Page 42 - FOP March 2017 Newsletter

HONORING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41
run away. He seemed to be finding a way to help his school, his friend’s family and himself cope with the loss. He was turning motivation into courage.
In the final match of the qualifying round for the state finals, he upset previously undefeated behemoth Darrell Mason of Chicago’s Dunbar High School, pinning an op- ponent described by wrestling experts throughout the state as a “specimen.” To advance to the championship match, Scott defeated Mason again despite being bitten by his opponent in the bout.
The championship match challenged Scott to come up with an even more courageous effort. And defeating three- time national champion Luke Luffman of Urbana High School would have provided a storybook ending. But los- ing by one point – one point Luffman secured by escap- ing from Scott’s grasp in the final period; one point that Luffman held on to despite huffing and puffing through the final minute – might have made this story even more memorable.
Denise suggested that there will be a way to find the meaning in coming so close. Certainly, there is meaning for any police officer reading this story, a reminder about how far you can go by putting in the work and having the desire.
But here is the meaning for the police officer for whom Scott’s endeavor might have meant the most:
“Jake will never be forgotten,” Leo Schmitz said. “I want Scott to know how much that means.” d
42 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MARCH 2017