What do I say for each newly fallen?

[Rebecca]

You all know that I try to say a little something when it comes to the loss of an Officer. I try to do so with each and every one of them... even if I only place a face to speak for my sadness.

Tonight... I went to the Officer Down Memorial Page and was shocked to see that I had to bring forth four notices of death to the forum.

What on earth could I say for these four men individually? I just don't know... as I am so overwhelmed at this moment. One is too many any time... and four at one time is just too much. What do I say for four Officers down?

I'm sorry. That really is all I know right now. I'm really very, very sorry.

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***Rebecca***

[Rebecca]

Oh... I didn't give them their stars. Let me go and do that now.

God bless...and be safe.

[PPB8881]

wow that's nuts god bless all that have died
in the line of duty ever. how many hero's
have we lost this year.

[Don]

Rebecca,

I don't know what to tell you. We all hurt each time one of our own goes down, but sadly it is a fact of life. We are waging a war, and in war, you have casualties. It never becomes any easier, and you never get used to it.

You just have to develop an inner toughness and detachment to help you get through it. Some years ago I learned through reading the PORAC News that one of my training officers had been killed. We had both gone on to other departments and had completely lost touch with each other. What a sad way to find out about him. It really tore me up. I hadn't seen him in over 15 years, and yet the memories came rushing back.

Of course I've lost other friends in the line of duty, as have we all, but to learn about it by reading it in that issue was really tough. I think the fact that he was my FTO and someone I really looked up to as a young officer made it rougher.

If there is any answer to this, I sure don't know what it is. You just keep going on.



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Stay safe out there,
6P1 (retired)

[JKT]

Rebecca, there is not much you can say, except that we all feel the loss. Several years ago, I attended the funeral of a fallen brother who was a very active Instructor. There were 400 to 600 people in attendence, the majority of them Officers. He was one of the very few I've known who managed to keep his personal and professional life separate. His family was deeply touched to learn how many lives he really touched in his professional life. (He was one of the toughest Instructors I ever had) We all still feel his loss. I, for one, appreciate your postings of our brethren who will never go on watch again. It makes me realize how vulnerable we all really are. Thank you for your contribution.

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Good luck and be safe

Jack

[Niteshift]

I don't know what to say. I never do. 4 in one day is a lot.

[Rebecca]

PPB... there have been 53 who have died while on duty this year. 53 too many. Of course, I know there are surely many more who have been injured, too. I say my prayers for them, too.

__________________________________________________ _____

Don... I know that cops see so much out there and that you have to be tough... even when it's very hard to do. I admire you for being able to show the strength it takes.

I'm sure your FTO was proud of you.

__________________________________________________ _____

Jack... thank you. It's amazing how I feel like it's just a small thing to do, but it seems to matter so much.

__________________________________________________ _____

Niteshift... they all died over the course of this Memorial Day weekend. Still, when the page came up... I was shocked and saddened.

__________________________________________________ _____

My prayers are with you all.



[This message has been edited by Rebecca (edited 05-30-2000).]

[D. Ridley]

Sometimes, when an officer dies I will rethink my tactics and try to be more careful. But in the senseless cases where an officer is killed by a DUI driver, what can you do to prevent that? I really feel for the officers' family. Sometime its hard for them to understand this way of life called law enforcement. Its even harder to understand why their loved one died.

Thank you Rebecca for your posts. Truly, LE is a big family. It hurts us all to learn of a fallen comrade.

Y'all be safe.

[Badgeman]

It is a sad job at times...it is hard especially when they have families with young children who are going to have to grow up with no Daddy thanks to some scumbag.. But thanks for posting them Rebecca... I think it helps others to stay alert...Thanks my sweet friend....

[Jen]

Rebecca:
http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif My heart is troubled, yet determined.
God watch over you all, and keep you safe.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Your willingness to risk you lives everyday, in the face of losing your brethren, leaves me in awe.
Thank you men and women in Blue.......

Jen

[klar]

Rebbecca,

Keep posting and know in your heart that we all are out here supporting one and each other. We will include you in our thoughts as you have brough us the news of those of us who have fallen. I can only hope that my posting is a long long time from now. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the postings you have brought. I know 53 is a lot to loose this year soo far and I hope the numbers do not rise up too much more. All of you be safe out there and remember it does not take too long to put that vest on.

Klar

[Rebecca]

Jen... very well said. I second it.

Badgeman... I've found through all of this that it is almost as often we find a slap in the face as it is to find real justice. In the end, I think Judgement Day will play in favor of the LEO's who gave their all.

klar... I'm not going to have to worry about doing a memorial of any kind for any of you because my prayers will be answered. My prayers are for all of you to go home and hug your loved ones at the end of each shift... and live to be a ripe old grumpy age!

DRidley... just think of that every time you pull over that DUI. Think that you asked the question, "what can you do?" You are doing the only thing that can be done when someone is too irresponsible to handle their consumption properly. It is no secret that my little sister was killed by a drunk driver. When I see an Officer has someone pulled over and is doing a test of determination... I applaud that Officer! I'm thankful that God placed you here to keep me safe from people like this. The sad thing is you will not be able to keep everyone safe from this senselessness... but the best thing is that you try.

As for the family members, D... I can't imagine an easy answer for them. Trying to understand what brings you to do this is all any other person can do. To know that you feel you must do this job even though there are so many dangers must seem like such a small aspect of your life when the worst of news comes. Yet, in the end... it will be that dedication that will stay with them. I recently met a widow of one of our local fallen. Roosevelt Walker died from a heart attack in a struggle. He was young and seemed to be in the best shape of his life. He had no idea his heart would not be able to take the upcoming events of the night. He looked at his wife and told her, "Honey, I'm tired." She asked him to call out of work and get some rest. He wouldn't do it, D. He was an FTO and he wouldn't leave this young rookie without his training for the night. She saw him off to work that night with a hug and a kiss. And now, when she met and talked with me about her fallen husband... what two qualities did she speak of first? "He was so good, Rebecca... and so dedicated!"

Goodness and dedication, D... it matters so very much. Hold onto that and remember that we really do need you.




[This message has been edited by Rebecca (edited 06-01-2000).]

[Pnutt]

Rabecca, I posted twice on this thread but both times went back and deleted. Mere words seem so inadequate to express my personal feelings on this subject. You and Jen have said it all and my gratitude goes out to both of you.

"No greater love has he, than to lay down his life for his brother." These men and women are with the One from Whom all life comes and all life goes. Whatever, as individuals, we perceive God to be.

[corey]

I am saddened to hear the deaths of any officer doing this type of work. It makes me a little scare of getting in this profession. But I will pray for my lost brothers and sisters. I will also pray for all of you in this forum who is out there protecting us. These officers who died in the line of duty are nothing less than heros in my eyes.

[7@NGHS]

"Good men and women must die......but Death cannot kill their names nor our memories of them"

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Eddie