National Police Memorial Day

Tonight we will be attending the awards ceremony and police memorial tribute for Mark's police department. We are always honored to attend this event and pay tribute to those who have shown great heroism throughout the year and also to reflect on those lives who were taken while on duty. This is something that we have experienced first hand. On July 23rd 2003, our friend and fellow officer Lew Stevens was hit by a drunk driver and killed instantly. He was the first and I pray the only officer that was killed in the line of duty at Mark's department. He was one of Mark's first training officers, a fellow detective with Mark and also his friend. This was one of the saddest experiences of our lives. Mark was ordered into work immediately, he lived there for the following days as he was one of the officers in charge of planning Lew's funeral. I have never seen anything like it. I was amazed at the brotherhood of all of the men in blue. I could see police motorcycles for miles and police lights for even longer. It was a beautiful tribute to our hero. Lew's name is on the memorial wall in Washington D.C., someday I would love to take Mark there to see it.
I know first hand the sacrifice that it takes to be a police officer, Mark always says he didn't become a police officer for the money. Sometimes I wonder why then? I believe in my heart it was what God chose him to do. He loves helping people no matter what the cost. After he fatally shot a man in order to save his own life, a few years ago, I did ask and pray for him to leave, it was a very difficult time for both of us. That moment changed our lives. God truly saved him. He was off work for 6 weeks while the investigation went on. As I posted last November, it is just now finally over and that was 3 years ago. I doubt a day goes by that Mark doesn't think about that day. But that does not stop him from lacing up his boots every night and doing the best job that he can do for his department and his community. Yes, many times "they" come first, it isn't always easy for me and the kids to accept, but I know he has a duty to do and a job he loves, he is good at it. Mark is the youngest Lieutenant that the department has, yet he has experienced so much in his almost 19 years. I am so proud of him and always have been, he is our hero and we honor him tonight as well.
Today marks the National Police Memorial Day around the country, if you have a flag please fly it at half staff in honor of those who ended their watch during the past year.