|
Memorial Garden for Fallen Detective |
|
|
Prayer-Soldier writes " Colorado Springs - At 2:00PM, 24 May 09, a dedication ceremony was held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church for a memorial garden constructed in honor of Detective Jared S. Jensen. Detective Jensen fell in the line of duty on 22 Feb 06, while attempting to arrest a parolee who was wanted for attempted murder.
The memorial garden was constructed as part of an Eagle Scout project lead by Cameron Halverson. The Eagle rank is the highest achievement for a Boy Scout. In addition to earning various merit badges, a Boy Scout must perform a service project as part of their journey to earn the Eagle rank. When discussing a possible project with Fr. Brad Noonan, the paster of St. Patrick's at the time, the idea of a memorial garden was discussed. Halverson related that Fr. Noonan mentioned there was some land at the side of the church that could be used and so the project was placed in motion.
It was a rainy day that greeted the friends and family gathered for the ceremony. As Fr. Noonan gave the invocation, he commented that the rain was because of Jared. He noted that throughout the construction, there was always some form of precipitation. To reinforce the point, Detective Jeff Jensen, the brother of Jared, commented that Jared was always a perfectionist. He said that obsession extended to Jared's yard. Jeff commented that Jared sends the rain because Jared knows it is needed for things to grow.
Jeff asked for Jared's partner to relate a funny story about Jared. Jensen's partner related how she is a hunter, “really a hiker with a gun, as well as I do.” Her story was of a day she went to hunt and invited Jared along, in spirit. She said she loaded a clip with ammunition, but then lost it. She searched all through her vehicle, but couldn't find it. She said she thought to herself that it only takes one, so she proceeded without the clip and only one round in the chamber.
She related that as she looked over her hunting lane, she was talking with God and Jared, as she waited for an elk. She remembered that she asked them to let her see the biggest buck she has ever seen. Shortly, there after, she heard a twig snap. She slowly turned and there it was a buck with a rack so big, like she had never seen before. It came walking straight at her. She thought, it must see me; I'm all dressed up in orange.
She felt her breathing quicken from her excitement as she slowly brought the rifle up to aim for a shot. She thought to herself; breath control, breath control. She held her breath and finally squeezed off the shot. The buck flinched and looked back at if saying, “What the?” She quickly looked for another bullet as the buck turned and sauntered off, but nothing was in her pockets.
Later, when she returned to her vehicle, she saw the clip laying between the seats. She realized at that point she should have asked Jared to let her shoot the biggest buck she had ever seen, not just show it to her. She commented that it was just like Jared to tease her like that. It was clear from the stories related and how friends and family spoke of Jared, they continue to feel his presence in their lives.
In addition to family, friends and parishioners, many members of public service were present. Members of the Police Department, Fire Department, United States Army Military Police, Police and Fire Department Chaplains, and Explorer Scouts were present. Members of Boy Scout Troop 268 provided the color guard for the ceremony.
As Halverson gave a recount of the project that took him approximately two years to completed, he noted the many generous contributions that were made. He related that nearly $10,000 in materials and services were donated by such companies as Phelan Gardens, Harding Nursery, Britton's Nursery, Sundance Masonry, Pioneer Sand Company, C&C Sand Company, JBI Construction, Sunstate Equipment Rental, Associated Design Professionals, Guerrero Concrete, Fransen & Pittman Construction, Rocky Top Resources, Bill's Tool Rental, Rocky Mountain Memorial and Performance Awards. Halverson also noted that $7,000.00 was donated by St. Patrick's parishioners.
The memorial sits to the north-west side of the Church, surrounded by a stone path. There are flower beds and two benches that surround the memorial. A plaque with an engraved picture of Detective Jensen is affixed to the memorial.
The timing of the ceremony, the day before the Memorial Day holiday, was an opportune reminder of the sacrifices that are made for us by those such as Detective Jensen. There are many who are in public service that have faced hardships or have placed their lives on the line for the public defense and safety. Memorial Day, is a day for us to remember those who have made the sacrifices for the public good. Remember to thank those who defend us for their service and to thank God for giving us such brave souls who risk their lives for the safety of the public.
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.” John 15:13
"
|
|
Posted on Sunday, May 24 @ 23:52:24 MDT by drbonebrake
What is Social Bookmarking?
|
|
|
|
"Memorial Garden for Fallen Detective" | Login/Create an Account | 0 comments |
| The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Comments Allowed for Anonymous, please register |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related Links |
|
|
Article Rating |
|
Average Score: 5 Votes: 1
|
|
|
Options |
|
|