Chaplain's Column: Clearly we weren't kidding

The sad truth is the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Concerns of Police Survivors preliminary figures show that 193 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2007. That's a serious jump, up from 145 in 2006.

Traffic related deaths increased by 15% over the previous year - 84 compared to 73 - and surpasses the previous record high of 78 in 2000.

69 men and women lost their lives due to gunshots, up about one third from 52 the previous year. The full report is available on the NLEOMF website.

Just last month I noted in this column that the data from vehicle-related deaths took me completely by surprise, and that I supposed that I shouldn't have been surprised, given the number of deaths on record when the column was written. As I compose now, another vehicular death was recorded in Kentucky only yesterday and was preceded by several others in the days prior.

I've spoken with a number of agency representatives the last few days, and all lament the situation. They are talking about doing everything they can to increase officer awareness of the need to be ever vigilant when behind the wheel, riding shotgun, or working a scene. My Academy instructors told us over and over again that it is more important to GET there than to endanger yourself and others in the process.

I again ask all personnel to use your heads. As the adrenaline pumps, work to keep you mind in governor mode. While out of the car, be ever alert in order to protect yourself. We may not be able to do much about other drivers who create these tragedies. We can work harder at protecting ourselves.

Your chaplains are working with and praying for you.

Be careful out there.