Today, our hearts are heavy. Once again, two law enforcement officers have lost their lives in the line of duty – this time, right here in our county – one is Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, 30 years old and a 2013 graduate of Ozark High School. A routine traffic stop turned deadly, and, again, our community is shaken. Families, fellow officers, and our community are left grieving, praying, and asking hard questions.

A second officer, Deputy Michael Hislope, 40 years old and 2004 graduate of Ozark High School, died while apprehending the suspect in the gunfight. Multiple other law enforcement officers have been shot or hurt (one by a fall and another by a dog bite).

Moments like this remind us that these headlines are not abstractions. They involve real men and women who kiss their families goodbye each day, never knowing what that shift may bring. As a brother-in-law to one of those men, we pray and hope for their safety. In light of this tragedy, I want to return to a theme I have written about before: respect for those who serve us in law enforcement.

Respect

Three Reasons Law Enforcement Officers Deserve Our Upmost Respect 

1.       Because they serve us boldly.

When, like this week, a fugitive runs from justice, law enforcement officers dedicate themselves to doing whatever it takes to apprehend the suspect. The fugitive threatens the lives of those in the community and, by extension, threatens the lives of the law enforcement officers as well.

This week’s story is just one of many.

When someone calls 911, a law enforcement officer willingly comes to provide whatever help the person needs. A person outside the home. A domestic fight. Car crash. Just whatever.

2.       Because they sacrifice in many ways.

No one enters into police work for the money. The prestige is not there either. Instead, they enter law enforcement to serve us.

And serve they do.

Nights.
Weekends.
Holidays.
Long days.
Loads of Paperwork.
Personal Risk.

Day after day, they report for duty, receive their assignments, and step into situations that most of us never have to face. They do it again tomorrow. And the next day. And the next.

3.       Because it honors God to respect them.

Scripture is clear. Consider what Romans says:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. … Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. (Romans 13:1-7)

God is honored when we respect law enforcement officers.

The Problem within Our Culture 

Some in our culture openly disrespect law enforcement. While they may not represent the majority, their voices are often loud and influential.

Who are they? I do not know. I do not know their stories, their experiences, or their struggles. But I grieve the broken trust and fractured relationships that this disrespect reveals.

Real people with real stories. Strugglers, no doubt.

However, nothing gives us an excuse to weaponize against law enforcement, or even to show disrespect. We condemn any kind of violence against them. When officers are shot, injured, or killed, the cost is immeasurable to their families, departments, and communities.

What can we do? 

First, show respect. Live as a committee of one to demonstrate to law enforcement officers how much you respect and appreciate what they do every single day. We truly are grateful as a community and as individuals. We owe them so much.

Second, encourage others to do the same. When you demonstrate respect, it encourages others to demonstrate respect as well. So, do that. Use whatever means you can to help those around you respect those who serve us so sacrificially.

Third, encourage law enforcement officers. In private conversations, public settings, and social media, let law enforcement personnel know how much you appreciate them. A simple thank you. Smile. Handshake. Note. Donuts by the station. Just something.

May God bless our law enforcement! A Call to Prayer and Support

Now more than ever, we must pray!

Pray for the families involved that God would surround them with comfort, strength, and peace that surpasses understanding. Pray they would know God’s presence in this time of suffering.

Pray for fellow officers who continue to serve while carrying grief, shock, and heightened risk.

Pray for wisdom, restraint, courage, and protection for every deputy and officer who puts on a badge today.

Pray for communities that respect would replace suspicion, and gratitude would overcome hostility.

And beyond prayer, let us support them publicly, consistently, and compassionately.

Thank you, law enforcement, for everything you do. You are appreciated and prayed for.

May God bless our law enforcement officers and their families.
May He guard those who serve.
May He comfort those who mourn.
And may we never grow silent in our gratitude.

Thank you, law enforcement, for everything you do.
You are seen.
You are appreciated.
And you are prayed for.

Thank you, law enforcement, for everything you do. You are appreciated and prayed for. Share on X Days like this involve real men and women who kiss their families goodbye each day, never knowing what that shift may bring. Two made the ultimate sacrifice. Share on X

(Post updated to reflect the release of the officers’ names and pictures.)