Calif. Governor Skips Slain CHP Officer's Funeral to Go To Fund Raiser

[CALFFBOU]

And the hits keep right on coming. What a total piece of $hit...Bou


Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2006 04:59:32 +0000

Governor Skips Slain CHP Officer's Funeral to Go to Fund Raiser In a move that is all too familiar to fallen firefighter families, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger chose not to join more than 4,000 law enforcement and fire service personnel who gathered Thursday to honor slain CHP officer Earl Scott. The governor skipped the 3:00pm service in Modesto in order to attend a 6:00pm fund-raising event in Arizona.

Officer Scott was shot and killed February 17th during a routine traffic stop on State Highway 99 near the Central Valley town of Salida. He was 36 years old. Law enforcement and firefighters from as far away as Massachusetts and South Carolina traveled to Modesto to attend Thursday’s service at the First Baptist Church in Modesto.

But his boss … the governor … had other priorities: a fund raising event in Phoenix for Arizona Sen. John Kyl.

“Every day, CHP officers stand beside the governor, willing to risk their lives to protect his,” said CPF President Lou Paulson. “To repay that service by bl*wing off services for one of their brothers is simply disgraceful.”

Officer Scott is the fifth CHP officer to die in the line of duty in the last six months, and the second within that span to have been shot and killed. The more than 7,000 active CHP officers include the security detail that guards Governor Schwarzenegger and all state officials.

"We have all lost a brother with the slaying of Officer Scott, but the governor can't seem to grasp the gravity of the situation," said Ron Cottingham, President of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC). "The governor's priorities are out of whack, and his actions yesterday are unforgivable."

Governor Schwarzenegger has a long history of ignoring memorial services honoring fallen firefighters and law enforcement officers.

In 2004, the governor blew off the California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony to attend a Dodger baseball game, despite having been invited months in advance and offered an opportunity to speak. Last year, he ignored our invitation to the Memorial until his office was prodded by a newspaper reporter the day before the event, and gave 18 hours notice of his attendance. And since he was sworn-in as governor, Schwarzenegger has not attended a single fallen firefighter funeral.

“As firefighters, we’re all too familiar with the governor’s indifference to the families of our fallen brothers and sisters,” said Paulson. “But even by those standards, it’s appalling that the governor would pass up this memorial to attend a fund-raiser. Apparently, the governor’s answer to the families of fallen heroes is ‘Show me the money.’”

[CALFFBOU]

Another story link-

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/11842945p-12557114c.html

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[CALFFBOU]

Take a look- SCREW ARNOLD (www.screwarnold.com)

http://www.screwarnold.com/images/Attacking_Bill6X12.jpg

[Bones42]

Personally, I wouldn't want any politician showing up. They are not one of us so who really wants them.

[ThNozzleman]

Well, what did you expect? He skipped the funerals of his own father and brother because it would interfere with his bodybuilding routine. You think he really gives a damn about some police officer?

[jasper45]

Well, what did you expect? He skipped the funerals of his own father and brother because it would interfere with his bodybuilding routine. You think he really gives a damn about some police officer?


I guess you can add every politician to that thought; the governor of my state skipped our last two LODD, as well. You’re not going to see me out condemning him for that, either.
Nothing like condemning a person for what you perceive him to be thinking, I have no idea what he is thinking; I’ve never met him.

[Dave1983]

Personally, I wouldn't want any politician showing up. They are not one of us so who really wants them.

While I agree, I personnaly have no use for politicians, he should have been there.

[snowball]

You think he really gives a damn about some police officer?

Actually Nozz, the officer was a CHP. They are also assigned to protect the governor, kinda like the secret service is for the president. So by going to Arizona for a fundraiser, he not only slapped the people in the face who protect his life, he dragged a few high ranking CHiPpys along with him who, I'm sure would have rather attended the funeral of their fallen brother. This guy is a real tool. :mad:

[BFDNJFF]

I think he is damned if he went and damned that he didn't.

If he went folks would cry that its all politics and he shouldn't have been there.

He doesn't go and people cry he should have been there. :rolleyes:

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Politics my ass. He isn't going to run again He is the GOVERNOR of the State of California. One of HIS Troopers was slain in the line of duty. He IS damned because he couldnt take 2 hours out of his day.

[ThNozzleman]

If he went folks would cry that its all politics and he shouldn't have been there.
Bullsh!t. Pure speculation.

[ThNozzleman]

Well, yeah; I knew that. But you can't let good protocol get in the way of making more money for the Reich. :rolleyes:

[Tillerman17]

Classic Hollywood POS.

[neiowa]

And the hits keep right on coming. What a total piece of $hit...Bou


You're no doubt correct. He called Sen. John Kyl yesterday and scheduled a speach in Arizona so he wouldn't have to attend to a funeral. Or perhaps he committed to an event in Arizona a week/month/year ago and followed thru on his committment?

What was he going to do at the funeral? Attract media attention to himself for which you'd be whining? Hold your and cry with you? Perhaps you think he's pleased the trooper was killed as it will reduce CHP payroll expenses?

DiFi or that idiot Pelosi show up? Pelosi can't stay away from a camera.

Or are you just whining about a governor you don't like. Nice you're playing politics with the funeral of a police officer. At least you've got the resident leftist wacko from Tn on your side, good company that.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

So do you think it wouldnt be proper for the Governor of Iowa to do some rescheduling to attend the funeral of a fallen trooper?

[NYSmokey]

neiowa,

How you could think that attending a fundraiser for political purposes is more important than honoring a public servant who protected the state you serve as governor is beyond me. Did you ever think that maybe it would mean a lot to the family that the governor took time out of his busy day to attend their loved ones funeral? :mad:

[Bones42]

Did you ever think that maybe it would mean a lot to the family that the governor took time out of his busy day to attend their loved ones funeral? :mad: Did you ever think that maybe it meant more the family that family was there and not some stranger just because he is a politician? Did you ever think they were happy he wasn't there and caused undo commotion due to being a politician and the press that would be following? Don't know any of that, do we?

[NYSmokey]

Bones42,

If the family expressed that they did not want the governor there, that would obviously trump anything else. Other than that, IMHO he still needs to make an appearance. Sorry but I'm not going to budge on this one.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Weak argument Bonesy. Unless specifically asked not to attend, he should have been there. It would have shown some class by the Governor...Although he is a politician, he still is the freaking governor of the state.

[Dalmatian190]

With all, compromise.

Sure sounds like 50% legitimate beef that he should attend in-the-line-of duty deaths, especially for state employees, and if the family wants that style of funeral.

And 50% making hay for sake of making political hay -- who gives a crap if he blew off an annual event a couple years ago? Crimminies, the same person didn't even like it when he *attended* (only 18 hours notice, like some cheese to go with the whine?)

And while Nozz is kind of correct that it's only speculation he would've been criticized for politicizing it if he attended...that speculation isn't unfounded (note the example of whining "he attended but..." above).

[CpaceEng1]

I know in my state and others that the State Troopers ( Highway Patrol ) provide the security for the Governor. I don't know if this holds true in California, but if it does it's a shame these guys are good enough to keep you safe but not good enough to honor their memory.

[kfactor]

Californians voted to recall Davis and elected Schwarzenegger over some 130 or so other candidates by a healthy margin. Those of you CA couldn't see this coming? He's got a lot of name recognition and I'm sure the Republicans aren't going to pass that up when there is some benefit to be had. And aren't many firefighters Republican????

[CALFFBOU]

http://pacovilla.com/v-web/gallery/albums/PacosToyBox/ScrewArnoldSticker.jpg

[CALFFBOU]

You're no doubt correct. He called Sen. John Kyl yesterday and scheduled a speach in Arizona so he wouldn't have to attend to a funeral. Or perhaps he committed to an event in Arizona a week/month/year ago and followed thru on his committment?

What was he going to do at the funeral? Attract media attention to himself for which you'd be whining? Hold your and cry with you? Perhaps you think he's pleased the trooper was killed as it will reduce CHP payroll expenses?

DiFi or that idiot Pelosi show up? Pelosi can't stay away from a camera.

Or are you just whining about a governor you don't like. Nice you're playing politics with the funeral of a police officer. At least you've got the resident leftist wacko from Tn on your side, good company that.


Ummmmm....WTF? I think the Gov. should have showed up and paid his proper respects to the slain Officer, no glitz and no glamour.

I am not sure where your going with this attack on me. You are very off base.

-Bou

[CALFFBOU]

When I make Governor of this state, I promise to attend every public safety funeral.

-Firefighter Bou

[ThNozzleman]

At least you've got the resident leftist wacko from Tn on your side, good company that.
And screw your name-calling, too. Is that all you guys have left anymore? Weak, man...really weak.

[BFDLT32]

When I make Governor of this state, I promise to attend every public safety funeral.

-Firefighter Bou

Bou:

With that said, I hope that you never have to attend a funeral. :(

Maybe someday this will be true.

[MarcusKspn]

The "He is just a politician trying to get press" argument does not fly if you don't like him attenting the funeral. I would see your point if he is a senator from idaho attenting a funeral in new york during a cnn convention. But he was the boss of that officer, the person they protect, why should he not be there. If you die in the line-of-duty should your chief stay at home?

[Bones42]

If you die in the line-of-duty should your chief stay at home?My Chief is not a politician and has been my friend since he was 4 years old, so No, I would not expect him to stay home. ;)

In my opinion, no one really cares that Arnold wasn't there other than for political reasons and just to bash the Gov.

[CaptainGonzo]

In contrast.. the memorial service for the Worcester 6 had both the President and Vice President, both Senators from the state of Massachusetts, representatives from the House, the Governor and Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth as well as other dignitaries.

Nothing was for political gain... they did the right thing... to honor our fallen brothers... unlike "Ahhhnold". If he really wanted to, he could have made both events that day. Earning $20 Million per motion picture, he could have certainly afforded to pay for a private jet charter to fly him to Arizona for the Kyl fundraiser.

He made his choice, and I certainly do hope that the public safety personnel and everyone else whom "Ahhhnold" has villified for their public service remember this on election day.

[DennisTheMenace]

Did the family invite him? If they did and he turned them down, that is pretty shameful. Modern transportation would have allowed him to do the funeral and the political event. If they did not invite him, no one should berate him.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I would bet the family had more important things to do then to see if the Governor was "invited" or not.

[DennisTheMenace]

I would bet the family had more important things to do then to see if the Governor was "invited" or not.Firefighter and Police funerals are akin to State Funerals, who ever was assigned to run the show would have/should have asked the family if they wanted him. We obvioulsy do not know the full story.

[LeuitEFDems]

We had a funeral for a brother that was killed in Iraq 2 years ago. As much as I despise the current Governer of MA, he made an appearance at the funeral, no glitz and glamour...showed up for the service, wished the family well, and left...No press conferences, no "pic op's". We live in the "no man's land" of MA, and he made the trek out. If the family didn't want "Ahhnold" to show up, fine...If he was asked to attend, at least he could've sent a "typical" "sorry I can't attend due to...but I wish your family the best" letter. It seems as if "Ahhnold" has yet again put his foot in his mouth with the public service community...

[throthestick]

typical............

[Monrovia1]

I wonder if he plans to attend any of the funerals for the CHP Officer Bailey or Pasadena Officer Ballard who past away in the line of duty I know both there funerals are on Friday

I can't understand what on earth people in my state where thinking when they voted for him he's done nothing except waste money and time

[cozmosis]

First of all, we don't know the whole story. However, if the governor has never attended any police or fire LODD funeral... One can safely assume that he's not big on those events.

Personally, I think the problem is that it was the funeral of a CHP officer. Because the highway patrol is responsible for the governor's security, they are essentially the "governor's own." For him not to attend seems wrong.

However, do I think that every politican this side of Washington should show up every time a firefighter or police officers dies on the job? No. In our 24-hour mass media world... It's too easy for a funeral to turn into a sound bite. If an elected official genuinely wants to attend, he/she will do so in the most low-key manner possible. No special arrangements should be made. No podium time should be allowed.

If I die, I want the people who knew me to speak and remember me -- not politicians who are going to spout rhetoric.

[pwrstrkinsmketr]

I can't understand what on earth people in my state where thinking when they voted for him he's done nothing except waste money and time.


That's not just your Governor.....it's most politicians

[Dalmatian190]

I would bet the family had more important things to do then to see if the Governor was "invited" or not.

I'm sure they do. And that probably extends right to the local fire department unless it's a very large department. Even fairly big departments can get overwhelmed when it's a multiple LODD.

There should be in place a system to handle the protocols when there is a public safety in-the-LODD.

There is a group in Connecticut (I believe they're Waterbury Firefighters) that activate when there is a LODD and will liason with the department involved, funeral home, and family to determine what the wishes are for how involved of a funeral (is it going to be a private family affair, or do they want the "state funeral" treatment, etc)

Very much like a local funeral home offers the family "here's the options" when someone passes away, this group handles the "here's the options for a LODD funeral" protocols.

Which IMHO is an excellent idea, since it helps relieve the department & family of trying to start from scratch when there is a sudden death.

(I hope I explained it well enough...the guys who do it have nothing but my best appreciation!)

So while it isn't/shouldn't be up to the family to think if the Governor should be invited, and it shouldn't be the role of the Governor's staff to call them...

There should be coordination between a Funeral Protocols Committee organized by whoever at a state level (State Fire Chiefs Association or whoever), and the state agency most involved with fire department coordination (like a State Fire Marshal's Office or Commission on Fire Prevention & Control), *and* the Governor's Office & Legislative leadership.

The Protocols Committee can work with the family, local FD leadership, and funeral directors to determine how large and style of a funeral will be held, then make the appropriate notifications to the state's political leadership through the state liason agency.

Anybody have an ICS chart handy? We may need one :)

Hopefully I got my "ideal world" thoughts through though.

[CaptainGonzo]

I would bet the family had more important things to do then to see if the Governor was "invited" or not.

I'm sure they do. And that probably extends right to the local fire department unless it's a very large department. Even fairly big departments can get overwhelmed when it's a multiple LODD.

There should be in place a system to handle the protocols when there is a public safety in-the-LODD.

There is a group in Connecticut (I believe they're Waterbury Firefighters) that activate when there is a LODD and will liason with the department involved, funeral home, and family to determine what the wishes are for how involved of a funeral (is it going to be a private family affair, or do they want the "state funeral" treatment, etc)

Very much like a local funeral home offers the family "here's the options" when someone passes away, this group handles the "here's the options for a LODD funeral" protocols.

Which IMHO is an excellent idea, since it helps relieve the department & family of trying to start from scratch when there is a sudden death.

(I hope I explained it well enough...the guys who do it have nothing but my best appreciation!)

So while it isn't/shouldn't be up to the family to think if the Governor should be invited, and it shouldn't be the role of the Governor's staff to call them...

There should be coordination between a Funeral Protocols Committee organized by whoever at a state level (State Fire Chiefs Association or whoever), and the state agency most involved with fire department coordination (like a State Fire Marshal's Office or Commission on Fire Prevention & Control), *and* the Governor's Office & Legislative leadership.

The Protocols Committee can work with the family, local FD leadership, and funeral directors to determine how large and style of a funeral will be held, then make the appropriate notifications to the state's political leadership through the state liason agency.

Anybody have an ICS chart handy? We may need one :)

Hopefully I got my "ideal world" thoughts through though.

My Local set up the bereavement protocols a few years ago, and we have a commitee that reviews them on a timely basis.

[RoughRider]

He should have at least showed up, paid his respects and hopped on the next Lear 60XR to AZ.

That would have been a positive example of good leadership.

He blew it.

RR