"Story behind a selfless action" - It might have made the difference?

I cannot take full credit for the changes made to Oregon Law; however, I know that my actions played a self less role in the speed of how it became Oregon Law this January 2015 from a brief conversation with a fallen hero. I realize that there were several documents submitted, that made the changes; but I know that mine was the first presentation piece to drive the changes to 'Libke's Law'. Specifically instructed to NOT be used in the presentation; only as a well placed (elephant in the room) reminder - I asked the media to make this 'card' an anonyms piece that would have provided swift action to the law, as it relates to volunteer police/ fire fighters, state wide.

Instructions were sent to City/State legislative members and the media that this 'card' was to be displayed in all events that would drive changes to Oregon State law. Separate instructions were created for each individual action(s) taken on its presentation. Through this detail of healing; I discovered that it wasn't the notoriety that mattered. The drive to complete the promise I made to Officer Libke ad the drive to change, was the only thing that mattered. The true hero here was Officer Libke and future volunteer Police/Fire Fighters, whom will fall in the 'line of duty. My actions and drive to correct a social injustice are below and it is my hope that the card resides with the Libke family as a reminder to how he affected so many lives - Yet to be born.

My family was going through some difficult times, with the death(s) of my in-laws, when I first met Officer Robert Libke; at the Pioneer stadium for some September 2010 event.   My kids were off with their friends and I was walking out the lower gate. I, tormented in thought wanted some isolation from the crowd. I left from the lower gate of the stadium, into an area which was fairly empty with the exception of a few parked cars; and an hour or so, before twilight.   I first noticed him standing on a ledge all distinguished and alert - The staunch sentinel. As I approached, towards him. I noticed that he was deck out in full tactical gear with some heavy duty shoulder pads and gloves. What I thought of as odd at the time was he wasn't armed. Curious, I asked if he was a security guard hired by the school district? He said no, he was a Reserve Officer for the Oregon City Police Department(OCPD). Impressed that they even had such a program, I thought I'd strike up a conversation - Distraction for me from my troubles, maybe, were comforting. He seemed to loosen up when we started talking about his gear and the Reserve program, being a volunteer; our wives having the same name.   He rather tactfully started commenting on my attire (Star Trek Command T-shirt; Blue Nike hat and Woodland BDU pants). It seemed I and he were enjoying our brief conversation. It was getting late and I said my departures and started to walk away. For whatever reason, I turned around and noticed that he had returned to being the watchful century of the parking area and I started laughing. He responded with a smile, "What so funny?" I said " You look like a BORG, from Star Trek, The Next Generation(TNG)". He laughed and said " I feel like Ensign Ricky of (Star Trek, The Original Series(TOS)." He knew Star Trek! I liked him already (-Joke being: "Kirk, Spoke and Ensign Ricky beam down to the planet surface. Get attacked by a flesh eating native plant; Guess which one doesn't come back to the Enterprise?" Ensign Ricky.)

His name tag read R. Libke; which I thought stood for Ricky Libke. I thought I had offended him. I returned, apologetic. "With all that armor you are the one of the best protected folk here." He said, "My name is Rod"; as he stuck out his hand, smiling. We shook hands and in his reassuring voice said, "It's all good, there is no place I'd rather be."

Precaution being my nature I said "Well I'm glad you are doing this; and if you do become Ensign Ricky: I'll make a card with your face on it and have the town folk sign it". He said with conviction: " I wouldn't want you to become indebted to me. I appreciate the sentiment." We both smiled and I went on my way.

Time marched on: I'd see him in police cruisers/ community events/ grocery store; and passing out Halloween candy. Some time along the way he became armed and wasn't wearing the full tactical dress from our first meeting.

It was 2 years later and the election was over. My own father past a few months earlier; his last words still ringing in my ears. A parade was just going by and Office Libke was again standing watch on the street. This time, his face was red as he must have recently tried to wash off some slogan that was on his forehead in marker.   Our second meeting, This time we made eye contact. He was prepared. I smiled and mentioned that he graduated to carrying a gun.   I asked jokingly: " Did you graduate to bullets?"  He said "That's right - And I ain't no Barney Fife." We both laughed. (-Joke being: Deputy Barney Fife character from the `60 TV show- 'The Andy Griffith Show.'   He carried 1 bullet in his pocket, for his revolver.~ Classic). I asked him how the reserve-volunteer program was going and had he been promoted?" He said, "Not yet. Maybe, next year?" "My wife Wendy and I are trying to having our first child. I asked about his forehead and he seemed to be embarrassed. I said, 'You might try nail polish remover for that magic marker stain on your forehead; My wife used it for our children". I started to walk away. As I did, he said "I'm going hold you to that card (5 x 5) - Make sure you mention to promote me." I laughed: reminding me and the joke we last shared and the conversation we had over a year ago; maybe it wasn't a joke?. Grinning, I said, "4x4; I couldn't carry it any other way." He laughed and smiled. I continued, "Whatever you say, Captain Rob! - I'll make sure the Mayor signs it as well." I thanked him again for his service and let him know that he has become an essential part of our community. We exchanged pleasantries in the times we were at the same function.

I never really thought that his request would ever come to a realization on November 3rd, 2013. I was heartbroken and angry when I heard the news of Officer Libke's death. We had talked about this type of event; when I expressed my distresses. My confidant in this matter is no more - a victim of suicide by cop. How devastated his family and friends; the Police department(s) and the community will be. I had my own crosses to bare; however I added one more to the list, for the myself and the community. I was going to 'make every attempt to have a card the town could sign for Officer Libke and have him promoted, even posthumously. That's when I found out that volunteer officers didn't have the say death benefits' as regular officers' families would get. This was outrageous! I now was hurt, angry and I had a promise to keep. I was hell bent on fixing this 'oversight'. With, or without anyone's assistance! Moving Heaven and Earth to fulfill my understanding as what Volunteer-Reserve Officer Robert A. Libke wanted; should he fall in the line of duty.

I didn't have a real plan: how I was going to have the town sign a card for you Officer Libke? Another Facebook moment materialized. My Father once advised/ suggested that I choose the battles that I had any chance of winning ~ I was angry! I sent out email(s) to the Mayor, US/ State Legislators/ Governors Office and finally Oregon City Signs for first getting the card and intent and a local Printer(Oregon City Signs to get a quote). Expecting resistance. I got two responses from the Mayor and the Printer agreed to make the sign for free. Now, what was I going to do. I asked the printers, if they wanted to sign it? Hesitant at first: I signed somewhere off a [PERIOD]. The men in the shop quickly followed suit. The remainder: I drove or walked to various local stores and city police locations. It wasn't the meeting of folks that disturbed me; it was the sign itself. Awkward and not very flexible: I was afraid that I'd drop it, or lose it somehow.

The first day was stormy and windy. Imagine walking with a 4' x 4' poster board square under your arm?  Still I somehow thought I owed him. It was raining and windy as a storm was overhead. I found it difficult to explain to the people I met why I was doing this; "It is a debt I owe Officer Libke" was the general response. Towards the end of the day: I brought it to city hall and asked for the staff to sign it, including the Mayor. I left the sign for an hour with them and additional folks did sign it - I like to believe that the Mayor signed it as well.

I received encouragement for my second day:   Weather was cooperating. My target was downtown Oregon City and to take it to the opening round of the State football championship, that evening. I somehow envisioned that the' word of the card' would spread ~ Not that, that ever happened. I met some genuine folks thankful that I was brining then the opportunity to heal by signing the card. Made me feel inspired. My body on the other hand was not cooperating. My feet were blistered and my legs and hands were achy and strained. I pushed on.

Through the third degree cycle I made connection(s). A supporting family, neighbors and a High School friends and I thought I had two strong legs I vowed to make every attempt to honor that promise to Officer Libke; At the same time allow for some healing of myself and the other community members. Sure, I had some folks that didn't want to sign and yes, I was angry when I met their hesitant belief(s). I figured that they too were grieving on their own way. My feet and legs were in real pain but I wanted to bring it to the Football game, that night.

I had contacted the Oregon City School District on the day of the football game and asked them about displaying the card. They said it was too big for their presentation and it would have to be excluded. Un daunted: I thought it was fitting for it to stand near where I first met Rob. Isolated and alone in a sea of other peoples activity. I was going to stand next to it and ask folks to sign; but it was too much to bare. The thought of closure; I wasn't ready for. So I left it standing with a few Sharpie pens and walked away. I told the powers that be that I'd return to pick it up later. I figured that others might sign it(which some did); but I got the sense of closure, somehow. The cycle of life was complete as I presented it to Oregon City's 'drop off' point that were accepting donations to the Libke Family. This, along with a more detailed letter to them and the instructions that the law needed to be changed were presented. Specifically requesting my name not be used in the presentation - My selfless act, perhaps.

It was interesting to note that that sign was not only a promise I made to Officer Libke, while he was still alive - It was a symbol to how he may have felt about our community. Despite the jokes, the pranks; He was unwavering to his dedicated service to the Oregon City Police Department and our community. This is something to be remembered and talked about. This is how he lived! , 'Officer Rob Libke. Thank you for knowingly, guiding me on a path of healing. You have shown me that our community will miss your devotion and commitment.   Oregon City and the State recognize your unwavering commitment and sacrifice to our community. We owe a debt to volunteer (Police/Fire); We can never repay!

This selfless action started with Volunteer-Reserve Officer Robert A. Libke; which inspired healing to my community and Predated HB 4120 (February 2014) - Which extended full regular death benefits' to volunteer & reserve officers' families, in Oregon; Becoming law January, 2015.