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Nationwide Police Departments are Struggling to Retain and Recruit Officers

Currents News Staff

It’s been difficult for police officers all over the country, with two officer funerals in less than a week in New York, and another shot while off duty.

In Virginia, two campus officers were killed after getting shot on the job.

The dangers of policing are just one of several reasons why departments across the country are facing staffing shortages.

“I’ve never seen the morale so low. I’ve never seen the ranks so low. I’ve never seen the level of violence that we’re seeing now,” said John McNesby, the President of the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police

Tyrone Dennis, a Retired Atlanta Police Officer added “Basically, we’re one bullet away from death and one mistake away from indicting.”

Chuck Wexler is the Head of Police Executive Research Forum and he said, “So less people want to become cops and more cops wanting to leave the job earlier.”

Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews routinely patrols her city and knows firsthand the impact of officer shortages.

“The 911 calls don’t stop, so you know people are still having emergencies. The emergencies don’t stop, and certainly the emergencies don’t care if, you know, you are sixty percent staffed or below, and the expectation is that we continue the level of service that we’ve always done,” said Andrews.

Maintaining that level of service is difficult when you are down ninety officers and constantly battling against COVID and negative perceptions of law enforcement, along with low wages.

“They’ve got to be able to, to support their families. You know, we have officers that can’t even qualify for apartments because their, their income doesn’t match up with what the apartments require,” said Andrews

For decorated officers like newly retired Atlanta Police Officer Tyrone Dennis, his pay didn’t keep up with his career.

“It would be foolish for me to stay for 48,000 when I have a wife and three kids to feed. With 48,000, I can almost, in a family with three kids, I can almost qualify for public assistance,” said Dennis.

In Seattle, 356 of more than 1,300 officers have left the police force over the last two years.

In Austin, they’re short 117 officer, fifteen percent less than what the force could be.

In Phoenix, 411 officers, thirteen percent of their force.

And in Philadelphia, that department is short some 440 officers.

And beat officers are feeling the pressure.

McNesby says even finding people to apply has never been tougher.

Just last week we had a recruitment assessment. They were invited to come in for the initial assessment. We had 600 people that were invited. Just shy of 200 showed up, and out of those 200, only 26 walked away, moving on to the next step.”

Despite the challenges, there are still stand-out recruits who are eager to join the force.

Allen Taylor is an Atlanta Police Cadet and he said, “I want to be a change in the community. I want to uplift the community and be a positive role model.”

The typical police academy takes about eight months to finish, meaning it will take years to fill the open jobs at the departments across the country.

U.S. Says ISIS Leader Killed in Raid

Currents News Staff

President Biden says U.S. special forces have killed a top ISIS leader in northwest Syria.

“Thanks to the bravery of our troops this horrible terrorist leader is no more,” said Biden.

The Pentagon said U.S. Central Command conducted the mission that killed ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi.

It is the biggest operation carried out by U.S. forces in Syria since the raid that led to the death of then-ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in October 2019.

Biden said all Americans involved in the mission returned safely and acted with bravery.

“The members of our military are the solid steel backbone of this nation, ready to fly into danger at a moment’s notice to keep our country and the American people safe, as well as our allies,” Biden said.

Sources on the ground said shelling and explosions preceded an air-drop of U.S. forces shortly after midnight, targeting a house on the border between Turkey and Syria.

They say at least 13 people were killed.

Biden says al-Qurayshi detonated a bomb that killed him and members of his own family, including women and children.

In a final act of desperate cowardness, with no regard to the lives of his own family or those in the building, he chose to blow himself up,” Biden added.

The operation came amid an ISIS resurgence in parts of Syria and Iraq.

President Biden Calls for Unity at the National Prayer Breakfast

Currents News Staff

President Joe Biden started his Thursday by delivering comments at the National Prayer breakfast.

Speaking at the Capitol, he delivered a message calling for unity at the 70th annual event.

“As I stand in this citadel of democracy that was attacked one year ago, the issue for us as unity. How do we unite us again? Unity’s elusive, but it’s really actually necessary. Unity doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything, but unity is where enough of us believe in a core of basic things. The common good, the general welfare, of faith in the United States of America. The United States of America,” said Biden.

Biden went on to say the best way to foster unity is to get to know people on a personal level.

He recalled days decades ago when he started in the Senate when it was common for lawmakers of both parties to eat lunch together.

The purpose of the multi-faith prayer breakfast is to bring bipartisan leaders and their religious counterparts together.

Every president since Dwight Eisenhower has headlined the event.

ISIS Leader Killed in U.S. Counterterrorism Mission in Northwest Syria

Currents News Staff

US Special Forces conducted a “successful” counterterrorism mission in northwest Syria Wednesday evening, the Pentagon said, but offered few other details. There were no US casualties.

The Syrian Civil Defense, the White Helmets, said that 13 people were killed, including 6 children, after clashes following a US Special Forces raid in the northwest village of Atmeh, in Syria’s Idlib province.

President Biden, Vice President Harris and members of the President’s national security team can be seen in a photo observing the counterterrorism operation. The mission is responsible for removing from the battlefield, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the leader of ISIS.

One Atmeh resident, who refused to share his name for safety reasons, said that he heard multiple helicopters flying after midnight followed by the sound of explosions.

“I saw from a distance that there were machine guns shooting back from the ground towards the helicopters,” the resident said.

The resident also said he heard a loudspeaker asking people to evacuate the area. The resident said he believes the operation ended at 4:00 am local time after the helicopters and explosions stopped.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday, 2/2/22

A sea of blue once again on Fifth Avenue, as officers from New York City and around the country line the streets outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the funeral of Officer Wilbert Mora.

Funeral for Detective Wilbert Mora Held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

By Jessica Easthope and Bill Miller

MIDTOWN — Wilbert Mora, a New York City police officer gunned down with his partner in a Harlem ambush Jan. 21, was eulogized Wednesday, Feb. 2 for his colossal size and heart to match.

Mora’s funeral was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with Cardinal Timothy Dolan as the celebrant. The Mass, which was concelebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was attended by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and thousands of NYPD members.

From his older brother, Wilson, to Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, Mora was described as a “gentle giant” and a much-loved “teddy bear.” They also told of how the 27-year-old policeman courageously faced danger and ultimately died in the line of duty, protecting the citizens of the city he loved.

“Everyone says you’re a big teddy bear of a man,” Wilson Mora said while eulogizing his brother. “But you were like that, even when you were little. Mom showered us with love, and you absorbed it like a sponge. So as an adult, I saw your love for your friends and for people come out in ways that others can’t.

“I just want you to know that I was always proud of you,” he said. “You chose a life of service to your community and to our adopted country. Your fellow officers were not only coworkers, they were friends and family. And now they’re my family.”

Mora was a boy when he came to the U.S. with his family from the Dominican Republic. He grew to be 6 feet tall and weighed around 250 pounds.

NYPD Inspector Amir Yakatally, commanding officer of Mora’s 32nd Precinct, said he was funny, outgoing, and a “gentle giant,” but “all business” when he had to be.

Mora, and Rivera, 22, were mortally wounded on Jan. 21 while answering a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance call in Harlem. Rivera died of his injuries that night; Mora died four days later.

A third officer, Sumit Sulan, shot the suspect, Lashawn McNeil, 47, as he tried to flee the scene. McNeil died on Jan. 24. In his remarks, Mayor Adams, a former police captain, praised Officer Sulan for preventing more tragedy that fateful night.

Police Commissioner Sewell said she learned about Mora, the man, from his NYPD commanders and colleagues. She recounted his career, starting with his entry into the Police Academy in 2018. She said he was “the perfect candidate” to join the department.

“Wilbert and his family came to this country for an opportunity, safety, and security,”  Sewell said. “No one had to tell him to become a police officer. It was all he ever wanted to do. It was the most loved, significant, and inextricable part of his life.

“I’m told the only close second was his PlayStation 5. But the threatening forces he faced on the screen were nothing like the malevolence that would take Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera from our lives.”

Sewell announced at the funeral that she had promoted officer Mora to Detective First Grade, as she did for Rivera at his funeral.

“Wilbert,” she said, “served this department bravely, honorably, as a colossal symbol of promise, not for the size of his frame, but for the goodness in his heart.”

It is a heart that literally lives on; Mora’s parents decided to donate it, along with his liver, kidneys, and pancreas to save the lives of five strangers. Patrick Lynch, president of the NYPD Police Benevolent Association, praised the family members for that decision. He told of watching them at the hospital just before Mora died.

“I wonder,” Lynch told the family, “where does a person like this get the strength to put on that uniform, put that shield on their chest, and get behind the wheel of that radio car and answer that next call? And then I met you.

“Because you made a courageous decision to save others’ lives,” Lynch added. “You made a decision to give the best of your son — the gold standard of life, the gold standard of his soul, his heart, his organs.”

Thousands of officers from the NYPD, across the country, and around the world, lined the streets outside St. Patrick’s and for more than 10 blocks along 5th Avenue to honor Mora. They all snapped to attention and saluted him as his casket was carried from the cathedral to a hearse.

Rivera’s wife paid tribute to Mora by showing up at the funeral mass and also posted  on social media.

“Although I never met you, thank you for always being eager to work with my angel, regardless of him being a rookie,” Dominique Luzuriaga wrote in an Instagram post. “Take care of us.”

During Rivera’s funeral last week, Luzuriaga criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for his pledge to not prosecute certain crimes. She said all New Yorkers are less safe, a remark that drew a standing ovation.

No specific criticisms were made during Mora’s funeral, although Mayor Adams renewed his pledge to end the wave of gun violence that has gripped the city in recent years.

“Every day that I walk the streets of New York, the people of this city remind me to support our police and let them know we appreciate them,” the mayor said. “But our city is going to do more than thank you. We are going to give you the resources to fight this senseless violence.

“It is New Yorkers against the killers and we will not lose. We will protect our city.”

Vented in Brooklyn Owner Overcomes Cancer Diagnosis with Community and Faith

By Jessica Easthope

Chrisie Canny creates jewelry that helps people overcome obstacles. Her aromatherapy bracelets can be for the overworked, busy moms or anyone who needs to just chill out.

“We put inspiring words on our bracelets and just having that little inspiration on your wrist and know that you got it and can do anything once you believe in yourself,” she said.

But her company, Vented in Brooklyn, was founded with a much bigger obstacle in mind – chemotherapy for people battling cancer.

“It’s all in honor of my dad who I lost to cancer 18 years ago, I’ve seen so many people affected by cancer and I just wanted to bring a little joy to their lives,” said Chrisie.

For every bracelet purchased, one is donated to another patient. Recently Chrisie appeared on America’s Big Deal, millions watched her sell $12,000 worth of jewelry in just 30 minutes on a national stage.

“It was a big adrenaline rush, a second before I was like I am doing this and I’m gunna rock it, it as a really great experience,” Chrisie said.

But the highest of highs was met with the lowest of lows. Just days after the best day of her professional career came one of the worst days of her personal life. Chrisie was diagnosed with breast cancer and quickly the fight she’s helped thousands through became her own.

“It’s actually stage .5 cancer, but going back and forth all these years, I have dense breasts and MRIs and I did not want to have a lumpectomy and go through radiation,” Chrisie said of her diagnosis.

Now the Catholic mom of two has decided to undergo surgery, a double mastectomy giving her the greatest chance of overcoming.

Once she recovers Chrisie will get back to work, ever evolving her business that at its core helps others.

“This is something as women we have to be outspoken about we have to give each other knowledge. The one thing that has gotten me through this is my faith, God puts you on a path for a reason and with this journey I believe I’m here to help other women,” she said.

Her jewelry reminds others they’re strong, brave, warriors – what started as words of encouragement have become affirmations.

U.S. Prepares For Massive Ice Storm With More Than 100 Million People Facing Fierce Winter Weather

Currents News Staff

Major cities are preparing for another massive winter storm. In Ohio, crews are still digging out from the last round.

“Hopefully, it’ll make it before everything starts freezing by getting the snow out of the way,” said Dave Perrine of the Ohio Stormwater Division. 

Forecasters predict up to 15 to 20 inches of snow walloping parts of the Midwest. But the main threat with this system? Ice.

“People can navigate on roads that are hard-packed because they still have traction, but with the ice, it’s hard to get traction,” said Steve Trzcinski from the Ohio Superintendent of Street Department.

The mayor of Indianapolis is prompting a warning saying residents have to take action Wednesday evening at the latest.

“Drivers should stay off the roads if at all possible,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said.

With impacts expected to linger into the weekend, several governors have declared states of emergency. Further south, Gov. Greg Abbott is assuring Texans that the state’s power grid is better prepared than last year when an ice storm led to widespread power outages and left thousands freezing for weeks. 

Bullet’s Bravery: Hero Dog Saves Store Clerk During Gun Battle

Currents News Staff

A hero dog! Employees at a Philadelphia corner store say they’re lucky to be alive after two armed robbers raided their shop. It was all caught on camera. The hero of this story is a dog aptly named Bullet.

Security video shows the moments two would-be robbers rushed into Big A, a corner store on Torresdale Avenue in the city’s Wissinoming section early Tuesday morning.

“Two people come with a big gun and small gun,” said Big A Manager Sammy Aloubehi. “They come straight up all the way here with the gun at the girl’s head, my head … they say like don’t move.”

The store manager says one suspect points a gun at his clerk. You can see her sitting on the couch. Then as a dog jumps all over the suspect before, the clerk takes out a gun and fires. The suspect is seen running away before the second suspect shoots at the clerk several times.

“It happened right here,” Sammy said. “He came straight out with the gun … the girl she was here … the bullet is right here, it’s almost at her head.This was gonna kill somebody for no reason.”

Police say the 32-year-old clerk was struck four times. She’s now getting treated at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital.

“She’s fine right now … she’s better,” Sammy said.

The store manager also believes the would-be robbery may have turned deadly if not for his dog named Bullet. You can see Bullet jump all over the suspect getting in his way just as the clerk fires.

“If he didn’t move the guy, and cover him, he would shoot the girl before she shoot him,” Sammy said. “He did help.He saved my life and her life.”

No arrests have been made yet but police did recover a weapon left behind by one of the suspects.