A sad day

                In a previous post I said it had been a rough week so I decided to order our crib, now is where I’ll explain that. On September 1st one of Keith’s lieutenants had a massive heart attack and passed away. It was a complete shock to his family and fellow officers.  His name was Patrick Richardson but everyone called him Pat. I had only met him and his wife a handful of times at various PD gatherings but even from our brief encounters I could tell he was a great guy. I didn’t really get the opportunity to know him but I know Keith considered him a friend and respected him which tells me a lot. They often worked together on 2nd/3rd shift and went fishing or competed in fantasy football teams when off duty. You could tell by the number of people at his funeral and the remarks from fellow officers he was a genuinely wonderful person and will leave behind a large hole at the police department.  

                That first week in September was one I hope I never have to repeat but I was very moved and proud of my officer, and his fellow officers. I’ve always been a proud police wife but to see their level of dedication to their fallen brother was something I could never have imagined. At the police department they set up a squad car as a memorial to Pat with a black cloth with the thin blue line placed on the windshield. Many people placed flowers on the car. In police tradition someone stood watch over Pat at the funeral home from the time he arrived until he was taken to his hometown for burial. 24 hours a day one or two officers were always by his side in full uniform. In addition, an officer was stationed at his house to watch over his family from the time of his death until after his funeral. Police Departments really are like a family and Pat and his family is part of each of the officer’s families.  All officers signed up for multiple shifts at both locations, often time forgoing sleep and their own down time. I think Keith slept about four hours that week. I know he was tired and grieving but he had a duty to fulfill for Pat.

 

Pat’s funeral was Thursday September 5th. The funeral was one of the most moving and emotional events I have ever been a part of. Law enforcement personnel from all over the state came to pay their respects. Squad cars were lined all the way up the church driveway and officers were at attention as the hearse made its way to the church. To begin the service officers from each agency took turns saluting the casket. It was amazing to see the number of officers and their level of respect. The funeral service was very nice. Four officers from Newton spoke and told everyone about the amazing person Pat was and how he would be greatly missed. At the end of the service the Newton Police Department did final roll call. I’m not sure even today, a month later, I can do this without tearing up. One of the long time dispatchers for the county did what they call a welfare check. At night they commonly do a welfare check to make sure all officers are okay. Dispatch says 10-83 and officers respond with 10-2 meaning they’re okay. The dispatcher called each Newton officer’s number followed by 10-83. Each officer replied 10-2. After all officers were called the dispatcher called “626” Pat’s number. When there was no replied he again said “626 10-83”. He repeated this three times I think before saying “626 is 10-42” which means their shift has ended. He then said “officer 626 ended his watch on September 1st”. He actually said more than that but I was crying so hard I don’t remember. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the whole church.

After the service everyone lined up outside the church as the bagpiper played “Amazing Grace” and the Newton officers were in two lines at attention.  In a chilling moment, as Pat was being brought out of the church, through the line of officers, and placed in the hearse, the police horse from the Des Moines Police Department which had been standing guard outside all morning started too whiney.  In the whole time I was around the horse, which was awhile before and after the service, it barely moved and certainly didn’t make a sound but right as Pat was coming out it was as if the horse was crying along with the rest of us. Afterwards, some people were asking if it was planned but I had my eye on the horse (as I was near it and wanted to be ready in case it spooked and ran me over) and it wasn’t planned. The two officers were immediately trying to calm and quiet him down.

             Following police traditions the officers were grouped together for most of the pre, during, and post service. I understood they needed to be together as a unit but as a wife it was very hard not to have my officer with me. I wanted to provide him with comfort and I wanted his comfort. It was all I could do after the service to not go up to him and grab a hug but I knew I couldn’t. Luckily the police wives all sat in a grouping so we had each other. Additionally, our little boy was with me and moving all around the entire service.  At the time of the service he hadn’t been very active, just a few kicks and punches here and there, but the day of the service he was moving like crazy. I feel like he was letting me know he was with me.

The next day all of the officers traveled to Pat’s hometown to lay him to rest. The county was gracious enough to cover all the calls from the night of the visitation until after the burial so all officers could attend. Often the police life is hard: crazy hours, stress, the worry etc. and because of this officers are often a close group. They become good friends, spending time off duty together and learning to rely on each other on and off duty. It was an amazing thing to see between our officers and the fellow officers and deputies from the area.

Someone found this poem and posted it on facebook. I thought it was very touching.

 

Honoring our Fallen

Lieutenant Patrick A. Richardson

Newton Police Department

Newton, Iowa

 

End of Watch September 1, 2013

“According to a statement from Newton Police Chief Jeff Hoebelheinrich Monday morning, Richardson was not on duty at the time of his death. He was exercising when he was struck by a heart attack.” Lieutenant Patrick A. Richardson, 48, was a 23-year veteran of the Newton Police Department. 

 Thank you for your honorable and dedicated service Lieutenant Patrick A. Richardson. Godspeed Brother.

 

 "The Final Inspection" 

             The policeman stood and faced his God,

 Which must always come to pass.

              He hoped his shoes were shining.

 

 Just as brightly as his brass. 

 "Step forward now, policeman.

 How shall I deal with you?

 Have you always turned the other cheek?

 To My church have you been true?"

 The policeman squared his shoulders and said,

 "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,

 Because those of us who carry badges

            can't always be a saint.

 I've had to work most Sundays,

 and at times my talk was rough,

 and sometimes I've been violent,

 Because the streets are awfully tough.

 But I never took a penny,

 

 That wasn't mine to keep....

 Though I worked a lot of overtime

 When the bills got just too steep.

 

 And I never passed a cry for help,

 Though at times I shook with fear.

 And sometimes, God forgive me,

 I've wept unmanly tears.

 I know I don't deserve a place

 Among the people here.

 They never wanted me around

 Except to calm their fear.

 If you've a place for me here,

 Lord, It needn't be so grand.

 I never expected or had too much,

 But if you don't.....I'll understand.

 There was silence all around the throne

 Where the saints had often trod.

 As the policeman waited quietly,

 For the judgment of his God. 

 "Step forward now, policeman,

 You've borne your burdens well.

 Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,

 You've done your time in hell."

 Author Unknown