From The Wiregrass to the Shoals
It all began in Dothan October 3 and ended October 6 in Florence. In four days, we traveled over 300 miles speaking to over 100 officers representing many agencies from across the state. Our guest was Tim Rupp, of Idaho Falls, retired sergeant San Antonio PD, author, speaker and pastor.
On our first day in Dothan, Tim spoke on his book, “Winning A Gunfight.” This informative seminar addressed tactics and techniques that will assist officers on how to win a gunfight tactically, ethically and mentally. Monday’s seminar was attended by officers from southeast Alabama representing seven agencies.
We would like to thank the Dothan Police Department and Chief Will Benny for allowing us to use the world-class facilities at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center (www.wiregrasspublicsafety.org). Also, a special thanks to the Dothan Police Foundation for providing lunch and to DSI Security for providing each attendee their own copy of the book, “Winning a Gunfight.”
Events like these not only benefit officers, but they also help strengthen the ties of brotherhood and sisterhood between different departments and that is a win for the city as well.
Much gratitude to Sergeant Randall Jones from the Vestavia Hills Police Department for helping organize this event.
Next up was the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Training Center, where Tim spoke in the morning and afternoon sessions on “Winning A Gunfight”. Once again it focused on the emotional, psychological and spiritual impact on an officer involved in a gunfight.
There were attendees from all over North Central Alabama representing over ten departments. Tim did an outstanding job presenting biblical truths through his presentation, and that is always our ultimate goal.
Final stop for the week was Florence where Tim spoke in the morning and afternoon sessions on his book “Suicide is Not an Option.” This is a very sensitive topic but one that must be addressed as each year two and one-half to three times more officers kill themselves than are killed by the bad guys.
A special thanks to Chief Ron Tyler and Lt. Mark Senf of the Florence Police Department for hosting and to Chapel Church for providing the venue. This was our first time in the Shoals area and we are hopeful we can return in the not too distant future.
In closing the evaluations from the week reflected overwhelming approval of the content, and many expressed a desire to have additional training of this type. A special thanks to Andy Hughes and Manuel Zarate for their support and to our sponsors First Guard, LLC and Southern Software. Without you this week would have not been possible.
Be on the lookout for what is coming in 2023.
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a movement focused on generosity. It all started in 2012 with the simple concept of encouraging others to do good. It has now become a global movement. This year Giving Tuesday is November 29, and we encourage you to do two things:
- Express your gratitude to an officer. This can be done by writing a thank you note or saying thank you to an officer you may see that day.
- Make a financial contribution to Blue Watch so we can continue to carry on the mission. This can be done by clicking on the donate button on the Blue Watch website or by mailing a check made making payable to Blue Watch, to 2620 Swiss Lane, Birmingham, AL 35226. Blue Watch is a 501c(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
What’s Next
Planning is underway for the year ahead in 2023. In the weeks ahead we will be meeting with key law enforcement leaders and strategic ministry partners from across the state. We want to hear from the officers and their families as to what are their greatest needs and how greatest we can best minister to them.
If you have ideas, suggestions of questions feel free to reach out. You can do so by emailing us at info@bluewatchfoundation.org.
Order Your Book Today – At No Cost To You
Want a copy of these books? One can be yours today. Visit our website to order your free copy.
- “Winning A Gunfight…securing victory ethically, mentally and tactfully in a gunfight”: There is much more to winning a gunfight than just physically surviving. Most who are in gunfights survive but may not win. Learn the difference and how you can survive and win.
- “Suicide Is Not an Option”: Each year 2.5-3 times more officers take their own life than are murdered in the line of duty. Despite the efforts of many, the suicide rate amongst law enforcement officers continues to rise. A retired police sergeant and author, Tim Rupp, explores the spiritual aspects and argues there is meaning to life beyond the individual.
- “Courageous Living Bible Study”: This four-session Bible study is designed to challenge you to live courageously for the sake of your family. Based on the movie “Courageous,” session topics include fighting for your family, valuing what matters most, impacting future generations, and standing for Christ.
To order your FREE book, visit our Book Giveaway page and let us know which book you would like!
Once you have read the book, please share with us your thoughts, good or bad, and we hope you will pass along the book to a fellow officer.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support the Blue Watch mission:
- Pray – we need prayer warriors who will pray for us on an ongoing basis and at special events.
- Volunteer – we are in need of people who will help manage our website, social media and other aspects of the ministry. If the mission of Blue Watch is of interest to you and you have a skillset to offer, consider Blue Watch.
- Donate – it takes money to make all of this to happen. The Lord greatly blessed us in 2022, but to continue our progress will require increased giving. You can give online or by check.
If any of these are of interest to you, please email us at info@bluewatchfoundation.org.
Support the Mission
Please prayerfully consider making a financial contribution to Blue Watch. It is through the faithful giving of many across the state that has made all we have done possible, and to continue the mission, will require greater community support.
If you feel led to support, you can donate by visiting our website and clicking the “Donate” button or by making a check payable to Blue Watch and mailing to 2620 Swiss Lane, Birmingham, AL 35226.
Blue Watch is a 501c(3) non-profit. All donations are tax deductible.
The mission of Blue Watch is to help officers and their families experience the relevance and benefits of God in their lives.