McLean, VA (January 20, 2026) - Joseph P. McCormack, a 15-year veteran of the New York City Police Department, was a devoted husband, father, and a decorated officer who served in the NYPD’s elite Emergency Service Unit (ESU). Tragically, he was shot and killed on September 29, 1983, by an emotionally disturbed man who had barricaded himself inside a home after being denied access to his young son. Officers attempted to negotiate with the man and de-escalate the situation, but the man suddenly burst out a rear door and opened fire. The shotgun blast struck Officer McCormack under his armpit—an area not protected by his bullet-resistant vest. His family has honored Joe’s legacy with their good works. His wife, Sue, founded Survivors of the Shield, and became a leading advocate for police survivors. Joe’s two sons, Joseph Jr. and Andrew, followed in their father’s footsteps and became proud members of the NYPD’s ESU. And Joe’s daughter, Jessica, became a pediatric nurse, just like her father predicted when she was a little girl. Colleagues called him “the best of the best” and remember “his dedication, his fearlessness, his love of the job.” Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (January 13, 2026) - On December 5, 1997, the Cincinnati Police Department endured one of the most devastating days in its history. Two officers—Police Specialist Ronald D. Jeter, age 34, and Police Officer Daniel J. Pope, age 35—were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a domestic‑violence suspect. Their murderer was a repeat felon who had fired a shot through the door of his girlfriend the night before, held a gun to her head and threatened to kill her. As they attempted to take him into custody, the man suddenly produced a handgun and mortally wounded both officers. The cop killer fled on foot, but when officers closed in on him he put a gun to his head and died by suicide. Officer Pope’s wife, Linda, became a long-time leader with Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), and is a powerful voice in support of the families of officers killed in the line of duty. Both officers were remembered by a colleague, who declared, “We will never let the legacy of two American heroes ever fade away. Both officers died doing what they did best, upholding the law. They were the best of the best and will be remembered forever.” Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (January 6, 2026) - Police Officer John B. “Jack” Maguire served for 34 years with the Woburn (MA) Police Department. He spent more than three decades protecting the same streets and neighborhoods where he grew up. On December 26, 2010, Officer Maguire responded to a robbery in progress at a local department store. Three men had targeted the jewelry counter just as employees were preparing to close. As the suspects fled with a bag of stolen jewelry, Officer Maguire arrived on scene. He confronted one of the men and began a foot pursuit through the parking lot. During the chase, the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Maguire four times in the torso. Despite his mortal wounds, Jack courageously returned fire, killing the gunman and preventing further loss of life. The suspect he engaged was a violent career criminal who, despite having been sentenced to three life terms for attempted murder, multiple robberies, and escape, was out on parole. Jack left behind a loving family who adored him: his wife, Desiree, and their three adult children—Bryan, Tara and Sean. He loved reading and was a scholar at heart. He never stopped growing, never stopped learning, and never stopped giving. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (December 30, 2025) - Frank “Jelly” Nash was a convicted murderer and one of the most notorious bank robbers of the 1920s. While serving a 25-year prison sentence, he managed to escape from the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth. He remained a fugitive for nearly three years until he was finally captured in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1933. A few days later he was on his way back to Leavenworth. Seven law enforcement officers were with Nash at Kansas City’s Union Station, after his train ride from Arkansas, and were preparing to drive him back to Leavenworth. That’s when three hardened gangsters, including Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, launched a brutal submachine gun attack in a poorly planned breakout attempt. In a matter of seconds, hundreds of rounds were fired by the gangsters. The law enforcement officers never even had a chance to return fire. When the shooting was over, FBI Special Agent R.J. Caffrey, Kansas City (MO) Police Officer W.J. Grooms and Detective Frank Hermanson were dead, along with McAlester (OK) Police Chief Otto Reed. Three other FBI agents, Frank Smith, R.J. “Red” Lackey and Special Agent in Charge Reed Vetterli survived the attack. Also killed in the attack was the man the gangsters were trying to free, Frank Nash. More than 90 years later, the “Kansas City Massacre” still ranks as one of the most brazen and deadliest attacks on law enforcement in American history. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (December 23, 2025) - On February 25, 1987, while guarding a prisoner at a hospital, Miami County (OH) Sgt. Robert L. “Bobby” Elliott was shot and killed. The prisoner escaped but was soon tracked down and died by suicide during a shootout with police. Everyone who worked with Bobby remembers the same thing—his “heart of gold,” as one colleague said. A nurse remembers the night before he was killed and how he spoke gently to the prisoner who would soon murder him—explaining that he was still loved by God and redemption was possible. And his beloved wife, Tammie, shared memories of their last time together—their son, Nate convincing him to run the lights and siren and daughter, Rhea, wrapping him around her finger with one look. Memorials have been built in his honor, but his greatest tribute comes from his son, Nate, who is now a captain with the Fostoria (OH) Police Department—following in his father’s footsteps and carrying on his legacy of service to others. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other news and updates.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (December 16, 2025) - Around 4 a.m. on December 14, 1951, Detroit Police Officer Stanley J. Jerlecki and his partner responded to a burglary at a jewelry store. As he pursued one of the suspects, gunfire erupted. Officer Jerlecki was struck, but in his final moments he returned fire, fatally wounding the adult suspect. The second suspect — a juvenile — was captured and later convicted of burglary. The adult gunman should have been in jail at the time of the murder. Just a couple of weeks earlier, he had robbed a liquor store at gunpoint, but a judge let him out on bail. He left behind his wife, Mary Jane, a four-year-old son, Stan, and a three-year-old daughter, Dolly. His death inspired the start of the first 100 Club in the U.S.—dedicated to providing financial and other assistance to survivors of the fallen. His death also reminds us of how far we’ve come over the years in honoring officers who die in the line of duty and taking care of their families. We now have National Police Week, Peace Officers Memorial Day, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and the National Law Enforcement Museum. We have Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program (PSOB), and 100 Clubs across the country. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other news and updates.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (December 9, 2025) - On January 8, 2002, a woman called the Beaufort County, South Carolina, Sheriff’s Office to say that her friend was being held by a man against her will and “needed help.” Lance Corporal Dana L. Tate Sr. and Corporal Dyke “A.J.” Coursen raced to the scene. When Deputies Tate and Coursen arrived, the man hid in a bedroom closet with a high-powered SKS assault rifle. As they searched the bedroom, the two deputies were shot multiple times. Both died at the scene. Corporal Tate managed to wound the gunman before succumbing to his injuries. The cop killer, a convicted felon out on parole, briefly escaped, but was soon found and ultimately sentenced to death for the two murders. He remains on death row. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has said their deaths remain “a vivid reminder of the dangers of our profession. We will always remember and be inspired by the example they have given us. Their spirit remains, like a handprint on our hearts.” Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (December 2, 2025) - On September 25, 1992, Minneapolis Police Officer Jerome “Jerry” Haaf Sr., 53, was near the end of his shift when he stopped by a favorite cop hangout to have a cup of coffee and finish some paperwork. As he sat at the table, two gang members entered from behind. They were members of the Vice Lords street gang. Without warning, they opened fire, shooting Jerry twice in the back. Jerry was rushed to the hospital, but his wounds were too severe and he died. Four men were convicted for their roles in the murder. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison; three of his accomplices received 30-year sentences. It turned out that the assassins didn’t even know Officer Haaf. The motive was chillingly simple: Jerry was killed because of the uniform he wore. The Vice Lords wanted to send a message of hate to law enforcement. Officer Haaf, who had served the city of Minneapolis for 30 years, was just months away from retirement. He was survived by his wife, Marilyn, a daughter and two sons. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (November 25, 2025) - On the afternoon of November 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists seeking independence for their island from U.S. control, launched an attack on Blair House where President Truman was living while the White House was under renovation. Their goal was to either kidnap or assassinate the President to draw international attention to their cause. Standing guard was Private Leslie Coffelt, a 40-year-old officer of the White House Police (later renamed the Uniformed Division of the U.S. Secret Service). As the attackers opened fire, Private Coffelt was struck three times and mortally wounded. Yet in those final moments, he summoned the strength to return fire. With a single, precise shot to the head from 31 feet away, he killed one of the assailants, ending the assault and protecting the President. Two other members of the White House Police, Donald Birdzell and Joseph Downs, were also wounded in the incident, but both survived. Later, when honoring Private Coffelt with a plaque at Blair House, President Truman called him “one of the most pleasant officers on the force—and one of the ablest.” Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (November 18, 2025) - On July 24, 1998, a mentally deranged man drove from Montana to Washington, D.C. with death and destruction on his mind. He was carrying a .38 caliber revolver and thoughts clouded by delusion. At 3:40 p.m., he set off the metal detector at the Document Door on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. When Capitol Police Officer Jacob “J.J.” Chestnut asked him to step back through, the crazed killer pulled his gun and shot the 58-year-old officer point-blank in the back of the head. The man then ran deeper into the Capitol. Det. John Gibson heard the gunfire. He was protecting the office of then-House Majority Whip Tom DeLay. He told staffers to hide under their desks. When the man burst through the office door, Det. Gibson confronted him. He was shot in the chest and mortally wounded, but he was able to return fire, striking the man multiple times and stopping the attack. A nation mourned for their heroic sacrifice, and Officer Chestnut and Det. Gibson became the first police officers to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com