A HEARTFELT POEM...

A Part Of America Died
Somebody killed a policeman today
And a part of America died...
A piece of our country he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,
Just as if he had gone off to war;
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half-mast
To his name they will add a gold star.
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids
And spend many long, lonely nights.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today...
Maybe in your town or mine,
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors
A cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks the beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each new rookie's side;
He answered the call... of himself gave his all,
And a part of America died...
Author Unknown

AZ COPS

We just received this from Cathie Buckmister, a dear friend of ours in Mesa, AZ:

Hi everyone!
Today (May 15) is Peace Officers Memorial Day. It is the day that we honor the Fallen Peace Officers we lost during 2007. This year we are honoring Glendale P.D. Officer Anthony Jon Holly E.O.W. 2/19/2007, Mohave Co. Deputy Philip Rodriguez E. O. W. 4/21/2007, Phoenix P.D. Officer George Cortez E.O.W. 7/27/2007, Phoenix P.D. Officer Nicki James Erfle E.O.W. 9/18/2007, and Casa Grande P.D. Officer Sgt. Tate Lynch E.O.W. 10/25/2007. These brave men gave their lives along with 182 other Heroes throughout the United States last year. Sadly this year we have already lost 37 who will be honored at next year's ceremonies.
I couldn't make it to Police Week this year, but there are over 1,400 family members who are in attendance and have been to a candlelight vigil on Monday night, where their loved ones names were read, and now etched on the Memorial Wall. They have been to the Capitol Lawn and heard the President speak and honor their loved ones heroism. They are attending many seminars on grieving, and recieving tremendous support by counselors who donate their time just for them. More importantly, they are meeting other survivors who like themselves have suffered a loss they never thought they would have to bear, and making friends for life.
The next time you see a Police Officer, Border Patrol Agent, FBI Agent or any of those that serve and protect us, tell them thank you. They might not make it home that night to kiss thier loved ones again. And they will appreciate that you took the time to thank them.

Cathie Buckmister
Executive Director
AZ Concerns of Police Survivors
Mother of D.P.S. Officer Brett Buckmister
E.O.W. 3.21.2000