October 2001 Volume 82 Number 10
"serving the protectors"
| October 2001 Volume 82 Number 10 "serving the protectors" |
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To see the gut-wrenching act of terrorism that took so many innocent lives in the US last month was to know many police were destined not only to respond, but also die. And die they did.
The immense danger and near impossible physical challenges they faced were obvious. But in their courageous charge into what became a war zone, what terrible thoughts filled their minds?
Were they like most cops who, in the aftermath of heroic acts, say they never had time to think of the dangers? Perhaps they were so sharply focussed on saving human life that they felt no fear. Who will ever know now what they thought, or how they felt?
We remained a world away as the tragedy deepened. We remained untouched - at least physically - by its horror. But amid its seemingly unstoppable fallout, the New York City police and firefighters’ death toll continued to rise. Although still not clear, that toll is today well into the hundreds.
The families, friends and colleagues of the dead now agonize. In reality, however, it is unlikely they have even begun to feel the full impact of their losses. That impact will hit - and hit hard - as they try desperately to bring normality back to their daily lives. How will they survive their pain? Will they see their futures as completely lost?
Those officers not drawn to their deaths continue to wade through the rubble, maintain order and help New York’s grieving residents. But who could blame them for rethinking their futures as police? Why would they not now see police life in America as a risk too great for themselves and their families?
Although, deadly adversity seems just as often to inspire police - even when it near destroys them.
The NYPD will, of course, have to replace those lost. But how will young, prospective New York police officers now see a life in law enforcement? Who could blame them for looking to other, less perilous occupations?
America’s late-night variety shows went off air through the week of the disaster. When the Late Show returned, a sombre David Letterman - clearly overwhelmed by the police effort - rightly urged his audience never to take New York’s finest for granted.
The Police Journal shares what must be the world police community’s utter contempt for the perpetrators behind this atrocity. The wise will never forget this inhuman act, or the gallant police who might now be justifiably called the war dead.
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