We mourn together.

Since Saturday night I've scrolled through my Facebook feed full of comments and condolences; seen images tinged with blue and black fade in and out across Instagram; watched the short and impartial news clips on tv. There's that quote about how when we lose an officer it's not just a department, it's a nation that feels that loss. Today, that is once again, painfully clear.

We mourn together.

This is not an incident isolated to a specific area. Everyone who believes in what these men and women go out to do every day, each of us with a friend, loved one, spouse and neighbor who serves and protects; we feel the same sadness too. Whether you lived in Virginia or know a police officer or simply stand with law enforcement, in some way, we are all connected to each of these tragedies.

I don't remember when we stopped caring about the people who do a job that few can. Maybe I missed how things have become or the way issues and politics and causes fueled by celebrities have divided us. Surely I wasn't paying attention when it became mainstream to declare a war on authority, disrespect authority and run wild with so little regard for one another. To me certain people deserve respect because they have earned it but in a world full of entitlement it seems that few feel the same.

As someone who grew up just minutes from where the events of Saturday night unfolded, I'm connected. And angry. And fed up. But mostly, tonight, I'm sad for a family and a department and a society which has turned into something that no longer stands for what is right.

We mourn together.

February 10th, 2016

Midnight on 2/10/16:"Maryland Mourns"

Finally getting off the computer and away from the photos and images and comments of today's tragedy in Harford County, Maryland. What sadness in the faces of the officers, pictured in the photo from the Maryland State Police; what hope we all held for hours that our deputies would be ok.

There was a spark of good I saw, in the response of so many people to a simple acknowledgement by Governor Hogan. Ironically, that may have been due in part to the fact that we often look to our leaders for words at a time like this.....and far too often there is only silence. But today, as he spoke out to offer comfort and strength to those grieving, perhaps others will see the example being set and cease their silence.

"We will not be silent, however - we stand with our law enforcement officers. God bless all who serve and protect! May the thoughts and prayers of so many reach out to comfort the families of the deputies we lost today. RIP, our heroes."

EOW February 10th, 2016:
Deputy Patrick Dailey and Deputy Mark Logsdon of the Harford County Sheriff's Office

This page is for support of our local law enforcement.

https://www.facebook.com/DelmarvaSupportsLawEnforcement

http://delmarvasupportslawenforcement.blogspot.com/

Delaware Rep. J. Benjamin "Ben" Ewing, 1931 - 2016

On Tuesday afternoon we learned that J. Benjamin Ewing of Bridgeville, Delaware had passed. Knowing that he was a former Delaware State Representative I'd heard his name but was unaware of the story and many chapters of his life. Details are still being posted and I will add his obituary here later on.

Mr. Ewing had served the 35th district in the House of Representatives from 1988 until retiring in 2008. Prior to that he retired from the Delaware State Police in 1978 as a lieutenant colonel and deputy superintendent of the force. He also served in the Marine Corp. 

Stats on K9 Officers (as of January 27th, 2016)

In 2015 K9 Line of Duty Deaths rose to the highest number since 2000. The number of police dogs which died in 2015 as listed on the Officer Down Memorial Page stands at 26. So far in 2016 there have been 6 police dogs added to that page. Source: https://www.odmp.org

RIP Officer Vernon Alston, U.S. Capitol Police

Very sorry to learn of the passing of Officer Vernon J. Alston Jr., of Magnolia, DE. He had served with the U.S. Capitol Police since 1996. Sadly, he collapsed Saturday while shoveling snow in his neighborhood. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and department. RIP Sir and thank you for your service. 

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at

U.S Capitol Police Department
C/O Family of Officer Vernon Alston
119 D Street, N.E
Washington, DC 20510

Thank you to Cards for Cops for the address information.

 This page is for support of our local law enforcement officers across the Delmarva area. https://www.facebook.com/DelmarvaSupportsLawEnforcement

http://delmarvasupportslawenforcement.blogspot.com/