I used to teach 7th grade social studies in Hadley, Mass, the town where he was born. For many years the local elementary was known as "Hooker School," in his honor, but alas, they tore it down last fall...
One of my fellow Ohio law enforcers was killed last Saturday night. A fleeing felon struck her cruiser on the interstate as she was about to deploy stop sticks. She will be buried at the Spring Grove Cemetery on Sunday.
I stopped by the Spring Grove Cemetery Funeral Home to visit her Chief. After we talked for a bit, I decided to eat lunch near Joseph Hooker's gravesite. I attempted to post a funny thread to erase the sadness of her death. It worked for a bit.....
Bill
P.S. I will not miss draping my badge after I retire in 2024. I hate draping my badge!!!
And to top it off, I had to serve the indictment to the individual which killed Officer Grant in the hospital yesterday (University of Cincinnati ICU). He made my skin crawl....
We were just talking about that on the corona virus thread in Campfire Chat. One of the other members said 'dark humor' was one way she used to cope before posting her comment, and I agreed. It is a great coping measure during times of stress, and especially when you work in any kind of crisis or frontline service. Totally get it, and I liked the cheeky implications of your title! I'm sure there are stories you could tell about your colleague that could make us smile, too.
The thought of serving the guy who killed her is sickening, if not impossible to imagine. Don't know how you held it together, but as a police officer, I'm sure the notion of duty overrides the rest. So much of the work you do on a daily basis goes unrecognized.
So very sorry for her loss. I had read the story, here in NE Ohio. It’s always hard when a comrade falls, especially one so young. My condolences to you and your fellow officers. I am sure that Hooker’s spirit understood, and welcomed your presence. She Stood and Fell understanding her duty. No one could ask for more.
One of my friend's sent this photo to my phone last night. The officer guarding Officer Grant's casket is one of her fellow Springdale Ohio police officers. A very powerful photo.....