It's a gray ass, drizzle-y day at BBGHQ. It feels like an incredibly appropriate setting for the beginning of Police Memorial Week. I thought about writing something new about my feelings on the week and the folks who strap up, but find myself of the ilk that May St. Michael Watch Over 'Em (May, 2010) (http://bigbrowngirlworld.blogspot.com/2010/05/may-st-michael-watch-over-em.html) still sums it up best.
The troubling update from the past 12 months is the tragic surge in "Police fatalities" of 37% over the prior year ('09). The headlines make the reality seem so, I donno? Distant? Sterile? Detached? I donno, maybe I'm over sensitive about the subject? But from my personal experience and vantage point, can ya be too sensitive about the 160 regular, and yet stellar Sam Browne wearin' professionals who were taken from their loved ones and friends in service to their communities during 2010? How can the other 69 Officers have died in the line so far this year, and their families not occupy space my mind, thoughts and prayers?
While all of the deaths "strike home", it's been a particularly painful year (2011) here in Buckeyeland where we have already sadly lost six LEOs, including Deputy Suzanne Waughtel Hopper, of my hometown.
I vowed to remember her name. I generally recall the names of local officers who've paid the invoice of helping keeping me safe with their lives. I feel it's the least I can do, to remember their name and sacrifice.
Once again I find myself thinking of the families. The mom's and dads, siblings, spouses, and where maybe where I still identify the most, the kids who are having this week without a parent.
...And hoping that St. Michael, the patron saint of Po-po, is more diligent in his duties this year.
While all of the deaths "strike home", it's been a particularly painful year (2011) here in Buckeyeland where we have already sadly lost six LEOs, including Deputy Suzanne Waughtel Hopper, of my hometown.
I vowed to remember her name. I generally recall the names of local officers who've paid the invoice of helping keeping me safe with their lives. I feel it's the least I can do, to remember their name and sacrifice.
Once again I find myself thinking of the families. The mom's and dads, siblings, spouses, and where maybe where I still identify the most, the kids who are having this week without a parent.
...And hoping that St. Michael, the patron saint of Po-po, is more diligent in his duties this year.
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