IN MEMORY OF MANY; IN HONOR OF ALL

The number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2011 was 173, a 13 percent increase over 2010. The 173 deaths among federal, state and local officers was a huge 42 percent spike compared with the 122 officers killed while on duty in 2009, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
For the past nearly five years I have had the privilege and pleasure of coordinating all marketing for the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA). For the past three years I have provided similar services for the Arizona Police Association (APA). Between PLEA and APA, Bartholomeaux PR represents more than 10,000 rank and file law enforcement officers throughout Arizona.
Representing these officers sometimes means being available 24/7 but that’s okay. It means funerals no one wants to attend for men too good; too young to die. And once a year, it means recognition for “my” officers during Police Week in Washington, D.C.
The purpose of Police Week is to honor the fallen officers of the nation’s police forces. During Police Week, the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) holds their annual board meeting and pays homage to officers who have demonstrated exceptional heroism in the line of duty through their Top Cops awards ceremony. Top Cop award recipients are also honored in a White House Rose Garden ceremony. The 19th Annual Top Cop ceremony was held this year at Washington’s prestigious Mayflower Hotel.
Phoenix Police Officers Nicholas Pittatsis and James Spross were among officers from around the nation recognized as Honorable Mention recipients. Officers Pittatsis and Spross were cited for their heroic action in August, 2011. Both officers engaged a potential burglary suspect. The contact turned deadly when the suspect produced a handgun and began shooting. Officer Spross received a grazing wound to the top of his head while Officer Pittatsis was struck in the right bicep. The suspect attempted to flee into a nearby home but quickly re-emerged and re-engaged Officers Spross and Pittatsis. The two officers stayed in the fight and ultimately prevailed over the suspect who was seriously injured by their return fire. A job well done!
This may have been a “day at the office” for Officers Spross and Pittatsis but it was one which resulted in no citizen deaths or injuries. It is what these men and women in uniform do: they put their lives on the line every day in the battle against violence, crime and terror. Sometimes they make the ultimate sacrifice to protect you and me. Sometimes they sustain injuries like Officers Pittatsis and Spross and sometimes, everyone is safe.
God bless them!