The Redeeming Word Christian Center is sponsoring “Joy Night” on Friday, October 31, 7 PM to 10 PM as an alternative to traditional Halloween festivities. Tickets for this event are $1.00. For the past eight years, The Redeeming Word Christian Center, in conjunction with Florida Youth Development Incorporated, have hosted this event as a fun option for youths who go door-to-door collecting candy. Once again, this year’s event will be held at Dillard High School, 2501 NW 11th Street as it has for the past three years. Last year over 4,000 people attended the festivities with no reported police incidents.

If you are looking for a joyful substitute this would be it. Though this event is geared toward the young in age, the young-at-heart are also welcome at this family friendly event. Activities will include rides, rock climbing, a bounce house, as well as music and a display of costumes. The purpose of this event is to provide a safe atmosphere where children can enjoy themselves and parents can relax, knowing their children are safe. In addition, Fort Lauderdale Police Officers will be in attendance to meet community members and distribute safety materials. For more information regarding this event, please contact Pastor Rory Carey at (954) 485-1435 ext. 209 or Pastor Matthew Allen at (954) 485-1435 ext. 207.

The National Confectioners Association has established the following safety tips to help make this Halloween a safe and enjoyable one:

• Wear light-colored clothing that’s short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape to the sides, front and back of costume.
• Make sure children can see well through face masks, or use cosmetics to create fun or scary faces.
• Adults should accompany young children.
• Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay.
• Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know.
• Watch for traffic.
• Only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy.
• Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it.
• Keep costumed children away from pets. The pet may not recognize the child and become frightened.
• Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords. Substitute with foam rubber which is soft and flexible.

CIT Officers, Fort Lauderdale Police Department and Wilton Manors Police Department Graduate CIT Training

On Friday September 19, 2003, 15 Officers from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and 6 from Wilton Manors Police Department graduated the CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Training Program. These officers who volunteered were screened and selected to become CIT Officers. They attended a 40-hour training session conducted by mental health professionals, the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill, family members, consumers and other individuals from the mental health community.

The keynote speaker was Major Sam Cochran of the Memphis Police Department. Major Cochran is the Coordinator of the CIT Program in Memphis, which serves as a model for similar programs country-wide.

The CIT program will have a positive impact on mental health care in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors. Consumers have better choices and better care as NAMI depends on CIT Officers as advocates whom they can rely upon during critical moments. This unique alternative diverts individuals into the mental health system as opposed to jail. CIT Officers are called to respond to mental disturbance calls which present officers face-to-face with complex issues relating to mental illness.

“CIT is more than just training” coined by the Memphis Police Department-CIT is a mindset which focuses on developing sensitivity and understanding regarding mental illness.

NAMI Broward County extends their appreciation to the Officers of the Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors Police Departments as well as the community partners who jointly embrace the CIT concept.

Glenn P. Galt

Glenn Galt has served the Fort Lauderdale Police Department since March 31, 1997. Glenn was a member of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Law Enforcement of Tomorrow Explorers from 1993 to 1996. He joined the Department as a Communications Specialist in May 1995 until joining the Department as a sworn Officer in 1997. Glenn has served the Department in the Operations Bureau, Patrol Division, and as a Field Training Officer. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University, and has received 6 public commendations and 6 Departmental commendations including Honorable Mention as Officer of the Month in April 1999 and September 2000.

During the Month of September, Component One continued to focus on reducing burglaries in Victoria Park. Together with District I Patrol and the Traffic Unit, Component One increased their visibility during morning drop-offs and after school dismissals at St. Anthony’s Catholic School and Virginia Young Elementary. The increased visibility was in response to the increased number of vehicle burglaries that previously plagued both areas. In addition, Component One attempted to identify various subjects involved in criminal activity. Arrests were made and field interviews were conducted. A notable arrest was made at Holiday Park. Jesus Lopez, who was recently released from prison for trafficking in stolen property and grand theft auto was observed around Victoria Park. Lopez was stopped in Holiday Park after he was seen violating one of the park’s rules. A subsequent records check revealed that Lopez was wanted for parole violation in Miami-Dade County.

Crime Prevention Detective Caryn Robitaille has been working the increase of construction site burglaries. These types of burglaries in August inflated the overall crime statistics in Victoria Park. Detective Robitaille contacted the developers and offered them suggestions on how to more effectively secure their construction sites.

Component One took the following enforcement action in the Victoria Park area:

• 25 investigative stops
• Completed 7 field interviews
• 4 arrests
• 2 properties were referred to Community Inspections for code violations
• 4 abandoned/derelict vehicles were red-tagged
• 10 beatwatches issued
• 1 bicycle citation was issued

Please remember, as we near the holiday seasons to take appropriate measures to secure your home and personal belongings. Do not leave valuable items in your vehicle and make sure your car doors are locked while unattended. Secure your residence and activate your alarm system when you leave your home. Also, please continue to report suspicious persons and/or vehicles to the Police Department. For non-emergencies call (954) 828-5700, for emergency, dial 911. If you need a crime prevention survey of your home or business please call Detective Caryn Robitaille at (954) 828-6419. For any other questions, concerns, or problems, please contact Officer Glenn Galt at (954) 828-6410.

Officer Martinez attended Lakeridge’s homeowners meeting on September 24th and provided the residents with suggestions on personal and property safety and security. No new complaints were discussed.

September was a quiet month in Lakeridge. In August there were 5 residential burglaries and a vehicle burglary. Although the vehicle burglaries increased from 1 to 3 in September, the residential burglaries declined from 5 to 1. This is attributed to the positive working relationship between the Lakeridge residents and the Police Department. In the upcoming months, we need to focus our efforts on the area west of NE 15 Avenue to the railroad tracks. There has been an increase of suspicious activity in the area. If you see anything that looks suspicious, please notify the Police Department. Component One took the following enforcement action in Lakeridge:

• 5 arrests
• 8 traffic citations
• 2 bicycle citations
• 9 field interviews
• 8 vehicles red-tagged

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to call Officer Martinez at (954) 828-6416 or e-mail him at Hectorma@ftlauderdale.gov.

Officer Scott Russell, the Homeless Outreach Officer, works with the Broward Coalition for the Homeless and many other social service agencies in an effort to assist the homeless in Fort Lauderdale. During the Month of September, Officer Russell contacted 659 homeless individuals in the City and transported 339 homeless individuals to appropriate shelters and treatment facilities.

During the week of September 15th,Officer Russell coordinated Crisis Intervention Training for members of the Wilton Manors Police Department, the Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. This training offers instructions to officers on how to interact with homeless individuals with mental disorders and substance abuse problems, since many homeless individuals suffer from one or both disorders. In addition, Officer Russell provided training to our police dispatchers so they would have a better understanding of our CIT Program.

Component One assisted the Special Investigations Division with a Prostitution Enforcement Team Operation on September 16th. The Operation was conducted on the South end of the City and targeted prostitute customers. These are the same individuals who frequent the Lakeridge and Victoria Park areas looking for prostitutes. There were 12 arrests and Component One will continue to work with SID to alleviate this problem.

Component One and the State Department of Alcohol, Beverage, and Tobacco conducted an undercover operation on September 5th. The operation checked convenience stores and gas stations throughout Northeast Fort Lauderdale to determine if they were complying with State alcohol and tobacco laws. During the operation, underage youths were sent into stores to see if the store clerks would sell them alcohol and/or tobacco. A total of 19 locations were checked and only two stores were found in violation. The store clerk at the Amoco Gas Station, 606 North Federal Highway sold alcohol to a minor and the store clerk at the Exxon Gas Station, 5556 North Federal Highway sold both cigarettes and alcohol to a minor. Both clerks were issued notices to appear.

On September 15th Officer Costas attended Sailboat Bend’s homeowners meeting. The concerns of the residents focused on illegal drug sales along SW 1 Street and SW 2 Street and the homeless along Riverwalk.

The narcotics complaints were forwarded to the Street Narcotics Unit and the homeless complaint was forwarded to our Homeless Outreach Officer, Scott Russell. Officer Costas has been combating under age drinking violations along SW 2 Street, with the assistance of Officer Brain Kaplan. To date, 76 alcohol violations have been documented.

On September 22nd, Officer Costas attended Dorsey Riverbend’s homeowners meeting. Residents voiced their concerns about narcotics activities and transvestite prostitution activities along NW 6 Street. During the month of September, Officer Kaplan made 20 arrests in the area of NW 6 Street; (8) of those arrests were felony narcotic charges at Club International, 1223 NW 6 Street. Component Two is currently working an action plan at this location. The plan focuses on quality of life issues such as open container violations, trespassing and narcotic complaints. The Special Investigations Division responded to the concerns of residents with an undercover operation that resulted in 5 transvestites being arrested for prostitution.

During the months of August and September, Officers Kaplan and Scelfo updated 99 trespass affidavits for Cooper Properties; most of the locations were in the Middle River Terrace and South Middle River areas.

On September 26th Officer Kaplan attended South Middle River’s monthly crime walk. The walk focused on the 1200 to 1700 blocks of NW 4 Avenue and NW 5 Avenue. The participants at the crime walk chanted anti-crime slogans to clean up the drug activity in the neighborhood. The residents also cleaned up the neighborhood by picking up loose trash from the swale areas. As a reminder, the next crime walk will be held on Friday, October 31st at the Church of the Intercession, 501 NW 17 Street at 7:00 pm.

Officer Studders arrested a white male juvenile, who is a suspected drug dealer, at NE 15 Street and Holly Heights Drive. Although the juvenile was arrested for a non-related drug charge, he had $150.00 in cash at the time of his arrest. When the juvenile’s parents were notified, they informed the officers that their son had no legitimate means to make that amount of money. The father gave Officer Studders permission to search his son “20 times a day” until his son changes his illegal activities. This juvenile was wearing a solid black baseball cap and a white T-shirt. He also has gold covered teeth and tattoos on his neck.

During the month of September Officer Studders and Officer Scelfo noted male prostitutes, along with other drug addicts, consistently walking north from Flagler Heights into Middle River Terrace in an attempt to locate and use drugs. Through increased patrol, 28 arrests were made in this area.

The landlord at 1450 North Dixie Highway successfully removed the drug dealer who was residing at this location. As you may recall from previous newsletters, this became the new meeting place for drug dealers after “Puffy” was evicted from his home. Once the landlord was advised of this problem, he responded with an eviction. The landlord, Mr. Taylor is a resident of Middle River Terrace and if you see Mr. Taylor in the neighborhood, please let him know how much we appreciate his help in the community.

Officer Studders red-tagged 4 derelict vehicles this month and all of the owners complied. The following information was included in last month’s newsletter, however we want to reiterate the location and times of these events to encourage participation by the residents:

• Bicycle Rides are scheduled every Tuesday at 8 pm.
• Crime Walks are scheduled every Friday at 7:30 pm.

Participants for both events meet at Middle River Terrace Park, 1400 North Dixie Highway. If you plan to attend the bicycle rides, please bring a legal bicycle. Each bicycle must have a light on the front and a red light on the rear. It also needs to be registered per City Ordinance 26-183. Bicycles can be registered at the Community Support Division, 533 NE 13 Street, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Your bicycle, one dollar and a legal state identification are required for the registration process.

We continue to have a problem with derelict vehicles despite the numerous red tags and tows. If you see a vehicle that appears to be derelict, please call Officer Studders at (954) 828-6416 or email him at charless@fortlauderdale.gov. It is important that you provide the location and description of the vehicle.

The month of September was fairly uneventful in Flagler Heights with Part One crimes declining again this month. Sergeant Furdon and Officer Scelfo attended the monthly homeowners meeting which produced no resident complaints In fact, the residents praised the Police Department for the obvious crime reduction in their neighborhood.

Officer Scelfo made 7 arrests in Flagler Heights. While on bicycle patrol in the northeast quadrant of the neighborhood, Officers Scelfo and Kaplan arrested the notorious street prostitute Alphonso Davis for a felony narcotics violation. Since the arrest, Alphonso has not been seen in the area. Seven traffic citations were issued along the thoroughfares and 3 field interviews were conducted. The vice unit conducted several undercover sting operations focusing on male prostitutes. (Results: 3 arrests).

In order to address the ongoing loitering and narcotics problems in the Swiss Village area, Officers Scelfo and Studders worked plain-clothes surveillance. The information obtained lead to a Problem Solving Action Plan scheduled to take effect on October 6, 2003. The action plan calls for zero-tolerance of all narcotics and trespassing related offenses. The objective of the plan is to eliminate narcotics sales in the area.

Officer Scelfo would like to remind residents of the Flagler Heights area to update their trespass affidavits every two years. If you have not renewed your affidavit, or would like to obtain one, please contact Officer Steve Scelfo at (954) 828-6409.

Officer Wilson concentrated on code issues this month as a result of complaints received from the Riverside Park residents at their August meeting. The management of 889 Riverside Drive complained of abandoned vehicles on their property and they were advised of the procedures to tow vehicles from their property. 3 vehicles were removed and Officer Wilson towed another 5 vehicles that were on the City right-of-way. Officer Wilson assisted Code Officer Hudak with an illegal dumping complaint at 402 SW 20 Avenue.

Officer Wilson also responded to residents complaints of stop sign violations at the intersections of SW 5 Place and Riverside Drive, SW 9 Street and Riverside Drive, and SW 9 Street and SW 15 Avenue. She issued 20 citations and sought the assistance of the Motor Units in these areas. Officer Wilson continues to monitor the after school dismissals, with the assistance of Officer Mike Pasker, at Stranahan High. No incidents reported.

In addition, Officer Wilson took the following enforcement action in Riverside Park:

• 6 bicycle citations issued
• 8 truant students were returned to Stranahan High School
• 12 field interviews were completed

Component Three bids farewell to Officer Wayne Swenson after 5 years of service to the Sunset neighborhood. Officer Swenson has been transferred to the Auto Theft Unit in the Criminal Investigations Division and we wish him success in his new assignment.

Before his transfer, Officer Swenson worked on 6 specific complaints that were discussed at the homeowners meeting:

• Non-registered bicycles in the area of 3800 SW 13 Court. Officer Swenson monitored the area and 5 bicycles were impounded for non-registration.
• Commercial vehicles in the residential area. Officer Swenson towed 2 commercial vehicles in the area.
• Abandoned vehicles in the area. Officer Swenson towed 6 abandoned vehicles from City right-of-way.
• Complaints of speeding along SW 35th Avenue. Officer Swenson referred the complaint to the Motor Unit; they reported a few violations.
• Officer Swenson investigated the report of homeless sleeping in the dumpster at HSS Rental. He met with the management and they now secure the enclosure with a lock to prevent trespassing activity.
• Drug activity at 3600 SW 14 Street. Officer Swenson forwarded this information to the Street Narcotics Unit. An arrest was made for cocaine possession.

Officer Swenson also attended the Riverland Village homeowners meeting. Their only reported concern was parents parking in the street at Stephen Foster Elementary during after school dismissals. In response, Officer Clay Barrett, Stephen Foster’s School Resource Officer, was notified and he addressed this issue. The Motor Unit was also notified and they will also monitor this problem.

Finally, Officer Jaime Costas, who is assigned to Component Two, provided assistance to the Sunset area. In three days, Officer Costas made 7 arrests and issued 12 traffic citations. The arrests were directly related to the concerns of residents.

Officer Pasker attended the Melrose Manors homeowners meeting. Code issues were the primary concern of residents. In response, Code Supervisor Lori Milano was contacted and she will ensure that a representative from her office attend the next meeting. Further, Officer Pasker will follow-up on complaints of abandoned vehicles parked on the City right-of-way. Since the meeting, 2 vehicles were towed for non-compliance.

Officer Pasker also issued 8 traffic citations and 2 bicycle citations. He made a prowling arrest in the 2200 block of SW 1 Court and issued 16 parking citations along SW 31st. Avenue.

FLPD’s Trading Card Program Offers Incentives and Stimulates Interaction Among Youths and Police Officers

Fort Lauderdale Youth Receives a Free Bicycle after Collecting 12 Cards

Duval Madrigal Trading Card 1

Duval Madrigal Trading Card 2

It is the goal of the School Resource Officers of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to develop a close relationship with the children of our City. We are embarking on our second year of our Police Trading Card Program. The goal is to motivate our youths to meet and talk to Police Officers in positive situations rather than negative situations. This program also helps officers approach and begin conversations with children in a non-threatening manner.

After reading the biography on the personalized Police Trading Card, the Officer becomes a real person. The card also expresses the sentiment that police officers want to be their friend and reassures the child that they can count on the officer in times of need. Police officers become more easily approachable and non-intimidating to our youths in the community.

Officer Duval Madrigal implemented this project in 2002 by designing cards for the officers assigned to the Youth Services Unit since they were in constant contact with the youths of Fort Lauderdale. Two Community Support Division Public Service Aides cards were soon added based on their instrumental efforts of going to area schools and instructing Bicycle Safety Classes to students.

The concept of the program is simple; if a student collects 12 different Police Trading Cards, they receive a free bicycle from the Department. After a child has collected 12 Police Trading Cards, they can contact Officer Madrigal and receive a coupon and letter which entitles them to choose a bicycle from those stored in the Police Station’s Evidence Division. The Evidence Division Supervisor, Mike Riggs, has endorsed the program and the Department has over 300 confiscated bicycles in storage at the present time.

Since the debut of the Second Edition of the Police Trading Cards in August of 2002, over 100 bicycles have been distributed to local children. The program has expanded by 14 additional officers from various divisions within the Department. Total number of cards in circulation: 29.

The Trading Card Program is having a positive effect as youths are approaching officers in various parts of the City, and going to the station and sub-stations asking officers for their cards. Positive comments about the biographies and quotes on the cards are often heard. The children, as well as adults, are impressed with the officers and the positive choices they have made in their lives. Some also feel a connection with the officers because they realize they enjoy the same hobbies as the officers.

The best part of the program: new friendships have been developed with our youths. The officers have become role models for many of these youngsters.

For more information about the Police Officer Trading Card Program, please contact Officer Duval Madrigal at (954) 828-8600 ext. 2659.

Below is a complete list of Fort Lauderdale Police Officers with Police Trading Cards.

FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE OFFICERS WITH SECOND EDITION TRADING CARDS

Sergeant Anthony Williams
Administrative Position/Office of Professional Compliance/(former S.R.O. Supervisor}

Sergeant Harvey Jacques
District Two Evening Shift Supervisor (former S.R.O. Supervisor}

School Resource Officer Mary Gillis
Lauderdale Manor Elementary, Thurgood Marshall Elementary, Sunland Elementary, Rock Island Elementary, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs

School Resource Officer Rob Bolden
Walker Elementary, Dillard Elementary, Northside Elementary

School Resource Officer Clay Barrett
Westwood Heights Elementary, Riverland Elementary, North Fork Elementary, Stephen Foster Elementary

School Resource Officer Dennis Nelson
Stranahan High School

Officer Ernest Pagan
District Three Evening Shift/Patrol Officer (former S.R.O.)

School Resource Officer Art Jones
Arthur Ashe Middle School

School Resource Officer Jeff Alexander
Sunrise Middle School

School Resource Officer Duval Madrigal
Bayview Elementary, Bennett Elementary, Floranada Elementary, Peace Lutheran School, Fort Lauderdale Christian School, St. Jerome’s Catholic School

School Resource Officer Ivory Nelson
Dillard High School

School Resource Officer Charles Livingston
Fort Lauderdale High School

Truancy Officer Bill Jacobsen
Day Shift

Detective Eddie Robinson
Auto Theft Task Force (former S.R.O.)

P.S.A. Teresa Bryant
Marine Unit/Public Service Aide

P.S.A. Laura Todaro
Community Support Division/Public Service Aide

School Resource Officer Rick Temple
Harbordale Elem, Croissant Park Elem., Virginia Young Elem., Fort Lauderdale Charter School

School Resource Officer Mike Tucker
New River Middle School

Officer Rosalind Wilson
Community Support Division/District Three

Officer Anthony Castro
Executive Airport Day Shift

Officer Tom Capano
District Three Evening Shift

Officer Randy Pelham
Field Training Officer District One

Officer James Jaggers
Field Training Officer District Three

Detective Ralph Fernandez
Special Investigations Division “Raiders”

Officer Chris Reyes
District One-Day Shift

Officer Nina Justice
Field Training Officer District Three

Captain Lee Spector
District Two Midnight Shift Captain

Officer Mario Diaz
District One Day Shift

Detective Fernando David
Special Investigations Division “Raiders” {former Motor Officer}

COLLECT TWELVE (12) DIFFERENT CARDS AND GET A FREE BICYCLE--- COURTESY OF THE FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S EVIDENCE DIVISION AND THE YOUTH SERVICES UNIT!

Contact: Officer Duval Madrigal,
School Resource Officer
D.A.R.E./G.R.E.A.T. Instructor
(954) 828-8600 ext. 2659
duvalm@fortlauderdale.gov

Westwood Heights Elementary: August and September were busy at Westwood Heights Elementary. All of the students are adjusting nicely to the new school year with very few problems. Nineteen (19) students were counseled for behavior purposes and there were no parent conferences. I started teaching the D.A.R.E. program to five 5th grade classes.

North Fork Elementary: School started very positive with the addition of their new Assistant Principal, Mr. Griffen, who transferred from Sunland Elementary. Mr. Griffen is a strong Assistant Principal with good discipline values and will be an asset at North Fork.

Many parents are unaware that they cannot park in the traffic fire-lanes in front of the school. I issued numerous warnings and two parents were cited.

A minor theft problem involving a 5th grade student was identified. I am working with the principal and the School Board’s Special Investigations Unit to gain control of this situation.

I began teaching the D.A.R.E. program to three 5th grade classes.

Riverland Elementary: Traffic has been the key focus at Riverland Elementary. The School Board has imposed several rules regarding students and vehicles departing from the same gate. This has resulted in angry parents and ask their cooperation in this matter.

• 15 students received Police intervention counseling this month.
• 3 citations were issued for traffic lane violations during the morning.
• 1 student was arrested for leaving campus by Truancy One, Officer, Bill Jacobsen.

Stephen Foster Elementary: Stephen Foster is a very discipline oriented school and there are few problems. One student was arrested for truancy. I began teaching the D.A.R.E. program to four 5th grade classes. In addition, I will assist Patty Bryant, who is assigned to the Media Center, with the “Just Say No” Program conducted after school hours on Wednesdays.

A K-9 demonstration has been planned for the upcoming “Red Ribbon Week” events. There were traffic concerns that the parents brought to my attention and they will be addressed.

Nothing this month.

District Two, Shift One
By Captain Lee Spector

Attempted Drowning and Rescue

During the early morning hours of August 16, 2003, Officers Anthony Johnson, Nick Bruce and Joe Mogavero responded to a report of an intoxicated man falling off the SE 3rd Avenue Bridge and into the water. The individual was quickly located and in need of immediate help. Officers Mogavero and Bruce ran to the side of the canal while Officer Johnson, a member of the Dive Team, deployed in the water with a dive mask, fins and tethered floating device. Officer Johnson swam to the struggling man and initiated a rescue attempt.

Officer Johnson was stunned when the subject kicked him in the abdomen. He told the subject he was there to help, however the man screamed obscenities and prepared to attack again. This rescue situation rapidly deteriorated into a life-threatening one. Keeping calm, Officer Johnson kept talking to the man, attempting to stay out of arm’s reach. He slowly led the man back to the canal’s edge, negotiating all the while. Officer Johnson observed the subject tiring and in danger of drowning so he swam up behind him and attempted a standard rescue grab. The subject initially accepted his assistance and then, without warning, elbowed Officer Johnson in the face, simultaneously trying to drown both of them. The subject held Officer Johnson’s head under water for several seconds until Officer Johnson was able to break free and swim out of his grasp.

Although this individual was obviously intent on doing harm to himself and Officer Johnson, Officer Johnson maintained his composure and did not leave the subject’s side. While the subject shouted incoherent statements, Officer Johnson spoke softly, consistently trying to get the subject near the canal’s edge where he could be rescued. Officers Mogavero and Bruce climbed down a bridge ladder and across a narrow deck toward Officer Johnson and the suicidal male. Officer Johnson guided them so they wouldn’t be yanked into the water. The subject, now very tired, was holding himself against the bottom of the deck where Officer Johnson had led him. A team effort allowed them to lift the subject out of the water and into an awaiting fireboat. The subject was handcuffed, taken to BGMC for evaluation and eventually charged with aggravated battery.

Officers Johnson, Mogavero and Bruce distinguished themselves by placing their lives in great peril in order to save the life of a man intent upon killing himself and anyone who interfered. Through a well-coordinated team effort, combined with Officer Johnson’s exceptional performance, a human life was saved and tragedy averted. All three officers were awarded a Departmental letter of commendation.

District Two, Shift Two
By Acting Captain Ted Schendel

During the morning of September 30th, Officer Nicosia responded to 1481 NW 22 Court #4 in regard to a Domestic Disturbance/Home Invasion involving the victim, who is confined to a wheelchair, and her ex-boyfriend. The suspect appeared, pounding on the door, demanding the victim let him in to see his two-month-old infant. The victim has been mentally terrorized by the suspect for quite some time and, out of fear, did not respond. As she was dialing 911, the suspect smashed through the sliding glass door and gained entry.

The enraged suspect began punching the victim, and the force of his blows knocked her out of her wheelchair. He continued to punch and kick the disabled victim’s chest area as she lay helplessly on the floor screaming in terror. The victim’s 12 year-old daughter hid in a back bedroom protecting the infant. The suspect fled prior to our arrival.

Once on scene, Officer Nicosia determined the fear of the victim and the immediate danger to her and her family. EMS determined the victim might have suffered some broken ribs, however, she decided to have family transport her to the hospital. Officer Nicosia made arrangements for the victim and her four small children to enter Women in Distress while the suspect remained at large. He then contacted several neighbors and requested help in locating the suspect. They agreed to be the eyes and ears for the police, as we attempted to locate the suspect.

Officer Nicosia researched the suspect’s criminal history and compiled a color photo BOLO sheet, along with an Out-of-Custody PC. Nearing the end of his shift, Officer Nicosia notified several afternoon shift units, and distributed BOLO sheets. Later, acting on an anonymous tip from one of the neighbors, the suspect was arrested without incident.

Utilizing his patrol experience, along with the teamwork of fellow officers, and calling upon the citizens in the neighborhood, the suspect was arrested less than twelve hours later. The fears of the disabled victim and her children have been allayed.

Captain Steve Kinsey
District 2 / Shift 3
954-828-5703

During the month of September 2003, District 2/Shift 3 continued to handle calls for service as well as focus on our ongoing Action Plans.

In order to achieve the success that we have had, we must recognize our extraordinary personnel. The following story demonstrates the exceptional Officers who are assigned to the District 2 Tactical Squad supervised by Sgt. John Bollinger.

On Tuesday, July 29th 2003, an armed home-invasion robbery occurred at 1545 NW 8 Ave. Two masked subjects, heavily armed with a shotgun and pistols, confronted the residents in front of their home at gunpoint and directed them into the residence. Once inside, the victims which included a 10-year-old child, were ordered to lie on the floor and told they would be killed if they resisted. The armed culprits removed over $200.00 U.S. currency and jewelry as well as other property from the house. The culprits then ran from the residence to an awaiting vehicle.

Patrol Officers immediately responded and broadcast a description of the culprits and their vehicle which was last observed by the victims to be heading into the Lauderdale Manors neighborhood. District 2 Tactical Impact Unit Officers, Michael Florenco and Francisco Vetancourt, were enroute to the area when they heard the B.O.L.O., and based on their extensive knowledge of the area, knew that there are few avenues of escape.

Officers Florenco and Vetancourt then surmised that the quickest and most likely exit from the area would be on I-95. They positioned themselves at NW 15 Ave and W. Sunrise Blvd and monitored the vehicle traffic leaving the area. Within minutes, they spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one involved in the robbery, a white Buick sedan. They fell in behind this vehicle in their unmarked Police vehicle and advised Dispatch and called for marked Police units to conduct a felony stop of the sedan.

As they continued to follow the sedan, marked units fell in behind them preparing for the felony stop. However, the occupants of the sedan must have noticed these marked units and two passengers in the sedan jumped out as it was moving and fled on foot. A perimeter was quickly established while the driver of the sedan was detained. Within minutes, one of the passengers was located by K-9 Officers and taken into custody.

The victims were brought to the scene and positively identified the vehicle and the apprehended passenger. Property taken during the robbery was recovered, as well as the loaded shotgun that was used. Confessions were obtained from the passenger and the driver of the sedan. The passenger who had successfully fled was identified and subsequently arrested by Detectives.

Please feel free to call me with any issues/questions/or concerns.

Promoted to the Rank of Captain
Thomas Harrington

Thomas Harrington has served the Fort Lauderdale Police Department since January 24, 1988. As an Officer, Tom has served the Department in the Operations Bureau/Patrol Division, Special Problems Unit and SWAT Team. As a Detective, Tom served in the Special Investigations Division. Tom was promoted to Sergeant July 11, 1999 and has served in the Special Investigation Division and Internal Affairs. He has a Bachelor of Professional Studies from Barry University and a Master’s Degree in Management from Saint Thomas University and has received 31 public commendations and 22 Departmental commendations including Honorable Mention as Officer of the Month for August 1998 and Officer of the Month for July 1999.

Major Sharon Andersen
District III

If you have not already been made aware, the City of Fort Lauderdale was the recipient of a federal grant to enhance our ability to respond to a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incident. The Nunn, Luger, Domenici (NLD) grant funds have provided training, exercises and personal protective equipment (PPE) during the past year.

The City will be hosting a full-scale WMD incident exercise on December 9th. A full-scale exercise means all participants will respond as they would in a real incident. This exercise is the culmination of both our participation in the grant and the entire NLD grant program. Fort Lauderdale is the last City to receive funding from the NLD program. As this will be the last exercise attributed to NLD, several high-level political and military officials are expected to be in attendance as observers.

All divisions of the Police Department will participate in the exercise or contribute to its success to some extent. If you are on duty during day shift hours on December 9th, you should have your PPE on hand and be prepared to respond to a designated assignment. More information will be forthcoming in the next newsletter.

If you want a code inspector to investigate an illegal dumping site or a bulk trash violation, please call Community Inspections at 828-5207. To address trash on City property, or to find out what your bulk trash pick up days are, you can call the City of Fort Lauderdale Public Services Department at 828-8000. Please help us to keep Fort Lauderdale clean!

To report a problem area in your neighborhood, send the following info to the Community Support Division. Remember, be specific with the information that you provide so that we may take the appropriate actions. Send info to: Community Support Division, 533 NE 13th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Or e-mail us with the following information:

Address:
Business Name(& Type):
Problem Observed:
Date:

PSAs Dube and Todaro-Gerity are assisting Code Enforcement in their efforts to reduce the number of derelict vehicle violations throughout the City. These are quality-of-life issues which devalue the neighborhood as well as present safety hazards.

To report graffiti, contact the graffiti hotline at 828-6402. Or, click here to send an e-mail to PSA Laura Todaro-Gerity.

Bicycles can be registered at the following locations:

Community Support Division Center 533 NE 13th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Snyder Park 2800 S.W. 8th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Wednesday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. By appointment only! Please call first 954-828-4585

Contact PSA Laura Todaro-Gerity if you would like to schedule bicycle registrations during a community event.

Retirements	Anniversaries	Recognition
Sgt. Stephen Medley 27 years	Det. Timothy Morrison 25 years Rick Burn 20 years Thomas Gerlach 20 years Maureen Perkins 20 years Sgt. James Polan 20 years Russell Sanders 20 years	Safe Driver Awards 2003 Gary Gorman 26 years David Nickerson 27 years Det. Keith Kotrady 29 years (Retired recently) Thomas Hill 29 years

The Community Support Center offers various events such as workshops, training classes and community forums. The Center is also available to the community as a meeting place. Some of the courses that are offered to civilians and law enforcement personnel are outlined below.

License Plate Theft Prevention Program, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while supplies last, at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Community Support Division, 533 NE 13 Street. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is distributing, at no cost, special screws that are created to prevent the theft of license plates. The screws are affixed with a regular screwdriver, but can only be removed with a special tool held by the Police Department. Please call, 954-828-6400 for further information.

Landlord/Tenant Training, Wednesdays, October 15 and November 19, 2003, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Community Support Division - Training Room, 533 NE 13 Street. Topics include keeping illegal activity out of your property, screening applicants, the Federal Fair Housing Act, Section 8 Housing and more. Certificates of attendance will be issued upon completion of the course. The workshop is open to all interested. Captain Kiley and Sergeant Kridos of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will be presenting the class. Call (954) 828-6428 for more information and to register.

2nd Civilian Canine Academy – Wednesdays, October 22, October 29, November 5 and November 11, 2003, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Holiday Park Police Barn, 1100 G. Harold Martin Drive. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s K-9 Unit will be hosting this canine obedience training course which is open to all community members. This free course consists of 4 two-hour sessions and is open to canines 6 months and older and their owners. Call (954) 828-6428 to register for the class and contact K-9 Sergeant John Eaves at (954) 972-1455 with any questions.

20th Community Police Academy – February 2004. This 14-week program is offered to residents of the City of Fort Lauderdale, civic and government organization members. The academy is designed to foster active partnership with the community. Topics addressed include Community Policing, Officer Selection/Recruiting, Drug Enforcement, Special Investigations, Range/Firearms, Detention Tour, Communications and more. In addition to the scheduled classes, an eight-hour “ride along” with Patrol Officers will be made available to the attendees. For more information and for applications please call (954) 828-6428. You may also download an application from the Fort Lauderdale Police website at: cpa.html.

Hotel/Motel Training, Monday, October 27, 2003, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Community Support Division - Training Room, 533 N.E. 13th Street. Topics include keeping illegal activities out of public lodging establishments, crisis resolution, City resources, evictions and more. The workshop is open to all interested. Captain Kiley and Sergeant Kridos of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will be presenting the class. Call (954) 828-6428 for more information and to register.

Project Ecstasy Workshops have been cancelled.

***ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE OF CHARGE***