Today I am honoring Patrolman Michael Villareal of the Pearsall Police Department, Pearsall, TX. The officer was transporting a prisoner to a detention facility in Atascosa but was involved in a serious traffic accident near Jourdanton. The officer died at the scene while the prisoner and the driver of the other vehicle were both critically injured. Prayers for the family and friends of the police officer and for the survivors and their families as well. The mere act of driving down the highway is dangerous these days, as well as is driving while distracted. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
So far this year, across the United States 34 police officers have died; however, about 28 of these deaths were of non-criminal causes, but still duty-related. At least ten officers died of heart attacks either while performing strenuous duties or shortly afterwards, including running for training and conducting SWAT training exercises. Several officers have been struck by cars while either working accidents, escorting funerals or other processions, or while conducting traffic stops. One officer died of complications from his participation in the Ground Zero rescue efforts in 2001.
Texas and Alabama lead the states with four deaths each (including Officer Villareal). Texas consistently ranks as one of the most hazardous states for police officers even when non-criminal deaths are prevalent.
Police work is dangerous due to dangerous people and dangerous situations. But it is also dangerous because of the "8-2 syndrome" wherein many police officers spend most of their day doing activities that are almost sedentary in nature, but then all at once go into full physical mode with no warm-up time in between. Thus heart attack and stroke become as deadly to officers as criminals firing weapons or using brute physical strength to kill or maim policemen.
Regardless of the cause of death, I honor each officer who dies in the line of duty, especially Texas Peace Officers. I also honor those officers who are injured severely or who contract some illness while performing their duties. These officers all made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man.
So far this year, across the United States 34 police officers have died; however, about 28 of these deaths were of non-criminal causes, but still duty-related. At least ten officers died of heart attacks either while performing strenuous duties or shortly afterwards, including running for training and conducting SWAT training exercises. Several officers have been struck by cars while either working accidents, escorting funerals or other processions, or while conducting traffic stops. One officer died of complications from his participation in the Ground Zero rescue efforts in 2001.
Texas and Alabama lead the states with four deaths each (including Officer Villareal). Texas consistently ranks as one of the most hazardous states for police officers even when non-criminal deaths are prevalent.
Police work is dangerous due to dangerous people and dangerous situations. But it is also dangerous because of the "8-2 syndrome" wherein many police officers spend most of their day doing activities that are almost sedentary in nature, but then all at once go into full physical mode with no warm-up time in between. Thus heart attack and stroke become as deadly to officers as criminals firing weapons or using brute physical strength to kill or maim policemen.
Regardless of the cause of death, I honor each officer who dies in the line of duty, especially Texas Peace Officers. I also honor those officers who are injured severely or who contract some illness while performing their duties. These officers all made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man.
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