Honoring the Rice U Police Department

This week is National Police Officers Memorial Week. It's a week to remember the men and women who serve as our public safety officers and who do much to ensure safe streets, neighborhoods and cities all across the United States.

R.I.C.E.-Responsibility, Integrity,
Community, Excellence

The Houston Police Department has helped us as a church and school on several occasions. As well, because Rice University is our neighbor across the street, we have often relied on the Rice University Police Department for help and advice. They are always responsive, accommodating and very willing to do anything to help.

Fortunately, most of the needs we have come are relatively minor. But it sure is good to know that RUPD stands ready for anything.

Take a moment and send them a note (jsolomon@rice.edu) to say thanks for what they do, what they are willing to take on as public safety officers. It's not an easy role to play and it's clear that each office owns a sense of calling for what they do. This week in particular we join them in what grief they experience in remembering officers they have know who have given their lives in the line of duty. I ask you to pray for them.

I think of the words of Jesus, which I preached on just this week:

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. -John 15:13

This year has taken a toll on officers around the country. Under a great deal of scrutiny and criticism that often gets socialized to good officers who do their job with excellence, it's perhaps especially necessary for us to say thanks.

This week, First Christian Church and School chipped in to provide a Goode Company BBQ lunch for the RUPD (Complete with the turkey I shot on a hunting trip this Spring!) They were very appreciative of the gift when I delivered it. Thanks to all of you who helped make this happen!