LAPD Officer’s New Home Is A New Beginning

When LAPD hero Kristina Ripatti chased down that desperate armed robber, 52 year-old James Fenton McNeal she took a bullet for all of us. This brave woman is in recovery and therapy these days so she can rebuild and keep her life meaningful. Ripatti has the kind of spirit that won’t let this roadblock stand in her way. Kristina Ripatti is a natural winner.

It was the politicians and judges under the Left Coast’s Liberal influence allowed that dangerous predatory criminal with a 33-page rap sheet loose to threaten, injure or kill. They were also the all too willing accomplices to the shooting of Officer Ripatti.

Ripatti’s story got the attention of the producers of the reality TV show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". Ripatti became their new project as they are in a race against time to build her a new home that would accommodate her wheel chair and other needs. It’s being built by a combination of fellow cops and many gracious volunteers from the community. Of course we will all be able to see the result on our TV’s soon. We all hope that this will boost Ripatti’s spirit and speed her healing. Just as important it will help this young mom raise her children.

I’m watching with excitement what new professional opportunities will exist for Kristina Ripatti. Of course I want to see her continue as a sworn officer perhaps in another capacity other than patrol. She’s pretty and well spoken. Perhaps the LAPD can create a special public relations position for her. The LAPD needs all of the good PR it can get these days.

Perhaps some enterprising TV producer can pitch a new network TV show hosted by our lovely hero? Whatever Ripatti chooses to do I know it won’t disappoint anyone. Of course I’m hopping for a medical solution allowing her to walk and run again soon.

Side note:
This new home is being built on the site of Kristine Ripatti and her husband, Tim Pearce’s existing home that they already owned and are paying a monthly mortgage to keep. The home had to be destroyed and rebuilt to make it wheelchair friendly. Their mortgage obligations have not changed.

In the mean time here is the information where donations can be made to help our hero and her family:
Officer Kristina Ripatti
C/O Los Angeles Police Department
Southwest Police Station
1546 West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90062

Police Officer Kristina Ripatti Trustee Donation Account
C/O Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union
16150 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91410

A Profile In Courage

LAPD officer, Kristina Rapatti’s story is one of heroism and heartbreak. This young role model is rebuilding her life after being shot by a career predator the Liberal California criminal justice system refused to keep off the streets despite a 33-page rap sheet.

Officer Ripatti, and her family have been forced to cope with her paralysis for nearly a month. Today she struggles to move from her bed to her new wheelchair. Just a month ago Rippatti was an athlete and runner who could leap tall buildings.

Last night KNBC-TV took viewers into Rippatti’s life as it is today. It’s hard for anyone to watch without tearing up.

God bless Kristina Ripatti and please get her back on her feet.

KNBC-TV story with latest video is here.

Please send love and money here:
Officer Kristina Ripatti
C/O Los Angeles Police Department
Southwest Police Station
1546 West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90062

Police Officer Kristina Ripatti Trustee Donation Account
C/O Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union
16150 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91410

Officer Kristina Ripatti Is In Good Spirits But Not Out Of Danger.

LAPD officer Tim Pearce went public today on his brave wife’s condition. He told reporters that Kristina’s spirits and determination are high as she battles the possibility of paralysis from a bullet’s damage to her spinal cord.

It’s just too early to tell as fellow officers from across the country offer their prayers and best wishes for a quick and complete recovery. Tim Pearce said the department and their fellow officers have helped this family with incredible support.

I’ve gotten many e-mails from some of my law enforcement readers as far away as the UK asking for updates on Kristina’s condition.

Pearce talked about real concerns that He and his wife have that a death on the job could impact their young daughter. One thing for sure, Kristina and Tim’s child will always be proud of her brave parents.

I have to now ask, what are California’s far Left Wing politicians going to do to keep their own citizens safe from career criminals like James Fenton McNeal? How about ending the constant effort to throw out the Three Strikes Law? How about giving law-abiding citizens the right to a level playing field with killers, rapists and robbers by returning the right to carry a concealed weapon? Why would California rather protect the health, safety and welfare of violent criminals over honest citizens?

As for my readers who are not law enforcement officers perhaps the very next time you come into contact with a cop even during a dreaded traffic violation stop, take a moment to say thank you to that officer who may well give his or her life to keep you and yours safe.

I Hated Most Reality TV Shows Until Tonight-Now Its Emmy Award Time

I knew the reality TV show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition had pulled out all the stops to make a new wheelchair friendly house for the paralyzed LAPD hero, Kristina Ripatti. This beautiful young wife and mom was trapped in a small home that prevented her from doing those special things moms want and need to do.

This was an excellent opportunity for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to make some fantastic television, of course with the hearts, minds and talents of builders, fellow cops, firemen and lots of just plain folks. They did a two-hour special show that was terrific.

I knew this sweet but sad story would make any grown man cry. I also knew that there was a special screening with the guests of honor at an overflowing Torrance church that I could have attended as a journalist. I just could not deal with the emotional side of this story so I chose not to attend and instead experience the show at home.

This fantastic act of kindness is merely a jump-start for this young family to deal with a lifetime of hardship. Kristina Ripatti and Tim Pearce lost their privacy as part and parcel of the tragedy but they also gained the love and prayers of an entire nation. Kristina Ripatti and your family, we love you.

LAPD Role Model Kristina Ripatti

More of the story of the courageous confrontation between Between Kristina Ripatti, her partner and the now dead armed robber has emerged this morning.

It’s indefensible that the career criminal, McNeal was roaming the streets to rob and shoot anyone. Any and all government officials responsible for releasing this violent savage from his cage need to be removed from the government payroll.

As for the LAPD crime fighting team of Kristi Ripatti, fellow officer and husband, Tim Pearce, they are made of the right stuff.

This morning’s L.A. Times covered a bedside press conference as Kristina Ripatti was transferred to a rehabilitation center for the second portion of her recovery.

I know that every cop will pray for Officer Rippati’s total recovery.

LAPD ‘s Kristina Ripatti Is Paralyzed

Heroic LAPD policewoman Kristina Ripatti who was shot twice by a career criminal and convicted murderer is not expected to walk again. Paralyzed from the chest down, Ripatti must now wait for some luck and advances in spinal cord injury medicine to lessen the impact of her life changing injuries.

Ripatti’s life was certainly saved by fellow officers, paramedics and great hospital emergency medical personnel. No doubt Ripatti’s excellent physical conditioning played a strong part in the recovery she’s made so far.

I can’t help but think of former Chicago police officer Jim Mullen who became a quadriplegic after being shot in the face in 1996. Today Mullen has moved on as a motivational speaker and his second career as a WBBM TV reporter. I hope that Mullen can help Ripatti through his own experiences. Just as Ripatti is married to a fellow officer, so is Mullen.

I know that Ripatti will somehow continue as a mother, wife and role model with a productive and rewarding career.

The cost and challenges ahead for Kristina Ripatti will be enormous. I hope that my readers can reach into their pockets and help this fine woman and her family.

The LAPD is holding two fundraisers to aid Ripatti and her family, including a public barbecue at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Southwest station on Martin Luther King Boulevard just west of Normandie Avenue, and another barbecue at the Southeast Division east of Broadway on 108th Street at 11 a.m. June 28.

In addition, the Kristi Ripatti Trustee Donation Account has been established at the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union. Donation checks payable to Ripatti or Pearce should be sent to LAPFCU, 16150 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91410.

L.A. Times Story is here…

First Kristina Ripatti LAPD Fundraiser Today at the Southwest Station

Be sure to click on the pictures to see them full size.

This BBQ was the first of many Kristina Ripatti Fundraisers today at at the Southwest station.

I had lunch with many fine officers from a multitude of agencies today. I was pleased to meet Officer Rippatti’s very proud father who promised to give a certain heroic lady a giant hug for me.

Officer Shot By Career Criminal Gunman Is In Stable But Serious Condition.

She’s a wife and mother who is struggling to survive this morning in a local hospital. Her copper husband, Tim Pearce is somehow coping with the aftermath caused by the bleeding hearts that run California’s criminal justice system.

The now dead armed robber, James Fenton McNeal, 52 who shot officer Kristina Ripatti twice, had served multiple prison terms for crimes that included robbery and murder. We must ask ourselves why do we keep electing politicians who insist on the failed policies of letting repeat offenders roam our streets while insisting we be saddled with insane gun laws that only restrict the rights of the law-abiding?

California’s draconian gun laws are enforceable only on the law abiding and never prevent thugs like McNeal from obtaining and criminally using their guns. McNeal is yet another poster boy that proves gun laws just don’t work. It’s long past the time for reform of California’s gun laws to return to the law-abiding their right to carry concealed weapons for self-protection.

We can only hope our hero officer, Kristine Ripatti and her family can somehow quickly heal from this horrible ordeal both physically and emotionally. Officer Rippatti deserves all of our gratitude for having that special courage to confront and deal with a desperate armed robber.

Read today’s L.A. Times story…

LAPD Policewoman Shot And Critically Wounded By Robbery Suspect.

Southwest L.A.-Last night--Officer Kristina Ripatti, 33 responded to an armed robbery call and confronted an armed suspect. Ripatti was shot in the arm and her armpit. The armpit area is usually unprotected by modern police body amour.

Ripatti’s partner returned fire killing the suspect.

I'm sure we will soon see the dead suspect's 8th grade graduation picture and see someone protray him as a victim rather than an armed, deadly criminal.

Crimefile wishes Officer Ripatti a speedy and full recovery.

Story and video here.

The Chicago Police Department reminds me of Maxwell Smart!

Do you remember Maxwell Smart from the TV spy-spoof series called Get Smart? The late actor, Don Adams played the lead role. His scene scripts often went like this:
Cmdr. Drury: Smart, you appear to be in pretty good shape, do you work out?
Maxwell Smart: I jog one hundred miles every day! Would you believe it? One hundred miles!
Cmdr. Drury: I find that hard to believe.
Maxwell Smart: Would you believe fifty?
Cmdr. Drury: No!
Maxwell Smart: How about two push-ups and a deep breath?

It seems that the Chicago Police department have since revised their claims about yesterday’s gun raid. Officer Kristina Schuler told the Chicago Tribune that instead of seizing 300 guns they actually only have 276.

They’ve now named the gun collector at the heart of the story as, James R. Patrick, 63. Gone are the claims he was selling his collection to street gangs. Those claims were the basis of probable cause needed to obtain the search warrant from a judge. My guess is the “tips” to police were manufactured but the judges appointed by the gun-hating, Mayor Daley don’t seem to care.

Chicago police officials are still are claiming (I think hoping is a better word here) that they believe he two of the firearms might violate federal law. I predict that ATF authorities will examine those two items and Patrick will be vindicated.

So far the results of this major raid and arrest were predictable based of the CPD’s gun enforcement history.

The gun-collector James Patrick is only facing the pissy-little charges from the city’s Municipal Code that carry a maximum penalty of up to $500 or imprisonment of no more than 90 days.

This case will take years off Patrick’s life, as the City of Chicago moves to destroy a significant portion of his life savings and Patrick’s good name in the process. So much for the Constitutional Right, to Keep and Bear Arms in Mayor Daley’s Chicago.