| |  | We pay tribute this morning to fallen officers of the Baltimore County Police Department: seven men of honor and courage killed in the line of duty -- who in times of challenge stood with the innocent against the guilty, with the peaceful against the violent, with the right against the wrong, with the righteous against injustice. When we take the measure of these men, we find heroes.
These officers knew where they stood and they claimed their ground with dignity and pride. They were members of a special breed, men and women passionately devoted to a profession that is more of a calling than a vocation.
They go where others fear to go, put the safety of the community before their own, and serve with dedication, compassion, purpose and integrity.
It is a life of service to others you've never met, of days that start as quiet and routine and without warning turn chaotic and violent. A life in which you're never sure if the end of your shift will find you in your car going home or in an ambulance speeding to the emergency room. Nothing can be taken for granted.
Edward Kuznar, Robert Zimmerman and Mark Parry lost their lives as the result of horrible traffic accidents while on routine patrol.
Bruce Prothero was killed trying to stop an armed robbery. Charles Huckeba and John Stem were gunned down responding to a domestic violence call, trying to stop the gunman from killing himself. Samuel Snyder was shot answering a fellow officer's call for assistance.
The men and women who wear the badge are well aware of these risks. They train, they prepare, and they are well equipped, but sometimes none of that matters.
They have wives, children, mothers and fathers. They have dreams and goals and look forward to a long and peaceful retirement. But they do not shrink from their duty.
They see the best and worst of us. They confront despair, cynicism, and seemingly insurmountable challenges. But still they carry on.
It is difficult to fathom the strength, courage and commitment that propel these officers out the door each morning. Perhaps it is because while they face incredible difficulties they are also privileged to participate in some of society's greatest moments -- seeing good men and women stand up to those who would do them and their neighbors harm-- people willing to take risks for each other. They experience the grateful nod of appreciation from someone they helped, and feel the awe of children who want only to follow in their footsteps.
Perhaps it is because they respect the law, they want to help others and reduce the suffering of those in pain. They want right to prevail over wrong, they know the importance of the thin blue line.
I can't presume to know what motivates these guardians of peace to go through that door, but I am forever grateful that they do go through.
Today's world places increased pressure on our homeland and our rescue personnel. The past year and a half has revealed new challenges and changing global conditions to which we must all adapt. The inventory of dangers confronting our first responders has exploded.
The responsibility for the defense of Baltimore County more and more falls upon local government and local heroes. Their commitment to this task is unquestioned. Our commitment to them must be equally strong.
We must pledge to do all we can to properly equip and train these hometown heroes. Our government makes sure that our military has the resources it needs to defend our interests overseas; we owe the defenders of our homeland no less.
For the Baltimore County officers who have lost their lives protecting the public, this memorial stands as a lasting tribute to their courage and their sacrifice. It helps remind us that for a police officer there is no challenge too difficult, no danger too great. For them it is simple: if we need help, they will come.
It reminds us that in an age too often fraught with indifference and weakness, there are still individuals who stand tall and make a difference -- and our lives are richer for the time we have them with us.
To honor their legacy we must honor their example - Courage, Service, Integrity, Responsibility - We can never repay our debt to them but we must not forget...and we must do justice to their memories and the values they held so dear.
This memorial is also a tribute to those officers who died while still in service and those officers with us today. They and their families should never doubt our appreciation and admiration.
I also want to thank Chief Terry Sheridan. His exemplary leadership and dedication throughout the years has served the department and the county very well and we are lucky to have him as our chief.
And finally, for the family and friends left behind, I know there are no words to ease your sorrow or change the reality of what has been taken from you.
As some of you have heard me relate before and as one father of a son killed on September 11 said, I know he's in good hands but I wish he was in my hands.
These heroes are no longer with us. But I can tell you that here at this memorial, in the Executive Office, and in our hearts, we will always remember and be grateful for your husband, your father, your son.
We will make sure that their names and their memories live on in the hearts, minds, and souls of our citizens for generations to come. That is our duty and our commitment to you.
On behalf of Baltimore County, the Baltimore County Council, myself and my family, let me conclude by again saying thank you to the men and women of our police department. You represent and carry forward a tradition that is a measure of human greatness and you never fall short. Thank you for continuing to safeguard all that is good and just in our society; thank you for showing us the right side.
Revised May 8, 2003 |
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Courthouse 