Hector and Doug both knew my financial plight and each called me to tell me what they were “going to do”. I would not have survived without them. Think again. Not only was I sentenced to my apartment daily, I was being shut out from the place where most of my friends and support were. “I’m a good cop.” That’s what most of us think of ourselves and it’s tough when situations like this occur because we don’t understand why it’s happening to us. The CO told my Chief of Staff that he was receiving those resources, and was fully aware of the Navy’s response, only asking that the he wished the crew could be evacuated faster. If you are relieved of command at the 06 level, your career is effectively over. It’s a sad, sad day and beyond shameful that this young man is being made to suffer for something he didn’t do so that others can play political games. Capt. The responsibility for this decision rests with me. I didn’t have much money at that time as I was recently divorced and paying a ton of child support. Here’s how it starts. This is actively happening every day. I bet your thinking that that good ole HPD provided me some insight as to how to handle my current situation, aren’t you? The letter was sent over non- secure, unclassified email even though that ship possesses some of the most sophisticated communications and encryption equipment in the Fleet. I walked into his office and turned over my badge that I had worked so hard for, my hat shield, and my ID that identified me as a police officer. Wrong! Perhaps more so than in the recent past, we require commanders with the judgment, maturity, and leadership composure under pressure to understand the ramifications of their actions within that larger dynamic strategic context. “Casualties of war”. But there is a larger strategic context, one full of national security imperatives, of which all our commanders must all be aware today. Written and submitted by Bobby E. Roberts (Retired Houston PD). I drank for three solid weeks, staying intoxicated most of the time. Vent when you need to and clear your mind. Command is a sacred trust that must be continually earned, both from the Sailors and Marines one leads, and from the institution which grants that special, honored privilege. We’ll probably see a lot more of that with others in the not too distant future. Lean on your true friends and those who provide positive encouragement for you. Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Broadwater, the commander of the 1st Cavalry Division, is suspended pending an investigation. The officer may, or may not know what this turn of events is regarding. My head was spinning and my mind racing as I was trying to figure out what was going on. It does not matter how “good” of a cop you are. Fortunately, I had been working for Tilman Fertitta, owner of Landry’s Restaurants as … This occurs when an Internal Affairs complaint is lodged against an officer and the chief and his legal staff decides to remove … We don't want you around if you did something wrong. Many of you know the story and the politics that were playing at the time. When the Commanding Officer of the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT decided to write his letter of 30 March 2020 that outlined his concerns for his crew in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak, the Department of the Navy had already mobilized significant resources for days in response to his previous requests. It was sent outside the chain of command, at the same time the rest of the Navy was fully responding. You kept me sane. “In the modern Navy, an officer relieved of their command doesn’t go on to command again,” he said. General William Hull, 1812. A close friend shared with me a quote from a certain assistant chief (AC) that was made during an executive meeting regarding an investigation I was involved in. 24 comments. I showered and got dressed, but was in a daze. The Navy announced it has relieved the captain who sounded the alarm about an outbreak of COVID-19 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. I had several friends in IAD and I just knew they had to be playing a prank on me. Good afternoon. I was in the swimming pool outside my apartment relaxing. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I would like to send a message to the crew of the Theodore Roosevelt and their families back here at home. The DA’s office has alleged that he committed the crime of “Aggravated Assault” while making the arrest of a fleeing, resisting, felony suspect during a narcotics investigation. You are an employee number, a means to an end, and easily replaced. But, these guys are special and what they did for me during my time of need still brings a tear to my eye today. Unfortunately, it did the opposite. This action was taken because the Harris County District Attorney’s Office sought after and succeeded in obtaining a criminal indictment against Officer Privette. When the US Navy relieves a CO, what happens to that officer? Anxiety set in and I was on the brink of instant depression. I can’t repeat the things I said to him and am sorry I said them, but I seriously thought it was a prank. So, what happens when an officer is relieved of duty? The nation you have sworn to defend is in a fight, and the nations and bad actors around the world who wish us harm should understand that the Big Stick is in the neighborhood and that her crew is standing the watch. Yup, you gotta love it. It is about confidence. The next moment everything you’ve worked so hard for is stripped from you and you are left to wonder, “What just happened? In the morning I would receive a call from a friend saying, “Hey, I heard this was going to be over soon and you are going to be fine.” The emotional high. I have known Hector and his wife, Brenda, since our teenage years in high school and I have known Doug prior to his joining the police department. My phone began ringing off the wall as word of my being “Relieved of Duty” spread. I was stunned as I knew then just as I know today, I had done nothing wrong. Navy captain of coronavirus-infected aircraft carrier relieved of command Joe Garofoli , Tal Kopan , Matthias Gafni April 2, 2020 Updated: April 3, 2020 7:04 a.m. It’s called LET Unity, and it’s where we share the untold stories of those patriotic Americans. stress relieving outlet was weightlifting, Biden move will allow banks to cut off services, funding to gun industry and other businesses they don’t like, Burglaries skyrocket almost 343% after San Francisco ‘police reforms’, massive police budget cuts, Two Dallas officers shot after rushing in to save a woman in a domestic violence call – two found dead. The lieutenant told me that I was being “Relieved of Duty” and instructed to sign some paperwork. Posted by 3 years ago. Guilty as charged. Shamefully, I honestly don’t remember much about the next three weeks. The IAD lieutenant went on to say that I could not work any of my extra employment jobs as I was no longer considered a police officer. Don’t be the “rumor guy”. It raised concerns about the operational capabilities and operational security of the ship that could have emboldened our adversaries to seek advantage, and it undermined the chain of command who had been moving and adjusting as rapidly as possible to get him the help he needed. Each stated they would not accept a denial of this generosity and told me if I didn’t accept it, they would be offended. It’s important because you are the TR, you are the Big Stick, and what happens onboard the TR matters far beyond the physical limits of your hull. This is interesting. Let him know that you are behind him and that you are supporting him. I myself have a son in uniform, who is currently serving right now on active duty in Korea—one of the first nations in the world to have a significant spike in Coronavirus cases. 2-17a). I know you didn’t like it any more than I did. Lt. Col. Michael Regner, commander of a Marine Corps battalion in which nine Marines died in a July training accident involving an amphibious assault vehicle, was relieved of command. I’d like to have been a fly on the wall in that grand jury session and have been able to hear how that story was presented. Statement From SECNAV on Relief of CO Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt. I was a “casualty of war”, remember? Did IAD or the Command Staff check on me? I drove home even more dazed than when I left my apartment. That evening, we held another teleconference with the entire chain of command. If you are an officer in “Relieved of Duty” status, find an outlet to clear your mind and relieve your stress. I thought an officer being exonerated was rare, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a Houston police chief doing this. Capt. Regardless of the circumstances, lean into God’s word and fellowship with His people. But it is my responsibility to ensure that his love and concern for you is matched, if not exceeded by, his sober and professional judgement under pressure. This duty requires courage, but it also requires respect for that chain of command, and for the sensitivity of the information you decide to share and the manner you choose to share it. Every penny gets reinvested into giving these heroes a voice. My mind began telling me that this was a bad dream, a nightmare, and that anytime I would wake up and find it over. I knew the event that was being questioned, but again knew that I had done nothing wrong. command, but the final action to relieve an officer from any command position will not be taken until after written approval by the first general officer in the chain of command of the officer being relieved is obtained (AR 600-20 para. Cops love practical jokes. For these reasons, I lost confidence in his ability to lead that warship as it continues to fight through this virus, get the crew healthy, so that it can continue to meet its national security requirements. According to Navy Times, it is highly unusual for a navy commander to request to be relieved of command - and normally causes 'serious repercussions, signalling the end of an officer… As I stated, we are not at war by traditional measures, but neither are we at peace. The calls subsided as the months wore on, but the closest friends kept checking in on me. My emotions were getting the best of me as becoming a police officer was a life-long dream. It’s a horrible experience. Anger took hold of me and I refused to shake his hand. But if you are out there and happen to be reading this, I sincerely apologize. I was in tears and still in a state of shock. I expect no congratulations for it, and it gives me no pleasure in making it. Since being relieved of command, Crozier has been hailed as a hero by many, while the Navy has maintained his handling of the letter led to a loss of trust and confidence in his leadership. I kept telling myself, “I’m a good cop, a good supervisor. He didn’t tell me why I was being relieved, but I was required to sign the paperwork anyway. That’s what we’d be. share. I had to find a way to relieve stress and take my mind off of my situation as often as possible. It is not an indictment of character, but rather of judgement. I was provided nothing in the way of advice, counseling, or anything for that matter. My personal belief regarding the situation of Officer Privette is that not by his own doing, he has been spun into the spider web of politics set forth by the DA’s Office in an ongoing battle with HPD and the Houston Police Officers Union. These situations affect everyone. ADM Gilday had just read the letter that morning as well, and ADM Aquilino had it the day before. I firmly believed that my work ethic, my work product, and my reputation, etc. Here’s everything we know about the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooter, Chaos: Man opens fire in tourist hot spot, hits cop, then these warriors responded. The Executive Officer, Captain Dan Keeler, has assumed command temporarily until such time as Rear Admiral Select Carlos Sardiello arrives in Guam to assume command. 20. Fortunately, I had been working for Tilman Fertitta, owner of Landry’s Restaurants as well as the Houston Rockets basketball team, prior to being “Relieved of Duty”. This occurs when an Internal Affairs complaint is lodged against an officer and the chief and his legal staff decides to remove the officer’s police powers during the investigation. Check it out today. Fortunately in Officer Privette’s situation, the police department, the chief of police, and the HPOU are firmly in his corner. My friend was in attendance in the meeting. On one occasion, I had an IAD lieutenant refer to me as arrogant. For an Officer to be relieved of command means that his Superiors have found him "incompetent" to command a military unit. We had a teleconference within minutes of my reading of that article, including the Commander, SEVENTH Fleet, VADM William Merz, ADM Aquilino, ADM Gilday, the Department of the Navy’s Surgeon General, RADM Bruce Gillingham, and others. It was really, really happening. In spring 2020, he was commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore … I seriously don’t even remember the drive. It is important to understand that the Strike Group Commander, the CO’s immediate boss, is embarked on the Theodore Roosevelt, right down the passageway from him. © 2021 Copyright Law Enforcement Today - All Rights Reserved. I wasn’t arrogant, I just believed in myself and was confident in my abilities. I just stood there with a blank stare on my face. Rear Admiral Husband E. Kimmel was relieved of his command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet as part of a shake-up of officers in the wake of the Pearl Harbor disaster. Seek professional counseling if need be so that when those dark days come, you’re prepared. It didn’t matter the time of day; I just went when I was ready to work out. What does “Relieved of Duty” mean? Tilman stood by me throughout this entire ordeal and supported me in ways I can never repay. Do not believe that because you’re a good cop that good ole HPD will take care of you. Yup. The lieutenant also told me that each morning, I would be required to contact Sergeant J.C. Hall in IAD and check-in with him. I’ve been around long enough to know that behind closed doors in the ivory tower decisions to relieve an officer, or suspend them, factor in the political climate. If that means sacrificing an officer, sergeant, etc. I understand, both as a parent and a veteran, how critical our support lines are for the health and well-being of our people, especially now in the midst of a global pandemic. Sergeant Hector Ortegon & Officer Doug Griffith. We will not allow anything to diminish that respect and fear as you, and the rest of our nation, fights through this virus. An aircraft carrier captain who made a stunning plea for help over a coronavirus outbreak on his vessel has been relieved of duty. Efflandt was previously relieved of his command of the base in September and lost his upcoming position as commanding officer of the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss. Invest time in your family and your children. My prayers are that this bodes well for him because I believe he is completely innocent of any wrongdoing. Sadly, that lasted only a few weeks until I was ordered by the captain not to come to the station due to my “Relieved of Duty” status. I’ve rambled along and made this a bit more lengthy than I intended. Not only were there rumors, the “Monday morning quarterbacks” were coming out of the woodwork. hide. Hector and Doug both told me they were going to work one of my EJ shifts each week and provide me the income. If you are reading this and have a friend who’s been “Relieved of Duty”, don’t be the rumor guy! What that means is that the upper management of the department is going to do what they think is best for them, not you. When I learned of Officer Privette’s circumstances, it brought back some painful memories from my career with HPD. Are you kidding me?”. Once I got past the drinking stage, I finally resigned myself to the fact that this was not a dream. It has been a long time since the Navy and Marine Corps team has faced this broad array of capable global strategic challengers. That, my friends, is how the real world works. What happens when an officer is “relieved of duty”? Their extra employment jobs are also suspended. Their reasoning was that I was their friend and they knew I would do it for them. Thus, in the blink of an eye I had lost my life-long dream, my livelihood, and $33,280 of yearly income. I quickly became angry, very angry. You’re kidding, right? … You deserve that throughout all the dangerous activities for which you train so diligently, but most importantly, for those situations which are unpredictable and are hard to plan for. We must ensure we can count on the right judgment, professionalism, composure, and leadership from our Commanding Officers everywhere on our Navy and Marine Corps team, but especially in the Western Pacific. We have an obligation to ensure you have everything you need as fast as we can get it there, and you have my commitment that we will not let you down. As I learned more about the events of the past week on board USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71), including my personal conversations with the Strike Group Commander, Commander, SEVENTH Fleet, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Chief of Naval Operations, and CAPT Crozier himself, I could reach no other conclusion than that Captain Crozier had allowed the complexity of his challenge with COVID breakout on the ship to overwhelm his ability to act professionally, when acting professionally was what was needed most. would be the things that would cause my chief and my department to support me. If they were really mad at you, it would be in some backwater place. Once I sobered up, I found that the nightmare still existed. I am entirely convinced that your Commanding Officer loves you, and that he had you at the center of his heart and mind in every decision that he has made. This decision is not one of retribution. Financial stress destroys lives and many marriages, as most of us know. I should add that I wasn’t the only casualty; there were several other supervisors along with me. One moment you’re on top of the world experiencing the life you’ve always dreamed of. What happens to an officer when he is "relieved of command" due to "loss of confidence"? Husband Edward Kimmel (February 26, 1882 – May 14, 1968) was a United States Navy four-star admiral who was the commander in chief of the United States Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.He was removed from that command after the attack, in December 1941, and was reverted back to his permanent two-star rank of rear admiral due to … Not only that, I was given 40 hours a week of solitary confinement in my apartment to ponder on what may, or may not happen. Your best interest has nothing to do with their best interest. I’m surprised I made it out of the pool. An Army deputy chief of staff has been retired at a lower rank after a watchdog investigation found he had plagiarized work for his master's degree at … Our adversaries need to know this as well. If you are reading this, please pay attention. The commander of US Marines in Europe and Africa was relieved of command Monday amid allegations that he used a racial slur, according to a US defense official. I also know that you have great affection, and love, for him as well. In charge of American forces in the Northwest during the War of … Many nations are reaching, in many ways, to reduce our capacity to accomplish our national goals. God was working through them. What’s next?” This is magnified ten-fold when you’ve actually done nothing wrong, like our friend Officer Privette. What was I thinking? “Relieved of Duty” in the police world, means that an officer’s police powers are taken away from him/her. Worse, the Captain’s actions made his Sailors, their families, and many in the public believe that his letter was the only reason help from our larger Navy family was forthcoming, which was hardly the case. I will never be able to repay these these men for their kindness and their generosity and I love them both dearly. While I do take issue with thevalidity of some of the points in Captain Crozier’s letter, he was absolutely correct in raising them. Authoritarian regimes are on the rise. CAPT Crozier is an honorable man, who despite this uncharacteristic lapse of judgment, has dedicated himself throughout a lifetime of incredible service to our nation. Find other things (e.g. We all understand and cherish our responsibilities, and frankly our love, for all of our people in uniform, but to allow those emotions to color our judgment when communicating the current operational picture can, at best, create unnecessary confusion, and at worst, provide an incomplete picture of American combat readiness to our adversaries. then it will be done. save. Stripped of my status, my badge, my hat shield…. The AC was informed that the targeting of a certain individual would cause considerable harm to the careers of several others who were exceptional supervisors and officers. I did not come to this decision lightly. I was PERS-834 (Branch Head, Officer Detachment for Cause and Separations due to Misconduct and Substandard Performance) for 4 years. Each of you knows who you are and I can’t thank you enough. It was the way in which he did this, by not working through and with his Strike Group Commander to develop a strategy to resolve the problems he raised, by not sending the letter to and through his chain of command, by not protecting the sensitive nature of the information contained within the letter appropriately, and lastly by not reaching out to me directly to voice is concerns, after that avenue had been provided to him through my team, that was unacceptable. Did I have thoughts that maybe I was better off being done with this life, suicidal thoughts? The hits just keep on coming. You can offer comfort to your fellow citizens who are struggling and fearful here at home by standing the watch, and working your way through this pandemic with courage and optimism and set the example for the nation. So I spent a lot of time there. I went into panic-mode, as I had no clue of what to do. They were not asking my permission. Even more so, I learned that the mental and emotional anguish one goes through during these times is horrific. This was really happening. Remember this if you don’t remember anything else. Stand tall Officer Privette. We had to lean on each other. Don’t think for a moment that your department won’t sacrifice you, as they like to say, “for the better of the department”. If you are friends of his family, his parents, do the same. The officer is told something like this: ”I need you to report to the Internal Affairs Division and bring your police ID, your badge, and your hat shield.” At that instant, a whirlwind of emotions swirls in. The officer, Capt. Each morning I would wake up with thoughts that the nightmare was over. For six months Hector and Doug put money in my pocket and provided for me when I couldn’t provide for myself. To our Commanding Officers, it would be a mistake to view this decision as somehow not supportive of your duty to report problems, request help, protect your crews, and challenge assumptions as you see fit. The officers police ID (credentials) are taken as are their badge and hat shield. What happens to an officer when he is "relieved of command" due to "loss of confidence"? He is the best person in the Navy right now to take command under these circumstances. I too was involved in some highly political events and I too was relieved of duty, even suspended. What I’m really trying to convey to anyone who finds themselves “Relieved of Duty”, or just in a stressful situation is that’s its tough. Thousands of thoughts took over my mind and my head was spinning. HPD’s reputation is to punish officers if at all possible, whether fair or not. There is a mountain of folks behind you and for you. What happens when an officer is “relieved of duty”? I had officers come to my apartment to visit from time to time, take me out to dinner, or invite me to go places with them. Rather than take this information into consideration and have compassion for the rest of us, the AC callously responded, “casualties of war.”. Making matters worse is the impending financial struggles that come along as your ability to work extra jobs (EJ’s) is taken away. I was wrong. My faith in God was strong, but rather than go to God and believe that He had this under control, I made a poor decision and chose to go to the bottle instead. Pursuant to this action, and with my full support, the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gilday has directed the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Robert Burke, to conduct an investigation into the circumstances and climate of the entire Pacific Fleet to help determine what may have contributed to this breakdown in the chain of command. In the afternoon another friend would call and say, “Hey, I hate to tell you this but there is talk of you being fired.” The emotional low and panic. The next day, I spoke with the CO of the THEODORE ROOSEVELT myself, and this morning, I have spoken to the TR’s Carrier Strike Group Commander, RDML Stuart Baker. But, it’s not the end of the world. I fell prey to that notion as I always believed in my abilities and that I was a good cop. The call I received came in around 5:00-6:00 p.m. on a Monday afternoon, my off day. I repeat, what they were “going to do”. When I arrived at 1200 Travis, I slowly made my way to the Internal Affairs Division. They respect and fear the Big Stick, and they should. Your shipmates across the fleet need for you to be strong and ready—and most especially right now they need you to be courageous in the face of adversity. Did you know that Law Enforcement Today has a private new home for those who support emergency responders and veterans? This was reality. You betcha. In my judgement relieving him of command was in the best interests of the United States Navy and the nation in this time when the nation needs the Navy to be strong and confident in the face of adversity. That is often done when the goal is to force a retirement. Warrant issued for DA facing felony charges from alleged attempts to spark sexual relationship with employee, Biden move will allow banks to cut off services, funding to gun industry and other businesses they don't like, Burglaries skyrocket almost 343% after San Francisco 'police reforms', massive police budget cuts, The DA’s office has alleged that he committed the crime of “Aggravated Assault”, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo has vowed his full support for Officer Privette.
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