Police Week Preview

The numbers are staggering. More than 19,000 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty since the first recorded police death in 1791, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). On average, 163 officers die per year, which means that roughly every 53 hours the law enforcement community is shattered by another loss.

NLEOMF’s preliminary 2011 statistics show a 16% year-over-year increase in officer fatalities, from 153 recorded deaths in 2010 to 177 deaths in 2011. At National Police Week, these fallen heroes, as well as all fallen officers from previous years, will be honored at a variety of events, including the crowning event on May 15, the FOP’s 31st Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.

For officers and their families, Police Week is an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning to attend any of this year’s events or just want to learn more, look for the full Police Week schedule in the Spring 2012 issue of the Journal.

Coping with the Loss of a Partner

It’s a paralyzing, nightmarish experience — losing a partner. For some officers, it’s akin to losing a family member, or even a part of themselves. For others, it can put their lifelong dedication to protecting and serving in question.

This article will examine real-life stories of officers who have gone through the wringer — and survived — and include advice from experts on smart strategies for dealing with this kind of tragedy. While nothing can wipe away the memory of a fallen partner or heal the loss entirely, there is a way to process it and emerge with a healthy frame of mind. Find out more in the Spring 2012 Journal.

Strategic Communications: Making It Happen

In the Winter 2012 issue of the Journal, you learned about preparing to launch a strategic communications program to fight the war on public employees’ wages and benefits. The next installment of this series will help you turn strategy into execution by examining ways to create a marketing-communications budget that’s within your lodge’s reach and offers maximum return on the investment(s). Learn budgeting tips from the pros, and find out how other lodges are using creative, affordable solutions to get the message out.   

For the full story, be sure to watch for the Spring 2012 issue of FOP Journal.

Grill 'Em

Though dogs may be man’s best friend, there’s no denying the special bond that exists between a man (or woman!) and his grill. When the weather heats up, there’s nothing more sacred than gathering friends and family in the backyard for perfectly grilled treats, cold drinks and a few laughs.

To kick off grilling season, check out this review of the baddest grills on the market in 2012 (as if you needed an excuse). Plus, find mouth-watering recipes and exclusive grilling secrets. These grills are yours for the taking — and you saw them in the Journal first!  

For the full story, be sure to watch for the Spring 2012 issue of FOP Journal.

From the SHOT Show 2012: Firearms and Weapons

It’s the shooter’s dream: The Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) and Conference. Four days. More than 1,500 exhibitors from the biggest names in the industry. Two levels, including a special section dedicated to law enforcement and tactical gear. The most exciting products on the market for 2012.

Discover the tactical firearms and weapons generating the most buzz at SHOT Show in the Spring 2012 Journal.