Maryland Officers Oppose Local Union's Donation to Darren Wilson's Defense
"While we appreciate the support that the union offers to officers in need, there comes a time where leaders must take a step back and look at the totality of their decisions," wrote Cpl. Kam Cooke, a bike patrol officer and acting president of Anne Arundel's Black Police Officers Association.
A group of African-American police officers in Anne Arundel County said Monday they were "shocked" by their union's donation to a white Missouri police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black teen.
In a letter to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 70, which represents Anne Arundel's rank-and-file police, the officers blasted the decision to donate to a fund for Officer Darren Wilson of the Ferguson, Mo., police department, the Baltimore Sun reports.
"While we appreciate the support that the union offers to officers in need, there comes a time where leaders must take a step back and look at the totality of their decisions," wrote Cpl. Kam Cooke, a bike patrol officer and acting president of Anne Arundel's Black Police Officers Association.
The FOP sent a $1,070 donation last week to an online fundraising campaign for Wilson, who fatally shot Michael Brown during a confrontation in the St. Louis suburb earlier this month. The shooting sparked days of protests.
Cooke said members of the union were not notified before the donation was made.
More Patrol
Adept Armor Introduces Two New Rifle Plates
Adept Armor has launched two new Level IV ballistic plates, the Emperor and the Archon Mark 2, which brings Adept Armor’s new Quatroid ceramic to the high-threat, performance-value center of the range at 5.2 pounds.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Benchmade Bailout
The Benchmade Bailout is a slim, lightweight carry knife with a deep-ride pocket clip and comes in a variety of blade steels and scales. Here is a detailed review of the Taiga Green Bailout, released earlier this year.
Read More →
NLEOMF Announces July 2026 Officer of the Month
NLEOMF honored a Michigan deputy sheriff as the July 2026 Officer of the Month for rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle following a Fourth of July crash.
Read More →
Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →