Officer Michael Crawshaw, Penn Hill Police Department, Penn Hills Pennsylvania.
End of Watch - Sunday 06 December 2009
Officer Crawshaw was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance. He was 31 years old.
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The Policeman stood and faced his God, which always must come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
“ Step Forward now, Policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my Church have you been true?”
The Policeman squared his shoulders and said ” No Lord, I guess I ain’t.
Because those of us who carry badges can’t always be a Saint. I’ve had to work Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I have been violent because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn’t mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep and I never passed a cry for help, though I shook with fear.
And Sometimes God, forgive me, I wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you have a place here for me Lord, it needn’t be so grand. I never expected or had too much but if you don’t, I’ll understand.
There was Silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod as the Policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
“ Step forward now, Policeman, You’ve borne your burdens well. Come walk the streets of heaven. You’ve done your time in Hell.”
~ Author unknown.
Please remember his family in your prayers. This department is only about 15 or so miles from mine.
