Today is the same. Except more anger. But still sadness. And other things that I still can't express.
It's terrible that not even a week passes, and I could re-post the same and substitute the five officers killed with three killed, and switch the cities. It's atrocious.
My friend, @NoFilter911 tweeted about how they jokingly call the dispatch floor "the war room," as did I, and how now it's gone from a humorous nom de guerre to a serious reality. The old reality was that it was a war room because of the 'old-school' vs 'new school' dispatchers at "war" with each other. Now it's because when each unit goes on duty from briefing, it's because they are heading into a war zone. Every day officers are put in dangerous situations as is the nature of the job. But now they have to worry about being ambushed at every minute, on every call, on the way to court, while grabbing lunch, refueling their patrol vehicles, helping the lost child find their way home.
It's unacceptable. It's becoming increasingly harder, day after day, to sit where I sit, and send my officers into battle every single shift. I will do everything that I can from behind the console to keep my guys safe, but I still fear that is not enough. I'll hold onto my faith and hope that brighter days are ahead. That after the times of tribulation will be times of jubilation, and that it comes promptly. For the sake of my officers, your officers, their families, your families, our communities, our nation.
Once again.
Heavenly Father,
We are in pain. We are hurting. We ask for your comfort, and we ask for your peace.
We ask that you watch over us, as we watch over our communities.
We ask you for grace and compassion with those that we come in contact with, both on-duty and off.
You are our strength. We will hold on to you, so others can too.
Give us wisdom to see through our tears and these dark days.
Amen.