Never expected and never routine. Losing a member of our police family is heart-wrenching. We are given such a short time to mourn before going back to our duties of serving our community that sometimes the reality of loss does not settle in for weeks.
Unfortunately, this is something our Phoenix police family has encountered before. Our newest brothers and sisters who may not have been on the job when we lost Commander Carnicle on March 29, 2020, now have the sad honor of knowing the loss of an officer from our family. Nothing can prepare us for these instances of the ultimate sacrifice and the reality of that sacrifice and the long-reaching effect it can have on us and our families.
Please commemorate Officer Ginarro New to ensure that the memory of the man, his deeds and his sacrifice do not pass.
Over the years, I have observed the different ways cops emotionally process a line-of-duty death. For what it is worth, I think some of these observations bear mentioning.
Line-of-duty deaths have different effects on different people, which is understandable. Never be embarrassed to ask for help. Should you find your inner voice saying, “Maybe I need to talk to someone about how I feel,” then you need to do just that. Negative emotions and stress must be dealt with and dealt with in a healthy way.
Talk with your peers. The relationships we have within our peer group are strong and can be one of the best sources of support during the most negative of times.
Consistently respect and honor our fallen, not just publicly, but privately as well. Personal reflection can help to instill a sense of direction.
The families of fallen officers should never be forgotten, for they are part of our blue family forever. These families continue to feel the sacrifice day after day. Always keep them in remembrance.
Our Brother Gino was with us for only a short time, which seems to add even more emotion to his tragic loss. We never forget those who have fallen in the line of duty. Please commemorate Officer Ginarro New with our blue family and in your own ways to ensure that the memory of the man, his deeds and his sacrifice do not pass.