Alex Yazzie, with the Navajo Police Department, gave his life protecting his community on Thursday night. During the same incident a suspect armed with a rifle injured two more sheep dogs from the Navajo Police Department. We are hoping for a speedy recovery for James and Herbert. Let’s talk about Alex. In every law enforcement officer’s career comes a time when the harsh realities of the job hit home and a fellow officer pays the ultimate price doing what he/she was “born” or “driven” to do: serve his/her community, protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Doing so without hesitation or praise. Again, it is what we are driven to do. It is on our blood. A drive which cannot be explained or understood by our sheep, the “protected”. The possibility of loosing your life or a co-worker loosing theirs is in the back of every officer’s mind, but somehow over the years you get a false sense of security like our sheep do, forgetting it can happen within your agency and most likely will at some point. The unthinkable happens and you loose: a “sheep dog”, a true hero, a husband, a father, a friend like Alex. It hits you with mixed emotions when you hear the tragic news about a fellow officer laying his/her life down for others whether you know them or not. It is all part of the brotherhood forged by the “blue” running through our veins. Especially hard when you hear it’s a man like Alex. For those of you who had the honor to have Alex in your lives you will understand when I say, “He was quite like the breeze, but his presence was felt wherever he was”. When I heard the tragic news and learned it was Alex, his calm, confident smile flashed into my mind. I replayed each of the several moments I had the pleasure of working with Alex over the past few years. With my business I have met thousands of officers nationwide throughout our travels and rarely a person will impact you the way Alex did. He did so while briefly interacting with me amongst a room or range full of his peers. It was his presence: calming, professional and genuine. Something you don’t come across very often. Not in today’s fast paced, self-centered and unfortunately violent society. Alex, I am sure you will continue to watch over us. I have no doubt you will continue to impact others’ lives like you have done mine and countless others within your community. Rest assured, my friend, you will be missed but never forgotten. May you rest in peace, Warrior. -Joe
