2007 Los Angeles County Peace Officers Memorial

What follows is the invocation I will bring to tomorrow's Los Angeles County Peace Officer Memorial service.

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Lord God in heaven, I ask that you bless us as we gather here, on this hallowed ground, to honor the memory and sacrifice of the men and women who gave the last full measure to protect and serve the people of Los Angeles County. As you know Lord, while we gather to honor all of those whose names are engraved on this memorial wall, we are here to commemorate and honor the sacrifices of those whose names are most recently added to this special place—Deputy David Piquette, Sergeant Scott Hanson, Officer Landon Dorris, and Officer Clarence Bower.

Father, I ask that your peace that surpasses all understanding will guard the hearts and minds of the families, friends, and partners of these fallen heroes. Your Word tells us that You cause “all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [Your] purpose.”

While we do not assume to know the extent of your plans and purposes, especially as it pertains to losses so great—the loss of some of our finest brethren in the law enforcement family—let us find solace and hope in the truth that even in the midst of our deepest grief and our most profound sense of loss, you can and will cause good to come from it. And may part of the good that comes be that we all draw closer to You, Lord. For Your Word is true and it tells us this. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

I join in the prayer of David, the psalmist and king. May this likewise be the prayer of each of my brothers and sisters behind the badge, who daily carry the banner of the law enforcement family, high and lifted up, answering the call to duty and service, everyday fighting a good fight.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident . . . Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:1-3, 14).

Father, we thank You for giving us this opportunity to gather as friends and family, and to share in this day of honor and memorial. I pray that every word spoken and every tribute made during this ceremony brings You honor and glory, and serves as fitting acts of love and remembrance for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving the communities of Los Angeles County. In Your Most Holy Name, I pray. Amen.