Good morning. I am honored that Officer Michael Nickerson's family asked me to speak briefly today.
Another hero has fallen. Two days after his fellow police officer, Sheriff's Deputy Jason Schwenz, was laid to rest, we are here to say farewell to Patrolman Michael S. Nickerson.
To the family of Patrolman Nickerson: his mother Sue, his father Joe, his brothers Albert and Philip, please know you have Kathleen and my deepest sympathies. We cannot begin to know the grief you feel today. I only hope our presence here can be a comfort to you. Please know that we are grateful to Michael for his service as a police officer. . . . service for which he made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, as citizens, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the police officers gathered here, who protect us daily... nightly... always. We stand side-by-side to pay tribute and respect to a man. . . a man who dedicated his life to one of the most difficult jobs imaginable. It is right that we grieve together, yet it seems so small in comparison to what Patrolman Nickerson gave up for us.
Patrolman Nickerson was only 24-years-old when he gave his life in service to the citizens of our State. We can only imagine the great things which awaited him had he not been taken from us. He was so young, just beginning to rise to his full potential. He had little doubt in his heart about the man he wanted to be. He wanted to serve. His family knew it. His police chief knew it. We now know it. In just three weeks on the job as a Centreville police officer, the citizens of this town and county came to know it as well.
I am thankful there are men and women who care enough to accept the challenges of being a police officer. There are many who could not take up this great cause. We call upon these dedicated individuals to deal with the worst our society has to offer. We call upon them to be part of the law enforcement family on and off the clock. We call upon them to give more than any of us has a right to ask - their very lives.
Euripides said, "When good men die, their goodness does not perish." I believe this can be taken one step further with Officer Nickerson. His cause, his goals, his reason for being a police officer live on.
Patrolman Nickerson is not just a hero because he died in the line of duty. He is a hero because he chose to accept the challenge of being a police officer. He is a hero because he was willing to serve the citizens of Centreville with everything he had, even when it meant giving all he had.
Our hearts are filled with sorrow today, but they are equally filled with gratitude to this fallen officer. We are grateful for his life, for his example, for his service, and for his sacrifice. We can never repay Patrolman Nickerson for what he gave. We can only promise to never forget.
The Bible, Matthew, Chapter 5, verse 9 reads: "Blessed are the peace makers because they shall be called the children of God." As Governor, on behalf of the 5 million citizens of our State, I thank all the peace makers for the job you do every day. And I thank the Nickerson family for including me today. Bless all of you.
Thank you.