Built for the Storm. Willing to Pay the Price.
As I sat in the room honoring Deputy Gabriel Ramirez and Deputy Michael Hislope, I could not help but feel the weight of their sacrifice. These two brave men stood in the gap for our community. They served with courage, upheld their oath with integrity, and gave their lives in the line of duty. Their families, their fellow deputies, and our entire region felt the impact of their loss. They were heroes in every sense of the word, and their memory deserved our deepest respect and gratitude.
THEY NOT LIKE US.
During the service, I kept panning the crowd. I saw law enforcement officers from many different departments, and I assumed from all over the country. There were obviously men and women, but I overwhelmingly noticed men. Strong, tatted, bearded, somewhat stoic, and most of them packing. They sat with a respectful steadiness, calm in their grief yet alert as if standing guard even while seated.
THEY NOT LIKE US.
Like the two fallen officers, many of these brave first responders had also served our country. They were not afraid of danger or evil. They did not back down from threats. They were not afraid of conflict. They stood for freedom. They lived to protect all of us. They ran toward conflict instead of avoiding it or hiding.
THEY NOT LIKE US.
I remember thinking this was probably the safest room in the country because if anything had gone down, hundreds of them would have gladly, boldly, bravely charged toward any threat. Just like Deputies Ramirez and Hislope did in order to keep our community safe.
THEY NOT LIKE US.
These were the type of men who might not have been excited to walk around the mall with you. Instead, they chose the gym or the gun range so they would be ready the second danger called their name. They might not have been at every school event because they were deployed keeping our country safe. They did not always open up or debrief their feelings at the end of the day, but they would darn sure walk the house, check every door, and make certain everything was locked, safe, and secure. They would have gladly poured out everything within them so that you and I could always feel safe.
THEY NOT LIKE US.
They lived out a calling that demanded everything. They embodied what strength and sacrifice looked like. They were brave, disciplined, loyal, self controlled, committed, and honorable.
THEY NOT LIKE US.
They were the best among us. I was grateful for their dedication, their courage, and the sacrifices they made without hesitation or applause. Their service held communities together, and their commitment reminded us of the kind of strength that still exists in this world.
THEY NOT LIKE US, BUT WE NEED MORE JUST LIKE THEM.
Alex Bryant is a pastor, author, and speaker who writes about race, faith, and culture in America.
