Honoring the Fallen.....

Last week was National Police Week. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week is dedicated to honoring law enforcement officers and pays special recognition to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of others. ~ NLEOMF

It is a time to honor the law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Many citizens choose this week to express their gratitude to the police officers in their own community.

This year, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way police departments all over the country honored their fallen. My own police department hosted a 'virtual' service and live-streamed it. I typically attend this service each year in-person, but as I watched from the comfort of my own home, there was no doubt that much thought and preparation went into making the service meaningful and just as special as if we had all gathered in the church. Because of the ‘stay at home order’ still in effect, I think the live-streamed service gave many citizens a first-time opportunity to watch.

In 2019, 135* officers in the United States were killed in the line of duty. Rest in peace officers.... time will not diminish our respect for you.

This video honors 32 officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, as well as  surrounding agencies: Cornelius Police Department, Davidson Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Huntersville Police Department, Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, NC Department of Motor Vehicles (Enforcement).

* Number as reported by the NLEOMF

♥

John and Andy....

Officers Andy Nobles and John Burnette

With National Police Week just around the corner, I have been working on the final edits to this year's memorial video. I turned to Google searching for a better resolution photo of Officer Burnette, one of 39 fallen officers being remembered next week for their service and sacrifice. I found the photo I was looking for and so much more.

What I found was a wonderful and moving film by Kathryn Frye that shows the young officers, Andy Nobles and John Burnette, full of life, walking their beat in the Adam 2 District, and enjoying the interaction with the community. The film talks about their enthusiasm on the job and their desire to want to make a difference.

It was the very first time, albeit on film, I had seen of any of the fallen officers alive, and it was quite overwhelming for me to say the least.        

What an honor it would be to shake their hand and say thank you -- an honor that will never come.

That fateful night -- Tuesday, October 5, 1993

"Officers John Burnette and Andy Nobles responded to what appeared to be a routine call the night of Tuesday, October 5, 1993.

Someone had reported a suspicious vehicle and persons at Boulevard Homes, a public housing complex that was part of the officers’ Adam Two Patrol District. But when the officers arrived and started talking to a suspect, he ran. Nobles and Burnette chased the suspect into a nearby wooded area. A few minutes later, shots rang out. Nobles, 26, and Burnette, 25, were each shot in the head. 

When they were pronounced dead at Carolinas Medical Center, the recently consolidated Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department recorded its first slaying of an officer. It was also the first time in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County history that two officers died in a single incident.
The deaths sparked public outrage. Thousands attended their funerals. Radio and television programs bristled with calls from citizens demanding that something be done about the growing violent crime problems. Memorial services were held, and monuments dedicated. Since the officers died, the very streets where they lost their lives have been named after them." ~ CMPD memorial page

"John and Andy"....a glimpse into the lives of two of CMPD's finest. 

Photo/Film Credits

• "John and Andy" is a production of the North Carolina Center for Educational Films, by Kathryn Frye, in association with the GOV Channel.
• WBTV-Channel 3
• WCNC-TV Channel 36