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ThirdVice President’s Report
A network of support, both physical and emotional
I hope you are all healthy. With the horrible and tragic events that have unfolded within the last couple of weeks, I am going to keep this brief.
Ella French was loved and respected, not only as a police officer, but also as a human being. The amount of grief being felt by officers who knew her and officers who didn’t is staggering. I don’t remember ever seeing a woman as strong as El- la’s mom. My God, for her to be able to keep her composure during what has to be the worst thing
that could possibly happen to any parent is unfathomable. God bless her and her family.
Carlos Yanez is recovering slowly but surely. He has a long road ahead of him, but he also has the continued help of his friends, family and the extended family of his fellow officers. Carlos has a huge network of people who will be looking out for him and his family. By the grace of God, Carlos is still with us. He is changed forever but still here fighting every day to see God’s light and greatness.
Josh Blas can only be classified as a hero in the true meaning of the word for the actions he took on that horrible day. Had he
not been there to confront and neutralize the immediate threat which he was presented with, who knows how many more offi- cers or civilians would have been injured or killed. Josh, just like Carlos, is going to need support, not only physically but emo- tionally.
Sometimes we question God and ask, “Why not me, Lord? Why do I get to live and my partners have to die?” Dealing with survivor’s guilt has to be one of the hardest things you might have to deal with in your lifetime. But please know that you have a support system in place to help you with the anger, frus- tration, fear, loneliness and guilt of surviving such a traumatic event. You are not alone. Call the Lodge, call EAP, but call some- one.
God bless the family that held down that piece of garbage that killed Ella and shot Josh. These people are the reason we put our uniforms on every day. These families are the reason we walk alone into a dark, abandoned building looking for a lost elderly parent or child who may have strayed away from home.
God bless the men and women of this police department and bring them home safe. Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they shall be called the children of God. Be safe.
FERNANDO FLORES
12 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ SEPTEMBER 2021