He embodied the best of us

By JOHN KANELIS / johnkanelis_92@hotmail.com

The reality is stark, which is that Eric Talley’s life was no more valuable than any of the other nine individuals who died in the Boulder, Colo., massacre this week.

However, his was the first name that went public as police sought to unravel the horror of the event.

You see, Talley was an 11-year veteran of the Boulder Police Department, which I understand is a small department charged with protecting and serving the community that is home to the University of Colorado.

Talley was a husband and well as a father to seven children, the youngest of whom is 7 years of age.

He died answering the call to help. The Boulder PD received the 911 call from someone inside the supermarket and Talley was the first one there. He rushed in to protect the community. He died in the effort.

In a tragic sense, Eric Talley’s story isn’t unique. We know of men and women who have given their lives to protect others. They rush toward the signs of danger, not away from them. The first responders of 9/11 reminded us of the valor they display daily. You hear occasionally of Good Samaritans, civilians with no apparent training in these matters, rushing to the aid of their fellow travelers.

The men and women who suit up as police officers and firefighters are a special breed of humanity. Many of them are just like Eric Talley, a 51-year-old police officer who sought to save others from tragedy only to meet it head on himself.

My career as a journalist put me in touch with police officers, firefighters and EMTs frequently during many years covering and commenting on their activities. I have told many of them how proud I am of the work they do and how grateful I am that they are willing to answer the call when it arrives.

I am going to thank Eric Talley now for the sacrifice he made on behalf of his colleagues and for the people he took an oath to serve.

Our nation mourns the latest senseless loss of life.