As I write this people are gathering in Washington, D.C. for the Annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service, yesterday (May 13th) was the candlelight vigil and tomorrow on the Capital Grounds will be the service.
We gather each year to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice last year as well as to remember those that had gone before them, we gather to keep out promise that they will not be forgotten. I have written in past years about the Memorial Services (they are still available to read) but this year I thought I’d share two things with you instead. When Paul Harvey first recorded the following commentary law enforcement was a man’s domain, however, his words are just as true of our sister law enforcement officers. The second thing I’d like to share is a policeman’s prayer; I first saw a copy hanging in Patrol Headquarters when I was a “rookie”. It is one of many and the author is unknown, but it is worth a read.
To my brother and sister officers I pray that you stay safe and return home to your loved ones each and every night. I would like to also say thank you to the dispatchers that sent “the calvary” to me when I needed it to ensure that I could go home to my family.
NEVER FORGET!
The policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church, have you been true?”
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
“No Lord, I guess I ain’t because those who carry the badge can’t always be a saint.”
“I’ve had to work most Sundays, and at times, my talk was rough, and sometimes I’ve been violent because the streets are awfully tough.”
“But I never took a penny that wasn’t mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the streets got too deep.”
“And I never passed a cry for help, though at times, I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept unmanly tears.”
“I feel I don’t deserve a place among your loved ones here. They never seemed to want me near, except to calm their fear.”
“If you’ve a place for me here, Lord, it needn’t be so grand. I never expected much, but if you don’t, I’ll understand.”
Silence was all around the throne where the saints often trod. As the policeman waited quietly for the judgement of God
Step forward now, policeman. You’ve borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven’s Golden streets, for I hold a special place you to stay.”
About Me
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- James N. Mann
- I retired after completing 38 years as a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida. I began my law enforcement career with the City of Miami, where I served for nearly 27 years before serving with a state agency for 11 1/2 years (part of that time as Interim Inspector General). During my career with Miami I worked in uniform patrol, the detective bureau, and the 911 center. I was also a member of the first law enforcement crew to respond to New York City on September 11, 2001. From January 2007 to April 2011 I also served as a commissioner on the state commission that governs the certification of law enforcement, correctional and probation officers in the state. I am a Past President of the Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (President 2004-2006); I was an employee representative with Miami FOP Lodge #20 for almost 21 years (6 years serving at the Chief Steward). I have worked on legislative issues at all levels, worked on political screening committees. I’m a past member of the Dade County Republican Executive Committee, and have been an advisor/ law enforcement liaison for a presidential candidate..
