He is preparing for the second shift, third
night of the rotation.
Uniform on, everything in place, kisses his
wife then leaves for the station.
Only GOD knows at this time that he won’t be
coming home tonight.
He will answer a call, from a bullet fall, at
the scene of a domestic fight.
Roll call is normal and he has not a clue
Of what he and his family are about to go
through.
To the car with his equipment and a quick radio
check;
His first call of the evening is an automobile
wreck.
Time has passed it is 9 PM; only three hours of
the shift left to go.
Thus far the night has been uneventful and
slow.
The screen lights up and a dispatch is sent,
The nature of the call is a domestic argument.
He has handled this type call again and again,
He knows the danger but most of the time they
are just a pain.
He locates the address and arrives at the
scene;
Hears a pop, a bullet strikes his side and
enters his spleen.
He won’t be coming home tonight
Even though he did everything right.
An ambush by an intoxicated spouse
Just as he was approaching the house.
At the hospital his wife waits for some word.
Nothing has been encouraging from all she has
heard.
The surgeon is busy she is told,
He is working on your husband; please be bold.
Minutes turn to hours but she will wait
For any word on her husband’s fate.
He won’t be coming home tonight,
Because for his life he will fight.
As morning arrives encouraging news is heard,
For this officer death has been deferred.
He won’t be coming home tonight,
But thank GOD in time he will be alright.
Our officers need prayer for the work they do
But don’t forget the family, they need it too.
Ask GOD for their safety and to keep them in
sight,
So each and every one can come home at night.
©Kent Fletcher
October 13, 2010
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kent Fletcher retired as Deputy Chief of the Durham NC Police Dept. He served
with that department for 301/2 years. He is a graduate of the 162nd session of
the FBI National Academy and has an AA and BS degree in Justice Administration
from Guilford College. Writing short stories and poetry has become a part-time
hobby. He can be reached at
hkfletcher@nc.rr.com
