IN TRIBUTE

On the morning of December 19, 1922, my grandfather, Probationary Patrolman Ralph S. Souders Sr., was shot and killed in the line of duty in Chicago, Illinois.  He was 29 years old and a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army.  He left behind his wife and two young sons.  

When a police officer's family loses its husband and father, they never entirely get over the tragedy.  Although they proceed to live good, productive lives, there is always an inherent sadness that never goes away.  Even as a young boy, I would sometimes sense this when we visited my grandmother's house.

Today, one hundred years after his death, I remain immensely proud of my grandfather and I am honored to carry his name.  My grandmother, my father and my uncle are also heroes of mine, and they forever will be.

"Greater love has no man than this, that he lays down his life for his friends."  John 15:13

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