A recent News Tribune editorial (11-12) questioned the need for a lengthy police funeral pro-cession.
Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton gave the ultimate sacrifice. He died in the line of duty. When an officer dies in the line of duty, several things happen.
We spent a little more time than usual saying our good-byes to our spouses and children before we departed for our shift.
We placed black bands over our badges. Officers guarded the memorial site. Citizens who never knew, or even saw Officer Brenton came from far and wide, leaving cards, flowers and even teddy bears. We guarded the location in his honor.
When a law enforcement officer is killed, it tears at the very fabric of our society. It is an assault on each and every officer in this country. That is how we feel.
When we run head-first into a mall where an active shooter is assaulting the public, we pass by all others who are fleeing to safety. We only have each other. This sense of brotherhood that we hold dear is exemplified in our fallen officers’ funerals. We come together in great numbers. We begin with a procession of marked police and fire vehicles.
For each officer in attendance, there were thousands more who wanted to be there but could not. They remained behind, working their beats in their cities, counties and states. While we all want to attend, staffing dictates that many of us must continue to answer calls for service, investigate our caseloads and perform our duties as police officers.
Citizens lined the streets, waved flags and shared our tears as we passed by. They remembered Brenton in their own way, and had his family in their prayers. By processing in large numbers, we support his family, we remember his sacrifice, and we show that we are united and will not stand for the murder of a police officer.
Officers from all over the country took part in the procession, most of whom never met Brenton. But each and every officer knew him in their hearts.
We are human. This is a healing process. Few can imagine what Brenton’s wife and children are feeling, but we can. We live it. The video shown at the service ended with a photo of his children, walking hand in hand, off into the distance. That image will tear at our hearts forever.
For those who do not understand the need for such a large procession, think of it this way: Officer Timothy Brenton had a really big family – a family that came together for his funeral.
Vince Baird is president of the Tukwila Police Officer’s Guild.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.