Good afternoon everyone. I was so honored a month ago when asked to speak here today. To be included on your guest list as you honor those who have fallen is something I always will cherish and remember.

Speeches often start with a joke or humorous story. I assure you that I will not tell any today. We all know that this is not the time or place for humor. Let me begin, though, by telling you about a former police officer that I recently came to know. He is retired on a disability pension after his involvement in a critical incident several years ago that involved the death of one of his coworkers. He came to the police academy one day wanting to tell our recruits his story. He still comes occasionally, wanting to practice physical fitness with them or be involved in some way with their training—in general, just to hang around. Initially, I wondered why he did this and what his motives were. After giving the matter some thought, I decided that all these years later, this former officer still searches for answers. I wonder, too, if his actions can serve as a reminder to us all that when the unthinkable happens, it can have a profound effect on slain officers’ coworkers, as well as their families and friends. Law enforcement managers everywhere need to recognize this postcritical-incident danger zone to officers and strive to improve efforts to heal them spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

These three stories speak for themselves. It was a dangerous world then, and it is now. In that respect law enforcement really has not changed much in 150 years. But, we are smarter than we used to be. We are better at what we do than we were then. We have had a lot of practice. Additionally, our equipment is better. Our training and technology are better. Our vehicles and weapons are better. But, in the end, it all boils down to people, who, after all, are fragile. All of the equipment, training, and technology in the world may not matter if your number gets called. And, if it does, rest assured that we will honor you then just as we honor those today who have fallen before you. So, indeed, it may be true that it is not much different now than when Constable David Welch tried to serve that arrest warrant way back in 1859.

So, I remind you—all of the men and women of the Schererville Police Department gathered here today—that we in law enforcement must remain ever vigilant. Our rank or position is not important. Whether you are an administrator, investigator, supervisor, or patrol officer, stay on your guard. It can happen any day, anywhere, or at anytime. Someday, any one of you may, indeed, be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of your duty. But, you know that already. You do not need me to remind you of that. You understand what is expected.