“We’re not used to this so we’re asking the city, state, [and] country for your prayers,” said Officer John Lacy, public information officer for the Overland Park (KS) PD. Early Sunday evening, on May 3rd, 2020, Officer Michael Mosher was on his way to work when he witnessed a hit-and-run accident. Phillip Carney (38) fled northbound on Antioch Road in a tan SUV. Like any dedicated officer would do, Officer Mosher gave chase and radioed dispatch. Three miles away at W. 123rd and MacKey Street, the suspect stopped. Mosher approached the stopped vehicle to make an arrest for fleeing the scene of an accident. Carney produced a handgun and started shooting. Officer Mosher returned fired with his service pistol. Both were shot. Carney died at the scene and Officer Mosher was transported to the hospital and died shortly after.
Officer Mosher was the second OPPD officer murdered in the line of duty. In 1985, Officer Deanna Hummel Rose was run over by a man while attempting to make an arrest. Officer Mosher, a fifteen-year veteran, is survived by his wife and daughter. Pray for Officer Mosher’s family and the OPPD family.
On Thursday, May 14th, Chaplain Ron Leonard, his wife Marilyn, and their dog Molly were featured on Fox News. I met Ron and couple years ago at an International Conference of Police Chaplains training seminar in Lexington, KY. We’ve kept in touch via email. Click here to watch the news video.
On Monday, May 18th, my home agency, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, lost Deputy Wyatt Christopher Maser in the line-of-duty. Next month I will share more about his tragic death. But for now, please keep Wyatt’s family and the BCSO family in prayer. The family requested I officiate the funeral. I’ve attended and served in the honor guard at several line-of-death funerals; this was the first I’ve officiated and was honored to do so. Click here for the video of his service.
This month marks the end of my time as pastor of River of Life Church. It’s been a great ten years and I’m excited to see how the church will move forward. So, am I retiring? No, just changing my ministry focus to law enforcement officers. I’ll be doing that through three interconnected ministries, The Strong Blue Line, Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Idaho, and Cop Church Idaho Falls. The Strong Blue Line ministers to officers, churches, and church security teams through books and seminars. The Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Idaho is a newly formed non-profit organization that will provide both Community and Law Enforcement Chaplains to participating law enforcement agencies. Community Chaplains provide on-call responses to supplement services to the community. This includes providing chaplains at major vehicle accidents, search and rescue operations, and other events where we can assist. Law Enforcement Chaplains will minister directly to officers and deputies. The leadership of Cop Church Idaho Falls is in the process of evaluating and determining how the church can best serve the law enforcement officers (LEOs) of our community. We’re considering a new venue to hold services and meeting on a different night where more LEOs will be available to attend.
If you’d like to support, join us in ministry, or simply want more information on any of these ministries please visit the websites.
Suicide—Not an Option, Hope in Man’s Search for Meaning is the title of a new book I’m writing. As the title indicates, it’s about officer suicide. I trust it will relate to LEOs (and combat veterans) and help them understand there is hope and suicide is not the answer. Also, it will help others understand the mindset of warriors and their thinking by sharing stories from my career. It is an easy read that touches on important issues. The book will be available soon on the website and on Amazon.
The Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Idaho (LECI) is raising money to provide the officers we serve with Guardian Angel Safety Lights. These are lightweight, high-visibility strobe lights, that are worn on an officer’s uniform and are easily activated at the push of a button. No more worrying about donning a clumsy safety vest. If you would like to donate to help support LECI’s efforts click here.
Pray for your police.
