Balto. Co. police criticize candidate's use of badge
Baltimore County Police Chief James Johnson has demanded that District 7 County Council candidate Charles "Buzz" Beeler stop using a police badge in campaign literature, but Beeler says he's going to keep using the insignia.
The chief threatened legal action in an Aug. 11 letter to Beeler, a 39-year veteran officer, if he did not immediately stop using the badge and retrieve any fliers or mailers with the symbol.
An excerpt: “The police department's badge and patch are trademark protected and can only be used in connection with police services and with agency approval. … Your immediate compliance is essential to avoid litigation in this matter.”
Beeler said he will continue to use the badge. He accused the chief of playing politics, noting that Johnson supports County Executive candidate Kevin Kamenetz, whom Beeler’s opponent, Councilman John Olszewski, has endorsed. District 7 includes Dundalk and Essex.
“I am not intimidated nor will I be bullied,” Beeler said. “Maybe the Chief should (have) noted my other campaign symbol, boxing gloves.”
-Raven Hill
Comments
Why is okay for Kamenetz to use the badge in a TV commercial and not Beeler
Posted by: John | August 25, 2010 9:50 AM