Timed with the Thanksgiving holiday, Angel Studios has released the film Bonhoeffer – Pastor, Spy, Assassin. The film tells the true life story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran minister, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident. He directly challenged the German church of the 1930s and 1940s to reject the heresies demanded by Hitler, which Hitler intended to advance his own power and further his brutal reign. To this date, the living example of clarity, courage, and sacrifice displayed by Bonhoeffer is a blessing. There is cause for thanksgiving. For those among the clergy and others holding positions of authority, including all who work in policing, the film is a recommended resource. [Click the link below to read more.]
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There is time for Breaching the Barricade (BTB). To attend the annual conference in Elkhart, Indiana. The annual training conference will be held on this coming Friday, 4 October 2024. Each year, this premiere conference is uniquely focused on those working in policing, and preparing them to successfully overcome the challenges of the profession. And, yes, there is still time for our nation’s police officers to breach the barricades they face, as they advance their vital public safety mission. At the conference, Thomas Lemmer will be presenting the next installment of his continuing series on resilience. [Click the link below to read more.]
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Two hundred and forty-eight years have passed since the 4th of July in 1776. I love America. The principles on which this country was created still guide me. The courage of our founders and their commitment to those core principles still inspire me. They were flawed people, who were determined to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and those who would come after them. The work of securing those liberties continues until this very day. Our nation’s military personnel defend our nation from threats abroad. America’s police officers secure those blessings within communities across this nation. Before this day ended, I just wanted to say again, there is much to love there. [Click the link below to read more.]
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The founder of Secure 1776, Thomas Lemmer, will once again be presenting at the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) Annual Conference. This year the conference will be held on 24 to 26 April 2024 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Lemmer will be presenting his powerful and insightful course “Embracing Truth – A Wellness Foundation.” Within the policing profession, the ongoing challenges of officer wellness are a reality. Many police officers believe that their leaders and their communities do not fully understand them or the challenges they face. In this session, conference attendees will be guided into a deeper exploration of how those who have sworn a law enforcement oath can and must embrace the power of truth.
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Hyper-secularism has fed an age of narcissism, and narcissists are incapable of true gratitude. On this Thanksgiving Day 2023, I pray for them and our United States of America. Even in a nation suffering the consequences of political divisions, we remain a blessed people. Yet, in an age of narcissism, far too many Americans would rather condemn privilege than even acknowledge, let alone be thankful for their own blessings. Let each of us be truly mindful of all of our blessings, and be thankful. We have much for which to be grateful. [Click the link below to read more.]
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There is still time to register for the next “Breaching the Barricade Conference” on Friday, 6 October 2023. The conference is held annually in Elkhart, Indiana. Quoting our founder: “I cannot emphasize enough how this event is something everyone working in law enforcement should attend each year. Body, mind, and soul are all a priority in this one-of-a-kind, industry best approach to wellness. This is true for the newest officer, to the chief of police, and actively retired members – and their significant others. This annual event is a place to refresh, recharge, share, and prepare to continue the mission.” Lemmer will be giving the opening presentation, as well as a powerful breakout session. [Click the link below to read more.]
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As the American Revolutionary War concluded in 1781, the work to establish a system of government for the new nation began. The ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence burned brightly. However, in its first years, America struggled in outlining the form and substance of the national political union. From May through September 1787, the states held a Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Our U.S. Constitution was agreed upon by the delegates on the 17th of September. Most Americans are not aware that we are to honor that day, each year, as Constitution Day. Today, our nation is once again in the midst of a political struggle, and we would be wise to remember that the constitution still matters. [Click the link below to read more.]
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Within the policing profession, officer safety is always a priority topic. In recent years, a focus on officer wellness has grown as an officer safety issue. There are many physical, psychological, and emotional dangers for those who have sworn a law enforcement oath. The positive impact of wellness is healthier officers, who are better prepared, on every level, to perform their duties. Weakened wellness places officers at greater risk physically, psychologically, and emotionally. The voice of a child singing reminds us that officer safety is an issue that also impacts the wellness of police families. The song “Praying to God,” sung by Tenley Moran, just eleven years old, is a powerful reminder that wellness is an issue that extends to the children of our police officers. [Click the link below to read more.]
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Thomas Lemmer, the founder of Secure 1776, will once again be presenting at the Midwest Security & Police Conference/Expo (MSPCE). The annual two-day event is hosted by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. MSPCE 2023 will be held this week, on 10 and 11 August 2023, at the Tinley Park Convention Center, in Tinley Park, Illinois. The expo will showcase the latest products and services from more than 130 vendors. The event also includes a comprehensive training conference accredited by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. Lemmer will be presenting two of the conference training sessions on 10 August. The first, “You Ask Yourself, Why Me? Why Now?” The second, “Leadership and the Police Policy Principles.” [Click the link below to read more.]
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Last week, on the Fourth of July, the film Sound of Freedom was released in theaters. The release had been delayed for years. The criticism the film has received since its release has also been unusual. There is a key connection between the delayed release and the post release criticism. The film is based on a true story, and that story is beyond ugly. The film builds from the efforts of former Homeland Security Special Agent Tim Ballard and his efforts to confront the scourge of child trafficking. Sound of Freedom is compelling, must see viewing about the international child sex trade. The film spares the audience from the actual abuse images, but captures the horror of the reality that exists. We urge you to see this moving film. [Click the link below to read more.]
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Dawn today brought with it another Fourth of July in America. Nearly two and a half centuries have passed since the representatives of the several British colonies in America declared their independence. Even sports fans and gamblers often reflect back on glorious wins. Their excitement echoes the difference when the outcome defies the odds. Victory and independence for America were far from certain. The signers of the Declaration of Independence knew fully this reality. The consequences for losing would be severe. Even just attempting to pursue liberty would bring many challenges and hardships. Such is the way of great accomplishments. As a people, we must acknowledge two truths. The success of the American Revolution did not just defy the odds. The blessings of liberty are a gift from God greater than any athletic achievement. Cherish liberty and thank God for this day. [Click the link below to read more.]
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Too many shoplifters in your town? At least one community in Kenosha County, Wisconsin wants fewer reports of retail theft. But, actually stopping the stealing can be a challenge. The Village of Somers has an idea. If a store has too much theft, just make the merchant pay a $500 fee for calling the police. How much is too much? Well it used to be 20 calls a month. Now it will be 10 retail theft calls a month. We agree. Ten thefts from your store a month is too many. Worse, all of those calls makes it look like the village has a crime problem. Less calls, fewer reports. Fewer reports, less crime. Well, sort of. We did not say making a crime victim pay for police service was a good idea. [Click the link below to read more.]
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There was a time before smartphones. A time before the internet. Perhaps when we relied upon the people to be smart, we were a far more thoughtful nation. It was not possible to scroll through mountains of the inane in a mirage seeking significance. No, its more than perhaps, an ease of technology makes true contemplation more difficult. Not so long ago, if you sought to remember a far-off loved one on a holiday, you had to plan ahead. It required actually writing a meaningful message, as there were no gifs or jpegs. If you sought to leave a written message, you needed to rely on the post office, and you needed a stamp. A particular stamp I first saw as a child comes to mind today. Why that stamp? Why today? Because today is Memorial Day, not the start of summer. [Click the link below to read more.]
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