Thinking about my Brothers and Sisters in Blue this morning. Ive never been a Banker, never been a Teacher, never been a Pastor ( although thats my prayer ), cant farm a lick, cant imagine what its like to be a commercial fisherman. Every occupation, trade, or calling has its risk and rewards. I only know of one where an individual is given the responsibility to take away another human beings freedom and if the circumstances dictate, take another human beings life. I also only know of one that requires racing TOWARD shots fired call for response. I only know of one that is held accountable to not only their command staff; but also the city management AND the outcry of the public at large. Are they, should they be held to a higher standard; ABSOLUTELY! It was and has always been my experience and observation that they were/are. What goes completely unnoticed AND completely unappreciated, is the emotional stress that these men and women ( and their families ) endure. This week in Tidewater, they buried one of their own. A young man who responded to a call for service and upon that response, paid the ultimate price. A stabbing took place at the Naval Hospital complex in Portsmouth that required EVERY AVAILABLE unit to respond in some capacity. Yes, thats their job and yes, they all knew what they signed up for. I for one am thankful and appreciative of EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! May God protect you and sustain you as you serve and protect our communities. Im an old man now, but I never hear or see the calls, that I wish that at least one more time I was beside you. Always was and will be proud to say I was a member of this Band of Brothers and Sisters.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 15:53:41 +0000