DEC 2022. Blues Vol 38 No. 12

It was late afternoon

It was late afternoon before I finally got a ride home. My house was as empty as my heart. My kids had all gone back to their respective homes in other states. I was alone with my thoughts and sense of failure. Here was this rookie counting on me and he was dead. Because I didn’t do my job of protecting him. I was ready to give up. It wasn’t the first time I had thought about ending my life but today was different. The thought of attending another funeral, having everyone look at me with glaring eyes thinking ‘he’s responsible for Randy’s death’ was more than I could bare. I had my gun in my hand. No notes. No final goodbyes. Just ready to end it. Then the doorbell rang. At first, I sat in the dark and hoped whoever it was would go away. But they kept ringing and knocking and calling my name. I didn’t recognize the voice, but it was obviously a female. So, I put the gun down and opened the door. It was the Flight Nurse from Care Flight. “What are you doing here Amy?” “I knew you would need someone to be with. I have been where you are dozens of times in the past year. Officers gunned down, involved in accidents or whatever and I couldn’t save them no matter how hard I tried. So, I know what you’re going through, and I knew I had to come see you. Can I come in?” We sat and talked for hours. She held me and I held her. She cried and I cried, and we cried together. Not only did we spend that New Year’s Day together, but we’ve also spent 20 more after that. Amy and I have been married for 20 years. She saved my life. Now we are both retired and travel the country. If this story changes just one life, saves just one officer from taking his or her life, then recounting my story was worth it. I’ve left my name off the email. Who I am isn’t important, my story is. I hope you’ll run it in your magazine to make a difference in someone else’s life. LE AGENCIES CALL FOR PRICING Supplying Law Enforcement Equipment for the State of TEXAS! SBR AGENCY ONLY LE M4 ENHANCED SAINT EDGE AR15 PROMOTION ENDS 12/31/22 CR6933-EPR CALIBER: 5.56 NATO CAPACITY: 30+1 SIGHTS: MAGPUL MBUS PRO SIGHTS BARREL LENGTH: 11.5” STOCK: B5 BRAVO BUTTSTOCK SS-3012-A OPTIC READY NEW! ACRO DIRECT MOUNT 5.56 9MM 12GA STE916556B CALIBER: 5.56 NATO CAPACITY: 30+1 SIGHTS: FLIP UP BARREL LENGTH: 16” STOCK: ADJUSTABLE 13618 OPTIC READY NEW! M&P 9 M2.0 XR920 ELITE CALIBER: 9MM CAPACITY: 17+1 SIGHTS: NIGHT SIGHTS BARREL LENGTH: 5” CALIBER: 9MM CAPACITY: 17+1 SIGHTS: NIGHT SIGHTS BARREL LENGTH: 4” CALL OR EMAIL US FOR PRICING OR ASK US ABOUT DEMOS OR TRADE-INS Tel: 800-367-5855 www.proforceonline.com OPTIC READY W320CA-9-BXR3-PRO 9MM DDM4 V7 S CALIBER: 9MM P320 CAPACITY: 17+1 SIGHTS: NIGHT SIGHTS BARREL LENGTH: 3.9” PRO CARRY 870P PUMP SHOTGUN R24447 CALIBER: 12GA CAPACITY: 7+1 SIGHTS: GHOST RING SIGHTS BARREL LENGTH: 18” STOCK: SYNTHETIC Support Center: 2625 Stearman Road, Prescott AZ, 86301 Tel: (800) 367-5855 e-mail: sales@proforceonline.com | www.proforceonline.com Gear & accessories for law enforcement AGENCIES CHECK OUT THESE GREAT MANUFACTURERS AIMPOINT • BERETTA • COLT BIANCHI • TASER • BENELLI SMITH & WESSON • CZ USA H&K • DANIEL DEFENSE SIG SAUER • SHADOW SYSTEMS DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY • AGUILA EOTECH • BURRIS • UTM MOSSBERG • PROTECH • RUGER STREAMLIGHT • MAGPUL SAFARILAND • SPRINGFIELD BLACKHAWK • OSS • HOLOSUN TRIJICON • SUREFIRE • BOLA WRAP US PEACEKEEPER • OTIS NIGHTSTICK • FNH USA NOTE: TERRITORY RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY Visit our website today for up to date information, pricing and products! 100 The BLUES The BLUES 101