Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputy Bill Myers' death has been a shock and disappointment for our community: A kind, loving man was gunned down in cold blood after delivering an injunction.
Myers' shooting is not the type of incident anyone expected to happen in Okaloosa County. This was basically a process service; I have served court documents with no incident.
With this senseless murder — and many police shootings around the country — we must ask: When did we declare war on our neighbors? When did we decide that police are the enemy? When did we decide that dealing drugs or stealing others' possessions is important enough to end human life?
Does anyone really want to live in a society with no police presence, and allow crime to run rampant?
Here's another question: Senseless murders have increased, so what can we do about this lawlessness?
Will we listen to those who create controversy and stir up dissention? The Bible states, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness…." Isaiah 5:20.
Prayer is our first line of defense in any situation.
Pray for peace in our neighborhoods and community.
Pray for the safety of our police officers and deputies; for them to make wise decisions and have discernment.
Pray that they always act with integrity and that they are shielded from harm as they do their jobs.
Pray for the police chiefs and the sheriff to make wise decisions; they are in tough situations many times.
We can let law enforcement know that we care about their safety; perhaps watch over them, as a Houston 16-year-old had. The story, which has gone viral, says he watched a sheriff's deputy's back as she pumped her gas.
We can — as I wrote a few weeks ago — take them cookies or other treats to thank them for their service.
We need to teach children to respect and obey the law and law enforcement personnel. Parents always should speak respectfully of law enforcement, as our children learn from us.
My family prays for the safety of our officers and deputies every day; we encourage your family to join us.
May God bless our law enforcement!
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Pray for law enforcement officers