Off Topic - Law Enforcement Deaths

What can I say except people can be **********. I'm a Police Officer, about 12 years ago a guy walked into a Police Station here in Ireland, emptied a can of petrol on the floor and set fire to the public area of the station. One Officer was killed in the fire. I was working that night and heard it all happening over the radio channel.

Maybe it is just the fact that the uniform represents authority and is a target for sick people. Who knows?

This is one of the reasons that while I am applying at all my local sheriffs offices I am scarred of actually getting the job. But if my life is asked of me to protect someone else...I will gladly give it.

I was in law enforcement for 11 yrs. I can say in my experience it is a lack of respect for law enforcement officials. Some children are taught that the Police is the enemy.

I know, right?! Recently an officer in Toronto was killed by some guy who thought screwing around with a snowplow was fun... it was really touching to see photos of his funeral (literally a sea of uniforms), but heartbreaking to find out that he left a wife and a little boy behind. And it also really sucks that despite the obvious danger, these men and women get up and go to work to serve and protect us, but everything they do for us is so heavily scrutinized that they're basically scapegoats. *grr*

My condolences to... well... everyone who's been hurt in the line of duty--family and friends included. (And, I have to say I admire that you're a dispatcher--that can't be an easy job...)

Ironic you should bring this up. In December a study showed that, i believe, officer deaths were up 30%, the night the story was released a female deputy was killed. Im a cop in San Antonio, two nights ago we had a drunk driver hit an officer who stopped to assist a stranded motorist. The officer was nearly thrown off the highway but managed to hold on to the concrete divider to avoid falling 30 feet. The officer survived but lost his leg.. People dont realize that when people in society are willing to kill or injure a police officer, how little must their regard be for everyday innocent people..

two words...gun legislation

I live in Los Angeles. I don't know what to say. We cannot afford to lose any officers, and my heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones. I have so much respect for the people who go into this noble profession with their hearts on their sleeves, discipline, intelligence, and such bravery.

two words...gun legislation

No. This would only take guns out of hands of people who know how to properly use them and basically set it up that only criminals will have guns. I'm a proud member of the NRA and I simply say that if the goverment wants to take away my 2nd amendment rights they'll have to bring an army to take away my guns.
"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is...to protect themselves aginst tyranny in government"- Thomas Jefferson.

I wish gun training was mandatory the same way I wish people had to take aircraft mechanics' classes before getting their license to fly small private planes. I also think it makes no difference, but I wish it did. Sadly, just another dream similar to the one I have about all people having 24-7 access to their doctors, affordable medications and lab tests. Even though I have spent long minutes on hold with 9-1-1 on several occasions over the past decade or so (new years eve rape witness, a man pretending he had a gun while licking my car window, someone got shot in an apartment complex of 450 units where I was a part-time weekend manager, someone trying to break into a girl's apartment in same place (I didn't stay there long), I still think communication and rescue is the best option we have in this world. I don't think guns actually solve anything. I have nearly been shot twice by accident, once by someone with 20 years training and once by a shady young guy. The irony is they had the same gun model. I think the young guy almost killed me more (in the sense that he was closer range) but who knows, they both looked pretty scared and said "oh my God I almost shot you!" My lesson? training nothing! guns is guns!

Agreed. It is a sad day, and a hard start to a new year for many families. Some good people gave up their lives doing what they could to better a community, and that is a truly noble sacrifice. Although their presence will be so missed in the lives of their families, if anyone here reading this has lost a loved one in this way, I hope it helps even just a little bit that such people so briefly in our world make it possible for strangers like me, just regular citizens, to want to go the extra mile, mostly because of their heroism. It is so sad but it is also a catalyst. Inspirational. I hope it helps that even in this tragedy, their legacy is strengthened, extended, because people who don't even know them will go the extra mile to consider what they can do to help, to do what they can, to help create a stronger, more benevolent society and further the ideals that these heroes died for.

I think it was Jeff Katz who posted a link that in the last 24 hours there have been 11 LEO deaths and that people believe that LEOs are being targeted! Just awful!!!

Here's one link

"Authorities Fear Cops Being Targeted After at Least 11 Officers Shot in 24 Hours"

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/24/authorities-fear-cops-targeted-officers-shot-hours/

My thoughts and prayers go out to the officers and their families as well.

I live in Indianapolis, IN and we had an officer shot four times on Sunday. Twice in his face (chin and under eye, both came out the neck area) once in his chest (but he was wearing the vest) and I believe the last one in his leg. He has been in a coma and we are waiting to hear what the prognosis is.

A couple of years ago we had another officer shot in the line of duty (thinking his was in the head as well), he survived but he has limited movement on one side of his body, some brain damage, but is working back on the force.

It's amazing the dedication, loyality and love that these people show our country and we repay them with violence? Both were routine traffic stops and instead of complying with their requests, the citizens decide that using a piece of metal is the best choice.

God bless and keep our law enforcement men and women safe from harm.

Rest in Peace David Moore.

Police Office shot 4 times on Sunday, January 23, 2011. Passed away January 27, 2011 at 6:18 a.m.

May his soul and the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace amen.