God bless the family of Officer Crawshaw

Tragedy has once again struck a Pittsburgh area police department a fact that I am sure all of you are aware of by now.

Office Mike Crawshaw of the Penn Hills Police Department will be laid to rest today as he is honored by his fellow police officers and emergency workers from all over the nation. At a time when we are normally looking forward to a joyous season with the advent of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ his family, friends and fellow officers find themselves filled with grief at his loss.

The only words that I can write to offer comfort at this time is to say that I am assuming from news reports that Officer Crawshaw was a Christian and the only solace that we can take is knowing that his soul is now in God's hands.

I pray that God will also comfort his family and fellow officers as they morn the loss of their son and friend. I also hope that members of the Penn Hills community and the Pittsburgh area will give thought to the men and women that protect our cities and towns everyday. They are unsung heroes in the everyday world until such a tragedy strikes and the dangers they face and the sacrifices they make are brought to the cold light of day.

Please keep Officer Crawshaw's family and all of our emergency personal in your prayers.