Blue Lives Matter, Baltimore Style [Weirddave]

Harford County is a mostly rural county north of Baltimore. Farms and upper middle class housing developments share space with the city's northernmost exurbs and the U.S. Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground. I-95 bifurcates the county to the east, while to the west corn fields and horses are the order of the day. Despite a growing problem with heroin and meth that every jurisdiction in America is struggling with these days, it is generally a fairly peaceful place to live.

All that changed on February 10th. At lunchtime, a mentally disturbed homeless man named Brian Evans entered a crowded Panera Bread in Abingdon and took a booth near the back, acting strangely. Harford County sheriff's deputy Patrick Dailey, a 30 year veteran of the department, responded to the call and approached Evans, asking him if he was in need of assistance. Seeing the deputy's uniform, Evans immediately drew a gun and shot Officer Dailey in the head, killing him. As the crowded restaurant erupted in panic, Evans exited the booth, looking for another cop to kill. He found one outside, ambushing and killing 15 year veteran Deputy First Class Mark Logsdon. Two other deputies then opened fire on Evans, ending his rampage and his life.

Yesterday dawned bright and clear, one of those rare warm February days that remind you that March is around the corner. As a bright sun rose into the brilliant blue sky, the temperature climbed to 60 degrees. At Harford Community College, thousands gathered to pay their final respects to Deputy Logsdon. Deputy Dailey has been lain to rest earlier this week, and now it was Logsdon's turn. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan spoke movingly of those who lay down their life for their friends, and tears flowed freely as a life that ended too soon was remembered.

Soon enough, it was time for Deputy Logsdon to set out on his last patrol. He wouldn't be riding alone, however, as thousands of cars containing brother officers from around the state and across the country formed an honor guard to accompany the deputy to his final post. The procession, consisting of patrol cars both marked and unmarked, motorcycles, ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, slowly snaked its way across the two lane roads of Harford County towards Interstate 95.

Now, coordinating the movement and clearing the way for what would ultimately turn out to be an honor guard stretching over 20 miles is no simple task. A small army of State Troopers and Police Auxiliaries spanned out in front of the procession, closing roads and blocking the entrance ramps to I-95, the Baltimore beltway, and I-83. Traffic on the busiest highway in America was halted, and the road cleared out, awaiting the solemn cortege to come.

And then something remarkable happened.

All along the planned route, people out enjoying the unusually warm day naturally asked the troopers blocking the entrance ramps what was going on. When they were told, some went about their business, perhaps grumbling about the inconvenience, but others, many, many others, did not. Cars were parked on the shoulder or in adjacent lots. Flags were produced, children were cautioned not to be too rambunctious and lives were put on hold.

And the overpasses started filling with people. Down below, some cars hadn't continued on their way as the road was closed behind them, but rather had pulled to the side while the people inside got out and stood at respectful attention in the breakdown lane. Oncoming traffic pulled over to the Jersey wall and drivers and passengers did the same. Central Maryland took a deep collective breath and started radiating an almost palpable wave of respect and gratitude.

On the overpasses, conversation was muted. People talked to each other in low voices about times cops had positively impacted their lives. Some men reminisced about their time in the service, either public or armed. Women quieted children. Some tears were spilled, and a few men were rigidly braced at full attention while others stood respectfully, hands crossed at the waist. Where I was, Harford Road over the beltway, Long Green FD had brought one of their trucks, lights flashing. Hats were removed, and American flags proudly held aloft. Below us, the procession continued.

On the beltway, the cars came in groups. Here were the lads from the Eastern Shore, weather-beaten men tasked with riding herd on rednecks and watermen. Now it's Baltimore County, now it's the city boys, their cars a little older than those sported by the more affluent counties, a little more banged up, but shined to the nines anyway. Those city boys are tough, you have to be tough to put on the uniform in the city that bleeds, a city that declared war on its police last year. They know we're here, however, they know. You can see it in the way they sit erect in their seats, you can see it in the clenched fists in their laps. Once in a while one of them will briefly blow their siren in acknowledgment of our respect. They know

Above, a few more police have arrived for crowd control, but there isn't anything that's out of control. I've seen rowdier crowds in church. Instead they make their way through the crowd, slowly, pausing to shake the hands of all the men and women gathered there. They tell us that the same thing is happening at every overpass on the funeral route. “Thank you” they say again and again, and to a man the crowd responds “No sir (No ma'am), thank YOU”.

Word quickly spreads through the crowd that the hearse has just passed Bel Air Rd., one exit up. People move towards the fence. Spines stiffen, and others snap to attention, myself among them. I never served in the armed forces, but I believe any Drill Sargent in the world would have been proud of me at that moment. Flanked by four motorcycle cops, Deputy Logsdon passed by on his way to Valhalla.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith

The crowd disperses as people go back to their lives, haven taken 35-40 minutes to recognize what truly matters in this world. You hear a lot about Baltimore in the news, most of it bad, and while there are parts of the city that are lawless and violent, don't you dare tell me that the people of Baltimore don't honor the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. Don't you DARE tell me that.

Ten thousand of us put lie to your slander yesterday.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 02:24 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 RIP. Deputy Logsdon.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at February 21, 2016 02:30 PM (9ym/8)

2 Nice post. Save a copy in case it vanishes.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at February 21, 2016 02:30 PM (6FqZa)

3 Glad there is still some good news out there.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at February 21, 2016 02:32 PM (FQKBL)

4 Wow, a good story.

Posted by: Skip at February 21, 2016 02:32 PM (l+OuH)

5 Wow
Thank you for sharing

Posted by: concrete girl at February 21, 2016 02:34 PM (0KgAM)

6 Beautiful. Thank you.

Posted by: OldDominionMom at February 21, 2016 02:34 PM (GzDYP)

7 Beautifully written. Brought a lump to my throat.

Posted by: Lilredhen at February 21, 2016 02:36 PM (tU+ul)

8 I have tears in my eyes now. Maybe it's not too late for this country. Maybe there IS hope.

Posted by: Nunya Bizness at February 21, 2016 02:36 PM (LbSNW)

9 Soooooo, when will the roadside honorariums end up in voting booths, shoving the barbarians out?

Posted by: Old codger at February 21, 2016 02:37 PM (fpd99)

10 A wonderful tribute, Dave.
Respectful and quite moving. Good on you.

Posted by: Chi at February 21, 2016 02:40 PM (z1mje)

11 Got dusty in here all sudden like.

Posted by: Count de Monet at February 21, 2016 02:40 PM (JO9+V)

12 "Got dusty in here all sudden like."

Yes, and allergies are going like Hell right now. Got 'em myself.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at February 21, 2016 02:42 PM (9ym/8)

13 well that is comforting to hear and see. Thank you so much for sharing it. Maybe we arent done yet

Posted by: ThunderB at February 21, 2016 02:43 PM (zOTsN)

14 If Barack Obama had a son he'd look like and act out just like Brian Evans.

Posted by: Caitlyn Jenner at February 21, 2016 02:43 PM (yB1PK)

15 I blame Obama and Holder for all these recent cop shootings. And I used to live near Baltimore over in Port Deposit. Ate several times at the Aberdine Proving Grounds NCO club.

Posted by: Vic-we have no party at February 21, 2016 02:43 PM (t2KH5)

16 Great post.
God bless the slain officers and their families.

Stay safe when your out and about people.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at February 21, 2016 02:44 PM (ej1L0)

17 Very heartfelt and well written post, Weirddave. It sounds like the funeral procession for Chris Kyle.

Posted by: L, Elle at February 21, 2016 02:44 PM (2x3L+)

18 Awesome post, Dave. Thanks.

Posted by: Soap MacTavish at February 21, 2016 02:44 PM (Dwehj)

19 Just think, thanks to AFFH, we can all enjoy the benefits of angry black men. Thanks Supremes.

Posted by: Puddin Head at February 21, 2016 02:44 PM (ePJ8x)

20 Hope this one doesn't get disappeared.

Posted by: blaster at February 21, 2016 02:46 PM (2Ocf1)

21 March madness?

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 21, 2016 02:47 PM (GdFQh)

22 Thanks for remembering to share with your friends, Weirddave.

Posted by: cthulhu at February 21, 2016 02:48 PM (EzgxV)

23 Maybe we arent done yet

Hoping you are right. Every society has its share of non-contributors and malcontents. Been that way forever. They've been deliberately set in the spotlight the last seven-plus years, so it makes it seem as though they dominate. This too, shall pass.

Posted by: Soap MacTavish at February 21, 2016 02:48 PM (Dwehj)

24 Wonderful tribute, Dave. Thank you. Dusty in a lot of places right now, it seems.

Posted by: chiefjaybob at February 21, 2016 02:50 PM (cgH9o)

25 Man, that's a great article, but now we've got a lot of RT's to scrub...

Posted by: twitter.com at February 21, 2016 02:52 PM (OLNwX)

26 Thank you weirddave. Unfortunately, the same scenario played out here this past week. Deputy Greer was shot by a punk yoot.

Posted by: Infidel at February 21, 2016 02:52 PM (WCNOM)

27 Just for the record, Brian Evans was a 68 year old white dude. He wasn't right in the head. He had been declared legally dead in Pa after vanishing onto the streets.

Posted by: Weirddave at February 21, 2016 02:54 PM (N8hFs)

28 Damn, Dave, that was powerful.
My eldest grandson lives not far from there. It's men and women like Deputy Logsdon who stand ready to keep him safe.
Rest in Peace, Lawman.

Posted by: That SOB Van Owen at February 21, 2016 02:55 PM (Zd3Kw)

29

Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse you grave for me:
Here he lies where he longed to be;
Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.

RIP

Posted by: The Oort Cloud - Source of all SMODs at February 21, 2016 02:58 PM (2Bjv9)

30 Just for the record, Brian Evans was a 68 year old white dude. He wasn't right in the head.

That one key descriptor permits us to say, "good riddance, fucker!"

Posted by: t-bird at February 21, 2016 02:59 PM (OLNwX)

31 Correction, Deputy Geer. RIP.

Posted by: Infidel at February 21, 2016 03:00 PM (WCNOM)

32 Thank you, Dave, for doing what you did. It matters.

I was listening to WBAL earlier this week when the funeral for Deputy Daily was being held. At one point, they played the last call. (I think that's what it was called) Three beeps/tones on the radio, then the duty officer called out Daily's number, then three more beeps. At one point, the officer was clearly in tears. It sent chills up my spine, it was so moving.

I know a few people in various levels of the legal system in the Baltimore area. There's a lot of confusion and angst. They feel a lot of betrayal by leadership, especially elected. The lawlessness apparent in parts of the city is sticking in everyone's craw, but there are a lot of cops who are unwilling to stick their necks out, because they have no sense at all that anyone in power has their backs. It's a terrible situation, especially for the many cops who really do care. (a huge majority!)

And the DA completely fucked up the indictments around the Freddie Gray situation. This has turned into a Charlie Foxtrot of the highest order. I fully expect to see most, if not all, of the trials end either as hung juries or outright not guilty on all charges.

What happens to the city then? It's a powder keg. At what point do the malcontents decide to up the ante?

What a mess.

Thanks for doing what you did, and thanks for sharing with us.

Posted by: NukemHill at February 21, 2016 03:01 PM (oxLh6)

33 I don't mean to be an annoying pedant but I think the correct name is David Brian Evans.

Apparently the guy was a wife abuser and shot her 20 yrs ago though she survived.

Posted by: L, Elle at February 21, 2016 03:01 PM (2x3L+)

34
All the police, military, and firemen share one thing in common.

They VOLUNTEER.

Think about that.

Posted by: irongrampa at February 21, 2016 03:01 PM (P/8aq)

35 27
Just for the record, Brian Evans was a 68 year old white dude. He wasn't
right in the head. He had been declared legally dead in Pa after
vanishing onto the streets.

Posted by: Weirddave at February 21, 2016 02:54 PM (N8hFs)

Even more proof that gun control just does not work. MD now has some of the most restrictive gun control laws in the nation and yet here is someone who was not right in the head and was declared legally dead and yet he somehow got a gun.

Posted by: Vic-we have no party at February 21, 2016 03:01 PM (t2KH5)

36 Beautiful tribute. Thank you for taking your time to salute him, thanks to all the Baltimoreans for their collective salutes and thank you for writing this for us. This is a thread in the fabric of America that makes America strong. God Bless Us every one.

Posted by: 7Mike at February 21, 2016 03:02 PM (pxwEr)

37 I'm crying, I admit it.

Thank you Dave, for taking the time to do this, record it and post it here.

We need more of this, and less of the vomit the left spews, seeking to demean and undermine those who hold what is good and true to be, well, good and true.

Thanks to the officers who tried to help a man, and were gunned down.

Thanks to all you morons and moronettes who serve-whether in the military or in public service.

Posted by: Moki at February 21, 2016 03:03 PM (7q2ch)

38 Beautiful

Posted by: flyover at February 21, 2016 03:03 PM (SVz6E)

39 Yeah, I read that he had been on the run for years for shooting the ex wife and showed up at this place where either the ex or her sister worked and one of them called the police. Very scary.

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at February 21, 2016 03:04 PM (iQIUe)

40 Letting mentally ill wander the streets is another big issue. And a whole big cam of worms.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at February 21, 2016 03:04 PM (FQKBL)

41 33 Apparently the guy was a wife abuser and shot her 20 yrs ago though she survived.

Posted by: L, Elle at February 21, 2016 03:01 PM (2x3L+)

So ad to all that he was a convicted felon too and still was able to get a gun.
And BTW, did you get those photos that I sent yesterday/

Posted by: Vic-we have no party at February 21, 2016 03:04 PM (t2KH5)

42 Thanks, WeirdDave. On multiple levels.

Posted by: Piercello at February 21, 2016 03:04 PM (RXfvh)

43 how does a legally declared dead homeless guy get a gun

Posted by: ThunderB at February 21, 2016 03:04 PM (zOTsN)

44 Some people don't like cops.... 'til they need one.

Posted by: BignJames at February 21, 2016 03:05 PM (j7iSn)

45 Hi Dave

We ran into two of Hartford Counties units over on Rt 43 in their Dress Blues heading back on the solemn trip home.

Your writings bring to life just part of the sense of pride and respect that many hold for our Officers.

Not because your writing is in any way deficient.
But, because the sense of thankfulness and respect is so deep.

It's hard to capture in words.
But yours are better then most.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at February 21, 2016 03:06 PM (ptqRm)

46 sorry. Legally declared dead homeless felon

Posted by: ThunderB at February 21, 2016 03:06 PM (zOTsN)

47 Nothing likely could have saved that first Deputy, but a diner filled with armed and ready Citizens could have saved the second one.

The key line for me was "crowded restaurant erupted in panic".

There is your larger tragedy and crime.

Two men dead because the law hobbles free men and women.

Posted by: eman at February 21, 2016 03:07 PM (MQEz6)

48
Some people don't like cops.... 'til they need one.

Yup. I have a blue line on the back window of the SUV in honor of fallen law enforcement. Bless them all.

Posted by: Infidel at February 21, 2016 03:07 PM (WCNOM)

49 I listen to Michael Savage, and he also has moving tributes to slain police officers- most of the shootings get no coverage. It is heart breaking. Shooting a policeman used to be rare.

Posted by: Chillin the most at February 21, 2016 03:07 PM (BI43k)

50 Letting mentally ill wander the streets is another big issue. And a whole big cam of worms.

And it's the main issue behind these mass shootings.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at February 21, 2016 03:07 PM (oVJmc)

51 If Obama had a son he'd be a cop killer.

Posted by: Geoffrey at February 21, 2016 03:09 PM (LoRcb)

52 Beautiful. Sobering. Thanks for putting this post up weirddave.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at February 21, 2016 03:09 PM (NeFrd)

53 I appreciate this post. Thank you. I hope the police in Baltimore and all other places realize the respect that good people have for them.

Posted by: Dewey at February 21, 2016 03:10 PM (hHXBG)

54
Thanks, Dave.

Reminds me of that semi-spontaneous tribute a few years back to an Iraq KIA being returned to his home in a small town (Texas? pretty likely). Whole community stopped their lives and lined the roads, with flags, hats off. Probably has happened many other times, just not documented on the web.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 21, 2016 03:11 PM (QDnY+)

55 43
how does a legally declared dead homeless guy get a gun

Posted by: ThunderB at February 21, 2016 03:04 PM (zOTsN)

There is an old trite saying that goes "locks only keep out honest people". That is the same way with gun control laws. They only keep out honest people.

Posted by: Vic-we have no party at February 21, 2016 03:12 PM (t2KH5)

56
Don't want to move the focus here away from where Dave has properly and movingly put it.

But all you great regulars above have touched on the "issues" entangled with this tragedy - unconfined mentally ill people and the damage they wreak, gun "control" and the damage IT inflicts on society.

Perfection is not a reasonable or useful standard, but many of these tragedies would in fact be less likely if freedom and common sense (vs. social engineering and stupidity) held sway in American society even as much as they did earlier in my lifetime.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 21, 2016 03:16 PM (QDnY+)

57 The last time Hartford County lost an Officer in this manner was 1899.

And as Dave has written, the people of Hartford County are mostly salt of the earth, good people.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at February 21, 2016 03:17 PM (ptqRm)

58 An honest guy wouldn't even try to break into something, locked up or not. Its the lazy ones who'll jiggle the handle just in case there's something easy to snatch who locks are for. If they want your stuff bad enough they'll try to get it.

But I get the point and it's a great one.

Posted by: jsg at February 21, 2016 03:20 PM (cpqBZ)

59 >>It sounds like the funeral procession for Chris Kyle.

That's what popped into my mind too. To end the movie that way, very moving. It also brings to mind scenes from the movie Taking Chance which I also highly recommend for those who haven't seen it.

Ordinary Americans may not be as loud as the BLM crowd but then we aren't professional protesters either. There's still more of us but most are too busy just living their lives.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 21, 2016 03:20 PM (/tuJf)

60 Very well done, said and reported, Dave.

Thank you for including us your experience, there.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at February 21, 2016 03:21 PM (McRlu)

61 I've been a patron of Panera Bread Company stores, where apparently management takes a "let it be" attitude toward transients. Some of them are more harmless than others.

When it is apparent you are not dealing with a "harmless" homeless dude, society needs to act. Collectively.

It's not always the responsibility of cops to step in when somebody who scares us is near our pristine, safe places where we like to congregate.

I think of the California beach communities with bums laying around, while families try to enjoy a nice stroll. Everyone acts like it's normal. It's not.

And again, it's not the cops job to always protect us. We're supposed to do that ourselves. But we all know there are plenty of folks who get scared by the idea of us ordinary folks among them, carrying weapons.

Another topic for another day, perhaps. Rest In Peace, Deputies Daily and Logsdon. Burn in Hell, Evans.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 21, 2016 03:23 PM (Dj0WE)

62 "What happens to the city then? It's a powder keg. At what point do the malcontents decide to up the ante?"

What Baltimore really needs? #BLM activist DeRay McKesson for mayor.

Not kidding. De-raynged really is mounting a mayoral bid.

The "space to destroy" will be expanded to the city limit on all vectors.

Posted by: torquewrench at February 21, 2016 03:23 PM (noWW6)

63 Sadly there are a number of posters at aos that have taken the opposite sentiment about law enforcement. I don't think even they could criticize this post.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at February 21, 2016 03:25 PM (nS+hx)

64 Thanks for the post - it is headed to Facebook right now.

Posted by: Radar at February 21, 2016 03:28 PM (b6jcm)

65 Reminded me about the four Lakewood, Wa. police officers assassinated as they met at a coffee shop before going on duty.
There is no punishment that fits these crimes.
Please help those who remain and serve. A smile and a thank you go a long way.

Posted by: Man from Wazzustan at February 21, 2016 03:30 PM (FtrY1)

66 nood, podcast

Posted by: Vic-we have no party at February 21, 2016 03:30 PM (t2KH5)

67 WeirdDave, please accept my heartfelt thanks for your post. Beautiful, on multiple levels.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 21, 2016 03:30 PM (u82oZ)

68 So from the Rodney King incident on up to today, there has been a steady stream of white cops being railroaded over use-of-force incidents against blacks, incidents which were either clearly accidental, or arguably justifiable when considered in full situational context. (Tot wit: watch the _entire_ Rodney King videotape, not just snippets.)

The powers that be have consistently pushed these kangaroo-court prosecutions of cops to keep a lid on the simmering ghettos. Worked a treat, hasn't it? Calmed things right on down in the hood. Peaceful as church pews there now.

Now this is starting to happen to non-white cops who accidentally shoot blacks during police encounters, and as it turns out, the ethnic communities from whom those cops are drawn are NOT AT ALL HAPPY about this practice suddenly being extended to their own folk.

Chinese-American cop accidentally and lethally shoots a black teen under disorienting circumstances in a dangerous locale. Immediately fesses up to his error. Gets slapped with double convictions and fifteen years and, of course, the destruction of his career in uniform. Because this occurred in a major metro run by identity politics leftists, where #BlackLivesMatter more than any other type of life. The local Chinese community are pretty upset. They're right to be.

http://tinyurl.com/hkh4g74

Posted by: torquewrench at February 21, 2016 03:33 PM (noWW6)

69 Great post

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at February 21, 2016 03:35 PM (vS4Um)

70 Thanks for the post... beautifully written. RIP to both deputies and God Bless their families.

Damn allergies... where's the tissue...

Posted by: Pimp Daddy Welfare at February 21, 2016 03:46 PM (J1I/u)

71 68 Posted by: torquewrench at February 21, 2016 03:33 PM (noWW6)

Great Britain has found out the hard way what happens when you allow yoots to run amuck in the street with little or no punishment.

We are headed that way also as fast a we can go.

Posted by: Vic-we have no party at February 21, 2016 03:47 PM (t2KH5)

72 >>There's still more of us but most are too busy just living their lives.
Posted by: JackStraw at February 21, 2016 03:20 PM

God help 'em if they take that away from us.

Posted by: S2 at February 21, 2016 03:48 PM (QFMNq)

73 Thank you for the post, Weirddave. Made my eyes tear and my heart swell.

Posted by: olddog in mo at February 21, 2016 04:01 PM (Dhht7)

74 Fantastic.

Posted by: goon at February 21, 2016 04:03 PM (gy5kE)

75 That was very moving. Thank you

Posted by: Whitney at February 21, 2016 04:12 PM (aF1ln)

76 Harford County is my county. I graduated from Harford Community College when I went back to get my R.N. Thanks for writing this, makes me so proud, and definitely am tearing up.

Posted by: Swannie at February 21, 2016 04:28 PM (vzPOy)

77 All the police, military, and firemen share one thing in common.

They VOLUNTEER.

Think about that.

Posted by: irongrampa

Because they have a civic virtue, that they put the good of society ahead of their own personal good.

Police, firemen and soldiers are not perfect, flawless people. Some are real jerks, most of them are the finest people you will ever meet.

Most of them don't think about putting their lives on the line everyday, but that is there, always in the background.

They are volunteers, because at some point in their lives, and they may not have had the words for it, were willing to put their own lives between their home and town, and whatever bad stuff might come down the road. A fire, a crime, a riot, a war. They took on a duty.

When Patrick Dailey walked into that Panera, he was probably not really thinking he was putting his life on the line, but knew that there was a troubled guy there and it was his DUTY to take care of the problem. Deputy Logsdon was there, as backup, doing his DUTY.

When we as a society stop respecting and honoring that, then we are truly done and can roll up the sidewalks and take down the flag and hide in the basement waiting for the looters to come and take what they will.

The problem in the City of Baltimore, Ferguson Missouri and Detroit, Gary Indiana and a host of other places, is that the society in those places has lot sight of the value of this civic duty. It is a cancer that can spread.

But apparently not in Harford County, Maryland. Today.

For that we give some thanks, and thank Weirddave for telling the story.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative...now older and senile at February 21, 2016 04:28 PM (RFeQD)

78 Damn Dave, I have a lump in my throat.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at February 21, 2016 04:29 PM (voOPb)

79 Cop killers need to die.

Posted by: Geoffrey at February 21, 2016 04:31 PM (LoRcb)

80 On behalf of my brothers and sisters, Thank you Dave. You made me cry but those tears are mixed with the pride of knowing another hero has stood the test and draped his service with the honor of his gallantry and fidelity. May he and those who are surely to follow rest in peace. They are never forgotten while even one remembers and honors them.

Posted by: Six at February 21, 2016 04:35 PM (534A+)

81 I'm crying. I lived on Long Green Pike near the Grummond plant back in the '80s. Beautiful area and good people there.

I'm not normally proud of people. I glad to be proud of them today. God bless Officers Dailey and Logsdon.

And damn the politicians and mental health activists who closed down the mental hospitals and freed the mentally ill.

Thanks weirddave.

Posted by: Uma Thurman's Feet at February 21, 2016 04:58 PM (ArQi2)

82 Thanks for that. Helps me feel better about doing what I do.

Posted by: sarge2909 at February 21, 2016 05:25 PM (pM9AE)

83 81 And damn the politicians and mental health activists who closed down the mental hospitals and freed the mentally ill.

Thanks weirddave.

Posted by: Uma Thurman's Feet at February 21, 2016 04:58 PM (ArQi2)

Actually it was an ACLU lawsuit.

Posted by: Vic-we have no party at February 21, 2016 05:31 PM (t2KH5)

84 Condolences to the LEOs and their families.

Since no race mentioned, and by no race mentioned I mean they didn't say white perp, I assume it is a black muslim. Am I wrong?

Posted by: Jukin, Former Republican at February 21, 2016 05:35 PM (AhyHb)

85 I have seen much the same over my 20 years in law enforcement. I have been to too many funerals, some for close friends.

Thank you for this post.

Posted by: Elliot at February 21, 2016 05:35 PM (iAaZ+)

86 I live 2 miles from the cemetery where Deputy Logsdon was buried. We see these processions every few years unfortunately. Thanks for writing this Weirddave.

Posted by: Timon at February 21, 2016 05:36 PM (KSonr)

87 Darn, got salt in my eyes again......
Good writing and good people. Glad there are still some who think right.

Posted by: I love prunes at February 21, 2016 05:37 PM (4Z0vT)

88 84. See post 27. 68 year old white dude.

Posted by: Weirddave at February 21, 2016 05:40 PM (N8hFs)

89 I knew and served with DEP. Logsdon in the Army on APG. He was my neighbor and friend. We were not as close as some of the speakers and brother Deputies, but we did meet often coincidentally, and catch up for a moment. He never changed -still funny, humorous, and loved his golf.

It has been a really hard week, but the outpouring of love, best wishes, and collective sadness has been remarkable, and, makes me proud.

Moving along the reviewing line the past Thursday was the hardest thing. Its not easy to say goodbye to a friend, harder when they lie in repose. I was fine, conversing with the wife, and several others, trading funny stories, and our collective effort to comfort each other.

I'm no flyweight, but it was quite stark to see him looking so peaceful, knowing the hell he received. I held my resolve, until a Balto Co. Motorcycle cop, three viewers lost it, and almost collapsed from grief. Loosing friends is not easy.

I just wanted to take a moment, to give my heartfelt thanks for all that paid their respects, and the outpouring from every LEO that attended. I hear that most of Southern PA has their flags at half-mast, like other areas along the Mid Atlantic. It humbles a guy to realize that.

Side note - I now know why my dad hated to hear Taps play...

-Jeff

Posted by: Ibin Pharteen at February 21, 2016 05:41 PM (s3I9l)

90 30 -" Just for the record, Brian Evans was a 68 year old white dude. He wasn't right in the head.

That one key descriptor permits us to say, "good riddance, fucker!""

I try not to be spiteful, but I hope there is a special place in Hell for child abusers, narcissistic animals, and cop killers - temps just above melting rock...

Posted by: Ibin Pharteen at February 21, 2016 05:46 PM (s3I9l)

91
WD, thank you for writing this and including the photographs. It is a shame that those who consider LEOs to be the enemy garner nearly all the press coverage while those who understand their vital role in maintaining an orderly society receive nearly none. Wor unto us all when a reckoning comes.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot, 'Who Decides?' at February 21, 2016 05:49 PM (BK3ZS)

92 The northern tier's deepest condolences to the families of the slain officers.

A similar tribute will happen in Fargo, ND tomorrow, Monday, 2.22 in the Scheels Sports Arena, as an expected 5000 attend the funeral of slain officer Jason Mozser of the FargoPD. First of the thin blue line to be killed in Fargo in over 100 years.

In tribute, blue light bulbs have been sold to raise $ for his family for more than a week. They sell out in 10 minutes or less everywhere they're available.

Posted by: Arjay8ball at February 21, 2016 06:13 PM (ep9//)

93 Fantastic post, Dave. Truly.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp (PPD) at February 21, 2016 06:34 PM (gA69l)

94 I'm a Harford County resident myself. I'd taken my family to eat at that Panera not a week prior.

The last time a Harford County sheriff was shot to death, William McKinley was President.

This is a very surreal experience. Even south of 95, even in the section-8 communities, one's person and property are mostly safe.

I haven't said much about the whole thing because I haven't wanted to. This has been like a bolt from the blue. The earth fucking moved. If those cops hadn't been there, there was like to be another mass shooting, in a place I ate my first meal with my wife after getting back from our honeymoon.

Those cops did the thing we pay cops for. They paid the last full measure. I'm unable to say more.

Posted by: AndrewtheNoisy at February 21, 2016 07:34 PM (MKJhu)

95 Beautiful and moving post. Thank you for sharing as it does my heart good to see there is still goodness in this country.

My heart goes out to the loved ones of the slain officers.

Posted by: Doubting Thomasina at February 21, 2016 07:37 PM (PY1TC)

96 Slander? You might not like it, but "noticing current events" isn't slander.

Posted by: Apostate at February 21, 2016 07:58 PM (zaVwL)

97 Thank you for the story Dave. God Bless these men.

Posted by: torabora at February 21, 2016 11:50 PM (OtzAF)

98 I went to engineering school in Baltimore in the 70's. It was dangerous then and is much more so now. The good people of Maryland truly have my utmost sympathy for their misfortune in living in a People's Republic.

I am glad to see this outpouring of appreciation and respect for the police in a place where I'm sure many of them do not feel appreciated. Maybe that did at least a small bit toward binding up the wounds inflicted by that evil woman mayor of Baltimore.

Baltimore used to be a good, if not great city. Maybe one day in the future it will be again. Right now though, it's just ugly. The police who work there deserve our prayers.

Posted by: mac at February 22, 2016 08:10 AM (ilMXv)

99 I'm 100% sure that the mourners would have behaved in exactly the same manner had the procession driven through the "rougher" parts of Baltimore.

Posted by: nwfront99@gmail.com at February 22, 2016 10:13 AM (7uCni)

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