Journey of Courage: Deputy Christopher Dewey

It was February 18, 2009, one year ago today. In Mahnomen County, Minnesota a call came in. It was 4:00 A.M. and Deputy Christopher Dewey was ready to answer that call as Deputy Chad Peterson was ending his shift. But, they answered that call together with Deputy Peterson postponing the end of a long night to back-up his partner and his friend; brothers in blue wearing brown. It was a decision that saved a life. And the events that followed changed many more.

During the course of that call, Chris was viciously shot in the head and the abdomen then left for dead. But, he didn't die. Deputy Peterson heard the shots and could not contact Chris on the radio. He found him and made the call for help. He kept his head, he stayed calm, and he saved Chris' life. Those events and the ones that followed sent shockwaves through the Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office and the surrounding agencies and communities. The department is a family and Sheriff Doug Krier is the head of that household. In the months that have followed he has remained devoted to making sure Chris and Emily have anything they need that is in his power. The fellow deputies and dispatchers continue to make sure that Chris and Emily know that they haven't forgotten them. They, along with countless family and community members have worked tirelessly at various fundraisers to provide any assistance they can. The family gathered around the Dewey’s, virtually and literally. Not all of those family members have the same red blood running through their veins. Some of them have the blue blood of those who wear a shield, the brotherhood of the badge; a family nonetheless.

There are no words that I can offer that would tell what it was like for Emily to hear the call on their scanner of an officer down. She later stated in an interview that she knew immediately that it was Chris. I would not attempt to explain how that was for her. It isn't something that anyone could possibly understand or explain who has not experienced what she did. It takes someone very special to be a police spouse. Their role is a role like none others. They deal with and manage a life that most of us can try our best to comprehend, but if we have any real understanding...then what we understand the most, is that we can't truly realize what it's like if we haven't lived it. Every officer knows the risks. They all know what each day could bring and so do their families. That doesn't make it right that someone with evil in their heart can steal those minutes, hours, days, and months.

In the days that followed those shots being fired, miracles began to happen. Chris was alive. He was airlifted from the Mahnomen Hospital to MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D. He spent a mere 5 days in intensive care and was then moved to acute care until March 5. From there he was sent to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado for intense rehabilitative physical therapy. An already incredible story continued to be written with unbelievable progress.

The daily chronicles of the life Chris and Emily were forced into let their family and friends know the details of each day, but also began to draw others. Each day brought more and more visitors from all across the country to his CaringBridge site. We learned that Chris likes Spaghetti-O's and they make Emily go "Ewwww". His unique humor and way of looking at life came through Emily's words. His MacGyver-esque tendencies were in full evidence when he began trying to devise a way to unlock the belt that kept him in his wheelchair because he was sure he was ready to walk on his own. His response to one of the staff members that told him he was funny was classic. “I’ll be here all week. Try the veal.” Through it all we "watched" him grow stronger day by day. I don't mean to make light of those days. They were filled with hard work, a dogged determination and the steadfast faith and loyalty of Emily standing at his side. Then it happened. The complications began.

Chris was only supposed to stay two months at Craig Hospital. But, surgery to repair a leak in his sinus was required on March 31st at nearby Swedish Hospital. He began to recover well, and returned to rehab at Craig. One week after his sinus surgery, he had emergency surgery to repair a "bleed" that had developed. Shortly thereafter, he had two status seizures, and another surgery to repair a CSF leak. On June 19th he had a VP shunt placed. This failed on the 27th and was fixed surgically, but then failed the next day, leading to another surgery on the 28th. On July 29th Chris had a second shunt placed, and that was functioning well. Among other complications, Chris has had sepsis and meningitis. There have been other issues and additional surgeries as well. After each one, we witnessed a profound strength and ever-growing, steadfast faith in the young wife at his side. No one could read their journal entries and not be inspired by this young woman who had been thrust into the unknown without a road map. It wasn't long before Chris was dubbed "Superman Deputy Dewey" after a shirt emblazoned with that was given to him during one of the visits to Colorado by Sheriff Krier and Deputy Peterson. It was the most apt title they could have possibly bestowed upon him because everyone was continually amazed to watch Chris courageously battle back after each one of those bumps in the road. As would be expected, with each procedure, each set-back, it seemed to become more and more difficult to work his way back to his previous levels of accomplishments. But, he has never stopped working. He has never given up. He had at last begun talking again before the last surgery to place a new shunt. This one has once again proved to be another blow to his struggle to regain the progress he had made before. He has to date not found his voice again. But there's no doubt that he will. His is a determination seldom if ever witnessed before, most especially in one so young. The circumstances with which they have been forced to deal highlight a strength and belief in themselves, their family, and their God. Their faith has grown as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months. Their journal became a place of inspiration for all who visited. There have been instances of those who weren't exactly "police-friendly" before but found themselves returning over and over again, in time finding a better understanding of what our officers do for us and a new-found respect for one of those men in specific and the law enforcement community as a whole. Others found their own faith being renewed and restored as they began a prayer chain that crisscrossed this country and circled the globe. The witnessing of the strong bond of their families, many of them putting their own lives and responsibilities on hold for days and weeks at a time to be in Colorado to offer their support, added another dimension to what "family" means.

And it continues today. Chris is still working and fighting. Emily is still loyal and faithfully at his side, working to be his advocate and make the best choices for him. The family is still standing strong around them. And no one has forgotten. His progress since the last surgery has been slow, but the grace of God, his own inner strength, and the power of prayer has brought him this far. He has a long way to go. His life was not taken that day, but the life he knew was taken away from him. They say, that when the Lord taketh away, he is not punishing us, but merely making room and preparing us for much bigger and better things. There is a reason that Chris is still with us. God has a purpose for those two young people. None of us knows what that is. Maybe a part of it is what they have already given to those whose lives they have touched over the last year. That is not for us to know. It's not our place. Ours is to continue that prayer chain for strength, guidance, healing, and patience. Ours is to trust that there is a higher power that carries both Chris and Emily through these times. And ours is to continue to give them the support that they need and to never forget, never let others forget that "A Brother In Brown Is Never Down".


Written By: Peggy Gunn Milligan - Administrator of the Facebook Cause
~A Tribute To Those who Wear The Shield~

The Thin Blue Line - Heartbeat of the World

Listen. Can you hear it? A heartbeat…it sounds like a single one, doesn't it? It isn’t. If that heartbeat was the heartbeat of one man or one woman, someday it would stop beating. But, it's not a single heartbeat. It is many hearts beating as one. That steady rhythm continues, always constant and never-ending. It knows no borders. It spans oceans and crosses mountains and deserts. It circles the globe in every direction...all those hearts beating as one. If one stops, the others keep beating, steady and strong. All those hearts that beat as one may be burdened and often are. The eyes that go with them often see many things that most of us never have to see. The ears hear an overabundance of things that most of us never have to hear. The brains have to process and register things under often dangerous and horrific conditions that would make most of us run in fear or cower in terror. The ones who carry those hearts inside of them all too often find themselves amidst chaos, violence, and death. They face circumstances that wound those hearts to the point that they’re bleeding inside and nobody knows because we can’t see the blood. And then they have to put those things away because they must go on; the heartbeat must go on. Those hearts often break, but that heartbeat that is made of many keeps beating.

That heartbeat is the heartbeat of the thin blue line, the men and women who stand ready to protect us every day and never hesitate to lay down their lives for ours. That single heartbeat that is made up of many is a heartbeat as strong as the steely resolve of the men and women who form that line. It is a line that is constantly tested, even more so today in a time when violence against them is on the rise. There are those who try to break that line by acts of outright murder of its members. Others try to undermine its strength by standing in front of TV cameras and pounding on podiums with their fists as they shout in supposed dismay and outrage terms like 'brutality' and 'racism'. And, if that line were made up of lesser men and women, there are circumstances that would weaken it by things like massive cut-backs, lay-offs, and lack of proper equipment. But that line is not made up of lesser men and women. That line does not break, it is not undermined, and it does not weaken. It can't. If it ever broke, we would be hostages in our own homes, afraid to venture out into a world ruled by chaos, crime, thieves, child molesters, and murderers. It cannot break. It will not break. And those who stand in that line know that. The men and women who rise each day and don a shield won't let it break. Even at a time when the ranks that make up the line are thinned and stretched to the breaking point by either a lack of funds or government mismanagement, those who remain along that line will not allow it to break. It stands strong and it stands true, fortified by the strength of men and women who fight for what is right and what is good around the world. Sometimes they have to fight the very ones they're trying to protect, but they keep fighting and that heartbeat stays strong.

They are the thin blue line. They are brothers and sisters. Their hearts beat as one. They are the heartbeat of the world.

Written By: Peggy Gunn Milligan - Administrator of the Facebook Cause
~ A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield ~

50 Years of Service to the Public Celebration at the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum

The night of December 3, 2009 was a historic night in many respects. A celebration was held dedicating the night to the milestone that marked 50 years of service to the public by the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum. It was also a night that will be the first of many that displayed the dedication of those who work for and the members of both the Original Facebook Cause “A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield” and “Families of the Shield”. As important as those two facets of the celebration were, there was an honor that was given to our very own John Pasko, and at the same time given by him; a moment in time that will live in his memory forever, as it will in ours.

For those who do not know, John served on the local DEA CLET (Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team) for many years and was one of the original five in Brevard County, Florida who was DEA certified. At that time, Brevard County was rated among the highest in the state for production of Methamphetamine). Soon after being trained in Quantico, Virginia at the FBI/DEA Academy for the detection and investigation of the drug, Brevard County formulated their team and they became the #1 state for the detection and dismantling of these dangerous labs and operations. There were many accolades received during those operations for the continuing efforts of the Melbourne Police Department for a job well done and its strong bond with the community it is dedicated to serve.

On the night of this momentous celebration, John Pasko donated his uniform from those days to the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum where it will remain on permanent display as an example of those who devote their lives to the service of others as he has done.

The uniform and the accompanying photograph represent only a portion of his life of service, but are at the heart of what it means to be a peace officer and devote your life to serving those you swore to protect. It is a wonderful honor to have that photograph and uniform on permanent display for all to see and we are very proud of him. I’m quite sure that he would tell you that while being extremely moved, honored, and proud, he was also very humbled by it…because those of us who know John know that he’s about giving…not about recognition. We’re very proud of you, John. Many congratulations on this honor, and many thanks for donating the icon that represents a part of every officer.

There were many presentations during the night. Just to mention a few of those, members of the American Astronaut Hall of Fame were on hand to present an autographed replica shuttle piece. The item was signed by 9 different astronauts from various missions. A gift was also presented by one of the original founders of the Titusville location. The Walt Disney Company (Disney Radio) representative was there to honor the milestone as well.

And then there were two gifts that were very important to those of us with “The Shield” foundations. The first was this work of art. The caisson picture was first noticed in the Florida Memorial Gardens funeral home by John while he was attending the service of a friend.

He stated that the elegance of the picture drew his attention. After talking to the director of services, they put him in contact with the original artist, Michele Haro.

Ms. Haro is a renowned local artist, videographer, and photojournalist. After speaking with John, she gave authorization to have the item reproduced and donated her work. The photographic digital image was reproduced onto a piece of stretched canvas (24x36) and signed by Ms. Haro herself. It was then placed into a museum quality frame and during the event it was presented to the Hall of Fame for permanent display. Ms. Haro was on hand at the presentation, signifying the initiation of future collaborative efforts between all.

The donation of this piece was on the behalf of “A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield”, “Families of the Shield”, Artist – Michele Haro, Florida Memorial Garden (Dignity), Southern Photo, Steve Casanova Esq., and Eddies Sunrise Diner. The team effort that went into making the piece available for display is clearly evident.

The meaning of the caisson is not only the ride to the final call of a fellow officer, but the birthing of a new call for duty, on a much higher ground. May they always rest in peace.

As closure of the night drew near, our foundation (The Shield), in conjunction with the Wal-Mart Corporation presented a $1,000.00 check to the American Federation of Police & Concerned Citizens. The message was so well received, our foundations and agency, received a standing ovation. Chief Jack Rinchich (Chief of Police Charleston, WV) and President of the National Association of Chiefs of Police remarked, “Job well done. Great presentation and a hallmark of community oriented policing”. Deputy Dennis Wise, President of the American Federation of police & Concerned Citizens stated, “Outstanding, well organized and executed.” And, Barry Shepherd, Executive Director of the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum said, “Class act” and displayed overwhelming appreciation.

These are just some of the many great things to come from our efforts, where the fruits of our labor are palatable for many, not just a few. Just as these efforts are not the efforts of just a few. None of these things would be possible without each of you.

“The Shield” began as a dream. It is not about recognition or accolades; it never was. It’s about making a difference; a difference in lives, in hearts, and in minds. It’s about the smile on a child’s face when they receive that gift they might not have otherwise received and the eyes of that man or woman who holds in their hand a plate filled with food that was given to them in love. It’s about finding a way to tell the men and women who protect us all, putting their lives on the line without fail and without question, every day that we know they’re out there and we really do appreciate them, care for them, and pray for them. And it’s about reaching out to what is often an apathetic public and teaching them that those men and women are there because we need them and they are doing jobs that most of us could never hope to do ourselves…but that behind that shield is a heart; one that is not made of steel. We want to show them that what the law enforcement community does is not just what they see on the news in a two minute clip, but so much more. We can only do that with the help of a team that is dedicated to make all of these things happen. Every member of “The Shield”, each one of you, is a part of what makes this work. It is with your help that these things can and will be accomplished. We are a TEAM…Together Everyone Accomplishes More. Each of you is a part of that team and together we WILL accomplish even more. On behalf of the staff of “A Tribute to Those Who Wear the Shield” and the staff of “Families of the Shield”…we thank you.

Touching Hearts From Heaven: The Lieutenant Daryl Lee Mangrum Story

When I started thinking about making a video for ~A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield~, I thought for a long time about what it should say. We rightfully honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have given their lives in service to us all. But, I wanted this video to say something different. It needed to pay tribute to those men and women who go out every day and put their lives on the line for us. Regardless of their personal circumstances, in spite of the treatment they so often receive from the general public, they still go every time, every day. And when the uniform comes off, they're not finished. They make time and put forth the effort to go above and beyond in helping others. They run for Special Olympics. They work for fundraisers and charity events to raise money for others in need. They spend time working with children to help educate and influence them in an effort to guide them down the right path. How often do you see pictures of them taking children shopping for back-to-school supplies or at Christmas to buy presents that they otherwise would not have? We don't see them enough. Not because they're not always there and always doing whatever can be done. They just don't receive the attention and praise that they deserve for doing those things. I wanted this video to include images of them doing all of those things because that is a part of their lives.

Days upon days were spent searching for just the right pictures to represent the many, many pieces of an officer's life. Of course they couldn't all be used and there is no way to accurately represent what it is like for them. But, the ones chosen were meant to represent as much of what they do and who they are as was possible.

One of those pictures is this one of an officer kneeling in front of a group of children. It was decided that this particular picture needed a caption, just something that might be along the lines of what I thought he might be saying to them.

Out of the hundreds of pictures that I found of officers with children, it has to be significant that this particular photograph was chosen. Let me explain why.

Our video is not just available on Facebook. It's posted on several Law Enforcement related sites as well as on YouTube™. That’s where the following comment was posted on Wednesday, August 19, 2009:

"I love this video. It has a picture of my dad. I would like to know the name of the person who put this together. My dad has passed away due to cancer, and this was really a tribute."

I was immediately moved and after contacting the author I learned that the picture she was speaking of was this same picture.

The officer’s name was Lt. Daryl Mangrum of the Prattville, Alabama Police Department. After speaking to his daughter, Joy Mangrum Knighton, I discovered that Lt. Mangrum started the Prattville Police Department's first school relations program 10 years before he lost his battle with kidney cancer. An officer who worked with him happened to see the video and recognized Lt. Mangrum. He contacted Mrs. Knighton and told her about it. Mrs. Knighton and Lt. Mangrum's wife, Sheila, viewed the video. There had to be a Higher Power at work that orchestrated the chain of events that started with the choice of that photograph. Part of the results of that choice is echoed in Mrs. Knighton’s closing words in one of her emails.

“This video really was a tribute, in me and my mom’s eyes. It filled our heart with pride. Thank you so much again for making the video. You are touching people’s hearts.”

Understanding that we truly touched someone else’s life with this project is beyond description. But I think there’s another reason that the succession of events that started with that choice led back to me again. I think the message might be that Lt. Mangrum's story and how his life held a connection to the beneficiary of our cause needs to be told.

Lt. Daryl Lee Mangrum, Sr. (USAF, MSgt., Ret’d) was a police officer for 36 years. There were only 17 years of his life not wearing a uniform. His military service was in the United State Air Force where he served as a security policeman for 23 years. He served his country proudly and he served it well. After a faithful and dedicated life of service, he retired from the Air Force, but he wasn’t through yet. Following his retirement, he joined the Prattville, Alamaba Police Department. For 13 years, he served the Community of Prattville with the same level of dedication that he had given to his country. And he served them just as proudly and just as well.

During those thirteen years, he demonstrated his avid love for youth by developing and implementing the School/Community Relations Division at the Prattville Police Department of which he was the Supervising Lieutenant. He fought a battle every day to help children make decisions that would keep them from a life of crime. He may have never said the words aloud, but his dedication demonstrated his belief that it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. Even as he fought his own personal battle with his disease daily, the kids that he helped were the reason he made it out of bed each day. His impact on their lives was made clearly evident on February 16, 2007 when Prattville High School presented him with a certificate and award, citing February 16th to be thereafter and forevermore “Daryl Mangrum Day” in honor of his being an indispensable part of their distinguished organization. This happened two years after he was diagnosed with cancer.

In his own words during an interview that was conducted in January 2008: "Three years ago, I was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. My doctor told me that there is only a 4 percent survival rate, worldwide. He said I should go home, take medical retirement, and get ready to die."

Lt. Mangrum did not take that advice. Even at this difficult time in his life, he chose to keep serving others.

"When you're diagnosed with a terminal disease, you've got to have a reason to get up, and you've got to have some place to go. You can't sit home and feel sorry for yourself. When I get up in the morning and put my uniform on, I'm enjoying myself."

Lt. Mangrum, who was told he would not live to see his 50th birthday, said that it was often difficult to ignore the pain he suffered daily as he carried out his duties while taking 800 milligrams of oral chemotherapy. But, he continued to move forward and make a difference. His daughter told me that “he loved working, mentoring, and guiding the kids he came in contact with. He was a staple in his community and he always put his job first, no matter how sick he was or how bad he felt. He was working no matter what.” She further stated that his goal the last couple months of his life were to be able to get in his patrol car again. The police chief allowed him to come in every day to work making phone calls to people who had warrants on them because he knew what was in Lt. Mangrum's heart, and would not say that he could not work.

On July 3, 2008 Lt. Daryl Lee Mangrum donned his uniform for the last time. Seventeen days later, on July 20, 2008, the 53 year old native of North Carolina died peacefully at the University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama in the Palliative Care Unit where their mission is it to serve patients and families experiencing life-threatening, life-limiting, or advanced illness. Lt. Mangrum’s family praised the care that he received there in his last days. To the end, his words were “I’m so blessed.” As he departed this world, he left behind a devoted wife, three children, six grandchildren, his parents, two sisters, a host of other relatives, countless friends, and a grieving city. There were many stories told of the lives he touched, the children that he reached, the difference that he made in their lives. Friends and co-workers told of the man they knew. There were three eulogies delivered at his service, each speaking to who this man was.

Autauga County District Court Judge Phillip Wood spoke of his life of selfless service to both our country and the City of Prattville. "Daryl Mangrum loved his country, he loved his community, he loved his God, and he loved his family. He was truly an officer our youth could look up to, an officer they could respect."

The Rev. Larry Burke, former pastor of Wesleyan Church of Prattville, spoke of his dedication to his career as a keeper of the peace.

"He loved his job, and he touched and encouraged so many lives," Burke said before directly addressing PPD Chief Alfred Wadsworth. "He was always so thankful for the freedom you gave him to come to work when he was able to, and that you let him park his patrol car in front of his house, even though he could no longer drive it."

And First Baptist Church pastor Dr. Travis Coleman captured the spirit of Lt. Mangrum in once sentence. "He was a cop, from the top of his head, to the bottom of his feet, there's no doubt about that.”

Lt. Mangrum spent his life taking care of others and making a difference. In his death, he is still touching hearts. Our cause benefits the American Federation of Police and Concerned Citizens, Inc. Among the many things their mission encompasses, one is to provide Christmas & birthday gifts for the children of fallen officers until age 18 at which time they are eligible for college scholarships - up to four years. There is nothing more important than our children. Lt. Mangrum understood this. He lived this. And it is our privilege and honor to know that a moment of time from his life was included in this tribute to "Those Who Wear The Shield". His memory lives on and his commitment to guiding children down the right path is evident in the one split second in time that the picture represents. The photograph was made in the blink of an eye, but the story it tells is a life of dedication and devotion. His legacy spans the distance between Heaven and Earth. And, across that bridge…he is still touching hearts. He is still making a difference. Thank you, Lt. Mangrum.

Click here to view the official video.

Written By: Peggy Gunn Milligan - Administrator of the Facebook Cause
~A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield~
September 14, 2009

New baseball field honors Sacramento County Sheriff Deputy Jeff Mitchell

The date was October 27, 2006, a Friday. The hour was early and Deputy Jeff Mitchell was patrolling a rural area of Sacramento County when he conducted a vehicle stop on a white van with no rear license plate. Approximately seven minutes later, the Sheriff’s Communications Center conducted a welfare check on the officer. With no response, units were dispatched to his location. The Deputy was found with a gunshot wound to his head from his own service weapon, a shot that evidence at the scene indicated followed a violent struggle for his life. At 4:45 AM, Deputy Jeffrey Vaughn Mitchell was pronounced deceased as a result of injuries inflicted by a murderer who is still at large. His watch was over, but not his story.


Deputy Mitchell began his career with the Sheriff's Department in 1997 at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center in Elk Grove, where he was a recreation technician who helped lead the jail's physical education program. He became a deputy three years later and went on patrol in 2002. When he was killed, his wife and young son, friends, co-workers, and the citizens of Sacramento County were left behind to cope with his loss.

His wife, Crystal, was approached with an idea to honor Deputy Mitchell. Since he had a passion for baseball and kids, it was suggested that a baseball field would be a fitting memorial of his ultimate sacrifice for others and inspire the area youth with positive role models.

“When they first came to me it was so soon after Jeff had been killed that it didn’t really hit me what they were doing,” Mrs. Mitchell said. “It’s been three years now, and I think it’s a wonderful idea. It has so much meaning.”

She also added, “A Little League field is perfect. That was his passion.”

But she didn’t stop there. She felt that they needed to recognize all public service personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty. On August 29, 2009 that became a reality with the dedication of the Jeff Mitchell Field and Public Service Memorial.

After raising more than one million dollars for the project, an existing ball field, located at 831 Redwood Lane in El Dorado Hills near Bertelsen Park, was renovated and redesigned as a state-of-the art Little League field with a memorial wall that will honor local public service heroes. The project was a community undertaking and had the support and participation of numerous local individuals, businesses and organizations. The park now has a public services memorial with sites for the three public service agencies in the area that include the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, Sacramento County and El Dorado County Sheriff’s. About $300,000 more will be needed to complete the renovations planned.

His wife’s words sums up why the Little League field was the right choice. “I stopped by the other day by myself and I cried,” she said. “I could feel Jeff there. He motivated so many people and he’s still motivating people in his death. That’s a true reflection of who he is.”

Deputy Mitchell is no longer here in body. But his spirit will always remain as an inspiration and motivation for those who follow him. He had a passion for baseball and he had a passion for kids. How could anything be more fitting than to honor him with a site that embodies that passion and keeps not only his memory alive but honors all of those who put their lives on the line for their communities every day.

When you visit that field, and you see a special light shining down on those young children as they play the game he loved so well, take a second to look up. Maybe you could give him a little wave to let him know that you know he’s there. Say a silent thank you to him for still being there to watch as those who share his passion for baseball and life enjoy both. He gave his all in life. He’s still giving today. Thank you, Deputy Mitchell. Your death was tragic. It was far too soon. But your memory and your legacy will live forever.

Written By: Peggy Gunn Milligan - Administrator of the Facebook Cause
~A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield~
September 9, 2009

American Police Hall of Fame awards: Christopher Dewey - Purple Heart

Deputy Christopher Dewey is awarded the Purple Heart from the American Police Hall of Fame and Medal of Honor from the Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office and the Community of Mahnomen County, MN


On February 18, 2009 lives were changed forever. Deputy Christopher Dewey of the Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office was shot in the head and abdomen while on duty and began a journey that has taught all who have witnessed it lessons in what it means to never give up. His life since that day has been a series of monumental highs and desperate lows that far exceed that which most will ever have to face. But, Deputy Dewey continues to face those challenges daily. On July 23, 2009 Deputy Dewey was nationally honored, like many could only dream of; a hero in a hometown war. From the perspective of one who has watched his struggle from afar, this is a thumbnail view of the story of this remarkable young deputy, his wife, his friends, and his supporters.

Lessons in Courage

Several months ago I found a post on a Facebook page about a deputy from Minnesota who had been shot but was miraculously still alive and was even making remarkable progress. There was a link there to his CaringBridge website (CaringBridge - Chris Dewey). I thought I would go there and post a short message of encouragement and that would be that. I was wrong.

I did go there, and what I found drew me back day after day. I found the story of Deputy Christopher Dewey, how the incident occurred, when, and where. I also found one of the most courageous, strong, and determined young men I had ever had the privilege to meet. I've been posting on his site for so long now that he and his family have become like my own. Chris' young wife is named Emily. There's nothing that I could say about Emily that would be too much or over the top. She has stayed by his side since the first day. The support across the country for Chris is nothing short of phenomenal. Part of that is due to Sheriff Doug Krier and the deputies of Mahnomen County. Part of it is due to the citizenry of their area. A very large part of it is due to Emily Dewey. Her daily posts to Chris' website keep all of the visitors apprised of his daily struggles as well as her own. She tells us the story of Chris, the man. While weaving his life into ours, she has also allowed us to get to know their families. There are days that other members write the journal entry and we have all come to know them just as if they are our own family. The love and support that they continually provide to both Emily and Chris is an amazing thing to watch and my life has been blessed to be a witness to it.

Chris is not my son and Emily is not my daughter. But I feel like they are. When I was set to take a vacation to Montana in June, I inquired about the possibility of going through Denver to visit with them. At first it didn't look like that was going to happen as Chris had suffered several serious set-backs over the previous weeks and I did not want to impose on them in any way. But, Emily, in her graciousness, asked me to make the stop. I cannot tell you what an inspiring moment it was to meet her and her sister, Hannah. This young lady, who is really just a slip of a girl, has a strength that just literally shines from her eyes. I found the same candid, open, and friendly woman in person that I knew from her journal entries. I desperately wanted to express to her how much I admired her and how proud I was of the fight that Chris continued to display. I'm sure I did it poorly, but I hope she knows. And, I hope someday that Chris knows.

There was a day during all of this that my good friend, Officer John Pasko, left me speechless. He asked me to help him gather info on the incident because he wanted to nominate Chris for the Purple Heart and induction into the American Police Hall of Fame. Speechless partly because I didn't know there was such a thing. But, mostly it was because I felt a huge swell of pride that Chris was going to be nominated for such a prestigious honor. Naturally, I had no idea if it would be awarded, and I quickly realized that awarded or not, just to be nominated was something of which he could always be proud. True to my nature, I wanted to run right out and tell everybody, shout it from the rooftops even, but of course I couldn't do that. The days rocked on and the closer it came to time for the decision to be made, the more nervous I was for him. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was so very deserving, but it was never my decision to make.

As the time waiting passed slowly, Chris continued to have good days and bad days. I so often asked why he continued to get knocked back down every time he struggled back to his feet. Once again, I found myself drawing my strength from both Emily and Chris. Emily’s faith has remained steadfast throughout. Of course she has her days of frustration. How could she possibly not? But, she never lets that faith and positive outlook waver. And, who can read Emily's words each day and "watch” Chris fight back time and time again and not be amazed, inspired, and awed by what he has accomplished and continues to accomplish? I can't. There have been nights that I've gone to bed with my heart aching for what he's going through. But there has not been a single night that my heart was not just filled to over-flowing with pride in him and how hard he works.

Without Emily, I fear that a lot of people would forget about how hard he's working and how long he's been struggling. The public as a rule has a short memory. But we haven't forgotten Chris. And I can honestly say for myself, and probably thousands of others who visit the site daily, we never will. Chris has left a huge imprint on my life. But, it's not just Chris. Emily, both of their families, Sheriff Krier, Deputy Peterson, the entire Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, the officers in Colorado who have continued to stand by them and help them, the faithful posters to his site...all of these people and so many more have touched lives and hearts throughout the country, and especially mine.

Then the big day came. My chat window popped open and I had a message from John. The decision was in. I literally held my breath as I waited. I got one word...YES!!! I remember laughing even though there were tears of joy and pride in my eyes. I honestly felt like one of my children was being honored in such a manner. The few days after that were ones of biting nails and checking through Sheriff Krier's daughter to see if the award got there. Sheriff Krier had traveled to Colorado for the week before it arrived. It was a concerted effort by all to get the award to Colorado on time. But, thanks to a team effort it made it. And now we have a picture of that event. How fitting to see Chris surrounded by those who were there to witness him receive those honors. There is Emily, forever at his side as well as Sheriff Krier, who would always be at his side physically if he could, but is always there in spirit. And the others are officers from both the Denver and Englewood Police Departments. In the presence of these people he was awarded the Purple Heart he deserved, but he was also honored with the Medal of Honor on behalf of the Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office and the community of Mahnomen County. Sheriff Krier told Chris in essence that he was being given that award for his strength, courage, and determination...something that anyone who knows him and all of us visiting his website have had the distinct privilege of witnessing for ourselves as told through Emily's words. There is no way that I could have felt more pride in him receiving those awards than if they had been awarded to either of my own sons.

The Dewey's have allowed many of us into their lives to share in the ups and downs, the setbacks and the triumphs. They will forever be a part of my family and no amount of words could say more than the ones below.

Emily, thank you. Chris, my most sincere congratulations!

Written By: Peggy Gunn Milligan - Administrator of the Facebook Cause
~A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield~
August 15, 2009

Are Our Peace Officers Heros?

It is common knowledge that none of those who are heroes ever think they are. They may never see themselves in that light, but they are heroes to others so it's all in the perspective. One of my favorite quotes is this:
The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper. - Aristotle

To me that is the definition of a hero. Our peace officers go out there every day and put their lives on the line for us. They get little respect if any, work for minimal pay, and face an apathetic if not hostile public day in and day out. There are few days that go by that they're not cursed, ridiculed, and slandered. The media for the most part will forever report only the bad stories, when an officer makes a mistake or takes a misstep, and then slant that story in such a way to put him or her and his or her department in the worst possible light. They seek out and find the one officer in thousands who misfits the badge and makes them a headline story that tarnishes the image of every officer in the country. And yet...they get up every day, they pick up that badge, they go out the door, and they do their job if not with a smile at least with professionalism and the dignity that their profession embodies. If that's not the very definition of bearing "with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper" then I don't know what is.

They go through doors when they don't know who is on the other side, they go around corners when they don't know what's waiting for them, they make those routine traffic stops that they know could be anything but routine. They stand between us and those who would do us harm. They see the worst of the worst of what we as a public do to each other day in and day out. And yet they still go on. They still have the compassion to take a small child's hand in theirs and comfort them when they're lost or afraid. They still risk their own lives to save ours. They stand in front of us, beside us, and behind us. It's a shame that most of us aren’t standing in front of, beside, and behind them.

They say they're not heroes. They say they’re just doing their job. I have to respectfully disagree. They look into a mirror and see a cop. I'm looking in that mirror from a different angle. I see a hero.

Does the media carry a portion of the blame for the way our officers are treated? My personal opinion is yes, they do. The loss of an officer barely gets a shrug of the shoulders with maybe the exception of their local station like 'it's their job' or 'well he must have made a mistake'. Why does it take something like what happened in Oakland or 9/11 before anybody starts paying attention? And why aren't we, the general public, taking the media to task for not making sure their viewers know and understand who the real heroes are and that somebody obviously has declared open season on our officers? If you stopped a hundred people on the street on any given day and asked them if they know that a specific celebrity died...you would get one hundred who said yes. If you asked those same one hundred people if they know that as of July 26, 2009 that we have already lost 73 officers in the line of duty this year alone...I bet you wouldn't get one who knew that. And that's not right. Shame on the media, shame on us, and shame on those who have the power to influence public opinion and are letting their views be distorted by publicity and often undeserved fame. And a final "shame" on those who are allowing themselves to be led around like sheep to a slaughter instead of thinking for themselves. There are exceptions to the biased media coverage that is the norm with specific stations that go out of their way to shed a well-deserved positive light on what our peace officers do for us and report those rare instances of bad news about them fairly. When we find one of those, we, the viewers, should be commending them for their actions and letting them know that they are appreciated and give them our support just as we should be voicing our protests to those who don’t.

The perceptions of our officers by the general public may never change. But that will never stop me from trying to make it change. I came to this late. I spent a lot of years being one of those who wasn't paying attention. Well, I'm paying attention now and I may not change everybody's mind, but maybe I can change ONE person's mind. That's one more than we had yesterday. And maybe we can both change one mind tomorrow...now we've doubled again. I'm not saying it will be an easy task, and I'm not saying it will be a truly achievable task. But, I'm trying. And I'm not alone. There are a lot of us. The ~A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield~ cause is more than 15,000 strong now with a mix of officers and supporters, which is not bad considering we were at 500 members in February. Okay, that's a drop in the bucket compared to the general population at large, but it's 15,000 people who at least took the time to take an action that says "I care". So there are people who care and there are people who know and understand what our officers do for us.

Will these officers ever see themselves as heroes? My guess would be probably not. But to those of us standing on the outside looking in, those of us who don't have the courage to do what they do...they are heroes to us and we thank them.

Written By: Peggy Gunn Milligan - Administrator of the Facebook Cause
~A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield~
August 15, 2009