Supreme Sacrifice Day

Today, celebrates individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice for the good of others. Most often it is the soldiers who have died protecting our freedom that we think of when discussing ultimate sacrifice. However, maybe that lover who let their beloved go onto other pursuits (other loves) have also made it.How about a brother who takes a beating from an abusive parent for their sister? Or, a parent that goes without dinner to ensure that their children have enough to eat? I guess it would come down to how you define “Ultimate sacrifice”.

Today, in honor of Supreme Sacrifice Day, I am listing individual in public safety who have given their lives in the line of duty since the beginning of the year. Please forgive errors in spelling or omissions. I am certain that my sources are not complete. If I missed your loved one, please, add them in the comment section.

Emergency Medical Services

• EMT Timothy “Kyle” Southern:  Harrisonburg, VA
• Paramedic Sandra Nodurft: Racine, WV
• Paramedic Joshua Weissman: Alexandria, VA

• Fire Services
• Cristano Leo Lionell: South Sacramento, CA
• William “Jumbo” Elliot: Pompano Beach, FL
• Samuel Butler: Maxton, NC
• David Crenshaw: Anderson, SC
• Brandon Little: New Oxford, PA
• Duane Ibarra: Kahului, HI
• Bruce Torcotta, Hopelawn, NJ
• Walter C Sumner: Cranesville, PA
• Doug Haase, Sr: St. Charles, MO
• David M Flint: Edinboro, PA
• Zachary Whitacre: Gore, VA
• Jeremy Tighe: Evansville, IN
• Matt Waller: Memphis, TX
• Gerald “Jerry” R Wetherell: Prudenville, MI
• Mark G Ratledge: Cottenwood, CA
• Jamison Kampmeyer: Colby, WI
• Mark W Morrison” Port Saint Lucie, FL

Law Enforcement

• Sgt. Abimael Castro-Berrocales: Puerto Rico
• Park Ranger Margaret Anderson: Pierce County, WA
• Agent Jared Francom: Ogdon, UT
• Deputy Sheriff William Coleman: Maricopa County, AZ
• Detective Andrew F Faggio: New Haven, CT
• Correctional Officer Clarence Tariq Hammond, III: MI
• Deputy Sheriff Randall L Benoit: CalcasIeu Parish, LA
• Agent Francis Crespo-Mandry: Puerto Rico
• Cpl. Barbara Ester: Brickeys, AR
• Correctional Officer Tracy Hardin: NV
• Officer Garret Davis: Honolulu, HI
• Deputy Sheriff James I  Thacker: Pike County, KY
• Sr. Police Officer Gail Thomas: Atlanta, GA
• Police Officer William D “Bill” Talbert: Montgomery County, MD
• Master Cpl. Sandra E “Sandy” Rogers: Aiken, SC
• Police Officer Steven Green: Mobile, AL
• Reserve Deputy Don Williams: Dale County, AL
• Detective David White: Clay County, FL
• Sgt. Michael Todd May: Monongalia County, WV
• Trooper Tony Radulescu: WA
• Deputy Sheriff Barbara Pill: Brevard County, FL
• Corrections Officer Brittany Rachelle Meux: Lake County, IN

I would like to express my gratitude for their service and my condolences to their families. Please, know that they are in my thoughts and prayers.
I do not want to forget our canine friends who serve mankind and have lost their lives in the line of duty. Unfortunately, these loyal animals do not have a memorial list that I could find.
However, my own family’s personal loss was Blackbeard, a medical assistance animal for a disabled veteran. Blackbeard lost his life in the line of duty early this year.