I wasn't going to post anything about the current controversy regarding the open assault on law enforcement, but this past week was too much to sit idly by and not let my voice be heard. Today is the last day of National Police Week, a week set aside by presidential proclamation to honor those law enforcement personnel who died while wearing the badge. One of those names on that wall was not just a name to our family. My father in law served with him and my husband looked up to him as a young boy. He was by all accounts a great man who served with honor and distinction throughout his career. Yet he was murdered by a thug who decided that ending Officer Sell's life would somehow gain him freedom. There is now a stretch of road in Gasville, AR that is dedicated to James, and we cannot help but to reflect on how many people he positively affected in his lengthy career each time we drive through there.
This week alone, there have been three officers that were needlessly killed doing their jobs. Two in Hattiesburg, MS and one near Fayetteville, AR. All three were gunned down, and multiple arrests have been made in these cases. Officer Liquori Tate was a rookie who just wanted to make a difference. His Facebook post on his graduation day was gratitude to God and his family for helping him realize his dream. There was another post, sadly prophetic, indicating he understood the gravity of his career choice and knew he could die in the line of duty. Officer Benjamin Dean was a graduate of the fire academy prior to joining the Hattiesburg Police force in 2009, which came in handy when he encountered a family trapped in a house fire. Officer Dean was awarded Officer of the Year for his bravery in that situation. He was a K9 handler, and with his partner, was responsible for removing numerous drug dealers from the streets of Mississippi. He left behind a wife and two young children. As the sun was rising on Friday morning of May 15, 2015, the family of Reserve Deputy Sonny Smith was trying to process the information that their father, husband and son, was killed by a burglary suspect. Deputy Smith was able to return fire and wound the assailant before succumbing to his injuries. Reserve officers work for the love of the job, they are not paid. His record for serving his community and country goes back to his Navy career, as well. He was not able to attend his son's graduation, however. Dakota Smith, the son of the fallen deputy, was scheduled to graduate mere hours after the death of his father. The strength of character displayed by this young man is a reflection of his father's influence.
The media portrays law enforcement as evil and wicked gun slingers as seen in the movies. The cell phone videos that are prolific today, portray the officers as itching to fight. Roll that beautiful bean footage from the beginning and show the baiting that came before, the spitting (which is assault), the cursing (which can be assault, disorderly conduct, at least, in most areas), and the outright failure to compose themselves as decent human beings prior to the officer behaving in the manner accused. Mind you, I do not condone Dirty Harryish tactics. Honor the badge at all times. But let us remember these guys and dolls are human beings. They are exposed to every single strata of society, and typically when they are at their worst. Very rarely will Mrs. CEO, soccer mom, and President of We Hug Trees USA thank Officer Police Man for pulling her over for speeding, left of center, improper lane change, and driving while distracted (texting while driving). She will most likely remind him of who she is, that she has Chief One's personal cell number, and is having lunch with the mayor this afternoon. The general public does not realize that the officer you just called an asshole because he seemed to be snippy and intolerant of your excuses, might have just come from a 911 call from a mother who just found her 9 month old infant dead in his crib, a husband and wife in a domestic dispute because he is sleeping with the neighbor across the street, a shoplifter at Wal-Mart who tried to steal steaks and DVDs, a domestic between a mother and son because he doesn't want to get up and go to school, back to the first domestic because the neighbor and the wife have gotten into a fight and the wife used a knife on the girlfriend, and then back to Wal-Mart for another shoplifter, trying to steal meth-making supplies. Did I forget to mention this was just the first five hours of his shift? So I believe that we can cut them just a little slack when they come across as less than cuddly. And this is just patrol officers, don't get me started on CID. Good lord, the crap they have to deal with. Victims that put themselves in the position to be victimized, yet cannot be appeased by any measure of progress in investigating their case. Imagine a world where we took responsibility for our own victimization?! I forgot to lock the doors to my car and my gun, iPad, wallet, $1500 cash, and Macbook were stolen???!!! The typical response is: Officer, why did you not prevent this? Why isn't the _____ Police Department doing enough to prevent these break-ins? The correct response: I shouldn't leave valuables in my car, and I should always ensure that my vehicle is locked and in a well-lit area. Will this prevent crime from occurring? No. But it will make you a hard target. Criminals like soft targets. They do not, by their very nature, like to work very hard. And who has $1500 cash on them? Crimeny, if I had that much cash, I would be sleeping with it under my pillow, regardless of how many germs are breeding all over it.
I digress. There is an all out assault on the law enforcement community. Those in authority need to become aware that these men and women must know they have the support of the brass, the prosecutors, and the powers that be so they can do their jobs effectively and safely. As it is, too many are second-guessing their decisions for fear of retribution and prosecution, and that has deadly consequences for law enforcement. Support your local law enforcement agencies, and make it known they have your support. I invite you to visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial website and make a contribution. Another very worthy cause, Officer Down Memorial Page. These dedicated men and women ensure that each of the fallen are counted and honored and they deserve our support. Forty-five officers and eight K9 officers have died while wearing the badge in 2015. When will it stop being okay to kill someone because they bleed blue?
