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NRA American Warrior #6

by Richard

February 3rd, 2012

NRA American Warrior, an online magazine, is now out with issue #6. Included in this month’s magazine is SHOT Show coverage, a smattering of articles on video games and movies and more. The most interesting article, though, is about Brian Terry.

Terry, for those not familiar, was a Border Patrol agent who was killed with a firearm that the ATF allowed to be illegally purchased and smuggled out of the country in a criminal operation known as “Fast and Furious.” Another US federal agent was killed in Mexico with some of the same guns the ATF conspired to smuggle, as well as hundreds (thousands?) of Mexican citizens. The same guns are now turning up on crime scenes throughout the southwestern United States.

Categories General
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Happy New Year

by Richard

January 1st, 2012

I wish all of my readers a safe and happy new year! I hope that 2012 is prosperous for all of you.

Categories General
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Merry Christmas

by Richard

December 25th, 2011

Merry Christmas to all of the deputies, cops and other readers out there. I wish all of you were at home with your loved ones, but I know many of you, like me, are in uniform today. So, stay safe and make sure you go home to your families at the end of the shift.

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The Halligan Bar—A Trusted Tool

by Randall

November 30th, 2011

Deputy Chief Halligan (right) and his invention.

Police officers and deputy sheriffs are rarely firefighters, and yet in our lifesaving capacity we need some of the same skills. A mastery of the fire rescue Halligan bar is essential in today’s specialized law enforcement work.

FDNY Deputy Chief Hugh A. Halligan invented the Halligan bar in 1948, and it still bears his name. Halligan’s original bar was a single piece of drop forged 4140 steel, about 30” long, and approximately 8 ½ lbs.

A cross between the FDNY’s Kelly tool and Claw tool, the Halligan bar was lighter and much more versatile. The Halligan bar has become universal in fire rescue service and can be found on fire trucks all around the world.

Law enforcement began using the Halligan tool in SWAT operations decades ago, although, lacking a historical perspective, we have mistakenly called it a “halogen” tool or a “hooligan” tool (this name being derogatory in fire departments).

Categories Gear and Holsters, General
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Demise of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

by Randall

November 28th, 2011

Our last shipment of Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors has arrived at our City Public Works Complex. A moment of silence, please.

Ford introduced the CVPI, or product code P71, in 1992. Built in St. Thomas, Ontario Canada, the rear-wheel drive V8 sedan has been a staple of American law enforcement for almost twenty years.

Solid body-on-frame construction, a strong but thrifty 4.6L V8, the stability of a rear-wheel drive platform, and a long service life have given the CVPI near legendary status.

It is a testimonial to the enduring reliability of the CVPI platform that during 2011 departments across the nation attempted to stockpile them in the face of uncertain replacements. Fleet managers are wary of the new front-wheel and all-wheel drive Ford Police Interceptor.

Categories General
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