After the death of officer Thomas (29), Minister Verlinden asks the police in an open letter “not to give up” | Inland

“I am sending you this letter in all humility, and pending the ongoing investigations, to let you know that our society is by your side today more than ever,” the minister wrote. “I hope you continue to find your motivation in this, and that there are still young people who will do this in the future,” she says.

But the minister also has an eye for the relatives of the police officers: “You are the safe front where our heroes can come home, on days when they once again saw things that most of us fortunately never have to experience. Even though you’re probably incredibly proud, it’s not always easy. And yet you don’t complain when your dearest daddy, daughter, mom, son or love disappears into the evening on New Year’s Eve, or works overtime due to an unexpected intervention. Without knowing that they will come home safely at night, always somewhere with that lurking fear of the nightmare that is now befalling Thomas and Jason’s families.”

Minister Verlinden hopes that both the police officers and their families “will not give up on days like these, and will find support in each other” and respects the resilience she sees in him.

“Even if it’s not enough, I still want to put a heart to you today. You are there for us, to protect society. But conversely, society must and will protect you as well. Our police officers are not affected. We are by your side”, concludes Minister Verlinden.

The day before yesterday was a pitch black day for you and therefore for all of us. Two young inspectors were attacked by someone from the society they try to protect every day. We cannot help but be heartbroken and extremely outraged at this.

I try to imagine how you guys come home after such a day. I can imagine that at such a moment doubt and fear strike. That you ask yourself whether you can and will continue to do this, at the risk of your own lives. And even more difficult: that you also get that question from your concerned family.

I am sending you this letter in all humility, and in anticipation of ongoing investigations, to let you know that our society is on your side today more than ever.

We hope you don’t give up on days like these. Know that we realize how much we need you, in the small and big deeds you make every day. Catching the speeder before he destroys a family, bringing the lost teenager home safely, the first warm shoulder when bad news comes. The pilot light for which we owe you every day gratitude. Every day you fulfill the basic need of our society: to ensure the safety of its inhabitants.

Joining the police force is not a 9-to-5 job, or a job in the spotlight. It is a calling, and one of the greatest services you can do to society. I hope you continue to find your motivation in this, and that there are still young people who will do this in the future.

To your families: you are the safe front that our heroes can come home to, on days when they once again saw things that most of us fortunately never have to experience. Even though you’re probably incredibly proud, it’s not always easy. And yet you don’t complain when your dearest daddy, daughter, mom, son or love disappears into the evening on New Year’s Eve, or works overtime due to an unexpected intervention. Without knowing that they will come home safely at night, always somewhere with that lurking fear of the nightmare that is now befalling Thomas and Jason’s families.

On days like these, I hope you don’t give up and find support in each other. During the conversations with your colleagues, among all the anger and despair, I also heard small points of light today. About the camaraderie you find together, in the police family that never lets each other down, especially at moments like this. The resilience I see in you commands respect.

Even if it is not enough, I still want to put a heart to you today. You are there for us, to protect society. But conversely, society must and will protect you as well. Our police officers are not affected. We are by your side.