Attendance Matters
There’ s only one way to feel the honor, pride, remembrance, responsibility, brotherhood, sacrifice and unity of National Police Week: Be there
n BY MITCHELL KRUGEL n PHOTOS BY JOHN HULSE AND ED CARATTINI, JR.
Every law enforcement officer should feel the thrust of passion from gliding into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial culminating 300 miles of riding the Police Unity Tour. Children raise signs, fans clap and cheer and family members of brothers and sisters of fallen officers embrace with love because of your ride for those who died. Every sentiment screams,“ We believe in you.”
Every law enforcement officer must walk the hallowed grounds of the Memorial to experience the bravery of the nearly 21,000 sisters and brothers who have been lost in the line of duty in the U. S. Their names fill the walls that border the east and west sides of the Memorial, and during National Police Week each May, their friends, colleagues and family members fill the wall with memories like a freshly shined pair of boots or a sign reading,“ Daddy, I wish you were here to play catch with me.”
Every law enforcement officer needs to experience the annual Candlelight Vigil to hear the story of Darius Quimby, the Albany County, New York constable who is the first known officer to be killed in the line of duty in the U. S. And hear the stories of so many others who made the ultimate sacrifice. Work the detail escorting and honoring family members of fallen officers. Light a candle and hold it up high as the roll call of officers being added to the wall is read, and see the thin blue line of light lasering through a crowd of more than 20,000 who remind you to get home safe every day. And when you do, hug your family.
“ You can’ t express it in words,” explains Pat Montuore, Unity Tour founder and retired chief of the Florham Park Police Department.“ It’ s feelings. Goosebumps. Tears. The sheer emotion of hugs and gestures.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 www. njcopsmagazine. com ■ APRIL 2017 27