National Police Memorial Week, May 15-21
Posted: May 16, 2011 Filed under: Police Week Leave a comment »National Police Week May 15 -21, 2011.
This week is National Police Memorial Week.
I’ve spent the past few months dealing with an old illness and some aspects of a new one. When thinking about all the many things Law Enforcement officers do for us, it occurred to me that oftentimes officers will willingly work through injuries, illness and pain just so that there is always someone who will be available to come to our aid when called to do so.
For one week out of the year, we have an opportunity to set aside our difficulties and reflect on the sacrifices those officers make for us every day of the year. Throughout Police Memorial Week we have an opportunity to let officers know how much we appreciate them and that we realize their importance in our lives. Let’s make time to let them know we care and are grateful to them by writing a note of thanks, or dropping off a thank you card, or perhaps a visit to say thank you in person.
A tribute to a Fallen Officer
Posted: March 9, 2011 Filed under: Deputy Michael Shannon, Officer down 1 Comment »I apologize for the lack of posts but most importantly, I apologize for not posting my tribute to a Fallen Officer on the day he was taken.
This week, on March 7th, marked the passing of 8 years since the murder of Deputy Michael Shannon.
Deputy Shannon had a great impact on the community he served in the short 8 years he was with his department just as those who are currently serving do today. From what I understand, from those who knew him, he took an interest in the members of the community in such a way that it has had a lasting effect on them. Sometimes we have the mistaken impression that officers never get involved in the lives of the people with whom they have contact. This was not the case with Deputy Shannon. He had great compassion for people. Not only did he serve as an officer but he took it a step beyond that and gave of his own time and abilities; something that is not easily replaced.
It is with those thoughts in mind that we honor Deputy Shannon and respect those currently serving, knowing that they often go beyond what is expected of them. To all of them, we owe our deepest gratitude, respect and honor.
May all those serving in Law Enforcement be blessed for protecting our freedoms and our lives every day. Above all, may you also enjoy that same peace and safety you ensure for us all.
God bless you all. Be safe.
Sadness and determination
Posted: January 26, 2011 Filed under: Officer down, Resolve, Safety Leave a comment »Many of us are saddened by the 11 officers that lost their lives in a 24 hour period. Our hearts go out to the families, friends and fellow officers.
We are determined that 2011 will not be another year where officer deaths are on the rise. Please keep these brave men and women in your thoughts and prayers.
What have you done today?
Posted: January 24, 2011 Filed under: Good news, Officer, Police, What have you done today? 1 Comment »In light of the negative press the police get on a daily basis, I’m going to do a regular feature called, “What have you done today?” It serves as a reminder of the many good things the police do for us everyday that most always goes unreported.
To start off…
On a routine day, an officer…
-Comforted a 16 year old after she crashed her parents car and seriously injured another person.
-Gave a warning instead of the ticket you deserved.
-Warned civilians of approaching fire and stayed till everyone was evacuated.
-Protected property from looters.
-Patrol the area while you’re on vacation.
-Shop for groceries for children who don’t have adequate meals.
-Shop with children to give them a better Christmas than they would have had.
What have you done today?
Who’s the enemy?
Posted: January 18, 2011 Filed under: Disturbing, Fear, fight, God, harm, Police, Resolve, Safety 2 Comments »In one of my last posts I mentioned a rise in the line of duty deaths and the possible reason for that rise. I have never been able to comprehend the mindset of these evil people, even before I became a Law Enforcement supporter, so now I am at a loss to even begin to grasp how some can post on their blog their intent to harm officers if those officers carry out the duties they swore an oath to obey.
What follows are my thoughts, on the Constitution, my rights as a citizen of this country, as a Christian, and of my dear friends who wear the uniform of an officer.
It is completely unacceptable and evil to think of killing a police officer.
Can any sane person think of any reason to take the life of an officer?
I can’t.
I’m thankful for the Constitution of our great country. I’m thankful for my rights. I think the Constitution is one of the most important documents ever written. I can’t imagine life without it. I wouldn’t want to live in this country without this great document protecting my rights.
Remember the Preamble to the Constitution? It uses words like; establish justice, insure domestic tranquility…promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. This sounds as though the welfare and tranquility of the people were of great importance to the people who wrote it. The Constitution is based on these principles of promoting liberty and general welfare (which necessarily implies life). How can the Constitution be used to justify killing innocent citizens?
A few crazy, non-sane people believe there may come a time when they would have to kill to keep their constitutional rights because they have convinced themselves there’s a conspiracy afoot. In the past 200+ years, no one has turned this country into a socialist one. You would think if it were that important someone would have thought of a good way to do it by now.
The country is still run much the way it was 200+ years ago, we still have a congress that meets, we still have public debates, and we still have elections where we cast our votes.
Who is the enemy?
Since the enemy is not our Constitution, it’s not a political party run amok, it’s not political debates, it’s not our election process, who then is the enemy?
Maybe someone who contemplates killing police officers to protect the Constitution can clarify that for the rest of us sane, peaceful people.
Like? No, it’s called love.
I like many of the officers I’ve met in my 8 years as a supporter. A few are very dear to me and some I’ve come to love. They are special people to me. They are not our enemy. In fact, they have been a friend to many of us in times when we needed someone. Like? I like them, sure. But I love the men and women who are willing to give more than most can imagine. As is found in the Bible, love does not seek its own. As a christian, I don’t even consider my rights any time I have contact with an officer. They are not more important than the person in uniform. That officer’s needs are above my own, always. That’s love.
Keep the most important oath.
What would cause someone who takes one of the greatest oaths and abandon it for another oath based on something that, in all likelihood, will never happen. We have enough evil brazen enough to kill a police officer, we don’t need more.
Our Resolve.
Finally, let us remember our resolve and support of Law Enforcement.
“It is the responsibility of each of us to hear their cries, witness their tears, share their grief, but perhaps more importantly, we must realize that these losses suffered are worthy of our closest scrutinies and undivided attentions….The sacrifices of our honored dead should sound alarms throughout our society, and we as a people should take the offense of the killing of our protectors with the same indignation felt by the closest relation to these officers. They have displayed for us the greatest of all loves, and deserve that we display to them the highest of all honors; our resolve.” ( by Countybear at Officerresource.com; used with permission.)
Our prayers are not only for those who rule over us in government but especially for those who protect us.
Disturbing news from 2010
Posted: January 6, 2011 Filed under: Disturbing, Officer down 2 Comments »There was a rise in Law Enforcement fatalities in the year 2010.
A total of 160 federal, state and local law enforcement officers died in the line of duty during the past 12 months, according to preliminary data compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).
http://www.nleomf.org/newsroom/news-releases/alarming-rise-in-2010-law.html
Of the 160 Officers lost that year, 60 officers were shot dead by criminals who are becoming more brazen in their killing of our police officers. Those who give their lives to protect us need our prayers.
This may be what is contributing to this disturbing trend…
A new breed of ”cold-blooded, brazen criminal” is partly to blame for a sharp rise in the number of deaths of American police on the beat, with 60 officers shot dead this year.
http://www.theage.com.au/world/new-breed-of-brazen-criminals-killing-police-20101230-19b3q.html
Update and news
Posted: January 3, 2011 Filed under: Blogs, News, Wisconsin Troopers' Association Leave a comment »Between the busy holidays and not feeling well enough to post (takes concentration to put a sentence together), I have neglected my blogs. I hope to get going again in the next few days. I have a few posts that I feel are very important.
I hope everyone is well and your year is off to a good start. I hope you all survived the holidays.
In other news….
New way to donate to WTA.
The Wisconsin Troopers’ Association has a new button on their website which makes it easier to make a donation. The money, among other things, goes to the families of Fallen Officers. Please help donate to if you are able.
Police Officer Rights
Posted: November 28, 2010 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment »Police Officer Rights
The right to hear a thank you every now and then.
Previously mentioned rights:
-The right to go home at the end of his/ her shift.
-The right to investigate any activity that may be harmful to himself or others.
-The right to medical attention from those at the scene.
- The right to watch out for the safety of a crowd and not be considered rude when he doesn’t chat with a tourist.
-The right to be quoted in the media in an accurate manner.
-The right to have his or her commands obeyed without question.
-The right to have a bad day once in a while- just like everyone else.
- The right to have their questions answered respectfully and honestly.
To be remembered
Posted: November 22, 2010 Filed under: Deputy Michael Shannon, honor, Officer down, Officer Mary Freeman Smith, Support Leave a comment »Since my blog was not up during the past month I missed posting about the E.O.W. of Police Officer Mary Freeman Smith who was murdered on October 23, 2006.
http://www.odmp.org/officer/18557-police-officer-mary-freeman-smith
I am told by a friend who happened to be a fellow officer and close friend of Officer Smith, that she had a beautiful spirit beyond words. The month of October is a very difficult time for my friend and the family of Officer Smith. I wish I could say something that would comfort them but all I can do is offer my condolences and be there to lend an ear.
Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones killed in the line of duty. Sometimes it’s the holidays or a birthday that are difficult to face without them.
They would have been older but certainly not more loved nor missed than they are this day.
