FROM THE GUEST EDITOR’S DESK Notifying Next of Kin The hardest part of our job!! The Holidays are here! Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Years. And, while most of the time that translates into a lot of fun times, happy memories being made and a lot of good food being eaten, there’s another thing, too…. As any Peace Officer will tell you, Notifications are one of the hardest parts of this job. Anytime of the day, night, month or the year, its never easy. But at Holiday time…. whew. It’ll hurt your heart, folks. I’m here to tell ya. Today, I responded to a scene with a few of my Officers and a Patrol Supervisor, not to be “Chief” on the scene or whatever, but to simply be supportive. Without going into a lot of detail, the deceased was a medically retired employee of the Department. Thus, I felt it important to be there. Fast forward, the Officers were busy at the scene and the nearest relative lived a short distance away. Again, not there to be the “Chief” but to sincerely be supportive, I told them, I got the Notification. No worries. To which, come to think of it, I got no argument on. Anyway, as I was walking up the sidewalk to the Next of Kin’s residence, a very small framed, elderly female opened the door and immediately recognized me as the Chief of Police and tears welled up in her eyes, before I ever uttered a word. As respectfully, humbly and sincerely as possible I made the notification. After a few moments, she said, “When I saw the Chief of Police walking up, I didn’t know what it could be. But, I knew it couldn’t be good.” Two things here friend….Being a Chief, Constable, Sheriff, Director etc. carries a lot of weight. A LOT. We don’t even have to speak and our mere presence causes an effect. Secondly, Death Notifications are a very serious part of the job. There are not always the same, either. Some go ok, low key even. And others, well, not so much. I’d have to say, during this time of year, a Death Notification carries with it, something which is almost downright tangible. It’ll weigh on as you speak to people by a Christmas Tree, Wreath, Menorah or other Holiday Decorations. You know the news you’re bringing to the door isn’t good. Not at all. And you know whatever you’re going to say, every single word of it, the other person will never forget. Believe me, when you’re called upon for this specific task, look sharp. Wipe the dust and crap off your boots. Tuck in your shirt, and look the part. Speak with care, concern, empathy and respect. Tell it for what it is. Don’t jack around the subject. That’s disrespectful for all involved and does you, the Officer, no good what so ever. Remember how you look, speak and act during the moments of a Death Notification with CHIEF REX EVANS resonate with that person, the family and friends, forevermore. I would say I can remember each one I have made. But over so many years, I just can’t. I can remember every Officer involved Notification and every child death notification. Those are seared into my mind and into my heart, for the rest of my days. There have been some nights, deep in the night, I am jolted awake by the screams from those very Notifications. To sum it up, the Holidays are usually a great time of joy for many. But please be mindful of the fact that if you’re called upon to provide a Death Notification, especially over the Holidays, there comes a certain amount of weight with that moment. For the family. For the friends. And, for you. Always remember, look out for your brother and sister Law Enforcement Officers. Please. No one else is. And we of all people, should always strive to remember, we are in fact our Brothers and Sisters Keeper. God bless and thank you all for supporting this Institution we call “The Blues”. Be careful out there!!! Firearms and Tactical Equipment for Law Enforcement Professionals 800-367-5855 Supplying Law Enforcement Equipment for the State of TEXAS! SPOTLIGHT ON Designed, engineered, and manufactured in America, and ready to perform whenever and wherever the need arises. SIG SAUER is combining industry-leading product innovation with decades of battle-tested experience to engineer the toughest, and most accurate pistols, rifles, optics, suppressors, and ammunition for the military and federal agencies. >> PRODUCTS & SERVICES
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