This column is sometimes used to refute law enforcement agencies and the falsehoods they spread about gun rights. In this article, I hope to show the people of Arkansas some history of the brave individuals who enforce the laws of this state and put their lives on the line every day.
One late summer afternoon in 1976, I was introduced to the evil that police officers and citizens face in this world. My father and I were on our way home after work in Fort Smith, and I had just exited I-540. As I entered traffic on the city street, I had to slam on the brakes to avoid being broadsided by state police cars streaking east onto an Arkansas River bottom road. Several cars sped by before I could pull out onto the street, headed west. As I eased down the road while wondering what was going on, I saw a small crowd around a man lying on the ground. I would later learn the man was Officer Randy Basnett; a monster had gunned him down that day. His death affected me deeply, and aided in forming my perception of the fight of right versus wrong.
Since 1871, 245 Arkansas officers have perished in the line of duty. The first record of a fallen officer is of a constable in Independence County, killed with an axe. The most recent law enforcement officers who perished while performing their duty were Sergeant Brandon Paudert and Officer Bill Evans of the West Memphis Police Department. A crazed man and his son shot down these brave men in the prime of their life on May 20 of this year. In the years between these incidents, law heroes have died from many causes, including gunfire, vehicle accidents, stabbings, explosions and various other reasons.
Some of Arkansas’s fallen officers were killed by famous outlaws. In November, 1931, Police chief Manley Jackson of Pocohontas was killed by Freddie Barker of the Barker gang. Members of the Clyde Barrow gang (of Bonnie and Clyde fame), Buck Barrow and W. D. Jones (no relation), murdered Marshal Henry D. Humphrey of Alma in 1933.
We read and hear about crime in our neighborhoods every day. Sometimes we venture out into the world, exposing ourselves to the possibility of harm coming our way. The law enforcement officers of this state face wickedness every day, relentlessly performing their duties. I am grateful today for them and the work they do!
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Comments
I could not agree with you more but any man or woman wearing a badge who is not willing to lay their lives down to protect the citzens around them or to seek justice through enforcement of the laws when needed should not have put on the badge in the first place. Each of these officers you mentioned (245 of them) did just that and any officer now who would do less would tarnish the badge they died for. In the military service we were charged with three basic duties. We were to protect, assist, and finally enforce. In the late 1960's while our buddies were fighting and dying in Viet Nam we were charged with protecting their families at home. No military cop took that oath lightly. And neither did these 245 men who died in the performance of their sworn duties. As real cops they would have never traded a innocent's life for theirs and that is why they are remembered long after those who killed them are forgotten. We don't forget real cops who do the job regardless of the pay.
I have far less sympathy for cops than I once did. In my youth, I had visions of them chasing down evil-doers and protecting the honest, innocent people of society.
No more.
Today it seems cops are as likely to be taking a cut of a drug runners profits as trying to arrest him. They're more likely to commit gun-related crimes than ordinary concealed carry permit holders. They widely engage in brutality, as if their job included passing out punishment in even minor cases. The most apt description of today's cop is "gang member with a badge".
I no longer support the police. Their badges are tarnished - perhaps beyond redemption. And when I read of a cop who is gunned down, I don't think it's bad, or good... I just don't much care. I give it less importance than I would someone else who was "just doing their job" and has never chosen to participate in widespread, institutional abuse of others.
Please note: Police have EARNED my indifference.
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