Your day starts as many do, you go through your normal routines just as you would most days when you are preparing for duty. Your uniform is pressed, collar brass and commendation bars are shined. Today you aren’t going on patrol, though. You are preparing for a funeral – a police funeral.
You are heading out to honor a fallen officer whom you may not even know or ever heard of. You are taking the time to honor someone who sacrificed everything to uphold the oath they swore. You will show the officer’s family that they are not alone in this loss. It is shared by all of us and their loved one’s sacrifice means something that is very important.
PROFOUND PAIN
When we arrive at a service we see dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of different law enforcement agencies assembled for the memorial. We all come together as one, regardless of the color of our uniform, our state or country of origin or the type of agency.
We introduce ourselves to new friends and have conversations as if we have known each other for years. It’s a unique bond very few professions have the opportunity to experience.
We laugh with one another before the service begins, but when called to attention we all remember why we are there: to honor an officer who gave all and made the ultimate sacrifice.
MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONALLY BOUND TOGETHER
Weather doesn’t always cooperate with services, either. We will stand in the pouring rain, bitter cold or sweltering heat. Regardless of the conditions we all stand firm for the same purpose: to honor the fallen.
As we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends, family and colleagues. We see them experiencing a wide range of emotions. These emotions are contagious, and we find ourselves, unknowingly or uncontrollably, experiencing them too.
We sometimes do this for someone we have never met. We watch and listen as family and friends tell stories about their loved one and reflect on a hero’s life. You can’t help but empathize with them as they share memories of their loved ones.
At attention as our Brother passes by
When the service ends, we return to formation and then proceed to our vehicles as we begin the drive to the officer’s final resting place. On the way there, all the police cars have their emergency lights activated. We drive through towns and villages seeing scores of people lining the route.
They show their respect by holding signs, banners and waving flags. Some of them salute the procession as it drives by and you can see the appreciation, admiration and sadness on their faces.
HEART-WRENCHING GRAVESIDE SERVICE
When we arrive at the cemetery, we get in formation and stand at attention. We salute the officer’s casket as bagpipes play, salutes rise, tears fall, and their final radio call is played. This is the last time they will be called upon by radio.
It is an emotional time as well as everyone in attendance knows it could have been them.
Emotional Support for your Brother
After the funeral, we sometimes gather and continue to share stories of our fallen hero. We laugh at the funny and strange things they have experienced, and we cry at the realization that they will never again be physically by our side at the next roll call. We honor their service to others, their dedication to the oath they swore, their self-sacrifice and the memories they leave behind.
TIME-TESTED QUESTIONS
One of the questions I get from non-law enforcement friends is “Why do you go to funerals for people you don’t know?” It’s simple: to honor a brother or sister that gave everything to a cause greater than themselves.
Bugler play TAPS
Over the course of my career I have had the honor and privilege of attending the funerals of far too many fallen police officers. I’ve traveled out of state on several occasions. I’ve been alongside masses of officers who had traveled, as well. We are all there to honor someone they likely have never met.
These men and women gathered to honor a brother or sister and to represent the strength and solidarity of The Thin Blue Line.
At the bottom line, it’s all about saving just ONE life.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this message and allowing me to share this touching story with you. I can be contacted with questions or input: EMAIL ME or call me at (386) 763-3000.
I have many friends who wear a uniform and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service Tim! I’ve also attended way too many funerals in my lifetime – all emotional – and I can only imagine the roller coaster of emotions you must feel when a brother or sister has fallen, whether you know them or not. I’ll continue to pray for those in BLUE, and all who serve. Great article – thanks for sharing from your heart!
Lara
Very nice Sir . This also applies to the fire service . We back our brothers and sisters in blue . We recently saw this as one of our own passed . The amazing support that is given to the family and the department makes things a little better knowing you always have someone there . Great article
It absolutely does! We are all in this together. Thank you so much for your response.
Touching. Your words brought back vivid memories of fallen brothers/sisters in blue. I can’t hear Amazing Grace on bagpipes without tearing up. The LEO bond is one you can’t understand unless you are a part of it. Strangers bonded by a common oath to give everything up to life for your fellow man. Well done.
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Be safe,
Tim
Please feel free to like and share this article. It will hopefully reach the many people that have experienced it. Thank you
Thsnk you so much Lara.
I live in Lapeer County. While most of us will never express our gratitude I hope that all of our police officers know that most of us feel it and are grateful for their service and sacrifices. I hope they have enough faith in the citizens they serve to remember that most of us are law-abiding and care a great deal about those who keep us safe. We want you to be safe as well and to go home to your families at the ends of your shifts. It is crushing to hear of the loss of an officer in the line of duty. Nothing seems more unfair at the time than that. But it’s the stuff heroes are made of and we’ve always had heroes in the world because common, decent men and women answer the call to serve. Or in your case, to serve and protect. Thank you.
Thank you Ms./Mrs. Peacock. We all appreciate your support. Thank you for your kind words and understanding.