever you are.
He was a number. His number was 735. Sadly he was just a number, and we all are. I also was going through a tough time and he took the time to call me. This is a true family man that cared so much for his kids and the people that worked for him. I am disgusted to know how he was treated. This was a man that taught me how to be a good cop but didnt put me down. If I needed anything I knew I could call him and he would be there. When I was wrong he told me I was but taught me the right way to do things. We all make mistakes, it’s how we learn from them that defines us is what he once told me. What a loss, I am speechless. I agree with Peacekeeper HUGE MISTAKE. Im gonna miss you brother.
Porter- You look down and see that little dinger of yours and I know I would be ashamed too. You make comments about a profession that you have never actually done(maybe you were a mall cop like paul blair on your segway). You talk about the inner workings of the Sheriff’s Office like you actually know how it works. You are a paper pusher you are a joke. Nothing I have said isnt true you go to sleep wanting to be a cop but you could never be one becuase you do not have courage, honor or integrity. Ok so you may have a FOJ Gold Club Card but that means nothing in 2014. Good Luck Loser!
You don’t know me. You have no clue who I am. You are using a pseudonym. I’m using my real name. Who is the fraud and who is the one calling out the fraud?
David A. Porter and Bernie Chandler–separated at birth!
BBC, I have known Bernie for over 30 years. He is not David Porter. If Bernie had an issue with something I said he would call me and talk to me on the phone or in person. Bernie is a good guy.
I gotta comment here since someone actually tossed out his badge number instead of hinting at who they’re talking about (though anyone with any knowledge of the situation knows who’s being discussed.)
The deputy being discussed explicitly stated that he did not want his name or situation being used to score political points for anyone or as a rallying point on any issues. Unless he told you personally it was ok to discuss his situation, I would suggest that everyone respect his wishes and drop it if you really do value the brotherhood as much as some of you claim to do.
Regardless, none of this has anything to do with this article or the Citizen’s Academy.
Anything Bane has his finger on is fair game to speak of his incompetence. As for the requests of the deputy I agree.
I would love to know what is going through Bane’s mind as he was giving the certificate to Aaron?
I will not speak of this deputy personally due to the wishes of him and his family. But what were you thinking Jesse Bane. I have known this person for years and he would do anything for anybody. Why would you do this to him. Please pray for him and his family.
Dont think that when it comes time for a union vote for president or other board members and a union endoresment for sheriff that people wont rememeber. We will remember even if its 2013-2014, enjoy it now. The song na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey goodbye, will be fresh in our minds. You will see. You think im playing enjoy this moment because people are sick of the totality of the circumstances. Im one of them and I dont usually post but now you know how I feel.
Maybe the rules should br changed so retired members could run for president.
wow harco certainly has a lot of old white people
Dave, why do so many of your comments get hidden?
Because this particular story has been hijacked by you and your sycophants. Does that really surprise you Marc? I mean anyone that embraces the love that Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck espouse has to be motivated by something asocial.
How can you do this. We should be supporting this guy. What is wrong with this place. This is your family people, this is your brother. What did he do to deserve this, enough is enough this could be you. Really this could be you. I dont know what to say if we allow this then we allow anything. If you didnt have a chance to meet this guy then i’m telling you he would have your back. He deserves that we have his back. I dont want to know whats wrong with him. He has never had an integrity issue and we should be there for him. Where is the brotherhood, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Sit back you will be next. He lost his job when he was sick and we cant watch but I have a feeling that the majority will.
What do we do? The Sheriff Fired him? He’s sick and injured im not disputing that. He is being treated like a dog, im also not disputing that. Any ideas im hearing this came from 280 big shocker on his way to being a major. How do these people sleep at night. Do they go to church, Do one to others as they would do to you? Really???? This guy has a family and we should be doing whatever for him. Dont turn your back on your brother do what yoy can! REALLY REALLY SAD TIMES. We are all we have dont write him off support him! This angers me. How have we supported him??????????????? We wrote him off. im pist
The deputies are in a Catch-22. They are rightfully outraged by Bane’s treatment of his own deputies. Yet they are helpless to speak out because they know they will be the next to be terminated. They are so angry and frustrated, lowering morale to levels never seen in the agency. Deputies have legal counsel through their deputies union, but that attorney is worthless. He is in the union leaders pockets, who are all buddies with Bane. Seeking legal help is a brick wall-you can’t get anyone in Harford County to take the case–don’t want to piss off the Sheriff. Lawyers in other counties want huge retainers which most people don’t have. And it’s probably useless anyway since they all work “at the pleasure of the Sheriff” who does “what is in the best interest of the agency”. When you have a man with this much power who is committing these atrocities, the deputies have absolutely no recourse. So they sit silently because they need their jobs and watch their comrades be picked off one by one by Bane. And it doesn’t stop here. Bane randomly selects deputies whose lives he wants to destroy and then has his cronies do his dirty work. This is not a joke–there is something terribly wrong with this man. Whether it’s physical (dementia) or psychological (psychopath), the results are the same. Seriously, if anyone has any ideas of how this man can be stopped, I would be happy to pass this info on to my friends at the agency. And Monster and David A. Porter, I am not Marc Eaton posting under a pseudonym. I have only posted once before because Bane is doing to my best friend what he has already done to the deputy above. I am not a disgruntled employee, but I am a Bane hater because I see what he is doing to my friend and what he has done to the fine deputies of the Sheriff’s Office. And Marc Eaton, although I have never met you, the deputies are greatful for keeping the public informed about the unscrupulous Jesse Bane. Please keep your friends and brothers/sisters in blue in mind and continue to fight for them. And I am sorry that I cannot post under my real name. Bane will find out who my friend is and hasten the departure.
If you people had any integrity at all you would work through the system to resolve your issues… provided of course they are more than simply personally motivated. Instead you choose to come here and take a story that is unrelated to your perceived injustices and turn it into a crusade for your populist cause. Maybe you should wear arm bands in public so you can identify each other on the streets and give each other a little salute. Then the rest of us could fear your small well organized group and run when we see you coming so you can claim that you have dominated public opinion. Keep it up. I know what you are. And like all such groups, in time, you will be revealed for the timid little cowards that you are. Because people will get sick of your self absorbed animosity against anything you choose to hate.
Dave since you have brought up Limbaugh and Beck I will assume you are a liberal. So the deputies should work through the system and work these issues out? Okay, you mean like your side is doing with Fast and Furious? National Security leaks that put our country in danger? Do you see where those investigations are going? Did you happen to see where the Sheriff’s Office pursuit policy was put into an article on the Dagger? Why not publish the entire General Order book for all the bad guys to read. That move alone shows me his level of incompetence. That is how far working from within the Sheriff’s Office on these issues would get. The problem is the number one guy who would be the person that they would have to complain to about his actions. So I guess you can see that it will not work. I am sure you can find some big fancy words now to try and explain this all away. More and more I am starting to think you are a FOJ or a Baner working on his command staff. You defend him too much. the VOJ (victims of Jesse) have no recourse and the coward Bane knows it. He reminds me of the kids on the school bus bullying the old lady. I have a dictionary on my Mac so let the big words fly.
Dave your so smart. Who should they go to? The Union? Ask Bane how the internal investigation on one of his Majors turned out? An outside agency investigates and it was turned over to Bane for the disposition. Real fair system. Your clueless Porter. Arrogant and clueless.
Porter you just want to keep the comments for your boy Bane off of here. You and Bane have noticed that more and more deputies are posting on here and you think no pays attention to the Dagger. If this were true you would not be defending Bane so much. Will you help Bane pack when he losses the election. He reminds me of Mr Burns from the Simpsons, you could be his Smithers.
Porter your already posted the Beck and Limbaugh post once. Are you running out of material?
Marc, I was urging you to show me you are not a hateful person. So far I’m unimpressed.
Porter, I have known Marc Eaton for almost 20 years. I don’t know what is wrong with you for saying he is hateful. Speaking the truth is hateful? Marc has your back no matter what. He knows what the brotherhood is all about. Marc has absolutely no personal interest in this, no gain for him personally, he is just sick and tired of seeing the agency he served so proudly become an embarrassment and watching all the good people being treated worse than criminals. If you can’t handle the truth, then too damn bad.
David, ask anyone who knows me. You have not seen hateful out of me yet. You a little thin skinned, typical liberal. I just wish I could figure out who you are on the command staff.
Marc, you haven’t being paying attention to anything I say. No surprise there. I don’t work for the Sheriff. Get over it. You seem upset because you do want to work for the sheriff – I saw your post on the HCSO Facebook page, full of snark. Or at least you like to stir things up. There is nothing you have said or done that makes me want to believe that your irritations are not some personal hate fest directed at the sheriff with assistance from maybe one or two other people who can post multiple times under multiple identities. If you are not in the system and cannot resolve your issues within the system then you are merely a spectator shouting from outside. Be as loud as you like, wear a sandwich board on a street corner. People will drive by and pity the man who has something nasty to say but no power to do anything except incite rage and hate against his own personal nemesis. The world is full of people against things. The ones that want to make a difference usually work in a different direction to make it happen.
Great post David A Porter keep them coming. On the Sheriff’s Office Face Book page I asked if I could be Warden. Really I don’t think I have the back ground for it, and it was sarcasm. Again, thanks for playing David A Porter.
And what is the “system” they are supposed to work through? You have an untouchable command staff, some of whom got to their positions by threatening to sue, so the sheriff (lower case “s” on purpose) won’t touch them. It’s getting so bad that people are actually looking at other departments while it used to be people fought to get here. It used to be a family now its everyone with a bar or higher versus the chevrons.
I have been here for 16 years. I have never seen this department or should I say my department in this bad of shape. I say my department because I take pride in my job. I am still proud to be a Harford County Sheriffs Deputy, but I am ashamed at the decisions I have seen recently. I know the plan is for the sheriff and county executive to give everyone raises before the upcoming elections. You cant buy me out. What you need to do is have your commanders give equal respect to the men and women that put their lives on the line for the citizens of this county. Your rank and file is losing or has already lost respect for you, morale is at an all time low, the union is in shambles and good people are retiring or being fired. ARE YOU THAT BLIND THAT YOU DONT SEE THIS!
The union meeting is this Thursday I believe. Someone with the time on the job or a retiree needs to motion that a vote is taken for no confidence, not only on the sheriff but the union president. A second person(again for your sake be retired or have 25 years on) would need to 2nd the motion and then a vote would be taken. The vote needs to be a mailout BALLOT vote, no online crap, no marbles. I think the public, the adminstration and the union board would be sent a clear message. I also think the vote would be overwhelming, morale is down everywhere. Its time to stand up, put yourself in others shoes, its not fun and we need to say we are not putting up with it.
Email me at Marc0189@ Verizon.net. I will gladly do it. I am on night work teaching EVOC for the next three weeks. Again, please email all off
How about Marc Eaton making the motion and seconding it can be the agency member who was ready to file a lawsuit against Bane but has decided to retire? Someone, somehow, has to start the ball rolling. Good luck.
Email me on this @ Marc0189 @verizon.net. I am on night work for the next three weeks.
Even if two people stand up and motion for a no confidence vote, you still have all 3 past presidents and the current one that will be in an uproar and find a way to make it not go to a vote. Im not sure who’s actually running the union right now? The way the meetings go it is the past three presidents and the current one. It doesnt matter all of them are for Bane. With that being said if you can get a vote for no confidence through you got my vote. This place is a joke right now.
As for the past three Presidents of the Union I will agree all out for themselves. As for Kevin you have to remember what position he is in. We have talked and I don’t see him being a yes man. I need to find out the rules of how the vote works. If it is brought up and you get a second I don’t see how they can not let it be voted on. You can not do it by a show of hands cause the Baners will run right back to Bane and tell him who voted for this right 198? The marble vote was used when I was voted back into the Union and even with several people voting no against me twice I made it back in. So how can the vote be done so the results are not manipulated? How secure is on line voting? You can’t give the Baners a heads up or they will stack the deck against you. Remember these guys love there soft jobs and benefits.
I will gladly bring it to the floor and I know we can get a second, if we can get it to pass then I don’t think the Union can back him in the next election?
You guys can email me at marc0189@verizon.net and we can discuss this. I have a way I would like to do this but we can’t discuss it on here. We can get the votes trust me.
Porter is my hero. I like how he uses his middle initial in his screen name. I bet that makes him feel special.
Not as much as the glowing tribute from an anonymous person pretending to be someone that hasn’t already posted here multiple times.
The Sheriff and Union president think they are untouchable. This can be done and I hope I am there to see it. As I write this I am sure they are developing a strategy to hinder a vote of no confidence. But true to what they have done in the past it should be two seperate votes and I agree with another poster it should be by mail in ballot. I do not know if two people will have enough courage to motion and second it, but one can only hope so. I would do it myself but I do not have the time on the job. As I said in my previous post you have my vote, I hope at least two people step up, and also from what I am hearing if it comes to a vote it will not even be close.
I will do it, and I know we can get a second. Timing is important. Please email me marc0189@verizon.net. The fact that more people are starting to speak out is what we need also. Don’t let people like Monster, and David A. Porter tell you no one reads the Dagger. They do and are paying attention. These two want you all to think it is a lost cause, it is not. Cant do the vote this week, I need some information first so I need one of you guys to email me. I will keep your names out of it. You have my word.
My official new name will be Marc A. Eaton.
I agree with the concept of a no confidence vote and thinks its a good idea. I however don’t think its the best time to do it. Be smart and when the time comes you will know it. It will do nothing right now to have this vote. Yes the majority will vote that they are NOT confident in the sheriff or union presidents abilities to do their jobs. But this will mean nothing, until the election gets closer. As for the meeting on Thursday I urge fellow memebers to BOYCOTT THE MEETING and not attend. I think this will send a bigger message right now especially with the sheriff and county executive both speaking at the meeting. Stay Safe!
@ Think Smart- I am sure that Marc will let us know when the time comes. I agree with your post the most. I was going to the meeting but now I am going to boycott it. Why let either of these two politicians have the honor of blowing smoke up our buns.
The attendance is so low at the union meetings currently that I don’t think anyone would notice a boycott. What I think would be nice is a little flashback to 2006 and everyone turns their backs and faces the opposite wall when the sheriff (lower case “s”) and the county joker take the podium.
If you want to boycott the meeting that is fine. I would not turn your back on them. That would be what they would want. That was a tactic used by a past president. What did it prove or get them. The office of the Sheriff is what you are showing respect to, NOT the man. Bane has enough of his crew there to make him secure. Craig is after votes for his Governor run. I am told this is to discuss the Master Deputy rank. I believe that was part of one of the republican candidates platform during the last election. Bane is for fairness so he says, if he can’t give everyone a raise that does not seem to be fair. Or………….could this be to benefit some of the FOJ members?
Marc is right. If you turn your back on Bane, it will just allow him the opportunity to put a big target on it. Just stare him down and watch him start to twitch, crack his gum and mispronounce words.
I would concur with not turning your back on any speaker. I am assuming that the Sheriff and Exec have been asked to appear at the meeting by your leadership. What good would it do to turn your back on them. Express your disagreement with current policy/practice by respectfully stating your disagreement. Perhaps a no confidence vote at this time would be more appropriate if conducted regarding your union leadership. Sounds to me like they have not done a good job of representing the majority. They appear to be the tool of a small group of your members.
I agree with Mike on this. You guys are so upset that you would go to a meeting and simply shun the people that came there? What does that accomplish except show you to be unwilling to express your views with a little added lack of class? That makes you little more than an unruly mob. Is that what you are striving for? Stand up and take a position that expresses your views. I will respect you more if you do.
David A. Porter, I’m sure the deputies heed your advice because they are desperate to gain your respect. “A” must stand for asinine.
David A Porter or which ever person you are on the command staff we are all bowing to you for your respect. Thank you so much for the advice on how to handle this matter. Your are wise beyond your years David A Porter. I agree with BBC the a stands for asinine.
David A Porter I am impressed with your fine writing skills and use of the English language, you have proven you are smarter then we are, for this we all thank you David A Porter. Now I am being an ass.
Except that expressing opinions contrary to the sheriff’s gets you transferred, IA’d and administratively punished, or in some cases fired.
Why is the County Executive coming to speak to the Deputies Union? Has he been invited to speak on a specific subject?
Bane probably invited the County Ex because he’s afraid to be in a room with a hostile crowd all by himself
He starts shaking whenever someone calls BS on his BS. Maybe they are gonna tell everyone how things are bad everywhere, and we should be grateful we have jobs and how the sheriff really loves everyone, which is why he drives his BMW in the parades to show that he really is a normal guy like everyone else.
They want to divide you and break you down. Stand up with respect and be the better person. Bane can not change who he is, he does not show confidence. This is wearing him down. This is not about an a e to grind or a personal vendetta, it is about in competence and destroying your morale. It is hard to judge Kevin, he was given a Union that WAS run by certified FOJ members since 2006.
Keep posting have family and friends post. Put what is going on in the light where they don’t want it.
Shouldn’t be hard to judge Kevin. It’s time for Kevin to step up to the plate and reveal who and what he stands for! Either he is for the majority or he just represents the interest of a select few. His recent actions lead one to believe he is a tool for the select few.
Two past presidents need to let Kevin be president. One in particular who is retired.
Well as tired as I am of hearing the FOJ’s say they have “friends” in their back pockets, I’m starting to believe more and more that the union is really in his back pocket.
@ Randomposter1- Starting to believe more and more is an understatement. They go to this new election thing online and I think is was kind of fishy. Either people are lying about who they voted for or something was up. Then they go around and hand pick people who have not voted and get them to vote. Thats odd, in an election does the election board call people and say ” hi this is the election board, we noticed you have not voted”. No they dont. I think that for the couple hundred dollars that it costs, it worth going back to the mail out ballot system.
I like the online voting system as I think it appeals to a wider range of members, but I want 100% that the system is secure and unable to be tampered with.
Secondly, it’s curious now that it used to be okay for people to discuss pro-l-jessi stuff at work but now discussing anti-jessi stuff gets you IA’s. Hmmmm how can you have it both ways? It’s interesting that the “gentle sheriff” and his command staff have begun open warfare against the low ranking with IA as their weapon.
@Random Poster, who. Counted the mailed in votes?
Don Hindenlang was the coordinator of the computer voting. I think he is a stand-up guy, but through marriage, he is related to the now-retired lunatic past president of the union. Who is the same guy who honorably placed several marbles into the box for the ridiculous marble vote. I think the mail-in system was the best but the counting needs to be done and verified by an outside source. Pay someone unaffiliated with the union and the agency $100 to sit down and watch that no one slips in an extra ballot or two for their own guy or own cause.