As a police sergeant's wife, my nightmare literally came to life the night of December 7th 2023. What many may not understand is that thinking about my husband getting shot is not something new. I have been worried about this for years. I have gone to bed so many times unable to sleep because I was consumed by my thoughts that this might be the night officers show up at my door and give me heart-wrenching news.
It’s an understatement to say that Anthony is an extremely well-liked and respected Sergeant. He has given his heart and soul to the department for the past 6 years. He gets up every day hellbent on being better than he was the day before. He has worked tirelessly, both on the clock and off the clock to be the best version of himself he could possibly be for the department.
More important than his dedication to his career development is how he puts people first and is liked by all. This is a true testament to the man that he is.
While he is driven to be the best he can at work, he first and foremost prioritizes being the best husband and father humanly possible.
I wish I could share all the videos of him with our two boys on any given day so everyone could see the love and how much of himself he gives to his family.
He is the most honorable and selfless man that I know. There’s nothing more important to him than his family, and I know that because he makes us feel that way every single day. The first thing he said to me after he was shot was, “I just want to be able to hold my kids again."
What I want people to understand is every single day that he goes to work there is a chance he doesn’t come back. That’s the true reality. It has become extremely unsafe for police officers today.
The biggest sacrifice someone could give is to place themself in immediate danger daily to help serve and protect those who can’t protect themselves. People you don’t even know.
There are not many people who sign up for that and continue to show up against all odds. Most people run away from danger, and he has chosen to run towards it. He is a true hero, and I am beyond proud of him.
There are so many men and women who take on this immense responsibility to protect and serve. And with that there are so many forgotten families that do too. There is a sign taped to my husband's safe and every night before bed I have to walk right past it. Although it speaks to the true reality of the dangers of the job, it also reminds me why my husband does it. It is called the Police Prayer:
"I answered the call to protect and serve, doing something I love with pride. I put on my uniform neatly pressed, my duty belt, badge and gun strapped to my side, to protect the weak and stand for what's right. As I start my shift, I know I may risk my life. I pray for courage and to be strong, to be helpful to others, to stop those that do wrong, to make a friend of a homeless stranger. I pray, keep me safe from harm and danger. But if on a quiet street on a darkened night, it is time for me to lose my life; God I ask of your loving grace, please watch over my family."
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