Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Fallen Heroes

I'm very saddened by the tragic shooting deaths of four Oakland police officers. Our department has also experienced in the line of duty deaths. Fortunately, not for several years. It's a horribly difficult situation for a community to get through. It will be especially hard in Oakland as they grieve the loss of not just one officer... but four brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice. Even though we all work for different departments, in different cities, in different states..... law enforcement is a family. These losses are felt by us all. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families, their city, and their brothers and sisters in blue.


The Thin Blue Line

There is a line
the color of the sky
on a clear afternoon

There is a line
the hue of the ocean
on a bright sunny day

There is a line
the purest shade of a newborn's eyes
awakening for the first time

There is a line
that protects us from harm
in all we do
whether day or night

There is a line
no one can penetrate
no one can alleviate

There is a line
made of those who choose
to follow a calling many do not hear
and still more do not comprehend

They choose to walk
the path of fear, hate, and mistrust
taken by so few
but marked by so many

And when one leaves this line
they leave a legacy
but the line does not break
for the remaining must still protect

There may be emptiness
a loss, or sadness
but never a hole

Not in this line

This line that holds
the ghosts of the souls who have gone
and the souls of the ghosts who remain
The Thin Blue Line

Author Unknown

12 comments:

a Tonggu Momma said...

Oh, I am so very saddened to hear this. Sometimes there just aren't any words...

We always felt this way when a Marine aviator died. The community may be spread across the country, but the ties don't break.

"M" said...

Thanks for all you do and putting yourself on the line. Very sad to think of the impact of these losses.

C's Mom said...

I am so sorry to hear this and wish some healing for these families in time.

Rhonda said...

I'm so very sorry to hear this.

Suzie said...

It's a horrible thing to happen. I'm sorry and pray for their families to find peace.

Anonymous said...

My dad was a 32 year veteran of law enforcement. Growing up, I always worried that something like this would happen to my dad. It wasn't until I was much older that it dawned on me that not everybody's parents ran the risk of dying while doing their job. My heart breaks for the families. There's a brotherhood for those wearing the uniform and a kinship for the families of those that do the job. Very sad.


(Love your blog (I lurk), my sister is a single CA mom too, and there's the police thing...thanks for sharing your journey!)

4D said...

So sad. Why do people hurt those who are out to protect us?

Keep smilin!

Marla said...

That is very sad to read. My prayers are with their families. :(

Donna said...

I'm saddened by this too. And upset about the attitude of some of the community about the killings. As an ex cop, it affects me deeply when something like this happens -- especially so close to my own home.

Donna
Our blog: Double Happiness!

Kayce said...

This whole thing is just so sad and upsetting. With so many family and friends in law enforcement it has hit close to home.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

This is so sad.....sending prayers to these families!

Lisa

Anonymous said...

This particular case made me sick to my stomach. I grew up in the bay area, so in a way those cops are still my cops. I mean, my family still lives near Oakland. What happened to those 4 officers was not only a tragedy but a horrific crime against humanity.

Since my job is working the the families and departments of firefighters who have died in the line of duty, I don't bat an eye when one dies. I think I have hardened myself to it because I have this work to do in helping everyone recover. However, 4 at one time? The story that goes behind it? All I can say is, thank goodness the monster is dead.

My deepest condolences to the families and the department.