Fraternal Order of Police vice president seeks respect for law enforcement
NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ Retired police officer John Grasselli started Wednesday's Fraternal Order of Police banquet with a prayer.
"Bless the order and all members everywhere," said the 55-year member of FOP Tuscora Lodge No. 4, speaking in the Elks Lodge at an event recognizing eight men who have been part of the local group for 50 years.
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The guest speaker, national FOP Vice President Joe Gamaldi, provided a reminder of the reason law enforcement officers might look for divine protection.
"Every day, 750,000 brave men and women across this country, they show up and they put their lives on the line," said the Houston, Texas, police lieutenant.
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Gamaldi called for the public to treat police officers better "because the way they've treated us has had deadly consequences."
A deadly toll
He said 2021 was the deadliest year for law enforcement officers being victims of intentional homicides in over 20 years.
"In 2021, we had over 340 police officers shot. In 2022, over 330, and in this year we've already had 100. Ambush attacks are through the roof," said Gamaldi, a regular guest on Fox News and 18-year law enforcement officer.
He said more could be dead if not for technology and medical resources.
"It's incredibly dangerous for police officers out on these streets. This violence against law enforcement is a stain on our society."
He called for passage of the proposed federal Protect and Serve Act that would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence.
"It should be a federal crime when you knowingly assault a police officer in this country," Gamaldi said.
"Right," said one member of the audience.
"Yep," said another.
He also pointed to the effects of violent crime on civilians. He said there were more than 20,000 homicides in the country in 2021, and again, in 2022.
"We haven't seen numbers like that in this country since the mid-1990s. In 2021, 16 American cities experienced their highest murder rate in recorded history."
He said the west side of Chicago has a murder rate that rivals Tijuana, Mexico, the most violent city in the world.
"That's what they're dealing with right now. Their violent crime is up 39%," Gamaldi said.
He said newly elected Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to take a holistic approach to criminal justice.
"What is a holistic approach to criminal justice? Those cops deserve better. Those community members deserve better. They deserve to be able to walk their kids safely to schools," the Houston officer said.
"But the pendulum will swing," said Gamaldi, 39. "It always does. We know how to fix it."
What could be done to reduce crime?
He recommended strongly prosecuting violent criminals, and embracing "broken windows" theory, which states that visible signs of disorder and misbehavior encourage further disorder and misbehavior, leading to serious crimes.
Gamaldi credited the veteran law enforcement officers with 20 or 50 years' service for achieving one of the largest decreases in crime in the country's history
"Our honorees delivered historic crime reductions," he said. "It made our urban communities the safest we'd ever seen in the modern era. They sacrificed time with their family, their health. Friends of us have sacrificed their lives to make our communities better."
He said "woke" politicians have wasted the hard work done by law enforcement. He said rogue prosecutors and activist judges "are all too happy to hug criminals, smile, give them a pat on the back as they go out, not for someone who shoplifted a loaf of bread who's going to get their life together. We're talking about people who shot people, robbed them at gunpoint. And we're letting them right back out. And they're supported by politicians who want to continue to defund police officers. And that's led to a historic crime wave in this country."
His parting words for the FOP members were, "Thank you for your service."
John Grasselli, a trustee of the Tuscora Lodge, said he would probably not enter a law enforcement career today.
"Back in the day, people really respected the police," he said. "I don't think they have that respect anymore. I don't know whose fault it is."
Honors for law enforcement veterans
Members of FOP Tuscora Lodge No. 4 honored on Wednesday were:
Thomas Staggers, who started his law enforcement career in September 1973 and retired in March 2002. He served his entire career with the New Philadelphia Police Department.
Charles Davis, who started his law enforcement career in July 1970 and retired in May 1999. He served his entire career with the Dover Police Department.
Richard Moran, who started his law enforcement career in February 1973 and retired in August 1997. He served his entire career with the Dover Police Department.
Jeffrey Kirkbride, who started his law enforcement career in March 1973 and retired in May 2000. He served his entire career with the Dover Police Department.
Rick Campbell, who started his law enforcement career in April 1971 with the Strasburg Police Department. He worked briefly time at the New Philadelphia Police Department before going to the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office, where he retired in September 2006.
Dennis Vitt, who started his law enforcement career in January 1973 at the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Department and later went to the New Philadelphia Police Department, where he retired in January 2001.
William Fieger, who started his law enforcement career in January 1964 with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and retired in February 1986.
Craig E. Kohler, who started his law enforcement career in June 1973 and retired in June 1998. He spent his entire career with the Dennison Police Department.
Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com.
On Twitter: @nmolnarTR
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: National FOP leader tells of violent crime toll on police, civilians
