Today was not a pleasant day. An officer was killed in the line of duty early this morning. To say that we are all sad from the loss is an understatement.
In my line of work, I see death on a daily basis. However, it becomes that much harder when it is one of our own. Most of you know I do not see death as an end.
I didn’t personally know the officer but I worked w/him often. He was a good guy who tried to make a difference. We are diminished as a whole w/o him. But, we will carry on in his memory.
Rest in peace my friend. You light is gone from this world but we take comfort that your light will go on.
Very sorry to hear about the officer. Coming from a family of police officer’s and friends, I know the feeling, whether you know them or not.
The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?”
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
“No lord, I guess I ain’t,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can’t always be a saint.”
I’ve had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t I’ll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.
“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell”
Death is never easy, especially when someone good is taken in a senseless act. Sometimes there is solace in knowing that the person died while serving and protecting others. That is the ultimate form of altruism. May his memory live on in those who knew him.