Some years are more challenging than others. Over several months in recent history, we’ve seen or experienced a record‑breaking wildfire here in Southern California, deadly spring and summer storms and tornadoes across the central states, tragically severe flooding in Texas, and recurring mass shootings in cities and places of worship.
When tragedies accumulate, it’s easy to take some for granted. Let me describe one you’ve probably forgotten about entirely:
There was a man of faith who loved his family and delighted in talking about his principles, often and at length. As a public communicator, he grew more gifted the more he spoke, frequently engaging even those who strongly disagreed with him, choosing instead to talk calmly and reasonably. Some listened; some did not. He knew it was dangerous, often warning of the growing risk that came with speaking so openly.
One day, during a public conversation, just like one he’d had hundreds of times previously, that risk became reality: he was viciously murdered, shot in the neck in an attack that unfolded in public view. The entire incident was captured on video, including the killer’s escape route, and though the shot was fatal, he was transported to the hospital while many hoped for a miracle. The doctors failed to save him, and on September 10, at just 31 years old, he died, leaving behind a widow, a little daughter, and an even younger son.
The shooting seemed senseless and shocked everyone who knew him, provoking a powerful and immediate response. Many described his death as a “martyrdom,” and although there was intense public anger toward his killer, his supporters did not riot; instead, they mourned publicly and urged others to follow him boldly. Public officials attended his memorial, which was incredibly well attended, broadcast on television, and remains available to watch on YouTube. His wife praised him there as selfless and faithful, vowing to continue his legacy as the crowd cheered her on.
Yet now, not long after he was tragically killed, very few people remember him or the way he died. In fact, I bet you don’t even know his name.
I’m not describing Charlie Kirk, although the circumstances are frighteningly similar. I’m describing Jaime Roman, a Philadelphia police officer who died on September 10th, 2024. Jaime wasn’t the only officer to die in the line of duty that month; there were 11 more, and before 2024 ended, 167 officers died.
The death of Charlie Kirk was tragic, but no more tragic than any of the officers who died in the months that have followed. From a Christian perspective, human life is incredibly valuable because every human is created in the image of God. Tragedies like the death of Jaime Roman ought to shake us and move us to action. They should not be so easily forgotten. We must resist the temptation to treat some image bearers as more narratively useful than others. Scripture is clear: God hates partiality in judgment and demands consistency from those who wield authority. The death of Charlie Kirk was tragic, but no more tragic than any of the officers who died in the months that followed. Share on X
These parallels ought to remind us, as Christian officers, that our work is not just about survival or procedure; it is about standing for truth in a world that often prefers selective outrage to real justice. The cross of Christ assures that evil will not have the last word, that every faithful act in an unjust environment is seen, and that one day the True Judge will expose every hidden failure and vindicate every quiet act of courage.
Until then, officers who follow Jesus are called to keep standing in the gap—remembering the life and service of Jaime Roman not as a distant tragedy, but as an urgent summon to pursue consistent justice, to resist cultural amnesia, and to value every life the way God does.
To dive deeper, here is my interview with Frank Turek about the importance of Law Enforcement:
Also, if you’re a police officer and you haven’t yet trusted the Savior who is the “Caller” behind your “calling,” there is no better time than now. The guidance and protection of God is available for anyone who seeks Him.
