5-O

As most of you know, if you read my blog or are lucky enough to be in my "circle"...hahahaha - I work with police officers. I am in my 25th year and I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE it. I have seen many come and go. I have seen tragedy, been a part of it and I always have to shake my head in amazement at what my brothers and sisters in blue do everyday for each and every one of us.

In 2005, a very, very good police friend, a brother in blue, was killed in the line of duty. He was part of a zero tolerance fugutive squad serving a warrant. He entered the suspects house, after being told my a female occupant, that the suspect they were looking for was not there. She gave them permission to search. As he entered a bedroom and opened a closet door, the suspect shot him in the head. He died 2 days later. My heart still aches. He was an amazing police officer, a father, a brother, a son, a husband and about the nicest guy anyone could ask for as a friend.

Two days ago, 3 officers were in a business speaking with the owner. The business is on the border of the two cities, but they were there just being friendly. A suspect had been stopped by the other city PD on a narcotic investigation. The suspect ran from the scene and into the business where the three officers were. When they were informed of the suspect, they immediately gave assistance to the officers in pursuit. The suspect ran through the business, one officer - a 21 year veteran - on his heels. When the two exited the back of the business, the suspect shot the officer three times. Once in the hand, the hip and the eye. The officer, even with his injuries, was able to shoot the suspect, dead center in his chest. The suspect died. The officer survived with serious, critical injuries. He was rushed to the hospital, underwent surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his hip and his eye. He will lose a finger, and possibly one eye. He will probably never return to his duties. In an instant, these lives, along with many others, are forever changed.

If you see an officer, if you think he is only around to  make your life miserable...think again. They are here to protect and serve and will lay down their lives to do it.

Buy them a meal, shake their hand, or simply say thank you. Tomorrow - your life and theirs could be forever changed.