Integrity, Character, Trust

As I watched the events unfold at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, I was not only upset about the attack on our Democracy but was also terrified for the officers in the line of duty facing the approaching mob pushing its way up the steps of the Capitol. The mob’s goal that day was to cause destruction and strike at the heart of our temple of Democracy.

The line of officers facing them was clearly outnumbered and overwhelmed by the unruly mob.

Some police officers showed supreme valor and courage as they came face to face with these rioters: there was the officer who was being crushed between doors by the mob but resisted valiantly even though he was writhing and screaming in pain. There was the lone officer who was terrified and vulnerable but kept pushing back while the mob chased him up a stairwell. And, there was Officer Sicknick, a member of our New Jersey National Guard, who laid down his life while protecting the Capitol from these marauders.

These brave officers did exactly what they pledged to do when they took the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor. They were determined to protect the Capitol and the elected leaders in the building.

No matter where we are on the spectrum of the racial issues that we have faced recently, we must honor and respect these brave officers who had the highest integrity and were committed to protecting us.

And, we should not forget that there are many more of such brave and fine police officers in our town and across our country.

Prakash Santhana

Holmdel Township Committeeman (2020-2022)