Saturday started like every other day for two men in Westerville. They put on their uniforms. I’m not sure what their morning looked like but I’m sure they each kissed their wife and children. Then left for work.  After getting settled in their morning routine a call came through and without a second thought, they responded. It’s what they do. They didn’t second guess the call. They didn’t think twice for their own safety. They just went. 

And that’s when a normal Saturday turned into a day that changed an entire city. Upon arriving at the scene, Officers Joering and Morelli not received injuries that would eventually take their lives. No explanation will make it any better. No excuse will comfort the families. No rally cry from one side of the aisle or the other about laws and harsher regulations will do a bit of good. All we can do is sit and think. We’re forced today to ponder the blood that ran blue.

These men, like countless other men and women around our country, do the same thing every day. They get up, kiss their families goodbye and leave for work. They never know what the day will hold. They never know if they’ll come home. The unknown is the place where they live each and every day. So what can we do to honor these lives lost? What can we do to show our appreciation for their sacrifice?

We can pause and offer a prayer. It may not seem like much and the prayer isn’t really for these two officers. They don’t need our prayers anymore. We pray instead for the families they left behind. We pray for their brothers and sisters around the world who do the same work.

We can say thank you. How many times do you see an officer and grumble that they’re out to get you by setting that speed trap? You know why they’re doing it. It’s to keep you safe. How about instead of grumbling, the next time you’re close enough to an officer to talk to them just offer a simple – Thanks!

We can just be quiet for a minute. If you’re not interested in praying for them or going out of your way to help them and thank them, then perhaps the best thing to do is just be quiet for a minute. I’m reminded of the words of Thumper in Disney’s Bambi – If you can’t say nothing nice, then don’t say nothin at all! We could all learn a lot from this cartoon rabbit.

So today, feel free to change that lightbulb on your porch to a blue one. Stop and say thanks to the officer who walks the halls at your school. Get out of the way when you see them respond to a call. But most importantly always remember that in situations where you are inclined to run away, these brave souls run in. Heroes are found everyday, dressed like normal people in suits of blue. Thank you for your heroic service. And may we never forget!

Heavenly Father, we ask your hand of comfort and peace to rest upon the families of these two men who did what they were called to do. Be with their widows and children. Be with their brothers and sisters. Protect the men and women still patrolling our streets. Guard them with your mighty hand. Keep them safe. Remind us of their willingness to do what many would never dream of doing. Father hold those remaining in your hand and remind them of your ultimate  sacrifice for us.  It’s tempting to say these men were taken too early but you know better than we do. We trust your plan, now we pray that you would help us see things as you see them. Open our eyes to follow you even and especially when life is challenging. Amen