PAX Centurion - May / June 2015

Page 20 • PAX CENTURION • June/July 2015 617-989-BPPA (2772) Honoring and remembering By Mark A. Bruno R ecently several of our members were honored during Na- tional PoliceWeek inWashington, D.C. For those of you that have yet to visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial it is a must see. This beautiful park sits in the middle of Judiciary Square and is adorned by trees plants and flow- ers. The four entrances which lead to two “pathways of remembrance” are adorned by four bronze sculptured figures of adult lions surrounded by their cubs. This symbolizes the pro- tective nature of our jobs. Under each figure are quotes which read; “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.” – Vivian Eney Cross, Survivor “In valor there is hope.” – Tacitus “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” – Proverbs 28:1 “Carved on these walls is the story of America, of a continuing quest to preserve both democracy and decen- cy, and to protect a national treasure that we call theAmerican dream.” – President George H.W. Bush This is the place where our Fallen Brother Officer, Dennis Sim- monds, will have his name etched in stone next to 130 other fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2014. Dennis was recog- nized as fallen in the line of duty as a result of injuries sustained dur- ing theWatertown shootout after the Boston Marathon Bombings. Three of our officers were picked for 2015 Top Cop Awards and they are Police Officers Ryan J. Lenane and William F. Traft, and Sergeant Thomas J. Teahan. These officers were involved in a shooting back in Decem- ber of 2013 in Dorchester. A brazen suspect after being questioned shoved the officers and took off on foot. While running away the suspect pulled out a gun and fired on the officers. Officer Lenane was struck in the arm. Officers returned fire after it became obvious their lives, and the lives of other innocent bystand- ers were in imminent danger. The suspect was shot by officers and succumbed to his injuries. Commis- sioner Evans left little room for the media to play this up the wrong way in the public’s eye. He immediately pointed out that lethal force was in order given the circumstances. With that being said the BPPA and all our members recognize these Officers as Heroes and congratulate them on being honored as Top Cops. I would also like to acknowl- edge our own Gaelic Column who attended and played at the event. For the members of this group it is a labor of love and all are honored to be a part of it. We are very proud of our Gaelic Column who competed in Ireland and took First Place! With all the protesting going on in Baltimore, particularly in theWesterly Division, our Gaelic Column and other local officers fromMassachusetts decided to pay these spent officers a visit. I heard they marched right in the area playing their music, much to the cha- grin of protestors! The group set up a barbecue for these worn out officers to let them know they are appreciated. Blue lives matter! Thank you gentlemen for a job well down. Finally, to our understaffed and overworked military, thank you so much for your service to this country. These men and women have constantly placed them- selves in harms way so that we may enjoy our freedom. There are those who have made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for these freedoms and we need to support their families, to thank them. There is no price we can place on losing our troops, but on Memorial Day we can all bow our heads and thank them in prayer for the sacrifices they made. Officer Dennis Oliver “DJ” Simmonds 1986-2014