On January 24th, four burglars were breaking into a home in Cincinnati. The police were called. When the officers arrived, the four criminals fled on foot. While attempting to make their getaway, they encountered Officer Kunkel and another officer near Dayton and Linn streets. The suspects and officers exchanged shots. Officer Kunkel’s handgun misfired and was unable to be used. Despite the fact he didn’t have a useful gun, Officer Kunkel continued chasing the subjects to 82 Dayton Street, at which point one of the suspects shot him in the abdomen. Officer Kunkel died from his wound. The year was 1878.
Although several men were arrested in connection with Officer Kunkel’s murder, none were ever tried due to insufficient evidence. Officer Kunkel had served with the Cincinnati Police Division for five years prior to his death. He was survived by his wife, son, and sister.
Why? Why did Officer Kunkel stay in the fight and pursue, even after realizing his sidearm was useless? Because that’s what warriors do. While our nation’s law enforcement officers are guardians, they are much more than sentries. They are warriors. Warriors pursue. Warriors go after criminals. Warriors look for evil and seek to reign it in. Warriors don’t run from evil, they run at it.
It’s the same reason that nearly a century and a half after Officer Kunkel’s sacrifice, there are still warriors signing up to do the job. Have the number of applications dropped? Dramatically so. Those without the heart to do the job are being culled out. Yet, there remain some among us who are called up. When called, they step forward and say, “Send me.”
Still, some are quick to discard the term “warrior” and opt to call them guardians. Guardians are protectors. They hold back and defend. Guardians are good: we need them. But guardians aren’t enough: we need warriors. Warriors “protect and serve.” Warriors leave the safety afforded by a building, a vehicle, or a fence, and pursue evil. They chase evil until evil is caught, handcuffed, and booked. Even if it cost the warrior his or her life—that’s the service we are grateful for.
The Bible speaks highly of Israel’s warriors. Of the men who served King David, the Bible says, “These things did the three mighty men.” What did these mighty men do? Frankly, they did things that most would consider absolutely crazy. I encourage you to read about some of their exploits recorded in 1 Chronicles 11.
Free training…is that right?
Last winter, when planning our schedule, I contacted the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and asked if they would host a “Winning a Gunfight” seminar. The Training Director requested that I send her some information on the training. I emailed her the details and she responded, “I was able to review the material, and everything looks great. I just have a few additional questions…. The information indicates this training is free. Is this correct?” Yes, that is correct, the training is being offered for free, thanks to those underwriting the SBLF. In this case, funds donated by the Louisiana Baptists Conference played a huge role to bring the seminar to Louisiana officers and chaplains.
On the Road
At the end of March, Sherry and I hit the road. We’ll be gone for most of April and the first part of May. Our first stop is Mena, AR where we have a “Winning a Gunfight” seminar scheduled for Arkansas and Oklahoma law enforcement officers (LEOs). We’ll also be presenting the SBLF and speaking at Vandervoort First Baptist Church (AR). From there we continue south for three stops and five training seminars in Louisiana. Three will be for chaplains and two for LEOs. We’ll be in Monroe, Alexandria, and Lafayette. After Louisiana, we head to Alabama for a “Suicide is Not an Option” seminar in Montgomery.
Moose Ridge Coffee, located in Snake River Landing (Idaho Falls, ID), is sponsoring a week-long fundraising event for the Strong Blue Line Foundation during National Police Week (May 13th-18th, every day from 7am-3pm). Drop by and have a coffee or just visit. Sherry and I will be there on Friday and Saturday to talk with people and share the SBLF’s mission.
Pray for your police.
