Enough Is Enough: Joe Gamaldi's Words Ring True In Houston

HOUSTON — The outpouring of support for five Houston Police officers who were injured during a narcotics raid Monday evening spoke volumes about the Houston community, but it also ignited some sharp emotions for many who wear the HPD badge.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, who was with Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo at Memorial Hermann Hospital checking on the injured officers, emerged seemingly on the verge of tears as he asked for everyone to pray for the officers and their families.

However, it was Joe Gamaldi, president of the Houston Police Officers Union, who had the most to say in the aftermath.

“The outpouring of support has been amazing. This just shows why Houston is the greatest city in the world,” he said.

Gamaldi thanked the Houston Fire Department, and the staff at Memorial Hermann for the work to help the fallen officers begin to heal.

Afterward, Gamaldi launched into an impassioned speech aimed at those in the community who consider law enforcement officers and police an enemy.

“We are sick and tired of having targets on our backs. We are sick and tired of having dirtbags trying to take our lives when all we are trying to do is protect this community, and protect our families. Enough is enough,” he said.

The five injured officers and the department as a whole received messages from law enforcement agencies, state and federal leaders, and local sports icons all showed their love and support for the injured officers.

Today the City came together as 1 for the benefit of those who serve and sacrifice for the rest of us. These officers will need us for the days, weeks and months to come. Officer Daily and to your family we continue to lift you up in prayer. st
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) January 29, 2019

Thinking about the officers involved and hoping everyone is going to be alright. https://t.co/wQ30Z4d0y2
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 29, 2019

Heart broken. My thoughts and prayers are with our police officers and their families.
— Alex Bregman (@ABREG_1) January 29, 2019

One of the officers who sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder went home after being treated Monday night. Two officers who underwent surgery after each were shot in the neck, and were in critical but stable condition.

Another officer who was wounded and one who injured his knee were also kept overnight, and may be released sometime Tuesday, officials said.

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Image: Onlookers watch law enforcement activity near the scene of a shooting where five Houston police officers were reported shot Jan. 28, 2019 in Houston, Texas. A tweet by the police officers union in Houston said that two of the officers were in critical condition and that the other three were in stable condition, according to published reports. (Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images)

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