CPD
“I come to you with a heavy heart, because we’ve lost another police officer who was out working, attempting to protect the city, and was tragically taken away from us by gunfire,” Police Supt. Larry Snelling told reporters outside the hospital Tuesday. (USA Today)
Chicago Police Officer, Enrique Martínez was shot and killed yesterday. He was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Martinez was 26 years old and engaged to be married. He had 3 years on the job.
Over the course of its history of the Chicago Police Department, almost 600 police officers were killed in the line of duty or while performing their duties.
The Chicago Police Department and the city are mourning again. A family is mourning the loss of a loved one. When police officers leave for work, their families fret they will not see them walk through the door again. They may never verbalize it, but the thought is always there.
“Our officers go out and face this type of danger every single day,” Snelling said. “And this work is unpredictable. We never know what’s in store for our officers when they’re out there trying to keep the public safe. And just remember, in a city where our officers are not safe, its going to be hard for everyone else to be safe.” (Superintendent Snelling/5 Chicago)
I attended many wakes and funerals of officers killed in the line of duty or while performing their duties. It was never easy, especially if I knew them. It is not easy to read about their deaths in retirement. We are one family and when a family member dies, we all grieve. It never gets easier.
An offender was taken into custody and charged with murder. It was reported that he had a warrant out for his arrest from Will County and he cut off his mandated ankle bracelet.
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation aids the families of officers killed in the line of duty or catastrophically injured. Aside from thoughts and prayers, you can donate to assist their endeavors.
I spent hours Saturday trying to vote early. I went to several polling places. The wait times were from one to four hours. Many had lines a block long or wrapped around the buildings. I finally voted yesterday. I was able to walk in with no wait.
Voting is the most patriotic act you can perform. I was proud to see so many people turn out to vote over the weekend and willing to wait hours to perform that act. The reason we have such a bad city government is less than 30% of registered voters cast their votes in the last election.
I have been voting since 1971. I voted for candidates from both parties over the years. My life was rarely affected by the outcome of national elections. Some presidents, congresspeople, and senators I voted for were OK. Some were disappointing. Most were mediocre. My life went on. I care more about local issues. Local and state politicians directly affect my life.
Getting angry, sad, or afraid over the outcome of this election is a useless expenditure of energy. If you do not like the outcome, start doing something, peaceful actions only. Find social or political groups to work with or for. Get involved. Four years will go by fast. Any damage can be undone. Life goes on and is too short to waste energy fretting or being angry. Do something.
But, always remember political logic. All politicians are liars. Not all liars are politicians. Politicians give liars a bad reputation.
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