Police Week 2018

Writing sometimes comes so easily for me. Talking comes easily pretty much all the time, but I guess, writing is different because once you see it on the screen or paper, you can think about it and back up and correct errors. But this week writing is a little difficult. I want to write about Police Week and our Law Enforcement Memorial Service that took place today and our Law Enforcement Appreciation service that we’re having on Sunday but the words haven’t been going together the way I want them to. I even attempted to do something this morning that I rarely do and write out my closing prayer for today’s service but couldn’t do it. So I went to the service planning on ignoring the service and coming up with a prayer while everyone else was doing their part. Pretty compassionate and professional huh?

            But then it was like I forgot that I was doing the closing prayer when the service started. I watched as the officer carried the wreath down the center aisle and instantaneously the crowd went silent and every eye in the place was on him. The families of the fallen were seated to the left of the center table and I was seated across from them, facing them, on the other side of the room. There were government officials, chaplains, local citizens and law enforcement filling the room to the point of overflowing into the waiting area. Every person was silent and every person watched the officer begin the service by placing the wreath in the front of the room. The honor guard presented and posted the flags. The United States flag and the Tennessee flag to either side of the room and saluted before proceeding back out the center aisle. Chaplain Greg Long opened up with prayer and then the names were read of those in law enforcement that had died in the line of duty. Died protecting and serving. Died. Lives ended on days that started like all the other days. It began to sink in with me as the chief choked up while reading the name of his friend that had died. We had talked about it several weeks before as he described that day then ultimately described that man, his friend. He was moved. He was hurting.

            I watched across the room as names were read, roses placed on a table, salutes given, tears lost and composure began to deteriorate. That’s when I realized why words had been so difficult to come by for this week, this “event”. It’s because this isn’t about an event or a ceremony. This is about people. And not just any people. Not just normal people. This is about people who have chosen to live their life for others. You may see cars, badges and budgets but these are people. Special people who live to serve. For today, it’s about people who served to the end. People who literally, not figuratively for a cool YouTube video, but literally gave their life to save someone else.

            Police are people. Real people. They place themselves in harm’s way out of instinct and duty. They face darkness so I can sleep at night and send my kids to school. They race down the street to save a woman they do not know from a man who has drank too much and threatening to do harm. They dive into burning cars with mangled bodies trying to save somebody; anybody. Yet they are people. They take care of their family. They work hard, play hard; even pray hard. And sometimes, for some reason, their life is required to save another. I hate it. I don’t get it. But that is very bluntly just the way it is. Then we, who are left, must find a way to deal with it.

            This is why Police Week exists. Because there are thousands of men and women who have laid down their lives to protect and serve. It’s not about an event but it’s about people. I hurt but then I see the people across the room and realize that my hurt is minimal compared to a mother and father who has experienced intense loss. I see their tears and I know that these aren’t the only ones they have shed. I know that in their quiet place they have sobbed uncontrollably. I know they have asked why and been mad at God and may still be mad at him. They’re human, I get it.

This week, yes, remember those that wear the badge. But also remember those who are at home waiting on the badge-wearers to get off work. They don’t admit it much but they worry. They can see the news and they know the climate of the world isn’t improving. Mankind isn’t becoming friendlier, calmer, or nicer. Remember the little people who may be just now realizing that mommy, daddy, uncle or aunt is actually doing a dangerous job and they don’t know whether to be proud of them or concerned. I would say to them to be like the rest of us and be both.

            And finally to my friends and family that wear the badge, back the badge, live with the badge… be strong and courageous. Be brave and be bold. Be humble and be loving. When you encounter evil, be whatever you need to be to protect those cannot or will not protect themselves and be whatever you need to be to go home today. You are loved! We are proud of you! We need you!

I, myself, back the blue!

Pastor Dad