Not Forgotten

Portraits of

 

Officer Robert C. Ussery

(End of Watch: July 21, 1978)

 

Detective Mary P. McCord

(End of Watch: January 5, 1982)

 

Officer Keith Edwin Houts

(End of Watch: September 30, 2006)

 

Today was a special day.  The police department of my city, Montgomery, Alabama, held their annual service to honor these remarkable people and to remember their fallen fellow officers.  It was a time to reflect on their lives and their sacrifices and to thank those who put themselves in danger for our safety and well-being every single day. 

 

It's been my honor and privilege to paint a portrait of a fallen officer for the ceremony for the past three years.  Posthumous portraits can be difficult if you didn't know the person you're painting; never had a chance to see them laugh or walk or the way they hold their head.  I try to find out what I can about their personalities and, honestly, talk out loud to the photograph sometimes....looking intensely in their eyes and hoping to see what made them 'them'. 

 

I pray I accomplish that.  I have noticed a common thread....hearts of love and a desire to serve combined with toughness and strength and bravery....people to be admired and appreciated and remembered.