2016 Indiana Police Appreciation Week
The HR Field Team attended the Breaching the Barricade Conference in Elkhart, Indiana on September 30. Officers were encouraged by Chaplain Jim Bontrager and keynote speaker retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Jerry Boykin.
General Boykin continues to serve our country by confronting the evil infiltrating our national government, and he encouraged officers to stand against the evil in their communities. The Field Team and other peace officer ministries were there to provide spiritual support and encouragement to the officers and their family members.
Mike and Linda met with officers, spouses, and volunteer workers at the annual Indiana Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day on October 1, in Middlebury. Chaplain Jim Bontrager, his family, and the many volunteers from local churches provided officers and their families with a great day of fun, food, and care. If you or your family feel like everybody is against our cop family, you need to attend next year's Officer Appreciation Day on October 7, 2017.
All activities (you've got to check out the link below!) and food are free for officers, spouses, and kids. For more info, check out Jim Bontrager's "Warrior on the Wall" web site:
Career Survival for Wyoming Officers
April 2017
Mike was invited to speak to officers at the Wyoming Criminal Justice Association's symposium on April 5, at Casper College. Mike spoke to the officers and to the criminal justice students about "Peace Officer Career Survival". He spoke about the physical dangers of police work and the emotional toll our profession takes on officers, their spouses, and their children.
Mike shared many personal experiences in his thirty-one year police career, and he was able to share some career ending errors made by a few of his co-workers. His presentation stressed the need for officers to avoid the obvious pitfalls, and that remembering to care for their families and for their own emotional and spiritual health are essential elements to having a truly successful career.
HART RESCUE
Joins FCPO, USA
May 2015
TheHRField Team spent several days with Paul Lee, Director of Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers, USA in May, 2015. Knowing that we are stronger in numbers, we felt that our association with FCPO would assist us in furthering the Gospel to the Police community. We hope to be a resource to FCPO, as they have already been to us. If you are not familiar with FCPO, check out their website at www.fcpo.org/ .
Air Medical Memorial Service 2017
Mike attended the Air Medical Memorial Service in Littleton, CO on July 29. Air medical crews and family members paid tribute to twenty-four air medical crewmembers who were killed in the line of duty in 2016.
Mike was able to connect with several survivor family members. Having served as an Army helicopter crew member, Mike is very aware of the additional hazards which can be encountered by air medical crews. Please keep the hurting family members in your prayers. Also remember to pray for your local air medical crews as they risk their lives serving your community.
National EMS Memorial Service 2017
The HR Field Team attended the National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) Memorial Service in Arlington, Virginia on May 20. Twenty-eight brother and sister medics, including medevac pilots and flight nurses, were honored this year for making the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man.
This was our third NEMS memorial service. In the past years, Mike was invited to speak at one of the pre-service events; however, HR has not been able to officially participate as a ministry presence, as we do in several of our other national events. Mike and Linda were able to meet with the NEMS Memorial Foundation President to offer our assistance at future events, and she responded positively. Mike will follow up to make plans for next year's NEMS Memorial events.
The HR Field Team attends memorial services not only to honor the service of their fallen brothers and sisters, but also to provide emotional and spiritual support to the co-workers and the surviving family members.
HR Field Team in
Madison, GA
April 2016
The HR Field Team visited Madison, GA twice since the first of this year. Mike met with the Morgan County Sheriff, and he spoke in the Source of Light Ministry (SLM) chapel service in January. On their return visit in April, Linda spoke at the SLM chapel service talking about "The Family Behind the Badge". Mike met with members of several local churches to discuss security issues, and he attended an emergency management meeting at the Sheriff's Office. The Field Team has developed relationships with their brothers and sisters at SLM, and they will be stopping by Madison when they pass through northern GA in the future.
God bless you all.
HR is Now a Tax Exempt, Non-Profit "Charitable Organization"
The HART RESCUE ministry corporation had been recognized as a non-profit charitable organization by the US Internal Revenue Service. The ministry is exempt from federal income tax under IRS tax code section 501 (c)(3). This designation permits persons, businesses, or organizations who donate gifts to the HR ministry to claim their donations as a deduction from their taxable income when filing annual federal income tax returns. Donors will be provided with documentation of their gifts in January for the previous tax year, beginning in January 2018.
Winter Travels Will Take HRSupport 7 to SE US
Nov 2015
The HR Field Team will winter in central Florida to keep our mobile operations center from freezing like it did our first winter in Colorado (-19...Brrr!!). We will most likely travel across the southeastern states as far west as Texas at least once before heading north for National Police Week in May. We hope to meet many more brothers and sisters along the way. If you see Support 7 in a store or restaurant parking lot, look for us, so we can spend a few moments with you. There are several events in Florida we are exploring. We will post those events when we get them on our schedule.
HART RESCUE
National EMS Memorial Service 2016
May 2016
The HR Field Team attended the National EMS Memorial Service in Arlington, VA on May 21. Emergency medical personnel paid tribute to their fallen co-
workers and to their family members.
The HR Field Team attends memorial services not only to honor the service of their fallen brothers and sisters, but also to provide emotional and spiritual support to the co-workers and the surviving family members.
EVENT ARCHIVE
2017 Sheepdog Safety seminars
January 2017
Mike and Linda traveled to Chattanooga, TN; Merritt Island, FL; Miami, FL; and Palm Beach, FL to be available to attendees at the Sheepdog Safety Seminars in January. Jimmy Meeks requested Mike to briefly describe the shootout in his church parking lot at the Chattanooga and the Palm Beach events.
They hope that sharing their experiences at these events will assist the presenters in convincing the attendees that deadly force events can occur anywhere, without warning.
Their experiences demonstrate that mental and spiritual preparation and the proper execution of appropriate tactical skills in extreme stress situations not only enhance survival of the event, but also survival of the aftermath. Mike and Linda also make themselves available to assist individuals who have already experienced critical incidents, and who need a listening ear or some advice from someone who has "been there and done that".
Thank you to Jimmy Meeks, LTC Grossman, and Carl Chin for the open invitation for HART RESCUE to participate at your events. For information on these seminars, check the Sheepdog Safety Training website:
Mike is Appointed Fire Chaplain on Guernsey, WY VFD
Mike has been requested to serve as a chaplain on the Guernsey, Wyoming Volunteer Fire Department. In April, Mike met with Chief Jeff Thomas to discuss how the HART RESCUE Field Team could assist GVFD while they were home in Platte County this summer. Chief Thomas appointed Mike as chaplain to assist the department during times when he and Linda are there, and he gave Mike permission to represent GVFD at fire and EMS memorial services. Mike plans to attend department training, as well as being available to assist firefighters and medics on emergency scenes. Mike and Linda have already made themselves available for emotional and spiritual support to all emergency responders and military members in Platte and Goshen Counties. Please pray for our officers, firefighters, medics, and soldiers, and pray for our support team as they minister to the needs of our community servants.
2017 FCPO Ministries During National Police Memorial Week
The HR Field Team worked alongside other LE ministries in the Washington, D.C. area during National Police Week. We all worked in coordination with the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers, USA (FCPO). Hundreds of officers stopped by our tents to ask questions and to request resources. Spouses and chaplains also stopped by to meet our FCPO ministry team. We provided free printed resources, to include Bibles and New Testaments which are published with helps for those in the police profession.
We were also able to minister to folks outside of "tent city", as we spent some time at the National Peace Officers' Memorial wall, and while we were at other public places throughout the week. We were much busier than the past two years at this event. It was just AMAZING to see how God was working! There were several officers who became "eternal brothers" in front of our tent, and we were all able to pray for many who had particular needs or who needed encouragement. We were all in awe of what we saw this week, and we pray that the many seeds that were sown will produce a great harvest in the hearts and lives of those we had the privilege to meet. All praise and glory for what was accomplished goes to our Lord, Jesus Christ!
HART RESCUE Visits Hartville, Ohio
HR Support 7 traveled through Northeastern Ohio while westbound to Wyoming. This year Mike decided to swing a little north to check out their "sister city", Hartville, Ohio.
They spent several days in the area, as weather in Southwestern Ohio was pretty crummy. Mike met several officers at the PD, and then he and Linda stopped by one of the city's fire stations. Mike and Linda enjoyed visiting with some of the firefighter / medics, and they were able to provide several copies of the "Answering the Call" New Testaments. The following day Mike met with the Mayor and the Chief of Police. Mike and Linda had a great time of fellowship with Chief Dordea, and they provided him with their remaining copies of "The Peacemaker" New Testaments. During their visit they met many friendly folks, some of whom were firefighters and military veterans. Others were curious about HART RESCUE's ministry, so the Field Team had quite a few ministry contacts in Hartville's businesses. The visit was so enjoyable that Support 7 will most likely make a few more "detours" through Hartville on future trips between Wyoming and Washington, D.C.
HART RESCUE REVIEW
COP CHURCH CHATTANOOGA
Nov 2015
Mike and Linda spoke at COP Church Chattanooga on November 3, 2015. They were welcomed by Pastor / Officer Jonathan Parker. Mike and Linda shared several miraculous survival events during his thirty-one year police career. Linda spoke directly to the spouses, reminding them that "You pay a high price to love a cop. Is it worth it? Oh yes, it's very worth it." They ended by encouraging officers and spouses to be prepared for the battles ahead.
If you would like to see Mike and Linda at Cop Church Chattanooga, check:
HR Support 7 Assists Motorcycle Crash Victim
The HR Field Team was stopped by motorists advising of a motorcycle crash on Ohio Route 73, east of Wilmington, Ohio on Memorial Day. Mike, Linda, and a nurse provided care for the rider until fire / EMS personnel arrived. The patient was transported to a hospital via medical helicopter.
They were able to make several brief contacts with firefighters, medics, and officers on the scene after the victim was evacuated.
Where it started:
50 Years Ago
The field team was in SW Ohio where Mike met with the Chief of Police and other officers from his first agency where he began his police career 50 years ago (Oct 4, 1971).
Mike also made his annual stop to visit the Butler County Sheriff.
Mike also made a station visit at the Hamilton Fire Headquarters where he visited with the Fire Chief, providing materials from the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters.
Support 7 Visit at Hart County Rescue Squad
April 2016
The HR Field Team stopped by the Hart County Rescue Squad Station in Munfordville, KY on Saturday, April 30th. Some of the squad members we met were cleaning up after a successful water rescue on Friday. Two victims were rescued from the Green River after their canoe capsized. We had planned to visit Hart Rescue Squad after seeing information about the organization while establishing HART RESCUE's support ministry. When we found that we were so close to Hart County, Mike contacted Chief Garland Logsdon to request a visit.
Chief Logsdon gave us a tour of the facility and a briefing on their equipment and their missions. Hart Rescue Squad is a private non-profit corporation which has about thirty-five volunteers who respond to land search and rescue, high and low angle rescue, and water rescue and recovery operations.
The members who were present accepted our first responder "Answering the Call" New Testaments and our cards. Chief Logsdon presented us with Hart County Rescue Squad t-shirts. As always, the Southern hospitality and the privilege of relating with our brother volunteer responders was worth the trip. Seeing and hearing what this group of dedicated citizens do reminded us of why we are so proud to have been affiliated with our own emergency responder organizations.
May God bless all of you who give your time and risk your lives for your neighbors, expecting nothing in return!
National Law Enforcement Memorial 2016
MAY 2016
The HR Field Team worked alongside other FCPO ministry teams at "tent city" during National Law Enforcement Memorial activities. There was a fairly constant flow of folks stopping by the tent except for the times where wet windy weather required the tent flaps to come down. Officers and family members were provided with Bibles, New Testaments, and support information from the various ministries. Team members shared the love of Christ with those who stopped by. There were lots of prayers and lots of hugs. All were blessed by meeting and sharing with officers who are eternal Brothers and Sisters. See our partner page to see those who participated by their presence or by providing materials.
Sharing Events / Drop-in Visits
2017
Family Behind the Badge
North Hills Baptist Church, Lingle, WY *
National Law Enforcement Memorial Week activities, Washington, D.C.
Wyoming Criminal Justice Symposium Casper, WY *
Sheepdog Safety Seminar at
Palm Beach, FL PBA *
Police / Sheriff facilities in central TX,
SE WY, NE & SW OH
Fire / Rescue Stations in SE TN, central TX, central & S FL, SE WY
2016
Baldomero Lopez Veterans' Home Christmas party with the SAR / DAR
Land O' Lakes, FL
Withlacoochee Sons of the American Revolution Meeting *
Church in the Park, Lingle, WY *
National Law Enforcement Memorial Week activities
Washington, D.C.
Chapel Services Source of Light Ministries Madison, GA *
Police / Sheriff facilities in N AR,
central FL, N GA, S KS, SE TN, N & SE WY
Fire / Rescue Stations in N AR, N &
central FL, NW & SW KY, W NC,
SW OH, SE TN, N & SE WY
2015
Withlacoochee Sons of the American Revolution Meeting *
Cop Church, Chattanooga, TN *
National Law Enforcement Memorial Week activities, Washington, D.C.
Meetings w / Director Paul Lee, Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers USA, Chattanooga, TN
Cop Church, Chattanooga, TN
Supper w / Chattanooga PD &
Hamilton County SO personnel
Tour & material review at Source of Life Ministries, Madison, GA
Police / Sheriff facilities in SW OH &SE WY
Fire stations in SW OH & SE WY
2014
Grace Fellowship Church
North Stonington, CT*
Music Evangelism Foundation Conference, Colorado Springs, CO *
National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Start
Fort Collins, CO *
American Police Chaplains' Conference
Monument, CO *
Centurion LE Ministry "Cop Church"
Aurora, CO *
Police / Sheriff facilities in N CO,SE WY, SW OH
Fire stations is N CO, SE WY, & Central FL
HR Field Team Participated in the Indiana Police Appreciation Week
Oct 2015
Mike was the opening speaker at the Breaching the Barricade Conference held on October 2, in Elkhart, Indiana. He shared his testimony of God's protection during and following two shooting incidents during his police career. Linda and Mike were able to share their faith and their life experiences with officers and their spouses during breaks at the conference.
Mike and Linda spoke with officers, spouses, and many of the volunteer workers at the annual Indiana Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day on October 3, in Middlebury. There were numerous activities and a massive amount of food, all provided free for peace officers and their families. Thanks to Chaplain Jim Bontrager, his family, and the army of volunteers from the many local churches who enthusiastically demonstrated God's love to the officers and to their families in a time where it was much needed.
Formal Organization as a "NPO" Completed
Sep 2015
HART RESCUE is now officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in the State of Wyoming. The first meeting of our corporate officers and ministry support team was on September 17.
Lead Agent Mike thanks all who helped us make this milestone in our ministry. Incorporation establishes our ministry as an officially recognized organization. It allows us the ability to conduct business with financial institutions, it provides legal protection forHRteams, and accountability in how we conduct our ministry and how we manage our finances.
Air Medical Memorial Service 2016
August 2016
The HR Field Team attended the Air Medical Memorial Service in Littleton, CO on August 20. Air medical crews and family members paid tribute to their fallen co-workers and to their family members.
was able to make a number of new contacts, and hug and share with some of his brothers and sisters from previous venues. Mike's connection with the crews is not only as a medic, but also as a military air crew member.
Events / Training Attended
2017
Breaching the Barricade Conference
Elkhart, IN
Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day Middlebury, IN
IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
Colorado Springs, CO
Air Medical Memorial Service
Littleton, CO
National EMS Memorial Service
Arlington, VA
Sheepdog Safety Seminars at Chattanooga, TN; Merritt Island & Miami, FL
2016
Active Shooter Awareness Training
Chattanooga, TN Police
Breaching the Barricade Conference
Elkhart, IN
Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day Middlebury, IN
IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
Colorado Springs, CO
Air Medical Memorial Service
Littleton, CO
National EMS Memorial Service
Arlington, VA
RISE Christian Police Conference
Haymarket, VA
Sheepdog Safety Seminars at Lakeland, FL; Fort Worth, TX; & Chattanooga, TN
2015
Breaching the Barricade Conference
Elkhart, IN*
Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day Middlebury, IN
IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
Colorado Springs, CO
RISE Christian Police Conference
Haymarket, VA
Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conference
Chattanooga, TN
Emergency Responder Marriage Seminar
Viera, FL
2014
Tarpon Springs Police Officer Funeral
Lutz, FL
Suicide "Safe Talk" and Intervention Seminars, North Stonington, CT
Emergency Responders Conference
Smithfield, RI
National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Services, Emmitsburg, MD
IAFF Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Service Colorado Springs, CO
National EMS Memorial Service
Colorado Springs, CO
First Responder Marriage Seminar
Colorado Springs, CO
"Sheep Dog" Church / School Shooting Seminar, Wheat Ridge, CO
Sheepdog Seminars
Jan 2016
The HR Field Team attended Sheepdog Safety Seminars in Lakeland, FL; Fort Worth, TX; and Chattanooga, TN on three weekends in January, 2016. They made many new contacts with emergency responders and with those interested in church safety. Thanks to Jimmy Meeks and LTC Dave Grossman for allowing the HR Field Team to minister to the attendees. They were also able to reconnect with friends and co-ministers from FCPO and COP Church Chattanooga.
For more information on these seminars, check the Sheepdog Safety Training website:
IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service 2016
September 2016
The HR Field Team attended the International Association of Firefighters Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Colorado Springs on 17 September.
This year, firefighters from our hometown of Hamilton, Ohio honored brother Patrick Wolterman, who was fatally injured while fighting a residential arson last December. The field team also met a severly injured firefighter who lost three of his crew members in a wildland fire in Washington last August. We were able to pray with Daniel and his father at our tent and offered our continued support. He had already undergone fourteen surgeries, and he has been told that he will need additional surgeries over the next ten years. Daniel was also a reserve police officer. Please continue to pray for him, as we continue to do so.
Thank you to IAFF for permitting us to set up in "tent city" so that we can continue to minister to our hurting firefighter families.
IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service 2015
Sep 2015
The HR Field Team attended the International Association of Firefighters Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Colorado Springs on September 19.
IAFF permitted us to set up our tent and table so that we could meet and minister to attendees. Our Firefighter New Testaments were well received, and we pray that those who received them will open their hearts to God's loving voice.