Cold Blooded Murder x 4
Sorry folks, I just need to "vent" a little. I've been off my blog for a few days because of events nearby that have made me not too cheery or "bloggy".
I've been a law enforcement officer for over 22 years. Everyday I'm honored to do my job and I'm glad to be a member of the profession. I'm totally devastated when my brothers and sisters, who also "serve and protect", die at the hands of a cold blooded murderer.
I'm referring to the murder of the four Lakewood, Washington police officers while they gathered Sunday morning. They sat at a local coffee shop with laptops open, reviewing reports and getting ready for the start of their shift. Ambushed, shot execution style, three died immediately. One officer pursued the suspect, shooting and wounding him. The suspect fired one last time, finishing his horrifying deed, leaving four dead at the scene.
A manhunt ensued. Every heart of every police officer in the area beat faster. The suspect's picture was kept close at hand. Blood pressures rose, nerves were on edge. The collective family of law enforcement worried as their loved ones worked the streets. Searching, searching.
The suspect was found this morning in Seattle, driving a stolen car. The manhunt ended. There will be no one to prosecute for the murders of the Lakewood officers.
When a police officer is killed in the line of duty it's tradition among the departments to wear a black band across the badge on their uniform. The band is worn until midnight of the day of the officer's memorial service. Yesterday I put the mourning band on my badge, again.
Again? Just four weeks ago I wore the band for a Seattle Police officer who was gunned down while he sat in his patrol car, with his recruit, on Halloween night.
Some would say it's not a good time to be a cop around here. As frightening as each day may be, I would have to disagree. To me, the feeling of satisfaction I get serving my community outweighs the risk.
Officer Ronald Owens. Officer Tina Griswold. Officer Greg Richards. Sgt. Mark Renninger.
End of Watch: November 29, 2009
Rest in peace comrades. Rest in peace.
4 comments:
Thanks for blogging this. And thanks for all you do. It is so easy for us to go about our days and our lives oblivious to those who are in danger just doing their jobs protecting us. I woke this morning early; praying it would be over and was delighted beyond words that it was. I'm so grateful that that one lone officer, who was simply checking on a stolen car, was able to safely dispatch this waste of space. Hang in and know that you and Bruce are very much appreciated.
I too am tired of putting the black band on my badge. It seems I had just put it away.
why in the hell what that guy pardoned in the first place?
I've been thinking about you since the news broke. My heart goes out to you and all your brethren.
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