14 December 2010
Dear Survivors,
We had our last official meeting on 9 December 2010, closing down the Police Survivors. I have to tell you, it was beautiful to see many members there with their families, as we gathered to talk, laugh, and remember what brought us together in the first place.
I looked at children, who may not have been there if the tragedies went a step further. I looked at some friends who had to leave the police department behind and move on to other paths in their lives. I saw the loving embrace of a wife, as she held her husband’s hand, knowing that he suffered and she never left his side. I saw friends who smiled, knowing that we do indeed share a bond that will never be broken.
It is sad to see that we have come to the end of our journey here, but knowing that others have stepped into our path with fresh ideas that will continue to take care of injured officers. We also must acknowledge that we brought to light many things that needed to be addressed. We did this through kindness, not force. Through understanding, not ignorance, through a network of Survivors, that no one could ever deny…
I thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. From you, I have learned and grown as a person. I have made friends that I looked at with fondness for their personal generosity and support.
I was proud to be in the company of some of the greatest people I have ever met in my life, and knowing that some could not make it for some reason or another, but I hold them in my heart also forever.
I wanted to thank our Founding Members, our past Board Members, and our ending Board Members. Without you, we could not have made this organization come to life.
I’m not going anywhere. If anyone ever needs anything at all, please never hesitate to call me.
This was a beautiful end to a beautiful beginning.
With My Deepest Regards,
Steven C. Tyler
