“There’s No 9-1-1 for You to Call”

BY TONIA LONG

It is a fundamental principle that Christian civilization is built upon order and can only exist in a world where order is upheld. As the summer of 2020 became the stage for chaos and disorder, those responsible for maintaining this invaluable order came under sharp and merciless attack—the police officers of America.

In response, during the month of September, America Needs Fatima organized nearly 2,000 Rosary Rallies across America in support of the police. In addition, Tradition, Family and Property’s Student Action also traveled throughout New York City and Pennsylvania showing their support for the men and women in blue by playing the bagpipes and distributing Saint Michael Medals (see below) to various precincts. Each and every rally received many honks of support from passersby, confirming the notion that the majority of Americans understand the value of order and the role that law enforcement plays in maintaining it in our vast nation.

Here we share with our readers an especially poignant letter that one of our editors, John Horvat, received from a policeman named Al.

Men and women in blue and a man in black; together they protect us both physically and spiritually, when acting with honor and according to their calling.

Dear Mr. Horvat,

I am a Catholic, a husband, and a father. I am also a police officer.

Police officers deal with the most vulnerable and the most depraved in society. We see the worst of what people do to their fellow human beings. As a Catholic, my work has made me acutely aware of the works of Satan and the effects of sin on humanity.

When I was a rookie, I was dispatched to the home of an old woman who lived all alone. She was terrified by the sound of someone breaking into her house in the middle of the night and called 9-1-1, fearful for her life. My colleagues and I arrived at speed and dealt with the situation. Afterward, the old woman, hugely relieved, was very grateful and thanked us profusely.

Then, she became quiet for a few moments, looking away as if to reflect on something. Turning back to us, she said something that has remained with me all these years:

“We’re so blessed that when we are afraid, we can call 9-1-1 without a second thought, and then police officers like you show up and take care of us. But standing here face-to-face with you, it occurs to me that you come to help people you don’t know, and deal with things that make us afraid. But you’re only human beings just like me, with your own fears and weaknesses. There’s no 9-1-1 for you to call. There’s no one to help you here in the dark of night. You can only look to God and His angels.”

I had always been a devout Catholic, but standing on her porch in the middle of the night, I was edified and humbled by the words of that old woman. In the darkness that has befallen our society today, I see more clearly the hand of Satan, and I am reminded more strongly of the words of that old woman. Policing has always been a dangerous profession at the best of times. Now, it is downright deadly. Most of my colleagues are jaded, weary and demoralized. In the past, my wife would worry for my safety when I went off to work. Now, with the violence being called for by the left, she worries not only for my life, but for hers and those of our children as well.

This is why I am writing to say thank you for your open calls for supporting police officers, and especially for your prayers. We rarely hear anything positive from anyone these days, so your actions give us hope, and are truly gratifying. I realize that it is not easy being a conservative these days, especially a Catholic one. I pray that God continues to bless you, your family and your work.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!

Yours in Christ, Al