Two police officers die in my hometown

Bird · Jan 5, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I know a few officers that have been shot or had to shoot. The
person before the incident is not the same person after the
shooting. Some are "ok", some are not "ok", and all had a
real tough time and a long recovery. )</font>

That's for sure. Most folks would have no idea how much it can change a person.

Turfman · Jan 6, 2004

Some years ago we had a fellow who stopped to assist a broken down motorist. Seems they were escaped cons. The trooper was taken hostage and forced to drive them in his patrol car. He drove a while and then hit the median, jumped from the moving car and was shot in the back. He ran and hid while they hunted for him. Eventually he found some help and got to a hospital. After several months he returned to work. They had him riding with other guys while he got his legs back under himself. The first week back they stopped to assist a broken down motorist and the guy pulled a gun on them. Shoot out occurred and both the officers were not hit or hurt. That was it for him. He retired soon after.

My brother-in-law was killed about ten years ago in a line of duty shooting. I had the SWAT team at the time and it was hard for me to get going. The first raid I had to lead the team in and all I could think about the whole time was how could I get to the back of the team where it was (relatively) safe. My legs were rubber, but we made it. Having it come that close in your family really changes you. My brother-in-law’s family are changed forever. It's sad to see the kids and his widow as they try to make it though life with the burden of his death constantly in their minds. Some families and surviving officers make it and some don't. One thing for sure is they will never be the same. Those left behind with the memories and psychological struggle have a difficult task. I guess we all just do the best we can with the hand we are dealt.

May God rest their souls and comfort those they left behind. Thank God for them and their willingness to die that we may enjoy freedom. They have given all and their widows and children will give more.

fivestring · Jan 6, 2004

Unfortunately, that is one of the hazards of our job.

There are other dangers, too:
Directing traffic. Would you stand in the middle of a multi-lane road and direct traffic?
Domestics. A no-win for anybody situation.
DSS taking custody of someone's children. Again, a no-win.
Searches and raids. What's behind door number 1?

Just keep us in your prayers.

Old_Hickory · Jan 6, 2004

I like to watch the television show Cops and I have come to one conclusion for sure,a police officer is underpaid,just my 2 cents worth.For what a police officer has to deal with they have earned my respect and honor.
Police officers and our military are the best.

rdam · Jan 7, 2004

Firefighters too....Emergency Services in general

Tractors4u · Jan 7, 2004

The funerals were yesterday. The news reported that officers representing 70 different departments attended. We saw med flight leaving from Athens yesterday. It had flown over during the grave side services. The last time I saw the med flight helicopter was January 2nd while I was out on my tractor. I didn't know at that time that it was carrying SGT Larry Russell to Huntsville hospital.