Fewer than two months ago, tragedy struck Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. I feel compelled to discuss it in this column.
Like you, I was stunned and devastated when I saw the sad news that Friday morning in December. At the beginning, details were sparse, but, as the day grew longer, the news became more horrible by the hour. As a police chief—but more importantly as a father and a grandfather—I was and am horrified that 20 precious, young children were murdered along with the 6 adults who died trying to save them. I also am deeply troubled when I think about the many law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. All of us in law enforcement have the day on the job that we will never forget, and December 14, 2012, will be that day for those officers.
December 14, 2012, must also be a day that we—the collective law enforcement community—never forget. Since that day, my shock and horror has turned from anger into a strong motivation to act. As police leaders, it is our calling—not just our job—to protect the citizens in our communities, and especially those who cannot defend themselves. Now more than ever, we cannot let anything stand in our way of fulfilling that mission.
