Faith in Man...by the Letter E
The past week has been wrought with a wave of emotions from the Austin community. On Friday April 6, 2012 "Good" Friday, one of Austin's finest was gunned down by a senseless act of violence when he tried to subdue a subject in a local Walmart. This father of two beautiful little girls died there, and set off a chain of events in my community that has renewed my faith in man. Jaime Padron was a seasoned veteran of the San Angelo Police department and had only been with Austin PD for about three years before he was killed. Before he died Officer Padron was able to put out one more call for help. While his fellow brothers in blue rushed to his aid, two brave Walmart employees tackled and secured the shooter but were unable to save Jaime. Even though he was wearing a kevlar vest for protection the shooter realized his shot was ineffective and aimed for his neck with his second shot. But this is not where this story ends.
Over the next week we learned about Jaime Padron. We learned he was from San Angelo, TX. We learned that he was married then divorced but a father to a beautiful set of girls. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and to many other law enforcement officials...a 'good one', a great friend. He served his country bravely in the Marine Corps. He befriended everyone he met, and was an excellent communicator. So great were his interpersonal skills that even a person whom he had arrested was quoted as having had the best experience talking to him as they rode to the jail. Jaime was a great police officer. In a world where wearing a badge is at times a thankless job met with animosity by some in the community Jaime stood apart. Many said he was a striking presence. He was a handsome man with a smile that spread across his face and shone out to the world that he was approachable. Yes, Jaime Padron was a good man. The City of Austin and the Austin Police all felt his loss and we wanted to let them know we citizens did too.
We sat and watched news reports about the case. We offered prayers and kind words to fellow officers. We sent his family condolences and prayed some more. This community felt bad. Our protectors had been shaken to their core and the sanctity of life had taken on new meaning for them. We watched as funeral arrangements were scheduled and we watched a live broadcast in our homes of the service on every local channel. We grew to love Jaime. He became OUR friend, OUR brother, and OUR loss.
The service was to culminate with a procession of officers from all over. There were even representatives from other departments within the U.S. They came to show their support. Soon they would know just how much they would get. As the procession was scheduled to wind it's way through the city to head to San Angelo, many Austinites left their homes and jobs, parked their cars along the route, got out and saluted the entire procession. Bridges held fire engines, and people lined them on each side to say their final good byes as the procession slowly drove through the city. There were people of every age and every color waving. There were people waving American Flags and there were other officers who could not make the procession stopping to pay respects. One woman carried a bag of rose petals that she lovingly dropped upon the hearse as it crossed under the bridge where we stood. They floated down in a beautiful swirl, carried by the wind.
We love our members of law enforcement and other members that serve our community. We come together when things get rough and when our mighty grow unsteady...we lift them up. We wipe their tears and grieve with them. We become the base upon which they can rest. Thank you...all of you for all you do.
This week, Austin said good-bye the only way we knew how...and it was phenomenal.
This video was shot by an officer who rode in the procession. I'd give him/her credit but I do not know their name.
Over the next week we learned about Jaime Padron. We learned he was from San Angelo, TX. We learned that he was married then divorced but a father to a beautiful set of girls. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and to many other law enforcement officials...a 'good one', a great friend. He served his country bravely in the Marine Corps. He befriended everyone he met, and was an excellent communicator. So great were his interpersonal skills that even a person whom he had arrested was quoted as having had the best experience talking to him as they rode to the jail. Jaime was a great police officer. In a world where wearing a badge is at times a thankless job met with animosity by some in the community Jaime stood apart. Many said he was a striking presence. He was a handsome man with a smile that spread across his face and shone out to the world that he was approachable. Yes, Jaime Padron was a good man. The City of Austin and the Austin Police all felt his loss and we wanted to let them know we citizens did too.
We sat and watched news reports about the case. We offered prayers and kind words to fellow officers. We sent his family condolences and prayed some more. This community felt bad. Our protectors had been shaken to their core and the sanctity of life had taken on new meaning for them. We watched as funeral arrangements were scheduled and we watched a live broadcast in our homes of the service on every local channel. We grew to love Jaime. He became OUR friend, OUR brother, and OUR loss.
The service was to culminate with a procession of officers from all over. There were even representatives from other departments within the U.S. They came to show their support. Soon they would know just how much they would get. As the procession was scheduled to wind it's way through the city to head to San Angelo, many Austinites left their homes and jobs, parked their cars along the route, got out and saluted the entire procession. Bridges held fire engines, and people lined them on each side to say their final good byes as the procession slowly drove through the city. There were people of every age and every color waving. There were people waving American Flags and there were other officers who could not make the procession stopping to pay respects. One woman carried a bag of rose petals that she lovingly dropped upon the hearse as it crossed under the bridge where we stood. They floated down in a beautiful swirl, carried by the wind.
We love our members of law enforcement and other members that serve our community. We come together when things get rough and when our mighty grow unsteady...we lift them up. We wipe their tears and grieve with them. We become the base upon which they can rest. Thank you...all of you for all you do.
This week, Austin said good-bye the only way we knew how...and it was phenomenal.
This video was shot by an officer who rode in the procession. I'd give him/her credit but I do not know their name.
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