Season of Gratitude – Law Enforcement
Deputy Sheriff Joe Matuskovic died on September 8, 2014, protecting the public in Charleston, SC. He was responding to reports a man was walking around an apartment complex threatening the inhabitants.
The apartment residents were afraid and didn’t know what to do, so they called police.
When Joe arrived, the assailant ran into an apartment. Joe knocked on the door, and a spray of bullets answered him.
Despite heroic efforts at the Medical University of SC, he succumbed to his wounds later that day, leaving behind three children and his fiancee.
I know every detail of this tragic story because my good friend Brian Moniz served alongside Joe Matuskovic and was there when he was shot.
Brian risked his own life to try to save Joe by pulling his bloody body to safety. Brian told me that the memories from that day still cause him pain.
Being a police officer is often a thankless job, but it shouldn’t be.
During this Season of Gratitude, when we reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for, my thoughts always turn to the brave men and women who devote their lives to keeping others safe.
You don’t call the police when things are going well.
You call them when you are afraid, hurt, or in trouble. You call them when you have no other options. A big part of their job is being prepared to risk their lives to save ours.
This year alone, over 100 American police officers have been killed in the line of duty, but their colleagues continue to answer the call and protect their communities.
For that I am profoundly grateful.
