News here out of Los Angeles that a tactical officer in Los Angeles was killed entering a suspect’s house yesterday. The first one ever, from the city that invented the SWAT Team. Thoughts and prayers, if you will, to his family.
I have some experience with tactical entries, and can tell you this: The officers who choose to be the “first man” in the door are unique and heroic beyond description. SWAT officers only arrive when the shit has hit the fan. They only deal with the most dangerous people. And the only get involved when all the other cops are at a loss. Truly “dangerous men for a dangerous world.”
I though I might share how other officers feel when a cop is killed. As you can see here, it happens all too often. Five officers in the past WEEK.
I suppose since we are programmed from day one at the academy to be “tough” (whatever that means), we try and block these things out almost immediately. Here are the two things that always enter my mind:
1. I feel guilty and responsible. It could have, after all, been me there at the door. It wasn’t, and now someone else is gone.
2. I feel proud. Sounds a bit nuts, but just like our women and men in Iraq, I stick with this career because I believe it means something. I am far from an LAPD SWAT operator, believe me. However I, and thousands others, do a job that is potentially fatal. I am proud to stand up for the weak and the victimized. I am proud to be equipped and willing to dispense with the evil. And with no disrespect, at moments like this I must admit that I look at the cubicle robots and think, “what did your career mean?”
No one will ever have to look back and see what Officer Simmons’ life meant. Rest In Peace.
I read your profile– and saw your headless picture– your skin looks like you are young- not wrinkled- so now I am like trying to guess your age– hmm? with your experience– 40′s?
Headless picture? Or did you mean of Johnny Law…
Johnny Law-
We don’t think about the symbolism of our Badge until things like this happen. That it is not just a piece of Metal. That it represents our Committment to Protecting our Community from Evil. It is the modern equivalent of a Knight’s Shield. Honor, Duty, and Courage. My condolences go out to my friends on the Los Angeles Police Department SWAT Team. Words hardly convey my sadness at this moment.
I could not have said it any better. Perfectly stated.
Sorry for your loss. I think it’s important for people to build online tribute pages for the ones we love, so they can live on forever. Right? I just built a page on http://www.nhor.com (National Hall of Records). It’s a great site and they’re having this free campaign right now.Just thought I’d pass the word in case you wanted to post a free tribute too! God Bless You!
I very much enjoy your blog, and this post fully resonates with me. However, it is very insulting to denigrate others’ careers/jobs. Those who work in cubicles do, in fact, have life meaning, and their work is no less important. They drive economy, commerce; create jobs, advance industry, achieve efficiencies. This work affects the rest of society as a whole, and their lives are just as valuable.
Thanks.
I certainly never intended to insult or denegrate any profession or person. As a union employee and middle class guy, I appreciate, rely on, and respect each of those people you mentioned. I was more looking at the espirit de corps that I value in police work. Thank you for pointing this out, though….