Four police officers sit in a coffee shop sharing a moment working on their computers and are gunned down in a murderous act by a person who should have never been let out of prison.

Two officers sit in a patrol car, one a training officer instructing the new officer on traffic stops. A car pulls up and the officers are shot to death by a man whose major contribution to society and the quality of life has been his criminal activity.

Even though these events occurred in another state it underscores the common dangers we all face as we enforce the law and make our communities better and safer places to live. It is very important that we not forget those who have sacrificed everything for the citizens they have sworn to protect. They and their families have given so much.

The State of Michigan created a Memorial Commission to raise three million dollars necessary to build a memorial to our fallen in Lansing. The state has placed a donation check off box on the state tax forms. Last year they raised sixty thousand dollars. This year they need to raise one hundred thousand dollars to keep the check off on future tax forms.

The memorial will consist of twenty one sentinels, four foot by eight foot glass panels engraved with the names of fallen officers standing watch over the memories of those lost. The memorial will be located on the corner of Allegan and Butler Streets in Lansing. A billboard is currently there to mark the site.

The economy is not doing well and it is difficult for a person to find extra funds for donations. However by checking the box on your state tax from you are insuring that those in our state who have given so much will be remembered for their sacrifice and will provide their families and friends the comfort of knowing their loved ones are remembered.

Please make a donation by using the check off box on your state tax form. If you have already filed your taxes, you can still make out a check to MLEOMF and mail it to the Michigan Department of Management and Budget, Cashiering Unit, P.O. Box 30681, Lansing, MI 48909. Contributions can also be made online at http://www.michigan.gov/estore, the Michigan EStore website. All contributions to the Memorial Fund are tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

Harry Valentine

Each year the FBI publishes the total number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Numbers are a measurement of those who have lost their lives in service to their community. Numbers don’t measure the impact and significance of loss to loved ones and friends, or the overall impact their death has on the fabric of society.

This year we were shocked to witness the loss of officers in groups. Three police men in Pennsylvania and four officers in California. Not since 9-11 have so many law enforcement officers perished in single incidents.

Wednesday, May 13th is nationally recognized as Police Memorial Day. Black bands will be put over badges and services will be held in communities across the county to honor those who have given all they had in the service of their community. They didn’t get paid like CEO’s or professional athletes yet they served with professionalism and pride in an effort to protect their communities and paid for it with their lives.

Please make every effort to attend the services in your area. If your community does not have one maybe it is time to organize one or donate to the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund.

It is a proper and correct to honor those who gave so much and the family and friends that shared them with us for that short while. Please pay honor to those whom honor is due.

Respectfully

Harry Valentine WCSD / POAM