The ultimate sacrifice; remembering the words of Teddy Roosevelt
Editor, The Times:
May I prevail upon each citizen to observe a moment of silence or say a prayer for the four police officers who were pointlessly slain in Parkland by the man who chose to destroy four innocent lives for reasons known only to his psychotic thinking [“Grief, gratitude for slain officers,” News, Dec. 1].
To Sgt. Mark Renninger, Officer Ronald Owens, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Gregory Richards, we say thank you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. We are so very sorry for the unjust fate you suffered at the hands of this madman, and so sorry for the painful loss to your families. Those of us in public service promise to rededicate our efforts to hold dear those ideals, which you made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve.
We remember the words of President Theodore Roosevelt, when he said, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.”
Each day, we put on the uniform and willingly go in harm’s way. We could have chosen another career, but we chose this path because that is what we are meant to do. We try not to think it can happen to us, but in the back of our minds, we know. We don’t ask for thanks from those we serve, just a little understanding and empathy.
— Bill Fariello, chief of police, DeBeque, Colo., Police Department
Support from law enforcement came from near and far
I was so disheartened to hear of the four officers slain from the Lakewood Police Department.
I am, however, very proud of all of the law-enforcement departments that jumped in to help and support Lakewood from Seattle to Sumner, and even officers who were off duty [“Quietly, public shares grief,” News, Dec. 2].
This only goes to show the support and dedication that every police agency has for their community and families. There was such an amazing response to the Nov. 29 events from different departments, and so quickly, that we should all give thanks to all the men and women in uniform.
— Marv Bird, Auburn