From Those You Serve
Chaplain Bill Wolfe
Llano County Sheriff’s Department
Hi and thanks for joining me one more time. May is here, and I’ve got a different kind of column again this month. (Different seems to be becoming usual, doesn’t it?) I’ve sorta taken Rush’s "Open Line Friday" to the internet and invited the folks you serve out there to say a few words in memory of the fallen or just to say "Thank You." So, here we go:
Officer Ippolito Lee Gonzalez and I would often get our coffee at the same time at a local convenience store. He and I became friends and during this time my mom was diagnosed with cancer. One morning we got the news there was nothing more that the doctors could do for my mom, there were no more treatment options. The next morning as I was sitting in my car and crying uncontrollably, Officer Gonzalez parked his car along side of mine. He was ready to go into the store when he saw me and came over to see what the problem was. I poured out my heart to him. He listened. I mean he really listened. Officer Gonzalez showed compassion and kindness. After that he would always ask about mom and how she was doing. When she died, he gave me a small teddy bear. I still have that teddy bear. Eighteen months later Sgt. Ippolito Lee Gonzalez was killed in line of duty. (EOW 5/7/1995) I miss him greatly.
Patty (pw1bear), PA, formerly NJ
Thanks to the men and women in blue that protect and serve our communities; I admire your willingness to put the safety and interest of others before your own.
Paul, Homewood, AL
Please pass on my most sincere "Thank You" to all Police Officers.
As a nurse, I would be unable to count the number of times a Police Officer as has saved my back side, helped me with a nasty patient, or helped me restrain someone before they hurt me.
I am always shocked and comforted by the many odd behaviors of policemen. While the rest of us are hiding under a large piece of furniture in fear of what an "out of control" person will do, policemen are running towards the bad guy. It takes more than training to have the personal ability to run towards danger, it takes something different -- something I doubt most of us will ever understand. I don't understand the part of your personality that allows you to do what you do, it goes against human nature.
Most people are unable to bring themselves to do the things Police Officers do on a daily basis. For this you deserve a world of credit and a sincere thank you. I can't imagine a world without Police Officers. On behalf of the nurses of the world, please allow me to offer a most sincere, Thank You!
Michelle, RN, Phoenix, AZ
Thank you for what you do for us. I am glad you are there should we ever need you. May Almighty God bless you and your family/support system and keep you. Be very careful out there.
Bill & MR, North Central, MS
Thank you to the dedicated men and women in law enforcement. We don't know what a day holds, yet there are those who willingly serve to help make our cities and towns safer and for that I am grateful. God bless you and all those who lift you up in prayer. May God also bless the friends, families, and survivors and give them peace & strength for each new day, healing and joy for the journey.
Cheryl, Jasper, IN
We just want to say "thanks, gracias, danke schoen, merci" to all you folks in law enforcement here in the Lowcountry. We'd use more languages if we knew them! We don't know what we'd do without you.
Ann & Randy, Charleston, SC
We were pastors at the Glad Tidings Church in Grant County, NM when Deputy Ben Green was slain. (EOW 2/28/1981) It was not his regular shift. He was called in to work for another officer that night. Because of Ben's death, the other officer dedicated his life to God’s service. It's as though Ben gave his life to cause him to answer his call into the ministry. The many, many souls won to Christ through this officer’s ministry are literally because Ben gave his life for his brother officer. God has and continues to use this terrible event to His purposes. Ben’s sacrifice was not in vain.
Rev. Weldon & June,
Harpers Ferry, WV
In memory of Officer Brian Jackson, DPD (EOW 11/13/2005): Your sacrifice will always be remembered - Thank God for heroes. You made a difference in people’s lives, and Dallas is a better city because of you. Generations who may otherwise have never been born will now flourish thanks to your good work. Blessed are the peacemakers, and the peace officers.
Charlie, Flower Mound, TX
Deputy Andrew Taylor, LCSO (EOW 5/9/2005): Hard to believe it’s been two years already. The pain has eased some, but the hole is still there. You have not been forgotten, my friend, you have not been forgotten. And "thank you" to his brother and sister officers that keep on keeping on.
Bill, Llano, TX
Just a short thank you to our law enforcement. We are fortunate to have brave and willing officers like "Andy Taylor" to protect and serve to fine folks in Llano,
Texas.
Jean, Tow, TX
Bill and I want to thank all of the officers of Llano County and the City of Llano who each and every day put your lives on the line for us. Each time you walk out of your homes you do not know what waits for you out there. I pray God keeps each and every one of you safe. You not only protect us, you help us when we are stranded, locked out of our cars and homes, need a helping hand or a kind word or some friendly advice. You are there when we need you. Thank you.
Bill and Faye, Llano, TX
To all police officers everywhere,
From the bottom of our hearts we want to say "thank you" for all you do. We always know we can turn to the police when the need arises for help.
Thanks again,
Danny & Marty, Orange Grove, TX
Jesus said, "I came to serve, not to be served". Go out and serve others. Each of you have done that and we thank you for all you and your family do for us.
Helen, Robstown, TX
Law enforcements officers,
We want you to know we appreciate all the sacrifices you make to keep our state and towns safe. I know sometimes it is a thankless job, but we want you to know that the Adams’ in Shamrock, Texas appreciate all you do! Thank you,
The Adams, Shamrock, TX
The first time I met Jack and Phyllis Poe, husband and wife and both Chaplains at the Oklahoma City Police department, was in ICU after an officer was hit by a drunk driver while directing traffic. Jack’s attention to the family of the officer impressed me to say the least. It was almost as if he was living at the hospital just in case someone in the family needed him and need him they did. It wasn’t just the immediate family of the officer that needed Jack but also the police family. The many prayers from Jack and Phyllis gave Spiritual comfort to the family and the staff at the hospital. Officer Pete Walker survived the ordeal and returned to the OCPD and is now a Lieutenant. Jack was the Chaplain in charge of all the Chaplains that came to Oklahoma City to help when the Murrah building was bombed in 1995. Jack was a Colonel In the military during the Vietnam War and is a Colonel in the OCPD. He can be tuff as nails when in the capacity of being a cop, but just under that exterior beats the heart of a devout Christian willing to give spiritual aide and comfort to anyone that needs it. Jack Poe is a personal friend and a man I respect very much.
Ben, Jones, OK
As we approach May 15, 2007 Peace Officers Memorial Day, I'm reminded of these words. "The Highest form of Respect, is Remembrance", and so on this day each year we take time for a special remembrance. Thank God for the men and women in law enforcement!
Mike & Sandy, Duncanville, TX
A big thanks to the local and state law enforcement officers in Crane County. We depend on you and know you are just a call away.
J&S, Crane, TX
Almost four years ago we had an officer by the name of Rodney Pocesschi killed in the line of duty. (EOW 6/23/2003) I did not know this officer but felt such sadness about his tragic death. His was the first LODD funeral I attended and it affected me deeply. I visit his Officer Down page often and think about him every time I pass the spot where he was gunned down. His life touched mine and we didn’t even know each other. He has had a great impact on me and I will be forever grateful for him and his dedication to our city! He paid the ultimate sacrifice and I know he did it with Honor, Integrity and Respect. He is a Blue Angel now walking a Golden Beat and watching over his fellow officers! May he rest in Peace.
Donna (luvavbcop), Virginia Beach, VA
To all law enforcement officers:
As a granddaughter of a police officer, I wish to say "Thank you" to all of you that wear a uniform. Even though my grandfather retired in the late 60’s, he was able to see that crime would only get worse. He had a nickname like so many of you have and his was "Mule." It is hard for a civilian to understand the type of job you do, but we’re darn glad you do it. Daily headaches for a civilian can't begin to compare to what you officers face. As you all know, it really does take a "special person" to be a police officer. Knowing many of you from the Internet, you have helped me by listening on several occasions & never complaining; again "Thank you." I hope that every one of you have a blessed day/night! I also hope that a citizen will say "Thank you" to you in person. I know that we don't always think to be courteous to an officer.... but you always keep going, making another call & another call... I pray everyone leaves their shift and makes a safe trip home. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Samijo, Houston, TX
What’s the best way to say thank you to people who don’t expect thanks for doing something as dangerous as keeping the peace? People can answer that question in a number of different ways, but to me, anyone who voluntarily puts himself or herself between me and someone who wishes me harm is a hero, so I’ve composed a snippet of poetry in the Old English style that honors the heroic spirit.
Elisabeth, Waco, TX
Hail the Victorious Dead
For 752
How green the grass o’er our heroes, how hallowed
The ground where their graves are! Greatly they loved us,
Recked not their own ruin, shield-wearing warriors,
Gone now to God’s rest; those good men and women
Laid down their lives for land and for kinsmen,
Sought not for safety in sight of their foes.
Obeying their oaths, they overcame evil,
Prizing their pledge to protect and to serve.
To all Law Enforcement officers, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do while protecting the people in the communities you serve. Far too often police officers end their shifts without somebody saying a simple "Thank You." You all are the first to run to a person with a gun, or to a domestic dispute. What people fail to realize is that officers are human, just like everybody else: you have feelings that get hurt, you have family, wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends and children waiting for you at home. So for all those people who don't say, "you're doing a great job," or "Thank You," I'm saying it. You all have my total support. Thank you for reading this. Have a great day, and stay safe!!!!!
Angie (sweetgirl1976), Barberton, Ohio
SACRIFICE
There is no greater sacrifice,
Any man will ever see.
Then to have a brave Policeman,
Giving up his life for me.
To all of those who passed away,
I want to be so sure.
Their names will be remembered,
For now, and ever more.
I wish that I could call each one,
By their given name.
To let them know we won't forget,
Their courage and their fame.
They chose this great profession,
And served with all their might.
Not fearing all the danger,
To them each day and night.
Yes, they had picked to walk a path
Where very few have gone,
And now they are protecting
Heaven, from dust till dawn.
So let's all pray they're happy,
In heaven up above.
While in safety they are doing,
The job they dearly love.
I would like to thank all those that "protect and serve" our communities
by putting their lives on the line each day they put on their uniforms.
If it were not for your gallant efforts, courage, and dedication to duty
the world would be a very sad place to live. One can not imagine how
life would be without Police Officers! Nobody to protect the innocent,
old, young, and those that do not know any better. May God bless each
and everyone of you that provide this valuable service to our communities and that you return home safely to your loved ones. And especially to those that gave all, may the good Lord give them a special place in heaven as they have served their time in hell.
I know how Police Officers wives and family feel as my husband is a
retired municipal officer and is now affiliated with law enforcement on
the federal side of the house.
Thanks again for all that you do and God bless!
Sharon (Mrs26Trainer),
Pine Bluff, AR
A quick thank you to all the members of the St. Louis County Police Department who capably handle the "big" stuff, but who also take care of assistance: checking out an alarm (false, happily) going off at the home of a senior living alone; quieting the loud neighborhood party which has gone a little too long into the night; even securing the home of a family which has headed off on a trip to another city, forgetting to close their front door in the process! I've personally seen their dedication and professionalism, a solid combination which allows me to sleep like a baby at night! Thanks again, SLCPD!
Jim, Florissant, MO
Just recently I have been sending sympathy cards out to the different police departments who had losses. I never realized (I am not sure if I am saying this right) the numbers to be so great. I am now getting ready to send out another sympathy card out along with a get well card to South Bend, IN.
I guess what I want to say is: police officers, please be careful. You are needed. And if something should happen to you, you would surely be missed. I also wanted you to know that I pray for your safety each and every time I pray. Please take care of yourselves. Thank you for all that you do.
Patricia, Mifflinburg, PA
I’ve saved this one for last, a fitting benediction.a prayer for "The Thin Blue Line."
Dear Father, how I thank You for each and every peace officer in this wonderful state of Texas! I pray that You will pour out unnumbered blessings on all of these who keep justice, who practice righteousness at all times. May Your favor rest upon each of these public servants; establish the works of their hands, and be a shield about them as they face danger every day in order to protect the rest of us from danger. May Your angels encamp about these warriors as they protect and serve the people in their neighborhoods. Keep their families and loved ones safe, and let Your lovingkindness fill their homes. I pray that You will meet their every need. As Your servants end their shifts, may they rest peacefully, knowing that You will keep them safe. May these peacekeepers be anxious for nothing, but let Your peace that passes all understanding guard their hearts and minds. Guard them as they go out on patrol and as they come in again. May they never grow weary in their well-doing, and may Your joy be their strength. I pray in Jesus’ precious, lovely name. Amen.
Claudia, Llano, TX
Once again, I thank you for riding along. And thank you for your service to your community. I’m honored to be on the same "team" - The Thin Blue Line.
Chaplain Bill
llanochaps@moment.net
