A response to the shooting of Deputy Goforth

Deputy Darren Goforth

Staring at a blank page and feeling the pressure to turn it into a statement of support for law enforcement, a statement of outrage over the senseless killing of a deputy, and a plea for this type of activity to stop – is overwhelming. Over the past ten years, I have gone from the typical young woman that notices a policeman only when I’m speeding, to an adult, the mother of three, a wife and involved citizen that sees law enforcement all over Houston, throughout my day, and feels a deep sense of pride, understanding, encouragement and thankfulness.

Who are these men and women in blue or black? Why should we as society stand up together and say that the violence against them is absolutely intolerable?

First, who are they? These men and women in uniform are fathers and mothers. They are husbands and wives. They are sons and daughters. They are people who (while most of us were enjoying the irresponsibility that comes with youth and college life) were enlisting in an academy, going through grueling training, dedicating their lives 100 percent to the protection of complete strangers. These men and women have to be, are determined to be the best of the best. They are strong physically, mentally and emotionally and they live their lives in sacrifice. Many of these men and women do not make the money they deserve (how do you put a price tag on being a super hero?) and take extra jobs to put food on their tables. They are the people we blame things on: sit down Billy or I’m going to tell that police officer over there to come yell at you; or how about the problem with rising crime rates has nothing to do with criminal behavior but because of the officers who instigate trouble.

Don’t get me started on the latter but let me tell you this, it makes me want to shout from the rooftops – WAKE UP PEOPLE! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! We are so blessed to have the first responders we do and how do we show our support for them? When is the last time we have walked up to an officer and simply said thank you, and offered to shake a hand? When is the last time we have thanked their family for participating in the sacrifice necessary to keep you and me safe? Truth is, we don’t. Instead we argue over them in city budgets and cut corners when it comes to giving to them. We complain about the “bad apples” as if every profession in the world (yours and mine included) doesn’t have the same exact “bad apples.” 

Secondly, why should we, as a society, stand up and say this type of violence is absolutely intolerable? Because a society that allows its first responders to be attacked will soon no longer operate as a civilized society. A person willing to kill a peace officer will stop at nothing when his/her weapon is faced at you or me. Killing or attempting to kill a first responder carries with it maximum punishments and yet some do it without a care in the world. These types of people have no regard for life, others or their own, and need to be off the streets.

Crime Stoppers will continue to do its part. In 2013, we launched the Fallen Hero Project which immediately doubles our cash reward of $5,000 to $10,000 the instant an officer or firefighter is injured or killed in the line of duty and the suspect remains at large. We want to send a clear message that we stand with our law enforcement partners and on the side of public safety, at any cost…. all our lives depend on it.