Shield a Badge

On August 9, 23 year old Officer Sheena Dae Yarbrough-Powell from Beaumont Police Department, was killed when her patrol car was struck head on by a wrong way driver.Officer Yarbrough-Powell was the 35^th officer killed in the line of duty in Texas this year.

Every day our police officers put their lives on the line to protect us.When we pray for the officers Safety, Good Judgment, and Safe Return Home, we are praying for their protection.We must also pray for their mental safety.On a daily bases, officers see and deal with the worst of society.They see hatred and disrespect against others – sometimes family members, sometimes children, others complete strangers.

We talk about PTSD for military personnel who go into battle yet we don't address this issue with our everyday police officers. Before too long, an officer begins to process all this the wrong way and that's when his or her actions become bad. Whether it is through drinking or starting to give up on society and begin to act like those people they deal with. Suicides among officers are the highest they've ever been but we don’t always hear about this. We must continue to pray for these people who do put their lives on the line each and every day to protect everyone - those who hate and those who love.

I am so proud of my Brother Knights across this great State of Texas and their support of our Police, Fire, and First Responders.Several councils continue to adopt officers from their communities and are praying for them daily.I love the story from San Antonio Co 7613 where they have prayer sponsors who have adopted over 200 officers from the north side substation.As they were collecting names, a family member who works for New Braunfels PD wanted to start the program there.The interest grew and now over 35 prayer sponsors are praying for officers from New Braunfels.

If you would like to start a Shield a Badge program in your council, please contact me at pghenz@yahoo.com.This program does qualify for a Community Program and make sure you complete the Fraternal Program Report Form #10784.