THANKS to Police Officers

Yesterday we said THANKS to Firefighters.

Today we say THANKS to Police Officers everywhere!

Police Officers have one of the most stressful and dangerous jobs.  But I don't ever remember hearing a Police Officer complain about that.  They protect the public - both On-the-job and while Off-duty.

At least one Police Officer went to the 2012 London Olympics.  And thousands of them compete annually in the Police & Fire Games.

Police Officers are strong and resilient.  No matter the challenges they face, Police Officers find ways to overcome obstacles - like the one this local officer faced following a devastating car accident that put him in a coma for 28 days.

Police Officers never know what to expect when they go to work.  They get called out on randomly occurring events - like when the accelerator in this woman's car stuck to the floor and forced her car to more than 100 MPH for 35 minutes!

Police Officers are a vital link on the team of First Responders that support each community.  Ask this man in Oregon and he'll tell you he wouldn't be alive with the First Responders who came to his rescue, including a Police Officer who was the first on the scene.

And as if their On-the-job duties weren't challenging enough, these Officers also perform at a high level when they're Off-duty.  This NYPD Officer took it upon himself to protect the public while Off-duty.  At times, these Officers also pay the ultimate price because they genuinely care for the people they serve.

So this week, we say THANKS to Police Officers everywhere!!

Off-duty Hero - NYPD Officer

Prior to Hurricane Sandy taking ownership of every single headline, an Off-duty NYPD officer was hailed for his heroic actions.

His name is Ivan Marcano.  He is 27 years old.  And these events happened on Wednesday, Oct 24, 2012 at 6:30pm.

Ivan was in his car with his girlfriend when he witnessed a man being robbed by two muggers.  Despite being Off-duty, Ivan intervened.  But he was shot in the chest, and the bullet barely missed his heart.

As his girlfriend drove him to the hospital, he realized the assailant's car was in front of them.  It happened to get in an accident.

While holding his own gunshot wound, Ivan jumped out of his car and back into action.  He pursued the suspects, at which time he shot one in the head.  That suspected later died.  The other is at large.  And yet another, the driver of the get away car, is also at large.

Ivan's heroism prompted a visit to his hospital room from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, wherein Ivan was promoted to Detective!

On-duty or Off-duty, courage and bravery is something to be honored.

Hats off to Ivan Marcano and many more Off-duty Officers who serve the public well beyond the schedule of their shift!

Hurricane Sandy: Heroes

NYPD

We have mentioned many American Heroes, including Veterans, Injured Veterans, Active Military, Police, Fire, EMS, Dispatchers, Off-duty Officers, On-call Firefighters and more.

This superstorm - Hurricane Sandy - has undoubtedly provoked a new wave of heroic actions.  Here is one of them.

Artur Kasprzak had been a New York City police officer for 6 years.  He was 28 years old, and lived on Staten Island with his family.

On Monday night (10/29/12) the basement of his home was quickly flooding with water from the storm.  So he moved the family members who were with him - six adults and a 15 month old nephew - into the attic of the home.  He then went down to the basement to look for his father, but he did not return.

Artur did not know it, but his father had already fled to safety.

This Off-duty Officer confronted a terrible storm, and in courageously doing so he gave his own life to save the lives of seven family members.  He was later found in the flooded basement by a Search and Rescue team.

His sister said he loved his job at the NYPD.  "He's always ready.  Sometimes he didn't sleep, or he slept just a few hours.  Every time they called him, he was there.  You know, he's very devoted.  We will miss him so much."