Today I participated in the Police Week 5k running in memory of my good friend Officer James Walch, who died in the line of duty on January 25, 1994. As I walked around the Law Enforcement Memorial after the race my attention was captured by one momento in particlar that had been left on the wall. It was a paper with the name "Renee Azure" inscribed on it with the handwritten message, "Happy Mother's Day Mommy, Love Faith!" Since tomorrow is Mothers Day I wanted to take the opportunity to recognize a few special mothers who have served as police officers. This is a very small sampling of many brave and dedicated women who have worn the badge.
Renee Azure died in an automobile accident on August 6, 2002. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Azure was the first female officer to serve for the Union County, Florida Sheriff's Office. Deputy Azure was merely 23 years old when she died in an automobile accident while responding to a burglary. Deputy Azure's daughter was 3 years old at the time. As I look at the sign left by Faith for her mom on the wall it dawns on me that she must be 12 or 13 years old now; such an important time in the relationship of mothers and daughters. Deputy Azure's story is one of far too many heroic and tragic cases involving brave female officers. A touching memorial page dedicated to Deputy Azure can be viewed here.
More recently, on March 6, 2012, Deputy Barbara Pill, of the Brevard County, Florida Sheriff's Office, was gunned down by a heartless coward in a stolen vehicle. Deputy Pill had served in Law Enforcment for 30 years. She had two sons who are Law Enforcement Officers and a grandchild. It is hard to digest Deputy Pills' death. She served for so long and should be enjoying watching her grandchild grow. But she selfishly and heroically died while proactively confronting a career criminal and trying to keep her community safe. Learn more about Deputy Pill and view her son's heartbreaking eulogy here.
As I write this, Key Biscayne, Florida Police Officer Nelia Real is fighting for her life after being shot by a carjacker. Officer Real had stopped to assist with what appeared to be a traffic accident. She did not know that one of the parties invovled was an armed carjacker who ruthlessly opened fire on her as she approached. A grim reminder of how unpredictable and dangerous every activity we undertake on this job can be. More details regarding this incident can be found here.
After honoring the tragic stories mentioned above, I wanted to add an uplifting story. Please view this special story about three sets of mother/daughter officers who serve the Prince George's County, Maryland Police Department. Congratulations Officer LaVonne Dickerson and (mother) Cpl. Loretta Williams; Officer Alicia Jernigan and (mother) Lt. Sandi Jernigan; and Officer Rebecca Frankenfield and (mother) Lt. Stephanie Frankenfield. Your family's dedication and service is greatly appreciated!
Finally, I would be remiss without honoring my Mother. Although she has never been a police officer she has been the devoted wife and mother of officers. Happy Mothers Day, Mom!
