The last police officer working in the town of Guadalupe, Mexico...only three miles from the Texas border, was kidnapped last week and is still missing. Erika Gandara was the only officer still working in Guadalupe after all the other officers were either killed or kidnapped. The citizens are now without any protection other than passing army patrols. And another family has lost a loved one who only wanted to serve her community.
I am somewhat of an optimist but ever the realist. I hope for this family's sake that Ms. Gandara is released and able to return to her family. I think it is unlikely, however, that she will be seen alive again. Ms. Gandara is one of a growing number of officers who refuse to quit or who take over police duties in cities where multiple officers have been killed by the drug cartels. It is a testament to the strength and determination of these brave but isolated officers who take seriously their oath of office, and continue to serve as police officers against all odds. Ms. Gandara, as well as many other officers in the same predicament would rather honor their badges and serve bravely rather than dishonor the badge by turning and running in the face of severe danger.
I hope many of you will join me in taking a few minutes to honor Ms. Gandara and these other Mexican heroes. I also would like let the brave citizens of Mexico that their plight is on our minds, and that we understand and empathize with them; innocent people who are doing one of the hardest things they could ever be asked to do - carry on with their lives in spite of all that is going on, in spite of all the death and heartache, and to hold out the hope that the legitimate government of Mexico will prevail soon, and restore some measure of peace and normalcy to that nation.
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