A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.
– Joseph Campbell
Part of the job.
That’s how one police officer’s father tried to comfort himself after hearing of the horrific death of Sgt. Ryan Russell in Toronto.
Tuesday, thousands paid their respects to the latest police officer killed in the line of duty.
Russell, 35, was killed last Wednesday trying to stop a stolen snow plow in downtown Toronto.
The sergeant, who was promoted to the rank only six months earlier, died after being pinned against the plow and his own police cruiser.
He leaves behind his wife, Christine, and two-year-old son, Nolan.
Comments have flooded in, some blessing the officer for his bravery and dedication, some offering comforting words to his now widow and baby boy – and some have bashed the police department, the funeral, the profession and the officers.
Any death as tragic as this, where an individual trying to protect his community and those in it is worthy of the highest praise.
This man died doing what many do not have the heart, the soul or the courage to do.
Every single day these men and women leave their homes with the knowledge they may not return. They kiss loved ones goodbye, knowing it may be the last time they brush their lips across the foreheads of their child, their spouse, their best friend or parent.
This is not just a job, this is not just a pay cheque – this is a way of life, a commitment to community, a noble instinct to protect, a selflessness to put others first.
This is not the time to focus on negative publicity, nor is even remotely applicable.
Sgt. Russell put his life on the line in the name of duty.
He is a hero and should be treated accordingly.