Per My Earlier Note on Alarm Bells

Every day I seem to find another story like this.

UPDATE 1-Illinois man charged in plot to bomb federal offices | Markets | Markets News | Reuters

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Mourning More Than Terror Attacks on Sept. 11

Last night I heard one of those 20-something kid reporters on one of our local TV stations say, “Even though the Sept. 11 attacks happened so long ago, one local family still remembers their son killed on that day.” I think I yelled at the TV something like, “SO LONG AGO????” and “STILL REMEMBERS THEIR SON?????”

I was stunned. This is just one more example of how our senses are being dulled about that horrific day that happened quite recently (news flash to the reporter kid – it wasn’t THAT long ago). I’m guessing this cute gal has likely never lost a parent, grandparent, sibling or anyone else close to her. It may have taken a full 7 days to get over the loss of her pet hamster when she was 8 years old. Meanwhile, our president wants us to view Sept. 11 as a “day of service.” Sorry, Mr. President, I’ll keep it a day of remembrance. Maybe we need to remind you as well that Sept. 11 is still quite fresh and raw for most Americans.

Minnesota Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

But here in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, we mourned another loss on Sept. 11. A veteran police officer from suburban North St. Paul, 57-year old Richard Crittenden, was laid to rest following a moving memorial service. Crittenden was killed in the line of duty shortly after he started his shift on Labor Day. While most of us were enjoying a day off of work, Crittenden and a female officer from neighboring Maplewood, Minn., responded to a “routine” domestic disturbance. There, they were confronted with a situation that quickly turned deadly.

A dirtbag piece of scum (the assailant’s name is all over the media, but I don’t want to humanize him, so I’ll stick with “dirtbag piece of scum”) who had violated several previous orders for protection was causing yet another disturbance. When the officers arrived, Dirtbag Piece of Scum attacked with a burning rag and then grabbed Officer Crittenden’s service weapon and shot him in the head. Dirtbag Piece of Scum then turned the gun on Officer Julie Olson. Olson was slightly wounded in the exchange, but her training and professionalism led her out of the situation alive. Dirtbag Piece of Scum was dead.

Sept. 11 seemed like a fitting day to remember Officer Crittenden and to honor the bravery and professionalism of Julie Olson. Police funerals are amazing, painful, beautiful tributes. I covered a few as a reporter. They are tremendous reminders of the risk that police officers, deputies and others take to keep us safe. These men and women are our neighbors. They are moms, dads, grandfathers and grandmothers, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles – and friends. They are our neighbors.

As I walk each day from the parking ramp to and from work, I frequently pass police officers on the street. Most greet passersby like myself with a friendly nod and a smile. They treat St. Paul’s homeless people and other unfortunate souls with respect. They gather at Starbucks or Dunn Brothers for a cup of coffee before doing their jobs for the day. Over the last couple of days I’ve made it a point to stop some of them and say “thanks” and “be well – be safe.” Most have been somewhat taken aback by the words of gratitude. That should not be the case.

To Officers Crittenden and Olson, we all owe you a debt of gratitude. Officer Crittenden lost his life on Labor Day. Officer Olson had to witness the sudden killing of a fellow police officer and in the course of a few seconds was forced into a situation where she had to use deadly force. I can’t even fathom how difficult that must have been.

So with Sept. 11 in mind, let’s all remember the people who lost their lives in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and that nondescript field in Pennsylvania. Let’s remember the law enforcement officers and firefighters who put themselves at risk on that day – those who were killed and those who survived. Let’s remember the men and women of our armed forces. Remember, we have a volunteer military. People make a choice to risk their own necks to protect others and protect our liberty. Let’s remember our local law enforcement personnel, firefighters and emergency responders who risk their own safety to help others.