Page 6 - Texas Police Journal May June 2016

Message From Your President

Chris Havens

We are gearing up for 117th TPA Annual Training call, while out on foot, sitting in a marked unit, or by
Conference in Arlington, June 27-29. We have a very just having lunch. I just wanted to remind everyone
exciting group of speakers lined up for you along with of some things that you should do on a daily basis and
many vendors. We will be having a hero from the in this case, should be routine.
2012 Benghazi Attacks, Kris "Tanto" Paronto, as our
key note speaker. Kris is a former Ranger, 2nd 1. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and at
Battalion, 75th Regiment, a Security and Military the same time be aware of your nearest cover and
Consultant, an author of the book "13 Hours in concealment locations if you were to start taking fire.
Benghazi" and betrayed in the movie "13 Hours". Kris Point being is to make sure you have a tactical plan...
tells the inside account of the attacks in Benghazi. The yes, “what if it” to death in everything you do through-
13 hours of the assault dramatically impacted the out your shift and not just going to a call.
lives serving in Benghazi and resulted in the loss of We can't afford to become complacent because com-
Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other American placency kills.
Patriots that were there protecting the embassy.
2. If you're in your vehicle don't be a sitting duck. If
Kris will focus on "Bottom Up Leadership" and how it working on reports, find a secluded spot so that you
saved lives in Benghazi. He will share his experiences can see someone approaching. Almost 30 years ago
in Benghazi that taught him the importance of being I had one of my FTO's from Dallas PD teach me a tac-
able to depend and trust your team, especially in tical tidbit by parking at a dead end or to the back of
times of major crisis under fire. There will be a book hard cover such as to the back of a building. Then turn
signing opportunity once he’s finished with his pre- on your radar with the volume up so that you could
sentation. be alerted if a vehicle approaches you from a distance
giving you time to react with your plan. To have the

We have also lined up a retired CIA operative that tactical advantage, always check your side and
spent many years with ISIS and we will also hear the rearview mirrors. Just like you should be looking up
de-brief on the Garland, Texas terrorist attack. periodically at the violator while on a traffic stop.
That leads me to my article for this Journal, “Preparing Never let someone approached you on foot while
for the Ambush". you are sitting in your vehicle. Remember being lazy
or complacent will get you killed. Be sure to get out
Since 2008, the number of ambushes has increased. to make contact. Another option, although frowned
Last month we lost Officer David Hofer as he upon because you are not visible to the public, is just
responded to a suspicious person call. His partner going back to the PD and write your reports there.
returned fire killing the man. Two NYPD officers were While moving in traffic be cautious of cars pacing at
ambushed while sitting in their patrol car. These the same speed next to you, following you or coming
spontaneous assaults can occur while in route to a up behind you at a high rate of speed. Be ready to

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