When I stepped out this morning, the song I'm The Man was playing. Appropriate. The words sank in...
"It's a thin line between love and hate.
Is you really real or is you really fake?
I'm a solider standing on my feet.
No surrender and I won't retreat.
Stand up now and face the sun.
Won't hide my tail or turn and run.
It's time to do what must be done.
Be a king when kingdom comes."
This was my first dedicated training run & I was honored to carry 2 fine officers on my shoulders. Jason Ellis' story was the first I read when learning about Supporting Heroes. Then I got to hear his lovely wife speak at their annual gala. This story has always gotten to me. Chad's story was told to me be a friend of his just yesterday. Both are very moving.
Officer Jason Ellis served as a police officer for 7 years before he was shot & killed in the line of duty on 5-23-13. He was found dead on an expressway ramp. His car was parked in a position to block traffic with emergency lights activated. There were no witnesses & his shooter has not yet been located. He was 33 & left behind a wife & 2 young sons.
Officer Chad Spicer joined the police force in 2004 & lost in the line of duty on 9-1-2009, only nine days after he turned 29. He responded to a report of a man with a gun at a restaurant. After locating the vehicle & calling for backup, the driver got out & opened fire, killing Officer Spicer & injuring his partner before fleeing. A second man in the car fled the scene but a third came to assist Officer Spicer. The shooter & man who fled were arrested. The shooter relieved the death penalty. The other got 10 years. The third was not charged. Officer Spicer left behind a young daughter as well.
I did a fast 2.6 miles before work for these guys this morning. Never met either but I'm greatful for their service. RIP Officers Ellis & Spicer.
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