Weekends? Gone. Birthdays? Gone. Thanksgiving? Christmas? Gone. Normality? Gone.

This is the life of any law enforcement officer, a loss in normality and a life driven by duty and service to one’s community. Your morning starts with your standard breakfast of eggs and toast; maybe some bacon if you had time, by 9PM you’re in a fight for your life against a man you’ve never met but all you know is that it’s you or him. Sacrifices come in many forms, some minute a missed lunch break or an extra five minutes finishing paperwork. Others come with great cost. The missed birthday, the going away party, the end of a normal life. The year of 2018 has begun to be one of many sacrifices, fifteen men and two K9 are dead not more than forty-two days into the year. Sacrifice is growing up without a mother, or a father because they did the job they were called to do and gave their life while doing it. Sacrifice is burying your son, your daughter, your husband, your wife, or friend.

Sacrifice comes with the job.

 

Trooper Michael J. Anson | New York State Police, New YorkNew York State Police, New York

 

K9 Brock | St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, MarylandSt. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, Maryland

K9 Brock

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, MD
EOW: Thursday, January 18, 2018
Cause: Training accident

K9 Scout | Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, New YorkJefferson County Sheriff's Office, New York

K9 Scout

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, NY
EOW: Thursday, January 18, 2018
Cause: Asphyxiation