Indiana State Trooper Slain...

Today's papers mirror the tragic story that unfolded yesterday afternoon just after 4PM. On a common piece of U.S. route 24, just west of Wabash Indiana, Master Trooper Detective David E. Rich was murdered by a Michigan man who immediately afterward killed himself with the same shotgun used on Master Trooper Rich.
And it just a typical "routine" stop.

The vehicle carrying the shooter was sitting along Rt. 24, and Rich, noticing the stopped vehicle, pulled over, got out of his cruiser to lend whatever assistance might be required. He was shot in the chest as he approached the vehicle (which had been stolen from the man's father in Gaylord, Michigan).
Just prior to the shootings, Rich had stopped to lend assistance to another motorist whose car had broken down less than ONE MILE from where he was shot. Master Trooper Rich leaves behind a wife, a 7 year old daughter, twin 3 year old sons, and a brother who is a captain with the ISP, along with scores of fellow comrades in arms, and friends.

Now this is one of THOSE cases where the most INNOCENT stop has the most DIRE consequences. Sadly, this scenario plays out across the nation way too often every year.

And yet there will be those people who will STILL decry the behavior of ANY law-enforcement officer whenever they appear a tad more "brusk" than usual.
Can you honestly BLAME any officer with what they face daily?
ANY situation can turn REAL ugly...REAL fast, no matter how it appears.

Whether it's along a stretch of highway, a "quiet" neighborhood, or just patrolling in their cruisers, it can come from ANYPLACE...at ANYTIME...for ANY REASON. Yet these men and women who CHOOSE this profession know this full well, and STILL they feel it their DUTY to patrol our streets and highways, allowing us the chance to enjoy our lives...something WE take for granted every day, and something that can be taken away from THEM at the squeeze of a trigger.

If you were to ask an officer WHY they do what they do....they will, in all likelihood NOT say it's about the money. Heaven KNOWS they aren't paid all that they are worth (imho). And it's not about any prestige or power. They are but enforcers of the laws enacted. Almost invariably, they will tell you that they believe that THEY can MAKE A DIFFERENCE. They feel that if they can turn ONE person around from doing the wrong thing...they've had a good day. If they can change the mind of someone who was going to commit a crime....they've had a good day. And if they can set an example to their families, their community, and the public in general by the way they approach life (and death)...they've had a good day.

I offer my sincere condolences to Master Trooper Rich's family, for they will bear the brunt of the grief. But they can take solace knowing that David died doing what he loved...protecting citizens and offering aid. I also offer my thanks to every single officer out there that is trying to make that same difference. Another officer will come along to fill this "empty chair" in the ISP, but no one can take the place of ANY officer taken down in the line of duty.

Most any LEO will tell you privately that they never really "die" when they are taken from us....they're "still out on patrol"...just in a quieter location.

And THAT is the way we should remember every one of them.