Articles Archive By Bob Gorsky ASSISTANCE FOR POLICE SURVIVORS At a recent police function I had the opportunity to hear a presentation by Mrs. Shirley Gibson, the president of Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (C.O.P.S.), a nationwide non-profit organization providing resources to assist in the rebuilding of lives of survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Mrs. Gibson became involved in C.O.P.S. after her son, Officer Brian T. Gibson, was killed in the line of duty on February 5, 1997 while serving with the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department. Mrs. Gibson gave a moving presentation regarding her involvement in the organization and the programs available to police survivors which include peer support, counseling, scholarships, and summer programs for children of officers killed in the line of duty. The C.O.P.S. website is www.nationalcops.org and the phone number is 573/346-4911. The services and support offered by C.O.P.S. remind everyone who is affected by the death of a police officer that there are others who share your pain and are willing to help in a variety of ways. _______________________________________________________________ KUDOS TO THE GARLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT...... The topic of citizens filing false complaints against police officer has been addressed in this space before and now we learn of the arrest last month of a 16-year old on the charge of perjury after he falsely reported that a Garland officer had used excessive force when he was taken into custody. The department determined that the officer did not use excessive force or exhibit signs of racial bias, as was alleged. The officer was cleared of any wrongdoing. This is at least the second suburban police department that has taken action in response to a false complaint. DPD please take heed! ______________________________________________________________ HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL...... All of us at Lyon, Gorsky would like to wish you Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year. We appreciate your allowing us to serve the association and its membership and we wish the best for you and your family in 2005! _______________________________________________________________ Bob Gorsky is a partner at the Dallas law firm of Lyon, Gorsky, Baskett, Haring, Gilbert & Cates, L.L.P., 2501 Cedar Springs, Suite 750, Dallas, Texas 75201; (214) 965-0090, website: lyongorsky.com or e-mail Bob at: bgorsky@swbell.net. |