A salute to all who serve and defend

Being that it is Veteran’s Day it seems only appropriate that we take this time to thank and recognize our Veterans within the ranks of the Norristown Police Department.

We are proud to recognize 29 members of the department that have or continue to serve our great country. There are many things that make these individuals so special. All of them not only swore an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of

the United States” in service to our country but have also sworn to do the same as public servants to the community. In particular the Norristown community. A sense of service is ingrained in their strong character as well as other traits of duty and respect. Such mottos as “This We’ll Defend” (Army) and the Marines “Semper Fi” (Always Faithful) speak to their fortitude and determination to be part of a winning team.

They embody professionalism in everything they do throughout their lives. Stepping up to wear not one, but two different uniforms that represent professionalism. Professionalism to do the right thing all of the time and treat everyone with dignity and respect. To lead in precarious situations. To train like your life depended on it, because it is not only your life that matters, but the lives of those that you serve as well. Whether a military service member or a police officer there is rarely room for mistakes, as someone else’s life could be in jeopardy.

There are sacrifices that must be recognized as well. Many Veterans have sacrificed time. Time that they will never get back, protecting us from evil and hatred in far away lands. Away from their families and loved ones for sometimes months or years. Living in austere environments and making the best of what they have available to maintain their wellbeing. Their families often left without that missing yet vital piece for prolonged periods of time, having to do double duty themselves to fill a void. As police officers they continue to sacrifice time away from their families. Those overnight shifts while you may be laying safely in bed, there is the police officer keeping the community safe. Those holidays or weekends when you are enjoying an activity or perhaps a celebration of some sorts, there are police officers keeping the community safe. Officers like many first responders often sacrifice being at their kids sporting events, concerts, often miss birthday parties and other special family events. This is a sacrifice that their families endure as well and goes unrecognized. All for the service to the community.

This isn’t meant to make anyone feel bad for our officers or to come across as complaining. It is more to put in to perspective the sacrifices that officers make day in and day out and to express the gratitude not only for their military service on Veterans Day, but recognize how they continue their selfless service as public servants to the community.

So THANK YOU! Veterans of the Norristown Police Department that continue to serve Norristown - James Angelucci, Jay Benson, Joey Bianchimano, Brian Boyer, Darren Buckwalter, Rich Clowser, Gerry DelGrosso, Dan DeOrzio, Chuck Deardoff, Chuck Douglass, John Eisenhart, Ray Emrich, Jimmy Fay, Byron Ferguson, Lou Geiser, Brian Graham, Howard Gray, Jason Hoover, William Kane, Bill Klinger, John Kramer, Robert Langdon, Chris Lefebvre, Matt O’Connell, Samantha O’Neill, Ed Rambo, Carl Robinson Jr., Mike Romano, and Dave Stowell.

And THANK YOU to all of the veterans out there on this day for the service and sacrifices that you have endured for our country.