Editor’s Note: PoliceOne “First Person” essays are the place where P1 Members and Columnists candidly share their own unique view of the world. This is a platform from which individual officers can share their own personal insights on issues confronting cops today, as well as opinions, observations, and advice on living life behind the thin blue line. This week’s feature is from P1 Member Nestor Arteaga, an Officer with the Yuma (Ariz.) Police Department. Prior to becoming a police officer, Arteaga was a corrections officer for the State of Arizona; prior to that he spent almost six years as a U.S. Marine. Do you want to share your own perspective with other P1 Members? Send us an e-mail with your story.
 |
By Officer Nestor Arteaga
Yuma, Ariz. Police Department
As the summer solstice reached its peak, it turned from dusk to dawn
The sky turned grey as another one was mowed down
“Killed in the line of duty by son and dad” the headline caused us fright
Yet still they came from all walks of life without malice or spite
There are few who have stained the armor and the shield with human greed
But hundreds rushed with courage to make it whole again, for such is their creed
The work seemed fruitless, and only the stain stood the test of time
Yet they still came ready to do justice and fight evil crime
When the lady’s Sheppard forgot his flock, the sheepdog stood and watched them sleep
And in the silence of the night their safety he did keep.
The shepherd was well read and spoke so well when he struck them down
Yet they still came ready for another watch for a bellwether does not frown
When the sun rose near the land of citrus, the routine was broken which is the norm
And in the silence of the night you could still hear the widows mourn
There will be no outcry, angered activists, no homage, parade or a statute
But they’ll come with different uniforms to give a 21 gun salute
With an outlook so dreary and bleak I ask why they dawn their shield
Then I remember: they were the few good ones chosen from the field
They are called racist, killers and names so vile I dare not repeat
Still they come when anyone else would retreat!
