Any time you think the police have it easy, just read the headlines.  It will give you a pause, I’m sure.

The story coming out of Miami, where two veteran Miami-Dade County police officers died when a 23-year-old murder suspect decided to be a moron, certainly tells the tale.

Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth were both [allegedly] murdered by the 23-year-old, who was himself a suspect in another murder in Miami.

Roger Castillo was killed instantly by a shot or shots to the head, while Amanda Haworth hung on for half the day, finally succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds.

A law-enforcement officer’s worst nightmare is not coming home to their family.  It’s the family’s worst nightmare too.  One that is sadly realized for Castillo’s three children and Haworth’s child.

The young man who murdered the two officers and wounded others had, by the age of 23, already served two years in state prison, was currently on probation, and had a lot of convictions for dealing cocaine and robbery.

Mayor Carlos Alvarez had this to say in the aftermath of his officers’ deaths:

"Unfortunately, no matter how well prepared you are, no matter how well armed you are, no matter how well trained you are, when there is a violent criminal out there that is willing to give up his life, he will always have the upper hand. Because you don't know if this guy is just going to give up, even though he might be a violent subject, or in this case, he chose to shoot it out with the police."

Too many young career criminals think they can win a shootout with police.

Either that or they just don’t care about dying.

Has life really become so cheap?

I sure hope not.  We don’t need any more children left to grow up missing their mom or dad.

Florida Governor Rick Scott issued the following statement:

"This evening, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two fallen heroes from the Miami-Dade Police Department who gave their lives in the line of duty. Each day, the men and women of law enforcement risk their lives to protect ours. For this act of sacrifice, we must remain eternally grateful and do all that we can to prevent these despicable acts of violence from occurring in our communities."

I share his sentiment, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these two slain officers who gave their lives trying to get a bad guy off the street.

About the only good news coming out of Miami about this case is that the bad guy is dead too, shot and killed by fellow officer Oscar Plasencia.  Good work Oscar.

A fund has been set up to help the families of the fallen officers. All of the money donated will go to the families.

The Love Fund

c/o Dade County Police Benevolent Association

10680 PBA Memorial Boulevard

Doral, FL 33172