*This is a bit of a mood-killer so you may want to skip this if you are in good spirits*
The title is a police radio code. It is the worst radio code a police dispatcher in San Francisco could ever hope to hear. It means “Officer down and needs emergency assitance“. I can tell you the painful yell of a police officer who has just realized his partner is down stays with you for the rest of your career.
It is with a very heavy heart I report an SFPD Officer was shot and killed in the line of duty last night. I cannot go into details beyond what has been released to the public. I can say it was a shameful cowardly act. I was directly involved in the incident and words cannot express my dispair over such a loss. The officer in question was relatively new to the force. More importantly, he was a good cop. He represented all the qualities a good cop should have. His death is being felt deeply by all of us in the department.
I had to call off work today. I take the responsibilites of my job very seriously and was just too upset. I admit, I find solace in knowing the murderer is also dead. I know I shouldn’t think that way but I can’t help it. Think or say what you will about the police in general, an officer puts his life on the line every single day he goes to work. That sacrifice demands respect no matter who you are. Growing up the way I did, I’m also a firm believer in an ‘eye for an eye.’1 However, San Francisco is a very liberal city and had the suspect lived he would not have gotten the death penalty. The DA here doesn’t believe in it and wouldn’t have pursued it. That is another topic unto itself however, it comforts me to know the evil this man commited will not be rewarded in prison.2
In an round about way his death has strengthened my resolve to be a Paramedic. I can think of no finer a way to honor his memory. I think it would be an insult to turn away from a path with the potential to do so much good.
Rest in peace Officer Tuvera. You are gone from our lives but you are not gone from our hearts.
1 “Cop-killers” obtain almost celebrity status in the penal system.
So sorry, Moby. It’s a tragedy and particularly devastating at this time of year. I wish you as much peace as you can have.
Jim is right……as much as you are able and it is possible….we wish you peace. So sorry you have to endure this pain and such at any time of year, let alone the holidays. To you and all other public servants…..many many thanks. In fact, I saw a police car driving down the road just last night….after dark, in the cold, all alone…..and thought how strange that life would be. My deepest appreciation…..to you, the public servant, and to you, the blogger buddy.
I feel your pain. You made an interesting statement: “That sacrifice demands respect no matter who you are.” How do you feel about guys that aren’t police, but wear the uniform to the bar?
I’m so sorry Moby … I read about that this morning, and anytime an officer is killed it feels so tragic. Not that any death isn’t tragic, but for someone who has dedicated their life to protect the public to lose their life doing just that – it’s despicable.
Peace.
So sorry you had to go through all of this. Try and surround yourself with those who love you and accept the healing this season offers us all.
Big hugs.
I’m so sorry to hear about the fallen officer. Please don’t let this tragedy ruin your Christmas.
My heart goes out to the family of the officer and to you Moby. Time’s indifference will bring healing. Merry Christmas to you.
Jeff – I don’t mind. It is a fetish, nothing more.
Moby I am sorry for your loss and for the loss to the people of San Francisco. You have a huge heart. Hugs.
I’m sorry to hear about this, Moby. I think one of good things that comes out of this is that with all you must see in your line of work, you have not lost the ability to feel.