I have written about this topic a few times. Officer’s killed in the line of duty, however, since the beginning of 2018, over six months into the year, 21 have fallen to shootings only, not to mention or add in other causes. That equals to 3.5 each month, and the year is not quite half over. In 2016 over 135 officers were killed ranging from shootings to car chases, accidental shootings, mother nature, etc.
Each year seems to become more deadly, and the suspects involved become more brazen. What does the future hold? I remember back in the early 70’s when I made the decision to change from nursing to law enforcement as a career in order to make a better life for my daughter, a life better than what I had, that I had chosen a dangerous filed. Back then it seemed as though things couldn’t get any worse. I often wondered each time I would tuck her in or say goodnight, working graveyard in order to be with her during the day if I would see her at the end of the day, always uncertain of what the day or night would bring.
Still, the side of me that would jump into an emergency situation hasn’t changed. I carry in order to protect my life, and property, never knowing if I would have to protect a stranger, a child, a parent, or elderly.
Now, as I see today’s officers deal with the mentality of those not mentally stable, anger issues over shouts of racism, or hatred for what was once good, I thank God that I wore the uniform when I did, unlike today. Still, the side of me that would jump into an emergency situation hasn’t changed. I carry in order to protect my life, and property, never knowing if I would have to protect a stranger, a child, a parent, or elderly. With the that in mind, there is never a day that goes by that I don’t pray for those brother and sisters in uniform starting out so young, going into this field that they make it through their shift.
Our world is changing and not necessarily for the good. Hope is always there as we see our politicians grumble over things they want to control and can’t. I often wonder what it will be like when my own grandchildren are grown and things continue to strip away the decency and moral integrity of life. God has been removed from so much, and I choose to believe we are paying the price. I hope that the year 2018 will not end surpassing the loss of officers prior. For all who put on the uniform every day and think nothing of giving your life to save another, to protect and serve, know that you are in the prayers of many whom you don’t know, or will ever meet. “God Bless America.”
Us “former” cops know what it takes to put everything on the line to protect the weak, helpless and the vulnerable Nightingale. St Michael the Archangel always needs a back-up by our brothers and sisters in blue. I also “carry” so that I can interact if I have to. No helpless or vulnerable victims on my watch!