116

116. That is the number of what I consider my adopted family, that has died while working this year. That is a little more than 2 every week since January while they were working. That is most likely 116 spouses that sent their loved ones to work and went about their day. Most likely someone like me went to their home to notify them that a husband or a father or a wife or a mother or a son or a daughter wouldn’t be coming home because they died while working. While at a job! Please let that sink in before you spew your opinion at the very people that really do get up and protect you every day of your life.

There are very few positions in life that I respect as much as I do law enforcement. While I have dedicated my life to serving others, the 116 have given theirs. To most people not connected to or affected by law enforcement it comes easy to say, almost as a cliché, “these men and women put their life on the line everyday”. To those 116 it isn’t a cliché and it isn’t a fancy saying, it is reality!

People today are raised to “hero” status almost flippantly. Not much thought put into effort, sacrifice, or honor; usually just results. And results today are largely measured in money, fame and position. But where I come from, here in Blount County, results have been measured by sacrifice, honor, and integrity. Sacrifice! Giving up something for another. Paying a higher price than expected and a higher price than most are willing to pay! The 116 paid the highest price protecting and serving and for that, I want to say, “thank you”.

I never knew any of the 116. I didn’t get an opportunity to ride in their car or comfort their immediate families at the time of their loss. But in my time spent with law enforcement for the last several years I have found that those that I know have certain characteristics that aren’t cheap and aren’t cliché. They are committed… They don’t back down, turn around, or back up. They are fiercely loyal... Like a family they fight for their own.  And they are hard workers… They always stay till the job is done.

The way we honor them is not through headlines or newscasts or protests. The way my family honors them is that when we see a marked car or an officer or a deputy, we respect them and pray for them. That’s what the 116 would want for those working the streets today.

And for those of you in the law enforcement family… Take pride in yourself, your department, and your community. Be humble for the opportunity to serve. Beat down every entitled tendency. Every day you take your place behind your shield, pick up your weapon, drive your car, and serve our community, thank God for that day. There are those that paved the way for you and by doing your job with integrity and courage you honor their memory. To those that I have grown to love, thank you. I cannot name all of you but you are my family (some legally), you are my friends!

Today and each day forward, may we do justice to the 116 that have fallen!

Be safe!

            Pastor Dad