Also by Dean Scoville

The thought of not being there for my boy and leaving others to exert some control in fashioning his principles, values, and priorities began to weigh heavily on my mind. Would others step up to assist him in my absence? How would he ultimately deal with my absence?

Sgt. Lawler popped up over the hood of the Pontiac just as Thompson's upper torso rose off the pavement, his gun again swinging in Lawler's direction.

"There's nobody here to fight for my dad. I feel like if I stop fighting, who else has he got? I'm it."

"I love my father, but one thing I know he would want me to learn from his experiences is that this kind of dedication can cost you. There's always a cost, and in his case, it cost him his life, but also time with his family."

-Jim Chadwell Jr.

The officers didn't know how many people were in the apartment and who else could either be at risk of injury from the knife-wielding Schneider or pose a threat to them.

As rounds flew back and forth before him like some ballistic tennis match, Soden got back to his feet and in the fight. Lining up his sights on the suspect nearest him, he fired.

Columbine is a vivid example of what happens during a tactical operation when communications break down. It and 9/11 are also strong examples of why first responders need radios that can talk to personnel from other agencies.