Pickle Peril

Pickle Peril

Few people realize the peril of the deadly pickle. Consider:

99.9% of all folks who die of a heart attack have eaten pickles;
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99.7% of all those involved in air, auto, boat and bike accidents ate pickles in the preceding 21 days;
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nearly all sick people have eaten pickles;
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among all people born in 1870, who later ate pickles, there has been nearly 100% mortality.
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We simply must do something about this deadly scourge. Write your congress member today. Please tell him or her that enough is enough! Outlaw pickles today! Or at least place a seven-day waiting period on the purchase and possession of a pickle for domestic consumption. It is the least that we can do! Pickle peril must stop now! It must stop with us! It is our civic, human, ethical and moral responsibility.

20011123 Pickle Peril

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Blip.fm: http://blip.fm/kevindayhoff_soundtrack Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1040426835 Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/

CYBER TROOPERS MAKE ARREST FOR SEXUAL SOLICITATION OF A MINOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 23, 2009

CYBER TROOPERS MAKE ARREST FOR SEXUAL SOLICITATION OF A MINOR

(Columbia, MD) – A man who had been making on-line plans for months to allegedly have sex with someone he thought was a 13-year old girl had his plans interrupted last night when he was arrested by members of the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit.                       The suspect is identified as Robert A. Prall, 28, of the 6200-block of Sandrise Court, Elkridge, Md.  He is charged with one count of solicitation of a minor.  If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.                       The investigation began in late February 2009, when an undercover state trooper assigned to the Computer Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force posted a listing on an Internet site featuring on-line classified advertisements.  The on-line identity indicated the person was a young girl.                       Within days, a communication was received from an individual who identified himself as a 28-year-old man from Elkridge.  During the next two months, on-line conversations occurred between the man and the trooper posing as the 13-year-old girl.  Most of the conversations had sexual overtones or were outright  discussions of the two meeting for sex.  In the interim, investigators identified the adult as the suspect, Prall.                     On April 22, 2009, through email, texting and instant messaging, Prall made arrangements to meet the person he thought was the 13-year-old girl in Columbia and take her back to his home for sexual intercourse.  The two were to meet at 4:30 p.m. and would go to Prall’s home while his live-in girlfriend was away.                       Prall arrived at the designated meeting place shortly before 4:30 p.m. yesterday.  He was arrested by Maryland State Police and taken to the Waterloo Barracks for processing.                         State Police coordinate Maryland’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is made up of federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers dedicated to identifying and apprehending criminals exploiting and victimizing children through the use of the Internet.  The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit investigates all varieties of computer related criminal activity and operates the Computer Forensics Laboratory.  State Police provide assistance to police departments throughout Maryland in computer crime investigations.

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CONTACT:

Mr. Gregory Shipley Office of Media Communications & Marketing 410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

20090423 Cyber Troopers Make Arrest For Sexual Solicitation Of A Minor

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Maryland State Police: Barricade In Carroll County Has Ended

Maryland State Police: Barricade In Carroll County Has Ended

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2009

BARRICADE IN CARROLL COUNTY HAS ENDED

(Westminster, MD) - Maryland State Police found one person deceased after entering a Carroll
County home this afternoon where they had been since this morning after receiving a phone call from a man who threatened to harm himself.

The deceased has been identified as Carl Michael Byczkowski, 45, of the 600-block Glen Drive, Westminster, Maryland. He sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene by a forensic examiner. Byczkowski will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m. today, troopers at the Westminster Barracks surrounded a single-family home in the 600-block of Glen Drive, in Westminster, Maryland, after receiving a call from a man at that address who said he was going to shoot himself. The man closed the interior blinds to the home when troopers arrived on the scene.

Responding troopers established a perimeter around the house. Due to the statement of the man in the house about his possession and use of a firearm and the proximity of the house to other homes, troopers quickly notified nearby residences to evacuate until the situation was resolved. Area schools were also notified of the incident, but none were in close proximity to the home to be in danger. Detours around the area were established by troopers.

The Maryland State Police Special Tactical Assault Team Element (STATE), negotiators from the Hostage Recovery Team, and a representative from the Carroll County
State’s Attorney’s Office responded to the home. Throughout the day, troopers attempted to make contact with Byczkowski, but never received a response.

At about 2:00 p.m. STATE Team members made a tactical entry into the single family home where they found Byczkowski deceased. No one else was in the home.

CONTACT: D/Sgt. James Dewees
Westminster Barrack
4103-386-3000

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CONTACT: Sergeant Arthur Betts
Office of Media Communications & Marketing
410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

20090421 SDOSM MSP Barricade In Carroll County Has Ended
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Explore Carroll: Man shoots himself in Westminster standoff

Explore Carroll: Man shoots himself in Westminster standoff

In an update on Troopers On Scene Of Carroll County Barricade; Explore Carroll com is now reporting:

“Man shoots himself in Westminster standoff”

Police are unsure if there are victims inside the house

From staff reports Posted 4/21/09

A man who had barricaded himself inside his Westminster home today from police has apparently killed himself according to Sgt. Arthur Betts of the Maryland State Police.

Read the rest here: “Man shoots himself in Westminster standoff”

http://explorecarroll.com/news/2772/man-barricades-himself-inside-westminster-home/

20090421 SDOSM Exp Carroll Man shoots himself in Wster standoff
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Troopers On Scene Of Carroll County Barricade

Troopers On Scene Of Carroll County Barricade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 21, 2009 2:13 PM

TROOPERS ON SCENE OF CARROLL COUNTY BARRICADE

(Westminster, MD) - Maryland State Police have established a perimeter and are attempting to contact a Carroll County man who is refusing to come out of his house after telling troopers this morning in a phone call that he was going to harm himself.

A positive identification of the man who called has not been made at this time. He is believed to be a 45-year old man in possession of multiple loaded firearms inside of the residence.

Maryland State Police have surrounded a single-family home in the 600-block of Glen Drive, in Westminster, Md.
Troopers have not been able to determine at this time if anyone is in the house with the suicidal man.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m. today, troopers at the Westminster Barracks received a call from a man at that address who said he was going to shoot himself. The man closed the interior blinds to the home when troopers arrived on the scene.

Responding troopers established a perimeter around the house. Due to the statement of the man in the house about his possession and use of a firearm and the proximity of the house to other homes, troopers quickly notified nearby residences to evacuate until the situation is resolved.

Area schools have also been notified of this incident, but none are in close proximity to the home to be in danger.

Detours around the area have been established by troopers.

The Maryland State Police Special Tactical Assault Team Element (STATE) has responded to the scene, as have
negotiators from the Hostage Recovery Team, and a representative from the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office.

State Police negotiators have attempted to make contact with the man, but have been unable to do so.

No shots have been fired by the suspect or by police since troopers first arrived on the scene. Troopers are urging the man to surrender and resolve this situation peacefully.


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CONTACT: Sergeant Arthur Betts
Office of Media Communications & Marketing
410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

20090421 Troopers On Scene Of Carroll County Barricade

Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

STATE POLICE ARREST TEACHER FOR SOLICITATION OF A MINOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 20, 2009

STATE POLICE ARREST TEACHER FOR SOLICITATION OF A MINOR

(Bel Air, MD) The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit arrested a Harford County middle school physical education teacher today for allegedly sexually soliciting a fifteen year old boy from Prince George�s County. The accused is identified as Jonathan S. Dick, 43, of the 1300-block of Sheridan Place in Bel Air. He is charged with two counts of solicitation of a minor. If convicted, Dick could be sentenced up to ten years and/or a $25,000 fine per count. The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Section began this investigation in February after receiving a complaint from the victim�s parents when they located disturbing sexual text messages between the juvenile victim and Dick. Investigators obtained the juvenile�s cellular phone and laptop computer and were able to recover the Internet chats. The solicitation occurred over a period of several weeks, after the juvenile and Dick began communicating on a social networking website. Investigators were able to trace the account information back to Dick. Police learned that Dick is employed as a physical education teacher at Fallston Middle School in Harford County. He also serves as a boys lacrosse coach at Fallston High School. Police executed a search warrant at Dick�s Bel Air residence early this morning, seizing a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and several printed documents and pictures relevant to the investigation. The seized computers will be sent to the State Police Computer Forensics Laboratory for examination. Dick was arrested at the Harford County Administrative Offices at noon today. He was then processed at the Bel Air barrack and transported to the Harford County Detention Center. A bond hearing before a court commissioner will occur later today. Because this investigation involves a teacher, the State Police coordinated efforts with the Harford County Child Advocacy Center, the Harford County State�s Attorney Office, and the Harford County Public Schools administration. This case continues to be investigated by the State Police and the Harford County Child Advocacy Center. Anyone with any information concerning this case is urged to contact the Center at 410-638-3294. The Computer Crimes Unit�s primary mission is to protect children from computer-facilitated sexual exploitation. The unit works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to provide resources to combat these crimes. The unit is also charged with helping to prevent the spread of these crimes through education and community awareness.

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CONTACT:

Ms. Elena Russo Office of Media Communications & Marketing 410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ SDOSM 20090320

Carroll County Sheriff sets plan for New Year; includes alternative funding and furlough

“Sheriff sets plan for New Year; includes alternative funding and furlough”

Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland, January 7, 2009 ---- Sheriff Kenneth L. Tregoning is pleased to announce the law enforcement strategic priorities for 2009: “Promote Professional Development & Wellness; Implement New Technologies that Enhance Public Safety Communications & Information Sharing; Promote Service Excellence through Maintenance of [Accreditation] Standards; and, Increase Outreach Efforts.”

As with any organization the establishment of new goals is not the challenge, rather it’s their execution - an increasingly difficult task in a declining economy. In considering Governor Martin O’Malley’s December appeal to elected leaders, Sheriff Tregoning submitted a five (5) day furlough plan to the County Comptroller’s Office this past month, thereby returning the 2% salary increase legislated for his position this year.

With local government freezing employee Career Ladder Promotions this past summer in response to falling revenue projections, Sheriff Tregoning said, “I can not justify accepting a salary increase when my employees aren’t receiving theirs.” Likewise Sheriff Tregoning trimmed several projects from the coming year’s budget before submitting it to the Commissioner’s Budget Office for approval, including funding for transitioning deputies to a different model handgun and non-mandated training programs.

However, to insure that employee safety, professionalism and public service are not compromised by funding shortfalls, the office has established “Professional Development & Wellness” as its top priority. With the lowest rate of disability, death and retirement benefits among Maryland’s Sheriff’s Offices, funds for the evaluation of those programs are included as a budget item. Further, the office plans to expand its partnerships with public safety advocacy groups such as the Law Enforcement Employees & Families Association, and the Concerns of Police Survivors.

Additionally, the office will increase its pursuit of grants and scholarships from professional organizations to fund additional training and equipment needs. In fact, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office was recently notified by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention that it had been awarded more than $27,000 towards the agency’s goal of establishing “Public Safety Communications & Information Sharing”, or interoperability.

Contrary to the declining economy, the demand for police services continues to increase, including the incidents of identity theft, computer crimes and fraud. These crimes are costly to the victims, many of whom are seniors on a fixed income. For law enforcement, the investigations are labor intensive as they require expensive technology and extensive collaboration with criminal justice agencies abroad. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to partner with local and state government to expand the use of the use of technology to enhance investigative solvability and operational efficiency.

Likewise, the county’s population continues to increase in both size and diversity – leading the Sheriff’s Office to “Increase Outreach Efforts” not only to share resources with our government and public safety partners, but to define the community’s changing needs and align Office resources to communicate with new cultures, prevent emerging crime trends and close existing cases.

In as much, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office takes seriously our obligation to provide quality service in a fiscally responsible manner. Until the full impact of budget shortfalls are known, the Sheriff’s Office will continue the cost saving measures implemented this past year, including restrictions on fuel consumption, off-duty vehicle usage and participation in the county’s car wash program. Embracing the challenges that lie ahead, we look towards the continued innovation of our staff and ever expanding partnerships to secure public safety.

# # #

20090107 Carroll County Sheriff sets plan for New Year

Westminster Police Department Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Holiday Joint Patrol and safety tips Media Release 2008

Westminster Police Department Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Holiday Joint Patrol and safety tips Media Release 2008

WESTMINSTER POLICE DEPARTMENT
36 LOCUST STREET
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
410-848-4646

JEFFREY SPAULDING CHIEF OF POLICE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 26, 2008

MEDIA CONTACTS

Captain Gerry Frischkorn
Administrative Bureau
Westminster Police Department
36 Locust Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
(410) 848-1638

Captain Vince Maas
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
100 N. Court Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
(410) 386-2900

The Westminster Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office will institute a joint special patrol detail for the upcoming holiday season. This detail has several purposes:

To provide an enhanced police presence in commercial areas to serve as a deterrent to robberies, shoplifting, thefts and associated crimes;

To provide a swift response to calls for service in these areas and to assist Patrol in handling the increased activity during this time of year;

To provide for enhanced enforcement of all traffic laws. Particular attention will be focused on impaired driving violations, speed violations, and occupant protections laws.

Enjoy The Holiday Bustle - But Be Aware

The end-of-year holiday season - with all its hustle and bustle - is fast approaching. With all the distractions and activity, we sometimes forget the basics for maximizing our safety on the streets and at home.

By staying alert and following a few common sense crime prevention tips, you can ensure a holiday season that is both happy and safe. A primary factor in crime prevention is being aware of our surroundings and potential areas of danger - thereby closing the criminal's keyhole of opportunity.

Outside of the mall or shopping area, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets, walkways and parking areas - for both walking and parking.

Don't flash large amounts of cash or offer tempting targets for theft such as expensive jewelry or clothing.

Carry a purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by straps. Put a wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants pocket.

Don't fumble for house or car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to use when you reach the car door.

The Westminster Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office hope that by being aware and keeping these few tips in mind, crime won't take a toll on your holidays!

WESTMINSTER POLICE DEPARTMENT TIPS LINE—- (410) 857-8477

20081126 SDOSM WPD CCSO Holiday Joint Patrol Media Release 2008

Carroll County Times Other Voices: Medevac system necessary By Thomas Scalea

Carroll County Times Other Voices: Medevac system necessary By Thomas Scalea, Other Voices Saturday, October 25, 2008

Dr. Thomas Scalea, Chief at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, has written a short, but nevertheless compelling and persuasive for the Maryland State Police Medevac system, which has been brought into question as a result of a recent tragedy.

I cannot agree with Dr. Scalea more…

Related: On October 10, 2008 I wrote about The Future of Maryland Medevac in The Tentacle:

The recent tragic crash of the Maryland State Police aviation command Medevac helicopter has unfortunately developed a subplot for those who wish to further a debate about the future of the vital air rescue service.

The debate began before grieving co-workers, friends, and family hardly had a chance to say goodbye to the three rescue workers and one patient who died.

Much can be said about the inhumanity of state elected leaders who would use such a tragedy for political expediency; however, for those who have observed Maryland politics for many decades, there is very little that can surprise any longer.

We live in a state with a national reputation for politicizing everything from algae to windmills – with all the accompanying mediocrity that is associated with the enormous egos of politicians who are rarely held accountable for their mendacious, meddlesome behavior.

Ever since Maryland modeled its Medevac rescue system from the lessons learned on the battlefields of the Vietnam War, it has been copied all over the world with varying success, although arguably, the Maryland system remains the premier service.

Read my entire column here: The Future of Maryland Medevac

Meanwhile, Dr. Scalea wrote…

In the aftermath of the Maryland State Police Medevac helicopter crash, some have called the use of helicopter transports to bring critically injured patients to trauma centers into question.

As the Chief at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, I have a particular perspective. Residents of Carroll County, where trauma patients are generally evacuated to trauma centers in Baltimore, also have a real stake in this discussion.

[…]

Trauma professionals across the state are determined that this recent tragedy will have some positive outcome. We will embrace whatever lessons we can learn. We have a responsibility to assure the public that the Medivac fleet is equipped with the finest technology available and that our protocols are grounded in good science. Above all, we absolutely reject the notion that it is acceptable to let people die to save money. The public needs to know that the system is working, that it is safe, and that it remains the best in the nation and the world.

Thomas M. Scalea, MD, FACS, is Physician-in-Chief at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Francis X Kelly, Professor of Trauma Surgery and Director, Program in Trauma, University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Read Dr. Scalea’s entire piece here: Medevac system necessary By Thomas Scalea

20081025 Carroll County Times Other Voices: Medevac system necessary By Thomas Scalea

The Future of Maryland Medevac in The Tentacle by Kevin E. Dayhoff October 10, 2008

The Future of Maryland Medevac in The Tentacle by Kevin E. Dayhoff October 10, 2008

The recent tragic crash of the Maryland State Police aviation command Medevac helicopter has unfortunately developed a subplot for those who wish to further a debate about the future of the vital air rescue service.

The debate began before grieving co-workers, friends, and family hardly had a chance to say goodbye to the three rescue workers and one patient who died.

Much can be said about the inhumanity of state elected leaders who would use such a tragedy for political expediency; however, for those who have observed Maryland politics for many decades, there is very little that can surprise any longer.

We live in a state with a national reputation for politicizing everything from algae to windmills – with all the accompanying mediocrity that is associated with the enormous egos of politicians who are rarely held accountable for their mendacious, meddlesome behavior.

Ever since Maryland modeled its Medevac rescue system from the lessons learned on the battlefields of the Vietnam War, it has been copied all over the world with varying success, although arguably, the Maryland system remains the premier service.

Since the Medevac rescue missions began in Maryland in 1970, 120,000 trauma patients have received the benefits of getting the best chance of survival in what is termed the “golden hour.”

[...]

Read my entire column here: The Future of Maryland Medevac in The Tentacle by Kevin E. Dayhoff October 10, 2008

20081010 The Future of Maryland Medevac in The Tentacle by Kevin E. Dayhoff

Why you should never drive through water flowing over a road

Why you should never drive through water flowing over a road

Retrieved August 28, 2008

Extended Video: Freeport Road Collapse

News 8 chief photojournalist Kevyn Fowler was rolling his camera when flooding took out a road in Freeport. Watch this amazing video!

Hat Tip: James E. Slater, Jr. AICP, QEP, Environmental Compliance Officer, Carroll County Government - - I received this from SHA, If you ever needed a reason not to drive through water flowing over a road, this will give that to you. The video is of a culvert pipe collapse. It lasts 3:30 minutes.

http://www.wmtw.com/video/17144859/index.html

20080828 WMTW TV 8 Freeport Road Collapse