Remembering Chris

Deputy Christopher L. Dewey - Mahnomen County, Minnesota Sheriff's Office
End Of Watch:  08/09/2010

I can't believe it's been a year now, Chris. There's hardly one day that goes by that I don't think about you. And I continue to find myself using those things that you taught us. Things like not giving up when nobody would blame you if you did; fighting back when nobody thinks you can; staying strong when just about everyone else thinks you just can't be anymore. But, you did. You never gave up. You always fought back. And, you always stayed strong until your body just couldn't do it anymore. But you schooled us all in how we should be living our lives. You taught us how to do it. And, you left behind a legacy that will never die.

And, now it's been one year since you left us. Today as many other days, our thought and prayers are with Emily and all of your family, with Sheriff Krier, Deputy Peterson, and all those with Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office. And, we also remember all those friends you left behind, those near and dear to your heart, and all those you never met but who came to know you through your fight. Your life influenced many people around the world. I know that you understand now just how deeply you impacted the lives of others.

A year ago, it was hard to say good-bye. Personally, I never could. I finally settled on just "so-long...I'll see you later". I really miss you, Chris. Hold down the fort up there until we get there to help you out. Maybe you could meet me by the Gate someday, huh? I'd really like to shake your hand.

Really???

For about 2 years now, I've tried my hardest to do everything that I can do to not only raise awareness of just what our law enforcement community does for us every single day, the sacrifices they make, and the thanks that we owe them all, but also to honor those that we have lost in doing so.  I find it very disheartening that there are parties who proclaim to be doing the same thing but are in actuality doing nothing more than perpetuating the "them versus us" mentality and even encouraging it to grow. 

Personal attacks on me or veiled attacks on the organizations I work with through me does nothing to foster the common bond that we should all have of doing whatever we can do to make sure that our officers know that there are those among us in the population who really do appreciate them.  The only thing you have accomplished is to ensure that there is one less voice to pay respect to those who gave their lives for our safety, one less voice to say 'thank you for what you do', one less voice to let them know that we care.  That's what you wanted?  It's that important that yours be the only voice?  It means that much to you that those who don't know any better think that you are the be all and end of all of anything police related and none other is good enough to speak in your realm?    How could you not want every voice raised?

Yes, I did refuse to write for a specific Facebook page and the related website.  Everyone else has the right to say what they wish in any way they wish.  And it is my right to refuse to be a party to posts that are filled with contempt and disdain for others.  I wanted to build relationships between the public and law enforcement...not tear them apart, encourage distrust, and build walls.  But, I guess you did okay.  You seem to be doing just fine at building those walls without my help.

To all the officers and their families...I'm sorry but I am not sure that I can continue in what I have been trying to do.  Regardless of the decision I make, know that you will all remain in my prayers and you will forever have my undying respect and eternal thanks.