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   Volume 6       August 11, 2011

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Greetings!
John Phillips

We remember John Harriss Phillips, 27, who left behind a memorable legacy for us to follow. He passed away from a stroke on August 4, 2011. A dedicated public-service advocate, John championed our cause as president of PursuitWatch and as a PursuitSAFETY advisory board member. He was a recent graduate of the Florida Gubernatorial Fellowship program, where he worked for two governors and helped shape policy for the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles. We send our thoughts and prayers to John's mother, Patti; his sister, Mary; girlfriend, Andrea "Andi" Perez; and extended family members and friends.

   

 

John Harriss Phillips

Born March 21, 1984  

Went to his Heavenly Home August 4, 2011

   

by Candy Priano, executive director of PursuitSAFETY

 

The memorial service for John Harriss Phillips was held yesterday, August 10th. I spent the day thinking about John. My thoughts took me back to 2006. In my mind, I could hear the telephone ring. I could hear the voice of a man. I could hear his strength, confidence and gentle nature: "Hi Candy, this is John Phillips."

 

My smile, if it were possible, would have stretched all the way from California to Florida because I knew all about John, even though this was our very first conversation. John is the son of the late Jim Phillips, the founder of PursuitWatch, a grassroots organization based in Orlando, FL.

 

Now, here was Jim's son on the phone telling me that he would continue the work started by his dad. Jim's passion for safer and smarter police pursuits was borne out of a father's love for his daughter. Sarah, a 21-year-old nursing student in 2001, was just minutes from home after a fun night at the movies with her girlfriends. She never made it home that night. A driver fleeing from police crashed into her car. Sarah died. 

 

John was grateful for the card and plant I had sent in memory of his dad. Jim had suffered a heart attack February 3, 2006.  

 

"Candy, I especially want to thank you for what you told the reporter about how my dad helped you. It means so much to my family."

 

"John, your dad ... I could always count on him. Jim was just a phone call away; and when we exchanged emails, it was as if he was sitting right beside me."

 

We talked for quite a while. John mentioned that he would look to me for advice and guidance. Hmm, I always looked to Jim for advice and guidance.  

 

From that moment, John and I worked together, united, as we tackled this complex public safety issue. In no time at all, we were asking each other for advice. The days, weeks, months and years that followed were a gift, a precious gift. Oh, how I will cherish them. 

 

My heart is broken because I will no longer hear the smile in his voice. I will, however, think of these words: "amazing," "free-spirited," and most of all "dear friend" every time I remember John.

 

 
Taking a Stance Against Convicted Felon

Continuances mean we stick together and fight harder

Hearing re-scheduled Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. 

 

chrisCooper

Chris Cooper

Independence, MO--Continuances for a Post Conviction Relief Hearing will not stop family and friends of Christopher Cooper or PursuitSAFETY from seeking justice. Judge Jack Grate, Jackson County Circuit Court, Division 17, granted a fifth continuance to convicted felon Wilfredo Pujols, Jr. Pujols wants his guilty plea and 15-year sentence thrown out. Judge Grate could have denied this hearing altogether. Now, Christopher's family waits.

 

"Trying to prepare ourselves once again to face the person responsible for Christopher's death takes an emotional toll on all of us who love Chris," Cheryl Cooper said. "I have to steel myself for it, only to learn that the hearing is postponed again."

 

While fleeing from the Independence police, Pujols struck and killed Christopher, 17, an innocent bystander, in 2007. In regard to the recent hearing, Judge Grate, said, "No more continuances" when he scheduled the hearing for July 28. Yet, Judge Grate granted his fifth continuance on July 27.

  

On behalf of PursuitSAFETY, executive director Candy Priano will attend the November 18th hearing. She was at the Sacramento Airport July 27th, ready to check in for her flight to Independence, when she received the call that Judge Grate issued another continuance. If you live in or near Independence, we look forward to seeing you at the November 18, 2011, hearing. Press release.   video   

 

 Set Up Your Memorial Blood Drive!

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See how easy it is to set up a memorial blood drive with PursuitSAFETY.  

Next Blood Drive

Sept. 29, 2011.

 

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Exceptional Leadership Today and Tomorrow

 Candy Priano nominated Jonathan Farris to serve as chairman of the Board of Directors. With this change, Jon and Candy are equal partners, working to achieve the organization's leadership goals and mission.

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PursuitSAFETY's Board of Directors (seated from left) Brenda & David Ehrensperger, Chairman Jon Farris, Candy Priano, (standing from left) CFO Jeff Vesely, and Mark Priano. 



Enjoy Family & Friends Connection Wherever
You Are!
 

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Videos 

WE laughed! WE shared our stories! WE bonded over our common goal:
To save lives. 


  


victims

Professional 

Advisory Board 

Our Professional Advisory Board is comprised of legal experts, police officers, researchers, educators, authors, and family members of innocent bystanders.     

Rich and Candy award presentation

Advisory Board member Police Chief Richard Schardan administers PursuitSAFETY's  

Safer Way Award program. Chief Schardan will present at the IACP Conference in Chicago, Oct. 23, 2011.  


Memorial Scholarships 

  

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Donate hearts

 Victims' Services   

Learn from each other;  

support each other.

Phone baby   

   

Support Groups 

Comfort Zone Camp Program  

Umbrella ministries

Every Six Weeks...

 

The violent crashes that end vehicular police pursuits and response calls,   

on average kill 30 innocent bystanders and one officer
every
six weeks.  

 

PursuitSAFETY's Governing Board and Professional Advisory Board members do not receive compensation. This practice allows us to use your tax-deductible, life-saving donation to fund our programs. From our Safer Way Award program and officers' training day to our youth program Pull Over; Have No Regrets, your donation helps to prevent the tragedy of pursuit. PursuitSAFETY also uses donations for victims' services that support bereaved families and injured victims.  

 

PursuitSAFETY needs your help.  

Donate Here

 
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Spotlight on a Volunteer

Glenn Doney, Chico, CA

by Candy Priano  

I had no idea where to begin when the producer of the John Walsh talk show contacted me in 2003 and said, "You need a website." But, someone else knew exactly what to do!  

 

Glenn Doney, Kristie's computer science teacher at Champion Christian School, heard of my need. He purchased the domain name, "kristieslaw.org," designed the site and provided the web space. It is nine years later, and Glenn continues to pay for the domain name and provide the web space for Kristie's Law. Back in 2007, Glenn again reached out to me by hosting web space for PursuitSAFETY's site.  

 

When I talk about his generous gift, Glenn simply smiles and says, "It's part of my ministry."   

 

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