E.T.P.A. class 247

A cops cop

Today I experienced my first fellow officers funeral. When you begin to get into law enforcement, one of the first things you come to realize is that it is a big family. The peace officers that serve this great state are now becoming my brothers and sisters. Today we laid one to rest.

Constable Dale Geddie was a man of true Godly character, he was a true cops cop. One of those people that would back you up if you were ever in a situation. That's what he was doing Wednesday when he was fatally shot just north of Tyler. I never had the chance to have a long conversation with him, but have heard some great stories. We have a guy in our academy that was being sponsored by Geddie ("DD"), he has been taking the accident pretty hard. But something about being in law enforcement is that you really never know when today could be your last day. You can take all the security measures of wearing your vest, calling back up when you need and so on but you can never prepare for the unexpected. Wednesdays shooting was one of those unexpected moments. Dale David Geddie will be missed sorely, but never forgotten.

Back to my first fellow officers funeral...
I don't think I will ever forget the sound of bagpipes playing "amazing grace" or taps being played on the trumpet. Or maybe it was the U.S. flag being presented to his wife and to his mother, or the 21 gun salute. But what really set the whole funeral off was watching the riderless horse and hearing the Last Call. There really is nothing like it...

As hard emotionally as it was to watch and hear the sounds of today's funeral, it ignited a passion in me. A passion to serve this state and the people of this state without fear. I have never felt such pride knowing that I am going into something that could eventually take my life, but for this state, I am willing to give it. I am proud to know that here soon I will be serving with countless others as a law enforcement officer and I will do what it takes to make sure that I continue to go home at the end of my shift. Like Dale Geddie, I to want to be a cops cop.

For more info about Dale Geddie and some links to other great resources check out:
Officer Down Memorial Page
KLTV channel 7
KETK channel 56

June 2, 2006

I just celebrated my 21st birthday and it was stinkin' awesome. Not only did I get to enjoy the rewards of being 21 but I got to spend time with people that mean so much to me! Thanks to everyone that wished me a happy birthday and got to spend some time with me, it was such a blessing. I love all of you and am so grateful for people like y'all. I hope your year will be blessed with the blessings of God and friends. Thank you!