As a police officer working for the City of Tampa, Florida I went to a funeral for two detectives Randy Bell and Ricky Childers who were shot and killed in the line of duty story.
But, these were not the only Police Officers that were killed in my 7 1/2 year career working for the Tampa P.D.. No matter what you think about Police, when a Police Officer is killed in the line of duty, it is a great loss to the entire police department, city, and of course the family of the officer.
Today 4 Lakewood, Washington Police Officers were ruthlessly gunned down, while they unwittingly prepared for their day story. This story is evolving by the minute and the suspect or suspects have not yet been captured. However, take a step back and think about the 4 murdered Police Officer’s family’s. Four families have been forever changed by a psychopathic killer or killers bent on hurting specifically Police Officers. Deep down this kind of murder sends shockwaves through a community. If the Police are not safe then our communities are not safe and anarchy reigns. Fortunately, in times of crisis communities actually bond together and become very strong persevering through the horror that occurred today at approximately 8:00am PST at Forza Coffee Shop in Lakewood, Washington. Not only do communities bond together, but law enforcement comes together and works relentlessly not matter what jurisdiction they are from to solve the crimes of their brethren.
Losing one Police Officer is horrible, but today the Lakewood Police Department lost approximately 4% of their sworn (commissioned) law enforcement personnel. Unfortunately, this city will not be the same for sometime. Hopefully the person or persons responsible for this crime will be brought to justice before this article posts. Please take time after reading this article to take a moment to think, pray, or spiritually do whatever you do in remembrance of these Police Officers and their family’s. If you would like to help with a donation please send your donation to: LPIG Benevolent Fund at PO Box 99579 Lakewood, WA 98499. Please take the time and consider the Police Officers that patrol your community and thank them for their service if you get a chance Thank You.
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Brother what you have written I can certainly tell is from the heart. I had the worst day of my life back in March 2006 when an Officer that I was the FTO of also succumbed to LODD in an ambush situation. That was the darkest and blackest day of my entire career so far. The shock, the grief, the gravity of the situation, and the complete and utter helplessness and frustration that you feel is totally incomprehensible to anyone outside the Brotherhood of the Badge.
Therefore in respect to our 4 fallen comrades in Lakewood WA I have written this eulogy in their memory. I have been told that it will be read at the funeral’s of each of the Officers by the President of the Lakewood Police Indepedant Guild, as I composed it and sent it to him, as soon as the tears stopped flowing:
In loving memory of my four fallen LE comrades who I never had the chance to meet or know personally.
Although an International boundary had seperated us, and we never had a chance to meet, you were special to me. As soon as you put on your uniform’s , accepted your badges, and were sworn in you became part of my family. One of the largest,loving, and tight knit families in the world. You were part of the family of the Thin Blue Line and you always will be, even though your EOW’s came much too soon and unexpected.
Tears are not enough at a time like this, but rest in peace knowing that we, your family of LEO’s worldwide, will take up the fight where you left off. WE will be there to look out for your families and friends, your fellow officers, the citizen’s that you loved to protect and serve so faithfully. We are YOUR family and like all families, we will always be there for you, we will always love and miss you terribly, and we will never forget your smiles, wit, charm, jokes, everything that made you special.
Yes, I will miss you terribly my Brothers and Sister, but as long as I’m alive you will never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace, we have your watch!!!!
Staff Sargeant Thomas Hanna RCMP-GRC
S/Sgt Thomas, thank you very much for your comment and dedication to the job. I am glad to hear my police brothers treated you well in Tampa. I worked for 2 years on the Ybor Strip both plain clothes and undercover.
I did write this article from the heart. I really hate to see senseless crimes, even worse when it is carried out against those sworn to serve and protect.
thanks again
Mike