We Lost a Hero Tonight

Tonight, our hearts are heavy. A hero was taken from us, too young and too soon. Another hero lays in a hospital bed, fighting for his life.

I, like many of you, am angry. I'm sad. I'm frustrated. And I'm grieving. Above all the feelings, there's one thing I know and that you know: the plague of violence that has afflicted our city and nation as of late cannot be tolerated. It can never be normalized that five police officers were victims of gunfire in the past three weeks, let alone one of our brothers murdered tonight in cold blood.

For now, we pray for our departed brother, for his family and all who knew him. We will never forget him and his sacrifice and we honor him by keeping his watch.

We also pray for our brother officer who is fighting for his life at this moment. Soon, as we can help, we will let you know how.

And in these times, we are first and foremost family for one another. If anyone needs assistance or finds themselves having trouble processing this tragedy, GOAL is here to listen and to help. Reach out to me or to any of us.

As always, be each other's keeper and stay safe.

Fraternally,

Brian E Downey

President