Shield a Badge with a Prayer

Since our last article in the Texas Knight, we lost three more police officers.Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer from North Richland Hills died on May 1 from a heart attack during a physical assessment test.On June 1, Senior Police Officer Vincent Ortiz, Jr., a Motor Officer from Corpus Christi succumbed to his injuries sustained in an accident.And Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda with Harris County Sheriff’s Office was shot and killed on July 11.

We all know that the police officers in our community put their lives on the line every day.They answer the calls for help, they direct traffic and work accidents, and they comfort others during a tragedy.And usually, unbeknown to many, they do a lot more good things that aren’t seen or get any good news coverage.Officers help people every day.They leave good impression on children, people who are down on their luck, and provide food or clothing to people they come across.Just the other day, some officers purchased a window A/C unit for an elderly person to keep them cool during the summer.Some of these deeds are never reported; they just do them.

How do you show your appreciation and support to your local law enforcement?How about showing your support through the Shield a Badge program.

The “Shield a Badge with a Prayer” program is designed to show support to local Law Enforcement Officers through daily prayer.The Texas State Council promotes this program as a “Community Activity” and encourages your Council or Assembly to start a “Shield a Badge with a Prayer” program.The goal of “Shield a Badge” is to have every officer “adopted” and to have a daily prayer said for that officer’s Safety, Good Judgment, and a Safe Return Home. The officer’s name and badge number is given to the prayer sponsor.There are NO promises beyond a prayer every day (no personal contact, no phone calls, and no gifts.) Several councils have already started this program within their city or council area.In those larger cities that have large departments, a council can start with the local sector or police station.

I am still in the process of responding to those who signed up during the State Convention.I apologize for those delays.If you have any questions or need any help getting this started in your community, please email Pat Henz pghenz@yahoo.com orwww.shield-a-badge.org