Best wishes to all for a safe, healthy and Happy New Year. And for those searching for New Year’s Resolutions, maybe I can help.
First I would say, in my mind, for a resolution to be valid, there are two requirements. One, it must be something worthwhile. Otherwise, it would be of no value. Second, it must be doable. Otherwise, it would be unrealistic.
My suggestion is simple. Let’s all resolve to look out for the people that spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week, looking out for us.
On Monday, June 28 last year I was compelled to make a phone call. That call was to Captain Mark Odel, Commander of the Newhall Area California Highway Patrol. I am acquainted with Captain Odel and wanted to express my sincere condolences to him and his Department for the several recent and tragic losses.
In a very short period between May 7 and June 27 last year, our CHP lost five officers in line of duty accidents. That’s right, accidents. Three auto related, one motor officer and one aircraft.
At the end of our conversation, I could tell that Captain Odel was surprised that someone would call him personally to express a sympathetic word. I could also tell he was pleased to know that we were thinking of him and his fellow officers.
After hanging up I was thinking of something more I could do. So here it is. Let’s all resolve to look out for these men and women that look out for us. When you see those red, blue and yellow lights, please slow down. Put some extra room between your vehicle and theirs. This philosophy definitely would have spared some of the officers that were lost.
The most dangerous thing we all do in our lives is operate a motor vehicle.
If we keep this in mind this year, next year, and every year thereafter it’s a given that both law enforcement and civilian lives will be saved. Guaranteed. It makes those officers, deputies and firefighters that give so much for us a much safer workplace.
For those that wish to make a financial contribution for the surviving families of fallen officers, the CHP has an 11-99 foundation. You can find contact information at any CHP office and on the Internet. Search CHP 11-99 for more information.
All law enforcement and firefighting agencies have similar funds. Let’s keep them all in our hearts and prayers. Where would we be without them?
Thank You and, “Hey, let’s be careful out there.”
Rayne Water Conditioning is located at 25114 Rye Canyon Loop in Valencia. For more information, please call Kirk Walker at 661-713-7762.