When news broke that two Tampa Police officers were tragically murdered in the line of duty, a community reacted viscerally. Not all of it visible.
What we saw via the media was an outpouring of public grief for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and for their devastated families as well as somber acknowledgement and gratitude for those who continue to put it all on the line at any time. What we didn’t see, but which we all also felt, was a sense of palpable fury. That which frankly needs to be sublimated if society is not to devolve into something even worse than a cowardly, nihilistic double murder. We all know there was some emotional venting off camera and off the record. Beyond “worst of the worst” and “cold-blood killer.” Leave it at that.
But out of this awful crucible, we saw competence, discipline and empathy from our leaders. We also saw misty-eyed composure and steely resolve under excruciating pressure. No one wants to be tested in such a horrific fashion, but when it happens, it’s imperative for leaders to be up to it. For the sake of the fallen and their families, for the sake of fellow officers, for the sake of the community at large.
Well done, Mayor Pam Iorio and Police Chief Jane Castor.
You were tasked with keeping us informed, keeping us composed, keeping us reassured and keeping us safe. You didn’t let us down. You also became de facto surrogates for all of us in expressing everything from shock to outrage to sorrow.
Thank you.