SEPT 2021 Blues Vol 37 No. 9

HERO DISPATCHER IN

HERO DISPATCHER IN CHICAGO Family & Friends, I’m good. I’m well. Don’t worry about a thing. Even though this catastrophe took place under my watch, and as devastating as it was, I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. I’ve been in this field since 2001. I’ve dealt with death, murder, and suicide on a constant basis amongst things that most people would never imagine. Sounds bad to say this, but I’m used to it, and within much of the norm that I’ve taken in over three years, well - it’s prepared me to know exactly how I must take care of myself. I do this by doing the things that I do on the regular - travel, ride my Harley, play with my dog, take a car ride, spend quality time with my family and friends while most importantly, remaining ready to get back in the game as the show must go on. So, I say this with respect: I had a bad day the other day. We all did, whether one was on the scene, on the other side of the radio as a dispatcher, a citizen just listening, or inside the ER working hard to save our heroes. But with time, it’ll get better if we keep our faith, hope, and love. I got back up to my police officers in a matter of seconds during the time that they needed it the most. I was fortunate enough to have my back up with me from the very beginning all the way until now - His name is God. My phone is blowing up, my social media is blowing up, it’s a lot to process with media reaching out, the victims’ family and friends reaching out, and executives from various departments reaching out. It is a lot. So please give me some time to respond back to you if I do, but if I don’t, I sincerely apologize. I just want to reassure you that I am good though. I am well and I truly see that I am loved. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Let’s keep Police Officer Ella French in our prayers and let’s continue to pray for our other true hero who is at the University of Chicago Hospital fighting for his healthy life. If you want to show me some love or give me some kudos, do so by stopping an officer today and offering them a wave, high five, hug or even just a hello. Take a picture with them and share it below. Our culture must change. Our society must change. Our mindsets must change. We as people must change. Do this for me. Do this for her. Do this for our police officers who are hurting each day because many of them feel unsupported, unloved, and on edge. No one wants to live like this, and no one should have to work like this. Get out of your car, stop midway through your jog, or walk, and make a purposeful effort to show my brothers and sisters in Blue YOUR LOVE for them. This is what we are to do with our positive energies today and every day. I swear - no matter if you’re Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, Indian, LGBQTA+, Straight, Democratic, Republican, independent, Green, Pro Police, or Not for the Police - whatever the hell you are, I love you all and we need to start loving each other. There’s a quote that states, “We are, because of each other.” Share this, make it trend, and let’s put a smile on our officers faces throughout this country. KEITH A. THORNTON JR. ED - Keith Thornton is the Chicago dispatcher on duty when Ella French & her partner were shot in Chicago. SOUTH HOUSTON POLICE DEPT LOSES SGT. WANG TO COVID. It is with a heavy heart that we must make this post that this morning our police department lost one of our own. Sergeant Kuo-sheng “Johnny” Wang. Johnny unfortunately, lost his battle with covid early this morning. Sgt. Wang started his career with the South Houston Police Department in 2001 and served our community for 20 years. He was a wonderful husband, a loving father, and a mentor to many at our police department. Please keep his 16 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 17