Point of View

Another Angel

Today family, friends, and a sad community said farewell to another fallen hero. Officer Nick Erfle is the latest Phoenix police officer to be gunned down during an arrest attempt leaving behind a grieving wife and small children. The story remains the same, and some will say its part of the job, and I say shame on the lawmakers for not enforcing our border policies that might have prevented this guardian of peace from being taken away so soon.
Not far from my third place and my home, during a mid-afternoon’s day, officer Erfle was questioning a man he observed jaywalk through a busy intersection. The offender, a 22 year-old illegal immigrant drew a firearm, and in a most cowardly fashion shot our officer to death.
I salute officer Erfle's gallant attempts and heroic efforts to “make a difference” in my community and offer this poem, written by an unknown author, in his memory.

The Final Inspection

(author unknown)

The Police Officer stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you Officer,
How shall I deal with you?”
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The Officer squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
because those of us who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
among the people here;
they’ve never wanted me around,
except to calm their fears.

But if you've a place for me here,
Lord, it needn't be so grand,
though I never expected or had too much,
so if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the Officer waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God,

Step forward now, you Officer,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."


Thank you for your sacrifice Officer Erfle. You will be missed.