"Turn the town Blue" | May 16th in Georgetown, Delaware

On a cool Monday night in May, citizens, local residents and members of law enforcement gathered together on Georgetown's historic Circle. We came out to show that we care; to say thank you to local officers; to make a stand and show that we are here to back our men and women of the police departments.

It was a grassroots kind of thing, meaning I didn't catch anything in the paper about it and other than this signage on the fire department down the street it appeared to be all word of mouth. And yet people came out, wearing sweatshirts and baseball caps that showed they were here for their law enforcement, bringing signs and flags and offering thanks to the officers present.

Did we forget so soon?

Today's interaction, although small, to me seemed to speak volumes. When I thought it over a couple of hours later, I felt it showed that support for our law enforcement still isn't front and center in many places. It surprised me to hear the officer say "we don't see that much around here" - almost as if that way of life has become accepted. I hate that - I hate they are out there doing jobs that many of us couldn't do - and it's become the norm to see so little respect or appreciation?? I'm grateful that he took the time to tell me it mattered - but wish it wasn't so rare for them to notice that people care. I wish we as a society had begun to shift in that new direction that it seemed we leaned towards just a few months ago during Thank a Police Officer Day and again on January 9th. But it didn't last - and it sure seems that we owe them a hell of a lot more respect than what they are seeing....still.

 

Here's the link to the earlier post when someone noticed our sign of support - https://www.facebook.com/DelmarvaSupportsLawEnforcement/photos/a.1214489728576726.1073741827.1214484575243908/1356523507706680/?type=3

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.