NOV 2021 Blues Vol 37 No. 11

Part I A Letter to Kareem
Kareem,
I’ve thought about you Darryl and
Juqaim a lot lately. Though almost
ten days has passed since you
three were ambushed and brutally,
ruthlessly gunned down. The pain
and sense of profound loss has not
lessened, nor shall it ever.
In about twenty-four hours hundreds,
if not thousands of law enforcement
officers from all across
Texas and the country will gather
together and celebrate the life,
legacy, and career you led, in your
short time here with us.
The indignity dealt unto you
three Brothers in Blue, your families,
friends, and the entire city
of Houston/Harris County shall be
rectified. Revenge is not what we
seek: it is a reckoning. We seek a
righteous and just reckoning for
the ruthless brutality committed.
Though you and I only briefly met
a couple of times, I found you to be
a consummate professional and a
gentleman. While on a motor vehicle
accident scene once, I can still
clearly see your smile and saying
“No worries, Chief. We got this.”
I believe with all my heart that’s
exactly who you were, not only
as a law enforcement officer, but
as a man. You were a good husband
and father to your children,
a steadfast friend to those who,
more often than not, needed your
friendship more than anything else
on this Earth.
Throughout your life Kareem, you
worked hard. Struggling through
all the obstacles placed before you.
With absolute character, compassion,
and faith.
You may have struggled but you
never stopped trying. Ultimately,
realizing your dream of becoming
a Police Officer. Sharing that
calling deep within your heart with
Darryl, Juqaim and the rest of the
Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.
While your accomplishments in
your career should be recognized,
I find I’m even more proud of the
man you were off duty. Family was
number one to you, and rightfully
so. We could all learn a lesson or
two from your life, in that respect.
Darryl and Juqaim are still physically
recovering from their gunshot
wounds. Their struggle to return is
far from over. As for their hearts,
with the loss of you, I do not know
how a man, any man, gets through
such profound loss. I can only offer;
they’ll not be alone.
I know what happened that fateful
night has unequivocally, galvanized
the greater Houston/Harris
County law enforcement community.
We shall always be looking in
and after your family. Always.
Before I finish, I’ll share with you
about the loss of my daughter.
Years ago, she was in a tragic accident.
She’s probably already found
you up in Heaven and she is talking
your ears off right about now.
I’ve no doubt she’s been talking
all about the Astros winning and
heading to the World Series. She
loved baseball and she loved the
Astros.
Though we are all broken hearted
with this tragedy and the loss of
your life, I just cannot stop thinking
of and admiring the life you
lived. Your legacy is one of being a
good man, who gave everything he
REX EVANS
had to his family and friends.
Ultimately, you’ll also be remembered
as that one good man
among three good men who laid
down his life so that others might
live.
I truly believe when you heard
the voice of our Father in Heaven
calling, “Whom shall I send? Who
will go for us?” You, being the man
so many knew you to be, simply
stood up and quietly said “Here am
I, Lord. Send me.”
You’ll always be the very definition
of the word “Hero” to me. Such
men like you, Darryl and Juqaim
are few and far between. It was the
privilege of a lifetime to have ever
met you.
Please try to rest easy, brother.
We’ve got it from here. The
calls for service, your friends and
above all, your family. We’ve got
it. You’ve done your part. You gave
everything you had. No one, I mean
no one, could’ve ever asked for or
expected more.
God’s speed, Kareem. May our Father’s
grace and mercy be with you
always. Your life, your legacy, shall
never be forgotten.
Most sincerely,
Your Friend
Rex Evans
10 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 11