It’s often said that the two best days for a boat owner are the day they buy it and the day they sell it. This sentiment rings true in many aspects of life. The initial joy of ownership often fades, replaced by the realities of maintenance and the inevitable wear and tear. What starts as a pleasure can gradually transform into work. This idea came to mind while reflecting on Ecclesiastes 7:1, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.”
As a follower of Christ, I find profound meaning in this verse, especially when cross-referenced with Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Without faith, these verses might seem bleak. However, because God has my heart, Ecclesiastes 7:2 resonates deeply: “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.” Similarly, Philippians 1:23 expresses a longing “to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Solomon understood it, Paul believed it, and I embrace it in faith.
While I pray for a long and fulfilling life for the sake of my family, I also recognize that for me, the day of death, whether it comes soon or decades from now, will be a better day than my birth. These reflections followed writing Survivors Sequel, an article inspired by meeting survivors of line-of-duty deaths.
-Jim McNeff
Meeting the survivors of officers who have died in the line of duty is a profound privilege. Hearing their stories is both sobering and inspiring, motivating me to share their experiences with others. Recently, I had the opportunity to join Glendale Police Sergeant Jeff Daukas and Pastor Mark Martin as guest speakers at the Never Alone Conference in Phoenix.
During the conference, Hannah Ellis and her friend, Nick, performed her moving song, Officer Down, which she also performed in Washington D.C. during National Police Week. Meeting them and learning the story behind the song was a highlight. Hannah shared that her late cousin, Senior Patrol Officer Daniel Ellis, inspired the song. He tragically died two days after being shot while attempting to apprehend an armed robbery suspect in Richmond, Kentucky. The song, written from the perspective of his wife, Katie, is a powerful tribute to his life and sacrifice. It deeply resonates with those in law enforcement, as we all carry our own “Officer Down” stories.
I also had the honor of meeting Mark and Diane Corder, the parents of Motor Officer Jordan Corder. Jordan was killed in a head-on collision after a small SUV attempted to make a left turn in front of his police motorcycle. This tragic accident took a hero from the streets of Covina, California, a little over two years ago. Mark, a retired member of the Covina Police Department, and Diane spoke with unwavering resolve about their commitment to reaching out to other survivors and offering hope.
Phoenix Police Department retiree Dan Elting and his wife, Rosanna, were the driving force behind the Never Alone conference. They had met the Corders at the airport in Chicago on their way to Police Week. Shortly after returning home, Officer David Glasser was fatally shot while responding to a burglary in progress. Glasser’s death deeply affected the Elting’s, especially since he worked at Dan’s former agency and they had just attended Police Week.
Diane Corder shared her compassionate thoughts about the survivors of Officer Glasser and her desire to support them. Participating in the conference and witnessing the connections being made, I was struck by the powerful network of support being created by survivors reaching out to families who have lost loved ones in service. I felt honored to join them, offering support and strengthening the chain of goodwill, serving a purpose greater than any individual effort.
While Never Alone was designed to minister to all members of the law enforcement family, the Survivors Sequel had the greatest impact on me.
– Jim McNeff”