Cops Guard the Portals

The news that Lee Newbill, Police Officer with the Moscow Police Department died trying to protect those that he serves, is disturbing, of course. What I think we must do at times like this, is re-examine where we have been lately.

Spokane Police, Spokane County Deputies, Boise, on and on. When ever a gun is present, it can be used. Police officers have to have guns to keep those that shouldn't have them from running wild. It is sad to learn of Officer abuse. This usually results in loss of life. Two or perhaps three instances of Officer abuse have been widely circulated in the past year.

Maybe it is time to examine the risk these Guys & Gals take. Back when I was young, (editors note, ancient times) our police officers were just there to either help, or to write traffic tickets. In Renton, Washington, where I grew up we had Ernie Henry, the motor cop and his brother the detective. In Issaquah, Washington, they had a town marshall that had to be 50 or 60 years old. As I recall, he was reputed to be a mean Bastard, but he kept the peace.

Sure, when Police officers get into what is a firearm situation, some react well, others don't. We MUST remember that these officers have to make split second decisions between shooting a suspect and having the watch commander calling your home with the sad news that your husband/father/son has been killed in action.

In this, today's drug culture, more violent crime is committed by perpetrators that are essentially out of their minds, with drugs. One of the most difficult things is to be able to read people. Normally, one can tell whether the person sitting next to you at a bar or restaurant is friendly or not. Not if they are Cranked. People can unexpectedly go off without warning.

In this, the Moscow, Idaho incident, we morn, not just for the innocents that died this day, but also for the Officer that died trying to save the people that he was sworn to protect. This man gave everything he had. He gave his life.