Loved ones feel police loss

Sat., Dec. 5, 2009

The Spokesman-Review

As the mother of a police officer, my heart aches.

On Sunday, Nov. 29, Lakewood, Wash., lost four of its finest, and four families are forever changed.

My son chose to be a police officer early in his life. His father and I proudly watched his graduation from the Police Academy at age 21 and his promotions later on. We were proud but anxious at the same time.

Each day, when a law enforcement officer leaves home, there is the possibility that he or she might not return alive. The next time that you hear the expression “police brutality” or “trigger-happy cop” or “racially motivated,” remember that these officers have no idea whether or not a perpetrator might have a weapon or bomb. Most police officers do not fit into any of those categories. They put their lives on the line every day for our protection.

Mary Lou Prentiss

Spokane

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