LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Following the Dallas ambush where 5 police officers were shot and killed while patrolling a march and multiple others injured, The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund says the number of police officers shot and killed in the USA is 44 percent higher than at this time in 2015.
Line of duty deaths hit every department hard, for one Louisville Metro Police Department lieutenant it takes her back our city's last line of duty death involving Officer Peter Grignon. He was shot and killed back in 2005.
“Watching death and life slip from someone's eyes, is not easy no matter who it is and there's not any level or training or preparation that anyone can prepare for,” Lt. Jessie Browning said.
Browning says she rode in the ambulance with Officer Grignon after he was shot and killed by a 17-year-old while responding to a hit and run crash in South Louisville. She says the deadly scene in Texas hits deep.
“It’s been incredibly painful knowing about the grieving my brothers and sisters in blue are feeling and the community at whole, it's just a difficult time. It’s reminiscent of deaths and attempted deaths on police we've had here in Louisville,” she said.
Add to this loss of life, two controversial shootings of black men by police, the headlines many say have been heavy. Browning says her department constantly works to understand and remove stereotypes in the metro area but says it's crucial to understand officers deserve some understanding as well.
“We invite people to come and take a walk and find out what it’s like to walk in the path of a police officer but also its a two way street. We have a lot of community outreach that teaches us how to understand other cultures,” she said.
With Coffee with a Cop sessions, peace walks and other community outreach programs, Browning says the department continues to stretch its arms wide open.
“When tragedy hits on either side we do take it personal and we need you as much as you need us.”
There is likely not one answer, but Browning hopes the idea of improving the image of police for some continues to be well received. Tuesday, July 12, you can join LMPD officers and Metro Councilwoman Marianne Butler for a peace walk in the Oakdale neighborhood.
The walk kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army in Wyandotte Park on Beecher Street.
If you’d like to reach out to Lt. Browning to learn more about community outreach programs send her an email at Jessie.browning@louisvilleky.gov.