Shield a Badge with a Prayer
Brother Knights,
McAllen Police Officer Ismael Chavez and Officer Edelmiro Garza were both shot and killed Saturday, July 11. They were responding to a domestic disturbance call. As both officers approached the front door of the home, they were suddenly ambushed and shot before either of them could draw their weapon or make an emergency call. Other officers were dispatched to check on them when they came across the scene and immediately requested backup. The suspect who ambushed them committed suicide as additional units arrived on the scene.
Officer Chavez had served with the McAllen Police Department for 2 ½ years and Officer Garza had served 9 years. Please keep the families of these officers in your prayers. I also ask that you keep the dispatchers and assist officers who had to deal with this event as it unfolded.
As we prepare for this years State Organizational meeting in San Marcos this coming weekend, I can’t help but think about the three San Marcos Officers who were shot in an ambush on April 18th. Officer Putnam was killed in that attack.
Sadly, there has been 25 officers killed in the line of duty this year in Texas alone. If the Corona Virus isn’t enough to be dealing with, Police Officers and First Responders continue to put their life on the line each and every day to protect us. I ask that you keep in your prayers, not just the First Responders – Police, Fire, and EMT’s, but all our Nurses, Doctors, and so many other “Front Line” Healthcare workers.
Consider starting a Shield a Badge program at your council. For more information, please contact Pat Henz at pghenz@yahoo.com
Pat Henz
State Program Director
Texas State Council
Be Not Afraid