I was hoping to post a new Totally Random Thoughts (TRT) a few days ago and I was going to lead off with the tragic events that went down in Fond du Lac, WI last week. However, the more I thought about it, I felt as though it would be disrespectful to simply consider the loss of a fellow officer a "Totally Random Thought." So, I wanted to do a short blog of my thoughts and feelings in the wake of the death of Trooper Trevor Casper.
On Sunday, I attended the funeral service for State Trooper Trevor Casper. Trooper Trevor Casper was literally a brand new Trooper for the Wisconsin State Patrol. Casper was a recent graduate of the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy and Tuesday was literally his first day on his own, coming off of Field Training. It's like a story straight out of Hollywood, a brand new officer, on his first day of working on his own, is thrown directly into every cops worst nightmare. In the end he paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of the public. He was ultimately slain, but in the process of giving his life, he stopped the mindless killing of others by taking out the suspect in a true gunfight. It's terrible and leaves a terrible feeling in my stomach. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and fellow officers. Casper was 21 years old and is the youngest ever officers killed in the line of duty in the State of Wisconsin.
Trooper Casper's funeral was amazing, as are most other law enforcement funerals. There is something special about law enforcement funerals. The outpouring of support is breath of fresh air. At Casper's funeral, literally thousands of officers, from 30 different states attended, along with thousands of non law enforcement community members to show their support for the family, friends, and the law enforcement community. Being in the company of so many others in the same profession to show support for a fallen officer brings upon a feeling that is difficult to explain. It makes me even more proud to be apart of a special group of people. The dangers that law enforcement officers face day in and day out often go overlooked. The same goes for your neighborhood firefighters, and medical personnel. But during times like this, communities become one and show appreciation for the heroic acts of a single person. It is truly a feeling that cannot be put into words and simply needs to be experienced. 
With all that being said, a law enforcement funeral is still an extremely emotional and difficult event to attend. Personally, I hate them, but appreciate them for what they are, a celebration of a true HERO. I wish they never had to happen. It's a shame they exist. I struggle emotionally the entire time. For me, they are a realization of what this job is. 99% of the time, being a law enforcement officer is a great and safe job. But the reality is there is always that 1% of the time. There is always that 1% of the population. They are always out there. I guess that is why this funerals are so difficult, it brings out the sick, cold truth about our job. It becomes exponentially more difficult for me, because of 3 beautiful girls who sleep so peacefully at night while I am at work, who simply just expect me to come home every morning. While at these funerals by far the most difficult moments is meeting the family of the officer who gave their life. I can't help but picture my wife and daughters standing there in line with numerous unanswered questions - the biggest one being, "why." It just leaves me sick, sad, angry, and scared, scared for my family. It is comforting knowing the support they would receive as a result from not only the community, but from the state, and the entire nation.
After leaving the funeral you're left with a feeling of vulnerability. A cold reminder of the dangers of the job, but at the same time, it's a reminder of why I do this job. I do this job to make the community and the area I serve a better place. I know that what I do makes the community a better place. I work hard and I take pride in my work. I know that what I do is right. I know that I can carry the shield and continue to serve with the pride and courage that so many did before me. I will never forgot those who lost their lives while serving with the same pride and courage. So may the spirit of all those who lost their lives in the line of duty live on, including Officer Birkholz and Trooper Casper.
Please consider "liking" the Remembering Wisconsin State Trooper Trevor Casper page by clicking this link.
Or go to his website to read his obituary or make a monetary donation to his family here.
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