I found myself chatting with a young lady during our Pure Justice Tour stop in Phoenix, Arizona yesterday and I am compelled to relay the story to each of you. Her name is Sherry and she shared with me how she became involved in law enforcement – it was through her younger brother, Rob.

Sherry was already ten years old when Rob was born and she remembered playing with him as a baby and proudly helping her mother take care of him and as he grew up. She spoke of his character and his fun and gentle nature – he was, of course, her baby brother. These were obviously very fond memories she held near to her heart.

As Rob entered into adulthood, he found his calling in law enforcement as a police officer with the Chandler (AZ) Police Department. Like any family member would be, Sherry was aware of the inherent dangers of law enforcement. But she supported her brother’s decision and admired him for his courage and his resolve to serve his community.

On one very bad day in June of 2002, Rob ended his watch while responding to a call to assist another officer. Rob’s patrol car was struck by an inattentive driver, causing 38 inches of intrusion into the cabin of his vehicle. Although he suffered no major injuries from the impact, he was rendered unconscious and his lower limbs were pinned in the vehicle. Rescue workers worked to free him, but efforts were called off due to the flames engulfing his car. The last of the rescuers had to be physically pulled off of Rob narrowly escaping the explosion that claimed Rob’s life.

When faced with a family member who has lived through such a tragedy, one cannot help but to be moved by the sacrifices made by the officers, deputies and agents of our nation’s law enforcement first responders. It is infinitely more touching, and incredibly humbling, when they take time out of their schedules just to get a glimpse of what’s in store for the future of law enforcement and to thank you for the work you are doing on behalf of those still on the job – those who leave their homes and families day in and day out, not knowing if they will return.

Sherry presented me with a challenge coin that she had made in her brother’s honor. I began collecting this type of law enforcement memorabilia since we began the Tour in October of 2008, but I must say that this is now my most cherished one. My daughter made my first challenge coin display book and gave it to me as a gift last Christmas. I can’t wait to get home and share Officer Rob Neilson’s story with her as we place his coin in the number one slot in my book. It will help me to better explain to her why we do this.

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