Today we did Crisis House and had Tactical shotgun course.
I know you guys are interested in why I'm doing here but my mind just isn't in it today.
Today I'm stuck on a little black nylon band. I got my badge last Friday ad the first thing I did was go buy a black band to put around it in honor of Deputy Mastuskovic. His funeral was today. People have asked why I have the band on my badge if I can't wear my badge yet and the answer is simple...it's for me. My badge is hanging in my locker with that black band. For the last week at SCCJA I will open my locker and everytime see my badge with that band and be reminded of his service and his life. As I look through pictures that my amazing friends at SC Police Cruisers and others took of the funeral I was struck by a couple small things.
1) over 1,000 LEOs showed up for this funeral. Many of you know that friendship and relationship is a huge part of my life and has been the root of many struggles for me. It amazes me that all these officers never knew Joe yet still took time to come to honor his life and as of Friday will do the same for me.
2) most striking though was the public. So many citizens lines the roadways with flags. At a time when Line Of Duty Deaths is on the rise...today we saw a glimmer of hope. Our citizens were out in full force showing their respect and love for Joe. This gives me extreme hope thy what we are doing makes a difference.
3) training is key. In no way am I saying that Joe did anything wrong but having an instructor fighting tears as he talks you through a scenario is a wake up. This was an officer from that area and the time was 10:00...just as the funeral began. I know he would have rather been celebrating his brother's life and sacrifice but instead came to train us because he knows the significance of always training.
Joe rest in peace brother.
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