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Like to share a quick personal story in the hopes that someone who knew my hero can hear this.

Back in 1988, I was one a wayward path. Using family problems as an excuse, I turned to some hard drugs. While looking in parked cars at a shopping mall for some loot, I got noticed by Atlanta city policeman Gil Fernandez, who promptly arrested me. On the way to the city jail, we talked about why I chose this path.

I was booked and put in a cell with no idea what I was going to do. The next day, the guard called my name. I was taken to be released. I couldn't beleive it. As I went to go out, Officer Fernandez was there. He told me he talked to the judge and since I had a clean record and there was no real harm done, he would drop the charges. But, he told me very clearly, that this was my only chance and I best make use of it. Before I left, he gave me $10.00 and told me not to worry about paying it back.

8 Years later,1996, I had my life together. Clean, married, going to night school. I sat down to read the local Atlanta fishwrap when a story about a policeman caught my eye. I read with sadness that Officer Fernandez had a blood clot in his brain let go while driving his patrol car. I had all but forgotten about him, but wanted so much to let his family know what he did for me, that he made a difference. So I wrote a letter to the Chief of Police and told him the story. He replied and assured me he would tell his family and fellow officers.

Saturday night at my families Christmas party, I told this story to my cousin's husband, who just joined the Atlanta police force.

Thanks to all who serve us fireman,nurses,doctors,soldiers,sailors, and policeman. You are the best among us.