Dear F3 Brothers,
This has got to be one of the most tragic events I have experienced in my 22 year police career. I had hoped and prayed that I would never have to endure the hardship of laying a fellow officer, from my department, to rest. I had the opportunity and honor to be Officer Alia’s shift Sgt for 3 years. He was everything a shift Sgt would want in an officer. He was the pick of the litter and a well rounded officer. He will be missed.
I wanted all of you, my F3 Brothers, to know that I’m doing OK considering the circumstances. I understand from people they were holding their breath as Chief Sealy held the press conference to deliver the tragic news. I am sorry to have caused concern in you about not knowing if I was was OK or not. During the chaotic events of that Wednesday morning I had left my personal cell phone at the office. Later in the afternoon I had noticed that I received dozens of text messages asking me if I was OK. Some messages were from my F3 Brothers. I was humbled, touched and brought to tears. I am so thankful to know so many of you were praying for me not knowing. Thanks for lifting me up. Please continue to lift up Greg’s wife Kassy, his infant son Sal and the rest of his family. Know that other officers were directly impacted by this act and need prayer just as much and even more than me. Their names are Cody, Mike, and Curtis. These are the guys who were on the same shift as Greg.
The outpouring of support from the Forest Acres Community, the Midlands, the nation etc. has been tremendous and overwhelming. I have been brought to tears over and over again.
T-claps to my brothers at F3Columbia for the tribute work out and convergence at the front lawn of the Forest Acres Police Department (Hammer and Swamp Fox). I was touched and in tears.
T-claps to my F3Lexington brothers of Jumanji who dedicated a workout in Officer Alia’s honor.
T-claps to the other AOs who prayed for Officer Alia his family and the Forest Acres Police Department.
Finally T-claps to all of you who sent me text messages, tweets, direct messages of encouragement. They meant more than you will ever imagine. Just know that your messages of encouragement and your prayers have helped me to be stronger in this very difficult time. I missd all of you very much. I can’t wait to get back in the gloom with all of you and back up to CSAUP stuff.
AYE!