A Merry Christmas for a Police Family; an Important Bill Close to Passage; Easy Access to Unused Military Equipment

And a Holiday Wish for You

It’s going to be a merry Christmas for the DeValkenaere family. Yesterday, Missouri governor Mike Parson commuted the six-year sentence of Eric DeValkenaere, a former Kansas City, Missouri police detective who was in prison for a fatal 2019 incident.

To anyone who’s been following this case, the indictment never should have happened. DeValkenaere, a decorated detective who reasonably feared that the suspect would shoot another detective, discharged his firearm.

While Eric’s release from prison is welcome news (I’m ecstatic for this family!), it begs the question why Gov. Parson didn’t issue a full pardon. His sentence was commuted, which means he’ll remain on parole for the duration of his sentence.

DeValkenaere isn’t the only cop who’s been wrongfully indicted in recent years, and it has sadly become a growing trend. Terrence Sutton, Brad Lundsford, and other law enforcement officers who reasonably used force are facing prison time.

We can all agree that cops aren’t above the law, and that as officers of the court they’re held to a higher standard than civilians. They shouldn’t be used as political tools or be denied due process of law, either.

It’s why I wholeheartedly agree with National Police Association’s proposal:

Every prosecutor that charged a police officer for acting within the law illegally conspired to violate the constitutional rights of Americans. They must face a federal criminal probe under 18 U.S. Code § 241.

The Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund mentioned that thousands of supporters called or wrote the governor requesting Eric’s pardon. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference for this family, whether it was to contact the governor, send a note of kindness to the family, offer prayers, or donate to help fund legal expenses for his case.

Your voices were heard, and you made a real difference. : )

Legislative Updates

The Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2024 (H.R. 9745)

Our nation’s officers are responding to an increasing number of more complex, high-stakes situations, necessitating easy access to life-saving equipment.

Local and state law enforcement agencies have historically been able to apply for, and receive surplus military equipment via the Law Enforcement Support Office Program (AKA the 1033 Program) administered by the Department of Defense. This equipment, typically available at no cost, encompasses provisions like armored cars, helicopters, protective gear, and first-aid supplies. It’s a cost-savings measure for police agencies, especially at a time when they’re struggling with their budgets.

Executive Orders 13688 and 14074 unfortunately restricted the 1033 Program, which has made it more difficult for law enforcement agencies to acquire (and to use as they see fit) this critical equipment.

The Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2024, a bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Michael Waltz (FL-6) and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) would remove these restrictions.

My guess is that the bill will be reintroduced in 2025, or that President-elect Trump will rescind Executive Orders 13688 and 14074.

The National Police Association supports this bill. You can read more about our stance here.

The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82)

The Social Security Fairness Act finally passed in the U.S. Senate and is expected to be signed into law soon. This bill rescinds the provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for police officers and other public workers, who are being penalized through no fault of their own.

If you’ve paid into a work retirement fund and Social Security all of your working life, you’re entitled to receive the full benefits of both. That’s your money, not the government’s.

Getting the bill this far was possible because of those (largely the Fraternal Order of Police) who remained committed to shepherding it through.

Parting Thoughts

Emotions run high during the holidays, and depending on one’s life experiences, it may be a time of joy, sadness, or perhaps a mixture of unidentifiable emotions. Some people will suffer more than others, including police officers struggling with PTSD or other mental health conditions.

From where I sit, we’ve failed Americans who suffer with a mental illness. And we’ve most definitely failed our police officers.

Our elected officials need to prioritize legislation like Arizona’s Craig Tiger Act, which provides officers and other first responders who’ve been traumatized while at work, with up to 12 visits with a licensed professional. The New Jersey legislature introduced a similar bill this past year, also called the Craig Tiger Act, but it never made it out of Committee.

In 2025, I’ll be watching closely for this critical legislation.

With that, I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas; and a Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish readers. Whoever you are, I hope you experience peace this season.

Despite the negativity, insanity, and evil occurring in our country and the world, this holiday season I feel a deep sense of gratitude for what I do have, which includes being in a position to advocate for our nation’s heroes. This journey I find myself on has blessed me with more than I can ever repay.

Blessings and warmth to you and yours. : )

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For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.