February 2003 Volume 84 Number 1
"serving the protectors"
| February 2003 Volume 84 Number 1 "serving the protectors" |
|
|
|
|
With the deaths of three of its officers last year, the Sturt local service area has suffered far more than its share of tragedy. Its most recent loss was that of Detective Michael Nasalik, who died of cancer in early December.
Michael had been expected to live several months longer than he did. His death therefore came with extra shock and sadness to all within the SA police community.
Those who knew him spoke of his unceasing generosity and strong work ethic. But, above all, his friends and colleagues recognized his extraordinary devotion to and love of his family.
In the civilian world, some have a tendency to falsely perceive cops as invincible; to see them as protectors too strong to succumb to harm. And that perception extends to other fields.
How often do people respond with surprise to hear that a doctor has fallen ill? We figure, albeit subconsciously, that the doctor is the one who makes us well and so would never himself or herself suffer ill-health.
So a strong message emerges from deaths such as Michael’s. It is that cops are plainly human. They are not impervious to all things that ail the rest of society.
Like their counterparts in civilian life, most police are regular working people with families, mortgages and a share of hardships.
Police can no doubt live with others’ false perceptions of them. But to see cops always as superhuman is perhaps to overlook, unintentionally, the true depth of their personal tragedies.
An earlier heartbreak for Sturt was the loss of Constable Adam Johnson, who died of a heart disease. But his long-time friend and colleague, Constable Matthew White, is determined to honour him (Tribute ride for Johnno).
Matthew has not set out to teach any lessons, but his actions do tend to illustrate the true meaning of friendship. His effort is genuine.
He has no intention to enter the Iron Man Australia event, with his best mate’s bike, simply as an act of symbolism. He is already firmly ensconced in training that consumes most of his time away from work.
And, through the ensuing months, few will see either the physical or emotional cost of his commitment.
Clearly, Matthew still, in some measure, grieves over the loss of his young mate. Perhaps his honourable gesture will justly bring him some relief from that pain. And, if that is the reward, one would hope it extends to the Johnson family.
The Police Journal wishes Matthew well in the race.
|
||||||||||
|
The Police Journal Online is an
official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is
published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 2001 The Police Association of South Australia sustance |