“The Final Inspection”
The Deputy stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his boots were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now, Deputy.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?”
The Deputy squared his shoulders and said, “No, Lord, I guess I ain’t,
Because those of us who wear a badge,
can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the nights are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep….
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you’ve a place for me here,
Lord, It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t…..I’ll understand.”
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Deputy waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
“Step forward now, Deputy,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.”
– Author Unknown
This week is National Law Enforcement Memorial Week. It is a week to pay our respects and remember those courageous servants who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line-of-duty.
Please join us in remembering the fallen law enforcement officers who have served their communities all across the United States and have given their all and the loved ones they leave behind.
