Shield a Badge

On Tuesday, April 23, Harris County Sheriff Deputy Investigator John Coddou III was struck and killed while helping at the scene of a vehicle crash in Houston. Then on Wednesday, April 24, Officer Kyle Hicks with the Corpus Christi Police Department died from gunshot wounds he received four days earlier when he responded to a domestic disturbance call. Although it may appear that the attack on police officers have dropped, Texas has still lost 14 officers in the line of duty so far this fraternal year. Every day these officers put their lives on the line to protect each one of us.

But it isn’t just the attacks on the officers, our communities have seen attacks in our churches. Police Officers and First Responders must respond and work these calls. I can tell you firsthand, walking into a church that a gunman has gone into and killed several children and adults is not something you ever forget. These officers work these cases and console those families and then try to figure out how to control their own emotions.

So please, keep your local police, fire and first responders in your prayers every day. 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.

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 enjoyed visiting with some of you at the Program Table at the State Convention where I had some information about the Shield a Badge program.

If you would like to start a Shield a Badge program in your council, want some tips for a Blue Mass or other ideas to show your appreciation to the First Responders in your area, 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.