Is it mental illness? Is it the overly negative political atmosphere that our country finds itself in at the present time? I don’t know the answers to those questions as they relate to the recent shooting rampage by 22 year old Jared Loughner. I have a few theories, but that is what they are…theories. I would go as far to say that some of the political rhetoric in the aftermath of this tragedy is out of line. I am convinced of one thing for certain. The kind of violence that left six people dead and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona fighting for her life is not likely to end. We should always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Interestingly enough I am serving on an oral review board later this week that will collectively interview a group of police officers that have applied to be a part of a county wide tactical team. I was asked to be a part of the board, because of my training and experience in the area of Critical Incident Stress Management, as it is used in the law enforcement field. I am honored to serve the top notch officers that are striving to have a position on a team with a limited number of slots. Each of them is highly qualified. They have already undergone significant physical and logistical testing to reach this point in the process.

We live in a violent and scary world. The kind of tragedy that took place in Tucson could happen anywhere. The formulation of specialized tactical units in law enforcement agencies is imperative. Well trained officers with the proper equipment can make a huge difference when a critical incident arises. Well trained tactical units in many cases can help diffuse volatile situations, and thus enhance the safety of citizens everywhere.

I join the rest of the country in praying for each of the families affected by the event in the grocery store parking lot in Tucson. It is overwhelming to think about actually. But I am thankful today for the men and women in law enforcement willing to do extensive training and stay in excellent physical condition, so they can serve their community when events that we would like to consider unthinkable actually happen. They are truly God’s servants.