Being The Spouse Of A North Carolina Law Enforcement Officer
Just no words. That is the feeling most of us have as we try to absorb the news. Charlotte and the rest of the country reeling after the devastating news involving the shootings on Galway Drive Monday afternoon. My first thought. The families left behind. Here’s what it’s like being the spouse of a North Carolina law enforcement officer.
Being The Spouse OF A North Carolina Law Enforcement Officer
The air is heavy today for the lives lost and those injured in the shootout on Galway Drive. United States Marshalls and officers from other agencies were fired upon while serving a warrant according to our source The Charlotte Observer. At some point, Charlotte Mecklenburg police were called in to help. Officers lost their lives as they heroically raced towards the gunfire to protect the community. For more information on what happened at 500 Galway Drive get details from The Charlotte Observer right here.
My Personal Story
I can’t speak for all wives of law enforcement officers. But I can speak from my perspective. My husband Rick entered basic law enforcement training when we were expecting our second child. When he told me he wanted to go into law enforcement I felt pride and excitement but what I didn’t feel then was fear. Here’s what it’s like to be a spouse of a North Carolina law enforcement officer.
When Rick first went into this career he worked mostly in the motor carrier division of law enforcement. His one and only job at that time was enforcing weight and other regulations involving trucking or carriers. He worked at the weigh station and highways enforcing those rules and regulations. About fifteen years ago that all changed. The North Carolina Highway Patrol absorbed the division he was in and he was given a choice. Retire or transition to the NCHP. He chose to start all over and go through training to become a member of the patrol.
Although he always carried a badge and a gun things were different from my perspective. He wasn’t just stopping trucks for weight regulations. He could now make stops for traffic violations or suspected warrants and other things. Now, my worry level amps up. And so did the daily prayers.
When he became a trooper with the North Carolina Highway Patrol I was more worried about his safety. Everyday when he left our home with that new badge, that new weapon, that additional responsibility I was keenly aware that he might not come home. I kissed him like it was the last time every day. And I listened for the sounds he was home.
He was swinging shifts back in those days. But I never really went to sleep until I heard him come in. When I heard him slide off that wide leather belt. The swoosh of it. And unstrap the velcro on his bulletproof vest. The crunch of it. Then and only then could I really rest. Until the next day when it happened all over again.
To the wives of the officers lost my heart goes out to you. The organization Back The Blue has a GoFundMe page for families of the slain officers. For more information details right here.
