BACK
A Message to the NYPD
By
Sgt. Jeff Baker
Note:
This letter to fallen New York City police and fire personnel appeared in a
special memorial section of American Police Beat in November 2001 and
was penned by Sgt. Baker. It was
signed, however, from all members of the Omaha Police Union, Local No. 101.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
“It is during our
darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” --
Taylor Benson
To the public safety heroes in New York City,
Even as experience-toughened police professionals, members of the Omaha Police Union recoiled, mouth agape, at the cruelty and magnitude of the astounding attacks perpetrated against our nation on the morning of 11 September 2001. The loss of thousands of innocent citizens, hundreds of firefighters and EMS personnel, along with dozens of our brothers and sisters in arms could not be more wrenching. As footage of the hideous event was broadcast across the land, we—along with the rest of the national policing community—were brought to our knees. But not for long.
The Omaha Police Union, along with the local fire union and a non-profit public safety organization run by the father of a slain Omaha police officer, have spearheaded a campaign to sell “NYC Police/Fire 911 Fund” T-shirts, proceeds of which will be paid directly to surviving family members. As of September 25th, $300,000 has been collected in the Omaha metro, with a projected half-million dollars expected by the drive’s end. Also, we have made two $5,000 cash donations from our union treasury, one each to surviving police and fire families. And we’ve helped facilitate the purchase of American flag lapel pins for each of our department’s 750 sworn officers in remembrance of the country’s loss.
More powerful than the images of destruction seared into the alcoves of our minds is the awe and majesty of a nation, a city, a police and fire department, coming together to rise above the ruins, to face despair with courage and conviction, and to band as one in an unshakable spirit of brotherhood that is the Thin Blue Line. To all the victims and their families, our prayers are yours. And as a special message to our brothers and sisters of the NYPD and Port Authority, we proclaim: Stay staunch, for it is your unwillingness to submit and accept defeat despite unfathomable sorrow that motivates us to carry on in your name.
From the men and women of the Omaha Police Union, Local
No. 101
International Association of Police Unions, AFL-CIO
13445 Cryer Avenue
Omaha, NE 68144
Ph. (402) 393-6191
Fax (402) 393-7311
--
Note: No use or reproduction w/o express permission of author and only then with full credit given in reprint. E-mail Sgt. Baker at opdsgt@yahoo.com
|
|