My evolvement in the FOP has by almost every standard been a pleasant one. The honor I feel when I represent the Order in a leadership capacity can never be surpassed, for it is the highest honor I have ever known. The tangible rewards are subtle and even sometimes few and far between. The responsibilities are many and some are so important they can't be delegated. One such job I did today, I buried a brother.

Officer George Danko was a friend of mine, a coworker and a lodge member. He was the guy that was always in the background, always said, " Hello," always said, "how was your weekend?". George was on vacation last Monday, at his cabin in upstate New York. A cabin that he loved, riding his ATV which he loved more, all alone which he loved the most. We know it was an accident and we know it happened quickly, we will never know anymore and I guess it really doesn't matter. I get some peace in knowing that George left this earth, doing what he loved, in the place he loved the most.

I would have gone to the funeral even if I wasn't the Local Lodge President. But because I am, I was able to experience one of those precious subtle moments of reward that is unexplainable to all but those who have been blessed with the honor of leadership in this great Order. I don't remember exactly when I started to cry, probably as I started to read the Memorial Resolution to George's Mom. Although her tremendous grief was apparent on her face when I started, the sadness somehow seemed to lift as I read the words I could hardly see through my tears. By the time I had finished, her face was different, still somewhat sad but content and at ease. At first I wasn't sure what had happened, but as my eyes met hers it was more clear to me than anything I had ever experienced. What she saw in me was the 300,000 brothers and sisters George had. What she saw in me was the reality that George didn't die alone. What she saw in me was all of you.

Thank you for letting me experience that today, and thank you for taking the time to read this.

Michael J. Nathanson, President
Fairfield County Federal Lodge, F-2
Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police

In Memory of:

George Robert Danko
January 8, 1955-August 27, 2001