As you may or may not know, May 9th through 15th is National Police Week. There are memorials in Washington D.C., and each state capital to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. There are also memorials and charity benefits throughout the country, on a smaller scale.
Today my husband’s organization, the California Peace Officer’s Association hosted the 2nd Annual CPOA Memorial Run and Family BBQ. This event is open to all Law Enforcement, their families, and friends of Law Enforcement. This is really a touching and special event – all proceeds go to the Nor-Cal Chapter of C.O.P.S., Concerns of Police Survivors, and organization whose sole mission is to assist with the rebuilding of lives of surviving family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. This organization does amazing work to help the survivors. From the moment a spouse loses their loved one, C.O.P.S. helps every step of the way, from help with paperwork to helping with funds until benefits start.
My husband, daughter and I attended this event this morning, and I wanted to share it with you.
The run was early in the morning. There were raffles, a silent auction, a police helicopter, and so much more. Outback Steakhouse provided the food at cost, and did not charge for the employees that helped out – thank you! One officer that was honored today died about 2 years ago on the way to a call. His organs were donated to help five other people. One of those people was there today – a man who only had a month left to live. He received the lungs of the fallen officer, and was there today for the walk, and to thank the survivors of the officer. Last year I wrote a post about the Oakland Officers that were killed in the line of duty. They were also honored today.
Hello from Jen’s husband,
As most of you know, Eighty MPH Mom aka “Speedy” is married to me, and for a number of years she has lived with the emotional highs and and lows that come with being a police officer’s wife. The “invite everyone we know (surprisingly mostly cops) to the house – I just got promoted” party to the “Sweetheart, one of the folks I hold close was just killed doing the job they loved and I need a hug” moments.
Today Jen and our daughter came to an event my group and I were hosting. We were hosting the event to honor those that have died while serving their community. They know this is a tough time for me as I mourn the loss of friends who have logged off for end of watch for the last time. They left me alone for a moment as I compose this note to you, as they know I may tear up as I think of those that I shared an arrest with, a “hot call” with, had a beer with or those that I have stood with as we went about protecting our flock.
The one thing I ask of you this week, when that flag draped casket passes you by this week, think not of us as the self-serving egotists who are blocking traffic to honor one of their own, but think of the warrior contained within who has sacrificed it all (their spouse, their children, their future) to make your community a better and safer place to live. Come next week, swear at us if you will for that pesky parking citation, but for this week, please remember my brothers, sisters and friends who have passed before me with only the thought of duty, honor and commitment.
We only know commitment and can not understand anything less.
All we have ever wanted is to be your warriors in blue and it pains us not to be able to bring ALL of the others back. When that flag draped coffin goes by, please pay your respects as us Warriors hold our breath and say “thank you, my Brother/Sister”.
Please remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty (and their families) during National Police Week next week and always. Please go to the Concerns of Police Survivors website to learn more, or to donate to help the survivors.
•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Mrs. Cox.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•
Oh the tears! I still can't fathom being in your shoes as a cop's wife. It's an incredible job Speedy Cop does, that most people would never consider doing. To lose someone dear to you is hard enough, but out of duty and selflessness — I can only imagine that is harder.
I pray that people find a little more respect, empathy, and self-control when it comes to their local law enforcement.
nicole
thanks for the moving tribute!
I'm going to steal the Heraclitus quote for my blog post!
glad the cpoa is having such a great family day!
RedheadedStepchild
Thank you for reminding the rest of us about the real job you do. God bless the fallen, God be with those still serving, and may He always hold the hand of the spouses & children.
ejrichter60 at gmail dot com
What a beautiful post and tribute! (and your pics are beautiful!)
My son is applying now after classes to be a police officer OR game warden. It does scare me, but I know he is so proud to be entering this amazing society and am proud of his NEED to make life better by keeping WATCH! thanks so much.
And YES…before you even said the words, I did say Awww to the little geese! too cute!
ejrichter60 at gmail dot com
Eileen
blueviolet
The life of a police officer is so far removed from my reality. Thank you for bringing me in and helping me see it this way.
Lorie Shewbridge
What a beautiful post, thank you both, Speedy and Speedy Cop for reminding everyone just how much we need and how much we should appreciate all that our police officers do for us. My step-son is a retired CT State trooper and it was a very scary several years until he retired. These events always meant a lot to the families of the fallen. Thank you for honoring those you have lost.
Thank you Speedy Cop for all YOU do.
G Bailey
I wish we would honor our police officers more every day rather than just to commemorate their loss.
ceis8009 at yahoo dot com