Subject: Epps’ article for 10.27.06

Dateline: Peachtree City — This morning, Tuesday, Oct. 24, armed gunmen robbed a bank in Peachtree City, Ga., during the noon hour. The men were armed with a shotgun and, possibly, a rifle. In the days ahead, all will become clear. There are certain facts, however, that are not in dispute.

The first is that this was a potentially deadly situation. The terror inflicted on the bank employees and its customers was real. The second fact is that two civilians observed the robbery and immediately notified police. The third fact is that the police did what they are trained to do.

Officers from Peachtree City responded immediately and rushed headlong into a dangerous and uncertain situation. Within a short time they were aided by officers from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, the Tyrone Police Department, the Fulton County Police Department and the Fairburn Police Department.

A high-speed chase ensued resulting in the suspects abandoning the car and fleeing into the woods. In the end, due to superb interagency cooperation, the heavily armed men were captured without violence and, by the end of the day, were whisked away by agents of the FBI to likely spend the majority of the rest of their lives in federal prison, should they be found guilty. Initial reports indicated that the suspects may have been involved in other acts of violence.

Today, the men and women who have sworn to protect and serve their communities, did the unnatural — they rushed into danger where others rush to safety. One officer reported that he had every expectation that the incident might well end in a violent shoot-out. Thankfully, the suspects, facing the firepower of the police, meekly surrendered. Thousands of dollars in stolen money were recovered.

Today, the police earned every dollar, every raise, every privilege, every benefit, and every perk. Today, the community was kept safe and suspects were cuffed and led away. Today should answer the questions of every citizen who wonders why communities have police on patrol and today should shut the mouths of politicians and bureaucrats who desire to cut the pay, limit the raises, reduce the training, and inhibit the benefits of those who serve as police officers. The officers earn their pay every day in quiet ways, but today they earned their pay in dramatic fashion.

In Peachtree City, nearly all the officers have college degrees. A number of Peachtree City officers are veterans of the military and some have even seen wartime service. Some are both college graduates and military veterans. Most, if not all, could have chosen a profession earning far more money than they make as cops. They chose, however, to be police officers and serve as domestic warriors in the fight against crime and evil in American communities.

For their sacrifice, they endure daily disrespect from the same citizens they protect, many have to work two jobs to make ends meet, their decisions and actions are judged by both the public and the media, and they nearly always have to worry that the latest city council or county commission will seek to balance the budget on their backs. Along with firefighters, they are the only city or county employees who face danger and death every time they put on their badges.

In any given year, 150-200 police officers will die on the job facing situations just like the one they faced today. In any given year, 65,000 officers will be attacked and assaulted while trying to do their jobs. On any given day, they will face the ire of motorists who get tickets for breaking the law or face the sneers of young people who have been taught by the example of their parents that such disrespect is permissible if it is aimed at cops.

I personally know a number of the officers from at least two agencies who faced danger today. But every officer, from any of the several agencies who participated in the removal of these two parasites from the ranks of decent people put his or her life on the line. Somebody’s spouse, or son, or daughter, or father, or mother rushed into danger today. One or more of these officers could have been killed today by a shotgun blast from a thug trying to evade capture. But, thank God, it ended without violence — this time.

Today, these officers dramatically demonstrated why they are worthy of admiration and respect. Today, just as surely as soldiers or marines facing jihadists in Iraq, these officers were front line heroes in a deadly battle against violence. To all the officers and deputies serving our communities: Well done! And may God bless you and keep you safe!