Judy Bradshaw, director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and former Des Moines chief of police, spent time reflecting on the events of Sept. 11, 2001, when she spoke to about 130 military personnel, veterans, first responders and their spouses at the Elks’ annual Heroes Dinner Sunday.
She said it was not a coincidence that the attack was on 9-11, the digits used to summon emergency responders. The terrorist attacks that day killed the highest number of emergency responders in a single event in the nation’s history.
“The terrorists intended to instill fear in the American public… If you all remember what you saw, those firefighters, those police officers and first responders were running to the building. That is not fear… People think there’s a love of service that calls you to this job. That’s true… What drives the service is one word, it’s ‘love.’ It’s love for human beings and for humanity.”
She said the terrorists created some fear, “but love conquers fear.”
Bradshaw said much has changed for law enforcement in the 15 years since 9-11, and that the greatest threat for law enforcement and first responders in 2017 “is not a foreign terrorist, but home grown resistance.”
“I am disappointed in the divisions within our communities, within our races, between African Americans and police officers who are charged with protecting all of us,” she said.
She reminded those at the dinner that law enforcement and first responders are the only part of governments that people can summon with a single phone call. That makes them the first to see reactions to frustration coming from a poor economy, a lack of housing or a lack of healthcare.
Law officers wearing body cameras is an intrusion into their own privacy, but “a price to pay to gain the public’s trust.”
She said the students at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy reassure her daily that persons entering the profession are doing it “for all the right reasons,” and she read portions of essays the current class wrote when they entered the academy. The stories were compelling.
She thanked those present “for your unselfish service, for sacrificing your safety and well-being at times, working midnights and holidays and weekends, for being called away from dinner. You stand up for those that cannot stand up for themselves. You are the first call for most people, and sometimes you are their last call for help. You’re dedicated and you’re part of the most noble profession in the country – first responders. I’m proud of you. I want to thank you all for your service. Stay safe,” Bradshaw said.
Elks exalted ruler Diane Gibson served as emcee. Elks chaplain Hollie Robers gave an invocation and benediction. Does member Vicki Ogren read a tribute to the American flag. Trumpeter Wayne Lautner ended the program with “Taps.”
For the first time, the Elks had help from sponsors with the cost of the dinner. Sponsors were Macke Motors, Rueter’s Red Power, Cecil Rueter, New Way Ford, Greene County Redi-Mix, Home State Bank, Central Iowa Publishing, Bauer Built Manufacturing Inc, Louis Dreyfus Commodities LLC, and Landus Cooperative.
The meal was prepared by Does Drove No. 196.
