Revelation 21:4

I'd had a late turn and an early visit from the gas board, so once they'd finished I had a wee siesta. Just afore I climbed the wooden hill I'd read early reports about a fatal shooting by Police in Kent, but little was known at this time. Up to date reports such as from Sky News and Reuters give a fuller picture. Seems the guys down there took affirmative action and after the recent tragedy with PC Richard Gray, you can hardly blame them, but musn't pre-judge eh?

So, to the main gist of this post, unfortunately I also woke to the reality check that is the death of PC Jon Henry in Luton. My problems were washed away into a pool of insignificance as I tried to empathise with the grief of Jon's kith and kin. Doesn't work does it, but prayers do, tonight and every night and save a prayer for the morning after.

You can read other colleagues' blogs and thoughts here (the first I went to was, as usual, spot on) where I'm sure Jon's passing will not be forgotten.

A couple of points must be made though.

• The last two Police Officer deaths have seen firearms officers attend and now tasers and baton rounds used. I used to say that the day they give me a gun I would retire, 'cos it would mean the country had gone to ratshit. Well, maybe that time is closer than I thought. I don't have an awful long time to go, but trouble lurks round every corner as they say and there seem to be more corners to negotiate these days. I don't envy my younger colleagues and I will always respect each and every one of them that still join to SERVE others, not least Jon himself.
  
• As my post header suggests - We look forward to that time when there shall be no more death.
  

RIP Jon.