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.

 

 

 

 

In Memory

Keith Houts lost his life in the line of duty in September 2006 while working with the Montgomery Police Department. I had the privilege to paint his portrait recently and present it to his parents at a very moving ceremony at South University. Keith would have been 35 years old today...his life taken much too soon.

Please remember him today and say a prayer for all those men and women who put their lives on the line everyday for our safety and security. Remember their families who send them off everyday uncertain that they'll return. It is a great sacrifice.

Rest in peace, Keith.