My father, Sergeant James A. Wouters was shot in the line of duty on January 12, 1987 in Ft. Pierce, Florida. He died the following day. He was an under cover police officer and worked hand-in-hand with his two best friends. One of them, Captain Grover Cooper, was by his side that horrific day and was also killed by the same person and died on the scene. His other best friend, a local 9-1-1 operator and dispatcher was also working that night. She was his wife and my mother. Although she was not killed, a part of her died with him.
When an officer is hurt, it is always tragic and emotional. Imagine hearing it come across the radio that an officer is down, only to next hear that it is your husband and the father of your two year old daughter who is at home with her grandma. When you are two, you don't understand what has happened. Now at 19, I understand what has happened but not why it happened.
I have grown up without a father but with a mother who is unbelievable in every way. She kept it together and raised me on her own. I have no memories of my own about my father. I only know what my family and friends have told me. Although I may never understand why it was my father who was taken from me and why I had to be so young, I do know that he was a terrific man. Anyone who can get up day after day only to risk their own lives for the lives of their family, friends and for people they don't even know has to be a terrific person.
I love my father more than words could ever say. Every law enforcement officer deserves that kind of love.
Officer Name: Sergeant James A. Wouters
Officer City: Ft. Pierce Police Department, FL
End of Watch: January 13, 1987
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