2:15 p.m. - 26 May 2007
Thank You
Yesday I saw something I don't think I'll ever forget. Last weekend, in my litte college town of Moscow, Idaho a certified mad-man opened fire on the shariff's office, proceded into a near-by church and killed two people before himself. One of those killed was a police officer.
Watching the procession yesterday was both amazing and sad. Because of the size of Moscow and the way the community is set up, you see the same people everyday. The officer killed was one of our regular customers. Did I know him personally, no but everytime he came in he always had a smile.
During the shooting, one of the shariff offiers' was wounded and he too comes in on a regular basis.
Last night, I watched highlights from the memorial service on-line.
What does this all mean? For one, it reminded out little community that we are not isolated and it also showed us what the police/shariff departments are for. They are they to protect us.
Because of the way Moscow is designed, there are homes right across the street from the Shariff's office and the gunman could have easily turned his weapon on the homes but he didn't. The police and shariff offices combined, warned residents of the events. I was living three blocks away at the time and heard the gun shots. Again, something that I will remember.
Why is this important? Because it is.
I'm saddened by the events that happened but I'm impressed with all the help that arrived quickly. In one way, it brought home the events of September 11. New York is far away and all those men and women that went to help others lost their lives in doing so, but they did it without question. I get that now. At the time, I knew that, but now I understand that. There is a big difference.
So anyone who reads this and is part of law enforcement or the military, I want to say thank you. It is all I have to offer, but thank you for doing your job so the rest of us can live in a safer world.
